BROAD SHEEP - FEBRUARY 2023

Heartbreak Hotel

OR reasons I won’t go into here I have spent a fair bit of the last week looking at old film and listening to the early years of a chap you might have heard of called Elvis Presley. It’s not difficult to see why his arrival on the scene in 1955 caused such a fuss. Films from that era show there is nothing very shocking about his, supposedly, indecent dance moves but what is shocking is how different he looks from the men who surround him on these flickering black and white early TV footage. In the company of his band and backup singers The Jordanaires, Elvis looks and acts like he has just dropped out of a spaceship - a different species of life form. The music is great especially That’s Alright Mama, Hound Dog, and Heartbreak Hotel and the acting is not bad especially in comparison to the 28 snorefests he made in the 60’s (yes I’m talking to you Clambake). I’ve picked out three excellent You Tube clips for you to enjoy. A whole scene including the song Trouble from King Creole 1958 https://youtu.be/Mcr_b0T7nd8 Ready Teddy from the Ed Sullivan Show 1956 https://youtu.be/7tiBYUzRLmI and Heartbreak Hotel from 1956 https://youtu.be/MzRnKQrm61w

Talking of people with amazing screen presence have you ever heard of a busker from Brighton called Ren? I have been following his You Tube trail for a couple of years and his is an extraordinary story. He was discovered busking in Brighton in 2010 by Sony who signed him only to drop him when they discovered he had health problems. He spent his early twenties bouncing from doctor to doctor who told him he had M.E. and was bi-polar until he raised enough cash to go to a doctor in Brussels who diagnosed Lyme Disease. The misdiagnosis had damaged his immune system but by chance a stem cell doctor found his videos online and offered a free stem cell transplant, if he could make his way to LA. A year after the treatment he started to feel stronger and began performing music again and busking in Brighton where he formed a band with three friends called the Big Push. It was via their You Tube busking videos mostly shot on one particular corner (that they seemed to have squatted) of a shopping street in Brighton that I became aware of him and tried to book them for a

gig. The band is really good fun and mixes up their own songs with covers of everything from Manu Chao to the Rolling Stones plus they do a lot of interacting with their super enthusiastic audience. They didn’t want to do the gig down here as Ren was about to go and get more treatment in Canada but lately there has been an outpouring of extraordinary solo videos mostly with just Ren on acoustic guitar or rapping to a backing track. These songs are very wordy, think early Bob Dylan with verbal diarrhea, sometimes deeply personal, sometimes violent, some-times playful. I can’t quite imagine where this guy’s life is heading but I can easily see him being a massive star in the near future. Here are two of the solo vids, two band films and one rap. Hi Ren https://youtu.be/s_nc1IVoMxc The Tale of Jenny and Screetch Full https://youtu.be/TYAnqQ--KX0 Bongo Bong https://youtu.be/EQAUupOFarw Wade in the Water https://youtu.be/7Vl5VebhKVE

Here Right now https://youtu.be/yVaJUdllr3c Finally I am very sad to have to report that Harry Thomas died on the 20th December 2022. A wild and wonderful man, mad motocrosser, a genius self-taught chainsaw artist, and a proud family man, he will be sorely missed.

Cover pic: Glyn Johns. Conversations at The Chapel - The Art Shop & Chapel, Abergavenny, 15 Feb Photograph by Gered Mankovitz © Iconic Images Ltd 2022

MONKLAND CHEESE SELF EMPLOYED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

We are looking for someone with youth and enthusiasm to take on the making of Little Hereford Cheese. With help and support from ourselves. Contact Kass and Mark on 01568 720307. info@monklandcheesedairy.co.uk

JOB VACANCY: CAFÉ MANAGER, St Leonard’s Church, Green Lane, Yarpole HR6 0BB 14 hours a week, flexible hours/days, possible job-share. The Gallery Café in St Leonard’s Church, Yarpole is run by St Leonard’s Management (registered charity 119693) and the successful applicant/s will be employed by the charity. To find out more, visit www.stleonardsyarpole.com where you can download a job description and an application form. The deadline for applications is Tuesday 28th February.

SPINDWYER RECORDS Specializing in Folk, Blues and Country. Search my 20,0000 at www.spindwyerworld.uk 07709 904836.

VIOLIN LESSONS: ex Halle , ECCO, Guadagnini Trio, professional violinist RCM dip hons ARCM. 30 years experience. Classical, World Music traditions taught. Kirsten 07421 453114, kirsten.hellier@googlemail.com

BEEKEEPING FOR BEGINNERS INTRODUCTORY COURSES, talks on bees and beekeeping and one to one tuition. Now taking bookings for our next ‘Bee Ready’ course on May 13th and 14th. For further details phone 07813 276308/01886 884752 or email woodruffbank@btinternet.com

CHAIR REPAIRS: seats rushed & recaned. Also Danish cord & Habitat sheet cane seats. Paul Richards, 01544 209140.Email - paulrichardsft@gmail.com

PIANO LESSONS IN PRESTEIGNE. All ABRSM grades or simply for fun. Contact Mzia 07981752405, mziag@hotmail.co.uk

RETIRED PROFESSIONAL PAINTER AVAILABLE for local work. References available. £80.00 per day. Try me. Roy 01547 520164.

www.TheMarketTheatre.com

Visit Ledbury’s purpose built, intimate theatre with comfortable seats, bar and a warm welcome, for a great programme of original drama, music, cinema and live screenings - see listings for what’s on

ent Music Shop - only a one minute walk from the main car park. Hay’s destination shop packed with pre-loved machine cleaned and new vinyl records, CDs, Books and more.

Tel: 07527 298199. Hay’s Headline Making -Independ

HAYSTACKS MUSIC, Backfold, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5EQ.

JAZZ PIANO TUITION A specially created course for beginners through to intermediate level students. Also coaching for Associated Board jazz exams. Presteigne/Knighton, but happy to travel. Simon Deeley, 07890 303681. simon.deeley@aol.com

CATERING CROCKERY, CUTLERY AND GLASSWARE FOR HIRE. Up to 100 settings. Contact Ruth on 01544 350559 or 07870 752325.

PRESTEIGNE POP CHOIR Every Thursday. Contact John Hymas for details: 07969 440183. john@johnhymas.com

HANCOCK & MONKS MUSIC, 6 Broad Street, Hay-on-Wye. Tel: 01591 610555. Specialists in recorded and printed Classical Music for over 40 years. Huge stock of secondhand CDs, sheet music, scores and books on music. Open daily 10.30am - 4.30pm. Online catalogue at www.hancockandmonksmusic.co.uk

FRUIT TREE PRUNING From one branch to an entire orchard. Tel: 01544 260656. apjervis@myphone.coop

WANTED URGENTLY VINTAGE CLOTHING for male/ female, plus accessories including jewellery, shoes, etc. Also wanted: quality curtains, lace and textiles, even damaged. Plus designer clothing including male/female... tweeds, evening dresses etc. Also unusual items including fans etc. Please telephone: Annie 07798 632247. Teagowns and Textiles. annies.30@hotmail.com P/T OR OCCASIONAL WORK WANTED Cheerful, fit, educated, mature woman seeks employment. Clean driving licence, DBS checked. Anything considered from office/business support to house sitting including driving, gardening and dog walking. Phone Katy 01547 520328.

VIOLIN/VIOLA LESSONS All styles, all ages, beginners to advanced. Help with composition, theory, aural training. Accompaniment also offered. Ring Tony on 01544 321925 or visit his website: http://camelmusic.co.uk for a CV and more information.

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS ON THE PRESTEIGNE TOWN WEBSITE FOR 50P PER WEEK Support your town website and publicise your business on our popular site. For more information please contact the Town Clerk, Tracey Price on presteigneandnortontc@outlook.com or 01547 528575.

VIOLIN & VIOLA LESSONS given by experienced professional in Presteigne. All abilities and styles taught. John Hymas 07969 440183.

A STITCH IN TIME Careful repairs & creative alterations to well-loved clothes. Vintage a speciality. Anne 01544 267997.

hugh’s bit

OU’RE asleep. There’s a knock on the door. Before you know it you are being harangued by someone restless and unpredictable of speech, a leprechaun whose feet are dancing, his arms waving. He’s hopping and bopping on the doorstep, but he can’t look you in the eye. For some reason today he is accompanied by a ginger cat. It turns out this distracted person is your Self, with letters after your name, A.D.H.D., or … are you still dreaming?

Y

If the term had been invented 60 years ago and anybody had been watching I would have been told I “had” the condition. My school report read “Here, there and everywhere in mind, body and spirit”. I struggled with linear thought and with numbers although I was good at algebra and geometry and am still unwittingly cursed or blessed with reckless leaps of the imagination and a facility for verbal and musical improvisation. Indeed I am the target of avalanches of tumbling possibility and I already have too many uninvited images jostling in the queue for this piece. I have Blackie and the sheep, wild horses, the leprechaun, goldfish, a cat, a grasshopper or butterfly mind, chimaeras or chimeras, trains jumping the tracks, Tourette’s, and mercury. More will turn up.

Back in my teens, far from bemoaning this free-wheeling habit of mind I chased after the wild horses, the stampede of mixed metaphors, the excess. The chaos dove-tailed perfectly with 60’s culture, with Beat poetry, Hendrix, psychedelia and drugs, not to mention Dada and other precursors, so I willingly went where the imagery took me, and eventually developed a career in the arts, the only suitable niche for me, even though at root my prolixity was the product of a low grade childhood, rather than innate talent. The resulting style was undisciplined, incoherent and very rarely inspired but then what do you expect from an alleged adult with a fugitive child’s consciousness, flattened at home and encircled at school? It has taken decades to match my dancing feet and speeding mind to written music and to rein in my cavalcade of images and turn them into sequential images, melodies and words.

People say someone “is” hyperactive, or they’ve “got” or “have” ADHD, but that’s incorrect. The verb is do: we do it. I’ve even heard a parent say her child “caught” ADHD, but it’s not a disease, it’s an uneasy pattern of behaviour created out of genetic potential amplified by abuse and trauma. And the term itself is an abuse too - of language. At full stretch it stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, which really explains it to the child, the family and the world, doesn’t it? No clues there as to the how, why or wherefore, or crucially of a way forward. “ADHD” is a dissing description, partly in a foreign language, a mystifying acronym pigeon holing an assortment of symptoms with no single cause. The twin meanings of one old word would tell us more – “distracted”. Someone whose (1) endemic distress (2) causes a scatty, bewildered inability to concentrate.

Confused and frightened, ducking out, on the alert for escape routes at all times, looking for any way to evade

The modern world doesn’t help; high speed media, instant gratification, flashing lights and distractive videos, a digital culture tailored to truncated attention spans. The camera leaps about like a grasshopper on acid. You become the stunned goldfish in a plastic bag that you won at the fair. There is no respite.

the prevailing emotional pressures, to vault the fence, to leap-frog out of family breakdown, violence, guilt, fear, trauma, boredom. The pattern of evasion becomes an adrenalin habit; its grammar is embedded, hard-wired and if it’s not picked up and unpicked the inability to concentrate, the florid divergence, the scattered consciousness, the impatience, the shattered mercury, becomes automatic, finally to be completed and validated by the certificated acronym, the adopted identity and the status of a medicalised victim.Doing ADHD can also be fun - like walking out with my friend’s new puppy, Blackie. He is a large collie-labrador cross, beautiful but not yet trained. You have him on a lead; suddenly he veers off in another direction, top speed, seen a rabbit, nearly takes your shoulder off. He stops dead for some doggy smell in a tuft of grass or lurches after a feline enemy. He zig-zags across your path, circles round you and entangles your legs in the lead. Such enthusiasm! And if you let him off the lead he’s two fields away, scattering a herd of sheep. Barked words of command and repeated sallies into the undergrowth, into bogs, ditches and cow-pooh are woven into every journey. Vainly you shout “Heal” “Stay” and “Sit”. It’s a sort of fun but it’s all you can do to hold your course.

For someone in the arts there is a profit to be made. The barriers are down between you and the Boschlike stews of your subconscious. Being prey to all the unfiltered resonances and valencies, whether musical, verbal or visual, jostles you out of mere logic; rhymes, rhythms and alliteration make insightful poetic connections, your butterfly mind flitters between image and memory in the thesaurus of associations, uncensored links open up and the dull train of linear thought jumps the tracks, and what’s been in the back of the mind comes touretting off the tip of the unguarded tongue. Metaphor soup? Yes! Writer’s block? Never heard of it. A sober editor can then choose which of the leprechaun’s chimerical images to preserve and employ. So tonight for the necessary coda I’m busking a Diminuendo in blue: I’m watching the clouds melt away as dusk falls, revealing a vivid blue light in the West that shades to black in the East, mood indigo, and then with my ginger cat and walking stick, wearing my stolen hat and tails, the leprechaun tips his topper and tap-dances away from the doorstep into the gathering dark. Ta-ra!

What’s that got to do with it?

It’s A.D.H.D for the E.N.D.. Put a penny in the hat.

2016-22

On Thursday 1st July 1993 at 7:56am, Tina Turner’s ‘Simply The Best’ was played on the Lee Thompson brand new breakfast show on Radio Maldwyn, ‘The Magic 756’ and things for Newtown and Mid-Wales would never be the same again. The first day of broadcasting was enjoyed by thousands across Mid and North Wales as well as Shropshire and Herefordshire.

The station was a firm favourite with a strong listenership and good local connections across the area. It continued to broadcast until November 2010 on the medium wave band to service the area with local news, sport, features, and a great mix of music from the 60’s to the current chart acts. Now the former Drive-Time presenter Ashley Owen is arranging a get together in Newtown, this July 1st, 2023, to mark what would have been the stations 30th Birthday.

“I’m looking to make contact with any Ex: station jock’s, presenters, news & sports team, volunteers, committee and management’. We were a small station but with a big local presence in the communities and we couldn’t have done and achieved what we did without a wide range of skills and teamwork from many people over the years. You may have helped with research on the Talkabout show or presented Farm Focus, you could have helped with the outside broadcasts with the weekend Pub Teams Challenge or Schools Quiz, or you could have been working in our advertising and sales teams. It’s really open to anyone involved with Maldwyn from the start right up until the end in November 2010”.

If you were involved with the station between 1993 and 2010 and would like to attend then get in touch, Ashley can be contacted on this email: ashleyowendj@hotmail.com

CONFUSED BY RESTAURANT NAMES

As your trenchant Restaurant Critic will doubtless attest, the trading names of local eating establishments can often cause confusion. Why, for example, is Hereford’s best Indian restaurant called The Marigold? And what fare can one expect to be offered at Sensory & Rye?

Over the Yuletide Festival I encountered a group of my former R.E. students in the Cathedral Close. “We’re off for a New Year’s lunch tomorrow, vicar,” announced their spokesman. “You are very welcome to join us. It’s to be Venison Casserole.” I accepted the invitation with alacrity and was presented with a small card on which the name of the local hostelry was written. “12.45 for 1” my host announced.

At the appointed hour I settled in a corner of the Lounge Bar to await the arrival of the revellers. At 1.10pm the restaurant was still empty. “I believe there is Venison Casserole on the menu today,” I mentioned to the barman. “Nah, it’s fish fingers on cabbage fritters, mate. Chef’s gone down with the Covid again.” At that moment my phone rang. I could see it was my wife.

“Where are you, Eustace?”

“I’m at the Tup at Cocksleigh.”

“Well, you’re supposed to be at the Cock at Tupsley, you senile old prelate. And your friends are half-way through the Venison Casserole!”

Armed with a packet of marmalade-flavoured crisps, I trudged off in the direction of one of Mr Sargeant’s defenestrated bus shelters.

Rev E. Membridge-Tinninges, Bartestree

THE RADNOR ARMS HOTEL, NEW RADNOR

The Radnor Arms Hotel & Pub in New Radnor has recently been secured for the community, and the community are now fund raising to pay for it. They are also fundraising for its repair, after 6 years of vacancy and falling in to decay. They are inviting feedback to help shape the future and are keen for as many folk as possible to complete a survey, to help them do so in a manner which considers everyone’s views. This will hopefully help it to be as inclusive and considerate an evolution as possible. The survey can be found via the link here https://www.theradnorarmshotel.com/ survey-questionnaire.html. Anyone unable to complete an on-line form is warmly welcomed to contact theradnorarmshotel@hotmail.com or to call 07580 351715.

Ashley Owen

T Reach for the sky

HE first skyscraper is generally recognised as the modestly-scaled 9-storey Home Insurance Building in Chicago, designed by engineer William LeBaron Jenney, and completed in 1885. It had a short life, being demolished in 1931 to make way for an even taller building. Today the Windy City remains the epicentre of these iconic structures, foremost being the majestic 108-storey Sears Tower (now re-christened the Willis Tower), which is celebrating its half-century this year. Though some purists considered its Art Deco detailing florid, many now regard Manhattan’s 90-year-old Empire State Building as the supreme American skyscraper. From King Kong to Sleepless in Seattle, the tower has featured in over 250 movies.

It could be said that in the intervening 90+ years since Jenney’s idea, the endeavours of architects and engineers across the globe has been to go ever higher (with increasing brio) employing state-of-the-art materials and devising ever-more fanciful facades.

A roll-call of the 21st century’s starchitects who have reached for the sky would have to include Santiago Calatrava, Norman Foster, Frank Gehry, Philip Johnson, Renzo Piano, Mies van der Rohe, Skidmore Owens & Merrill and Richard Rogers. Rectilinear plan forms gave way to more exotic eye-catching shapes; glitzy new cladding materials were incorporated and soon designers began experimenting with unusual profiles. Among these were Foster’s City of London headquarters for Swiss Rei at St Mary Axe (quickly nicknamed The Gherkin), Piano’s glass-faceted Shard at Southwark and Calatrava’s Turning Torso in Malmo. A later refinement (purists regard it as nothing more than a gimmick) would be the SuperSkinny tower, the most recent of which is SHoP Architects’ 435m-high residential tower overlooking Manhattan’s Central Park. The development has just one apartment on each floor.

At more than twice the height of the Shard, the world’s tallest building is SOM’s Burj Khalifa apartment block in Dubai. Last year it was revealed that it is to be encircled by a residential / commercial ‘ring’ 550m above ground level, resembling a huge hula hoop. Europe’s sole entrant in the Supertall League is Foster + Partners’ Varo Tower, Warsaw. For pure elan in designing an infill tower slipped effortlessly into a crowded high-rise landscape, Chipperfield Associates’ 25-storey Rolex Building, Manhattan, is hard to beat. Unquestionably the most restrained and elegant of the super-tall towers, due for completion this year, will be Tate Modern designers Herzog and de Meuron’s pencil-slim 324m-high tower on Toronto’s Bay Street.

For a truly original approach to the idea of ‘gardens in the sky’, you would need to travel to Ecuador. The Danish practice BIG’s 32-storey apartment block in Quito answers the conundrum that countless Modernists failed to resolve – from Mies to Corb and Lubetkin to Goldfinger. Every one of the 220 apartments in the Quito building has a

generously-proportioned concrete balcony, whose combined effect gives the tower an interesting ’stratified’ profile.

Most notorious tower has to be Rafael Viñoly’s 2014 Fenchurch Building in the City of London, aka the Walkie Talkie. Architects are usually proud of the ideas which inspired their buildings but, to date, Senor Viñoly has never revealed why he designed a prestigious London office tower in the shape of an aged hand-held two-way radio. During a summer heatwave, reflected sun rays from its parabolic roof windows managed to completely strip a parked car of its paintwork. Singapore designers Aedas aren’t so coy, claiming their 39-storey ‘twisted’ office tower in Chongqing was inspired by the Northern Lights. With daily images of Ukrainian destruction, how long would it be before we were offered a seemingly bomb-damaged tower? It took the Dutch practice MVRDV (designers of the notorious Marble Arch Mound) no time at all to come up with a proposal for twin right-angled 40-storey apartment blocks in the Chinese city of Nanjing, whose ‘jagged’ floor levels give the appearance of partial demolition by rocket fire.

Things that go bump in the night

Some seldom-reported side effects experienced by the occupants of tall towers seem to be unwanted water, lift cable movements and things that go bump in the night. Undetected water leakage is the bane of all householders’ lives. In high-rise buildings it becomes a nightmare for plumbers, as the distance between the source of the leak and its eventual appearance may be several floor levels – frequently through unoccupied apartments. The huge distances covered by modern skyscrapers’ fibre-cored lift ropes can often produce eerie thumping noises as un-tensioned ropes swing and hit the vertical faces of lift shaft walls. And with the advent of more flexible hi-tech vertical structural components, coupled with developers’ mania to go ever higher with Super-Skinnies, disconcerting lateral swaying movements, accompanied by eerie creaking noises (like the sounds of a timber-framed galleon on the high seas) have already been reported by some terra firma-loving residents.

Nick Jones

BIG’s Quito tower in Ecuador is probably the first time that the ‘everyone should have a balcony’ conundrum has been solved.

POWYS

Studer Fine Art, - The Gallery, 4 The High Street, Presteigne. www.studerfineart.com

1 Feb - 2 April ‘Sir Gawain and the Green Knight’. An exhibition of 14 original prints by the celebrated artist and designer CLIVE HICKS-JENKINS. Clive’s paintings and prints of figures and animals are so striking, at least in part, because of the continual dialogue between design and dance, structure and movement. This series of prints based on the epic narrative of Gawain and the Green Knight are an exhilarating journey of colour and imagination produced in collaboration with Dan Bugg of Penfold Press. Open Thurs-Sat, 10.30am - 4pm or by arrangement.

Erwood Station Gallery, Llandeilo Graban, Builth Wells, LD2 3SJ 01982 560674

A constantly changing mix of materials and styles occupying over 2000 square feet. Complimented by paintings and sculpture, plus seasonal exhibitions. Open 10.30am-4.30pm.

CHATWOOD

Celf gan Osian Gwent (Art by Osian Gwent) No. 6 Long Bridge Street, Llanidloes SY18 6EE 0800 999 1953 www.osiangwent.com

Exclusive and original paintings by Welsh contemporary artist OSIAN GWENT. Luxury works of fine artpaintings and limited edition fine art giclée prints. Tues - Sat, 10am - 4pm.

Tower House Gallery, 29 High St, Knighton LD7 1AT 01547 529530 Gallery, shop, cafe. Tues-Sat 10am-4.30pm.

Celf O Gwmpas, Centre Celf, Tremont Rd, Llandrindod Wells LD1 5EB 01597 822777

Until 17 Feb ‘Safe’. LUCY BURDEN, solo exhibition. Wed - Sun 2pm-7pm. Radnorshire Museum, Temple St, Llandrindod Wells LD1 5DL 01597 824513

Feb Geology, Archaeology, Natural History, Social History and Fine Art. The museum houses an art gallery with a programme of varied and exciting exhibitions and events. Tues-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat 10am-1pm.

Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown 01686 625041

Until 5 March The National Gallery Masterpiece Tour. Featuring contemporary responses by PHILIP EGLIN, CLAIRE CURNEEN, ADAM BUICK, CECILE JOHSON SOLIZ, JACQUI PONCELET, BEVERLEY BELL HUGHES, CHRISTINE MILLS & DEWI TANNATT LLOYD.

