BROAD SHEEP FEBRUARY 2025 by Broadsheep

BROAD sheep

february 2025

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We take no responsibility for the veracity of the information herein

BROAD SHEEP,

The Fred Bulmer Centre, Wall Street, Hereford, HR4 9HP

Tel: 07786 131159

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Your consumer expert

Hi. The first issue of Which? was published from a tiny garage in Bethnal Green in October 1957. I was privileged to work at Which? in the mid 60’s when their cramped offices were in Villiers Street just 50 yards from Charing Cross Station.

My big sister was a project officer and I loved to go and visit her after work because the offices were right next door to Gordon’s Wine Bar established in 1890. I considered this moldy old subterranean tavern to be the height of sophistication and so was delighted when my sister offered me a job. At the time Which? prided itself on ensuring all the products it tested were absolutely genuine, off the shelf, items. I turned up for work full of enthusiasm until I was told my task was to bus around London buying vast quantities of condoms from 20 different outlets! As a rather innocent 18 year old the thought of having to ask a lots of, probably female, chemist assistants for 50 ribbed Durex was very daunting but my pride and the success of Which? Contraceptive Supplement was at stake. By 5 o’clock I returned to Villiers Street red in the face and lugging 2 carrier bags crammed full with all sorts of rubbery shapes and sizes. There endeth my only job in consumer publishing.

Cat Calming Diffusers

While watching reruns of ‘Badehotellet’ a Danish drama comedy series on Channel 4 I have noticed that the ad breaks are dominated by a very strange product called Feliway Classic. According to the voice over, if your pussy keeps pissing all over the shop or tearing up the furniture you just buy one of these for £19.99 plug it into the nearest wall socket and bingo – problem solved. The things supposedly emit feline pheromones that calm Tiddles down and he or she just lies around on the sofa and stops tearing up your favourite armchair. Humph…. it all sounds a bit far fetched but since I have not got the time or inclination to go out and buy bags full of diffusers and then go and find 50 local moggies to try them out on it should have ended there. However they don’t call me the Elon Musk of Ford St for

nothing. I saw a massive business opportunity.

Here is my plan. One of the best sources of human pheromones is …… tears. I suggest we set up a free cinema showing weepies and YouTube videos of cute cats and give all customers 3 free glasses of Aldi Prosecco. In exchange they give us a shot glass full of tears. Then we package the pheromones in plug-in plastic thingies, call them ‘TEARS for FEARS’ and make outrageous claims about their magical properties. ‘Your fella keeps pissing next to the toilet - Tears for Fears will cure him in ½ an hour!’ ‘Your gal keeps welling up while watching some ridiculous soap opera – Tears for Fears will dry her up instantly!’ If you would like to invest just phone 078777666555 and state how many Bitcoins you are going to give me.

Japanese 2nd hand MPV’s

Just before Christmas I went to Birmingham with friends to help them buy a 7 seater MPV from a firm called Japanese MPV motors. I didn’t really know why Japanese imports were such a big deal but at the end of the 3 days it took to buy something I did find out a fair bit. The garage we went to was a rather run down set of buildings on the edge of the Balti triangle. Run by a Father and his 22yr old son. They had sheds and lock ups and yards all up and down Leopold Street and at a guess about 70 posh used Japanese MPV’s.

These imports are popular for a number of reasons. The main one is that many owners maintain their vehicles extraordinarily meticulously and go to their dealer’s for smallest thing. One reason for this is the ‘SHAKEN’, Japan’s equivalent of the MOT test. It occurs first when the car is three years old and then every two years following – and it’s expensive: around £1500 and rising as the car becomes older. It’s why, rather than face these mounting costs; many owners change their cars as often as their smartphones. The shaken is a terrifying prospect and as a result, around 1.2 million used cars are exported each year. There are 2 other good reasons to buy an import. Firstly the Japanese drive on the left; so most vehicles are right hand drive. Secondly the Japanese don’t use salt on their roads in winter so the underside of the cars are in much better condition than their UK equivalent. My friends ended up buying a Japanese Specification Mercedes Viano, petrol, automatic, 3.5 litre V6. I drove it and it goes like a sports car, is comfortable, well kitted out, low mileage and well out of my league.

small ads

STUDIO SPACE AND WRITER’S ROOM AVAILABLE for daytime let, central Presteigne. Utilities included and fair rates. 01544 260889.

AMPLIFIER REPAIRS AND SERVICING, Stage and Hi-Fi equipment. Guitar repairs and upgrades. Moat Audio 07511 392772.

LET’S GET IT DONE! Highly recommended woodworker and cabinet maker William Warbrick works on a wide range of projects, from simple shelving to complex bespoke furniture. Free quotations provided. A good range of previous work can be seen at www.williamwarbrick.com Contact:- williamwarbrick@hotmail.com. 07901 741836

CHANCE TO VISIT GEORGIA - THE LAND OF THE GOLDEN FLEECE. For a wonderful foreign adventure in 2025, consider joining a small-group tour led by Georgia experts Christopher and Mzia who will show you this little-known country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia on the ancient Silk Road, which boasts the highest mountains in Europe, is rich in UNESCO World Heritage sites and folklore traditions, is the cradle of wine, and has a fabulous cuisine. You will be following in the footsteps of other intrepid local residents and national treasure Joanna Lumley who described Georgia as “simply spectacular!” For more information see www.georgiawineroute.com or contact Christopher and Mzia at mziag@hotmail.co.uk

VIOLIN TUITION with Ron Colyer, MusB, MSTAT. I am a very experienced teacher and performer (ex Philharmonia and BBC Symphony Orchestras, soloist and chamber musician), now giving lessons to students aged 5 to 18 in Worcester, Ledbury, Malvern and surrounding areas. Past students have gone on to specialist music schools, conservatoires, and into the music profession. Success and satisfaction in your playing depends on securing the foundations of technique, learning how to practise, and how to listen: and it really can be fun and inspiring! Contact me on 07733 253056, or email alextechwithron9@outlook.com

PIANO LESSONS IN LEOMINSTER Classical and jazz, ABRSM grades or just for fun. Mature adult pupils welcome. Also mentoring help with composition and songwriting. ANDREW MORRIS 07779 380483 andrewjmorris@mac.com

VIOLIN, VIOLA TUITION. All ages/stages. 07870 320022. Church Stretton.

APPLE MAC COMPUTER REPAIRS UPGRADES AND TUITION All Apple computers. On site service only. Any distance. Call or Email Lee on 07875 267790 mail@applemacmechanic.co.uk

WEDDING VENUE Ludlow Mascall Centre has three rooms licensed for wedding and civil partnership ceremonies, starting at £90. Ideal for intimate ceremonies and celebrations for up to 70 people. Rooms can be decorated to your style. Ample parking on site. Contact director@ludlowmascallcentre.co.uk or 01584 873882 for details.

LIVING IN CHAOTIC TIMES? – Join us in simple guided meditations to help you take control of anxiety, fear, anger, grief and bereavement. 10am – 10.30am first Saturday, each month, online, free – supporting Presteigne Food Bank. For further details email docsingh.ting@gmail.com

chine cleaned and new vinyl records, CDs, Books and more.

park. Hay’s destination shop packed with pre-loved -ma

Music Shop - only a one minute walk from the main car

Tel: 07527 298199. Hay’s Headline Making Independent

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

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.

JAZZ PIANO LESSONS Understand jazz chords. Learn how to improvise. Play classic jazz tunes. Learn to improvise in four important styles: blues, swing, mainstream/ modern and Latin. Presteigne based. Will travel - Borders area. Simon Deeley A.L.C.M., 07890 303681. simon.deeley@aol.com

RETIRED PROFESSIONAL PAINTER AVAILABLE for local work. References available. £85.00 per day. Try me. Roy 01547 520164.

GUITAR SETUPS AND REPAIRS. Electric and Acoustic guitars. Based in Ludlow. Neck relief, action height, saddle radius, bridge adjustment, intonation, fretboard treatment, fret polish, pickup height, electrics service, electrical screening, cleaning etc. Friendly professional service, fast turnaround. Can collect. Call 07770 321 904.

CO-WORKING SPACE IN LUDLOW Desks available for a few hours, a day, or longer at WorkPlace at the Ludlow Mascall Centre. Includes Wi-Fi, parking, and tea and coffee. Designated desks also available on a monthly basis. Contact director@ludlowmascallcentre.co.uk or 01584 873882 for details.

BEEKEEPING FOR BEGINNERS Interested in keeping bees but unsure of how to start? Our weekend ‘Bee Ready’ courses are run on our family smallholding near Bromyard, and aim to give you the information and confidence you need. Now taking bookings for May 3rd/4th 2025. For further details please 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 07981 752405, mziag@hotmail.co.uk

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.

WANTED: Gentlemen’s clothing and accessories –good quality & vintage. Cash paid. Peter: 07980 693980.

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To be included on the Food Bytes Directory, Band Directory or Complementary Therapy Directory, the cost is £45 for the whole year.

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Your mustard yellow may be my nasty pink*

IAM in a post-operative funk. Discombobulated in a Welsh Country House Hospital with a Gothic gatehouse after a bypass operation. It’s the time of the year when the sun splits the trees and it comes slanting into the ward, straight into my eyes so when I wake I can’t see a thing. Then it hides behind a tree and I fall asleep again just in time for it to reemerge all guns blazing. However we have blessed silence at dawn, a rarity except for the all round breathing, so since I’m awake I can think a few uninterrupted thoughts. I’m incarcerated In the Recovery ward and there’s a big stone fireplace opposite my bed like a Frank Lloyd Wright somewhere in Scotland or California or a prairie in Patagonia and there ought to be a Moose’s head or an Elk or even a human head over the fireplace, but there’s nothing. It’s big enough to sleep three but the fire is now just a sad set of plastic coals, with a ﬂickering red light and a whiney fan. The sea is out there beyond the dunes, lapping to and fro and there’s starched linen and proper muesli for breakfast and nurses in tight blue uniforms to quietly objectify. Meanwhile I’m being dragged or drugged back into a dream which won’t let go. I’ve been hijacked by an entity that calls itself Hospital and shut up in a castle where they’re trying to brainwash me like Patti Hearst. I knew it was a dream and I thought I would be able to leave when I woke up but then the dream turned out to be real. Hospital wants to fold me to her bosom for ever. I have to pay a ransom.

It’s the operation: “I” have been hijacked and replaced by “Me”. One or other of us or both were dead for 16 hours under the anaesthetic until a ransom was paid … in lost brain cells. Now post-operatively I’m ﬂoundering in a sea of sleep, looking for my other half. I crawl up the beach, breaking my knees on the hard stones of “reality”/ normality, gravity, responsibility, etc. - interlocking cliches from which there is no escape, despite the undertow of dreams. These hallucinations do not fade “in the light of day” or “the light of reason”. Everybody else seems to have to believe them too. I remind myself again in the silence that the lost brain cells are the price of my resurrection. However it’s like putting Humpty Dumpty back together again mentally; bits of me have been left out. You know how it is; you take the carburettor to pieces on the dining table against a gale of disapproval from your loyal partner who has just polished it with some degree of passion and you feel like you’ve solved the Rubik’s cube or a 3-D Wordle cos you finally succeeded in putting the carb and everything back together again. And then a voice from over your shoulder says quietly “Shouldn’t this bit go somewhere?”

“What do you expect? - you nearly died. Ingrate.” says Hospital.

The light resolves itself again into the picture of this giant room and the fireplace and the white noises of the ebbing waves dicing with the central heating, and “Coffee” streams across my forehead like an urgent banner

headline in a hot pink font. I get a grip on myself - the testicles are good - and say my morning prayer of thanks. Vehemently glad to be alive. The duty prayee replies scathingly “You share space with the entire Universe, you think big grandiloquent thoughts, yet you can only think of one thing, Coffee. Considering how many senses you have, let alone could have, this is pretty shallow. Even with the full deck of senses, words, feelings and memories “Life is but a dream” to you, a series of tweedly-deedly images that are not proportional to the grand physical world the rest of us “enjoy” - if that’s the word”. I check my credentials, disagree, let go of my appendages and inhale the fresh morning air. I guess I must have climbed out of bed on the wrong side of someone else’s normality. By this time I have limped half-naked into the kitchen and I’m making the coffee in a confused sequence which I never quite get right. I am clearly not myself still. The brain damage continues to work itself out. I am relearning. My senses are few, limited in range, selective and distorting, and there is still no way of proving that either I at the top of the sentence, or me in the dock at the other end, or the nurse assigned to us sees the world the same as us or ever will. I am more doubtful than trusting on this new planet. It seems so important, now as never before, to prove that her mustard yellow is not my nasty pink*. That we do share some perspectives. (*There is no proof that any of us see the same colour, ever.)

I then blank out and freeze which is another unwanted post-op feature. The nurse gently guides me back to bed and brings me my coffee. Muesli is next, but what I meant by muesli is not what she means, although there is an average description beyond whose borders neither of us may go. Cabbage is not muesli. There is no pigs liver in muesli. But her mustard yellow might still be my nasty pink. We settle down to chewing hospital muesli, three-quarters in this world, an improving fraction. She suddenly bends down and peels back my eyelid and after a second says “Ok! not that then.” What?? and marches away click-clack on her delightfully precise kitten heels.

I’m too old for Life, the Universe-type explanations, but after my reset I’d like at least to make a new working cat’s cradle between the things I thought I was comfortable with. Please.

housing

Wanted: a new Green City

ALL credit to the incoming Labour government for placing housing high on its ‘Must Do’ agenda: the root-and-branch reform of planning laws, the paucity of affordable starter homes, a greater recognition of sustainability, greener energy and public transport. The scandal of ‘Land Banks’ accumulated by volume housebuilders (now exceeding 1 million units) urgently needs to be addressed (and penalised) by Labour’s Housing Minister. Rescinding unbuilt consents is the obvious solution. According to the Guardian one West Sussex local authority has approved plans for 8,000 new homes, yet not one has been built. Labour has pledged to build 1.5-million homes over the lifetime of this parliament. But from John Major to Gordon Brown, such political ‘window dressing’ has invariably turned out to be worth diddly-squat.

Yet when all the post-Election brouhaha has subsided, will much have changed? Don’t hold your breath. I’m looking to the Greens to raise the bar in 2025, possibly through the creation of one super-sized urban settlement. For journalistic shorthand purposes let’s call it MK11. And yes, it has to be an architectural competition, just as it was in 1905, when Ebenezer Howard’s dream became reality.

One glimmer of hope is the news that awardwinning architects Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands have been appointed master planners for a new GLA mini-New Town, on the 400-acre brownfield site of the former Barking Power Station. There will be 10,000 homes, shops and offices. The Essex site is conveniently close to the London Array in the Thames Estuary, one of the world’s largest sea-based wind farms. But 10,000 homes is a mere pin prick. Aneurin Bevan (juggling both heath and housing portfolios), achieved 200,000 new-builds in Britain’s first two post-war years.

Fourteen English urban conurbations were built under the post-war Labour government’s New Town programme. There were 5 in Scotland and only 2 in Wales. Milton Keynes – one of the last to arrive (originally intended to be a ‘new city’) - was built on 22,000 acres of land in Buckinghamshire, with one of the most generous land-homes ratios. As well as unrivalled motorway and rail connections and over 300 kms of cycle / pedestrian paths, it has an open air amphitheatre (The Bowl) holding 65,000.

Those post-war new towns were achieved with remarkable speed and efficiency, overseen by such architectural luminaries as Walter Bor (MK), Sir Frederick Gibberd (Harlow), and Modernist pioneer Berthold Lubetkin (Peterlee). But while many had architectural merit and most have mellowed reasonably well, the concept is creaking at the seams. All development corporations were abolished by a spiteful Thatcher diktat in 1992, similar to her abolition of the GLC six years earlier. No new town sites have been developed or even spoken of since 2007, when Chancellor Gordon Brown ‘promised’ 10 new towns, each comprising 5,000 eco-homes. Four locations were ear-marked (in Cornwall, Hampshire, Norfolk and Oxfordshire) but not a brick was laid. Barr Hill (Cambs), Poundbury (Dorset) and South Woodham Ferrers (Essex) are three rare examples of the private sector’s contributions. Last December, Angela Rayner’s Communities department hinted that the

Barking’s mini-New Town

government was poised to announce a 21st century equivalent of the 1946 New Towns Commission. Garrulous Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has yet to reveal what Labour’s thinking is of a green city.

Our new towns – their modes of construction and infrastructures – are no longer new. Many of those pioneering ‘models’ are themselves due for comprehensive refurbishment. And radical changes in retailing trends – such as the rise-and-rise of on-line shopping – mean that places like Basildon, Corby and Cumbernauld are now saddled with outmoded shopping centres. Servicing by fast and efficient rail networks and access to airports have also fundamentally changed since 1946 and the huge expansion and popularity of sports and outdoor leisure pursuits means expanding – not restricting – the ‘green belts’ which are available to them.

Is it do-able within this Parliament? Even given a fair wind of cross-party agreement, MK11 wouldn’t be habitable before the arrival of carbon neutrality. MK1 took 25 years, even with the redoubtable Fred Roche at the helm as General Manager. If someone equally dynamic – like Urban Splash’s founder Tom Bloxham - could be co-opted, it might be possible to complete a new Green City in two Parliaments. Where? Wales is the obvious choice. It fared poorly from previous rounds of urban renewal, there’s more land – some epically beautiful (Black Mountains, Brecon Beacons) – and it has many pockets of above-nationalaverage unemployment (Bridgend, Denbighshire, Gwynedd and Port Talbot). Sir James Dyson could be commissioned to come up with a more elegant design for variable pitch vertical axis wind-powered turbines than the lumpen ones currently blighting our seashores; and Amazon, with only one Welsh distribution centre, should be given first dibs on the new town’s largest industrial unit.

Who pays? The tab for the 21st century’s first new town should unquestionably be picked up by the Crown Estates. Its income in 2022 alone from the leasing of sea-bed rights around the British Isles (for wind turbines, pipelines, cables) was an eye-watering £600-million, with many of the underwater sites granted planning permission without environmental impact assessments (EIAs). What local lobsters, samphire and sea grass thought isn’t recorded. Nick Jones

Dear Broad Sheep

Your recent article ‘The Quiet American’ (December 2024) covered the redevelopment projects at Hereford’s Broad Street and Shirehall, highlighting key aspects of the city’s cultural transformation. Unfortunately, the article contained some inaccuracies, and I would like to offer some clarification.

Breaking down the funding

The financial scope of the Broad Street project also warrants clarifi cation. The total redevelopment budget stands at £19.2 million, drawn from multiple funding sources: Herefordshire Council; National Lottery Heritage Fund; Stronger Towns Fund and Arts Council England. This investment reﬂects the significance of the project, with strong support from national and local partners eager to see Hereford’s cultural infrastructure revitalised.

The Shirehall’s new chapter

The redevelopment of Hereford’s Shirehall will see the Grade II-listed building reborn into a modern library and learning centre, serving as a multi-functional hub for the community. The redevelopment aims to preserve the Shirehall’s historic value while modernising its facilities to serve as a vibrant cultural and educational space. During the Shirehall’s renovation, Hereford’s library services have temporarily relocated to the Town Hall to ensure uninterrupted public access. This shift highlights the council’s commitment to maintaining essential services while advancing long-term cultural goals.

Looking ahead

The transformation of both the Broad Street building and the Shirehall represents a significant investment in Herefordshire’s cultural future. By correcting these inaccuracies, I hope to foster greater understanding and enthusiasm for these projects, which stand to enrich the county’s identity and draw increased tourism and community engagement. As we move forward, the collective vision for Herefordshire remains clear: to honour our past while building a dynamic, inclusive cultural landscape that will inspire and engage future generations. I invite everyone to stay informed and follow the progress of the Hereford Museum and Art Gallery redevelopment and the Shirehall transformation through Herefordshire Council’s website ( https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/roads-1/ hereford-2020 ) and Facebook: @HerefordMuseums; @HfdsLibraries and @HfdsCouncil.

Wishing you a joyful festive season and all the best for the new year.

Best wishes, Damian Etheraads, Herefordshire Council

The Conservation feature entitled The Quiet American (December 2024) contained inaccuracies which Herefordshire Council has asked us to correct. Lead architects for the £19.2-million project are Herefordshire-based Architype, supported by museum designers Mather & Co, best known for their design of Lausanne’s Olympic Museum, originally opened in 1993 and remodelled and enlarged 20 years later. Funding for the £19.2-million Broad Street project is coming from Arts Council England, Herefordshire Council, the National Lottery Fund and the Stronger Towns Fund.

Nick Jones

a view from the marches

Let’s give Gaia a Happy New Year

FOR a recidivist optimist like me, a year moved on provides a board from which to dive into the warm pool of coming spring with confidence and hope. We must go on believing that there are things we can do to stop the degradation of our beautiful planet, and, perhaps, make the Wye sweet again.

Despite the doubts of wise old men like Mr Trump, and his splendid ﬂock of far-sighted, thoughtful Magafolk, the world’s temperature is increasing without check, every year showing more evidence in poor Gaia’s desperate response. But the incoming president wants to ‘Drill, baby drill!’ causing as much pain as a demented dentist. Most of the modern world knows that will only be self-destructive, but who among us really will burn less carbon-generating fuel, will travel fewer miles, acquire fewer new clothes and equipment, or eat less eco-damaging food?

Some of us are afﬂicted by the misconception that the inherently unstable spinning-top of perpetual global growth will run out of momentum if we stop consuming at our current rate. But we must conceive of consuming from new markets of non-destructive commodities. This may cause short-term local difficulties, as it did to the millions of Brits working in the production, purveying and maintenance of draft horses, when confronted with perceived commercial Armageddon from the introduction of motor-lorries 125 years ago. But Lo! They survived. Even humble barge horse dealers on the banks of the great rivers found that their low-grade riparian pasture contained a fortune in gravel, and they happily refocused.