Until 30 April Foyer exhibition. ‘It’s Raining Elderly Ladies and Sticks’. Celebrating Welsh ladies. Until 21 Sept 2023 ‘Oriel Watching’. ELLEN BELL will be working in the galleries making live drawings of visitors. Open Tues-Sun 11am-4pm.

Wyeside Theatre, Builth Wells 01982 552555

Until 26 March ‘Picture in Stitches’. A vivid and colourful exhibition by JUDITH HEMMING. Open theatre times.

The Table & The Chair, 43 Lion St, Hay-on-Wye 01497 822802 www.thetablehay.com 18 Feb - 11 March GERRY KEON & CAROL DOUGLAS. Open Thurs-Sat 10am-3pm.

The Hay Makers, St John’s Place, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5BN 01497 820556

Feb Closed until 12 February. Closed on Tuesday’s and Sunday’s until 6th March. Do contact us through our website www.haymakers.co.uk if there is anything required. A range of affordable and unique crafts if you are looking for that very special gift. Mon-Sat 10.30am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

Courtyard Antiques, London House, High St, Presteigne, LD8 2BA 07974 356128 outside normal hours. Antique pottery, country furniture and art. Mon-Sat 10am-4pm.

Court Cupboard Gallery, New Court Farm, Llantillio Pertholey, Abergavenny NP7 8AU 01873 852011

Feb ROSIE FAREY & MANDY COATS - baskets. SUSAN GALLAGHERpaintings. 11am-4pm.

Lion Street Gallery, 6 Lion St, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5AA 01497 822900 Showcasing some of the very best artists from Wales and the Borders. Open 10.30am-5pm daily except Tues, Sun 11.30am-4pm.

Knighton Fine Art, 2 Broad Street, Knighton 01547 528052 www.knightonfineart.co.uk knightonfineart@btinternet.com Feb ‘Spring, not quite Sprung!’ New work by local artists will be appearing like snowdrops. Discounts on 20th century artwork and some craft. KFA is a ‘Warm Hub’. Wed-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm.

Hay Castle, Oxford Rd, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5DG 01497 820079 www.haycastletrust.org Until 5 Feb ‘The Printed Line’. Featuring SICKERTS, EDUARDO CHILIDA, MATISSE, BRIDGET RILEY, KENNETH MARTIN & SIMON PATTERSON.

2 Feb - 14 May ‘Life in Colour’.

EUGENE FISK. Open 10am-5pm.

The Workhouse Studio, Presteigne Industrial Estate 01544 267864

Rare antique carpets and kilims. Plus locally made pottery, art materials, textiles, haberdashery, jewellery, cards and gifts. Cafe. Open Wed-Sat 10am-4pm.

Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, Near Newtown 01686 688369

Gallery closed until 26 March. Art workshops continue. Thurs-Sun, 11am-4pm.

Cheese & Butter Market, Hay-on-Wye 07866 843538

Every Fri & Sat Flea & Vintage Market. Vintage clothing, bric a brac, antiques and jewellery. Open 9am-5pm.

Found Gallery, 1 Bulwark, Brecon LD3 7LB 07736 062849

www.foundgallery.co.uk (Closed February.)

Open Tues-Sat 10am-4.30pm.

The Art Shop, Cross St, Abergavenny NP7 5EH 01873 852690

11 Feb - 18 March ‘Same Storm’. PHILIPPA ROBBINS - paintings and quilts. Tues-Sat 9.30am-5pm.

The Old School, Whitton, near Knighton LD7 1NP 01547 560936

Museum of Welsh Textiles. A fine collection of Welsh costume, textiles. With a selection of antique textiles and blankets for sale, alongside changing exhibitions of art and antiques. Open by appointment, please phone to book.

Chris Williams, Apple Store Gallery, Hereford

Clive Hicks-Jenkins, Studer Fine Art, Presteigne

Ruth Jên Evans, Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown

Sarah Billingham, The Artists’ Gallery, Ludlow Farm, Bromfield

Sue Cawley, Knighton Fine Art

Richard Gilbert, The Nest, near Ledbury

Museum of Modern Art, Tabernacle, Heol Penrallt, Machynlleth SY20 8AJ 01654 703355

info@moma.machynlleth.org.uk

Until 4 Feb ‘Assemblage’.

COLIN WILLIAMS. Until 4 Feb ‘Flux’.

STEPHEN KINGSTON.

4 Feb - 25 March Visual Stories of Care and Connection.

4 Feb - 22 April Portraits from the Tabernacle Collection.

11 Feb 15 April PAX. Open Wed-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm, by appointment only.

Knighton Museum, 1 Broad St, Knighton

The Museum is run entirely by volunteers and reflects the social history of the area. The majority of the exhibits have been either donated or lent by local people and reflect the varied history of this border town from the drovers to the flannel weavers; from trade to agriculture. Wed- Sat, 10am-4pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

Rhayader Museum & Gallery, CARAD, East St, Rhayader, LD6 5ER 01597 810561

Rhayader Museum are offering an enjoyable opportunity to take part in the creative process of making and installing the displays and installations, working with our team. Please email all@carad.org.uk for details. Look out for new activities and sign up for our free information newsletter online: www.carad.org.uk Tues-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-12pm.

HEREFORDSHIRE

Station Approach, Hereford HR1 1FN www.meadowarts.org

Until April 2023 Meadow Arts & Hereford College of Arts present the work of Lothar Götz. Vibrant and geometric public artworks on each end of the building, as well as a number of dazzling flags. The first of four new bold new public artworks that will engage with the site over 4 years.

The Nest, Ledbury Rd, near Ledbury HR8 2PZ 01531 670816

Until 1 March ‘A Hill in Winter’ of Herefordshire Beacon. RICHARD GILBERT - new drawings. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm.

The Forum, 18 Market Square, Tenbury Wells WR15 8EA 01584 810085 www.georginafranklin.co.uk

GEORGINA FRANKLINjewellery. Individual contemporary design. Commissions undertaken.

Mappa Mundi & Chained Library, Hereford Cathedral, Cathedral Close, Hereford 01432 374200

Until 22 April ‘Bound to Impress’. A selection of bindings drawn from the Cathedral’s collections, from books made locally in the 12th century to elaborate 19th century luxury bindings. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm.

Until 2 March ‘The English Cathedral’ PETER MARLOW (1952-2016)photographs documenting all 42 of England’s Anglican cathedral on display in the nave of the cathedral. 10 Feb - 24 Feb ‘HCA Crafting the Cathedral’. BA (Hons) Artist Blacksmithing, Contemporary Design Craft and Jewellery Design students from Hereford College of Arts to re-interpret aspects of the cathedral and contents. Open during normal cathedral opening hours.

Black & White House Museum, High Town, Hereford 01432 260694 www.blackandwhitehouse.org 22 - 24 Feb ‘Renaissance Surgeon’ Meet Owain Leech, Renaissance Surgeon who will be happy to treat any aches, pains and illnesses using the latest 16th century methods. Children, free entry.

Wobage Makers Gallery, Upton Bishop, Ross on Wye HR9 7QP 01989 720495 www.wobage.co.uk

Feb SHEILA HERRINGpottery. ANDREW McGARVA stoneware pots. CLARE McGARVAstitched textiles. PATIA DAVISporcelain & pots. BEN CASSONfurniture. SHEILA CASSON - stoneware & earthenware pots. CLAIR HODGSON - silver. JEREMY STEWARD - wood-fired salt-glazed pottery. CLYDE HOAR - baskets. Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm. Oxenham Art, Broad St, Leominster HR6 8BT 01568 611898

Feb SARAH JANE BROWN - wire sculpture. STEVEN & EMMA FERGUSON - wildlife paintings. ALISON CHESMAN - stained glass. Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-3pm. Made in the Marches Gallery, 12 Church St, Kington, HR5 3AZ 07531 820195

www.madeinthemarches.com (Closed February). Beautiful work from local artists and makers, including ceramics, paintings, prints, textiles, wearable art: clothes & jewellery, sculpture, stone, wood, metal and willow, cards and gifts. Commissions and vouchers available. Open Tues–Sat, 11am-4pm.

South Chapel, All Saints Church, Hereford 01432 370414

Until 11 Feb ‘Love Zimbabwe’. Fairtrade Art & Crafts.

13 - 18 Feb GOLDEN VALLEY CRAFT SOCIETY.

20 - 25 Feb MARY O’GREADY - crafts.

27 Feb - 4 March SIAN THOMASstained glass.

6 - 11 March HEREFORD LEISURE PAINTERS. Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm. The Courtyard, Hereford 01432 340555

Until 12 Feb ‘Into a Wave’. SUE MAUD.

17 Feb - 19 March ‘Where the Red Kite Flies’. AMANDA JACKSON. Displaying portraits by the photographer and artwork created by the young community members at the LammasTir Y Gafel eco village and surrounding community in Pembrokeshire. Open theatre times.

Apple Store Gallery, Unit 1, Rockfield Rd, Hereford HR1 2UA 01432 263937

www.applestoregallery.com Until 4 March ‘Rockfield Arts’. ASG and Artsite 3 Studio artists. Wed-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat 10am-1pm.

RidgeBank Contemporary Art Space, 1 High Street, Kington HR5 3AX 07810 526006 caroline@ridgebank.art Instagram: @ridgebank Rolling programme of exhibitions and events. Open Fri-Sun 12-6pm.

Made in Ross, The Upstairs Gallery, Market House, Ross-on-Wye HR9 5NX 01989 769398 www.madeinross.co.uk

Feb Made in Ross. A co-operative of local art and craft makers who produce a wide range of beautiful work, for all tastes and budgets. Open 10am-4pm. The Basement, 18 Gloucester Rd, Ross-on-Wye HR9 5BU email gabydevitt@live.com

Beautiful handwoven lampshades, fabrics, pottery, willow baskets and glass. Also a range of eclectic lighting. Open Wed-Sat 9.30am-4pm.

Old Chapel Gallery, East St, Pembridge HR6 9HB 01544 388842 www.oldchapelgallery.co.uk

Feb Regular gallery artists and makers showing artwork with a hint of romance to celebrate St Valentine’s Day!

All year ‘Shadows on the Grass’. Garden sculpture exhibition. An ever-changing collection of unique sculptures for your outdoor space in a variety of media including ironwork, carved stone, stone resin, iron resin, bronze resin, ceramics. Wed-Sat 11am-4.30pm, Sun 12-4pm. Mon & Tues by appointment.

Gallery 54, 54 High St, Ross-on-Wye 01989 567917

Feb New work from TESSA HOUGHTON & STEPHEN RIPPINGTON as well as gallery artists. Thurs-Sat 10-4pm.

Greenstage Gallery, Hop Pocket, Bishop’s Frome WR6 5BT 01885 490839

www.greenstagegallery.co.uk (Closed February). Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10.30am-4pm.

SHROPSHIRE

Bishop’s Castle Town Hall 01588 630023 www.bishopscastletownhall.co.uk

Until 4 Feb GEMMA MOORE. 10am-4pm

4 Feb Antiques & Flea Market, 9am-4pm.

11 Feb - 11 March CLAE EASTGATE. 10am-4pm.

Feb ‘Miniature Art Machine’. Selling tiny pieces of art for £1 to raise money for Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival.

25 Feb Artisan Market, 10am-4pm.

4 Mar Antiques & Flea Market, 9am-4pm.

The Methodist Hall, Bishop’s Castle www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

23 Feb Bishop’s Castle Arts Society Open Meeting. Visitors welcome to see who they are, what they do and have a chat! Open 2-4.30pm, free.

The Chai Shop, High St, Bishop’s Castle www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

21 - 26 Feb TAHIRA PAUL.

SpArC Theatre Gallery, Bishop’s Castle www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

21 - 26 Feb ROSEMARY HART. Border Lights Gallery, Bishop’s Castle www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

21 - 26 Feb Arts and crafts by local artists.

The Poppy House, 20 Market Square, Bishop’s Castle www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

21 - 26 Feb BISHOP’S CASTLE ART SOCIETY. Open 10am-4pm.

Public Hall, Station St, Bishop’s Castle www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

21 - 26 Feb ‘Affordable Art’. CASTLE ARTISTS Spring exhibition. Paintings, linocuts, watercolours, sculpture, photographs, textiles, jewellery, ceramics and cards. Open 10am-5pm. Part of Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival, free admission, donations to Festival funds invited.

Bishop’s Castle Artists’

Open Studios

www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

21 - 26 Feb SARAH GILLARDpaintings, Yarborough House, High St. JENNY JONES - paintings, The Porch House, High St.

JULIA BATH - paintings, The Old Bakery, Church St.

HELEN ROBINSON - stained glass, The Old Vicarage, Church Lane. JILL BAGNALL - fused glass, Opposite Kirsty’s New St.

MARIAN WATSON - handmade silver and gold jewellery, paintings, Chapel View, Station St.

DI & ANDREW DOUCE - paintings, Old Manse, Station St. Open 10am-4pm, admission free. Part of Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival. Assembly Rooms, Mill St, Ludlow www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk 01584 878141

Until 4 March ‘Rural Amalgam’. INGRID JENSEN. Open theatre times.

The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury 01743 234970

17 Feb - 21 March ‘Nature

Connections’. LOVELY LANDERScrochet and mosaic to poetry and film making. Tues-Fri 10am-4.30pm.

The Gateway Gallery, Chester St, Shrewsbury SY1 1NB gatewaygallery@mail.com

Until 17 Feb ‘A Charm of Goldfinches’. Celebrating the famous painting from 1654 by Dutch artist Carel Faritius with 26 artists plus poetry by Kate Innes.

24 Feb - 24 March SUSIE DAVIS & EMMA SHERRY - abstract paintings. Open Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm, Thurs until 8pm during term times.

Ragleth Gallery, 1 Sandford Place, Church Stretton SY6 6DY 01694 723225

A contemporary gallery full of original art, inspired by the landscape and wildlife of the Shropshire Hills. Sculpture, paintings, ceramics, glass, jewellery, prints, photographs, automata and more.

Mon & Tue10am-5pm, Thurs - Sat 11am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery, The Music Hall, Market Square, Shrewsbury SY1 1LG 01743 258881

Until 26 March ‘The Making of a Marvellous Mind’. Exhibition focusing on Charles Darwin’s childhood and upbringing in Shrewsbury.

18 Feb - 16 April ‘The Moon’. Mon-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

Ogilvie Vaile Conservation, Unit 9, Lower Buckton Barns, between Leintwardine and Brampton Bryan SY7 0JU 07780 616067

www.ogilvievaile.com Specialising in the conservation and restoration of fine art.

The Artists’ Gallery, Ludlow Farm (formerly Ludlow Food Centre), Bromfield, Ludlow SY8 2JR 07974 652866

Feb Artists include SHELLY PERKINS - wildlife artist.

PRISCILLA HANN - bronze sculpture. DANIELLE FLOWERS - contemporary jewellery. KIM DAVIS - wood turning. MEGAN EVANS - collagraph prints. JAN JAY - textile designs and screen prints. PIP JONES - watercolours.

SARAH BILLINGHAM - pottery. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm. www.theartistsgalleryludlow.co.uk 10am-5pm. Instagram@agalleryrunbyartists Facebook - The Artists’ Gallery. Smithy Studio, Brampton Bryan SY7 0DH 07811 042478

Rustic homewares, fine art and craft. Local makers. Turned wood, slipware, lavender products, textiles, cards and gifts. Thurs-Sat 11am-4pm.

Art & Craft Workshops

Single, dated listings are free. Ongoing workshops, £40 per year.

GINN’S CREATIVE WORKSHOPS

Discover your creative potential at my workshops covering, Art, Textiles and Sewing Techniques, catering for the experienced and inexperienced. Dates to suit you. 01432 760961.

IKEBANA: THE ANCIENT ART OF JAPANESE FLOWER ARRANGING ‘Foam-free’, using seasonal materials. Workshops for maximum 6 people are run by Qualified Teacher and Master in Ikebana (Ohara School). Individual lessons are possible by arrangement. Visit www.discovering-ikebana.com. Western flower arranging workshops are also available, see website ‘Western Style Workshops’, or ring 01432 880126 or email noellaplasman@gmail.com

KNIGHTON PAINTING & SKETCHING GROUP

We meet Monday daytime at the Civic Centre, Knighton (near the Clock Tower) during spring and autumn terms. We have weekly topics with friendly tuition. All abilities, beginners welcome. Learn at your own pace. Discover new skills and increase your confidence. Own choice of art materials. Contact local artist tutor: Audrey Bradley: 01544 350369.

MOOR HALL STUDIO ~ BOBBY BRITNELL

Inspirational art and textile related courses delivered throughout the year by highly qualified tutors. Some courses are on-line, and others face to face. Refer to www.bobbybritnell. co.uk for further information and details of all courses. Contact Bobby Britnell on 01547 510664, or email at bobby@ bobbybritnell.co.uk

VILLAGE ART CLUBS

Love art? Come and join us! Friendly, local clubs with professional tuition run for three terms per year. Beginners and experienced painters all welcome. Call Liz on 07938 563716 or see the website for detailswww.villageartclubs.co.uk

ALEX ALLPRESS POTTERY STUDIO - POTTERY EXPERIENCES & LESSONS

Church Street, Builth Wells, LD2 3BS, Powys. Open 7 Days a week, Bespoke family Days, Throwing Workshops and Courses. Children’s Parties, Corporate Festivities, Hen Dos. Hand-building, Gift Sales and Vouchers available. From £40ppTasters - Half day or Full day. Call for more details: 07443875016 e: alexallpressceramics@gmail.com alexallpress.co.uk

LAZY DAISY CHAINS CHILDREN’S

SEWING WORKSHOP

‘Purses and Pouches’ is our next workshop on Saturday 11th February, 10am-1pm, at Make-it-Happen, Gomond St, Hereford. For children aged 7-11, no experience is necessary. Cost £22. For more details go to https://www.facebook.com/lazydaisychains

STONE CARVING WORKSHOPS

Monthly in Llangarron HR9 6PH. Glenn Morris, sculptor, leads an informal, friendly group. Suitable for beginners and those with some experience. Full tuition, safety equipment and tools provided. Stone available if required. Copious refreshments guaranteed. 01989 770776. Frances@artsinthemarches.co.uk

BASKETMAKING USING RUSH

Presteigne. Courses available throughout the year covering many techniques. Small groups and all levels taught. All materials and equipment included. For more information see Rushmorebaskets.com or contact Clair at rushmorebaskets@ gmail.com 07713 514902.

CREATIVE BREAKS

Learn a new skill and explore your creativity with experienced tutors, all based in beautiful countryside with outstanding views and local produce. We offer a wide range of courses throughout the year:- Basketmaking, Enamelled Jewellery, Felt-making, Glass Fusing, Hand Block Printing, Hedgerow Medicine, Mosaics, Painting, Pastels, Photography, Plant Dyeing, Spinning and Weaving, Rag Rug Making, Sewing, Stained Glass, Stonecarving, Woodblock printing, Drawing and Upholstery. For full details visit www.creativebreaks.co.uk Make it yourself - take it hometreasure it – or give it with pride!

THE ARTHOUSE STUDIO

Creative workshops including lino printing, glass fusing, jewellery making, fabric printing, traditional glass painting, stained glass. The Art House Studio, Weobley, 07467 941208, www.thearthousestudio.co.uk

February

CREATIVE RECYCLING WITH JENNI STUART-ANDERSON

11 Feb Day workshop, 10am - 4pm, to learn Progging and Hooking at Leysters Parish Hall, Herefordshire HR6 0HP. £60 includes drinks, biscuits and a piece of hessian. For beginners and returners. Info/bookings 01568 750229; email jenni.ragrugs@freeuk. com 18 Feb - Day workshop. Suits beginners and returners, 10am - 4pm, to learn Progging and Plaiting at Arts & Crafts Community Centre, St Michael’s Hall, Ewyas Harold, HR2 0TX. Booking form from ehcraftcentre@yahoo.com £55 (full payment with booking form).

February

APPLE STORE GALLERY WORKSHOPS

27 Feb - Takhon Printing with Jess Bugler. 28 Feb - The Painter’s Tools: Watercolour with Allison Neal. Apple Store Gallery, Unit 1, Rockfield Rd, Hereford HR1 2UA 01432 263937 www.applestoregallery.com

February

EASTNOR POTTERY

INTO TO THE POTTERS WHEEL £49 per person. Indoor activity for individuals, couples and small groups. 1.5 hr sessions take place on specific dates. POTTERS WHEEL COURSES 4, 11, 14 & 25 & 26 Feb. Weekend: £280 Day: £150 per person. CLAY MODELLING, 2pm Tuesday 21 Feb. £25 per person. Themed Pottery Fun for all the family. Eastnor Pottery, Home Farm, Eastnor, near Ledbury. Please book www.eastnorpottery.co.uk Email admin@eastnorpottery.co.uk or tel 01531 633886.

February

MID WALES ARTS CENTRE

Sat 4 Feb - Silversmithing workshop, making a bezel set ring, 10am-4pm, £80. Thurs - After-School Pottery for children 7-11 years, 5-6.30pm, £7. Thurs - Pottery & Ceramic Sculpture Club for all ages and abilities, 2-4pm & 7-9pm, £10. Fri - Pottery & Ceramic Sculpure Club, 11-1pm & 1-3pm, £10. Sat of each monthFamily Pottery 2-4pm. 2nd Sat of each month - Life Drawing, 10am-1pm, £20/£14. Wed - Warm Wednesdays’ Tea/coffee, books, newspapers and drawing materials. Activities include Tai Chi, 12-1pm, Art Talks 2-3pm. Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, Newtown, 01686 688369.

February

ORIEL DAVIES GALLERY

16 Feb & 2 March Tobias & The Angel School & College visits, free guided tours and activities, 9.30am-10.30am. Book online or in the gallery. Oriel Gallery, Newtown, 01686 625041, www.orieldavies.org

February

HEREFORD CATHEDRAL

9 Feb - Cathedral at Dawn: Photography Experience. A brief introduction to exposure and composition, participants will have an hour to explore the light and stillness of the cathedral and capture images followed by a light breakfast in the Cathedral Cafe, 7am, £22, £18 students, booking essential.

15 Feb - Lego Club, 3.30pm-4.30pm.

21 Feb - Shrove Tuesday Messy Church. Make a selection of seasonal crafts to take home and discover more about the Lent and Easter story, 12-3pm, free, booking not required. Mondays, term timeToddler Group, craft activities and prayer; suitable 1-3 years, 9.30am, free. Hereford Cathedral, 01432 374225, www.herefordcathedral.org

February

THE HIVE WORKSHOPS

Every Tues - Life Drawing for all ages, 7-9pm, £8. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 01743 234970.

February & March MELISSA HUNT JEWELLERY COURSES

17 Feb - Make a silver Etruscan chain bracelet.

2 March - Collet mount setting.

4 March - Cold connections - hinges, rivets, tabs.

9 March - Make a silver ring.

16 March - Enamelling techniques for jewellers.

18 March - Channel setting.

25 March - Make a spinner ring.

27 & 28 March - Make a silver pill box, 2-day class £240. Melissa Hunt, Brampton Bryan, all courses 10am-4pm, £120 for day workshops including materials, www.melissahuntjewellery.com

February

SIDNEY NOLAN WORKSHOPS

Every Monday - ‘Make’. Weekly arts and creative sessions for young people aged 10-14, using a wide variety of materials and mediums, no experience or skills are needed, 3.30-5pm, free. To book - 01544 260149 or www.sidneynolantrust.org

Sat 18 February & 18 March

CALLIGRAPHY- BEGINNERS TASTER SESSIONS

Come along & have a go at lettering! A two-part introduction to an edged nib through patterns and lettershapes. Help and encouragement plus a hot drink! 10-1pm both dates at Monkland Village Hall, £20 for the course / £12 per session. Places go quickly! To book: Ring Kris on 01544 327657. Marches Scribes.

Tues 21 - Sun 26 February

BISHOP’S CASTLE ARTS FESTIVAL ART WORKSHOPS

21 - 26 Feb ‘Let’s Go On a Bear Hunt’. A trail for the youngsters with a variety of bears hiding in some of the shop windows. A trail sheet can be collected from the Town Hall.

21 Feb - Flag Designing Workshop. Design a new Town flag, two flags will be chosen from two age categories, under 11 and 11-16. The Public Hall, 10.30am-11.30am, free.

22 Feb - Corn Dollies Workshop with Bernard Edwards for ages 10+, 11am & 2pm, basic techniques in the morning, more intricate in the afternoon, max 6 people at each workshop, Town Hall, £5.

23 Feb - Customise, Upcycle, Embellish Workshop. Breathe new life into your clothes, textiles, bring your own but materials and tools are available. Upstairs in the Poetry Pharmacy, 10.30am-12.30pm, £7.

23 Feb - Traditional Stained Glass Painting Workshops for ages 14+, bring old clothes/apron, The Old Vicarage, Church St, 11am-1pm & 3-5pm, £20, 01588 638940.

23 Feb - Fun Science Workshop. Hands-on chemical reactions, colour changing, explosions and sparks! Back Room, Three Tuns, 1-2pm (Key Stage 2), 3-4pm (Key Stage 1).

23 Feb - Make Your Own Book with Ellie Garraway. Tools and materials provided for ages 18+. The Poetry Pharmacy, 36 High St, 2-3.30pm, £5.

23 Feb - Butterfly Mask Workshop with Sue Percy. A drop-in workshop for children and young at heart. Materials supplied, free.

23 & 24 Feb - Fused Glass Workshop at Jill Bagnall’s Studio, New St. Create a free-standing piece of fused glass. Limited to 8 people, Thurs 5.30pm-8.30pm. Fri 10.30am-1.30pm, £65, email suewillmer@mac.com to book.

23 Feb - Knitwits - Drop-in Knitting Group. The Six Bells, Church St, 6.15pm-7.30pm, all abilities welcome, free.

24 Feb - Still Life Workshop with Clae Eastgate. The Poetry Pharmacy, High St, 10am-3pm, £65.

24 Feb - Scraptastic Workshop for children. SpArC Theatre, 2-4pm, free.

25 Feb - Sign Writing Demonstration by Malcolm Reeves. Weighbridge Railway Museum, Station St, 10am-4pm, hot drinks, homemade cakes available, free, donations welcome.

25 Feb - Experimental Small-Scale Printing with Katy Alston. All materials provided. The Poetry Pharmacy, 36 High St, 10am-1pm, £25 including tea/coffee, cake.

25 Feb - Watercolour and More - a Painting Workshop with Sue Percy, all abilities welcome and materials are supplied, Town Hall, 2pm, £5, 01588 630023.

26 Feb - Needle Felting Workshop with Clare Linford, make an elephant, all materials supplied. Town Hall, 10am-12pm & 2pm - 4pm, £7, 01588 630023.

26 Feb - Modern Calligraphy Workshop with Alice Savery, beginners workshop, all kit included and to keep. Methodist Hall, 10.30am-12.30pm, £35, limited to 10 people, email suewillmer@mac.com

26 Feb - Cobble Chalking with Sue Percy. Create a rainbow on the cobbles at the side of the Town Hall, chalks provided, 2-4pm, free. 26 Feb - Spoon Carving Demonstration with Graham Beadle, who will display his work which you will be able to purchase. The Library, 10am-1pm, free, donations welcome. All part of Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival, to book and further details www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Tuesdays

DRINK AND DRAW

Weekly life drawing group for all abilities. Bring your own materials and just turn up. Upstairs at The Green Dragon Hotel, Broad St, Hereford, 7-9:30pm, £8, 07587 192495.

Wednesdays

INFORMAL ART GROUP

All welcome, help given if required. The Old School Community Hub, New Radnor, 2-4pm, 01544 350242.

Wednesdays

DRINK AND DRAW

Weekly life drawing group for all abilities. Bring your own materials and just turn up. Ty Tan Gallery (opp. Blue Boar), Hay-on-Wye, 7-9:30pm, block book in advance £90 for 10 weeks or drop-in for £11, 07855 628626.

Thursdays HEREFORD LIFE

DRAWING

The Courtyard, Hereford, 10am-1pm, £7.50, 01432 340555.

3rd Friday of every month

FRIDAY CRAFT CLUB

Bring your crocheting, embroidery, paper crafts or jewellery making to this informal meet. Complete your projects in good company with a side of tea and cake, no booking required. Pot & Page, 8 New St, Ledbury, 10.30am-12.30pm.

Fused Glass Workshop with Jill Bagnall, Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival

TÁR (15)

Although presented as biography, Todd Field’s (LITTLE CHILDREN) first film in 16 years is actually a magnificent imagining of the pressures and intrigues within classical music’s upper echelons. Cate Blanchett, who claims it was probably the toughest role of her virtuoso career stars, as composer/conductor Lydia Tár –already something of an anomaly in a largely male world – finds her personal life unravelling on the eve of leading the Berlin Philharmonic in Mahler’s demanding 5th Symphony. Whilst Lydia is barely hiding her attraction to a new cellist (Sophie Kauer) and the pain this causes her wife and concert master (Nina Hoss), the agent of this is a wily former protégé and lover (Sylvia Flote). As in Todd Haynes’ 2016 masterpiece CAROL, Blanchett expertly articulates lesbian sensitivities under the stresses inherent in her professional role and perhaps needless to say, the concert performances as directed by former musician Field, are hugely impressive.

All reviews by Mark Williams

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW

9 March AFTERSUN (12A)

Conquest Theatre, Bromyard. 01885 488575

COURTYARD, HEREFORD

1 - 9 Feb A MAN CALLED OTTO (15)

1 & 2 Feb WHITNEY HOUSTON: I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY (12A)

1 - 8 Feb TILL (12A)

3 - 15 Feb EMPIRE OF LIGHT (15)

4 Feb THE AMAZING MAURICE (PG) free pre-activity from 10.30am

4 Feb BLUE VELVET (18) Cult Classic

8 & 9 Feb LYNCH/OZ (15)

10 - 16 Feb TÁR (15)

14 Feb ROMAN HOLIDAY (U)

Valentine’s screening

14 Feb DIRTY DANCING (12A)

Valentine’s screening

17 Feb - 2 March ENYS MEN (15)

17 Feb - 2 March THE FABELMANS (12A)

17 - 25 Feb PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH (ctbc)

28 Feb & 1 March BABYLON (18)

3 - 5 March ALCARRAS (15)

3, 4, 7, 9 March ALL THE BEAUTY AND THE BLOODSHED (ctbc)

3 & 6 March RETURN TO DUST (PG)

3 March THE BLUE CAFTAN (ctbc)

4 March BUCK AND THE PREACHER (PG)

4 March WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT? (ctbc)

BORDERLINES FILM FESTIVAL

FRIDAY 3 - SUNDAY 19 MARCH

Each year the Borderlines Film Festival, the largest rural film festival in the UK, centred on The Courtyard, Hereford, but also spread across numerous venues in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Powys.

Details www.borderlinesfilmfestival.org

ABERGAVENNY FILM SOC.

1 Feb MAUDIE

15 Feb THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF EURADICE GUSMAO

1 March THE TOLL

Melville Centre, Pen y Pound, Abergavenny NP7 5UD. Check for times. A limited number of seats available for non-members aged 18+ www.abergavennyfilmsociety.com

1 & 2 Feb I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY

2 Feb ALCARRÁS (15)

3 & 6 March THE WHALE (ctbc)

4 March LUNANA: A YAK IN THE CLASSROOM (PG)

6 March HIDDEN LETTERS (ctbc)

7 March GODLAND (15)

Assembly Rooms, Mill St, Ludlow, 01584 873229

BOOTH’S BOOKSHOP

2 - 5 Feb EMPIRE OF LIGHT (15) Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye. 01497 822010

BRECON FILM SOCIETY

6 Feb CASABLANCA BEATS (12A)

6 March HIVE (15)

7.30pm, Brecon Coliseum Cinema, Wheat St, Brecon. 01874 623166

CONQUEST, BROMYARD

3 Feb MRS HARRIS GOES TO PARIS (PG)

3 March THE LOST KING (12A)

5 March EMILY (15)

5, 6 & 9 March CORSAGE (15)

5 March HOW FAR THE STARS + PROUD ROMA (ctbc)

5 March LEAVING TO REMAIN + HURJASA (ctbc)

5 & 8 March MY IMAGINARY COUNTRY (ctbc)

5 March OPEN SCREEN (ctbc)

5, 6, 8 & 9 March THE WHALE (ctbc)

5, 6, 8 & 9 March WOMEN TALKING (15)

6 March CHARCOAL (ctbc)

6 & 7 March JOYLAND (ctbc)

6 & 8 March MY SAILOR, MY LOVE (ctbc)

6 March THE SILENT TWINS (18)

7 & 9 March LEONOR WILL NEVER DIE (ctbc)

7 March THE COW WHO SANG INTO THE FUTURE (ctbc)

8 & 9 March AFTERSUN (12A)

8 & 9 March BLUE JEAN (ctbc)

8 March DESTINY (ctbc) plus intro

9 March THE CAMERA IS OURS (ctbc) plus intro

The Courtyard Theatre, Edgar St, Hereford 01432 340555

2 Feb HIT THE ROAD (12) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321

2 Feb MRS HARRIS GOES TO PARIS (PG) Brilley VH 07501 133194

3 Feb MRS HARRIS GOES TO PARIS (PG) Conquest Theatre, Bromyard 01885 488575

3 Feb BELFAST (12) Fownhope New Memorial Hall 01432 860717

3 Feb MRS HARRIS GOES TO PARIS (PG) Knighton Community Centre 07964 023841

3 Feb WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING (15) Kelsall Methodist Hall 01829 752931

3 Feb TOP GUN: MAVERICK (12) Staunton-on-Wye VH 01981 501031

4 Feb FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS: ONE AND ALL (12A) Criftins Parish Hall 01691 690774

4 Feb BELFAST (12) Ballingham Old School Hall 07967 017759

4 Feb FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS: ONE AND ALL (12A) Withington Parish Room 01743 709236

4 Feb BRIAN AND CHARLES (PG) Habberley VH 07977 127161

5 Feb THE LADYKILLERS (1955) (PG) Cleobury Mortimer Parish Hall 01299 270047

7 Feb ELVIS (2022) (12) Lydbury North VH 01588 680302

8 Feb FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS: ONE AND ALL (12A) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125

8 Feb MRS HARRIS GOES TO PARIS (PG) Hope Bowdler VH 01694 723648

9 Feb EMILY (15) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321

10 Feb WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING (15) Great Witley VH 01299 896412

10 Feb TOP GUN: MAVERICK (12) Cound Guildhall 01743 761451

10 Feb MIDNIGHT IN PARIS (12A) Knighton Community Centre 07964 023841

11 Feb MRS HARRIS GOES TO PARIS (PG) Cawley Hall, Eye 01568 615836

11 Feb TOP GUN: MAVERICK (12) Ombersley Memorial VH 01905 620350

11 Feb THE LOST KING (12A) Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington 01432 890720

(12A)

Another three letter word title for a very different but no less dramatic enterprise which this time is a real biopic. It charts the determination of Mamie Till-Mobley in the racist Mississippi of 1955 to hold those responsible for abducting, torturing and lynching her 14 year-old son, Emmett. Fortunately for the squeamish, writer/director Chinonye Chukwu spares us the gory details, concentrating instead on Mamie’s journey which eventually brought justice to his killers – originally acquitted by an all–white male jury – and her role as a civil rights activist. But if anything TILL is less a film about that than a chronicle of devastating loss and its power resides as much as anything else, e.g. the shocking fact that lynching still occured halfway through the 20th century, in the powerhouse performance of Danielle Deadwyler (THE HARDER THEY FALL) as Mamie, plus Jalyn Hall’s Emmett and Whoopi Goldberg as his grandmother.

11 Feb WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING (15) Clifton on Teme VH 01886 812238

11 Feb OPERATION MINCEMEAT (12) Rodington VH 01952 771147

12 Feb THE TITFIELD THUNDERBOLT (U) Cleobury Mortimer Parish Hall 01299 270047

14 Feb THE LOST KING (12A) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321

14 Feb BALLOON (2018) (12) St Mary’s Church Hall, Ross on Wye 07789 778048

15 Feb OPERATION MINCEMEAT (12) Chetton VH 01746 789257

15 Feb MRS HARRIS GOES TO PARIS (PG) Myddle VH 07706 450075

16 Feb FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS: ONE AND ALL (12A) Huntington VH 01544 370692

16 Feb KING RICHARD (12) Pudleston VH 01568 750303

16 Feb FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS: ONE AND ALL (12A) Norbury VH 01588 650306

16 Feb BRIAN AND CHARLES (PG) Pencombe and LIttle Cowarne Parish Hall 01885 400311

16 Feb THE APARTMENT (1960) (PG) Leintwardine Community Centre 07572 442903

16 Feb MRS HARRIS GOES TO PARIS (PG) Kinnerley Parish Hall 01691 683619

16 Feb MRS HARRIS GOES TO PARIS (PG) Castlemorton Parish Hall 01531 631503

17 Feb ARTHUR’S DYKE (15) Marton VH 01743 792790

17 Feb ELVIS (2022) (12) Callow End VH 01905 830469

17 Feb MRS HARRIS GOES TO PARIS (PG) Lingen VH 01568 770920

17 Feb A UNITED KINGDOM (12A) The Simpson Hall, Burghill 07726 148736

17 Feb WEST SIDE STORY (2021) (12A) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125

17 Feb FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS (12A) Knighton Community Centre 07964 023841

17 Feb PARALLEL MOTHERS (15) Bosbury Parish Hall 01531 640333

18 Feb ELVIS (2022) (12) Bicton VH 01743 850495

18 Feb THE MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY (12A) Little Witley VH 01886 888122

18 Feb DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA (PG) Cleobury Mortimer Parish Hall 01299 270047

18 Feb FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS: ONE AND ALL (12A) Waverton VH 01244 336055

18 Feb TICKET TO PARADISE (12) Upton upon Severn Memorial Hall 01684 592273

TILL

ERIC RAVILLIOUS: DRAWN TO WAR (PG)

Film Society Corner here features a decidedly unusual documentary which based on paintings, static but examined in some detail, to celebrate an artist and engraver best known for his sometimes disturbing observations of WW2, and then largely to a limited number of aficionados. That Eric Ravilious’s fans interviewed here include Grayson Perry, Alan Bennett and Ai Weiwei and that his work also embraced landscapes and the British way of life in the early 20th century makes this film by much respected arts documentarian Margy Kinmouth, a revealing, compelling work. Read by Jeremy Irons, Tamsin Greig and others, we learn a lot about the man and his approach from extensive correspondence left behind after his untimely death in a 1942 plane crash. Perhaps best though were the huge selection of paintings, engravings and book illustrations with their deco-ish influences, broad if generally soothing palette and sharp geometry – a real joy.

19 Feb CELLE QUE VOUS CROYEZ (15) The Coach House Theatre, Malvern 01684 892277

19 Feb THE LAVENDER HILL MOB (U) Cleobury Mortimer Parish Hall 01299 270047

21 Feb DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA (PG) Acton Scott VH 01694 781260

22 Feb DC LEAGUE OF SUPER-PETS Shropshire Hills Discover Centre, Craven Arms, 01588 767060.

23 Feb ERIC RAVILIOUS: DRAWN TO WAR (PG) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321

23 Feb BENEDICTION (12) Almeley VH 07557 659291

23 Feb BENEDICTION (12) Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton 07508 072206

24 Feb MANON DES SOURCES

(PG) Crescent Christian Centre, Newtown 07939 273525

24 Feb TOP GUN: MAVERICK (12) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125

24 Feb ELVIS (2022) (12) Himbleton VH 01905 391306

25 Feb LION Bedstone & Hopton Castle VH 01547 530282

25 Feb FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS:

ONE AND ALL (12A) Aston on Clun VH 01588 660545

26 Feb WHISKY GALORE! (1949) (U) Cleobury Mortimer Parish Hall 01299 270047

28 Feb FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS: ONE AND ALL (12A) Loppington VH 07785 330065

3 March AFTERSUN (12A) Garway Hall 01600 750465

3 March AFTERSUN (12A) Knighton Community Centre 07964 023841

4 March LIVING (12A) St Mary’s Church Hall, Ross on Wye 07789 778048

4 March DECISION TO LEAVE (15) Lady Emily Halll, Tarrington 01432 890720

6 March LIVING (12A) Pencombe & Little Cowarne Parish Hall 01885 400311

7 March UTAMA (12A) Escleyside Hall, Michaelchurch Escley 01981 510368

8 March THE LOST KING (12A) Cawley Hall, Eye 01568 615836

9 March NO BEARS (12A) Leintwardine Community Centre 07572 442903

9 March BANSHEES OF INISHERIN (15) Pudleston VH 01568 750303

MALVERN THEATRES

3, 4, 7 March BLUE JEAN (ctbc)

3, 4, 5 March CORSAGE (15)

3 - 7 & 9 March THE SON (15)

3 - 9 March WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT (12A)

4 & 5 March FULL TIME (ctbc)

4 & 5 March MY SAILOR, MY LOVE (ctbc)

5 March THE BLACK VAMPIRE (ctbc)

6 March CREATURE (12A)

6 & 7 March UNDER THE FIG TREES (ctbc)

8 March ALCARRAS (15)

8 March CLOSE (12A)

8 March GODLAND (15)

8 March THE SILENT TWINS (18)

8 & 9 March THE BLUE CAFTAN (ctbc)

9 March 1976 (ctbc)

9 March LUNANA: A YAK IN THE CLASSROOM (PG)

9 March THE WHALE (ctbc)

Malvern Theatres 01684 892277

MKT. THEATRE, LEDBURY

8 Feb FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS: ONE AND ALL (12A)

17 Feb WEST SIDE STORY (12)

24 Feb TOP GUN: MAVERICK (12A)

Market Theatre, Market St, Ledbury 07967 517125

MONTGOMERY MOVIE CLUB

2 Feb THE PHANTOM OF THE OPEN (12A)

16 Feb JOJO RABBIT (12A)

2 March FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS: ONE AND ALL (12A) Dragon Hotel, Montgomery, 8pm, 01686 668442

OLD MKT. HALL, SHREWS.

3 - 9 Feb TILL (12A)

4 & 5 Feb ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA

THE MUSICAL SING-ALONG (PG)

10 - 16 Feb TÁR (15)

12 Feb BRIT ROCK FILM TOUR

Featuring Queen Lines, Sea to Summit and Ephemeral

17 - 26 Feb PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH (PG)

17 - 23 Feb BABYLON (18)

24 Feb - 2 March THE FABELMANS (12A)

Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281

PRESTEIGNE SCREEN

3 Feb THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN (15)

17 Feb DECISION TO LEAVE (15)

3 March TRIANGLE OF SADNESS (15) www.presteignescreen.org.uk

Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 8pm.

SAVOY, MONMOUTH

4 & 5 Feb MATILDA THE MUSICAL SINGALONG (PG)

Savoy Theatre, Church St, Monmouth 01600 772467

SHREWSBURY FILM SOCIETY

3 Feb YOU WILL DIE AT TWENTY (12)

8 Feb LATE SPRING (U)

17 Feb PETITE MAMAN (U)

3 March AFTER LOVE (12)

8 March DAISIES (15)

8 March LA JETÉE (15)

Shrewsbury Film Society. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, 01743 234970

SPARC, BISHOP’S CASTLE

2 Feb HIT THE ROAD (12A)

14 Feb THE LOST KING (12A)

23 Feb ERIC RAVILIOUS: DRAWN TO WAR A true story and well-crafted documentary. Part of Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival, 7pm. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 01588 638038

WYESIDE, BUILTH WELLS

1 & 2 Feb TILL (12A)

1, 2, 4, 8 & 11 Feb EMPIRE OF LIGHT

3 - 5, 7-9 Feb BABYLON (18)

3 - 5, 7 - 12, 14 - 16 Feb PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH 5, 11 & 12 Feb AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER (12A)

10, 12, 14 - 16 Feb TÁR (15)

12 Feb THE USUAL SUSPECTS (18) Film Club

Wyeside, Builth Wells 01982 552555

LIVE EVENTS ON SCREEN

2 Feb THE CRUCIBLE National Theatre. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7pm, 01743 281281.

4 Feb THE CRUCIBLE National Theatre. Market Theatre, Market St, Ledbury, 7pm, 07967 517125.

15 Feb THE BARBER OF SEVILLE Royal Opera House. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7pm, 01885 488575. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7pm, 07967 517125. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7pm, 01600 719401. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7pm, 01584 811442.

16 Feb THE BARBER OF SEVILLE Royal Opera House. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.15pm, 01584 878141.

19 Feb THE BARBER OF SEVILLE Royal Opera House. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 2pm, 01982 552555. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 2pm, 01588 630321.

23 Feb OTHELLO National Theatre. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7pm, 01600 719401. Tenbury Wells, 7pm, 01584 811442. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7pm, 01584 878141.

28 Feb OTHELLO National Theatre. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7pm, 01885 488575.

2 March OTHELLO National Theatre. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7pm, 01982 552555. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7pm, 01588 630321.

WORKSHOPS

Every Tuesday

YOUTH CAFE

A safe place where young people can meet and share creative activites including music, drama and films. For ages 8-16 years, free. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 01743 234970

Wednesdays

FILM MAKING CLUB

The Courtyard, Hereford, 5.15pm & 6.45pm, £73 per term, 01432 340555.

The Barber of Seville

Othello

Petit Maman

Spirit of the Dance

Fri 24 Feburary

BALKAN

CEILIDH

With live band Bellamonda. Dances are taught and led by Rosa James and you don’t need a partner. The Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £7, www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Sun 26 February

MORRIS DANCING WORKSHOP

With Martha Rhoden’s Tuppeny Dish & Shropshire Bedlams. Exciting, vigourous and dynamic. The Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, 12pm-2pm, free, donations invited. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

COURTYARD, HEREFORD CLASSES

Dance Performance

Mon 6 & Tues 7 February

WINTER DANCE

SHREWSBURY HIGH SCHOOL. A showcase of different styles and genres from contemporary to classical ballet. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £12, 01743 281281.