We too must find a new way – somewhere between a stable global economy and a physically sustainable planet. It will take the commitment of a few billion of the world’s population to exercise restraint in their consumption of carbon generating product, but that will make a difference. And the reason we will do it is simply that Sapiens – rational, accountable humans – are inherently responsive to the Evolutionary Imperative that urges us to sustain and improve our species, and Gaia herself. To push back against that essential rightness is regressive – what used to be called a sin.

Being less esoteric about the problem, there are practical ways in which people can make a difference. Rampant tourism, for example, doesn’t only contribute to global warming, it often destroys the destinations that initially attracted the tourist. To take an obvious example when Roger Vadim made his film, ‘Et Dieu Crea la Femme’ in 1956, St Tropez was a charming, unpretentious little fishing port in an obscure corner of the Mediterranean. This beach-side cluster of humble homes was made glamorous by the presence of the young Brigitte Bardot. Within weeks, punters were ﬂocking there to absorb vicariously a little of that glamour. It was the beginning of a long, hideous process of commercial uglification and grotesque expansion into an unrecognisable place of vulgar, ﬂashy yachts and greedy over-consumption which bears no relation whatever to the special little village it once was.

Move on in France about 30 years, after the British publishing industry released on a naïve readership a book by man who single-handedly destroyed the lovely hilltop village of Ménerbes in the Luberons of Provence. Peter Mayle, who had already made a packet from a series of witless picture books about a penis called Wicked Willie, took his sack of royalties to the small village and wrote about it with the banal superficiality of a tabloid hack. This attracted millions of readers of that kind of rubbish. Comfortable with his lack of perceptiveness, they hammered down the Autoroute du Soleil to completely destroy the charm and peace of that ancient village.

As these little places are obliterated, hardened old tourist traps like Barcelona and Venice are choking to death with excessive numbers of clueless tourists clogging their arteries, while in Paris, MacDonalds infests the Champs Elysee.

Beware, too, that at this time of year, colourful brochures encourage similar attacks on lovely places by jet-loads of tourists urged to ﬂock to once unique environments and join in the process of converting them to hellish outposts of all the worst aspects of western culture. Bars built on virgin beaches on the West Coast of Thailand, staffed by English speaking locals, serving Coca-Cola cocktails to a soundtrack of western pop music create little pustules of western-ness on a delicate landscape, with little regard for its indigenous beauty and culture. This process has left the young tourists with no idea of the country which they have visited. They would have done better to travel there overland, slowly absorbing the change in climate and culture and spending a year when they got there living and eating with local people, learning the language, and appreciating the nuances of their religion. That could be an experience worth having.

From now on, I have resolved that, without an overwhelming reason, I shall not travel by air. I can remember a wonderful journey over 30 years ago, walking a sun baked coast between small villages of white dwellings, where the locals spoke in their own incomprehensible tongue; I could have been in the Cyclades or the Puglian coast; but I was just three hours’ restful drive from the Marches, in West Wales. and I’ve been back almost every year since. I see few ways in which I could improve the experience by sitting for a few hours in a cramped, stuffy, planet-degrading aircraft. PetrusOnus

POWYS

Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Aberystwyth University, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3DE www.aberystwthartscentre.co.uk

Until 9 Feb ‘Floored’. ERIN HUGHES delves into the intricacies of her hand-marbled paper collage practice. In addition to the exhibition, Erin will lead skills-sharing workshops and an artist talk, both open to the public. Open daily 10am-8pm, Sun 1.30pm-5.30pm.

River Wood Gallery & Bookshop, West St, Rhayader LD6 5AB 07807 906958 www.riverwood.studio

Selling original artwork, prints and cards of ink paintings by JAMES ROBERTS. New and secondhand books, all on the theme of wildlife. Open Wed-Sat 11am-4pm.

Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown 01686 625041 www.orieldavies.org

Temporary Gallery closure until spring for improvements. Work will continue in the community, check website for upcoming events.

Radnorshire Museum, Temple Street, Llandrindod Wells LD1 5DL 01597 824513

The museum houses an art gallery with varied exhibitions and events. Open Wed-Sat 10am-4pm.

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 art, paintings and limited edition fine art giclee prints. Open Wed 10am-2pm, Thurs 11am-5pm, Fri & Sat 11am-3pm. Christ College, Brecon LD3 8AF www.glasburyarts.co.uk

29 March Art Auction. Works from a mixture of well-known and local artists such as CHARLES BURTON, NANCY GRIFFITHS, ALAN SALISBURY, SALLY MATTHEWS, AMANDA TURNER, TRACY THRUSFIELD, JENNI HALL, MARK ZYTYNSKI and many others. Images along with detailed information will be on the website, artwork on view from 3.30pm-5.30pm, auction from 6pm. Glasbury Arts.

Hay Castle, Oxford Road, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5DG 01497 820079

Until 2 March ‘Books, Battles and Borders’. QUENTIN BLAKEillustrations. In the Main Gallery. Feb ‘Flow’. LUCY BURDENpaintings. Cafe Gallery. Feb ‘Source’. WILL VALENTINEprints. Open 10am-4.30pm.

Tower House Gallery, 29 High Street, Knighton LD7 1AT 01547 529530

Gallery, shop, cafe. Open Tues-Sat 10am-4.30pm.

The Hay Makers, St John’s Place, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5BN 01497 820556 10 Feb Hay Makers will reopen. Closed Tues & Sun until mid March. Mon-Sat 10.30am-5pm,

Lion Street Gallery, 6 Lion Street, 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.

Wyeside, Builth Wells 01982 552555

Until 30 March ANDREW McCONNACH - biographical mandala-like oil paintings. Tues-Fri 6pm-8.30pm, Sat & Sun 4pm-8.30pm. 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.

Knighton Museum, 1 Broad Street, Knighton

Run by volunteers and reflects social history of the area. The exhibits have been donated or lent by local people and reflect the varied history of this border town. Wed-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

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

Until 1 Feb ‘Long Winter Show’. Tues-Sat 9.30am-5pm.

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

info@moma.machynlleth.org.uk

1 Feb - 5 April ‘Under Milk Wood’. BONNIE HAWKINS. Tues - Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm.

Rhayader Museum & Gallery, CARAD, East Street, Rhayader LD6 5ER 01597 810561 www.carad.org.uk

See CARAD.org.uk or FB CARAD for activities. Thurs-Sat 10.30am-4pm. Ardent Gallery, 46 High St, Brecon, LD3 7AP 01874 623333

A wide variety of artwork. Open Tues-Sat 11am-5pm.

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.

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

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

HEREFORDSHIRE

7 Gomond St, Maylord Orchard and Bloom.Space, Eign Gate, Hereford 01544 327344 Artlandish.co.uk

Until 30 March ‘Artlandish’. A range of exhibitions, taster courses, events, light shows and much besides. The aim is to show the benefits of having a permanent arts base open to both artists and public in Hereford City Centre. A project by Hereford Community Land Trust.

Made in Ross, Market House, Ross on Wye, HR9 5HL www.madeinross.co.uk

A co-operative of local art and craft makers. Open 10am-4pm.

Lyde Court, Hereford HR1 3AE 01432 357753 www.lydecourt.com

9 Feb Artisan Market, 10am-4pm. 16 Feb Women’s Institute Market, 10am-4pm.

23 Feb Crafty Flea Market, 10am-4pm.

1 Station Approach, Hereford www.meadowarts.org

Until April 2025 ‘Baroque Sprawl’ LAURA WHITE. This bold installation celebrates creativity and connectivity and is inspired by Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne. Commissioned by Meadow Arts and Hereford College of Arts.

Lucy Burden, Hay Castle, Hay-on-Wye

Simon Carroll, The Courtyard, Hereford

Seren Bell, Old Chapel Gallery, Pembridge

Sarah Harding, ‘In Search of a Perfect Hill’, Artlandish, Hereford

Amanda Turner, Glasbury Arts

Lynda Jones, Old Chapel Gallery, Pembridge

Stuart Roper, ‘In Search of a Perfect Hill’, Artlandish, Hereford

The Courtyard Theatre, Hereford 01432 340555

Until 8 Feb ‘Wyesart’. A collection of over 50 artworks by local artist JOHN SYMONDS. The exhibition is displayed in themes: Trees, Water, Endangered Species, Herefordshire and Heritage. 14 Feb - 31 May V & A presents: SIMON CARROLL (1964-2009), Hereford’s Ceramicist. Open theatre times.

The Forum, 18 Market Square, Tenbury Wells WR15 8EA 01584 810085 www.georginafranklin.co.uk GEORGINA FRANKLIN - jewellery. Individual contemporary design. Commissions undertaken.

Take 4 Gallery, 30 The Homend, Ledbury HR8 1BT www.take4gallery.com Gallery run by a cooperative of 22 artists and makers. Basket maker HELEN MUNDAY, blacksmiths STEPHEN MCRAE and JENNY PICKFORD, ceramicists CLAIRE BILLINGSLEY, STEVE FREER, RUTH BUSBRIDGE and FIONA O’NEILL, mixed media artists CHERYL HEWITT and HELEN NORMAN, jewellers SAM HEMMING, SUSAN WILKINSON and HAZEL MATHIOT, painters CAROLINE GREEN, IVAN JONES, TRUDI FOGGO, JO DEWAR and JANE ASTON, photographer CRAIG DODDS, sculptor ALAN RICHARDSON, textile artists SARAH FREER and DI WEISSBERG and wood turner KEITH BRITTEN. Open Mon–Sat 10-5pm.

Greenstage Gallery, Bromtrees Hall, Stoke Lacy, Bromyard, Herefordshire, HR7 4HZ 07977 574383 info@greenstagegallery.co.uk www.greenstage gallery.co.uk Original and contemporary art. Open by appointment.

Bocam Gallery, Space 10, Bastion Mews, Union St, Hereford HR1 2BT 07929 206707 www.bocamgallery.com

Modern contemporary, pop, street art, prints. Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10.30am-4.30pm.

Walenty Pytel Gallery & Studio Tour, near Ross-on-Wye, HR9 7SB 01531 634102 walentypytelgallery@ gmail.com www.walentypytel.com

You will receive a printed guide to all of Walenty’s outdoor sculptures in Herefordshire to visit at your leisure. Bronze and original steel sculptures can be purchased in the gallery as well as signed limited edition prints, cards and his book Walenty Pytel Life/ Art/Sculpture. By appointment only. Groups welcome.

Wobage Makers Gallery, Upton Bishop, Ross-on-Wye HR9 7QP 01989 720495 www.wobage.co.uk Pots, prints, jewellery, willow and wood. Handmade at Wobage workshops. BEN CASSON - furniture and kitchenwood. LYNN HODGSONwood carving and kitchenwood. PATIA DAVIS - slip decorated earthenware and porcelain. JEREMY STEWARDwood-fired salt-glazed stoneware and porcelain. PETRA STEWARD - woodfired salt-glazed stoneware and collagraph prints. CLYDE JEFFERSON - willow basketry. CLAIR HODGSON - gold, silver and semi-precious stone earrings. Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm.

Mappa Mundi & Chained Library, Hereford Cathedral 01432 374200 Until 5 April ‘Seeds of Eternity’. Celebrating 17th century poet Thomas Traherne.

Until 26 Feb ‘Re-Interpret’. A curated exhibition of jewellery design, contemporary craft and artist blacksmithing by the emerging artists and designers of HEREFORD COLLEGE OF ARTS.

In the Crypt, free entry.

Mon-Sat Cathedral Tours 11.05pm & 2.15pm, £6 per person. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm.

Admission charges apply.

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

Feb Gallery artists featuring STUART ELLIS, LEYLA MURR, STEPHEN RIPPINGTON. New work by JOHN MAXWELL STEELE and TESSA HOUGHTON. Thurs-Sat 10am-4pm.

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

Feb Regular gallery artists and makers showing through February with a hint of romance to celebrate St Valentine’s Day! Featuring a gorgeous collection of Fine Art and Craft, perfect presents for the love in your life! CHRISSIE NASH, GAIL KELVIN, ROZIE KEOGH, ELIZABETH TERZZA, LEOMA DREW, ANN FARAG, PENNY WILLIAMS, RACHEL BAILEY, ceramic sculpture by various artists, textiles, silk velvet cushions and scarves, jackets, coats and wraps, hand made cards and much more.

Throughout the year ‘Splendour in the Grass’. An ever-changing collection of unique sculptures for your outdoor space in a variety of media including carved stone, resins, bronze, glass, ironwork, stainless steel and ceramics. Wed-Sat 11am-4.30pm, Sun 12-4pm.

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

www.applestoregallery.com

Until 22 March Rockfield Arts. Wed-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat 10am-1pm.

Old Stable Gallery, Leominster Tourist Information Centre, Corn Square, Leominster 01568 616460

Feb VILLAGE ARTS CLUB. Mon-Sat Open 9.30am-4pm.

SHROPSHIRE

Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Mill St, Ludlow 01584 878141

Until 8 March ‘Vibrant Moods and Tempos’. LOUISE C EAMESabstract paintings. Mon-Sat 10am-7pm.

Studio & Gallery, Quality Square, Ludlow SY8 1AR 01584 751277 www.abigailhumphriesart.com

Feb ABIGAIL HUMPHRIES - mixed media, figurative pieces and some traditional oil paintings. Open Tues, Thurs-Sun 10am-4pm, Mon & Wed appointment only.

Bishop’s Castle Town Hall 01588 630023 www.bishopscastletownhall.co.uk 1 Feb Antiques & Flea Market, 9am-4pm.

Until 4 Feb ANN KELLY. 8 Feb - 11 March ROSIE BYRDtextile pictures from around the world. 19 - 23 Feb ‘Miniature Art Machine’. Creating a miniature art machine, selling tiny pieces of art for £1. Part of Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival. Mon-Sat 10am-4pm.

City Racing Gallery (The Old Methodist Church), Station Rd, Bishop’s Castle SY9 5AQ www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com 19 - 23 Feb ASTER GUINESS. Open 11.30am-5pm.

The Poppy House, 20 Market Square, Bishop’s Castle, www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com 20 - 23 Feb BISHOP’S CASTLE ART SOCIETY. Open 10am-3pm. Gallery Eighteen, 18 Market Square, Bishop’s Castle www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com 19 - 23 Feb SUE GREENAWAY & PATRICIA FLETCHER. 10am-4pm. The Chai Shop, High St, Bishop’s Castle www.bishopscastleartsfestival. com

Feb TAHIRA PAUL.

The Old Brewery, The Six Bells, Bishop’s Castle www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com 21 - 23 Feb JONATHAN QUINN & TOMMY DAVIES - art installation. Open 10am-4pm.

The Stars Shop, 70 Church St, Bishop’s Castle SY9 5AE www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

19 - 23 Feb CASTLE ARTISTS

Spring exhibition - paintings, linocuts, watercolours, sculpture, photographs, textiles, jewellery, ceramics and cards. Open 10am-5pm.

Artists’ Open Studio, Bishop’s Castle www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

21 - 23 Feb SARAH GILLARD - paintings - Yarborough House, High St. DRUSILLA COLE & JANE PICKETT - paintings - Bull St. JENNY JONES - paintings - The Porch House, High St. JULIA BATH - paintings, JANE ALLARD - weaver - The Old Bakery, Church St. JILL BAGNALL - fused glass - opposite Kirsty’s, New St. MARIAN WATSON - silver & gold jewellery and paintings - Chapel View, Station St. DI & ANDREW DOUCEpaintings - The Old Manse, Station St. ANNE STEPHENS - jewellery & crafts - The Garden House, Laburnum Alley, Union St. TIM PHILLIPS & KATE EVANS - paintings and ceramics - St Cleopas, The Cabin, via Welsh St. Open 10am-4pm, admission free.

Alice Draws The Line, The Old Forge, Brampton Bryan SY7 0DH www.AliceDrawsTheLine.co.uk Cards, tea towels, mugs, gifts. Open when the lights are on! SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321

Feb ANDREW McCONNACH. Open Mon-Thurs 9am-9pm, Sat & Sun 9am-12pm.

The Willow Gallery, 56 Willow Street, Oswestry SY11 1AD 01691 657575

Feb New Year Open Exhibition. 10am-4pm, closed Sun / Mon.

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

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

Until 30 April ‘Sun & Fire - Life and death at the dawn of history’. 10am-4pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

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

www.theartistsgalleryludlow.co.uk Instagram @galleryrunbyartists Facebook The Artists’ Gallery Artists include SHELLY PERKINS - wildlife artist. PRISCILLA HANNbronze sculpture. KIM DAVIS - wood turning. PAUL BURTON - sculpture in steel, glass and stone. PIP JONESwatercolours. SARAH BILLINGHAMpottery. ALICE SAVERY - watercolour and pen botanicals. LAURA-JAYNE - jewellery metalsmith.

Feb Visiting artists include LAYLA KHANI - linocut art. SAM SOULTERwoodworker. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm.

Nina & Co, 10 Church St, Ludlow SY8 2JH 01584 877792

Decorative antiques and vintage. Open 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

Art & Craft Workshops

Single, dated listings are free. Ongoing workshops, £45 per year.

h.ART - HEREFORDSHIRE ART WEEK

6 - 14 September 2025. Are you an artist wanting to be part of h.Art this year? To Take Part complete the online forms @ h-art.org.uk/take-part between 4 Feb - 4 March. Or get in touch info@h-art.org.uk

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 artist tutor: Audrey Bradley: 01544 350369.

ALEX ALLPRESS POTTERY

STUDIO - POTTERY EXPERIENCES & LESSONS

Church Street, Builth Wells, LD2 3BS. 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 £40pp - tasters - half day or full day. Call for details: 07443 875016. email alexallpressceramics@gmail.co.uk, www.alexallpress.co.uk

MOOR HALL STUDIO - BOBBY BRITNELL

Inspirational art and textile related courses delivered throughout the year by highly qualified tutors. Some courses are online 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

JAPANESE FLOWER ARRANGING

Workshops, lessons, demonstrations to groups/societies and Gift Vouchers by Teacher and Master of IKEBANA (Ohara School) Noella Plasman-Jones. Visit www.discovering-ikebana.com or message me on 07379 499984.

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, Upholstery, Felting, Rag Rug Making, Sculpture, Stone Carving, Dichroic Glass, Plant Dyeing, Natural Dyes, Herbal Medicine, Suminagashi, Rush Basketry, Creating a Sketchbook, Jewellery, Glass Fusing, Hand Bloc Printing, Sewing, Stained Glass, Weaving, Linocutting, Painting and Drawing, Japanese Woodblock, Printmaking, Weaving Wire, Woodcarving and Pottery. For full details visit www. creativebreaks.co.uk Make it yourself - take it hometreasure it - or give it with pride!

STONE CARVING WORKSHOPS

Monthly in Llangarron, HR9 6PH. Glenn Morris sculptor leads an informal, friendly group. Suitable for beginners or those with some experience. Tuition, tools, refreshments and safety equipment provided, small piece of stone included in “Beginners Day”. Gift Vouchers available. Contact frances@artsinthemarches.co.uk 07917 522253

Sat 8 February & Sat 8 March

SILVER STACKING BAND RING WORKSHOP

Make two beautiful rings With Sophie Jauncey. The Muse, Brecon, 10am-1pm, £75, 07813 190550, www.sophiejaunceyjewellery.co.uk

Sat 15 February

CREATIVE WORKSHOP

For ages 8 and up with Tom Percival for an all-round exploration of creativity! Explore storytelling techniques, making music, creating videos, storytelling, photography or drawing. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 10am-11.30pm, £3, 01584 878141.

Sat 15 February, 15 March & 17 May

MARCHES SCRIBES CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOPS

Beginners Course. Monkland Village Hall, Leominster, 10am-1pm, £15 for the course. Booking essential. For more information/to book, please ring 01544 327657.

Wed 19 - Sat 22 February

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY WEEK

Craft tables, marshmallows by the firepit, face painting, storytelling, outdoor games and plenty of space to run about. Lyde Court, Hereford, 10am-4pm, 01432 357753, www.lydecourt.com

Wed 19 - Sun 23 February

BISHOP’S CASTLE ARTS FESTIVAL

19 Feb - Willow Weaving Workshop with Sophie Francis, The Methodist Hall, 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm, £25. Painting Poems Workshop with Clae Eastage, The Poetry Pharmacy, High St, 10am-3pm, £65. Fused Glass Workshop at Jill Bagnall’s Studio, New St, 10.30am-1.30pm, £70, please book via jill@fusingideas.com. 2 Printing Workshops with Catherine Jones, Gelli Printing for young people, Town Hall, 10.30am-12.30pm, free. Collagraph Printing, part 1 Wed 2pm, part 2 Thurs, £30. Bubble Painting for Children, Stars, Church St, 2-3pm & 3.30pm-4.30pm, free. 20 Feb - Lino Cut Printing for adults, Town Hall, 2pm-3.45pm, £30. Weaving Workshops for Youngsters aged 6-11 years, 2pm-3.30pm & 3.30pm-5pm, free . 21 Feb - Lampshade Making Workshop, Bank House, High St, 11am-12.30pm, £10 includes the kit. Sterling Silver Ring Workshop with Kathy Taylor, Town Hall, 10am-12pm, £15 includes materials. Watercolour Painting Workshop, all materials supplied, adult beninners 1.30pm, adult improvers 2.30pm, £5. Scraptastic Workshop, SpArC Theatre, 1pm-3pm, free. 22 Feb - Build a Bug Hotel at Walter’s Workshop, Enterprise House, Station St, for ages 10-15 years, 10am, 11am, 2pm & 3pm, free. Animal Mask Workshop with Sue Percy, drop in workshop at Library, Station St, 2.30pm-4pm, free. Mini Artist Book Workshop, Methodist Hall, Station Rd, 2.30pm-4pm, 11-15 year olds £4, 16 years and above £10. 21 & 22 Feb - Children’s Crafting, Library, 10am-5pm & 10am-1pm, free. 23 Feb - Pottery Workshop with Jonathan, Bishop’s Castle Methodist Hall, Station St, for ages 10-14, 2pm, free. Embroidery Workshop with Meg Hemmings, Methodist Hall, Station St, 10.30am-12.30pm, £5. Ikebana Workshop with florist Jane of Jane’s Petals, Town Hall, 10.30am-12.30pm, £10. Needle Felting Workshop with Clare Linford, Town Hall, 10am-12pm & 2pm-4pm, £8. Modern Calligraphy workshop with Alice Savery, Town Hall, 2pm-4pm, £45. Please book all of the above, limited places. Bishop’s Castle. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Sat 22 February

MARCHES SCRIBES

Calligraphy ‘Homegrown’ Workshop: Paste Papers and Arty Tricks. Monkland Village Hall, Leominster, 10am-4pm, £20 members, £25 visitors. To book, please ring 01544 327657.