Sun 12 February

GIOVANNI PERNICE: MADE IN ITALY

Joined by some of the best dancers and singers from the ballroom and theatre. This Italian themed show features incredible sound track, choreography and costumes. For ages 8+. The Courtyard, Hereford, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Sat 18 February

SPIRIT OF THE DANCE

The blockbuster hit show is Irish in origin and bursting with raw energy. The Courtyard, Hereford, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Tues 28 February

TAP FACTORY

High-energy dance, explosive percussion and aweinspiring acrobatics collide in dazzling fusion of live music and choreography. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £27.50, 01743 281281.

Dance Workshops

Single, dated listings are free. Year round entries £40.

Tues 7 February

THE COURTYARD’S SPECTACULAR TEA DANCE

This fun and nostalgic dementia friendly event full of music, tea, cakes and dancing. The Courtyard, Hereford, 2pm, £4, accompanying carers free, 01432 340555.

Sat 25 February

STICKY WICKET SWING DANCE NIGHT

Seven-piece band of musicians with vocalist plus some Jive and Rock ‘n’ Roll dance lessons. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £15, students £8, www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Adult Classes. Mon - Contemporary Dance with LG Dance, 6.30pm, £21 per month, £8 drop in, www.lauragale.co.uk. Tues - Street Jazz with LG Dance, 7.15pm, £21 per month, £8 drop in, www.lauragale.co.uk Wed - Adult Irish Dance, 8pm, £60 for 10 week course, ludwigtheatrearts.com. Thurs - Silver Swans Adult Ballet, 1.30pm & 2.30pm, £6 per session, www.starlightcompany. co.uk Thurs - Adult Performance Class with LG Dance, 8pm, £48 for 6 weeks, £8 drop in, www.laruagale.co.uk Fri - Chance to Dance, 10.15pm, £6 per session. Junior Classes with LG Dance. Mon - Junior Contemporary, 4.30pm, £21 per month. Mon - Senior Contemporary, 5.30pm, £21 per month. Tues - Junior Street Jazz, 5.15pm, £21 per month. Tues - Senior Street Jazz, 6.15pm, £21 per month. Thurs - Mini Musicals, 5.30pm, £23 per month. Thurs - Junior Musical Theatre, 5.30pm, £23 per month. Thurs Senior Musical Theatre, 6.40pm, £28 per month, www.lauragale.co.uk Wed - Irish Dance with Ludwig Theatre Arts, Beginners (6+) 6pm, advanced 7pm, £5 per session. Fri - Dancing Tots for ages 2-4, 11.30pm, £4 per session. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

Giovanni Pernice: Made in Italy

LEARN 2 JIVE 50’S SWING STYLE CLASSES

Mon - Bartestree Village Hall, Hereford. Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton. Tues - Pembridge Village Hall. SaxonHall. Ludlow Assembly Rooms. Wed - Burford Village Hall, Tenbury Wells. Holy Trinity Parish Hall, Malvern. Lyppard HUB, Worcester. Thurs - Ledbury Dance Studio, Bye Street. Abberley Village Hall. SunEardisley Village Hall. For more information please e-mail info@coolmovesdance.co.uk Matt or Sarah on 01989 750354. www.coolmovesdance.co.uk Coolmoves Dance & Fitness for adults.

SHIMMY CENTRAL WITH ALANYA

Open Level Adult Belly Dance Classes. Bodenham Parish Hall, HR1 3LB. 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month, 1-3pm. Pay-as-you-go - please book by the previous Wednesday. For full information visit www.alanyabellydance.com or call Abbie on 07962 161081.

Fortnightly Saturdays CHORUS LINE

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 07943 417561. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays

MID WALES DANCE ACADEMY

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 07943 417561.

Tuesdays FOXWELP MORRIS

Why not try Morris dancing? We practice every Tues evening at 7.30pm in Moccas Village Hall from Sept to May. Mainly dances from the Cotswolds, but also some from the Welsh Borders. All sexes welcome, and ability to dance not necessary! Beginners welcome. Contact Paul 01497 821003 or Jed 07549 096291.

Wednesdays SOLO LATINO DANCE Parish Hall, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm. Mely 07837 169505. Wednesdays BIG FISH LITTLE FISH FOR MUMS & TOTS! Dance Centre, Llandrindod Wells, 2-3pm, £3 drop in, for tots aged 8 months+, 01597 824370.

Thursdays WILD WEST SALSA Left Bank Village, Bridge St, Hereford, 7.45pm, £6, students £5, social dance only £4, 01432 357753.

Thursdays JENNY PIPES MORRIS is a lively well established female Morris side looking for new dancers to join us, all abilities welcome including beginners. If you are a musician (male or female) looking to play for Morris dancing, then please join us and have some fun! We dance Cotswold and Border Morris, practicing on Thursday evenings at 7.30 at Stoke Prior Village Hall, Leominster, HR6 0LG. Contact Helen 07821 411236 or Rose 07815169566.

Fridays CHANCE TO DANCE For the over 50s. The Courtyard, Hereford, 10.15am, £4.50, 01432 340555.

Fridays DANCING TOTS For ages 2-4 years. Courtyard, Hereford, 11.30am, £4, 01432 340555.

Fortnightly Sunday HIGHFLYERS YOUTH DANCE COMPANY For ages 11-18 with disabilities or additional needs and their siblings. All welcome. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 2-4pm, 01743 234970 or email Rachel youthsidance@gmail.com

The Castle Inn, Knucklas

Knucklas, just west of Knighton was for many years the home of Supersprox, where I was a regular punter for the late, great Roger Maughling’s motorcycle drive prockets and as such holds a special place in my heart so it wasn’t entirely uncoincidental that I took my fellow biker, Miss Lucy there one freezing December night for what turned out to be an unexpectedly memorable meal. Another reason was because when dropping off copies of Broad Sheep at the Castle Inn, alongside more traditional pub grub the menu posted outside advertised a wide selection of Thai cuisine, quite a rarity in the Marches.

And once inside the tastefully bedecked stone and wood furnished bar we also learnt that it was a Whacky Wednesday, the Castle’s eminently resourceful gambit to attract midweek diners with a selection of mains and desserts, plus a pint of beer, for an astonishing £12.99. This being too good to be true for your penny-pinching scribe, I elected to choose yellow Thai curry with rice from that menu, forgoing a pint – though the Butty Bach was a real temptation – for a very agreeable Chilean Medoc whilst Miss Lucy chose an equally potable Merlot from the same country. She decided that this might ideally accompany the Pad Thai rice noodles with chicken, beansprouts, spring onions etc. from the main menu. Fortunately for me this was almost enough to feed two people and being no slouch in the noodle dept. herself, she proclaimed it top-notch, i.e. clearly freshly made and cooked along with the rest of the ingredients which were medium-hot but commendably subtle spice-wise.

My Whacky Wednesday yellow chicken curry was, quite understandably of more modest proportions but the broth, equally well seasoned, and the sliced carrots, potatoes and onions it embraced cooked just-so rather than stewed. After a perfectly acceptable 15 mins wait for it to hit our table, all of the aforegoing was clear evidence that this was not the sort of micro-waved slop too often the recourse of Asian cuisine served outside of, well, Asia and was indeed the work of an actual Thai chef, Mrs Ying, who is also the Castle’s owner. I should add that whilst waiting for our mains we shared an ample portion of plump and crispy – but definitely not brittle – wonton filled with beautifully moist and spicy minced pork served with a small but almost unbelievably fresh shredded salad.

Even though tempted by the ice cream toppings, I abandoned the £12.99 menu and shared Miss Lucy’s

Banoffee Pie which as a bit of a connoisseur myself, I must say was a small triumph with its suitably chewy base –that’s a technical term for crusty exterior with a crunchy, cinnamon-flavoured interior – topped with plenty of bananas, whipped cream and abundantly drizzled with honey.

After our extremely toothsome, high value meal we sat in the main bar nursing coffees and in Miss Lucy’s case –she was just riding shotgun after all – a brandy, where a well-attended pub quiz sorely tested our knowledge of Christmas reindeer and Tchaikowsky operas – all-in-all a great evening.

https://www.castleinnknucklas.com/ 01547 528150

The Great Oak Café, Llanidloes

Lanidloes is yet another stop on Broad Sheep’s distribution round and one offering a welcome lunch on the hoof. Like many such establishments postpandemic, plated meals have diminished in range here but this has been more than made up for by an assortment of extremely generously-filled wholemeal, sourdough, ciabatta or focaccia sandwiches, and by ‘assortment’ I’m talking a massive selection of mixed bean, vegetable and cheese fillings, sourced locally wherever possible and obviously prepared freshly every day. For those in less of a hurry there are filled jacket spuds, vegan burgers and sausages, quiches, soups and on my last visit a root veg and butterbean hotpot which at £9.75 with a large salad seemed like great value but a bit tricky to eat whilst playing delivery boy.

Another plus is the Great Oak’s surprisingly spacious dining area, friendly atmosphere and the children’s games, books and mags available to those not in a rush. But even for the rest of us, the freshly ground coffee and wide selection of, yes, hippie teas are a takeaway boon.

Great Oak Café, Great Oak St., Llanidloes 01686 413211

Mr Pernickety regrets that he is still recovering from the wielding of a surgeon’s sabatier, but wishes all his readers a new year less beastly than the last one. He will be back on this page next month, and thanks Mark for stepping in during his absence.

Mark Williams

The Castle Inn, Knucklas

The Great Oak Cafe, Llanidloes

EVENTS

Mon 6 February POP-UP JAZZ IN BILL’S KITCHEN

Meal and music for just £25. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, 01584 877956. Please book.

Fri 10 February CRACK THE SAFE: BREAK MY HEART

A multi-part code cracking extravaganza, set during a plant based, three course meal. Solve the clues dotted through romantic novels hidden around the bookshelves. Bring your date, or come solo. Pot & Page, 8 New St, Ledbury, 7.30pm, please book, www.potandpage.co.uk

Fri 10 February LAMB SUPPER

A menu inspired by the Indian continent, (the menu concentrates on flavour rather than heat). Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 7pm, £22.50, booking essential, 01588 676060.

Mon 13 & Tues 14 February VALENTINES MENU

Plus free live cinema in the Apres Ski Bar. Oak Inn, Staplow, 6.30pm, 01531 640954.

Sun 19 February BEEFY BOYS & DIVINE DONUTS

Oak Inn, Staplow, from 4pm, eat in or takeaway, plus live music, 01531 640954.

Sat 25 February INDIAN THEMED FILM & FOOD EVENING

Film - ‘Lion’. Bedstone & Hopton Castle VH, food served 7pm, £15, bar, 01547 530282.

Every Saturday LUDLOW COUNTRY MARKET 9am-12pm at The Womens Centre, Ludlow. Local produce, handicrafts, plants & veg, cut flowers, cards.

First Saturday of every month (except August) FARMER’S MARKET Produce, craft, gifts, kitchen cafe open. Eaton Bishop Village Hall, 10am-12pm.

First Saturday of every month PRESTEIGNE LOCAL FOOD MARKET Memorial Hall Presteigne, 9am-1pm. The best collection of artisan food producers in the area.

2nd and 4th Saturday of every month KNIGHTON COMMUNITY MARKET Knighton Community Centre, 9.30am-12.30pm, 07751 221487.

3rd Saturday of every month FARMER’S MARKET Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 9am-1pm, 01588 630023, www.bishopscastletownhall.co.uk

2nd Saturday of every month LEOMINSTER FARMER’S MARKET Corn Square, 9am-1pm, 01568 797427.

Third Saturday of every month PRODUCE MARKET Hightown Community Rooms, Vicarage Rd. Clun, 10.00am - 12.00pm. 01588 641180.

Third Saturday of every month BURGERS, BYTES & BOARDGAMES

Table top games in good company, fast food and drinks on tap! Play in-house games or bring some of your own to share. Pot & Page, New St, Ledbury, 7.30pm, please book, www.potandpage.co.uk

Third Saturday of every month FARMER’S MARKET Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 9am-1pm, 01588 630023.

Every Monday HEREFORD LEFT BANK Half price on all food and drinks from 5-7pm. Coffee House (overlooking the river), Left Bank Village, Hereford, www.theleftbankvillage.co.uk

First Thursday EVENING FARMER’S MARKET The Barn, Ledbury, HR8 1EA, 6-8pm. www.ledburyfoodgroup.org

Every Thursday MONTGOMERY TOWN MARKET

Regular stalls on the lower floor. First Thurs of the month, using both floors with community cafe. Open 9am-3pm, www.montgomery-wales.co.uk/market 07790 100462.

Every Thursday HAY MARKET DAY Local produce, meat and fish, hot food, artisan bread, cakes, crafts, vintage, plants. Memorial Square and Clock Tower, Hay-on-Wye, 9am-2.30pm, www.haymarkets.co.uk

Every 2nd & 4th Thursday LUDLOW LOCAL PRODUCE MARKET Castle Square, 9am-2pm, 01584 872043.

Every Friday KINGTON PRODUCE/CRAFTS MARKET Market Hall, Kington, 9am-1pm, 07867 483135.

Every Friday & Saturday from 5pm STEAK NIGHTS Floodgates Restaurant & Bar, Left Bank Village, Hereford, www.theleftbankvillage.co.uk

First Friday of the month BOOKCLUB DINNERS Join Katie and the bookworms for an evening of literary

FOOD BYTES

Why not advertise? Only £40 per year.

AARDVARK BOOKS LTD, THE BOOKERY, MANOR FARM, BRAMPTON BRYAN, BUCKNELL 01547 530888 Cafe serving refreshments, cakes etc. Tuesday - Sunday 10am-4pm and Bank Holiday Mondays.

THE GREEN BEAN CAFE, WEOBLEY 01544 318865 Good, locally sourced, homemade food. Soups, all day light lunches, cakes and scones. Set in the heart of Weobley. Free wifi. Tues-Sat 9.30am-3pm. With The Green Bean Shop/Deli under the same roof.

THE ORGASMIC CIDER COMPANY, GREAT PARTON, EARDISLEY, HEREFORDSHIRE, HR3 6NX 01544 327244 or 07773 037448 Craft cider and perry off licence and gift shop with local products. Open Friday and Saturday 12 to 5pm. Group tours available.

PLANTASTIK cic, 15 WEST ST, LEOMINSTER is closed now but has morphed into NORI’S CAFE. Vegetarian and vegan food from your old friend. Open Thursday 11-3, Fridays and Saturdays 10-4 ffi: noriscafe@yahoo.com

RHOS MARKET GARDEN, KNIGHTON 01547 528315 Growers & providers of organic veg, fruit & flowers. Eco cleaning products & refills. Large range of groceries & wholefoods. The Old Garage Shop Knighton LD7 1EN. Wed. - Fri. 9 - 4, Sat. 10 - 2. Free parking. Thursday morning market stall in Presteigne. Local deliveries of veg. boxes. info@rhosorganic.co.uk www.rhosorganic.co.uk

THE WORKHOUSE CAFE, INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, PRESTEIGNE 01544 267864 Cafe, gallery, light lunches, good coffee, homemade cakes. Wed-Sat 10am - 4pm.

FEBRUARY

Wed 1 February

DANIEL DAVIES

Cello in the gallery. Part of of Warm Welcome. Oriel Davies Gallery, The Park, Newtown, 01686 625041.

ACOUSTIC SESSION

Monkland Arms, Monkland, near Leominster.

GABBA GABBA HEY!

Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 8.30pm, www.albertsshed.co.uk

BRECON FOLK AND MORE CLUB

The Muse, Old Museum, Glamorgan St, Brecon, 7.30pm, 07791 654799.

THE BUG CLUB

Plus support. The Lost Arc, Rhayader, 7.30pm, £8, 01597 811226, www.thelostarc.co.uk

Thurs 2 February

ALMELEY STEADY SESSION

The Bells Inn, Almeley, www.almeleysteadysession.wordpress.

com

BARRY STEELE & FRIENDS

The production will take you on a musical journey in time, as ‘The Roy Orbison Story’ puts a contemporary twist on The Big O’s back catalogue. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, 01584 811442.

LOST IN MUSIC

Recreating the magical 70s. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £30/£28, 01743 281281.

MADE IN TENNESSEE

Country fans are given a taste of Nashville with Soul Street Productions’ brand new show. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, £25, 01873 850805.

Fri 3 February

THE HISTORY OF SOUL Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, £25, 01873 850805.

CONCERTS IN THE ROUND

A free lunch-hour concert. St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, 12.30pm.

KATHRYN ROBERTS AND SEAN LAKEMAN

One of the most popular and respected acts on the British folk scene. St Leonard’s Church, Yarpole, 7.30pm, £12/£6/£30, 01568 780849. Arts Alive.

SOUND EELS

The Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

JON BODEN & THE REMNANT KINGS

Traditional folk artists, but one whose repertoire extends far beyond the boundaries of the genre. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 8pm, 01584 811442.

BORN NEXT DOOR + HAZE + ADAM OLDS

Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, www.albertsshed.co.uk

MONMOUTH BIG BAND

Bring their mixture of swing and jazz. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 8pm, £10/£8, 01600 772467.

Sat 4 February

CAPTAIN ACCIDENT & THE DISASTERS

Plus support. The Lost Arc, Rhayader, 7.30pm, £8, 01597 811226, www.thelostarc.co.uk

PERCY FOULEX

The Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

THE CLASSIC ROCK SHOW

Anthem after anthem, the ulitmate live jukebox! Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £46.50-£31.50, 01743 281281.

THE PLAGUE DOCTORS CURE ALL Proggy jazz band. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £10 in advance, £12.50 on the door, 01497 821762.

MARTIN KEMP

The Ultimate Back to the 80’s DJ set presented by Magic Disco. The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 8pm, 18+, 07498 966606, www.thebuttermarket.co.uk

KATHRYN ROBERTS AND SEAN

LAKEMAN

One of the most popular and respected acts on the British folk scene. Welshampton Parish Hall, 7.30pm, £12/£6/£30, 01948 710586. Arts Alive.

SOLAR MOHICANS

Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, www.albertsshed.co.uk

THE BIRMINGHAM BLUES BROTHERS

Featuring all the hits. The Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, 8.30pm, £12, www.theleftbankvillage.co.uk

THE HISTORY OF SOUL

A celebration of soul music through the decades. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, £25, 01873 850805.

Sun 5 February

THE CLASSIC ROCK SHOW

Anthem after anthem, the ulitmate live jukebox! Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £46.50-£31.50, 01743 281281.

CHORAL EVENSONG

Leominster Priory, 4.30pm.

HEREFORD JAZZ

Featuring The Chase Jazz Band. Richmond Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 276304.

QUIZ NIGHT

Teams up 6 people, prizes, raffle, drinks from the bar. Radnor Arms Hotel, New Radnor, 7pm, £2 per person, all proceeds to the Radnor Appeal.

ANDY CUTTING

Outstanding melodion practitioner and winner of BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Best Musician 2008, 2011 & 2016. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 7.45pm, £14, 01743 234970.

CHARITY QUIZ NIGHT

Oak Inn, Staplow, 7pm, 01531 640954.

KATHRYN ROBERTS AND SEAN

LAKEMAN

One of the most popular and respected acts on the British folk scene. Harley Village Hall, £12, 01952 510422. Arts Alive.

Mon 6 February

CIDER CITY JAZZMEN

The Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford.

BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB

Brimfield Village Hall, 7.30pm, 01584 711480. Please bring your own drinks/glasses.

CHARITY QUIZ NIGHT

The Oak Inn, Staplow, 7pm, 01531 640954.

POP-UP JAZZ

In Bill’s Kitchen. Get a delicious meal and some great music, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, £25, 01584 877956.

Tues 7 February

LUKE JACKSON

Folk singer-songwriter. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 340555.

MAX BOYCE

Legendary Welsh entertainer will be performing some of his famous songs. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 01873 850805.

Wed 8 February

SHARON SHANNON TRIO

Irish accordionist. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £23.50, 01743 281281.

JARUALDA QUARTET

Programme includes Beethoven, Henley and Ravel. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, 01584 878141.

Thurs 9 February

WOMEN IN JAZZ

The Borough Theatre & Black Mountain Jazz present The Evolution of Women in Jazz in Wales featuring an all-female line up of jazz musicians from Wales. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, £18/£15/£8, 01873 850805.

Fri 10 February

CONCERTS IN THE ROUND

A free lunch-hour concert. St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, 12.30pm.

Andy Cutting

Fri 10 February

EIGHTY EIGHT MILES + EMPIRE OF LIGHTS + KOTONIC

Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, www.albertsshed.co.uk

VALENTINE’S ALE MASSACRE

Friday Night Comedy Club, 7.30pm, £15, free entry during the day, 11am-6pm, 20+ beers and street food. Ludlow Brewery, 01584 873291.

BROMYARD FOLK AT THE FALCON

Featuring Kim Lowings and the Greenword perform their songs with a contemporary twist. Support is from Joe Bayliss, a prolific singer songwriter, combining soulful, poetic lyrics. Falcon Mews, Bromyard, 7.30pm, £10 from the Falcon Hotel or 07726 462220.

AN EVENING OF ADELE

Starring Natalie Black and her full band. The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 8pm, 07498 966606, www.thebuttermarket.co.uk

OPEN MIC

Hosted by Mark Richards. Hundred House Inn, Purlsow, Craven Arms, 8pm, please email your slot markianrichards@hotmail.com

DELYTH JENKINS

Harp in the gallery. Part of of Warm Welcome. Oriel Davies Gallery, The Park, Newtown, 01686 625041.

GENESIS CONNECTED

Celebrating the greatest hits of Genesis. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Sat 11 February

VALENTINES WITH ELVIS 2023

Keith Davies and his own ‘Memphis Mafia’ return with their tribute to ‘The King’. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, £15/£12, 01873 850805.

SKITTLES ROLL UP

£5 per pair, one male, one female, winner takes the money. Vaga, Hereford, 7pm.

BONGO’S BINGO + AFTER PARTY

Flamingo Cocktail, 4pm, Bongo Bingo 5pm, snack food 5-7pm, Singalong After Party 10.15pm, for ages 18+. The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 8pm, 18+, 07498 966606, www.thebuttermarket.co.uk

HATS OFF TO LED ZEPPELIN Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £21, 01743 281281.

MUSIC IN NEW RADNOR

Featuring Adam Khan and Clarissa Payne, music for guitar and flute. Programme includes Schubert, Ravi Shankar, Stephen Goss, Elisabeth-Claude Jacquet de la Guerre, Chiqinha Gonzaga, Libby Larsen, Katherine Hoover and JS Bach. New Radnor Community Hall, 7.30pm, £15, children under 14 £3, wine and soft drinks available, bring your own snacks, 01544 350268.

AFTERNOON MUSIC

A short concert played on the Father Willis organ. Hereford Cathedral, 3.15pm, free with retiring collection.

THE ENDINGS

Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, www.albertsshed.co.uk

VALENTINE’S ALE MASSACRE

Live music with Blind Lemon, 80s night, fancy dress, 7.30pm, £10, free entry during the day, 10am-6pm, 20+ beers and street food. Ludlow Brewery, 01584 873291.

MUCH ADO ABOUT JAZZ

A show for people who like jazz as well as those who think they don’t! For ages 12+. Chelmarsh Parish Hall, 7.30pm, £14/£8 including refreshment, 01746 862850. Arts Alive.

MAN OF THE WORLD: THE MUSIC OF PETER GREEN

The founder member of Fleetwood Mac. With guitarist Remi Harris, vocalist Dave Small, bassist Tom Moore and Shane Dixon on drums. The Speakeasy, Left Bank Village, Bridge St, Hereford, 8pm, £15, www.theleftbankvillage.co.uk

ELIZA CARTHY & THE RESTITUTION

Watson Hall, Tewkesbury, GL20 5PX, www.versatilearts.co.uk

BC/DC

Supported by The Bad Dogs. Hafan yr Afon, Back Lane, Newtown, 7.30pm, £10, licensed bar, 01686 880777. Charity gig in aid of Dementia Friendly Newtown.

ROSS MACMILLAN

Candlelit piano recital with popular music by Ludovico Einaudi. St Mary’s Church, Ross-on-Wye, 7.30pm, £10 from www.ticketsource.co.uk or at the door.

SHREWSBURY JAZZ NETWORK

Featuring Let Spin, an egalitarian fourpiece - alto, bass, guitar and drums. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, £23, under 22 £12, 01743 234970.

THE HEY YAHS

A 12-piece party band playing their trademark combination of medleys, mashups and lively theatrical performance. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, 01432 340555.

ABBA SENSATION

Tribute band. Market Theatre, Market St, Ledbury, 8pm, £17, students £10, 07967 517125.

Sun 12 February

CORACLE BAND

EDDY GARTRY

BIG MAGIC DANCE BAND

Rock ‘n’ roll, blues and soul. Dance your winter blues away or just enjoy watching a live band. Clun Memorial Hall, 7.30pm, £10 in advance, £12 on the door, tickets from Bright Flowers, SPAR, The Maltings and The White Horse, Clun, 01588 640109.

WATER MELON CHRONICLES

The Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

Folk music evening featuring Paul Hutchinson, Karen Wimhurt and Anna Tam. Hay Castle, Hay-on-Wye. Preordered dinner available 6.30-7.30pm, concert 7.30pm, seated £15, standing £12, www.haycastletrust.org

CHORAL EVENSONG

Ross Parish Church, 6pm.

FOREVER IN BLUE JEANS

Country music and rock ‘n’ roll party return to perform their farewell tour. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £25, 01743 281281.

Let Spin, Shrewsbury Jazz Network

VALENTINE’S ALE MASSACRE

Free entry during the day, 12pm-5pm, 20+ beers and street food. Ludlow Brewery, 01584 873291.

MAN OF THE WORLD: THE MUSIC OF PETER GREEN

The founder member of Fleetwood Mac. With guitarist Remi Harris, vocalist Dave Small, bassist Tom Moore and Shane Dixon on drums. The Speakeasy, Left Bank Village, Bridge St, Hereford, 12pm, £15, www.theleftbankvillage. co.uk

CORACLE BAND

See above for details. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 12pm, miday refreshments available, £12.50, 01588 630023, www.ticketsource.co.uk/bcth

Wed 15 February

AMERICANA SESSION

Monkland Arms, Monkland, near Leominster.

ESCAPE ROOM

It is 1890, you have been accused of embezzling money from the Vicars Choral funds and have been shut in the Old Chapel until the police arrrive. You have one hour to crack the code! Hereford Cathedral, sessions cost £60 and are suitable for up to six people. Booking essential, www.herefordcathedral.org

Fri 17 February

LITTLE

RUMBA

Silvester Horne Institute, High St, Church Stretton, 7.30pm, £12, under 18s £6, tickets from The Outdoor Depot or Town Council Offices in Church Stretton.

S4TW DUO

The Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

OPEN MIC AND JAM

Hosted by Mark Richards. The Rose & Crown, Ludlow, 8pm, please email your slot markianrichards@hotmail.com

KICKBACK

Featuring Endings, a five-piece band creating a mixture of Celtic folk/punk/ rock with an Irish flavour. With support from The Dustbirds, a local Americana folk group. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, 01584 878141.

ESCAPE ROOM

It is 1890, you have been accused of embezzling money from the Vicars Choral funds and have been shut in the Old Chapel until the police arrrive. You have one hour to crack the code! Hereford Cathedral, sessions cost £60 and are suitable for up to six people. Booking essential, www.herefordcathedral.org

CLOUDBUSTING

The music of Kate Bush, live. The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 6.30pm, 07498 966606, www.thebuttermarket.co.uk

DOGHOUSE DERELICTS + OLD GLORY & THE BLACK RIVIERA

Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, www.albertsshed.co.uk

CONCERTS IN THE ROUND

A free lunch-hour concert. St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, 12.30pm.

Sat 18 February

ULTIMATE

CLASSIC ROCK SHOW

Relive the biggest rock classic anthems performed live by the best rock tribute show the UK has to offer. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £23, 01874 611622.

THE REVIEW

Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, www.albertsshed.co.uk

WHITESNAKE UK

Tribute band. The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, 18+, 07498 966606, www.thebuttermarket. co.uk

SOLAR MOHICANS

The Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

MID WALES R AND B CLUB

Featuring Trevor Babajack Steger plus Becky the Bullet. The Muse, Glamorgan St, Brecon, 7.30pm, £10, www.midwalesrandb.club

ESCAPE ROOM

It is 1890, you have been accused of embezzling money from the Vicars Choral funds and have been shut in the Old Chapel until the police arrrive. You have one hour to crack the code! Hereford Cathedral, sessions cost £60 and are suitable for up to six people. Booking essential, www.herefordcathedral.org

THE JEREMIAHS

Irish folk band. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, 01584 878141.

CLUN VALLEY JAZZ

Featuring Quentin Collins Five Way Split Quintet. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 8pm, £23, email clunvalleyjazz@gmail.com or 07768 504322.

CATCH 22

The Vaga, Hereford, 8.30pm.

LONDON HANDEL PLAYERS

‘Barbaric Beauty’. Music by Lully, Rameau, Telemann, Vivaldi, Corelli, Scarlatti, Purcell and more. Featuring Flute/recorder, two violins, viola, cello and harpsichord. Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, near Ledbury, 5pm, £20, free to those in full-time education, 01531 660501, 01432 340555. www.hellensmanor.com/events

WITTY DITTIES WITH GREEN & MATTHEWS

Chris Green (piano, guitar, accordion) and Sophie Matthews (early woodwind, flute, saxophone) bring four centuries of chromatic comedy, from bawdy ballards to sixties satire. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £14, students £8, 07967 517125.

Sun 19 February

THE SOUND OF SPRINGSTEEN

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £28, 01743 281281.

FOLK AND STEP SESSION

Monkland Arms, Monkland, near Leominster.

LIVE MUSIC

Featuring 80’s classics. Plus Beefy Boys & Divine Donuts street food stalls from 4-8pm, eat in or takeaway. Oak Inn, Staplow, 01531 640954.

LONDON HANDEL PLAYERS

‘Pearls of Baroque’. Extracts from ‘Julius Caesar’ and a trio sonata by Handel, a Bach flute sonata and music by Telemann, Marais and Leclair. Featuring flute, violin, cello and harpsichord. Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, near Ledbury, 3pm, £20, free fo anyone in full-time education, 01531 660501. www.hellensmanor.com/events

Mon 20 February

HITS OF MOWTOWN

Original Drifters member Roy G Hemming brings together the sound of three iconic Mowtown labels. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £24.50, 01743 281281.

Tues 21 February

ALL OR NOTHING

The story of Mod band The Small Faces. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £25, 01743 281281.

Wed 22 February

OPEN MIC

Hosted by Val and Keith, all types of music welcome. Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, 8.30pm, free, www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

KITCHEN ISLAND BAND

Noris Cafe, West St, Leominster, £25 with meal, please book in advance, noriscafe@yahoo.com or phone 01584 831386.

ALL OR NOTHING

The story of iconic Mod band The Small Faces, told through their electrifying music. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £25, 01743 281281.

Thurs 23 February

MIKE PLUNKETT

Piano recital. The Methodist Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 12.30pm, free, donations. Part of Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

THE HELLFLOWERS + ARMY OF SKANKS

Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 8.30pm, www.albertsshed.co.uk

RAPSQUILLION & FRIENDS

Traditional music, based on well-crafted harmonies. The Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £10, www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

QUIZ

The Balance Inn, Luston, 8pm, £2 with all proceeds going to a different charity each month. Every team gets a free homemade pizza. Plus raffle and ‘Play Your Cards Right’ with cash prize. 01568 616801.

Fri 24 Feburary

BRONWEN LEWIS

Blending the Welsh language with popular songs. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £23.50, children £13.50, family £66, 01743 281281.

TONY & SILENT ROOM

The Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

CAPTAIN ACCIDENT AND THE DISASTERS

Reggae late night party. The Muse, Old Museum, Glamorgan St, Brecon, 8pm, 07791 654799.

WAX FUTURES + SAY LESS + TOO PISTE

Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, www.albertsshed.co.uk

BONGO’S

BINGO + AFTER PARTY

Flamingo Cocktail, 4pm, Bongo Bingo 5pm, snack food 5-7pm, Singalong After Party 10.15pm, for ages 18+.

The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 8pm, 18+, 07498 966606, www.thebuttermarket.co.uk

BALKAN CEILIDH

With live band Bellamonda. Dances are taught and led by Rosa James and you don’t need a partner. The Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £7, www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

JAZZ CONCERT

The Town Hall, 8pm, £10. Check www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com for details.

CONCERTS IN THE ROUND

A free lunch-hour concert. St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, 12.30pm.

Sat 25 February

SHREWSBURY CHORAL

Programme includes Rossini’s Stabat Mater and Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concert No. 2. Shrewsbury Abbey, 7.30pm, 01743 232236.

INTO THE SHADOWS

Playing all the early Shadows hits. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £20, 01743 281281.

BURNING HEAT

Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, www.albertsshed.co.uk

PERFECTLY GEORGE MICHAEL Rob Lamberti. The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 6pm, 07498 966606, www.thebuttermarket.co.uk

STICKY WICKET SWING DANCE NIGHT

7-piece band with vocalist Linda Morris. They perform well known tunes from the Swing era with some Jive and Rock ‘n’ Roll, plus a dance lesson. Local swing band Anything Goes will kick off the evening. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £15, students £8, www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

ROD 54

The Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

FAITH I BRANKO

Leading Serbian Roma violinist Branko Ristic, and a nimble-fingered English accordionist Faith Elliott perform virtuosic original Roma-influenced music. Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 8pm, £14, tickets from The Workhouse, Presteigne (cash only) or online www.wegottickets.com

ST DAVID’S DAY CONCERT

Featuring Brymbo Male Voice Choir, Rhos Orpheus Male Voice Choir, with Lisa Dafydd (soprano), Hefin Duo (harp and flute and compere Dilwyn Price. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £22, 01743 281281.

Bronwen Lewis

23RD ANNUAL RORKE’S DRIFT

CONCERT

Featuring musicians of Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force and are joined by mjusicians from all over the UK. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £12, 01874 611622.

Sun 26 February

GIGSPANNER BIG BAND

Fiddle player Peter Knight is joined by Edgelarks and John Spiers. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £27, 01743 281281.

CHORAL EVENSONG

Ross Parish Church, 6pm.

HAY MUSIC: WISDOMS

The Theorbo Today Project. Sparkling and thoughtful music, new and old for baroque instruments and voices. St Mary’s Church, Hay-on-Wye, 3pm, £17.50, under 25s £8.75, www.haymusic.org

BISHOP’S CASTLE ORCHESTRA

Traditional festival concert. The Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, 4-6pm, free, donations welcome. (Children will be allowed to be seen and heard). www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

ROACHFORD

Rock and soul artist. Supported by Acantha Lang. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, £25, VIP £49, 01743 281281.

CATRIN FINCH & AOIFE NI BHRIAIN Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, 01982 552555.

Tues 28 February

BLAZIN’ FIDDLES

Packing all the power, passion and sensitivity of Scotland’s traditional music. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £23, 01743 281281.

MARCH

Wed 1 March

BRECON FOLK AND MORE CLUB

The Muse, Old Museum, Glamorgan St, Brecon, 7.30pm, 07791 654799.

THE ELTON JOHN SHOW

From Rocket Man to Tiny Dancer, the Elton John Show brings ‘Young Elton’ back to the stage. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, 01874 611622.

Thurs 2 March

ALMELEY STEADY SESSION

The Bells Inn, Almeley, www.almeleysteadysession.wordpress. com

Fri 3 March

THE ELTON JOHN SHOW

Elton John tribute show. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, £20, 01873 850805.

BARRIOKE

Starring Shaun Williamson live. The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 7pm, 18+, 07498 966606, www.thebuttermarket.co.uk

GLYDERAU

An eclectic fusion of jazz, folk and rock compiled of all original compositions. Cletwr Cafe Tre’r-ddol, Machynlleth, 7pm, please book via the cafe, 01970 832113.

CONCERTS IN THE ROUND

A free lunch-hour concert. St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, 12.30pm.

ZION TRAIN + DJ NUTZO

Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 8pm, www.albertsshed.co.uk

BRONWEN LEWIS

‘More from the Living Room Tour’. Performing her much-loved covers from traditional Welsh classics all the way through to current hits. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £22, family £60, under 14s £12, 01600 719401.

Sat 4 March

VERY SANTANA

The ultimate celebration of Carlos Santana. The Albert Hall, Llandrindod Wells, 7.30pm, 0300 102 4255, www.thealberthall.co.uk

KINGS OF LYON

Tribute band. Pavilion Mid Wales, Llandrindod Wells, £12, 01597 258118, www.pavilionmidwales.org.uk

ALIVE AND BREL

A cabaret revue of the finest songs of Jacques Brel. Bosbury Parish Hall, 7pm, £15 (includes complimentary drink), refreshments available, donations invited, 01531 670634. In aid of Holy Trinity Church, Bosbury.

VU

A tribute to Lou Reed and The Velvet Underground. Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm, www.albertsshed. co.uk

BUILTH MALE VOICE CHOIR

St David’s Day Concert with Dylan Cernyw, award winning and internationally renowned harpist. Builth Wells Sports Hall, 7.30pm, £10 on the door, www.WeGotTickets.com or 01982 552922.

HELLS BELLS

AC/DC tribute show. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £19/£15, 01600 719401.

Sun 5 March

CHORAL EVENSONG

Leominster Priory, 4.30pm.

CHARITY QUIZ NIGHT Oak Inn, Staplow, 7pm, 01531 640954.

GRAFFITI CLASSICS

Comedy cabaret string quartet Graffiti Classics bursts the elitist boundaries with its hilarious all-singing, all dancing musical comedy show. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 2pm, £40-£8, 01588 630321.

HEREFORD JAZZ

Featuring The Tudor Rhythm Kings. Richmond Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 276304.

Mon 6 March

CIDER CITY JAZZMEN

The Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford.

BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB

Brimfield Village Hall, 7.30pm, 01584 711480. Please bring your own drinks/glasses.

Music Workshops

Sat 4 February & Sat 4 March

SATURDAY COFFEE SESSIONS

Enjoy the unique sound of fiddles in harmony. A blend of sociable ensemble playing, together with expert guidance on style, technique and musicality. Traditional tunes from the British Isles and beyond, all arranged with beautiful and original harmony parts especially composed for folk fiddle players. Tutor Kitty Greenwood Fee £16. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 10.20am-12.45pm. www.kittygreenwoodmusic.com/services

Blazin’ Fiddles

SINGING WORKSHOP WITH RAPSQUILLION

No experience needed. The aim is to get participants making a lovely sound as quickly as possible! The Methodist Hall, 10.30am-12.30pm, free, donations welcome. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Sat 25 February

AFRICA TO THE AMERICAS - DRUMMING WORKSHOP

With Peta Piper, Sticky Wicket & Peter Welch. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, £8 adults, students £5, family £20, www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Sunday 26 February

SHROPSHIRE HARMONY QUIRE

We sing and play mainly West Gallery music, which is energetic, rousing, no-nonsense stuff that is great fun to perform. It is what you would have heard in rural parish churches in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Led by Andy Watts. FREE for newcomers! Instrumentalists (typically flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, violin and cello) are particularly welcome. Lydbury North Village Hall, 2-5 pm. Enquiries: trevorchalkley@gmail.com 2023

BRASS & WOODWIND REPAIR COURSES

3 - 7 April - Brass Repair (foundation), £1118.00. 10 - 15 April - Woodwind Repair (foundation), with Richard Hamer, £1318.00. 20 & 21 May - Just Trombone Slides - slide repair and re-alignment, £596.00. 29 May - 2 JuneSaxophones Galore! Advanced and general repairs with Richard Hamer and John Pratt, £1378.00. Trevor Head, Llangunllo, 07971 083089, email trevorhead@btinternet. com

Mondays CRAVEN ARMS MALE VOICE CHOIR All ages welcome singing a broad repertoire of traditional and modern songs. Practice at The Craven Arms Community Centre, 7.30pm. Martin on 01694 722500.

Mondays, term time only LIVE WIRE MUSIC MONDAYS You will have the opportunity to play songs with other musicians who are just starting out and grow alongside them as the weeks progress. You can explore creating your own musical parts all the way from a riff to a whole song. We will rehearse suitable covers where you should never feel out of your depth. Ages 11-21. Close House, Hereford, 4-6pm. Email lisa@encore-enterprises.com

Mondays ALIVE & KICKIN’ CHOIR Old Muse, Glamorgan St, Brecon, 7-9pm, £5, tanyawalkermusic@hotmail.com

Monday BRECON TOWN BAND REHEARSALS Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7pm, 07779 390954.

Monday BANDAMANIA Bright and breezy traditional and original music.Assembly Rooms, Presteigne. Mondays at 7.30pm, Sue Harris 01547 550158

Monday (from Sept) GARRICK SINGERS For over 55s, no prior experience of singing. The Courtyard, Hereford, 2-3.30pm, £5 per session, lisa@encore-enterprises.com.

Tuesday DOLAU MIXTURES Mixed choir. Dolau Community Hall, Llandrindod Wells, 8pm, 01597 851427.

Tuesday LUNCHTIME UPLIFT SINGING SESSIONS

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 12pm, 07723 016837.

Tuesdays SAMBA BRECON Sue on 07792 165481 or Gill on 01497 821631. 7-9pm, VH, near Brecon.

Tuesday LEOMINSTER COMMUNITY CHOIR During Liv’s maternity leave our leader is Hannes Kaiser. He has a Steiner background and is drawingbeautiful harmonies from the choir. Come and have a inspiring sing -7.15 - 8.45 at Leominster Community Centre ffi 01568 369074.

Tuesdays term time only LIVEWIRE SESSIONS The Castle Green Pavilion, 5:30 - 7:30pm. A drop-in for anybody interested in music. Whether you’ve never picked up an instrument before or you’re a grade 8, classically trained or not, we invite you to flex your musical muscles. In these sessions you can explore different song & lyric writing methods, an original take on covers, music production, rap, band development & recording. Ages 11-21. Information email lisa@encore-enterprises.com

Tuesday WHITTON VOICES Mixed community choir. Traditional, world and original songs. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 7.30pm. Call Sue Harris 01547 550158.

Wednesday ROCKSPRING COMMUNITY CHOIR Rockspring Community Centre, Ludlow. 01584 529053. Wednesdays (online session only) SINGING FOR LUNG HEALTH GROUP Specifically for people who suffer from progressive lung diseases, these sessions help you breathe better, reduce stress and have fun. 11am, email lisa@ encore-enterprises.com for information.

Wednesdays CASTLE VOICES Community choir, songs from around the globe. Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 7pm. Sue Harris 01547 550158.

Wednesday LUDLOW LARKS COMMUNITY CHOIR Led by Polly Bolton. Songs from around the world. Ludlow Women’s Centre, 7.30pm-9pm. 01584 823604 or info@oak-barn.co.uk or www.jollypages.co.uk/larks

Thursday EDGE CHAMBER CHOIR Auditioned chamber choir led by Ros Crouch. Friends Meeting House, Ludlow, 7.30-9.30pm. 01584 841053 or ros.crouch@gmail.com

Thursday CLUN SINGERS Informal community choir, traditional and original songs taught by ear. 10am in High Town Hall, Clun. Sue Harris 01547 550158.

Thursday BELLA A CAPPELLA All-female 4-part close harmony singing group. Oscars, Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.15-9.45pm, email aimoevo@hotmail.co.uk

Thursday CANTORION LLANDRINDOD A non auditioned mixed voice choir early and classical music. Rehearsals currently in Holy Trinity Church Llandrindod Wells. 7.30pm-9.15pm.www.cantorion-llandrindod.org 01597 810601

Thursday PRESTEIGNE POP CHOIR Contact John Hymas for details: 07969 440183, john@johnhymas.com

First Thursdays BLACK HILL TUNE CLUB 2pm at the Crown Inn Longtown. Free. 01432 263495.

Every Friday WELLSPRINGS Song-writing course, open to anyone over 18 who would like to improve their mental wellbeing. For more information email lisa@encore-enterprises.com

Friday LITTLE HEREFORD VOICES COMMUNITY CHOIR

We are a non-audition choir formed 12 years ago with 25+ mixed voices. Rehearsing at Little Hereford Village Hall, 7.30pm- 9.15pm. Subscriptions £3.50 per session paid termly, first trial session free. Broad repertoire (usually 3 & 4 parts) – all welcome. Info: term dates etc: lhvoices.wix.com/ home Facebook: @LittleHerefordVoices

Friday BUZZY BEATS! A fun music filled morning for the under 5s. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 10.30am-11.30am, £7, 01743 234970.

Friday CRAVEN ARMS SAMBA CIRCLE Craven Arms Community Centre.10.30 a.m - 11.45 a.m. regularly during term time with some holiday sessions. Join our friendly group to learn traditional djembe rhythms from Africa and samba rhythms from Brazil - Adults £5 (children accompanying their parents can join in with holiday sessions - £1, second child free). Enquiries carol@mkgriffs.plus.com

Friday FAMILY MUSIC MAKERS Fun sessions for parents and toddlers 12.30-2pm, £4 per adult and child pair, under 1s free. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

Sessions

First Saturday OPEN MIC Greyhound Inn, Llangunllo, 8.30pm, 01547 550400.

First Saturday FOLK & IRISH SESSION Harp Inn, Glasbury-on-Wye, 8.30pm, free, 01497 847373.

First Saturday of month PICKIN’ AT THE BIRD The Bird in Hand, Coton Hill, Shrewsbury, 01743 357484, 9pm.

3rd Saturday OPEN MUSIC SESSION The Castle Dinas, (formerly The Dragon’s Back), Pengenffordd, Talgarth, 01874 711353.

3rd Saturday OPEN MUSIC SESSION Harp Inn, Glasbury-on-Wye, 8.30pm, free, 01497 847373.

Every Sunday FOLK/ACOUSTIC SESSION The Crown & Anchor, Llanidloes, 8pm.