Fri 21 - Sun 23 February BASKET WEAVING RETREAT

Two day residential basket weaving workshop suitable for beginners or those with experience. Spend one day with Helen Munday and one day with Mollie McMillen. Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, near Ledbury, £375 includes tuition, materials, tools, 2 nights full board and accomodation, www.hellensmanor.com

Sun 26 February CHAT - CONNECT - CREATE

Led by Sarah Ricketts, experiment with materials and media and discover a range of different craft techniques. All materials provided, donations welcome. The Oxford Arms Barn, Duke St, Kington, 2-4pm, coffee and bar open, email info@openarmsington.co.uk

February & March ORIEL DAVIES GALLERY

Free Online Art Sessions for 12-18 year olds. 15 Feb & 15 March. Bring something to work on, or whatever art materials you have to hand and created alongside other like-minded people. Online, 10.30am-12.30pm, www.orieldavies.org

February SHROPSHIRE HILLS DISCOVERY CENTRE

17 - 21 Feb - Bubbles and Balloons. Make balloon animals, experiment with static electricity and a hovercraft. Make small and big bubbles with things you find around your home. 1-2.30pm, £4.50 per child. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 01588 676060.

February WESTHOPE COLLEGE WORKSHOPS

6 Feb - 9.30am-4.30pm: Batik Glass, £95 including lunch and all materials. 6 Feb - 10am - 4pm: Where Do I Start With My Garden? £75 incl.lunch and all materials. 19 Feb - 10am - 4pm: Make a Crossover Back Apron, £85 incl. lunch and pattern. 19 Feb - 10am - 4pm: Make a Scene metalworking workshop, £85 incl. lunch and all materials.20 Feb - 10am - 4pm: Have a Go at Ceramics Slab Building, £90 incl.lunch and all materials. All workshops at Westhope College, Craven Arms, SY7 9JL, www.westhope.org.uk. Phone 01584 861293 to book.

February SPARC THEATRE

1 Feb - Going Wild - Willow Day. Activities for all: 1pm3pm fire/charcoal making and drawing. 10am-1pmWillow activities including little lanterns workshop, willow hurdle making, drawing with your own charcoal. Free, drop in, refreshments. 21 Feb - Scraptastic Workshop. Get creative, load of recycled materials to make whatever you can dream up. All welcome, free with donations to Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 01588 630321.

February MID WALES ARTS CENTRE

Until 19 March - Pottery skills course for begninners and intermediate potters, 6.30pm-9pm. Every Wed - Talking Art, artists talk about their work, 2-4pm, free. Weekly Pottery Club, Thurs 2-4pm & 7pm-9pm (term time), Fri 11am-1pm & 2-4pm. Thurs - After School Club, 4.30pm-6pm. 2nd Sat of each month, Family Pottery, 2pm-4pm, booking essential. Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, Newtown, 01686 688369.

February EASTNOR POTTERY INTRO TO THE POTTERS WHEEL £60 p.p. For individuals, couples and small groups. 1.5 hr sessions - specific dates throughout Feb. POTTERS WHEEL COURSES 1, 5, 15 &16 Feb. Day £180. Weekend £340 per person. Spend the day or weekend relaxing and creating pots on the potter’s wheel. CLAY MODELLING 18 Feb 11am and 2pm. £40 per person. Themed Pottery Fun for all the family. Eastnor Pottery, Home Farm, Eastnor, near Ledbury. Check and book online, www.eastnorpottery. co.uk admin@eastnorpottery.co.uk or 01531 633886.

February HAY CASTLE

2 Feb - Doodle Art, 10.30am-1pm, £12.50. 8 Feb - Adult & Teen Creative Workshop. Create a collage with Caris Jackson, two sessions 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm3.30pm. 15 Feb - Shading Techniques, back-to-basics workshop using pencils and charcoals, 10.30am-1pm, £12.50. 18 Feb - Family Creating Creatures with Francesca Kay. Make portraits of animals, birds and imaginary beasts, part of the Quentin Blake season. 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm, sessions last about 30 minutes. 25 Feb - Half Term Children’s Craft Workshop ‘Making Monsters inspired by Quentin Blake’ with Freya Bain. 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm, sessions last about on hour. Clore Learning Space, Hay Castle, Oxford Rd, Hay-on-Wye, 01497 820079, www.haycastletrust.org

February THE COURTYARD, HEREFORD

11 Feb - Creative Craft Cafe: Lino Printing with Helen Arthur, 10am-2pm, all materials are provided. TuesPlaying Together, interactive play session for older adults and pre-school children with parents/carers, 11am-12pm, £3. Thurs - Hereford Life Drawing, 10am-1pm, £8. The Courtyard Theatre, Hereford, 01432 340555.

February, March ABERYSTWYTH UNIVERSITY IN PERSON COURSES

5 Feb - Natural History Illustration: Intriguing Insects, £70. 5 Feb - Natural History Illustration: Seaweed, £70.

7 Feb - Just Ink!, £130. 10 Feb - Cover to Cover: Altered Books, £140. 18 Feb - Hooked on Wool, £130.

1 March - Handbuilt Ceramics, £70. 19 Feb - Fibre to Form: Basketry Techniques, £80. Aberystwyth University. Details 01970 621580, www.aber.ac.uk/learning

February SHREWSBURY MUSEUM & ART GALLERY

First Sat of the month - Create and Connect. Bringing together refugee and local families in a fun, welcoming and supporting environment, 1.30pm-3pm, for ages 4+, £3. Until 25 April - Early Years Storytelling WorkshopSun and Fire. using storytelling, music, art and roleplay, children will step back in time and discover how people lived long ago, 10am-12pm. Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, Market Square, Shrewsbury, 01743 258881.

February CUP CERAMICS

8 Feb - Pottery Taster - A taster course is for individuals, couples, families and friends and is a fantastic opportunity to get your hands in some clay as well as making something fun and functional. Minimum age is 14 when accompanied by an adult on the course and 16+ without adult supervision. - £55 (includes fired and glazed pots). 15 & 16 Feb - Altered Forms & Mocha Diffusion with Bill Rolls - Fancy pushing your handbuilding skills a bit further? In these two sessions you will learn how to make simple altered forms using the extruder and learn the process of mocha diffusion - £75 (includes 2 items fired and glazed). 23 Feb - One Day Intensive Pottery Course - If you are new to clay this course will introduce you to making pots on a wheel - throwing, and hand-building pots. If you already have some experience this course will enable you to practice what you already know and extend your knowledge.- £125 (price includes 4 items fired amd glazed and a delicious lunch in our onsite cafe).

Cup Ceramics, 10 Foley Trading Estate, Hereford, 07548 629525. Details www.cupceramics.com/courses February, March ABERYSTWYTH UNIVERSITY ONLINE 5 Feb - Natural History Illustration: Mosses, Lichens and Liverworts’. £70. 1 March - ‘Introduction to Art and Art History’. £130. Aberystwyth University online courses. Details 01970 621580, www.aber.ac.uk/learning

February APPLE STORE GALLERY

17 Feb - Portrait Workshop with Allison Neal, 10am-3.30pm. 18 Feb - Risograph Workshop with Jess Bulger, 10am-3.30pm. Apple Store Gallery, Unit 1 Rockfield Rd, Hereford, HR1 2UA, 01432 263937.

February HEREFORD CATHEDRAL

11 & 25 Feb - Lego Club, 3.45pm-5pm, free. 20 FebMessy Church, afternoon of craft and activities for all the family, 12-2pm, free drop-in event. Mondays term time - Toddler Group, craft activities and prayer; suitable 1-3 years, 9.30am, free. Thurs (term time) - Cathedral Seedlings new toddler group for ages 1-3 years, 10am-11.30am. Hereford Cathedral, 01432 374225.

April/May 2025 STAINED GLASS COURSES

With Nicola Hopwood. Long weekend workshops for beginners and those with some experience, in a lively and supportive atmosphere. 12 - 15 April & 17 - 20 May 2025. Brilley, near Hay-on-Wye, £300 per person (plus materials). 01497 820177, email info@nicolahopwood. co.uk, www.nicolahopwood.co.uk

Thursdays KNIGHTON ART GROUP Any level welcome. Any medium accepted. Lunch served from 12pm. Knighton Community Centre, 1-3pm, £3 per session. Kay Yendole, 07624 379335.

Tuesdays LIFE DRAWING For all ages. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 7-9pm, £8, louisediggle@gmail.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, 7-9.20pm, £8, 07587 192495.

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

QUEER (18) – 136MINS

Making no apologies for reviewing two films this month built squarely around sex, this one is perhaps the bravest and most unusual. Based loosely on William S. Burroughs’ unfinished, autobiographical novel, we find well-heeled, heavy drinking Lee – Daniel Craig far removed from James Bond – prowling around in 1950s Mexico City’s seamy underbelly searching for sexual encounters which, in the case of the almost too-handsome Eugene (Drew Starkey), he hopes will lead to love. Eugene however is playing a long and ambiguous game teasing, then at least temporarily fulfilling Lee’s rampant desires which also abstrusely veer between self-loathing and brazen. The carefully regulated gay sex scenes are as explicit as any yet seen in cinemas, but this is a film about lust and how one might accommodate and rationalise it, with the added appeal of a beautifully realised period travelogue from director Luca Guadagnino (CALL ME BY YOUR NAME).

Reviews by Mark Williams whose recent blog, EYES OF THE BEHOLDERS, covers ﬁlm reviewing and is online at www.markswill.wordpress.com

BORDERLINES FILM FESTIVAL

FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARYSATURDAY 15 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.

5 Feb AMA GLORIA (12)

19 Feb KNEECAP (18)

5 March ROSE (12A)

Melville Centre, Pen y Pound, Abergavenny NP7 5UD. www.abergavennyfilmsociety.com

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW

1 Feb MOANA 2 (PG)

1, 3, 4, 6 Feb MARIA (12A)

3, 6 Feb HERE (12A)

5 Feb MERCHANT IVORY (12A)

10 & 12 Feb NICKEL BOYS (12A)

17 & 24 Feb BABYGIRL (18)

17 Feb THE CRIME IS MINE (15)

22 Feb SPIRITED AWAY (PG) 24, 25, 27 Feb A COMPLETE UNKNOWN (15)

26 Feb BROTHER SUN, SISTER MOON (PG) Nina & Co Vintage Film Night.

Assembly Rooms, Mill St, Ludlow, 01584 878141

BRECON FILM SOCIETY

3 Feb IO CAPITANO (15)

3 March CHARULATA(U)

7.30pm, Brecon Coliseum Cinema, Wheat St, Brecon. 01874 620642

CONQUEST, BROMYARD

7 Feb DRIVING MADELEINE (15)

21 Feb TWISTERS (12)

Conquest Theatre, Bromyard. 01885 488575

COURTYARD, HEREFORD

Until 6 Feb MARIA (12A)

1 - 13 Feb A COMPLETE UNKNOWN (15)

5 - 13 Feb NOSFERATU (15)

8 Feb DOLPHIN BOY (PG) Free pre-activity from 10.30am

10 - 13 Feb THE TASTING/ LA DEGUSTATION (15)

14 - 19 Feb IT’S RAINING MEN (15) 14 - 19 Feb BABYGIRL (18)

14 - 20 Feb HERE (12A)

14 Feb THE APARTMENT (PG)

15 - 21 Feb SONIC THE HEDGEHOG

3 (PG)

22 - 26 Feb HOW TO MAKE MILLIONS BEFORE GRANDMA DIES (12A)

22 - 27 Feb SEPTEMBER 5 (15)

24 - 27 Feb QUEER (18)

26 Feb HIGH NOON (U)

26 Feb SAFETY LAST 1923 silent film accompanied by the Orchestra of the Swan with a specially composed score by David Le Page.

The Courtyard Theatre, Edgar St, Hereford 01432 340555

3 Feb BOOK CLUB - THE NEXT CHAPTER (12A) Welshpool Assembly Room 01938 552043

3 Feb THE OUTRUN (15) Coalbrookdale & Ironbridge Community Centre 01952 433297

3 Feb KING OF THIEVES (15) The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock 01952 728911

4 Feb THE GREAT ESCAPER (12A) Lydbury North VH 01588 680302

5 Feb IT ENDS WITH US (15) The Phoenix Theatre, Ross on Wye 07789 778048

6 Feb THELMA (12A) Brilley VH 01544 327227

6 Feb NORTH BY NORTHWEST (PG) Lindridge Parish Hall 01584 881615

7 Feb DRIVING MADELEINE (15) Conquest Theatre, Bromyard 01885 488575

7 Feb THE GREAT ESCAPER (12A) Chetton VH 01746 789239

7 Feb FREMONT (12A) All Stretton VH 07812 583113

7 Feb THE COURIER (12) Fownhope New Memorial Hall 01432 860 717

7 Feb ANATOMY OF A FALL (15) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125

7 Feb FLY ME TO THE MOON (12A) Kelsall Methodist Hall 01829 752931

8 Feb ONE LIFE (12) Bayston Hill Memorial Hall 01743 872096

8 Feb THE COURIER (12) Ombersley Memorial VH 01905 620350

8 Feb MR KLEIN (12) Cleobury Mortimer Parish Hall 01299 270047

8 Feb BENEDICTION (12) Cawley Hall, Eye 07771 798712

8 Feb THE DRESSMAKER (12) The Old Picture House, Kington 07855 254590

8 Feb THE BUCKET LIST (12) Clifton on Teme VH 01886 812238

10 Feb CASABLANCA (U) The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock 01952 728911

11 Feb WICKED LITTLE LETTERS (15) Ashford Carbonell VH 01584 831574

11 Feb ANATOMY OF A FALL (15) All Stretton VH 07812 583113

12 Feb WILDING (PG) Hope Bowdler VH 01694 721376

12 Feb THELMA (12A) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125

13 Feb RADICAL (12) Leintwardine Community Centre 07572 442903

13 Feb IT ENDS WITH US (15) The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock 01952 728911

13 Feb THE BOOKSHOP (PG) Much Birch Community Hall 01981 540097

14 Feb TICKET TO PARADISE (12) Staunton on Wye VH 01981 500415

14 Feb MY SAILOR, MY LOVE (12) The Simpson Hall, Burghill 07726 148736

14 Feb WICKED LITTLE LETTERS (15) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125

14 Feb FLY ME TO THE MOON (12A) Knighton Community Centre 07964 023841

14 Feb THE HOLDOVERS (15) Great Witley VH 01299 896412

15 Feb WICKED LITTLE LETTERS (15) Waverton VH 01244 336055

15 Feb LA NUIT AMERICAINE (12) Cleobury Mortimer Parish Hall 01299 270047

15 Feb THE HOLDOVERS (15) Aston on Clun VH 01588 660139

BABYGIRL (18) – 114MINS

Nicole Kidman’s confident versatility was never in doubt, and she’s played slutty (THE PAPERBOY) and submissively lustful (EYES WIDE SHUT) before, but here they’re combined within tech company CEO and fond mum, Romy Mathis, whose emotional complexity unravels when a 20-something intern, Samuel (Harris Dickenson, SCRAPPER) enters her orbit. Her unhappy-ish marriage augurs infidelity with this much younger man where she imagines she can get and control what she wants, namely rough, uncomplicated, shameless sex. But despite her brittle edges, Romy is not the 100% assured executive that, say, James Spader played seducing Maggie Gyllenhaal in 2002’s somewhat similar, albeit role-reversed SECRETARY. So it’s not long ‘til Samuel casually notes that, “I think you like to be told what to do” and their relationship segues into something emotionally and physically darker, and reputationally riskier. For 57 year-old Kidman, her character’s explicit sex scenes required a fearless, uncompromising but never titillating performance with an unexpected ending.

15 Feb THEIR FINEST (12) The Old Picture House, Kington 07855 254590

16 Feb L’ARGENT DE POCHE (PG) Studio One, Malvern Theatres 01684 892277

17 Feb ON THE WATERFRONT (PG) Coalbrookdale & Ironbridge Community Centre 01952 433297

17 Feb THE GREAT ESCAPER (12A)

All Stretton VH 07812 583113

18 Feb SECONDHAND LIONS (12) Acton Scott VH 07485 655898

19 Feb LADIES IN LAVENDER (12) Burley Gate VH 07852 202353

20 Feb KEEPING MUM (15) Huntington VH 01544 370692

20 Feb THE COURIER (12) Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton 07429 237955

20 Feb IF (U) Mayfair Community Centre, Church Stretton 01694 722077

20 Feb PADDINGTON IN PERU (PG) Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 01588 676060

20 Feb SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE (12A) Norbury VH 07929 366745

20 Feb ONE LIFE (12) Kinnerley Parish Hall 01691 683619

21 Feb KINKY BOOTS (12A) Marton VH 01743 792790

21 Feb THE BOOKSHOP (PG) Clungunford VH 01588 660159

21 Feb TWISTERS (12) Conquest Theatre, Bromyard 01885 488575

21 Feb THE PHANTOM OF THE OPEN (12) Bosbury Parish Hall 01531 640333

21 Feb PADDINGTON IN PERU (PG) Wilstone VH

21 Feb THE CRITIC (15) Cound Guildhall 01743 761257

21 Feb GOING IN STYLE (12A) Eckington Village Memorial Hall 07756 195099

21 Feb THE PRODUCERS (PG)

The Old Picture House, Kington 07855 254590

22 Feb WICKED LITTLE LETTERS (15) Bicton VH 01743 850495

22 Feb GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (PG) Little Witley VH 01886 888122

22 Feb THE 400 BLOWS (PG) Cleobury Mortimer Parish Hall 01299 270047

22 Feb BOOK CLUB - NEXT CHAPTER (12A) Callow End VH 0333 666 3366

22 Feb ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL (PG) Church & Chetwynd Aston VH 01952 813234

22 Feb THE HUNDRED FOOT JOURNEY (PG) Rodington VH 01952 71147

23 Feb PADDINGTON IN PERU (PG)

SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 638038

25 Feb FREUDS LAST SESSION (12)

SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 638038

25 Feb TOP GUN - MAVERICK (12) Loppington VH 07932 737967

27 Feb NEXT GOAL WINS (12) Grimley Peace Hall, Sinton Green 01905 641572

27 Feb BOOK CLUB - THE NEXT CHAPTER (12A) Almeley VH 07913 992911

27 Feb THE CRITIC (15) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 638038

27 Feb A HAUNTING IN VENICE (12A) Goodrich VH www.goodrichvillagehall.co.uk

28 Feb MY WEEK WITH MARILYN (15) Colwall VH 07891 688124

28 Feb MY FAVOURITE CAKE (12A) Garway VH 01600 750465

28 Feb HOW TO MAKE MILLIONS BEFORE GRANDMA DIES (12A) Knighton Community Centre 07964 023841

28 Feb THE OUTRUN (15) All Stretton VH 07812 583113

28 Feb SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE (12A) Bedstone & Hopton Castle VH 01547 530282

28 Feb THE CRITIC (15) Castlemorton Parish Hall 01531 631503

1 March PADDINGTON IN PERU (PG)

The Old Picture House, Kington 01544 230690

1 March THE CRITIC (15) Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington 01432 890720

1 March THE OUTRUN (15) Community Hall, Much Birch 01981 540097

THE EDGE ARTS CENTRE

3 Feb KING OF THIEVES (15)

10 Feb CASABLANCA (U)

13 Feb IT ENDS WITH US (15) The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock 01952 728911

THE HAFREN, NEWTOWN

19 Feb THE CRITIC (15)

The Hafren, Newtown, 01686 948100

HAY CASTLE, HAY-ON-WYE

Until 7 Feb TARDDLE/SOURCE

Film by Storyteller in Residence, Tom Bullough. A two-hour film about the Wye Valley, 10am, 12pm and 2pm daily except 1 Feb. Free.

26 - 28 Feb QUENTIN BLAKE’S BOX OF TREASURES Two films from Quentin Blake, 11am & 2pm, free. Hay Castle, Oxford Rd, Hay-on-Wye, 01497 820079 www.haycastletrust.org

MARKET

THEATRE, LEDBURY

7 Feb ANATOMY OF A FALL (15)

12 Feb THELMA (12)

14 Feb WICKED LITTLE LETTERS (15)

Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125

MONTGOMERY MOVIE CLUB

6 Feb THE TROUBLE WITH JESSICA (15)

20 Feb WILDING (PG)

6 March ROCKFIELD: THE STUDIO ON THE FARM (15)

Please check - Town Hall or Dragon Hotel, Montgomery, 7.30pm or 8pm, 01686 668442

OLD MARKET HALL,

SHREWS.

Until 6 Feb A COMPLETE UNKNOWN (15)

7 - 13 Feb A REAL PAIN (15)

7 - 13 Feb NOSFERATU (15)

9 Feb QUEER (18)

14 - 20 Feb THE BRUTALIST (18) 21 - 27 Feb HARD TRUTHS (12A)

28 Feb - 6 March BRIDGET JONES: MAD ABOUT THE BOY (18)

Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281

PHOENIX THEATRE, R-O-W

5 Feb IT ENDS WITH US Phoenix Theatre, Palace Pound, St Mary’s St, Ross on Wye, 01989 564570

PRESTEIGNE SCREEN

14 Feb AMA GLORIA (12)

28 Feb CONCLAVE (12A)

7 March ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT (U)

www.presteignescreen.org.uk Assembly Rooms, Presteigne.