3rd Sunday IRISH SESSION Pandy Inn, Dorstone, 01981 550273.

3rd Sunday FOLK & STEP SESSION The Monkland Arms, 7.30pm, 01568 720510.

Last Sunday IRISH SESSION The Yard at Daphne’s, High St, Presteigne, 07377 909216.

Last Sunday OPEN MIC Volunteer Inn, Harold St, Hereford, 7.30pm, martinchapple1@gmail.com

Every Monday OPEN MIC NIGHT Bull Inn, Shrewsbury, 01743 344728.

First Monday of month OPEN MIC Bridges Inn, Ratlinghope, 01588 650260.

First Monday BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB 01584 711480 and the website at www.roger435.wixsite.com/brimfieldfolkclub

2nd Monday JAM SESSION The Barley Mow, Trefonen, 7.30pm, 07751 420796.

Every Tuesday PLAYING TOGETHER An interactive, intergenerational play session for older adults and pre-school children. The Courtyard, Hereford, 10.30am, 01432 340555.

Every Tuesday (term time only) LIVEWIRE Drop-in for anybody interested in music. For ages 11-21. The Castle Green Pavilion, Hereford, 5.30pm-7.30pm, details lisa@ encore-enterprises.com

Every Tuesday YOUTH CAFE

A safe place where young people can meet and share creative activites including music, drama and films. For ages 8-16 years, free. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 01743 234970.

Every Tuesday OPEN MIC King Charles II, Broad St, Ross-on-Wye, 8pm, 01989 219357.

Every Tuesday OPEN MIC The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 01497 821762.

Every Tuesday OPEN MIC Run by Moz, PA provided, all welcome. Castle Vaults, Shrewsbury.

Every Tuesday TUESDAY JAM SESSION The Falcon Hotel, Bromyard, 8-11pm, 01885 483034.

Every Wednesday MUSIC CAFE FOR ARMED FORCES VETERANS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA The Courtyard, Hereford, 11am-3pm, free, and £7.50, 01432 340555.

Every Wednesday ACOUSTIC NIGHT Baskerville Hall Hotel, near Hay-on-Wye, 8.30pm, 01497 820033.

Every Wednesday ACOUSTIC SESSION Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 8.45pm, 01531 632250.

1st and 3rd Wednesday DRAGON BAND 8-10.30pm, Montgomery Town Hall, Broad St., Montgomery, Free but £5 donation gratefully received. 07831 383636.

1st Wednesday HEREFORD BLUEGRASS SESSION The Old Brewery Bar, The Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford, 8pm.

2nd Wednesday ACOUSTIC SESSION The Red Lion, Llanidloes, 8.30pm.

2nd Wednesday AMERICANA SESSION Monkland Arms, Monkland, near Leominster, 01568 720510

2nd Wednesday MARTIN’S MUSIC Open mic from 7pm. Babar Cafe, Union St, Hereford, martinchapple1@gmail.com

2nd Wednesday OPEN MIC White Horse Inn, Clun, 8.30pm onwards. 01588 640305.

2nd & 4th Wednesday TELFORD ACOUSTIC CLUB The Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 9pm, 01952 610888.

3rd Wednesday MUSIC SESSION Beer In Hand, Eign St, Hereford, 07543 327548.

3rd Wednesday JAM SESSION The Unicorn, Oswestry, 7.30pm, 07751 420796.

Every Thursday & Friday A CLOCKWORK ORANGE TREE Open mic, 7pm. The Orange Tree, 16 King St, Hereford.

Every Thursday OPEN MIC Lupa Cocktail Bar, 37 Bewell St, Hereford, 7.30pm, lupahereford@gmail.com

Every Thursday OPEN MIC Bridge Inn, Michaelchurch Escley, 7-8pm, 01981 510646.

Every Thursday OPEN MUSIC SESSION Nat and Delia present Duke Joint Jam. Oxford Arms, Kington, 6.30pm, all welcome, 01544 230322.

Every Thursday SESSION Black Swan, Much Dewchurch, 01981 540295.

Last Thursday KINGTON FOLK Traditional folk club set-up, no guests, performers welcome. Back room of the Oxford Arms, Duke St, Kington, 7.30pm, free. email kingtonfolkclub@gmail.com

2nd Thursday OPEN MIC Hosted by Stevie Yeomans. Castle Inn, Knucklas, near Knighton, 8pm, 01547 528150.

2nd Thursday OPEN FOLK SESSION Horse & Jockey, Churchstoke, 8.30pm, all welcome, free, 01588 620060.

3rd Thursday FOLK SESSION Calling all folk musicians and enthusiasts. Sun Inn, Leintwardine, 7pm, 01547 540705.

3rd Thursday FOLK DOWN THE TRACK Castle Inn, Knucklas, 7pm, 01547 528223 or 01547 528150.

4th Thurs OPEN MIC The Barley Mow, Trefonen, 7.30pm, 07751 420796 to book your slot.

1st Friday ACOUSTIC SESSION The Monkland Arms, Monkland, near Leominster, 01568 720510.

1st Friday ACOUSTIC SESSION The Blue Boar, Mill St, Ludlow, 8:30pm. Contact: Ann Gray 01584 879 348.

3rd Friday OPEN MIC NIGHT The Herb Garden Community Cafe, Llandrindod Wells, 7.30pm, 01597 823082.

Last Friday OPEN MIC NIGHT With Mark from the Rhythm Thieves. Sun Inn, Leintwardine, 8.30pm, 01568 770134.

band directory

ADD A BAND - Real instrument backing to your own music. Perfect for singer songwriters etc. Studio near Newtown. www.addaband.co.uk, 07515 401635.

APPLEBY STONE Live acoustic duo/trio, guitar, flute, saxophones, voices, double bass, jazz, folk, R&B, pop, many originals, perfect for private and public events. applebystone.com 07979 542 449.

BAGPIPES Authentic Highland music for your formal event or gathering from international piper Keith Wellings. Keith is a former British diplomat bringing Scotland’s music to festivals, theatres, balls, weddings and funerals. Contact by phone 07580 389903, email keiththepiper@gmail.com facebook keith.wellings instagram keiththepiper

BANDAMANIA Community band playing wild and wonderful traditional music. Perfect for ceilidhs, parties and all sorts of local events. Sue Harris 01547 550158 sumarieharris@btinternet.com

BEST FOOT CEILIDH BAND The hottest dance band on the borders + caller. Available for weddings, barn dances and parties. Contact: 07969 440183 or john@johnhymas. com

THE CHICAGO SWING KATZ - New Orleans Blues to Chicago Swing. 6/7 Piece band playing foot-tapping, fun music that will make you feel happy. Weddings, Birthdays, Corporate events, Festivals, even funerals - but book well in advance for those! Traditional Jazz Trios, Quartets also available. email: chicagoswingkatz@aol.com, www.thechicagoswingkatz.co.uk, Jeff Matthews07831 383636

HOT CLIMATE Ultimate party band, best 6-piece line up ever. For top musical entertainment at your party/ wedding/festival or corporate function. Book now! New footage on www.hotclimate.co.uk. Contact Charlie 01568 613895 or mobile 07702 528088 anytime!

LITTLE RUMBA This is a band that will entertain and delight any audience that has its wits about it and has an ear for beautiful melodies infectious beats and songs that tell stories. From Winchcombe Live “Absolutely fantastic evening from you guys tonight. We had so many positive comments from the audience; very gratifying! Great musical talent, great humour, variety, and warmth of performance.” Contact Jacqui Savage 07966 943314 Email –jaxbass.xs@btinternet.com http://www.littlerumba.com

THE LUDLOW JAZZ COLLECTIVE Local Quartet/Quintet with singer if required, playing smooth sounds of well-known standards, Latin and blues. Available for all types of events and celebrations. Contact Paul Brooks 07980 822014. pppbrooks@gmail. com

MELOMANICS A wacky, Shropshire-based Duo with an amazingly dynamic sound, playing their eclectic and cosmopolitan repertoire with engaging humour and infectious energy (sustainable). Far more than just great music. And stilts if appropriate. Find out how much fun a ceilidh can be with Tim calling and playing. Ideal for parties, weddings, fund-raising events, festivals, shows, pubs, restaurants, etc. Scottish, Irish and French-themed specialities (Timoléon pour vos soirées francaises). For more info call Tim on 01743 719438, or Rich on 01743 718612. Email: tim@melomanics.co.uk Website: www.melomanics.co.uk

MODE-X Female fronted Party/function band, playing a diverse and up to date range of pop/rock by great artists/ bands like Blondie, Bonnie Raitt, PJ Harvey plus driving grooves from the post punk era like Elvis Costello, XTC, Martha & The Muffins etc. We can supply all the logistics to support and enhance your party/function. “Professional purveyors of punchy pop rock”. Sue 07397 188543.

NICK AND JANE – The Poptastic duo bring you the greatest hits of the 60’s, 70’s and more. Great harmonies and infectious enthusiasm to make your event a memorable success. Perfect for parties, pubs, festivals and weddings. Facebook @nickandjane email: nickandjaneH@gmail.com or call Jane on 07512 368433.

THE RAGTIME JUG ORCHESTRA A roots string-band (duo) recreating the sounds of the early 20th century America, playing a good-time mix of blues, skiffle and Americana music. We like to get audiences involved! Available for festival, events, parties, folk clubs, pubs and bars; performance presentations and workshops for all occasions too. Web: www.ragtimejug.co.uk Contact: John; 01594 861151. Email: info@ragtimejug.co.uk Facebook.com: ragtime jug orchestra.

RHYTHM THIEVES Funky, folky and fun. Firm favourites at festivals, pubs, parties and events around the Midlands and beyond, Rhythm Thieves are a lively must-see band who deliver an unforgettable and highly entertaining night out. “Full of fire and enthusiasm” Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2 “Great, super, lovely - our resident band” Genevieve Tudor. BBC Radio Midlands Folk Show. “If they don’t make you smile, you’re probably dead.” Wheaton Aston Folk Festival Tel: 01568 770 134, e-mail rhythmthieves@hotmail.com

THE ROTUNDAS are a pair of jolly chaps who sing and play contemporary versions of industrial and social folk songs from Birmingham and the Black Country. Listen on Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/therotundas and contact us at our Facebook page @TheRotundas or email therotundasband@gmail.com

SHRED BELLY Ludlow/Shropshire based acoustic duo, playing covers of popular ‘Dad’s Rock’ songs from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and more. Full band can also be available. All bookings and enquiries please contact: Kevin on 07873 426205 or Paul on 07957 247851.

SILVER BRANCH (Ceilidh and Concert Band). CEILIDH BAND with caller. Available for weddings/ birthday parties/fund raisers, etc. For photos/videos please see our Facebook page. For further enquiries, ring David on 01981 540832 or Anna on 07980 961187. SILVER BRANCH (UN-CALLED FOR) - Five piece cutting edge instrumental Folk Band. Concerts/gigs. SIMON THE PIPER Highland Piper with 20 years experience. Available for all occasions - weddings, funerals, Burn’s Night, Hogmanay, festivals, processions etc. Based in Hereford. Call 07791 045831 or facebook. com/simonthepiper Email simonthepiper@hotmail.com

SINGLED OUT Experienced, 3-piece band covering the best pop and rock music from the 50’s to the current era. We focus on great tunes that don’t usually get played by other bands, but which everyone will know. Of course, we do some of the more usual songs as well! www.singledoutband.com email: info@singledoutband. com Phone 07518 291 676.

SIR DANCELOT 4/5 piece ceilidh/twmpath band with caller. Far and away the best exponents of traditional dance music of the British Isles and beyond for miles around and leagues beneath. Concertina, mandolin, fiddles, whistles, cittern, jews harp... Available for weddings, partiesand public events. For information and bookings, contact: Matt 01686 412753 or 07843 440789. www.sirdancelot.co.uk

THE CHERRYSTONES are Aly (whistles, flute, accordion, vocals), Matt (bass, foot drum, vocals) and Dave (guitar, bouzouki, mandolin, vocals) who bring you a mix of original and traditional folk songs and tunes. From thoughtful, well-crafted songs to infectious uptempo Irish whistle tunes, we will warm your heart and stir your souls and soles! Contact : Dave 07817 220016, dgand2@btinternet.com. Find us here Facebook.com The Cherrystones. Website coming soon!

THE VILLAGE QUIRE spine-tingling harmonies sung with all the emotional clout, subtlety of expression and love of life that you get when voices are raised together in song. Sensational vocals mingled with enthralling stories. Various shows to book. For bookings / further info ring 01497 847676 www.villagequire.org.uk / www.songsforsilas.org.uk

UNDAUNTED Female influenced indie rock band hailing from South Shropshire. This lively 4 piece brings you strong vocals, great rocking sound, fun and always something different from the norm. For events and booking contact Tracey 07547188402 or Liz 07807531151. Enquiries welcome.

WHISKEY RIVER is a 5/6 piece electric Americana band that play swamp blues, Cajun, Zydeco and good country music to set the dance floor rocking. To suit smaller venues and smaller budgets, pruned down acoustic versions of the band are available as “The Whiskey River Quartet”, “The Whiskey River Trio” or as a Duo [“The Whiskey River Boys”]. Laissez les bon temps rouler!! Contact Martin, phone: 07846 669890, 01432 342018. Email: martin@whiskeyriver.co.uk. Website: www.whiskeyriver.co.uk

VENUES

ALBERT HALL, Ithon Rd, Llandrindod Wells 0300 102 4255

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, Mill Street, Ludlow 01584 878141

BARRELS, St Owen Street, Hereford 01432 274968

BASKERVILLE ARMS, Clyro, near Hay-on-Wye 01497 820670.

BASKERVILLE HALL HOTEL, Clyro Court, near Hay-on-Wye 01497 820033.

BELL HOTEL, Commercial St, Newtown 01686 625540

BELL INN, Etnam St, Leominster 01568 616811

THE BRIDGE HOTEL, Tenbury Wells 01584 810434

THE BRIDGE, Ludlow 01584 872963

BLACK LION, Bridge St, Hereford, 01432 266000

CARAD, East St, Rhayader, 01597 810192

CENTRE CELF, Tremont Rd, Llandrindod Wells 01597 822777

CHARLTON ARMS, Ludlow, 01584 872813

THE CLIFFE AT DINHAM, Halton Lane, Ludlow 01584 872063

CONQUEST THEATRE, Bromyard, 01885 488575

THE COURTYARD, Edgar St, Hereford. 01432 340555

THE DUKES ARMS, Presteigne 01544 267318

DUN COW, Shrewsbury 01743 356408

THE EXCHANGE, Newtown 01686 621814.

GLEANINGS, near Bishop’s Castle, 01743 891412

THE GLOBE AT HAY, Hay-on-Wye 01497 821762

THE GOLDEN CROSS INN, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford 01432 880274.

GORDON BENNETTS BAR, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 01432 360250.

GRAPE VAULTS, Broad St, Leominster 01568 611404.

THE HARP INN, Glasbury-on-Wye 01497 847373

THE HERDSMAN, Widemarsh St, Hereford, 01432 277330

HOPE & ANCHOR, Rope Walk, Wye St, Ross-on-Wye. 01989 563003.

HUNDRED HOUSE INN, Purslow, 01588 660541

KNIGHTON & DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE, Knighton 07751 221487.

THE LAKESIDE CAFÉ, Llandrindod Wells, 01597 825679

LICHFIELD VAULTS, Church St, Hereford. 01432 266821

LION BALLROOM, Broad St, Leominster. 01568 612277

LUDLOW BREWING COMPANY, The Railway Shed, Ludlow 01584 873291

THE MALTHOUSE, Ironbridge, 01952 433712

MINER’S ARMS, Priest Weston 01938 561352

NELSON INN, Ludlow 01584 872908

OAKENGATES THEATRE, Telford. 01952 619020

THE OLD MILL, High Street, Llanidloes 01686 412008

THE OXFORD ARMS, Duke St, Kington 01544 230322

PAVILION MID WALES, Llandrindod Wells 01597 258118

THE PLOUGH INN, Whitecross Road, Hereford 01432 358867

REET PETITE, 18 West St, Leominster 07484 545368.

ROSE & CROWN, Tenbury Wells, 01584 811336

ROYAL FOUNTAIN, Cleobury Mortimer 01299 272720

THEATR BRYCHEINIOG, Canal Wharf, Brecon 01874 611622

THE HAFREN, Llanidloes Road, Newtown 01686 614555

THE TOWN HALL, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630023

THREE TUNS, Bishop’s Castle. 01588 638797

THE VICTORY, 88 St Owen St, Hereford 01432 274998

VOLUNTEER, Harold St, Hereford 01432 276189.

WHITEHORSE INN, The Square, Clun. 01588 640305.

WHITE SWAN, Eardisland, 01544 388577

WYESIDE ARTS CENTRE, Builth Wells, 01982 552555

PERFORMANCE

Fri 3 February

LOOKING FOR ME FRIEND

A funny and touching tribute to Victoria Wood. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £25, 01743 281281.

Fri 3 February

CIRCUS OF HORRORS: HAUNTED FAIRGROUND

Set in a decrepit fairground, this ‘Fangtastic’ new show is set to blow your mind with special effects, bizarre circus acts and a sinister story and the darkest of magic, all performed to an original rock score. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Mon 6 - Wed 8 February

WODEHOUSE IN WONDERLAND

PG Wodehouse, or Plum as he’s known, is trying to write the latest instalment of Jeeves and Wooster. However, his wife, daughter and even his two dogs have other ideas! Starring Robert Daws. For ages 12+. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £30.50-£19.50, 01743 281281.

Fri 10 February

A ROOM OF ONE’S OWN DYAD PRODUCTIONS. A 21st century take on Virginia Woolf’s celebrated talk, with a wry and amusing trip through the history of literature, feminism and gender. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £14, students £8, 07967 517125.

Fri 10 February

A SERIES OF PUBLIC APOLOGIES

CONQUEST SPOTLIGHT PRODUCTION. After an unfortunate incident at the theatre, a public apology is made... But after intense scrutiny, this apology is made again and again... Suitable for ages 14+. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, £7, 01885 488575.

Thurs 9 & Thurs 23 February

FORBIDDEN NIGHTS

Sexy, innovative and classy show brings you world class circus acts, action, seductive choreography, male vocalists and comedy. 9 Feb - The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555. 23 Feb - Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 8pm, £25-£21, 01600 772467.

Thurs 16 February

THE MAN WHO LEFT THE TITANIC

J Bruce Ismay, managing director of the White Star Line, stepped into a lifeboat and sailed away from the stricken ship. Was he a coward or merely human? The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 340555.

Sat 18 February

JOHN PEEL’S SHED

In 2002 John Osborne won a box of records in a competition on John Peel’s Radio 1 show. This story is about why radio is such an important thing in our lives, featuring some of those records played live on stage. Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 8pm, £10. Tickets from The Workhouse, Presteigne (cash only) or online www.wegottickets.com

Sat 18 February

MUMMY - THE ART OF SAYING GOODBYE

Live and local touring theatre for ages 12+. Malvern Cube, Malvern, 7.30pm, £12, www.malverncube.com

Tues

21 & Sun 26 February

POO - POO

MCGUIRE

A new radio play by Robert Fowke. Why does Poo-Poo, Bishop’s Castle’s Mayor want to nuke Clun then marry a woman wo could be his mother? The Top Room, The Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, 7pm, free, donations welcome. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Fri 24 & Sat 25 February

A PERFECT LIKENESS

CONN ARTISTS THEATRE. Reclusive writer and photographer Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll) has invited author Charles Dickens to his home to pose for a portrait. What ensues is a baring of two creative souls, hilarious and revealing conversation between two quirky and completely different men. 24 Feb - Linton Village Hall, 7pm, £15/£6/£36, LVH@lintonvillage.com 25 Feb - Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £14, students £8, 07967 517125. Arts Alive.

Fri 3 March

MAGICAL BONES: SOULFUL MAGIC

Britain’s Got Talent finalist, Magical bones new show brings awe-inspiring and high energy magic. A special 30-minute close up magic session also after the show. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £20, under 16s £18, close up magic after the show £15, 01600 772467.

MUSICAL THEATRE & OPERA

Fri 10 February

AN EVENING OF BURLESQUE

Expect fun, feathers with speciality artistes, cabaret, circus stars, comedians and chamagne showgirls. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £30/£28, 01743 281281.

A Perfect Likeness

The Man Who Left The Titanic

Wed 15 - Fri 17 February

CHICAGO - TEEN EDITION

HEREFORD CATHEDRAL SCHOOL bring to the stage Kander and Ebb’s deliciously dark musical. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Wed 15 - Sat 18 February

TITANIC THE MUSICAL

GET YOUR WIGLE ON. Based on real people aboard the most legendary ship in the world. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £24-£18, 01743 281281.

Thurs 23 - Sat 25 February

APACHE STORY

KINGTON OPERATIC SOCIETY. An original pantomime by Jim Smith. Saloon owner Miss Kitty and the Showgirls reveal their many talents and introduce you to the quiet frontier settlement of Bodge City... Lady Hawkins’ School, Kington, 7.30pm, Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm, 01544 231303, www.kingtonoperatic.co.uk

Sat 4 - 23 March

HANSEL AND GRETEL

MID WALES OPERA. Times are tough for Hansel and Gretel’s parents. When the children’s overworked mum finds them shirking their chores and dancing, it’s the last straw. Banished to the woods, the children wander into the clutches of a wicked witch who plans to turn them into gingerbread. With only their cunning to protect them, how will they ever escape the oven? MWO presents Humperdinck’s classic opera, sung in English and featuring MWO’s partner orchestra Ensemble Cymru.

4 March - Hafren Theatre, Newtown, 7.30pm, £22 - £16, 01686 948100. 7 March - Theatr Clwyd, Mold, 01352 344101. 9 March - Pontio, Bangor, 01248 382828.

11 March - Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 01874 611622.

14 March - Aberystwyth Arts Centre, 01970 623232.

16 March - Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, 01646 695267.

18 March - Courtyard Theatre, Hereford, 01432 340555.

21 March - Theatr Ffwrnes, Llanelli, 0345 226 3510.

23 March - The Riverfront, Newport, 01633 656757.

CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Thurs 9 February

MINISTRY

OF SCIENCE

Join presenters as they dive deep into the world of science and look at how science shapes the modern world, with a few loud bangs along the way! Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £18/£17, family £66, 01743 281281.

Sat 11 February

BREATHE

A theatre show about the ways trees work. Through intricate puppetry, live camera work, storytelling, combining folk songs and thumping D&B to create a truly unique experience. The Courtyard, Hereford, 11am, plus free pre-activity from 10.30am, 01432 340555.

Thurs 16 - Sat 18 February

WINTER HOLIDAY

Authentic and imaginative re-telling of the wonderful 1930s story, with an experienced adult cast playing all the children... which is why 7-year-old Roger has grey hair! Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 3pm & 7.30pm, £15, chidren £5, 01743 281281.

Thurs 16 - Sun 19 & Thurs 23 - Sat 25 February

CAMELOT THE PANTO CONQUEST PRODUCTIONS. Prince Arthur is set to marry Guinevere, but the evil Valerin the Vicious and Morgan Le Fay have other plans... Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 2pm & 7.30pm, £12, under 16s £8, family £30, 01885 488575.

Mon 20 - Sat 25 February

CINDERELLA

Join the magic and chaos that is traditional pantomime fun for all the family. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, £11.50-9.50, 01873 850805.

Tues 21 February

THE THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF LOST THE PLOT THEATRICAL present this interactive family show. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 11.30am & 2.30pm, £13, 01874 611622.

Wed 22 - Sat 25 February

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS HEREFORD AMATEUR PANTOMIME SOCIETY. Featuring the wicked step mother and the haples servants who bungle the capture of the beautiful Snow White, and of course the adorable Dwarfs. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, Fri 2pm, 01432 340555.

Thurs 23 February

FIREMAN SAM SAVES THE CIRCUS

Can Fireman Sam come to the rescue and save the circus? Join Sam, Penny, Elvis, Station Officer Steele and Norman in an all singing, dancing, action-packed show. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 12pm & 3.30pm, £18, chldren £17, family £66, 01743 281281.

Fri 24 February

THE TAP DANCING MERMAID Tessa Bide brings her celebrated devised solo production with puppets, original live music to sing along to and tap dancing. For ages 3+. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 11am & 2pm, £10, 01874 611622.

Hansel and Gretel

Fireman Sam Saves the Circus

Thurs 23, Fri 24 & Sat 25 February

CURIOUS INVESTIGATORS

A delightfully surprising, highly visual show for 3-7 year olds and their grown ups, an adventure created with engineering experts! 23 Feb - Theatre, Severn, Shrewsbury, 2pm, £10, 01743 281281. 24 & 25 Feb - Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Fri 5pm, Sat 11am & 2pm, £9, 01584 878141.

Sun 26 February

THE KING OF NOTHING MONSTRO THEATRE. An anarchic piece of musical puppet theatre inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s ‘The Emperors New Clothes’. For ages 5+. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 2.30pm, £8, 07967 517125.

Sat 4 March

WOODLAND TALES WITH GRANDAD

A magical puppetry show with Grandad from Pickled Image for ages 3-8 and their families. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 3pm, £12, under 16s £6, 01885 488575. Arts Alive.

DRAMA WORKSHOPS

COURTYARD THEATRE, HEREFORD

Sat - Junior Yourth Theatre. Year 3: 9.15am. Year 4: 10.15am. Year 5: 11.15am. Year 6: 12.15pm. Year 7: 1.45pm. Year 8: 3pm. Year 9: 4.45pm, £68.50 per term. Wed - Intermediate Youth Theatre. Year 10 & 11, 5.15pm, £70.50 per term. Fri - Senior Youth Theatre for Year 12+, 7pm, £73.50 per term. Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

COMMUNITY YOUTH THEATRES

The Conquest, Bromyard. Mon - Juniors, Year 3-6: 4.30pm, £39 per term. Intermediates, Year 7-9: 7.15pm,

£43 per term. Seniors, Year 10+: 7.30pm, £46 per term. The Phoenix Theatre, Ross-on-Wye. Sat - Juniors, Year 8-14: 10am, £39 per term. Market Theatre, Ledbury. Mon - Intermediates, Year 7-9: 7.30pm, £39 per term. Seniors, Year 10+: 8.30pm, £39 per term. Details email takepart@courtyard.org.uk or 01432 346526.

THEATR IEUENTID / BRYCHEINIOG YOUTH THEATRE

With weekly sessions tailored to suit the needs of each year group, from 4 years and up. Mondays 3.45pm4.45pm Roundabout, Reception & Years 1 & 2. Wednesdays 5pm - 6pm Junior Youth, Years 3,4 & 5. Wednesdays 6pm - 7pm Junior Youth, Years 6,7 & 8. Thursdays 8.30pm - 10pm Senior Youth, Years 9, 10 & 11, 16 - 25. Call 01874 611622, www.brycheiniog.co.uk

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW Mon - Go MAD in Ludlow, 5-6.30pm, Oscars. Contact Simon 07506 478235 & Suzanne 07484 289215 or email hello@gomadinludlow.org Sat - Ludwig Academy of Musical Theatre. 7-11 years 1-2pm, 12-16 years 2-3pm. Oscars. Contact Jack Ludwig, 077922 66225. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow. Tuesdays YOUTH CAFE A safe place where young people can meet and share creative activites including music, drama and films. For ages 8-16 years, free. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 01743 234970

Tuesdays YOUTH THEATRE For 7-14 year-olds after school. Ledbury Market Theatre, 01432 383663.

Wednesdays KINGTON YOUTH THEATRE Kington Primary School. Wed - Junior 7-11 years, 4-5.30pm. Intermediate 11+ 5.30-7pm. £42 per term, 01432 340555.

Thursdays (term time) SHROPSHIRE YOUTH THEATRE Seniors, 7-9.30pm, 14-25 years. All welcome. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury. www.shropshireyouththeatre.co.uk Thursdays IMPULSIVE THEATRE COMPANY

For ages 13-19. The Hive, 5 Belmont, Shrewsbury, 5-6.45pm, 07916 277928.

Thursdays Fortnightly HAVE A GO SHAKESPEARE At Willow Globe, Llanwrthwl, Llandrindod Wells, LD1 6NN, 2-4.30pm, £6 per session, info@shakespearelink.org.uk for details.

Thursdays Fortnightly (term time) HAVE A GO SHAKESPEARE All welcome, 10.30am-1.30pm, £7. Wyeside, Builth Wells, info@shakespearelink.org.uk. Saturdays (term time) SHROPSHIRE YOUTH THEATRE Beginners 9.30am-10.45am, 6-8 year olds. Juniors 11am-1pm, 9-12 year olds. The Hive, Shrewsbury, www.shropshireyouththeatre.co.uk

Poetry & Storytelling

Fri 3 & Sat 4 February

THE TREE RINGS BY STRANGE FUTURES

Stories about trees. Malvern Cube, Malvern, £5 in advance, www.malverncube.com

Sat 11 February

THE THIEF’S TALE AND OTHER CELTIC TALES

With Daniel Morden, story teller (for ages 14+). Malvern Cube, Malvern, 7.30pm, £8, www.malverncube.com

Sat 25 February

FEISTY FOLK TALES

Storytelling for 7-11 year olds and well behaved parents with Amy Douglas, Bishop’s Castle storyteller and author. The Poetry Pharmacy, Bishop’s Castle, 2pm, free, donations welcome. Part of Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Tues 28 February

PHIL OKWEDY: THE GODS ARE ALL HERE

Sparked by the discovery of letters from his father in Nigeria to his mother in Wales, this is a compelling, lyrical and warm one-man performance. This captivating story telling piece skillfully weaves myth, folktales and legends of the African diaspora with an astonishing personal story. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, £12/£10, 01873 850805.

Fri 10 March

BLAST STORYTELLING

‘The Last Dragons’ - Jason Black. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 7.30pm, refreshments available, £8 or £28 for a group of four, 01588 630023, www.ticketsource.co.uk/bcth

Comedy

Thurs 2 February

TOM ALLEN: COMPLETELY

Tom Allen has finally moved out of his parents’ house, great news for him, for department stores and for his latest stand-up tour. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, 01432 340555.

Sat 4 February

MAISIE ADAM: BUZZED Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £17.50, 01743 281281.

Sat 4 February

LEFTBANK COMEDY CLUB

Featuring Scott Bennett and Tom Ward with support from Hannah Silvester and MC for the evening, Adam Beardsmore. The Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, 7.30pm, £15, www.theleftbankvillage.co.uk

Thurs 9 February

MIKE BUBBINS

A powerful, thought-provoking, visceral hour of stand-up comedy. For ages 16+. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £21, 01743 281281.

Fri 10 February

WESTONS CIDER COMEDY CLUB

Enjoy laugh out loud comedy from some of the hottest up-and-coming comedians. For ages 18+ only. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8.30pm, 01432 340555.

Sat 11 February

AXEL BLAKE: IN STYLE

Britain’s Got Talent 2022 winner. For ages 16+. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £22, 01743 281281.

Sat 18 February

ZOE LYONS: BALD AMBITION

Zoe has been able to explore the funny side of her monumental midlife crisis. It’s time to sell the silly car and try and put the wheels back on her life... Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 8pm, £16, 01600 772467.

Thurs 2 March

JIMEOIN: THE CRAIC!

Award-winning with a wide appeal and a cheeky, no-gimmicks and superbly observed sense of humour. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, 01874 611622.

Tom Allen

Phil Okwedy

SIMON BRODKIN: SCREWED UP

Simon rips into celebrity culture, social media, the police, Putin, Prince Andrew and Jesus. For ages 14+. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 8pm, 01584 811442.

Tues 7 March

LLOYD GRIFFITH: ONE TONNE OF FUN

There’ll be his unique bag of stand up, dubuious impressions, and obviously a sprinkling of his (incredible) singing. Theatre, Severn, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281.

Talks

Wed 1 February

PRUE LEITH

Prue discusses the ups and downs of life as a successful restauranteur and Great British Bake Off judge. With audience Q&A. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £33, 01743 281281.

Sat 4 February

LUDLOW CASTLE MOTOR CLUB - MOTORSPORT FORUM

An evening of motorsport chat with a panel of guests. Compered by Howard Davies and featuring Phil Mills, former World Rally Championship competitor; co-driver Craig Parry; current USA rally champion co-driver Keaton Williams; former British hill climb champions Scott Moran and Alex Summer and BTCC driver Daniel Rowbottom. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7pm, 01584 878141.

Sat 4 February

BOOK LAUNCH

‘Knock Turn’ by Jeb Loy Nichols. Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, near Newtown. Free entry, 01686 688369.

Sat 4 February

JASON FOX: LIFE AT THE LIMIT

Ex-special forces soldier, star of TV’s SAS: Who Dares Wins, Inside the Real Narcos and author. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Sat 4, Tues 7 & Thurs 9 February

SPOTLIGHT TALKS

Free 20 minute talks to celebrate the 2023 Darwin Shrewsbury Festival. 4 Feb - ‘Charles Darwin, Roman Wroxeter & Wiggling Worms’. 7 Feb - ‘Darwin’s Companions’, a talk by Emma-Kate Lanyon. 9 Feb - ‘Darwin Rocks in The Hall of Rocks’. Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, Market Square, Shrewsbury, 12pm, 01743 258881.

Tues 7 February

LINGEN & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB

‘Chinese Gardens & Chinese Landscape’, a talk by Liz O’Rourke. LIngen Village Hall, 7.30pm, £20 for seven meetings, £4 visitors, 01544 267463.

Wed 8 February

LIFE ON THE FLOODPLAIN

‘A wonderful look at the cycle of the Welsh natural year, nestled between the mountains and the edge of the Usk floodplain’. A talk by Ceri Leigh. Clore Learning Space, Hay Castle, Hay-on-Wye, 6.30pm, £5, www.haycastletrust. org

Thurs 9 February & Thurs 9 March

GOING WILD IN BISHOP’S CASTLE WINTER TALKS Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, Bar refreshments available, no pre-booking required, donations box at entrance, 01588 630023.

The Bookery, Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan, Bucknell, SY7 0DH Off A4113 Knighton Road. Tel: 01547 530744

aardvaark@btconnect.com www.aardvark-books.com Bookshop open to visitors Tues-Sun 10am-4pm.

Prue Leith

Thurs 9 February

PROFESSOR JACKSON: THE MYTH OF SERIAL KILLER PROFILING

Professor Jackson has contributed to over 50 documentaries about violent crimes and murder. The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, 16+, 07498 966606.

Sat 11 February

HARDY

PLANT SOCIETY: CRAZY DAISIES

A talk given by Robin Pearce, owner of Worlds End Garden, former chair of RHS Herbaceous Plant Committee and RHS judge. Pembridge Village Hall, 2pm, £5, www.hmwhps.org.uk 07711 719505.

Sun 12 February

DARWIN MEMORIAL LECTURE

Dr Jude Piesse, a Lecturer in English Literature at Liverpool examines Darwin’s family garden at The Mount and its important impact on Darwin’s life and work. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2.30pm, £15, 01743 281281.

Mon 13 February

WELLINGTON QUARRY

‘Wellington Quarry Iron Age and Roman settlement and Early Medieval milling’. A talk by Robin Jackson. Sutton St Nicholas Village Hall, Bayley Way, Hereford, 7.30pm. £3, refreshments and raffle, 01432 880748.

Wed 15 February

CONVERSATIONS AT THE CHAPEL - GLYN JOHNS

Glyn has engineered or produced the best in the business, Abbey Road with The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, The Who, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton and many more. Hear him talk about the art and craft of his work. In conversation with Alastair Laurence. Upstairs at the Chapel. The Art Shop & Chapel, Market St, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £12, 01873 852690, www.artshopmaterials.co.uk

Fri 17 February

HEREFORD ARTS APPRECIATION SOCIETY

‘The Life and Literature of Dylan Thomas’. A talk by John Escott. Office Q, Kindle Centre, Hereford, 2.30pm, 01432 357552.

Fri 17 February

FOWNHOPE LOCAL HISTORY GROUP

AGM followed with a talk by John Powell on ‘The History of the Quaker Community in Ross-on-Wye’. Fownhope New Memorial Hall, 7.30pm, members free, £4 visitors, 01432 860319.

Fri 17 February

SUE KENT - GARDENERS’ WORLD

‘Toes in The Soil’. Sue talks about creating an RHS show garden, share her design tips, plant choices and creative ideas to help people garden with ease. After her talk there will be a Q&A session. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £16/£15, under 18s £12, 01600 719401.

Sun 19 February

JAMES LEVELLE

Adventurer and filmmaker. Inspired by the next generation’s efforts to make their voices heard in the climate emergency, James set off from the UK on a 9000 mile race to document youth climate messages and deliver them in a film to the UN climate conference in Chile. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £13, 01874 611622.

Tues 21 February

LUDLOW AND MARCHES HUMANISTS

‘An Introduction to Humanists Ceremonies’. A talk by John Leaman, a Humanist Ceremonies celebrant. The Friends Meeting House, St Mary’s Lane, Ludlow, SY8 1DZ, 7.30pm, 01568 770282.

Wed 22 February

SOUTH WEST SHROPSHIRE GARDENING CLUB

‘Aeoniums - A Succulent Passion!’ A talk by Mellie Lewis. Lydbury North Village Hall, 7.30pm, members free, visitors £5, www.gardeningshropshire.co.uk

Wed 22 February

DICKENS & THE PRISON SYSTEM - THEN AND NOW

A talk by Andy Stelman. The Church Barn, Bishop’s Castle, 10.30am, £3, 01588 630023. Part of Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Wed 22 February

JOHN NASH - ARCHITECT, WELSHMAN & GENIUS

An illustrated talk with drawings and photographs by Richard Suggett. The talk explores Nash’s transition in late 18th century Wales from obscure surveyor and carpenter to accomplished and innovative architect. Clore Learning Space, Hay Castle, Hay-on-Wye, 6pm, £7.50, www.haycastletrust.org

Thurs 23 February

ARTS SOCIETY MID WALES & BORDERS

‘A Day At The Roman Games’, with speaker Mike Clegg. Powis Suite, Royal Oak Hotel, Welshpool, 2.30pm, £6, 01938 555574.

Fri 24 February

GREAT LIVING NORWEGIAN NOVELISTS

A talk by Paul Binding. The Church Barn, Bishop’s Castle, 2pm, £3, 01588 630023. Part of Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Fri 24 February

IN THE STIFFS LIVE

Three friends and ex-teammates Sam Aiston, Gavin Cowan and Dave Edwards will bring the podcast to life on stage and will be joined by guests from Shrewsbury Town’s memorial 2003/2004 season. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £27.50, 01743 281281.

Sat 25 February

4004BC AND ALL THAT: A BRIEF HISTORY OF GEOLOGY-AND-GENESIS

A talk by Martin Rudwick. This talk will sketch briefly how scholarly research that in the 17th century calculated dates such as 4004BC for Creation itself was gradually expanded. The Church Barn, Bishop’s Castle, 2pm, £3. Part of Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Sun 26 February

THE STONY RIDGE FLIGHTS

Join Ric Morris for a feast of local photography of the Stiperstones and Bishop’s Castle. The Church Barn, 2pm, £3. Part of Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

James Levelle

DO NOT CALL THE TORTOISE

What if we could see the world afresh? Garden designer and Hay Festival Bookseller Gareth Howell-Jones explores this new/old way of looking in Do Not Call the Tortoise. Clore Learning Space, Hay Castle, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, £7.50, www.haycastletrust.org

Workshops & Courses

ITALIAN LESSONS ON-LINE FOR ADULTS –ONE-TO-ONE or SMALL GROUPS

Learn or improve your Italian from the comfort of your home with Lorenzo, your local native Italian tutor and language specialist. Conversational Italian, Beginners Italian, Improvers Italian, Advanced Italian, Italian culture and food.Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: On-line only. Thursday morning: In-person group conversation meetings and workshops in Hereford. For more info, call Lorenzo on 01432 870661, WhatsApp +441432870661, or email italian@italianwords.co.uk Visit www.italianwords.co.uk/tuition.html

Fri 3 February (monthly on the first Friday)

POT AND PAGE BOOK CLUB

A meal inspired by the book will be served during the evening and our all local bar will be open serving literary cocktails until close. www.potandpage.co.uk. Pot & Page, 8 New St, Ledbury, 7pm, 01531 248743.

Sat 4 February - 1 July SPARKS - YOUNG WRITERS GROUP

Workshop designed to develop writing skills for young people. Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, Market Square, Shrewsbury, 10.30am-12.30pm, booking essential, www.sparkwriters.org

Sun 26 February

POETRY WORKSHOP

With Pat Edwards. Come along to write, reflect and chat. The Poetry Pharmacy, Bishop’s Castle, 1pm-3pm, £10 to include refreshments, no booking necessary. Part of Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Sat 4 March

HEREFORD WEA

Study day. ‘Shakespeare and Music’ with musician David Roberts. Saxon Hall, Hoarwithy Rd, Hereford, 10am-4pm, £25.20, advance enrolment essential, 0300 303 3464. Class ref. no. C31294493.

Mondays WRITING ROOM

The Courtyard, Hereford, 6.30-8.30pm, £75 per term, 01432 340555.

Mondays STORY CORNER AT THE COURTYARD

For ages 4 years and under. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

Every Tues, Wed & Thurs SPANISH LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS

Tues - Advance beginners 10am-11.30am, Wed - Advance Spanish B1, 10am. Thurs - Total beginners, 10am-11.30am with Mely. Private tuitionGCSE students and A Level. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, 07837 160505. www.hayspanish.com

Every Tuesday READING ROOM

The Courtyard, Hereford, 10.30am-12.30pm, £55 per term, 01432 340555.

Last Tuesday of each month HOMEND POETS

Share words written by themselves or others. Music, good company and food. No booking required. Pot & Page, 8 New St, Ledbury, 6.30pm, www.potandpage.co.uk

First Wednesday of each month BABARS’ BOOK CLUB

All welcome, 6.30pm, Babar’s Cafe, Union St, Hereford, 01432 342334.

First Wednesday of the month POETRY CAFE, Charlton Arms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01584 872813.

Every Thursday WELSH CLASSES FOR ADULTS

Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 10.30am-3pm, 01639 841751.

Every other Thursday PHILOSOPHY CAFE Informal group which offers the chance to discuss philosophical issues. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, 01497 821762. philosphycafe@outlook.com

Last Thursday of the month BOOK CLUB

De Koffie Pot, Bridge St, Hereford, 8pm, 01432 357753, ECStarling@theherefordacademy.org.uk

First Friday of the month BOOKCLUB DINNERS

Join Katie and the bookworms for an evening of literary delights. Each month we meet to discuss a different book and share a meal inspired by the story. Pot & Page, New St, Ledbury, 7pm, please book, www.potandpage.co.uk

Fridays READING ROOM EXTRA

The Courtyard, Hereford, 6-8pm, £55 per term, 01432 340555.

International Poetry Writers’ Collective: Abergavenny 01873 856350

Leominster Writers’ Circle, Leominster Community Centre, Frank Pavitt, chairman LWC, 01568 614973, meet first Tuesday, monthly, 2pm. Presteigne Writers’ Circle, 3rd Thursday, Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, 01544 260398.

grass roots

Putin’s Blitzkrieg in Ukraine - The Years of Missed Warnings

N this column I usually write about the environment, climate change, river pollution, fossil fuels, and so on. But after almost a year of reading about the war in Ukraine I feel I must say something about it.

Where I live, in mid-Wales, there have been several fund-raising events for victims of the Ukraine war, and there seem to be few people who don’t support them, or give generously to help. Several families in my town, and others I know in London, have gone to heroic lengths to provide homes for Ukrainian families. In contrast, one or two people hint that, with the aim of preventing more loss of life, it might be best if the Ukrainians just put their hands up and agreed to become part of Russia, or at least part of a territory ruled by Russia.

However, if Zelensky and the Ukrainians gave in now, it is highly unrealistic to believe that Putin and his forces would not exact appalling retribution over the months and years to come. We have already seen and heard many reports of the brutal torture and killing of Ukrainian civilians carried out by Russian forces when they recapture areas that have been held by Zelensky’s troops.

So I don’t buy the idea that the Ukrainians could somehow opt for an easier life and just tamely hand their country over to Putin and his forces. Consider the way even the tiniest vestiges of a free media have been stripped away in Russia over the last twenty years. And how those who try to take an independent line in politics have been brutally repressed.

How long has the opposition politician Alexei Navalny already spent behind bars, or in self-imposed exile? I have lost count. Since returning to Russia in January 2021, Navalny has been held in a minute cell and his lawyers may only talk to him through opaque glass, meaning that any injuries cannot be seen or assessed. The chances of Navalny regaining his freedom appear to be nil while Putin and his henchmen are still in control.

In the early 2000s I made quite a few trips to Russia, and felt disgusted by the eagerness with which Western business people were piling into the country to make money, seemingly oblivious of the evils of the Putin regime. Even many Russians I met were keen to focus on the seeming stability of Putin’s Russia, in contrast with the chaos of the Yeltsin years.

Many people could not see beyond their investments and bank balances. Or rather they were not willing to look. And the same applies to most of the westerners, people who did not have the excuse that they were reliant for information on the one sided and increasingly state-owned and dominated Russian news media.

It seems that, even after the brazen poisoning by

radioactive polonium in London of Alexander Litvinenko in 2006, the western business community preferred to see the murder of this critic of Putin as the work of rogue elements in the Russian security services rather than face up to the full ugly reality of the Putin regime’s relentless war on its internal enemies.

When you think of the violence carried out by Putin on his opponents in the last two decades you begin to see that most of us in the west have almost wilfully ignored, or misread, a long series of warning signs stretching throughout this century.

The BBC Reith lecturer, Fiona Hill, described how the Ukraine war fits into the history of Europe over the last 100 years. Dr Hill explained that Putin’s gameplan springs from his belief, going back to Lenin and the Bolsheviks, that the creation of Ukraine as a distinct republic of the USSR, was a terrible mistake. So he is now trying to erase Ukraine from the map.