REGAL, TENBURY WELLS

28 Feb SATURDAY NIGHT (15)

7 March SEPTEMBER 5 (15) Regal, Teme St, Tenbury Wells, 01584 811442

SAVOY, MONMOUTH

1, 2, 8 & 9 Feb WICKEDSINGALONG (PG)

1 - 6 Feb QUEER (18)

7 - 13 Feb THE ORDER (15)

14 - 20 Feb MARIA (12A)

21 - 27 Feb A COMPLETE UNKNOWN (15)

22 - 27 Feb SONIC THE HEDGEHOG (PG)

Savoy Theatre, Church St, Monmouth 01600 772467

SHREWSBURY FILM SOCIETY

9 Feb CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN

DRAGON (12)

14 Feb PAST LIVES (12)

28 Feb 1976 (15)

14 March STILL WALKING (U)

The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 01743 234970

SHROPSHIRE HILLS DISCOVERY

20 Feb PADDINGTON IN PERU (PG)

Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, School Rd, Craven Arms 01588 676060

SPARC, BISHOP’S CASTLE

1 Feb THE WILD ROBOT (U)

25 Feb FREUD’S LAST SESSION (12A)

27 Feb THE CRITIC (15)

SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 01588 638038

THEATRE SEVERN, SHREWS

26 & 27 Feb BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM

FESTIVAL Featuring skiing in Antarctica, wingsuit flying above Mont Blanc, climbing in Peru and more. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281.

WYESIDE, BUILTH WELLS

Until 2 Feb A COMPLETE UNKNOWN (15)

2, 3, 8, 9, 15 & 16 Feb MUFASA: THE LION KING (PG)

1, 2, 5, 6 Feb BABYGIRL (18)

2, 8, 9 Feb SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 (PG)

7, 8, 9, 11 & 13 Feb BETTER MAN (15)

7 - 9, 11, & 13 Feb FLIGHT RISK (15)

9 Feb MOANA 2 (PG)

14 - 16 Feb DAMNED (15) 18 & 19 Feb THE ORDER (15) Wyeside, Builth Wells 01982 552555 LIVE EVENTS ON SCREEN

1 Feb AIDA

Metropolitan Opera. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 5.30pm, 01885 488575.

2 Feb LES MISERABLES

Stage concert. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 2pm, 01982 552555. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, 01600 772467.

3 - 5 Feb VAN GOGH: POETS & LOVERS

Exhibition on Screen. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 11am, 01743 281281.

4 Feb LES MISERABLES

Stage concert. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7pm, 01982 552555. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7pm, 01885 488575. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

The Importance of Being Earnest

4 - 16 Feb LES MISERABLES

Stage concert. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2pm & 7pm, 01743 281281.

5 Feb MACBETH

National Theatre. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, 01600 772467. The Hafren, Newtown, 7pm, 01686 948100.

6 - 8 Feb MACBETH

National Theatre. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2pm & 7pm, 01743 281281.

6 Feb MACBETH

National Theatre. The Regal, Tenbury Wells, 7pm, 01584 811442.

9 Feb MACBETH

National Theatre. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 4.45pm, 01600 772467.

11 Feb MACBETH

National Theatre. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7pm, 01584 878141.

20 Feb THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

National Theatre. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7pm, 01588 630321. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7pm, 01885 488575. Wyeside, Builtgh Wells, 7pm, 01982 552555. The Regal, Tenbury Wells, 7pm, 01584 811442.

21 Feb THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

National Theatre. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 1.30pm, 01743 281281.

22 Feb THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

National Theatre. The Courtyard, Hereford, 1.30pm, (subtitled), 01432 340555.

24 Feb THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

National Theatre. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7pm, 01743 281281.

25 Feb THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

National Theatre. The Courtyard, Hereford, 10.30am, 01432 340555.

27 Feb LES MISERABLES

Stage concert. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.30pm, 01952 728911.

27 Feb SWAN LAKE

Royal Opera & Ballet. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.15pm, 01432 340555. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.15pm, 01885 488575. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.15pm, 07967 517125. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.15pm, 01584 878141. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 7.15pm, 01743 281281.

28 Feb THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

National Theatre. Town Hall, Montgomery, 7pm, 01686 668442.

2 March JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

The Live Arena Tour. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, 01600 772467.

WORKSHOPS

BORDERLINES FILM FESTIVAL IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS

Do you love cinema? Love going to the movies? Then volunteering with the Borderlines Film Festival might be just what you are looking for. Borderlines is Britain’s largest rural film festival and takes place this year between 28th February – 15th March at venues across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Malvern and the Marches. The festival brings the best of world cinema to audiences in venues large and small, from art deco picture palaces to village halls. Borderlines is seeking volunteers to help at the Festival Desks at The Courtyard in Hereford and Ludlow Assembly Rooms. Volunteers are the friendly face of the Festivalwelcoming audiences, running the voting system and helping with audience surveys. In return we can offer free tickets to selected films. If you’re interested then contact: steve. freer@borderlinesfilmfestival.co.uk February, March

ABERYSTWYTH ONLINE COURSES

3 Feb - Advanced Social Media Marketing: Linkedin, £70. 10 FebIntroduction to Film Studies, £130. 3 March - Basic Camera Skills, £70. Aberystwyth University online courses. Details 01970 621580, www.aber.ac.uk/learning

Every Tuesday YOUTH CAFE

Young people (8-16) can meet and share creative activites including music, drama and films. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 01743 234970. Wednesdays FILM MAKING CLUB For ages 11-17. The Courtyard, Hereford, 6-7.30pm, £75 per term, 01432 340555.

Specialist in art, design, photography, history, gardening Also open our superb CAFÉ!

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

aardvaark@btconnect.com www.aardvark-books.com

www.aardvark-books.com Aardvark Easter Event 19th April 2025 A full Aardvark market with over 20 stalls, Live

Bookshop open to visitors Tues-Sun 10am-4pm. Open Bank Holiday Mondays. 50,000+ titles; North Herefordshire’s largest indie bookseller; We buy books

Dance Performance

Sat 1 & Sun 2 February

GIOVANNI PERNICE

Strictly Come Dancing professional takes to the stage with his company of world class performers. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £52-£46, 01743 281281.

Mon 10 & Tues 11 February WINTER DANCE

SHREWSBURY HIGH SCHOOL showcases different styles and genres from contemporary to classical ballet. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7pm, £14, 01743 281281.

Sun 16 February

EARLY WEAVES

Two strangers meet, unsure at first. But with a twist of willow and a sprinkle of imagination, they create magic together! Join the fun and let your creativity soar! Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 11am, £3, 01584 878141. Arts Alive.

Fri 21 & Sat 22 February

DIRTY DANCING LIVE

A mix of high energy routines, audience participation and live vocals. Hereford Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, 8pm, £22, 01432 353552.

Sat 8 March

CARISMATICO

Tango. With an acclaimed 5-piece contemporary tango ensemble, Guillermo Rozenthuler’s vocals and dancers, Richard Manel and Tamsyn Webb. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.30pm, £20, 01952 728911.

Dance Workshops

Single, dated listings are free. Year round entries £45.

Sat 15 February

CLOG STEPPING WORKSHOP

With Sarah Davenport (Gateway to Tradition). Kingsland Coronation Hall, HR6 9SQ. £35 to include light lunch, cake and refreshments. Clogs optional, hard-soled shoes necessary. Over 18s only. Pinsley Mill Morris. For more information or to book, email PinsleyMillMorris@gmail.com

Thurs 20 February

BELLY DANCING WORKSHOP

Eastern Mystique - Angela will teach a few belly dance moves, come and shimmy a short routine to a fun upbeat tune. Where comfortable clothes and shoes! Methodist Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 2-3pm, donation to Angela’s chosen charity. Booking essential, www.bishopscastleartsfestival. com.

Sun 23 February

MORRIS DANCING WORKSHOP

Martha Rhoden’s Tuppeny Dish and Shropshire Bedlams will introduce participants to the exhilarating delights of maintaining this unique custom. The Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, 12pm-2pm, free, donation to Festival funds invited. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

PINSLEY MILL MORRIS

Women’s Northwest Morris and clog, are looking to welcome more dancers. We meet every Tuesday at 8pm, Kingsland Village, HR6 9SQ. No experience necessary! Email PinsleyMillMorris@gmail.com for more details, or just turn up. Come and join Herefordshire’s newest Morris side!

ASSEMBLY ROOMS DANCE CLASSES

Weekly - Circle Dancing, no partner required, 1.453.45pm, £5, contact Kathryn 01584 877446. WeeklyGKY Dance. Dance and acrobatics for children, various classes, 4-9pm, £4.75-£6.25, contact Grace Young 07939 638637. Weekly - Learn 2 Jive, beginners 7.30-8.30pm, intermediates 8.30-9.30pm, no partner needed, £6, contact Matt info@coolmovesdance.co.uk. Zumba - 7-8pm, £5, contact Honor 07527 183231. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 01584 878141.

CONTEMPORARY DANCE WITH 2FACED DANCE

COMPANY AT THE CENTRE FOR MOVEMENT, GAOL STREET, HEREFORD HR1 2HU

Wee Movers: Age 4 - 6 years, Mon 16:30 - 17:15. Mega Movers: Age 7 - 10 years, Mon 17:20 - 18:20. The Kin Project: Boys and those who identify as male, age 7 - 16 years, Wed 18:15 -19:30. Teen Contemporary: Age 11 - 18 years, Tues 17:00 - 18:00. 2Faced Youth: Age 11 - 18 years (audition only), Tues 18:00 - 21:00. Beginners Contemporary Flow: Age 18 years +, Wed 19:30 - 21:00. Improvers Contemporary Flow: Age 18 years +, Mon 19:30 - 21:00. www.2faceddance.co.uk / 01432 620032 admin@2faceddance.co.uk

LEARN 2 JIVE 50’S SWING STYLE CLASSES

Mon - Bartestree Village Hall, Hereford, 7.30pm. Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton, 7.30pm.

Tues - Pembridge Village Hall, 7.30pm. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm. Claines Parish Hall, Worcester, 7.45pm. Wed - . Holy Trinity Parish Hall, Malvern, 7.30pm. Thurs - Ledbury Dance Studio, Bye Street, 7.30pm. Abberley Village Hall, 7.30pm. Penybont Community Centre, 7.30pm. Castle Hall, Bridgnorth, 7.30pm. Thurs (starting 9 Jan) - Lindy Hop Introductory 6 week course, Bodenham Parish Hall, 8pm. Fri - Gentle Jive, Bartestree Village Hall, 10.15am. Sun - Eardisley Village Hall, 6.30pm. 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.

Early Weaves

DANCE WITH ALANYA Shimmy Central Adult Belly Dance. All levels welcome. Bodenham Parish Hall, HR1 3LB. 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month, 1-3pm. £14 pay-as-you-go, bookings by the previous Wednesday. Move with the Groove Upbeat Dance Exercise. Classic tracks from Disco to Swing - follow-on steps or do your own thing. Meet and make friends. Kingswood Village Hall, HR5 3HE. Mondays, 11.00am-12.00 noon £6 no-obligation taster, then £24 per 4-week block.For full information visit http://alanyadance.uk or call Abbie on 07962 161081, alanyadancer@gmail.com

COURTYARD, HEREFORD CLASSES

Adult Classes. Mon - Contemporary Dance with LG Dance, 6.30pm. www.lauragale.co.uk. Mon - Commercial Dance with LG Dance, 7.30pm-8.25pm, £25 per month. Mon - Zumba, 11am-11.45am. Tues - Commercial Dance with LG Dance, 6.30pm-7.25pm, £25 per month. Tues Heels Class with LG Dance, 7.30pm-8.30pm, £25 per month. Tues - Street Jazz with LG Dance, 6.30pm. www.lauragale.co.uk Wed - Fit4Tap, 10am-10.45am. Thurs - Silver Swans Adult Ballet, 1pm, www.starlightcompany.co.uk Fri - Chance to Dance, 10.15am. Junior Classes. Mon - Junior Contemporary for ages 7-12, 4.30pm, £25 per month. Mon - Senior Contemporary for ages 13-18, 5.30pm, £25 per month. Tues - Junior Commercial, for ages 8-12, 4.30pm, £25 per month. Tues - Senior Commercial for ages 13-18, 5.30pm, £25 per month. Wed - Mini Streetz for ages 4-8, 4.45pm, £23 per month. Wed - Junior Streetz for ages 9-12, 5.30pm. Wed - Senior Streetz for ages 13-24, 6.30pm, £25 per month. Fri - Dancing Tots for ages 2-4, 11.30am. Sat - Twinkling Stars for ages 2-4 incorporating Makaton sign, musical movement, sensory play and fun, 9.30am. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

SILVER SWANS ADULT BALLET CLASSES

Adult Ballet and Low Impact Tap classesThe Larruperz Centre, Ross-On-Wye, Tuesdays 1:30 -2:30 Silver Swans Ballet, 2:35-3:20 Adult Tap. Adult Ballet Class 2Faced Dance Centre for Movement, The Old Court, Gaol St, Hereford; Wednesdays 6:15 - 7:15pm. All ages and beginners welcome, £7 PAYG/Drop In. Tel: 07854793960. Email: creativefitness20@gmail.comcreativefitness.org.uk

Fortnightly Saturdays CHORUS LINE

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 07943 417561.

Mondays REGAL DANCE

Join Katy for weekly lessons in the Regal Studio. Ages 6-9 years, 4.15pm-5pm. Ages 10-14 years, 5pm6pm. Regal, Tenbury Wells, £6, www.regaltenbury.co.uk

Tuesdays, Thursdays - Saturdays

MID WALES DANCE ACADEMY

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 07943 417561.

Tuesdays

SOLO LATINO DANCE

Parish Hall, Hay-on-Wye, 7-8.30pm. Mely 07837 160505.

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 Oak, Wigmore

ON a cold damp midwinter’s evening, it takes a lot to tear Mr P and his Lovely Companion away from the ﬂ ickering ﬂ ames of a well-fi lled fi re and the heartening whiff of seasoned oak glowing in the grate. Nevertheless, when he would much prefer to be shouting (mostly wrong) answers to Amol Rajan’s questions on University Challenge, Mr P’s obligation to his readers hauls him out into a cheerless black night. And this is made harder by having to decide which eating place to visit within the Woolly Organ’s cloven hoofprint. From time to time, pubs get taken over and reordered with emphasis on food. Occasionally, even in this tough time for the victualler’s trade, adventurous operators open new restaurants, and one should thank them for their resolve. For at one level or another, people need to get out to eat, talk, imbibe in the special atmosphere that a genuine caterer can provide.

Regrettably there are places – more than a few – that just don’t deliver; or deliver significantly less than their prices suggest. Mr P has reviewed some of them as honestly as he can and has received brick-bats for doing so.

More joyously, there are places where Mr Pernickety eaten over the last few years that have left him with a tingle of pleasure at the memory. Coming to mind are the Bull’s Head at Craswall, Jules in Weobley, The Black Bear at Bettws Newydd, and further in the past, The Cider Barn at Pembridge, and the Riverside at Aymestrey. These are all places that thrive and will continue to thrive because their owners and chefs possess real talent and truly care about their art.

The subject of this week’s review, The Oak at Wigmore, has been reviewed by Mr P several years ago, but enthusiastic reports of it were reaching his everreceptive ears. Thus, one freezing night, Mr P and the LC, braved the challenge of icey roads and headed along wiggly lanes to Wigmore. There is a slightly unsatisfactory entrance to the pub, though once in, it’s inviting enough. The dining room, confidently furnished with an industrial look, is not as comfortable as Mr P enjoys, and is beginning to look a little passé. This wasn’t mitigated, especially in winter, by a complete wall of ﬂoor-to-ceiling windows. A few lengths of warm, sound-softening fabric would help.

On the other hand, the staff and the proprietor are warmly welcoming and gave the air of a happy ship. The current chef has been in place since before the pandemic and is well-bedded in by now with a reputation, it seems, for reliability and versatility. This was manifest in a dining-room that was pretty busy on such a rotten night in a village which can truly be described as back of beyond. There was a lot of familiarity and loyalty going on.

A quick look at the menu inspired confidence with several good, original ideas. While they faffed about trying

to make decisions, Mr P ordered amuse-bouche of Goats Cheese Bon Bons with Beetroot Aioli which tingled the bouche as well as amusing it.

Mr P’s Lovely Companion enjoyed a starter of Marinated King Prawns, with Roast Garlic and large parsley leaves, which she said made a good contrast to the tasty crustacean. Mr P’s Pigeon Breasts on a Bed of Butternut Squash and Chorizo with Tarragon was a deliciously encouraging overture to his dinner. Mr P has always liked the smoky paprika ﬂavour of chorizo and is delighted that chefs are now using it more widely as an ingredient. The pigeon breasts themselves, one of the best cuts of English game, seemed stuffed with the taste of Herefordshire in a very uplifting way. The chef’s clever sauce only heightened this.

The LC who can be surprisingly greedy for the delicate willowy creature that she is, ordered a 9 oz rump steak for her main course which, if not much else, tests the quality of the pub’s butcher. It was a fine lump of beef, cooked to excellent rarity which she happily polished off.

Mr Pernickety who is always interested in what can be done with cheaper cuts, had a serving of slow-cooked beef chuck with a red pepper jus and cavolo nero. The meat was cooked to a pleasing tenderness with the jus creating a crowning glory; Mr P enjoyed the warm, meaty sweetness of it all, helped along with a glass of robust, tongue-caressing Pinot Noir.

A pudding of poached pear, nut crumbs and nutmeg ice cream between the two of them rounded off an exceptional dinner which, for a while, made Mr P oblivious to the firmness of the welder’s bench on which he was sitting.

In the last few years, The Oak has built a loyal bunch of followers – just reward for the efforts they have made to keep standards high. Mr P recommends.

Mr Pernickety

EVENTS

Sat 1 & Sun 2 February LEDBURY BIG BREAKFAST

Organised by Ledbury Food Group. Local shops, cafes, hotels and other outlets in and around Ledbury are challenged to come up with special breakfast offering locally produced food. www.ledburyfoodgroup.org

Sun 2 February BURNS NIGHT SUPPER

Booking essential. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7pm, 01885 488575.

Sat 8 February AFTERNOON TEA RECEPTION

Accompanied by a live musician in the Courtyard Lounge. The Courtyard, Hereford, 12pm, 01432 340555.

Tues 11 February DEMENTIA FRIENDLY SPECTACULAR TEA PARTY

Dementia-friendly celebration tea dance. The Courtyard, Hereford, 2-3.30pm, 01432 340555.

Fri 21 February SHROPSHIRE LAMB SUPPER

Three course meal, £28 per person, booking essential. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 7pm, 01588 676060.

Fri 21 February FARMERS MARKET

Wyeside, Builth Wells, 9am-2pm, free, 01982 552555.

February LYDE COURT

Lyde Court Cafe open Thurs-Sun 10am-4pm. ThursMothers & Toddlers brunch, 11am-1pm. Fri - Ladies Who Lunch. 14 Feb - Valentine’s Banquet Meal, 7pm, £100 per couple. Lyde Court, Hereford, 01432 357753.

February THE CLIFFE AT DINHAM

14 & 15 Feb - Valentine’s Dinner. Tables from 6pm. 28 Feb - Dinner Jazz, pop in for drinks, light bites or book a table from 7pm. The Cliffe at Dinham, Ludlow, 01584 872063.

Sat 1 March WILD GARLIC FORAGE AND PESTO WORKSHOP

Learn how to make wild garlic pesto. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven ARms, 10am-1pm, £17.50, booking essential, 01588 676060.

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 January & July) VILLAGE MARKET & CAFE

Bacon rolls, cake, hot drinks. Regular stalls selling pies, cakes and baked goodies., honey, floral designs, crafting supplies and more. Cedar Hall, Dilwyn, 10am-12pm.

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 HELLENS PRODUCE MARKET Local products and enjoy a breakfast. Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, near Ledbury, 9.30-11.30am, 01531 660504, www.hellensmanor.com

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.

2nd Saturday of every month BRECON FARMERS & MAKERS MARKET Brecon Indoor Market Hall, 9.30am - 4pm. 07926 196714.

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. 01547 520332.

3rd Saturday of every month FARMER’S MARKET

Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 9am-1pm, 01588 630023.

1st Thursday EVENING FARMER’S MARKET

The Barn, Ledbury, 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.

FOOD BYTES

Why not advertise? Only £45 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.

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. Organic veg boxes delivered to collection points in Presteigne, Knighton and Beguildy. rhosorganic@outlook.com www.rhosorganic.co.uk

THE WORKHOUSE CAFE, INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, PRESTEIGNE 01544 267864 Cafe, gallery, light lunches, good coffee, homemade cakes. Wed-Sat 10am - 4pm. YARBOROUGH HOUSE BOOKSHOP, 5 MARKET SQUARE, BISHOP’S CASTLE 01588 638318 Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10.30am-4.30pm and every Bank Holiday. Teas, coffees, cappuccino, latte, home made cakes. Also 3000 classical cds many reduced. 4000 books and artist’s cards.

YE OLDE TAVERN, KINGTON 01544 231417

Food served Wed-Fri 5pm-9pm, Sat 12pm-9pm, Sun 12pm-8pm. Thursday Steak Night, 8oz Rump and a drink, £14.50.

FEBRUARY

Sat 1 February

THE BOOKSHOP BAND IN CONCERT

They write and perform songs inspired by books and have released 13 book-inspired albums collaborating with authors including Philip Pullman, Robert Macfarlane and Margaret Attwood. Bridgnorth Library, 7pm, £15, 01746 763358. Arts Alive.

CANTALOOP

Funk night. Plus DJ sets from Mark Hilton. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762.

THE NEW DEADLY

The Foundry, Bell Lane, Brecon, 8pm, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

CURRY & QUIZ NIGHT

Lyde Court, Hereford, 7pm, £12, 01432 357753.

DAVE LUKE AND THE GLIMMER TWINS

Music from the Rolling Stones. Titley Village Hall, near Kington, 8pm, £10, bar. Fundraiser for Kington Show. 01544 340598, www.kingtonshow.co.uk

FLOWERS AND FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS

A tribute to Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus and Olivia Rodrigo. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 2pm & 6pm, £22.50, students £8, 01873 850805.

PETER GILL & THE REDUCED ROCK COMPANY

The Fifties! 100 rock ‘n’ rolls hits in 100 minutes. Phoenix Theatre, Ross on Wye, 7.30pm, £17, 01989 564570.

FLATWORLD

West Malvern Social Club, 145 West Malvern Rd, 8pm, www.wmsc.org.uk

THE DECIBELS

Gordon Bennetts Bar, Hereford, 9.30pm, free, 01432 360250.

ROSWELL

The London-based multiinstrumentalists blend close harmonies with candid storytelling. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £13, optional Q&A included in the price 7pm-7.45pm, 01743 234970.

SULTAN STEVENSON

Winner of the 2023 Parliamentary Jazz Media Ward for Best Newcomer. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 8pm, £15, 01952 728911.

PETER DYKE

‘La nativite du Seigneur’, organ recital. Hereford Cathedral, 7pm, £5 from the Cathedral Shop or 01432 374210.

SOUNDS HISTORICAL

‘600 Years! From Hildegard to Haydn’ Featuring Heidi Fardell, Mary Tyers, Lynda Sayce and Alison Kinder. Flutes, recorders, viols, lutes, crumhorns, voice and more... St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne, 3pm, £22 including interval drink, under 18s £2, 07989 091949 or email info@EarlyMusicInTheMarches. com

SHOWADDYWADDY

Formed in the 1970s, they have sold more than 20 million records.

The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

MARTIN KEMP

Back to the 80s DJ set. Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 4pm, 07498 966606.

WILL BARNES QUARTET

Presenting songs from their acclaimed album, which is an exploration of the rugged landscape of Mid Wales and the Marches. Joined by skilled landscape artist Erin Hughes. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 8pm, www.midborderarts. com

D.A.V.E THE DRUMMER + SPECIAL GUESTS

Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 10.30pm, 07498 966606.

THE ULTIMATE CLASSIC ROCK SHOW

The very best classic rock anthems from legends past and present. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, 01600 719401.

Sun 2 February

NORTHOP SILVER BAND

The Hafren, Newtown, 2pm, £14, under 18s £10, 01686 948100.

DAN GRAHAM

Acoustic singer/songwriter. Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4pm.

Mon 3 February

BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB

Brimfield Village Hall, 7.30pm, 07909 290942. Bring drink/glasses.

MUSIC AT BILL’S KITCHEN

With Salt Peanuts Collective. Modern standards and funky grooves. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7pm, £10, 01584 878141.

CIDER CITY JAZZMEN

The Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford.

Tues 4 February

OPEN MIC

Hereford College of Arts. Gordon Bennetts Bar, Hereford, 9.30pm, free, 01432 360250.

Wed 5 February

BRECON FOLK AND MORE CLUB

The Muse, Brecon, 7.30pm, 07791 65479.

CELINE - MY HEART WILL GO ON!

Ultimate tribute concert to Celine Dion. The Albert Hall, Llandrindod Wells, £26, 0300 102 4255, www.thealberthall.co.uk

Thurs 6 February

OPEN JAM NIGHT

The Foundry, Bell Lane, Brecon, 7.30pm, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

SWING FROM PARIS

Parisian-flavoured jazz and Gypsy swing. Kempley Village Hall, 7.30pm, £16 from www.swingfromparis.co.uk

Fri 7 February

KEITH JAMES IN CONCERT

The songs of Leonard Cohen. These remarkable songs, stripped back, honest, naked and sensual. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.30pm, £20, 01952 728911.

JAZZ JAM

West Malvern Social Club, 145 West Malvern Rd, 7.30pm, www.wmsc.org.uk

ROCKFORD

Gordon Bennetts Bar, Hereford, 9.30pm, free, 01432 360250.

THE ALMSHOUSE ALLSTARS

Popular swing tunes. Pudleston Village Hall, 7pm, £15 including supper, 07779 140853.

BATTLE OF THE BANDS

Semi final 2. The Foundry, Bell Lane, Brecon, 7pm, www.thefoundrybrecon. co.uk

BACK TO THE 80S

With DJ Roddy Hankins. Left Bank Village, Bridge St, Hereford, 7.30pm, £12, 01432 353552.

CHASING MUMFORD

Tribute. Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 6pm, 07498 966606.

CELTIC SESSION

Monkland Arms, Monkland, near Leominster, 8pm.

SPIERS AND BODEN

Spiers and Boden have been at the forefront of the English Traditional folk scene for 25 years. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, £22, 01584 878141.

LLOYD BUCK

Piano recital. St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, 12.30pm, 01743 365478.

THE UNDAUNTED

The Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

CHASING MUMFORD

Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 6pm, 07498 966606.

THINK FLOYD

The whole range of classic Pink Floyd hits. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £30, 01873 850805.

Sat 8 February

WILD HARE CLUB

Featuring Jeb Loy Nichols and Clovis Phillips. Hot local musical collective, The Breaks open the show and DJ jus’jay is on the decks. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7.30pm, £12, students £8, www.wildhareclub.com

CHARITY QUIZ

In aid o Motor Neurone Disease. The Vaga, Hereford, 8pm, £5 pp to include nibbles and a prize for the winner.

ULTIMATE RAVE BINGO

Hunky stripper men, hilarious hosts and DJs. Left Bank Village, Bridge St, Hereford, 6pm, £18, 01432 353552.

HOT ROX

Gordon Bennetts Bar, Hereford, 9.30pm, free, 01432 360250.

JUKEBOX 1264

Presents Joni Mitchell’s Blue: An evening in Laurel Canyon. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, £18, 01584 878141.

KEITH JAMES

The songs of Nick Drake. A haunting and immaculately crafted concert. Phoenix Theatre, Ross on Wye, 7.30pm, £16.50, 01989 564570.

MUSIC IN NEW RADNOR

Featuring Isabelle Harris, flute; Emily Harris, harp: who first met as undergraduates at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Community Hall, New Radnor, LD8 2SW, 7.30pm, £15, under 14s £3, 01544 350746. NB Bring your own bottle, no bar this time!

TALON MUSIC PRESENTS

‘And Finally... Phil Collins’. Chris O’Connell brings the style of the man who fronted Genesis. The Regal, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, 01584 811442.

SHREWSBURY JAZZ NETWORK

Featuring Brandon Allen, saxophone - Some Kinda Mean. Together with keyboards, bass, guitar and drums. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, £23, under 22 £12, 01743 234970.

THE CLASSIC BLUES SHOW

Ludlow Brewery, Station Drive, Ludlow, 8.15pm, 01584 873291, www.theclassicbluesshow.co.uk

GOOD TO GO

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

STEVE GIFFORD

West Malvern Social Club, 145 West Malvern Rd, 8pm, www.wmsc.org.uk

ENSEMBLE CYMRU

A series of monthly chamber music concerts lasting 45 mintues. Gregynog Hall, Tregynon, 11am, free, donations gratefully received, 01686 650224.

TRIGGER

Stadium Rock Experience. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575.

MOLLY GONE MAD

The Foundry, Bell Lane, Brecon, 7pm, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

TRIO RECITAL

With Henry Lewis (piano), Matthew Hunt (clarinet) and George Strivens (horn). Programme includes Max Bruch, Franz Schubert, Camille Saint-Saens, Ludwig van Beethoven and Carl Reinecke. Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, near Ledbury, 6pm, £20, www.hellensmanor.com

ATTILA THE STOCKBROKER

Punk poet, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. The Lost Arc, Rhayader, 7.30pm, £10, www.thelostarc.co.uk

SWING FROM PARIS

Parisian-flavoured jazz and Gypsy swing. St Swithun’s Church, Worcester, 8pm, £18 from www.worcesterstswithuns.org

Sun 9 February

THE WASHBOARD RESONATORS

Original vintage blues, ragtime, swing, jazz, hokum, vaudeville, folk music. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762.

OPEN MIC

Hosted by Mark Richards. The Squirrel, Foldgate Lane, Ludlow, 6pm. Please pre-book your slot, markianrichards@ hotmail.com

HOMETOWN GLORY

An evening of Adele, starring Natalie Black and her band. Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 5pm, 07498 966606.

THE BUSH PILOTS

Richmond Place Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 3.15pm.

Tues 11 February

BRECON JAZZ

Featuring Brazilian Jazz Trio. The Muse, Brecon, 8pm, £16 on the door, £14 in advance, info@breconjazzclub. org

Wed 12 February

VO AND TYLER

Noris Cafe, Leominster, £26 including meal, please book, 01584 831386 or email noriscafe@yahoo.com

Thurs 13 February

IMPOSSIBLE CONVERSATIONS

The next generation making their mark on the West Midlands jazz continuum. The Marr’s Bar, 12 Pierpoint St, Worcester, 07989 745955.

JAZZ CLUB

Presents The Stan Tracey Tribute Quartet, featuring Clark Tracey. Corn Exchange, High St, Ross-on-Wye, 7.30pm, 01989 763174.

OPEN JAM NIGHT

The Foundry, Bell Lane, Brecon, 7.30pm, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

NAI BARGHOUTI

Award-winning Palestinian singer, composer and flautist. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, £20, 01584 878141.

Fri 14 February

CHARITY QUIZ

West Malvern Social Club, 145 West Malvern Rd, 8pm, www.wmsc.org.uk

OPEN MIC

The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8.15pm, 01497 821762.

THE DIANA ROSS STORY

‘In the Name of Love’. Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 6pm, 07498 966606.

THE FORFEITS

Gordon Bennetts Bar, Hereford, 9.30pm, free, 01432 360250. OCG

The Oxnam Chapple Group (duo).

The Old Street Tavern, Ludlow. Treat yourself to groovy covers from the 60s onwards. Limited space so £10 ticket, www.oldstreettavern.com

OPEN MIC

Hosted by Mark Richards. Hundred House Inn, Purslow, 8pm. Please pre-book your slot, markianrichards@ hotmail.com

PAUL PARKER & ALL THE RIGHT FRIENDS

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

THE BLACKHEART ORCHESTRA

Multi-award winning and contemporary rock multi-instrumentalists Chrissy Mostyn and Rick Pilkington bring a unique live show. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £20, 01743 281281.

FRI DECKS

Valentine’s Open Decks Special. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 8pm-1am, £5, 01584 878141.

PUPILS AT THE OLD HALL, WELLINGTON

St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, 12.30pm, 01743 365478.

Sat 15 February

ANDY FAIRWEATHER LOW & THE LOW RIDERS

Lead Singer in Amen Corner. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £30, 01600 772467.

AFTERNOON MUSIC

A short organ concert. Hereford Cathedral, 3.15pm-3.40pm, free with retiring collection.

TECH HOUSE CLUB NIGHT

The Foundry, Bell Lane, Brecon, 8pm, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

HAY MUSIC

Featuring The Engegard String Quartet. Norwegian folk music. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, pre-concert supper available at 6.30pm, www.haymusic.org HARRIET

Intimate interpretations of her favourite sounds of the 70s. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £25.30, 01743 281281.

REMI HARRIS

‘Man of the World’, the music of Peter Green. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575.

FRONTRUNNER

Gordon Bennetts Bar, Hereford, 9.30pm, free, 01432 360250.

MALVERN BIG BAND

Classics of the Big Band era to contemporary composers and pop classics. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £13, students £9, 07967 517125.

THE FILM ORCHESTRA

Strings Orchestra, conducted by David Curtis, bringing the world of film and television to life through music. The Regal, Tenbury Wells, 7pm, £15, under 11s free, 01584 811442.

BRONWEN LEWIS: BIG NIGHT IN BBC Radio Wales star, multiinstrumentalist will take you on a journey of musical styles and emotions. The Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, £48-£27, 01686 948100.

FIDDLEBOP

Featuring Spanish guitar, violin, vocals, keyboard and bass. Oxford Arms Barn, Duke St, Kington, 7pm, donations.

MAKE MUCH WENLOCK WEIRD

Presents Field Lines Cartographer and Roma Agnihotri. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.30pm, £15, 01952 728911.

GREY WOLF

An acoustic Americana/old-time folk band. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 340555.

Sun 16 February

HANNAH READ, VERA VAN

HEERINGEN & MICHAEL STARKEY

Three unique musical voices unite to deliver a powerful yet intimate blend of Appalachian old-time songs and tunes, alongside beautifully crafted soulful originals. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 8pm, www.midborderarts. com

TUNE & STEP

Monkland Arms, Monkland, near Leominster, 7.30pm.

WILL KILLEEN BAND

Mixing Celtic roots with American blues. Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4pm.

XENNA + SPECIAL GUEST

Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 4pm, 07498 966606.

HAY MUSIC

Featuring The Engegard Quartet. Programme includes Beethoven, Brahms, Johan Kvandal and traditional Norwegian folk songs. St Mary’s Church, Hay-on-Wye, 3pm, refreshments, www.haymusic.org

SUNDAY SESSIONS OPEN MIC

Ludlow Brewery, Station Drive, Ludlow, 4.30pm-8pm, 07974 264665.

JOHN BARROWMAN: LAID BARE

The Hafren, Newtown, VIP Q and a pre-show, 5pm, £50. Standard shows at 7pm & 9pm, £40, 01686 948100.

Tues 18 February

WEIRDSHIRE

Duo Genthon & Marchetti. The Jam Factory, Widemarsh St, Hereford, 7.30pm, £10.

SACRED SONG AND DANCE GROUP

The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, 01497 821762.

Wed 19 February

GREY WOLF STORY CAFE

The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7.30pm, 01497 821762.

RAPSQUILLION & PATRICK GAMBLES

Traditional music. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 7.30pm, £10, www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

AMERICANA

Monkland Arms, Monkland, near Leominster, 8pm.

SOFYA GULYAK

Piano. Programme includes works by Bach, Franck, Chopin and Liszt. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, £20, 01584 878141.

Thurs 20 February

THE QUINTET IN CONCERT

Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 8pm, £10, www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Thurs 20 February

MIKE PLUNKETT

Piano recital. Programme includes Brahms, Mozart, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Ravel and Gershwin. St John the Baptish Church, Bishop’s Castle, 12.30pm, free, donations welcome, www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

QUIZ NIGHT

Martin Chapple hosts. The Plough Inn, Hoarwithy Rd, Little Dewchurch, 8pm. Coincides with the visit of ‘The Chip Van’ (Village Hall), so feel free to bring your supper!

OPEN JAM NIGHT

The Foundry, Bell Lane, Brecon, 7.30pm, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

THE RILLS

Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, www.albertsshed.co.uk

JOHN BARROWMAN: LAID BARE

More than just a concert, a celebration of artistry, passion and the joy of music. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, Q&A Soundcheck Ticket, 5.30pm, £50. Meet & Greet Photo-Op, £40. Show starts 7.30pm, 01874 611622.

Fri 21 February

NOVA SAXOPHONE QUARTET

St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, 12.30pm, 01743 365478.

OPEN MIC

The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8.15pm, 01497 821762.

BROTHERS IN ‘85

Dire Straits tribute. Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 6pm, 07498 966606.

BALKAN CEILIDH WITH BELLAMONDA

Led by Rosa James. For adults and children aged 8+ years. Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £8, www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

TWO PUSH CHARLIE

Gordon Bennetts Bar, Hereford, 9.30pm, free, 01432 360250.

FIRED UP ROCK THE EIGHTIES

Corn Exchange, High St, Ross-on-Wye, 7.45pm, 01989 763174.

STICKY WICKET

‘Putting on the Ritz’. A concert of popular singalong tunes from the classic jazz era. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 8pm, £12, www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

OPEN MIC

Hosted by Mark Richards. The Rose & Crown, Ludlow, 8pm. Please pre-book your slot, markianrichards@hotmail. com

MARTHA TILSTON

The Lost Arc, Rhayader, 7.30pm, £18.50-£16.50, www.thelostarc.co.uk

BATTLE OF THE BANDS

The Final. The Foundry, Bell Lane, Brecon, 7pm, www.thefoundrybrecon. co.uk

BELL RINGING

Bishop’s Castle Bell Ringers will be opening the tower doors to visitors to view demonstrations of campanology. St John the Baptist Church, Bishop’s Castle, 2pm-4pm, free, donations welcome.

www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

THE RONALDOS

Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 7pm, 07498 966606.

THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY

Using projection photos and original film footage, the international hit show tells the story of the origins and rise of Simon & Garfunkel. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, 01874 611622.

THE INDICATORS

The Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

MONMOUTH BIG BAND IN CONCERT

Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 8pm, £14/£10, 01600 772467.

JOY CLUB ADULT INCLUSIVE RAVE

For adults with learning disabilities. A chance to have a rave with DJ Andy in the Nell Gwynne room, glitter and glow sticks included! The Courtyard, Hereford, 4.30-5.30pm, 01432 340555.

Sat 22 February

25TH ANNUAL RORKE’S DRIFT CONCERT

Featuring musicians of Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, 01874 611622.

MAET LIVE

Meat Loaf’s greatest hits. Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 6.30pm, 07498 966606.

RATTUS INHERITUS

A tribute to The Stranglers. Left Bank Village, Bridge St, Hereford, 8pm, £12, 01432 353552.

ASA PAYNE

Modern pop classics. Supper Club. Pub menu 6-7.15pm, music 6.30pm. Oak Inn, Staplow, 01531 640954.

HEAD HONCHO

Gordon Bennetts Bar, Hereford, 9.30pm, free, 01432 360250.

MICHAEL MCGOLDRICK, JOHN MCCUSKER & JOHN DOYLE

Folk music’s legendary triumvirate. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £23.50, 01743 281281.

STORY OF THE SEASONS

An evening of folk music by Hedgehog, with readings from the books based on the work of Adrian Bell. St Mary’s Church, Ross-on-Wye, 7pm, £8 with £3 off book purchase from TicketSource or at the door.

FLEETWOOD SHACK

The Foundry, Bell Lane, Brecon, 8pm, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

SHROPSHIRE BLUES & ROOTS CLUB

Featuring Troy Redfern, plus support from Blue Moon. Ludlow Brewery, Station Rd, Ludlow, 8pm, £12 in advance, £15 on the door (cash only), from Ludlow Brewery or 07710 409004, www.ticketsource.co.uk, www.shropshirebluesclub.com

SWING FROM PARIS

Parisian-flavoured jazz and Gypsy swing. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £16, www.theglobeathay.org

JOHN KIRKPATRICK

200 Years of Squeezebox. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £15, group of four £50, child/student £5, 01588 630321.

John Kirkpatric

MARTIN HARLEY

Exploring roots, blues and slide guitar in a style The Guardian referred to as ‘Spellbinding’. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 8pm, www.midborderarts. com

LINDISFARNE

70’s folk-rock pironeers with a aclassic five-piece line up of long time members fronted by Rod Clements. The Regal, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, 01584 811442.

THE CLASSIC BLUES SHOW

Loppington Village Hall, 7.45pm, www.theclassicbluesshow.co.uk

BISHOP’S CASTLE ORCHESTRA

Afternoon of music, all welcome, refreshments available, suggested donation £5. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 1.15pm, 01588 630321.

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER Motown show. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, 01600 719401.

Sun 23 February

DIVE BAR JUKE BOX

The modern Country show. Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 4pm, 07498 966606.

THE BEST OF FRANKIE VALLI AND THE FOUR SEASONS

Starring Peter Andre, this nostalgic musical journey celebrates the timeless music from one of the biggest-selling groups of all time. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 3.30pm & 7.30pm, £45, 01743 281281.

Mon 24 February

SETH LAKEMAN

Westcountry singer-songwriter and Mercury Music Prize nominated Seth Lakeman, performs his new studio album. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £32.45, 01743 281281.

Wed 26 February

MOSCOW DRUG CLUB

Elements of swing, cabaret, Latin rhythm and storytelling meet. Leintwardine Community Centre, 7.30pm, £12, pjames37@btinternet.com Arts Alive.

CHARITY QUIZ NIGHT

The Foundry, Bell Lane, Brecon, 8pm, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN

Safety Last in Concert. A specially composed score by David Le Page to accompany the iconic 1923 silent comedy ‘Safety Last’. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Thurs 27 February

AWAKE MY SOUL

The Mumford & Sons Story. The Regal, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, 01584 811442.

OPEN JAM NIGHT

The Foundry, Bell Lane, Brecon, 7.30pm, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

MIRANDA RADFORD QUARTET

The Marr’s Bar, 12 Pierpoint St, Worcester, 07989 745955.

HEARTBREAK

The Tom Petty Show. Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 6pm, 07498 966606.

Martin Harley

Thurs 27 February

MOSCOW DRUG CLUB

Elements of swing, cabaret, Latin rhythm and storytelling meet. Escleyside Hall, Michaelchurch Escley, 7.30pm, £15/£6, 01981 510116. Arts Alive.

KEITH JAMES

The Songs of Nick Drake. A haunting and immaculately crafted concert. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, (Oscars), 7.30pm, £20, 01584 878141.

Fri 28 February

DINNER JAZZ

Pop in for drinks, light bites or book a table for jazz dinner. The Cliffe at Dinham, Ludlow, from 7pm, 01584 872063.

THE ALLEY CATS

Gordon Bennetts Bar, Hereford, 9.30pm, free, 01432 360250.

DIRT ROAD BAND

Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, www.albertsshed.co.uk

OPEN MIC

The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8.15pm, 01497 821762.

COLDPLACE

Tribute to Coldplay. Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 6pm, 07498 966606.

MOSCOW DRUG CLUB

Elements of swing, cabaret, Latin rhythm and storytelling meet. The Venue, Ross-on-Wye, 7.30pm, £12, eleanor.kercher@gmail.com Arts Alive.

BIG NIGHT OUT

80s, 90s and 00s anthems. Left Bank Village, Bridge St, Hereford, 7.30pm, £14.50, 01432 353552.

MACELLA’S LIVE

The Foundry, Bell Lane, Brecon, 8pm, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

COSMIC TONES

From Doctor Jones, DJ. For ages 18+. Ludlow Assembly Rooms (Oscars), 7.30pm, free, 01584 878141.

FOLK IN THE FOYER

Featuring Huw Knight and Viv Bell. Supported by Kitchen Island Band. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575.