Anyone tempted to forget about Ukraine, or to assume that it is simply a regional dispute between two former Soviet states, well away from our shores, should think again. Instead, we should all pay attention to the women’s rock group Pussy Riot, who launched a new song in December protesting against Putin’s brutality in Ukraine.

Russian conscripts sent to fight and die in Ukraine had been told by Russian state media that Ukraine had been taken over by a Nazi regime. However, the new Pussy Riot number was entitled “Mama, don’t watch TV!”. It referred back to a Russian conscript who told his mother from the war front, “Mum there are no Nazis here!” In other words, don’t buy into Putin’s propaganda lies.

For those of us who reject Putin’s claims, and his plan to obliterate Ukraine from the map, the least we can do is to keep abreast of the facts, and help spread the message of protest sent out by Pussy Riot, and Alexei Navalny.

Julian O’Halloran

Russian protest rock group, Pussy Riot

A Quiet Place Mitchell’s Fold

IT’S raining. Horizontally. Each droplet feels like a NERF bullet blasting into your cheek. A cold wind whips up from the West. Sometimes it’s cleansing to pit your wits against the elements. To test yourself the way your ancestors might have done.

We’re over 1000 feet up in the Shropshire Hills, soaking wet. No map, no car. Slipping from stone to slippery stone. The remoteness means you’re best to resort to walking dodgy lanes and trackways to reach your destination. The flat common ground beneath the looming, shadowy Corndon Hill, is home to Mitchell’s Fold. This is an impressive Bronze age stone circle dating from over 3000 years ago. However, I say impressive - if you’ve just arrived, soaked through, expecting a Stonehenge or Avebury stone circle, you’ll probably be seriously underwhelmed. But using some of that old imagination, you can picture what an incredible structure this would have been when completed all those years ago. It’s doubtless seen it all in its time - storms, drought, famine, worship, trading and (not so loudly) possibly sacrifice. The peace and quiet in this ancient place here is magical. It is slightly less magical to see huge 21st century tractor tyre marks running right through the centre of the circle, although perhaps a local farmer is still giving his own unique thanks to the Gods for decent crops or livestock.

So, Mitchell’s Fold today is an 85 foot stone circle. There were once 30 stones here, all dolerite and ground out of the nearby hills. There are now only 15 visible, ranging in size to around 6 feet in height. The tallest would have been part of a pair, making a very impressive entrance indeed. There may also have been a central stone when originally constructed. It’s difficult to say where the stones have disappeared over the millenia - thrifty farmers perhaps, primitive recycling in action perhaps, sunken below ground level perhaps. As much a mystery as the stone circle’s reason for being. Let’s have a stab at guessing then - as with Stonehenge et al, ceremony and ritual come out on top, but maybe also used as a trading stop for locally produced high quality axes. A sort of Bronze age B & Q if you will, but with decent opening hours and happier staff. And remember the central stone mentioned earlier? ‘Customer to till number one please…’

The weather here turns quickly from dark and brooding one minute to bright skies and sunshine the next. Avoid the water filled marshy ground and you’ll probably have the whole of Mitchell’s Fold to yourself. It’s in a beautiful location, surrounded by stunning scenery across into Powys. The whole place feels electric and incredibly atmospheric. A quiet place when the wind drops but also a quiet place to clear your head and step into your ancestors’ undoubtedly waterlogged footwear.

Dave Fletcher www.cariadwellbeing.co.uk Copyright@2022

Green Events

February SHROPSHIRE HILLS DISCOVERY

11 Feb - Fruit Tree Pruning Course with Karen Limbrick for a hands on pruning session. Please bring secateurs, loppers and pruning saws if you have them. 10am-1pm, £25. 20 - 24 Feb - Half Term Activity - Star Wars Jedi Academy. You will be put through your Jedi trials, and test your agility with the laser beam challenge, 1pm-2.30pm, £4.40. Booking essential for all events. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 01588 676060, www.shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk February & March

NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME

Snowdrop Festival - Llysdinam, Newbridge-on-Wye, by arrangement. 26 March Bryngwyn Hall Llanfyllin opening. Further details www.ngs.org.uk February

KNIGHTON COMMUNITY WOODLANDS GROUP

We manage woodlands for the benefit of wildlife and our members. Volunteer with us on our weekly task days to learn new skills. http://tveg.org.uk/wordpress/woodland-project Email woodland@tveg.org.uk 01547 520374.

Sat 4 February

SEED SWAP

Plus talk by Liz Knight, ‘The Art of Foraging’ at 11am. Tools in need of sharpening can be brought along for service and unwanted or broken tools can be donated. The Courtyard, Hereford, 10am-2pm, 07880 730880.

Every Third Saturday in the Month PRESTEIGNE REPAIR Presteigne Youth Centre, Hereford Street. 10am-12pm. Household items repaired for free. Info: 01544 267997.

Mondays & Wednesdays KNIGHTON MENS SHED

Sharpening service available. Teme Mill, Station Yard, Knighton, 10am-2pm. John on 01544232750 or email jtknightonmensshed@gmail.com.

Every Tuesday, monthly until end March (except 27 Dec) ENERGY ADVICE SURGERY

Providing energy advice to local residents, especially those struggling with their energy bills. Knighton Community Centre, 10am-2.30pm, free, drop-in or book via 01547 520374 or email garydcowell@yahoo.co.uk

2nd Thursday of the month KINGTON KLEEN Networking drinks. Oxford Arms, Kington, from 7pm, www.kingtonkleen.org.uk

complementary therapies

Disclaimer. We would like to emphasise that these listings relate to COMPLEMENTARY medicine practitioners. Broad Sheep does not endorse any of the practitioners or healing methods listed. We provide no recommendation and take no responsibility for their content.

A is for ACUPUNCTURE with Joanna Bruce RGN, MBAcC at The Body Clinic, Leominster & Richard’s Castle. Treating pain (NICE recommended) and long-term health conditions since 1985. Food intolerance testing. Phone 01584 831 840 or text 07984 460969. E-booking: www.thebodyclinicleominster.co.uk

ACCREDITED, EXPERIENCED PSYCHOTHERAPIST & COUNSELLOR: One-to-one sessions for adults age 18 upwards, in Hay-on-Wye (HR3) and by online video. Find relief from anxiety and depression; overcome trauma; transform anger and low self-worth; navigate divorce, bereavement, and other difficult life experiences. Contact Sarah Hamilton at HAY COUNSELLING, 07580 482751, www.haycounselling.co.uk.

ACUPUNCTURE. Sandy Sandaver Lic Ac MBAcC. I practice an integrated style of acupuncture using 5 element and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and am a member of the British Acupuncture Council. I also carry out home visits. Hay Acupuncture Clinic, Rose Cottage, Cusop Dingle, Hay-On-Wye 01497 821625/07980 596218 sandysandaver@onetel.com or www.hayacupunctureclinic.co.uk

ANIMAL COMMUNICATION Helping to understand your animal’s behaviour, needs and nature, to resolve emotional and behavioural problems and to deepen your relationship. Contact Kohra on 01544 262 110 or kohra@gmx.co.uk

ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, TRAUMA, LOW SELF WORTH and emotional difficulties - our innovative approach is being used with private and NHS clients with great success. Clients attend an average of 4 sessions to achieve a substantial, some say transformative, effect on their well being. You can check out the testimonials and book a one to one session on our website www.peaceofmindnow.co.uk or get in touch for more information Mike Buckley 07931 986168 mcmbuckley@gmail.com

ARE YOU LOOKING TO GAIN DEEP SELFAWARENESS AND TO LEARN TO ACCEPT YOURSELF COMPLETELY? Find freedom and power within to change with Rebecca Perkins FdSc MBACP, experienced Counsellor available for F2F sessions at The Body Clinic, Leominster (HR6). Search www.thebodyclinicleominster. co.uk , or www.counselling-directory.org.uk for further information, or call 07789 473241.

AROMATHERAPY massage and facials - Bach Remedies - Herbalism - Reiki. For comprehensive, holistic treatment: Roz Myers Brown, Dip. Ar. IPTI, MIPTI. Kington clinic. 07967 137208, roz.brown@btinternet.com

ASTROLOGY Have you ever wondered if your life is on the right path, or what the year might hold in these uncertain times? Astrological interpretations including natal and year ahead from Pagan Art. www.paganart.co.uk/astrology 10% off first chart with code BS22CA.

BREASTS_BIRTH_BABIES with Rachel Giaccone experienced midwife and craniosacral therapist. I offer a wrap around education and support for your pregnancy including hypnobirth, breastfeeding, Rebozo, Closing the bones. Feel free to contact me on 07484295235 or breastsbirthbabies.uk

THE BRIGHT N BUTE COMPANY - Medical/Sports & Veterinary - K-laser (low level laser therapy) endorsed by vets (VBS Direct) & NHS (NICE guidance) for GP practices & medical profession. Contact: Louisa Clarke BSc(hons) RVN BHSPT Cert Ed. Email: thebrightnbutecompany@ gmail.com Website: https://the-bright-n-bute-company. business.site

CLEAR HEAD, FREE BODY, OPEN HEART Craniosacral Therapy, Therapeutic Massage and Yoga Classes with Clare Johnson, to help you feel more at ease and aligned physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. I work in Ludlow and Elton, near Wigmore. Please phone 07980 070675 or email clareswork@gmail.com

CHARTERED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST & PSYCHODYNAMIC PSYCHOTHERAPIST with over 25 years professional NHS experience, providing psychological help to adults. Please see website for details: www. drmatthewfaull.co.uk. I am highly trained and experienced in using evidence–based psychotherapies to relieve distress and help you achieve your life goals, and offer sessions in Ludlow and Leintwardine. I also offer supervision to mental health professionals. Please contact me by email: mfaull@ btinternet.com, to arrange a free initial phone conversation to consider your needs. Registered with British Psychological Society, British Psychoanalytic Council, Health Professions Council.

COMPLETE BALANCE I am fully trained in the therapies of The Bowen Technique, Health Kinesiology and Reiki and Seichem. These therapies re-balance the individual on physical, emotional, and mental levels helping you to resolve issues and live your best life. I offer face to face sessions from my clinic near Hereford and online consultations via Zoom, Skype, or Telephone. Treatment can resolve a multitude of problems often incredibly quickly, some of these include; back problems, emotional problems, fears, anxiety, sciatica, arthritic pain, sports injuries, hip/ ankle/knee and foot problems digestive disturbances, hormonal imbalance, asthma, hay fever, migraines & headaches and more. Contact: Helen Mawson. Mobile: 07904 457 075 Email: helen@complete-balance.co.uk, www.complete-balance.co.uk

CULTIVATING SPACE I offer Wild therapy, Coaching and Decluttering. Let go of the physical and emotional obstacles in your way. Reconnect with yourself, others and nature, and start living the life you wish for. Based near Ludlow. Contact Tracey Baylis on 01584 823519 or 07905 967263. Walk/talk, face to face and online consultations available. Cultivatingspace.co.uk

DEEPLY RELAXING Craniosacral Therapy can increase your well-being by releasing emotional and physical tensions. Given a safe space and correct focus, your body knows the way. I am an accredited practitioner, qualified since 2004, based in Shrewsbury, Crickhowell and Mid Wales. Email: cheryljonestherapy@gmail.com Mobile: 07476 012299.

EMOTIONAL WELLBEING: Anne Cummings FETC (Adv Dip), BAoG (Dip), MBIG (Dip) offers a safe, effective therapy to help adults and children heal their emotional and spiritual wounds and fulfil their personal potential. If you have difficulty relating to others, or have troublesome emotions call Anne on 01547 530977. Specialist knowledge and experience of working with panic attacks, anger, stress, bullying, low self-esteem, bereavement/loss and anxiety. For more information see www.thewritetofeel.com.

EQUINE FACILITATED LEARNING. Personal growth for individuals and groups through powerful yet gentle interactions with horses, with seasoned Eponaquest facilitator Angela Dunning. EFL sessions involve spending time outdoors with these beautiful sentient beings, where you will be guided to deepen your connection to yourself and your body; build true confidence; reconnect to your Soul’s purpose and bring greater authenticity to your life. No horse experienced required. Author of “The Horse Leads the Way”. Shropshire/Herefordshire/Borders. Contact me on: 01588 630061/07583 726207; angela@equinereflections. co.uk; or visit www.thehorsestruth.co.uk

GONG BATH SOUND MEDITATION SESSIONS Group sessions twice a month. 1:1 sessions. Private groups. www.lizzieyogaherford.com lizegg@live.co.uk 07870 345216.

HAPPINESS COACHING & PERSON CENTRED COUNSELLING I’ve been practicing for 27 years and offer a safe confidential space to off load your stresses and problems bringing relief and skills for life enabling you to be your true, authentic, fulfilled, relaxed and happier self. I’m compassionate, empathic, focused and work with integrity. Check my profile online at The Body Clinic Leominster and for booking an appointment or call me on 07903 415359.

HEREFORD HOMEOPATH Juliet Ablett RHom, MARH, MNCHM. Holistic health care with experienced practitioner using homeopathy, essences and homeobotanicals; safe and effective for all ages. I work with you as an individual, listening without judgement, working with whatever issues or problems you may have. Regular clinics in Monmouth, Hereford and Abergavenny, incl. Saturday morning children’s clinic in Hereford. See website: www.julietablett. co.uk or contact Juliet at juliet@julietablett.co.uk or 01981 241456

HOLISTIC MASSAGE THERAPY: Meg Lawrence MTI. A listening and sensitive therapy, treating the whole person. For relief from aches and pains, easing of occupational and postural tensions, providing relaxation and calm in peaceful surroundings, 20 minutes from Presteigne, Hay-on-Wye and Kington. Email meg@radnorshire.com; phone or text 07910 892172.

HYPNOTHERAPY Vicky Nicolson-James DipHP HWHP Herefordshire based empathetic hypnotherapist offering online or 1-1 therapy to help you live the life you want and deserve. Professional Hypnotherapy Practitioner Association and National Society of Hypnotherapy. T:01568 760 306 E: vickynicolsonjames@gmail.com WhatsApp: 07790 162067.

LEOMINSTER NATURAL HEALTH CENTRE Chiropractic, Herbal Medicine, Kinesiology, Cranial Sacral Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Reiki, Reflexology, Emmet technique. Remedial and Holistic Massage. Counselling inc: Couples and Family, Cognitive Behaviour and NLP Stress Management, Child Birth Issues, Psychotherapy. Telephone 01568 616411 email infoleominstercommunitycentre@ gmail.com Or visit Leominster Community Centre, School Road HR6 8NJ (behind Bridge Street car park).

JING - LUCIA LLOYD-CLOKIE ACMT Looking to reduce your pain? Increase range of movement? You’ve found Unwind-clinic to help you! Advanced Clinical Massage Therapy; a unique outcome based system for addressing musculoskeletal pain through a fusion of advanced soft tissue techniques, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and hot stones. Don’t delay, book in today and discover how amazing the body really is. Lucia looks forward to facilitating your healing journey, mobile: 07506 906614; email: hello@unwind-clinic.co.uk; website: www.unwind-clinic.co.uk; on IG and FB. Monday: Hereford Yoga Centre; Tuesday & Wednesday: Peretun, Ashperton; Thursday: Hop Pocket Village, Bishops Frome; Friday: Lotions and Potions, Church St, Hfd. Positive changes, one session at a time.

LISA ADSHEAD I.I.H.H.T. ‘HEALING HEART SPACE’. Relaxing, flowing Massage and Reiki Healing. A time and space for you to feel more ease in your body, let go of tension and allow feelings to be. Over 20 years experience. Concessions available. Working at The Body Clinic, Leominster. 07512 773146.

LOU WESTON THERAPIES - The Body Clinic Leominster, offering Remedial, Deep Tissue and Pregnancy Massage. Using a range of effective techniques, treatments are relaxing yet dynamic. Connect physically and emotionally to your well-being. Book online at www. thebodyclinicleominster.co.uk or contact Lou directly loulouweston@gmail.com / 07980 650957.

MASSAGE THERAPY WITH MARIAN HARDIMAN (MTI, CNHC, MLDUK). Remedial, Sports, Holistic, Indian Head Massage. Organic Facial and Manual Lymph Drainage. Clinic in Presteigne (The Retreat), Presteigne, LD8 2UF. Contact: marian@silvanmassage.com, www.silvanmassage.com, 07816 981454.

NUTRITIONAL THERAPIST JULIE HOWES If you suffer gut problems, dementia, hormone imbalance, chronic fatigue or any degenerative disease, I can help. Four consultations £150. Home visits or therapy room Hereford. Call 07462 937 389. Web site juliehowesnutrition.com Email juliehowesnutrition@outlook.com

ONE-TO-ONE SHADOW WORK SESSIONSEXPERIENTIAL, RELATIONAL & EMBODIED THERAPEUTIC PROCESS Shadow work is a great way of approaching your inner experience and those things you want to change. It is a deep, sensitive and safe way of working with all manner of issues even when you have no idea how or where to begin. As we unburden ourselves from the limiting beliefs, behaviours and associated stuck emotions what emerges is an integrity and an authentic expression of our true self; a wholeness from which flows a greater engagement and enjoyment of life. I offer experiential psychotherapeutic process for personal development and for the exploration and transformation of inner conflict and difficulty. Find out more and schedule a free 30-minute consultation at: www.inner-truth.co.ukAlasdair Kirk - 07878 964792.

YOGA IN PRESTEIGNE

Groups and one-to-one tuition in Stapleton Move more freely • Breathe better Think more clearly • Experience joy New: Vedic chant classes Marie Hudson 01544 260352 www.theyogapractice.org.uk

OSTEOPATH. Mr R A Hughes D.O. Registered Osteopath and Sports Therapist. Fully qualified and registered since 1995. Established in Presteigne for over 20 years. Sciatica, Arthritis, Trapped Nerves, Back, Neck and Shoulder Pain. Headaches, Sports Injuries. 07961 352056, rahughesosteo@gmail.com The Retreat, Presteigne – free car parking.

PARKINSON’S LIFE PROGRAMME: 1 to 1 Neuro Physio-Led Coaching, Education and Exercise for People with Parkinson’s and their Families. A Flexible and Positive Approach from Diagnosis onwards. Sarah Edwards Parkinson’s Specialist Physiotherapist, MCSP HCPCRegistered. Clinic Based in Castle Street, Hereford. Home or Gym visits available. Contact us on 01432 628123 or www.edwardsphysio.co.uk

PHYSIOTHERAPY, CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY, REFLEXOLOGY & YOGA with Hermione Evans, Chartered Physiotherapist at Radnor Physiotherapy. For all back and neck pain, headaches, sports injuries, RSI, stress related illness and more. To discuss your needs or to make an appointment, please phone 01544 350691 or email contact@radnorphysiotherapy.co.uk or view www.radnorphysiotherapy.co.uk

REFLEXOLOGY WITH ALICE Offering holistic and tailored treatments at The Body Clinic, Leominster. Reflexology can be used as a safe and effective way to support any number of physical and emotional health needs. Book online at www.thebodyclinicleominster.co.uk or contact Alice directly on reflexologywithalice@gmail.com / 07464948568.

SPIRITUAL HEALER. 30 years plus experience. One-on-one healing and ‘introduction to healing’ workshops. “If you truly know yourself you will truly know freedom”. Please contact Gilly Williamson, MNFSH, Field House, Kinnerton. 01547 560874.

SOULFUL AND SHAMANIC HEALING AND GUIDANCE WITH SUE ROSE GOULD. Facilitating wellbeing to realise fullest potential through Soul Plan coaching and Shamanic Practice. All consultations can be virtual and online. Contact Sue through website: suepg.co.uk or message 07591 130762.

SOUND THERAPY, with Gongs, Singing Bowls and other therapeutic instruments to relieve stress and anxiety, restoring mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. Monthly group ‘sound bath’ sessions in Herefordshire, 1-2-1 treatments, retreats, private groups, celebrations. Cecilia 07857 128 082, csoundspace@gmail.com, www.csoundspace.com

THE BODY CLINIC LEOMINSTER Health Support with rehabilitation, pain, mobility, long term health conditions, mental health, wellbeing, women’s and men’s health, fertility and pregnancy and much more. Struggling to figure out how best to approach your health issue? Feeling lost or overwhelmed? Book a Holistic Health Assessment. This will give you the opportunity to talk through your symptoms with an experienced health practitioner who will listen and understand your problem from all angles and advise you on your best course of action. 17 West St, HR6 8EP. www.thebodyclinicleominster.co.uk 01568 368 907, 07493 078 566, thebodyclinicleominster@gmail.com

Workshops

WORKSHOP LISTINGS - Single (dated) listings are free. Year round, ongoing workshops will cost £40 per year. Wed 1, Thurs 2 February & Wed 1 & Thurs March

SPECIAL SOUND BATH AT HELLENS MANOR

1 & 2 Feb - Imbolc celebrations. 1 & 2 March - Stirrings of Spring. Wear loose, comfortable clothing, bring your own water bottle, mat, pillow, blankets and eye mask. The Haywain Barn, Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, Ledbury, 7pm, prompt, www.csoundspace.com

Wed 22 February

CHILDREN’S YOGA SESSIONS

With Chloe Beeson. Chloe Yoga Studio, 23 Church St, Bishop’s Castle. 3pm - 3.34 for ages 4-6 years. 4pm - 4.45pm for ages 7-11 years. Max 8 in each session. Free, donations to festival funds invited. Book via email: suewillmer@mac.com Part of Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival, www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Fri 2 March

MINDFUL MOVEMENT IN THE GALLERY Stillness in the Busyness; Billy Martin Taylor. Oriel Davies Gallery, The Park, Newtown, 01686 625041.

PILATES GROUP CLASSES in Presteigne Memorial Hall, Titley Village Hall & Lyonshall Memorial Hall. Private lessons in my garden studio. All abilities and ages welcome. Pilates reduces back pain, increases strength and flexibility, tones your body from top to toe. Move tor lose it! Helen Boley info@helenbpilates.com https://helenbpilates.com 01544 231512, 07968 970093.

HEDGEROW MEDICINE, KITCHEN PHARMACY

Herbal Medicine Making Courses with Rowan McOnegal, Medical Herbalist. Practical weekend courses which explore identifying, growing, harvesting, drying, storing and using herbs. Covers the basic principles of herbal medicine, and making and using teas, tinctures, infused oils, ointments, creams, syrups, inhalations and baths. www.hedgerowmedicine.org 01531 670075.

Every Tuesday

MEDITATION EVENINGS IN NEWTOWN

Healthy Mind Happy Life. We are a small group who meditate together in the evening at Plas Dolerw,Milford Road, SY16 2EH. Usually 2-5 week courses, £6 per session, no need to book. To find out dates please check our website meditationinwales.org. The class consists of simple guided meditations with practical advice from Buddha’s teachings on how to keep a peaceful and happy mind. Suitable for everyone. Spring/Summer (potentially ongoing)

NEI GONG WEEKEND WORKSHOP

Led by Sophie Johnson, senior teacher of Lotus Nei Gong (https://www.sophieneigong.com/). For interest and inquiries, contact Kohra on 01544 262 110 or kohra@gmx.co.uk