SAMUEL HUDSON

Organ recital. St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, 12.30pm, 01743 365478.

MARCH

Sat 1 March

THE CLASSIC BLUES SHOW Dorrington Village Hall, 7.45pm, www.theclassicbluesshow.co.uk

MOJAM

Acoustic pop. The Lion Cafe and Hub, 52 Bridge St, Kington, 8.30pm. St David’s themed night, also featuring a Welsh harpist and food, 01544 239119.

OYE SANTANA

Tribute to Carlos Santana’s music. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, 01874 611622.

Sun 2 March

WHISKEY RIVER DUO

The Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm. LADY MAISERY

English folk harmony trio. Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, near Ledbury, 7pm, £20, 01531 660504, www.hellensmanor.com

Mon 3 March

BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB

Brimfield Village Hall, 7.30pm, 07909 290942. Bring drink/glasses.

CIDER CITY JAZZMEN

The Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford.

Wed 5 March

BRECON FOLK AND MORE CLUB

The Muse, Brecon, 7.30pm, 07791 65479.

Thurs 6 March

OPEN JAM NIGHT

The Foundry, Bell Lane, Brecon, 7.30pm, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

BLAZIN’ FIDDLES

Featuring the mastery of three Highlands and Islands fiddle virtuosos. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £22, 01873 850805.

Fri 7 March

LISA MARIE WALTERS & THE MOMENTS OF PLEASURE

The music of Kate Bush. Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 6pm, 07498 966606.

HUEY MORGAN’S NYC BLOCK PARTY

Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, www.albertsshed.co.uk

FRET WOLF

The Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

TWO ODD WOLVES

The Foundry, Bell Lane, Brecon, 7.30pm, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

Sat 8 March

ENSEMBLE CYMRU

A series of monthly chamber music concerts lasting 45 mintues. Gregynog Hall, Tregynon, 11am, free, donations gratefully received, 01686 650224.

THE SWAMP STOMP STRING BAND

The Foundry, Bell Lane, Brecon, 7pm, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

SOUNDS OF SEATTLE

Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 6pm, 07498 966606.

HENRY LEWIS

Piano recital. Programme includes CPE Bach, Beethoven, Messiaen and Tchaikovsky. Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, near Ledbury, 6pm, £20, students and carers free, 01531 660504, www.hellensmanor.com

SWEETPOOL

With support from Judas Johnson. The Firefly, Market St, Oakengates, Telford, 8.30pm, £10 in advance or £12 on the door. Pale Fire Music gig. Book via FB palefire57.

Moscow Drug Club

Music Workshops

Thurs 20 - Sun 23 February

BISHOP’S CASTLE ARTS FESTIVAL

20 Feb - Youngster’s Drumming Workshop with Peta. For ages 9-14 years, Methodist Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 10.30am-11.30am, free, donations welcome.

22 Feb - Singing Workshop with Rapsquillion. Bishop’s Castle Methodist Hall, 10.30am-12.30pm, free, donations welcome. 23 Feb - Sing with Shropshire Harmony Quire, Lydbury North VH, 2pm-5pm, free, donations welcome. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Sun 23 February

SHROPSHIRE HARMONY QUIRE

A monthly session for singers and instrumentalists exploring the lively music of the church gallery choirs that flourished from about 1750 to 1850. Led by Andy Watts. We welcome visitors and new members (first session free). Music and recordings available in advance on-line. Lydbury North Village Hall, SY7 8AU, 2.00 - 5.00pm. www.shropshireharmonyquire.org.uk.

Sun 23 February

UKRAINIAN POLYPHONIC SINGING WORKSHOP

With instructor Galyna Grigoriadi. Learning traditional Ukrainian traditional songs throughout the day with one hour break for Ukrainian lunch. Bishop’s Palace, Hereford, 10am-3pm, £40 includes lunch, 07963 090838, www.experienceukraine.co.uk

Sat 1 March

SING FOR FUN! HEREFORD CHORAL SOCIETY Workshop for all singers. Mozart Requiem. Geraint Bowen - musical director and Peter Dyke - accompanist. Broadlands School, Broadlands Lane, Hereford, registration 9.30am, 10am-1pm, £20 includes score loan and refreshments, under 25s free. 01432 751175 or www.herefordchoralsociety.org/tickets

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

Monday REGAL COMMUNITY CHOIR All abilities and adults of all ages welcome. Singing popular and traditional songs, led by Pete Thorogood. Regal, Tenbury Wells, 6-7pm, £5 per session, wwwregaltenbury.co.uk

Monday SINGING TOTS Under 1’s, 1pm-1.30pm, parent social 1.30-2pm. Over 1’s 2-2.30pm, £5 per session. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

Mondays, term time only THE MERE SINGERS

An open-access mixed voice, adult choir singing original and traditional acapella songs. No need to read music. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, email Mary Keith maryskeith@aol.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

An opportunity to play songs with other musicians who are just starting out. Rehearse covers. Ages 11-21. Close House, Hereford, 4-6pm. lisa@encore-enterprises.com

Monday BRECON TOWN BAND REHEARSALS

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7pm, 07779 390954.

Monday YOUTH CHOIR The Courtyard, Hereford, 6.30pm-7.25pm, £26 per month, 01432 340555.

Monday CORVEDALE CHOIR Community choir led by Ros Crouch. Diddlebury Village Hall 7.30-9.30pm. 01584 547385 or ros.crouch@ gmail.com

Monday ADULT CHOIR WITH LG DANCE The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm-8.25pm, £26 per month, 01432 340555. Monday GARRICK SINGERS For over 55s, no prior experience of singing. The Courtyard, Hereford, 2-3.30pm, £7 per session, lisa@encore-enterprises.com.

Tuesdays LEOMINSTER COMMUNITY CHOIR Liv is leading us in learning uplifting songs. World music, jazz, folk, all in the mix. Come and have an inspiring sing, 7pm-8.30pm at Leominster Community Centre. ffi 01568 369074 or email: lccatlcc@myphone.coop

Tuesday BLUE HILLS CHOIR Small daytime choir singing classical music led by Ros Crouch. Diddlebury Village Hall 10-12noon. 01584 547385 or ros.crouch@ gmail.com

Tuesday DOLAU MIXTURES Mixed choir. Dolau Community Hall, Llandrindod Wells, 8pm, 01597 851427. Tuesdays SAMBA BRECON Sue on 07792 165481 or Gill on 01497 821631. 7-9pm, VH, near Brecon.

Tuesday WHITTON VOICES Mixed community choir. Traditional, world and original songs. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 7.30pm. Call Sue Harris 01547 550158. Tuesdays term time only LIVEWIRE SESSIONS

Hereford Town Hall, 5-7pm. A drop-in for anybody interested in music. Whether you’ve never picked up an instrument before or classically trained or not. Explore different song/lyric writing methods, a take on covers, music production, rap, development & recording. Ages 11-21. Information email lisa@encore-enterprises.com

Tuesday (term time) LUNCHTIME UPLIFT SINGING SESSIONS Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 12pm-1.30pm, £6.50/£6, 07723 016837.

Wednesday VETERANS MILITARY CHOIR

The Courtyard, Hereford, 10am-11am, free, booking required, jlowry@encore-enterprises.com

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

Wednesdays PLAY IT BY EAR

The Pilgrim Centre, Craven Arms, SY7 9NY, 7.30 - 9.30pm. Our sociable group of folk musicians meet fortnightly to learn tunes by ear and then enjoy playing them together! For full details contact Kitty Greenwood: folkfiddleteacher@ gmail.com 01584 841564.

Wednesday ROCKSPRING COMMUNITY CHOIR

Rockspring Community Centre, Ludlow. 01584 529053.

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

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. Online and face to face weekly sessions. 11am, email lisa@encore-enterprises.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 (Term time) MUSIC TOTS LUDLOW Music activities for children aged 0-4 years. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 9.30am-10.15am for 0-2 year olds. 10.45am-11.30am for 2-4 year olds, £5 per session. Contact Gersom 07531 120951.

Every Thursday (Term time) DAWN CHORUS Sing along at any ability. Just singing for fun and wellbeing. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 8.15am-9am, £6 per session, no need to book. Contact Gersom 075311 20951.

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

Every Thursday KINGTON COMMUNITY CHOIR Non auditioning choir, rehearsing on Thursdays (term time) at 7pm-8.30pm at the Burton Hotel, Kington. Come along or email Secretary Teresa at kccherefordshire@gmail.com

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 EDGE CHAMBER CHOIR Auditioned chamber choir led by Ros Crouch, Ludlow Methodist Church, 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Contact Ros Crouch ros.crouch@gmail.com

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

First Thursdays BLACK HILL TUNE CLUB 12.30-3.30pm at the Dog Inn, Ewyas Harold. New members welcome, 07891 640005.

Friday CRAVEN ARMS SAMBA CIRCLE Craven Arms Community Centre.10am - 11.15am. 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 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

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

Friday SINGING FOR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS

The Courtyard, Hereford, 2-3pm, £5 per session, pay on door (cash), 01432 340555.

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

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

Fridays every two weeks YOUTH SAMBA SESSIONS

With Peter Piper. Drumming is a fun physical and creative outlet. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 4.30pm-5.30pm, £5 per session or 5 sessions for £20, 01588 638038.

Sundays 5-7pm monthly HARMONY TRIBE leader Sarah Rowe. Sing uplifting rounds/part songs from around the world. For all levels of singing experience, no auditions/ performances. First Sunday in Putley nr. Ledbury: fourth Sunday in Tupsley, Hereford. Info naturalvoice.net/choir/ harmony-tribe. Bookings email harmonytribe@btinternet. com or WhatsApp message 07719 170500.

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 Harp Inn, Glasburyon-Wye, 8.30pm, free, 01497 847373.

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

2nd & 4th Sunday BLACK MOUNTAIN BALFOLK

Live music and social dance - French, Breton, European tunes. Parish Hall, Hay-on-Wye, 4-6pm. Musician warm up from 3pm, 07952 998320.

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

Sundays FOLK SESSION West Malvern Social Club, 145 West Malvern Rd, Malvern, 9pm, free, 07974 725374.

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.

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

First & Third Monday OPEN MIC The Lost Arc, Rhayader, 7.30pm, 01597 811226.

First Monday BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB 07909 290942 and the website at www.roger435.wixsite.com/brimfieldfolkclub

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

Last Monday ACOUSTIC FOLK CLUB SESSION

The Bateman Arms, Shobdon, 7-10pm, phone Andy for a spot on 07709 904836.

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 YOUTH CAFE For young people to meet and share creative activites. For ages 8-16 years, free. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 01743 234970.

Every Tuesday (term time only) LIVEWIRE For ages 1121. The Castle Green Pavilion, Hereford, 5.30pm-7.30pm, details lisa@encore-enterprises.com

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

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

4th Tuesday UNPLUGGED ACOUSTIC JAM SESSION

Basement stage, Oil Night Long, 31 Castle St, Shrewsbury, 8.30pm, www.oilnightlong.co.uk

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

Every Wednesday OPEN ACOUSTIC MUSIC EVENT

Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 8.30pm, 01531 632250.

1st Wednesday OPEN SINGING NIGHT With mic provided. Bring your own backing track on usb or ask the musicians to support. Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 8.30pm, 01531 632250.

1st Wednesday HEREFORD BLUEGRASS SESSION

Old Brewery Bar, The Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford, 8pm.

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

2nd & 4th Wednesday TELFORD ACOUSTIC CLUB

The Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 9pm, 01952 610888.

3rd Wednesday TRADITONAL FOLK MUSIC SESSION

Beer In Hand, Eign St, Hereford, 8pm, 07543 327548.

3rd Wednesday AMERICANA SESSION Monkland Arms, Monkland, near Leominster, 01568 720510.

4th Wednesday HAY TAT Traditional acoustic tunes. All levels welcome. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7-9pm. Source book: Paul Hardy session tunebook available online. Submit tune choices to Jackie 07401 061646.

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

Every Thursday JAM SESSION For all levels. Basement stage, Oil Night Long, 31 Castle St, Shrewsbury, 8.30pm, www.oilnightlong.co.uk

Every Thursday OPEN MIC The Volunteer, Harold St, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 805235.

Every Thursday OPEN MIC West Malvern Social Club, 145 West Malvern Rd, Malvern, 9pm, free, 07974 725374.

2nd Thursday OPEN FOLK SESSION Horse & Jockey, Churchstoke, 8.30pm, all welcome, free, 01588 620060. Every last Thursday KINGTON FOLK CLUB Kington Football Club, Mill St, Kington, 8pm, simply turn up and sign up to play or just come and listen, all welcome. Donation £2 to cover venue hire, www.kingtonfolkclub.com

1st Friday JAZZ JAM West Malvern Social Club, 145 West Malvern Rd, Malvern, 7.30pm, £4, 07974 725374.

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.

2nd Friday OPEN MIC NIGHT With Mark from the Rhythm Thieves. Hundred House, Purslow, 8pm, markianrichards@hotmail.com

3rd Friday OPEN MIC NIGHT With Mark from the Rhythm Thieves. Rose & Crown, Ludlow, 8pm, markianrichards@hotmail.com

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

ALMSHOUSE ALL-STARS. Bring alive the swing era of the jazz age with classic songs and hot tunes featuring male & female vocals, sax, clarinet, flute, guitar, double bass, banjo, harmonica & ukulele. Band member credits include TV & radio, BBC & international music festivals, residencies at major tourist attractions and cruise operator contracts. Email: contact@wysonlanemusic.com. Phone: 07836 773303. Visit the website: www.wysonlanemusic.com/almshouseallstars Check us out on YouTube: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=eHhA49c9d60 Find us on Facebook: #almshouseallstars.

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

THE BANDEROS are a dynamic Blues band that effortlessly channels the raw essence and soul of the genre into their performance. Comprising seasoned musicians with a passion for Blues, Country Blues and Hokum, The Banderos deliver a live experience that is given that special sparkle treatment. Call them up. Phone 07710 493468. E-mail: info@newtraditionmusic.co.uk

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

FLATWORLD World music from Eastern Europe and beyond. Lively five-piece band with magnificent tunes and kicking rhythms for your arts centre, village hall, festival or party/wedding. Also circle dancing with caller. www.flatworld.band Contact Neil on 01684 569611 or info@flatworld.band

Band Directory

ONLY £45 FOR THE WHOLE YEAR

Just call Clare on 07786 131159 or email: info@broadsheep.com

DON’T FORGET... if you have any gigs in the area, email/phone by the 15th of the preceding month for FREE LISTINGS.

GREY WOLF is a 4-piece, well established, popular Americana/ Old-time folk band from the Welsh Marches. We play banjo, fiddle, guitar, mandolin, dulcimer and double bass alongside fine vocal harmony singing. The band has headlined several of the UK’s Old Time Music and Dance Festivals, performed on radio, at folk clubs, festivals, private parties and has featured at music and literary venues throughout the UK. Traditional, thoughtful and very entertaining, we are renowned for the rapport that we establish with our audiences. WEB : greywolffolk. com Contact : Jim 01584 810000. Email banjojim.allen@gmail.com

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

MIDNIGHT MAYHEM A covers band ready to kickstart any event. Performing female influenced rock and pop. So if you have a birthday, wedding or event get in touch to see how we can meet your requirements. Call or text Rob 07807 531251 or Liz 07807 531151. Email midnight4mayhem@gmail.com Or find us on Facebook or instagram.

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, 07835 928069, or Rich on 07594 636828. Email: tim@melomanics.co.uk Website: www.melomanics.co.uk

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.

PRESS GANGERS A shanty band from Presteigne - this nine man crew of singers and musicians perform a mix of sea shanties and some Irish songs with rousing harmonies encouraging audience participation. Enquiries/bookings - text/call 07980 785105.

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. Contact: John; 07751 829109. Web: www.ragtimejug.co.uk Email: info@ragtimejug.co.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ ragtimejugorchestra

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

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. 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, parties and public events. For information and bookings, contact: Matt 01686 412 753 or 07843 440 789. www.sirdancelot.co.uk

STRAY AWAY Stomping good ceilidhs for all occasions. S Powys area. Tel 01874 676155 or 623781, or email afarley463@gmail.com

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!

TOMMY MILLS & PEDRO BROWN DUO Acoustic guitar and vocals, percussion, double bass and sax. Songs from Paul Simon, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Sting, David Bowie and much more. We can also play a set of our own songs for those occasions. 07811 2755856.

WHISKEY RIVER is a 5 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, slightly folkier acoustic versions of the band are available as Whiskey River (Quartet), Whiskey River (Trio) or Whiskey River (Duo) [once known as 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

BOROUGH THEATRE, Abergavenny 01873 850805

CARAD, East St, Rhayader, 01597 810192

CENTRE CELF, Tremont Rd, Llandrindod Wells 01597 822777

CHARLTON ARMS, Ludlow, 01584 872813

THE CLIFFE AT DINHAM, 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.

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.

LEFT BANK, Bridge St, Hereford 01432357753

LICHFIELD VAULTS, Church St, Hereford. 01432 266821

LION BALLROOM, Broad St, Leominster. 01568 612277

LUDLOW BREWING COMPANY, The Railway Shed, Ludlow 01584 873291

MARKET THEATRE, Ledbury 07967 517125

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

REGAL, Tenbury Wells 01584 811442

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 948100

THEATRE SEVERN, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281

THE TOWN HALL, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630023

THREE TUNS, Bishop’s Castle. 01588 638797

TOWN HALL, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630023

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

Tues 4 - Sat 8 February

AN INSPECTOR CALLS

Stephen Daldry’s multi award-winning National Theatre production of JB Priestley’s classic thriller returns. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £43-50-£15, 01743 281281.

Wed 5 February

DRIFTWOOD

THICKSKIN & PENTABUS present an inspiring story about hope, love and belonging, in this physical and visually striking play. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £16, schools £8, 01743 281281.

Wed 12 February

FLUFF

TEEPEE PRODUCTIONS. This dark comedic play explores memories and the choices we make in life. The non-linear plot line allows the audience to feel, first hand, the devastating effects of dementia, through joining Fluff in her journey to uncover her life’s memories. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 340555.

Fri 14 February

MURDER MOST WILDE

RAIN OR SHINE THEATRE. A new adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s comic and quirky tale. Suitable for ages 8 and up. The Regal, Tenbury Wells, 7pm, £14-£8, 01584 811442.

Sat 15 February

MURDER MYSTERY NIGHT WITH DINNER

‘Antiques and Alibis’. Be part of a thrilling murder mystery. Become a detective and solve the case of the night with your skills and teamwork. Lyde Court, Hereford, 7pm, £45, 01432 357753, www.lydecourt.com

Thurs 20 February

HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES

By Jonathan Goodwin. In this original one-man stage adaptation, Jonathan Goodwin plays Sherlock Holmes and a host of other characters. Expect atmospheric drama with this Victorian gothic thriller! Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, £16, under 18s £5, 01584 878141.

Mon 24,Tues 25, Wed 26 & Thurs 27 February

BOY ON THE ROOF

VAMOS THEATRE. At 73 Cooper Street, Rosie Baxter wishes her son wasn’t such a troublemaker. Liam Baxter can’t switch off, can’t sit still. Three doors down, 91 year old Albert keeps himself to himself. The story of an unlikely friendship, where acceptance, understanding and love find their way to centre stage. 24 Feb - Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, 01874 611622.

25 Feb - The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555. 26 & 27 Feb - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £20, under 25s £5, 01743 281281.

MUSICAL THEATRE & OPERA

Sat 1 & Sun 2 February

MATILDA JR

GET YOUR WIGLE ON junior musical theatre group burst onto the stage with one of the most popular modern musicals. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, 4pm 5pm & 7pm, £18.50, 01732 281281.

Thurs 6 - Sat 8 February

CHICAGO TEEN EDITION

LUDWIG THEATRE ARTS. Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s; the story of night club singer Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart, a housewife who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. For ages 8+. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, plus Audio Described Sat matinee 2pm, 01432 340555.

Tues 11 - Sat 22 February

SIX: THE MUSICAL

Reigning on Broadway and in the West End. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm & 8pm, £51.70-£24.75, 01743 281281.

Wed 12 - Sat 15 February

SISTER ACT

HEREFORD CATHEDRAL SCHOOL. Sister Act is joyous and uplifting in equal measures. A show which raises the spirits and warms the soul. Amateur production. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555.

Boy on the Roof

Driftwood

GLASBURY ARTS

ART AUCTION - 29 March 2025

at Christ College, Brecon, LD3 8AF

Artwork on view from 3.30-5.30pm and auction from 6pm.

Like all of us, we find the cost of running our organisation is becoming, year on year, higher when our income is reducing. In order to keep the organisation developing in terms of our exhibition and harps programmes we need to increase our fund-raising activities. To this end we are organising the Arts Auction and the art works are from a mixture of well-known and local artists, such as Charles Burton, Nancy Griffiths, Alan Salisbury, Sally Mathews, Amanda Turner, Tracy Thursfield, Jenni Hall, Mark Zytynski and many others. The artwork images along with the detailed information will be on our website, www.glasburyarts.co.uk from 1 March.

13th HARP SUMMER SCHOOL 20-23 August 2025

at Gwernyfed High School, nr Glasbury-on-Wye, LD3 0SG

As well as our core tutorial team, Eleri Darkins, Manon Browning, Emily Harris and Rose Graham we are delighted to welcome brilliant jazz harpist Amanda Whiting who also teaches at the Royal College of Music and Drama, Cardiff and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

To book a place at the summer school or tickets for the two concerts, go to our website, www.glasburyarts.co.uk

‘Jaleo’, inspired by John Singer Sargent’s 1882 painting ‘El Jaleo’ by Amanda Turner

CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Sat 1 February

ROBIN HOOD

THE WESTENDERS. Packed with the tradtional and some surprise ingredients. Laugh out loud comedy, spectacular sets, music and dancing. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, various times, £19, 01874 611622.

Fri 14 & Sat 15 February

THE WICKED WITCHES OF OZ CASTLE PLAYERS pantomime. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, Fri 7pm, Sat 2pm & 7pm, 01588 630321.

Wed 19 - Sat 22 February

PUSS IN BOOTS

HEREFORD AMATEUR PANTOMIME SOCIETY. When Jack inherits nothing but a cat, he’s left feeling disheartened, while his brothers lay claim to the mill and its wealth. The Courtyard, Hereford, 2pm & 7pm, 01432 340555.

Thurs 20 February

BREATHE

An extraordinary journey from the perspective of an acorn, the hectic forest floor, thrumming underworlds and dazzling heights of icy branches. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2.30pm, £12, under 16s £8, 01743 281281.

Fri 21 & Sat 22 February

JACK AND THE BEANS TALK

GARLIC THEATRE. Charming and inventive with plenty of interaction, it is a cautionary tale about what might happen if you throw things out of the window! 21 Feb - Bridgnorth Library, 3pm, £15/£5/£3, 01746 763358. 22 Feb - Market Theatre, Ledbury, 2.30pm, £12, children £7, 07967 517125. Arts Alive.

Sat 22 February

THE GOOSE AND MRS FROST

Mrs Frost lives with her goose keeping an eye on the world. Her adventure takes her through the seasons from crisp white paper pages to bright colourful pop-up scenes in a show about the changes in the seasons, overcoming adversity and the transformative power of kindness. The Courtyard, Hereford, 11am, free pre-activity from 10.30am, 01432 340555.

Mon 24 February

CARTOON CIRCUS LIVE

A laughter-packed stage show which combines the comedy of pantomime with the thrill of the circus. Clowns, traditional slapstick comedy, illusions, acrobats and more. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 1pm, £12, under 16s £10, 01600 772467.

Mon 24 February - Sat 1 March

ROBIN HOOD & BABES IN THE WOOD

Boo the scheming Sherrif of Nottingham and his henchmen plot diabolical deeds to steal the fortunes of the innocent babes. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, various times, 01873 850805.

Fri 28 February

STORY TIME

Steven Lee brings some of the best loved books to life with a magical mix of music, puppetry and interactive fun. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 2.30pm, 01874 611622.

Fri 7 March

PERSEPHONE: A TALE OF THE SEASONS

Join Persephone and her animal friends as they guide you and your babies through the changes of nature, collecting things on their way. A sensory experience for babies and toddlers. The Hafren, Newtown, £6 includes light refreshments after the performance, 01686 948100.

DRAMA WORKSHOPS

Sat 1, Sat 8 & Sun 16 February

EXPLORING SHAKESPEARE’S TRAGEDIES

Participatory study event, led by Clare Smout. 1 Feb - Othello. 8 & 16 Feb (repeat) - Macbeth. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, (Studio 2), 2pm, £24 per workshop, 01584 878141.

Tues 11 February

HAVE-A-GO-SHAKESPEARE

With the Willow Globe. No experience or prior knowledge necessary! Fun and supportive environment and facilitate discussion around the themes of the plays in both historical and current context. Clore Learning Space, Hay Castle, Oxford Rd, Hay-on-Wye, 10.30am-1.30pm, £7.50 on the door, 01497 820079.

Mon 24 February

CATHEDRAL BIBLE DRAMA GROUP

A fun and relaxed group in the College Hall, Hereford Cathedral. Using drama games and techiniques to explore Biblical stories and characters. All welcome, ages 18+, 7pm, www.herefordcathedral.org

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

Jack and the Beans Talk

COMMUNITY YOUTH THEATRES

The Conquest, Bromyard. Mon - Juniors, Year 1-6: 5pm, £41 per term. Intermediates & Seniors, Year 7+: 6pm, £48 per term. The Phoenix Theatre, Ross-on-Wye. SatPhoenix Kids, ages 4-7, 9.30am, £41 per term. Juniors Group 1 for ages 8+, 10.30am. Juniors Group 2 for ages 8+, 11.45am, £45 per term. Market Theatre, Ledbury. Mon - Intermediates, Year 7-9: 7.30pm, £41 per term. Seniors, Year 10+: 8.30pm, £45 per term. Details email takepart@courtyard.org.uk or 01432 346526.

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW

Sat (term time only) - Ludwig Theatre Arts for ages 7-17, 2-4pm, contact takepart@ludwigtheatrearts.com Assembly Rooms, Ludlow.

COURTYARD THEATRE, HEREFORD

Sat - Junior Youth Theatre, Courtyard Kids 9.30am-10am, £67 per term. Year 3: 10.15am-11am. Year 4: 11am11.45am. Year 5: 12-12/45pm. Year 6: 12.45-1.30pm, (£68.50 per term). Year 7: 2.30-3.30pm. Year 8: 3.455.15pm (£70 per term). Thurs - LG Drama Classes, Mini Musicals for Reception - Year 3, 5pm, £28 per month. Thurs - LG Drama Classes, Junior Musical Theatre for Years 4-9, 6pm, £28 per month. Thurs - LG Drama Classes, Senior Musical Theatre for ages 14-18, 7pm, £36 per month.Fri - Year 9: 5-6.30pm, £70 per term. Wed - Intermediate Youth Theatre for Year 10 & 11, 5.30-7pm, £72 per term. Fri - Senior Youth Theatre for Year 12+, 7-9pm, £75 per term. Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

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.

Wednesdays Fortnightly HAVE A GO SHAKESPEARE

The Hanging Gardens, Llanidloes, 2-4.30pm, £6 per session. www.shakespearelink.org.uk or 07503 003815. Thursdays (term time) SHROPSHIRE YOUTH THEATRE Seniors, 7-9.30pm, 14-25 years. All welcome. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury. www.shropshireyouththeatre.co.uk

Thursdays Fortnightly HAVE A GO SHAKESPEARE Willow Globe, Llanwrthwl, Llandrindod Wells, 2-4.30pm, check www.shakespearelink.org.uk or 01587 811487.

Thursdays Fortnightly (term time) HAVE A GO SHAKESPEARE

All welcome, 10.30am-1pm. Wyeside, Builth Wells, info@shakespearelink.org.uk. 01587 811487.

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

Sundays (term) REGAL SCHOOL OF CREATIVE ARTS

Theatre training to the young people of Tenbury Wells and surrounding areas. Suitable for ages 7-18. Regal, Tenbury Wells, 10am-1pm, www.regaltenbury.co.uk

Poetry & Storytelling

Fri 7 February

BLAST STORYTELLING

Karin Lundengard - When the Water Turns Blue. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 8pm, £8 or £28 for group of four, www.ticketsource.co.uk/BCTH

Sat 8 February

CHILDREN’S STORYTELLING

Snuggle up in our cosy corner with well loved books that spark imagination and take children on exciting adventures. Lyde Court, Hereford, 11am-2pm, 01432 357753, www.lydecourt.com

Wed 12 February

A PLEASING TERROR

Robert Lloyd Parry presents Ghost Stories by MR James, told by candlelight. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £15, students £8, 01873 850805.

Fri 28 February

MARA

Entertaining, immersive and moving, this solo storytelling performance is a whodunnit, a dive into the dreamscape of Swedish folklore, a love story told by Dominic Kelly. For ages 14+. Linton Village Hall, 7pm, £12/£6, LVH@lintonvillage.com Arts Alive.

Comedy

Sat 1 February

FARCICAL COMEDY NIGHT

Line up includes Phil Nicol, Kevin Daniel and Jacob Hussey with MC James Ryan. Left Bank Village, Bridge St, Hereford, 7.30pm, £18, 01432 353552.

Fri 7 February

LUCY PORTER

A show all about regrets, including disastrous dates, parenting fails and more. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £22, 01743 281281.

Fri 7 February

JENNY ECLAIR: JOKES! JOKES! JOKES!

Back with her new show. The tour is accompanied by the publication of her memoir of the same name. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 8pm, £25, 01600 772467.

Fri 7 February

MARCHES COMEDY

Featuring Charmian Hughes, James Cook, Scott Bennett and MC Freddy Quinne. Montgomery Town Hall, £15, www.ticketsource.co.uk/montgomerytownhall

Fri 7 & Fri 21 February

WESTONS CIDER COMEDY CLUB

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

Fri 7, Sat 8 & Fri 21 February

AN EVENING OF (VERY) OLD RADIO

Comedian, broadcast historian and British Comedy Award winning writer, Paul Kerensa presents this one-man show that informs, educates but above all entertains about the BBC’s origins. 7 Feb - Stock St Milborough Village Hall, 7.30pm, £12/£6, 01584 823791. 8 Feb - The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.30pm, £15, 01952 728911. 21 Feb - Alveley Parish Memorial Hall, 7.30pm, £10/£5, 01746 780478. Arts Alive.

Thurs 13 February

IGNACIO LOPEZ

A riotously funny exploration of vices, intrusive thoughts and self-improvement. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £22, 01743 281281.

Wed 19 February

FUNNY STUFF

Sue Ryding, one half of the legendary comedy duo LipService brings a humorous response to grief, taking the audience on her journey of letting go. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £19, 01743 281281.

Fri 21 February

JACK DEE - SMALL WORLD TOUR 2025

Culture wars, the environment, British Foreign Policy and social justice are just a few of the topics that Jack spectacularly fails to address in his brand new show. The Hafren, Newtown, 8pm, £32, 01686 948100.

Sat 22 February

ANGELA BARNES: ANGST

Featuring stories of unmitigated failure, a distinct lack of wisdom, a little bit of German and loads of jokes. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 8pm, £19, 01584 878141.

Sun 23 February

SEVERN JESTERS

Discover the new stars of stand-up and the best from the fringe. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £12, 01743 281281.

An Evening of (Very) Old Radio

Paul Kerensa

Mara

Fri 28 February

DYLAN MORAN PLUS SUPPORT

Comedy legend Dylan Moran makes an extended headline appearance alongside support from Tadiwa Mahlunge, Tom Toal and Naomi Cooper. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £28, 01743 281281.

Thurs 6 March

MILES JUPP - ON I BANG

A tale about surprise, fear, luck, love and qualified medical practitioners. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, 01874 611622.

Fri 7 March

JON CULSHAW: IMPOSTER SYNDROME

An evening of comedy and music as he conjures up an array of the best-known personalities from the worlds of entertainment, politics and beyond. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £27, 01600 772467.

Talks

Sat 1 February

QUENTIN BLAKE: BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD

A talk by Liz Williams from Quentin Blake Ltd. For adults and children aged 10+. Clore Learning Space, Hay Castle, Oxford Rd, Hay-on-Wye, 2.30pm, 01497 820079, www.haycastletrust.org

Tues 4 February

GOING WILD TALK

‘Non-native Species in Britain, A History’. A talk by Daniel Hodgekiss. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, entry by donation, 01588 630023.

Wed 5 February

AN EVENING WITH SIR GARETH EDWARDS

Welsh former rugby player. Joining Gareth and asking the questions will be his friend and former rugby commentator Huw Llywelyn Davies. There will also be a Q&A session. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, 01874 611622.

Thurs 6 February

EMMA KENNY’S - KILLER CULTS

TV psychologist Emma Kenny’s new show about the bizarre world of religious cults. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, 01600 719401.

Sat 8 February

HEREFORDSHIRE & MID WALES HARDY PLANT SOCIETY

Edward Smith will speak on the wonderful Hellebores he has bred at his nursery. Plants will be available for sale. Pembridge Village Hall, 2pm, £5, vanessa.doyle@plantingspecialist.co.uk

Sun 9 February

DARWIN MEMORIAL LECTURE

Professor Joanna Bryson, Professor of Ethics and Technology at Hertie School in Berlin discusses the role of AI and the future of evolution. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2.30pm, £16, 01743 281281.

Mon 10 February

CLIMATE CHANGE IN HEREFORDSHIRE, AND ITS IMPACT ON BIODIVERSITY

A talk by Rachel Jenkins. Sutton St Nicholas Village Hall, Bayley Way, HR1 3SZ, 7.30pm, £3, no booking required. Refreshments. Info - richandjudy93@gmail.com

Sutton Environment & History Group with Sutton Walls Conservation Group.

Tues 11 February & Tues 11 March

S.W. SHROPSHIRE HISTORICAL & ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

11 Feb - ‘The Medieval Stained Glass of Herefordshire & Shropshire’, with speaker Robert Walker. 11 March - ‘South Shropshire and the Sustainability Revolution, or, The Ghost of Bishop’s Castle’, with speaker Jon Letcher. The Church Barn, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, 01588 650173.

Thurs 13 February

HEALTHY HABITS

A talk by Tamsyn Bowden, a community Staff Health Nurse and Coordinator of the NHS Green Bees project. Oxford Arms Barn, Duke St, Kington, 10.30am, free, all welcome.

Thurs 13 & Tues 25 February

SEAN CONWAY: ENDURANCE

105 Iron Man competitions in 105 days, the first to swim the length of Britain and the fastest unsupported cycle across Europe. 13 Feb - The Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, £20/£17, 01686 948100. 25 Feb - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £20.50, 01743 281281.

Fri 14 February

JASON FOX - LIFE AT THE LIMIT

Nigel McIntyre and Gareth Watson present Jason Fox, ex-special forces soldier, star of TV’s SAS: Who Dares Wins and author. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, 01600 719401.

Sat 15 February

WRITING ABOUT MUSIC IS LIKE DANCING ABOUT ARCHITECTURE

Michael Faber and Tiffany Murray in Conversation. Chaired by Louisa Young. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 2.30pm, £15, 01584 878141.

Sat 15 February

ROBIN INCE LOVES BOOKS

Join comedian, book lover and Radio 4 regular for an interactive evening celebrating the written word. Feel free to bring your strangest books and those you love the most for this interactive evening of laughs and literature. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, £15, 01584 878141.

Dylan Moran

Sun 16 February

KINGTON CASTAWAYS

A Desert Island Discs inspired session of music and conversation with special guest. The Oxford Arms Barn, Duke St, Kington, 2pm, cafe and bar opens from 12pm-4pm, www.openarmskington.co.uk

Tues 18 February

LUDLOW & MARCHES HUMANISTS

‘Effective Altruism’, a talk by Dr Simon Jenkins. Effective altruism is focused on using evidence and reason to understand the best ways to make a positive impact. The Friends Meeting House, St Mary’s Lane, Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01568 770282.

Wed 19 - Sun 23 February

BISHOP’S CASTLE ARTS FESTIVAL

10 Feb - Brian Aldiss, Ganesh and 70s Sci-Fi Art - A talk by Bob Fowke at Church Barn, 2pm, £3.50. 20 Feb‘Inspired by Landscape’. Join Jan Westwood for a guided exploration of how a variety of poets have presented their ideas about landscape. The Poetry Pharmacy, 10.30am12.30pm, £12. 21 Feb - Harriet Martineau - a talk by John Warren at Church Barn, 2pm, £3.50. 21 Feb - ‘A Life Behind the Drums’, a talk by Sticky Wicket, The Town Hall, 2pm, £3.50. 22 Feb - ‘Life on a Desert Island’, a talk by Pete Carty at Church Barn, 2pm, £3.50. 22 Feb - Textiles talk by Diane Gaffney, The Town Hall, 5.30pm, £3.50. 23 Feb - ‘Confessions of a Teenage Skull Collector’, a talk by Ric Morris at Church Barn, 2pm, £3.50. Bishop’s Castle, booking via www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Thurs 20 February

HUNTING KILLERS - AN EVENING WITH BRITAIN’S TOP CRIME INVESTIGATOR

Investigator criminologist Mark Williams-Thomas is a multi-award winning TV Investigative Reporter and Former Police Detective. A truly eye-opening and entertaining talk. Left Bank Village, Bridge St, Hereford, 7.30pm, £22, 01432 353552.

Thurs 20 February

AN EVENING WITH SAM WARBURTON OBE

An opportunity to spend an evening with Sam Warbuton, right in the middle of the 2025 Six Nations Championships. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, 01600 719401.

Tues 25 February

JEFF STELLING

Enjoy an exclusive evening of football nostalgia, fun and entertainment with Sky Sports legend, Jeff Stelling. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £35.75, 01743 281281.

Tues 25 Feburary

WHAT ON EARTH?!

A series of linked presentations. ‘People and PowerIndustrial Farming & Globalised Markets’, James Hitchcock. New Radnor Community Hub, hosted by Resilient Radnorshire RWT. Drinks and nibbles, 7.30pm. Details kingtonkleen@gmail.com

Wed 26 February

JACKIE MORRIS

Jackie Morris is an illustrator, author and painter. Clore Learning Space, Hay Castle, Oxford Rd, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, 01497 820079, www.haycastletrust.org

Wed 26 February

SOUTH WEST SHROPSHIRE GARDENING CLUB

‘Delightful Dahlias, a talk by Pip Smith, landscape gardener and qualified horticulturist. Lydbury North Village Hall, 7.30pm, annual membership £20, guests welcome £5, 01588 661025.

Wed 26 February

HOW HEREFORD CATHEDRAL FOUND CHRIST IN THE OLD TESTAMENT IN THE MIDDLE AGES

Bishop David Thomson brings an illustrated talk on faith in the Middle Ages, using manscripts from the Chained Library and art from further afield. Hereford Cathedral, 7pm, £10, www.herefordcathedral.org

Thurs 27 February

ARTS SOCIETY MID WALES & BORDERS

‘Caravaggio, Painter Extraordinaire, a flawed genius and a murderer. How I became a Caravaggisti!’ With speaker, Keith Bonser. Powis Suite, Royal Oak Hotel, Welshpool, 2.30pm, £7, 01938 555574.

Fri 28 February

JOE THOMAS IN CONVERSATION: 16 YEARS OF THE INBETWEENERS

In this stripped back, relaxed event, Joe will be in conversation about his time on The Inbetweeners and taking questions from the audience. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £19, 01600 772467.

Thurs 6 March

CONVERSATIONS AT THE CHAPEL

With guest, art historian, Frances Borzello in conversation with Alastair Laurence. The Chapel, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, 01873 852690, events@artshopandchapel.co.uk

Until Wed 19 March

EXPLORING HEREFORD’S HISTORY

An eight week lecture series. Hereford Guild of Mayor’s guides. Kindle Centre, Hereford, Wednesday mornings, for information www.herefordguidedwalks.org.uk

Workshops & Courses

Thurs 6, 13, 20 & 27 February

LET’S GET WRITING!

Writer and author Sarah Star will lead a series of creative writing workshops suitable for all. Oxford Arms Barn, Kington, 6pm-8.15pm, £5 per session, 07833 681136, info@openarmskington.co.uk

Wed 12 February

PUB THEOLOGY

A relaxed and informal monthly gathering in the LIchfield Vaults, Church St, Hereford. Over drinks and crisps we’ll chat about issues related to God, faith, life, theology, philosophy and anything else you want to talk about. All welcome, 18+. www.herefordcathedral.org

Robin Ince

Fri 21 - Sun 23 February

BISHOP’S CASTLE ARTS FESTIVAL

21 Feb - Mindful Journaling with Sarah Holland. Poetry Pharmacy, High St, Bishop’s Castle, 10.30am, £20. 21 Feb - The Human Landscape - Jean Atkin and Alwyn Marriage. Poetry Pharmacy, High St, Bishop’s Castle, 2pm, £25. 22 Feb - Children’s Poetry Workshop with poet Debra Bertulis. Poetry Pharmacy, High St, Bishop’s Castle, 10.30am for 5-8 year olds, 2pm for 9-13 year olds, free. 23 Feb - Surrounded by Ups and Downs Poetry Workshop, led by poet Pat Edwards, 12.30pm-2.30pm, £10, Poetry Pharmacy, High St. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

February LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS

14 Feb - The Zen Pen Writing Workshop Day. A creative workshop with Kevin Mac Neil. (Oscars), 10am-3pm, £45. 15 Feb - Enter the Story Hive. A family writing workshop with Sita Bramachari. (Studio), 10am-11.30am, £3. 15 Feb - Creative Workshop. For ages 8 and up with Tom Percival for an all-round exploration of creativity! Explore storytelling techniques, making music, creating videos, storytelling, photography or drawing. (Oscars), 10am-11.30am, £3. 15 Feb - Memoir Writing Workshop with Tiffany Murray. (Studio 2), 11.30am-1pm, £24. 15 Feb - Hai Cookery. Play with your food poetry workshop. Use alphabet spaghetti to create your own foodthemed haiku, led by Kevin MacNeil. (Oscars), 4-6pm, £10. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 01584 878141. Februay & March ABERYSTWYTH UNIVERSITY ONLINE COURSES

3 Feb - In Pursuit of Opportunities and Enterprise: I Can Do It!, £130. 4 Feb - Welsh History 1: Early Modern Wales (c. 1485-1815), £130.

10 Feb - Archaeology and Anthropology of Death and Burial, £130. 10 Feb - Writing as a Creative Process, £130. 10 Feb - Words That Run With Wolves: Writing for Children, £130. 10 Feb - Supporting Neuro-diverse learners, £70. 10 Feb - Archaeology for Beginners, £130. 10 Feb - Acorn To Oak: Building your Family Tree, £130. 11 Feb - Memorials and their Meaning: Controversial Gateways to your Community’s Past, £130.

11 Feb - Autobiographical Writing, £130. 22 Feb - An Introduction ot History Sources at the National Library of Wales, £130. 27 Feb - Introduction to English Literature, £130. 3 March - Normalising Menopause, £70.

Aberystwyth University Online Courses. Details 01970 621580, www.aber.ac.uk/learning

Until March HEREFORD GUILD OF MAYOR’S GUIDES

‘Exploring Hereford’s History’ - an eight week lecture series which takes place at the Kindle Centre, Hereford on Wednesday mornings until 19th March. For more information see www.herefordguided walks.org.uk.

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

Last Tuesday of each month HOMEND POETS

Open mic. No booking required. Pot & Page, 8 New St, Ledbury, 6.30pm, www.potandpage.co.uk

Every Wednesday PLACES OF WELCOME

All welcome, to meet a friendly face, a cup of tea and conversation. The Oxford Arms Barn, Duke St, Kington, 10am-12.30pm.

THE COURTYARD WORKSHOPS

Mon - Writing Room Extra. Ongoing sessions for writers with some experience, 3-5pm, £110 per term. Mon - Writing Room. For writers of all abilities, 6.30-8.30pm, £90 per term. Tues - Reading Room. For adults who love theatre and enjoy script analysis, 10.30am-12.30pm, £60 per term. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

Every Wednesday (term time) BABY B!

Storytelling group. From birth to 5 years. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 11am, free, 01874 611622.

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

Third Wednesday of the month BEREAVEMENT CAFE

Old Chapel, Hereford Cathedral, 2.30pm-4pm, run by volunteers, www.herefordcathedral.org

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

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.

22nd March 2025

Welsh Beekeepers’ Association

Annual Spring Convention

RWAS Showground, LD2 3SY

Doors open 8:30am.

A full days program of international speakers, traders and much more.

Door entry £10 or advance tickets £8 at https://wbka.sumupstore.com

Visit our website for more details: wbka.com

grass roots

Could A New Ice Age Result from the Failing Gulf Stream?

THE frigid weather that struck most of Britain at New Year was a bit of a shock. We can survive the odd frosty day and emerge smiling, but 10 days of cold, icy conditions seemed cruel and unusual. It reminded me of the Big Freeze which brought three months of arctic conditions, back in 1963.

I recall that, that during that winter, after only a twenty-minute morning walk, one began to resemble an Antarctic explorer. For weeks on end, I would arrive at school with my hair covered in icy particles. For most of the Lent Term, football, rugby and other outdoor sports were out of the question.

However, geography teachers would tell their classes that the Gulf Stream would soon put things right and bring back the warm wet westerly winds that had given up the ghost.

This year, in the first half of January, the total lack warm wet westerly winds prompted a question in my mind about the current state the Gulf Stream. It and its associated warm water currents are now known by the more cumbersome term – the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation – AMOC for short.

The AMOC is a complicated set of currents that bring warm water in a northerly direction initially, and then eastwards towards Great Britain. As the water moves into more temperate regions it begins to cool down and sink towards the ocean depths.

One of those who has long studied the AMOC currents is Professor Penny Holliday of the National Oceanic Centre at Southampton University. She says, the AMOC is a “… complex system of ocean currents that has a surprisingly direct inﬂuence on the weather and climate on land.

“The secret of the importance of the AMOC lies in its ability to move heat over thousands of kilometres from one end of the Atlantic Ocean to another.”

Professor Holliday says that “…even small changes in the strength of the AMOC, and especially the rate at which it transports warm water to the North Atlantic, can bring about large changes in the air temperature and rainfall that we receive in the UK.”

Scientists have been able to measure AMOC for 20 years now. And one scientific study suggests it has weakened by 25% in that time. It terms of climate change, generally, such a reduction is vast and has happened at shocking speed.

Some ocean scientists are more cautious. One study

puts the downturn in the Gulf stream at more like 15 per cent over the last 20 years. But whether it is 15% or 25%, these are gigantic numbers in the context of the once glacial slowness of climate change overall.

Among climate and ocean scientists, most concern centres on the theory that a gradual weakening of the current could give way to a tipping point, in which the Gulf Stream might very suddenly switch off - or undergo a dramatic loss of power and content.

The leader of one such study, Professor Peter Ditlevsen at the University of Copenhagen, has said scientists have been warning for some time about the potential collapse of the AMOC.

“There’ve been worries that this current is weakening for as long as we have had measurements of it – since 2004”, Ditlevsen told BBC News.

How does all this relate to global heating and climate change? It seems that, as global temperatures rise, fresh melt water pours into the north Atlantic from the huge Greenland ice cap, a process which long predates the claim to Greenland which President Donald Trump has been outlining recently.

If the AMOC collapses, scientists predict that temperatures around Britain could be lowered by as much as 10 or 15 degrees Celsius. It might well cause sea levels to rise along the eastern coast of the USA. And it could well disrupt the rainfall rain that millions of people in Europe rely on for agriculture.

There is not yet anything like full agreement between scientists about the exact rate at which the Gulf Stream is weakening, but, if its decline is anything like as severe as some studies suggest, in the long run Britain could be facing a blast of cooler conditions more severe than anything these islands have experienced in the last 10,000 years.

Julian O’Halloran

Green Events

Sat 1 or Sun 2 February BEGINNERS COURSE IN WILLOW GROWING One day course in willow growing for people who are interested in establishing and maintaining their own willow bed for basket making, fencing and sculpture. Oldfield’s Farm, Frith Common, Tenbury Wells, 10am-4pm, 07718 986104.

Fri 7 February PUBLIC MEETING WITH ELLIE CHOWNS MP Open question and answer event, refreshments. Ledbury Community Hall, 7pm, www.elliechowns.org.uk.

Sat 8 February LEOMINSTER SEED SWAP

Free event to share your collected seeds or come along and see what others have. Refreshments available and tool sharpening service (£2), stalls. Priory Church, Leominster, 10am-1pm. Donations shared with Transition Leominster and Priory Church, tessa@frysmith.com

Mon 10 February CLIMATE CHANGE IN HEREFORDSHIRE, AND ITS IMPACT ON BIODIVERSITY A talk by Rachel Jenkins. Sutton St Nicholas Village Hall, Bayley Way, HR1 3SZ, 7.30pm, £3, no booking required. Refreshments. Info - richandjudy93@ gmail.com Sutton Environment & History Group with Sutton Walls Conservation Group.

Tues 18 February PARTY ANIMALS WITH CORNER EXOTICS An entertaining and educational fact-filled interactive animal show featuring 35 animals. For all ages. The Regal, Tenbury Wells, 2pm, 01584 811442. Sat 22 March WELSH BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION SPRING CONVENTION A full days programme of international speakers, traders and more. Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells, 8.30am, £10 on the door or £8 in advance, www.wbka.sumupstore.com - www.wbka.com

February & March ABERYSTWYTH UNIVERSITY

ONLINE COURSES 3 Feb - A Guide to Environmental Impact Assessment, £130. 3 Feb - Animal Behaviour, £130. 10 Feb - Ecology 2, £130. 10 Feb - Evolutionary Biology - An Introduction, £130. 10 Feb - Introduction to Astronomy, £130. 10 Feb - Plant Diversity, £130. 17 Feb - Discovering Invertebrates, £130. 19 Feb - Plants and their Habitats, £130. 19 Feb - Introduction to Gymnosperms, £130. 3 March - Understanding Amphibians, £130. 3 March - Woodland Birds, £130. Aberystwyth University online classes.

Details 01970 621580, www.aber.ac.uk/learning

Until March VOLUNTEER WITH CPRE Become a Hedgerow Hero for Herefordshire. Volunteering days from 10am2pm, sign up via emailing info@cpreherefordshire.org.uk

KINGTON LOCAL ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY

NETWORK (KLEEN) Encourages community resilience through our Electric Car Share Club, public Orchards, tiny Coppice Woodland, Presentations & networking without borders. Email: kingtonkleen@gmail.com

KNIGHTON COMMUNITY WOODLANDS GROUP

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.

Every Third Saturday in the Month PRESTEIGNE REPAIR

Presteigne Youth Centre, Hereford Street. 10am-12pm. Household items repaired for free. Info: 01544 267997. First Saturday of the month LEOMINSTER REPAIR CAFE, 10-12.30pm. Community Centre. Household items, jewellery, clothing etc repaired for free, donations welcomed. Facebook/ website, www.leominsterrepaircafe. org.uk

complementary therapies

Disclaimer: We would like to emphasise that these listings relate to COMPLEMENTARY medicine practiitioners. 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 / www.hayacupunctureclinic. co.uk

ACUPUNCTURE AND TUINA: I use TCM acupuncture, electro-acupuncture and Tui Na (therapeutic massage) to treat a wide range of health conditions. In Ledbury at my home treatment room on New Street, and in Hereford at Kyrle House Practice (kyrlehouse.co.uk 01432 273234). Acupuncture-Acutherapy Council member. Ruth Busbridge, BSc MSc Dip.Acupuncture. https:// rbacupuncture.co.uk/ 07743809466 ruthbacupuncture@ gmail.com

ALEXANDER TECHIQUE LESSONS with Ron Colyer, B.Mus., M.S.T.A.T. An Alexander teacher, accredited by and member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique, with over 40 years experience, I am currently offering lessons in Malvern and surrounding areas. Alexander work can help with back pain, joint pain, neck pain, as well as enhancing skills, e.g. in performing arts, yoga practice, etc. The lessons help you to become aware of faulty habits of body use, including inappropriate tension or misdirected energy. You learn to help yourself - it’s really a reeducation process rather than a therapy. For more on Alexander Technique visit alexandertechnique. co.uk Contact me on 07733 253056, or email alextechwithron9@outlook.com

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

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

BODY CLINIC, LEOMINSTER Holistic Therapies and advice for rehabilitation, pain, mobility and long term health conditions. Improve and/or support mental health, wellbeing, women’s and men’s health, fertility, pregnancy and much more. Unsure what’s best for your health issue? Book a Holistic Health assessment so an experienced health practitioner can help you. 17 West St, Leominster HR6 8EP www.thebodyclinicleominster.co.uk 01568 368 907/07493 078 566. thebodyclinicleominster@ gmail.com

CLINIC SPACE AVAILABLE in this busy, light and fully serviced multi disciplinary health centre. Working collaboratively to offer holistic health therapies in The Marches area. The Body Clinic, 17 West St, Leominster HR6 8EP. Half day, day and per client (if relocating or new to practice) basis. Good patient referals. www. thebodyclinicleominster.co.uk 01568 368 907/07493 078 566 thebodyclinicleominster@gmail.com Please call to arrange an informal look around.

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES - DR NANCY BANCROFT Are you struggling with intense emotions, feeling overwhelmed, lost or stuck? Make sense of your experience and create lasting change, with a specialist mental health professional. Trauma-focussed psychotherapy ~ EMDR ~ mind-body integration 1:1 therapy ~ training ~ supervision. Online and face-to-face sessions available in Pembridge, Herefordshire.Contact hello@thebodyinmind.co.uk www.thebodyinmind.co.uk

CUDDLE SESSIONS Are you longing for physical connection? Or perhaps life just feels like too much and you could just use a good long hug? I offer a safe space for you to be held, express your desires for touch, and express any emotions that come up in the experience. Sessions can be a fun, informal movie night experience, or dive more deeply into unexpressed emotions. Connect with me, Emily Martin, at 07747 250720 or www.bigasskinkyheart.com

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.

EMDR AND HYPNOTHERAPY: Sabina Jennings BSc, PgDip Derm, Dip EMDR, Dip Hyp. HWHP. Solution

Focussed Hypnotherapist and EMDR therapist for Anxiety, Low Self Worth, Relationship Concerns, Suffers of Narcissist Abuse, Imposter Syndrome, Fear of the Future etc. Visualization techniques for business and sport goals. 1 to 1 sessions or on-line. Supporting you to move forward from the limiting beliefs and habits of the past. Phone 07464202715 or see my website www.hypnotichub.co.uk.

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 www.thewritetofeel.com.

EROTIC EMBODIMENT FOR WOMEN If you’ve tried lots of different practices, modalities, spiritual pursuits, and still feel like something is missing, I’d love to help you find that spark of joy, aliveness and pleasure you are longing for through the simple magic of your own body. One-on-one and group sessions. Connect with me, Emily Martin, at 07747 250720 or www.bigasskinkyheart.com

GONG BATH SOUND MEDITATION SESSIONS IN & AROUND HEREFORDSHIRE. Soundscapes can aid in the letting go of old emotions & limiting behaviours. I run twice monthly Group sessions, & also offer 1:1 sessions, hen parties, corporate / wellbeing events, retreats. For more info. Contact Lizzie 07870345216 www. lizzieyogahereford.com

HEREFORD HOMEOPATH and BIODYNAMIC CRANIOSACRAL THERAPIST Juliet Ablett (RHom, MARH, MNCHM, RCST). Holistic health care with experienced practitioner using homeopathy, essences and homeobotanicals, safe and effective treatment for all ages. Also Craniosacral therapy, a light touch, non directive, powerful form of bodywork, also suitable for all ages. Hereford, Garway, Monmouth. www.julietablett.co.uk julietablett@mailbox.org

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).

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.

MOLE & LESION ASSESSMENT / REMOVAL I offer a mole checking service with a dermatology report in 48 hours. A variety of lesions can be removed in 1-3 treatments. Appointments available in Leominster & Bromyard Contact Mandy on TEL 07742228196 www.flourishandjoy.co.uk

PROFESSIONAL, EXPERIENCED, UKCP ACCREDITED

PSYCHOTHERAPIST & COUNSELLOR. Kington based. Face-to-face sessions for individual adults over 18. No couples work. Regain control of your life, restore meaning to your existence and relief from anxiety, sleeplessness and troubled relationships. Penny Cole 07776 146427. http://www.pennycolecounselling.co.uk

SOUND THERAPY BY EDAN SOUND. Soesen Edan is a qualified Sound Therapist with over 20 years of experience running 1-2-1 and group sessions, teaching and retreats. Sound therapy is excellent for all manner of ailments & disease; regulates heart rate & blood pressure, reduces stress & anxiety and brings people to a deeply relaxed state. Monthly group sessions held in Herefordshire, Malvern & Birmingham. 1-2-1 sessions in Holme Lacy. Extensive experience working with complex disabilities & autism; prison therapeutic education, corporate sessions, team away days, workshops & bespoke sound consultancy. www.edansound.co.uk

SHADOW WORK, COUNSELLING & DEEP PROCESS

PSYCHOTHERAPY Facilitated shadow work is a type of embodied deep process psychotherapy. I work one-toone in longer sessions, typically 5-hours. These deep-dive sessions offer an accepting and shame free space within which to explore and transform those habitual, ingrained or unconscious patterns, beliefs or behaviours that trapping you and hold you back from living a full, meaningful and joyful life. This work holds the potential for deep personal growth and deep healing and is the place to dive real deep into difficulty and challenge, shame or guilt, your grief, your pain, your fear or rage. The holding I offer you is both sensitive and strong, and you are invited to bring any issue you wish to our work together. Find out more about shadow work and to schedule a free 20-minute consultation at: www.inner-truth.co.uk - Alasdair Kirk07792 405 660.

SILVER LANTERN COUNSELLING a compassionate space with someone trained to listen and be with you as you explore your inner world, someone to hear your story. For more information visit www.silverlanterncounselling. co.uk, telephone Julia on 07785 473785 or email: info@silverlanterncounselling.co.uk

SOUND THERAPY, with Gongs, Singing Bowls and other therapeutic instruments to relieve stress and anxiety, restoring mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. Monday night ‘Sound Bath’ sessions at The Fold, Bransford in Worcestershire and at Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, Herefordshire, 1-2-1 treatments in Ledbury, retreats, private groups, workshops, celebrations. Contact Cecilia on 07857 128 082, info@csoundspace.com www.csoundspace.com

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

SPORT’S HYPNOTHERAPY AND EMDR – Amateur

sports men and women can benefit from sports hypnosis just as much as the professionals. If you are looking to improve your sports performance mindset, staying focussed and putting aside distractions and unwanted negative beliefs, Hypnotherapy and EMDR can help. If you love sport, but finding a setback, imposter syndrome, lack of motivation or lack of focus is holding you back then why not call and see if Hypnotherapy and EMDR is for you. Contact – Sabina Jennings BSc, Pg Dip AID, Dip. Hyp. HWHP, Dip. EMDR. Tel 07464202715 www.hypnotichub.co.uk

Workshops

WORKSHOP LISTINGS - Single (dated) listings are free. Year round, ongoing workshops will cost £45 per year.

Mon 3 February SPECIAL IMBOLC SOUND BATH

With C Soundscape. Nourish yourself with a relaxing sound bath. The Great Barn, Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, near Ledbury, 7pm, www.hellensmanor.com

Sat 8 & Sun 9 February REIKI 1

Learn how to tap into and direct this amazing energy to enhance your physical and emotional wellbeing, make better choices and become more aligned with your life purpose. Alchemy Wellbeing Studio Llandrindod Wells 10am-5pm, £150 www.alchemywellbeing.net Kallika 07518 678032.

Fri 14 February WORLD SOUND HEALING DAY

Special event by Edan Sound using singing bowls, gongs. Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, near Ledbury, 6pm, www.hellensmanor.com

Sun 2 March MINDFULNESS ALL DAY PRACTICE

Offered by Gail Calthrop, a retreat day full of Spring promise. Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, near Ledbury, 9.45am, www.hellensmanor.com

Starting Mon 3 March ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS YOGA: 6 WEEK COURSE

Llanyre Hall, 5pm-5.45pm, £35, www.alchemywellbeing. net Contact Kallika 07518 678032.

Fri 7 March WOMEN OF WELLBEING

Celebrate, be nourished, relax, unwind, stretch and restore. Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, near Ledbury, 10am, www.hellensmanor.com

Mondays MOVE & GROOVE

Interactive yoga and movements sessions where your toddlers can enjoy an interactive movement session. Age 2-5 years, 10am. Move and Groove - Restorative yin yoga and baby explore session, 11.30am. Mommy Move - Babywearing yoga and dance session, 1pm. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 07947 120751.

Mondays BEGINNERS YOGA (DROP IN) CLASS

Llanyre Hall, 6-7pm, £7 or 6 sessions £30. Booking essential - Kallika 07518 678032, www.alchemywellbeing. net

Mondays & Tuesdays BREATHE IN YOGA WITH KATY

The Regal, Tenbury Wells, Mon 9.30am, Tues 6pm, 01584 811442.

Wednesdays (term time) CHAIR YOGA WITH PHILLIPA

Gentle chair based yoga class for all abilities, no experience necessary. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 12pm, £7 per session, no need to book, 01982 552555.

PILATES CLASSES Community classes in Titley Village Hall, Lyonshall Memorial Hall and New Radnor Community Hall. Private lessons in my garden studio in Titley. All abilities and ages welcome. Pilates reduces back pain, increases strength and flexibility, tones your body from top to toe. Move it or 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.

COMPANY ALONG THE WAY

Year long vision quest. Following the Hero’s Journey; J Campbell and the 13 moons. Once every 2/3 months gathering. Golden Valley, Saturdays 10am-4.30pm. Contact Kirsten 01544 388689, kirsten.hellier@googlemail.com

HATHA YOGA & SOUND THERAPY WITH BRIDGET ROWAN 90min Yoga classes on Zoom and in Peterchurch HR2 0RS to keep you moving and doing the things you love and to bring a sense of calm, peace and improve your wellbeing. Group soundscapes held regularly in the beautiful St Peters Church, Peterchurch. Individual yoga and sound therapy sessions available. Please see my website for further information www.bridgetrowan.uk or contact Bridget 07904 111334.

Third Wednesday BEREAVEMENT CAFE

An informal and friendly gathering. College Hall, Hereford Cathedral, Hereford, 2.30pm, www.herefordcathedral.org

LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS

Mon - Yoga, 9.30am, £8. Julie Burdett 07780 905729. Wed - Pilates, 10am, £10 per session. Sarah on 07967 482510. Weekly - Hatha Yoga, 6.30pm, £6 per session. Katherine 07975 535408. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow.

WYESIDE

Mondays term time - Move & Groove - Interactive yoga and movement sessions for ages 2-5 years, 10am, £7 per session, no booking required.

Mondays term time - Mommy & Me - Restorative yin yoga and baby explore session, where you can enjoy some gentle yoga along with your little one, 11.30am, £7 per session, no booking required.

Mondays term time - Mommy Move - Babywearing yoga and dance sessions whilst wearing your little one in a sling/carrier, 1pm, £7 per session, no booking required. Conctact Laura 07947 120751 for the above classes. 4, 11 & 18 Dec - Chair Yoga with Phillipa - Gentle chair based yoga class for all abilities and for people with limited movement, no experience necessary. 12pm-1pm, term time, £7 per session, no booking required. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 01982 552555.

THE ART SHED, MID WALES ARTS

Every Wed - Tai Chi with Alan Jeffries, 12pm-1pm, £7. Every Thurs - Yoga with Karen Booth, 4.30pm-6pm, £9, 07794 337318. Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, 01686 688369.

THE COURTYARD, HEREFORD

Tues - Yoga, 9.15am-10am, £6 per session.

Wed - Pilates, 11am-12pm, £6 per session. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

BROAD SHEEP FEBRUARY 2025

BROAD sheep

BROAD

Contents

small ads

BROAD sheep sheep BROAD

check out the website

DEADLINE 15th OF THE PRECEDING MONTH

ADVERTISING RATES FOR BOX ADVERTS 2025

Your mustard yellow may be my nasty pink*

housing

Wanted: a new Green City

a view from the marches

Let’s give Gaia a Happy New Year

POWYS

HEREFORDSHIRE

Art & Craft Workshops

QUEER (18) – 136MINS

BORDERLINES FILM FESTIVAL

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW

CONQUEST, BROMYARD

COURTYARD, HEREFORD

BABYGIRL (18) – 114MINS

MARKET

OLD MARKET HALL,

PHOENIX THEATRE, R-O-W

PRESTEIGNE SCREEN

SAVOY, MONMOUTH

WYESIDE, BUILTH WELLS

The Importance of Being Earnest

WORKSHOPS

Dance Performance

Dance Workshops

The Oak, Wigmore

EVENTS

FOOD BYTES

FEBRUARY

THE DECIBELS

Sun 2 February

Sat 8 February

MARCH

Music Workshops

Sessions

VENUES

PERFORMANCE

MUSICAL THEATRE & OPERA

GLASBURY ARTS

ART AUCTION - 29 March 2025

at Christ College, Brecon, LD3 8AF

13th HARP SUMMER SCHOOL 20-23 August 2025

at Gwernyfed High School, nr Glasbury-on-Wye, LD3 0SG

CHILDREN’S THEATRE

DRAMA WORKSHOPS

Poetry & Storytelling

Comedy

Talks

Workshops & Courses

THE COURTYARD WORKSHOPS

Welsh Beekeepers’ Association

grass roots

Could A New Ice Age Result from the Failing Gulf Stream?

Green Events

complementary therapies

YOGA IN PRESTEIGNE

Workshops