BROAD SHEEP - March 2023

BROAD sheep

march 2023

What’s On - Herefordshire & The Marches

BROAD

Contents

Small Ads

Sam’s page

Sleeping Dragon

Philosophy

Art

Art workshops

Cinema

Dance

Food

Music

Music workshops

Band directory

Theatre

Word

Grass roots Comp therapies

We take no responsibility for the veracity of the information herein

Dead Weird

WAS delighted last week to see that the The Banshees of Inisherin was coming to our local film society as it reunited director Martin McDonagh with Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson the team that made ‘In Bruges’ one of my all time favourite films. Coupled with the fact that the film was up for nine Oscars it was no surprise I was pretty excited. What did surprise me was the cartoon slapstick plot device that emerged halfway through the film that would not have been out of place in an episode of Family Guy, although a bit too weird for The Simpsons. I would have been more shocked had I not the previous evening watched a film on TV which must rank as one of the weirdest plots ever and that had me wondering if someone had spiked my Ovaltine.

Having recently acquired one of those streaming devices that bring the wonderful world of Netflix etc into your home I was having a browse through ITVX and happened upon a film from 2016 called Swiss Army Man. If you have seen this film you don’t need to read any further but if you haven’t I must impress upon you that, although my editorials are often peppered with inaccuracies and downright lies, what I am about to tell you is the absolute 100% truth – God’s honour.

The film stars Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe (yes, yer actual Harry Potter) . Paul is washed up on a deserted island but just as he is accidentally committing suicide he spots a dead body that has been washed up on the shore. It is Daniel who is dead but extremely flatulent. Paul realizes that he can use Daniel‘s fart power to get him back to the mainland and climbs onto Daniels back and his fart powered Jet Ski carries him back to shore. Once on the mainland Paul carries Daniel on his back into a forest and begins to bring him back to life and teach the half dead corpse what is worth living for. Daniel becomes obsessed by a the picture of a girl on a bus on Paul’s phone and they recreate the bus in the forest out of sticks and stones and bits of garbage and then re-enact the bus sequence with Paul playing the part of the girl! Do you want me to go on? Or is that enough madness for one session? In case you don’t believe me here is what a genuine professional film reviewer has to say.

9HP

Tel: 07786 131159

Email: info@broadsheep.com

Website: www.broadsheep.com

The film is elastic, transmogrifying from a psychological drama into a literally excremental comedy and then a hard-edged survival picture, occasionally embracing the cosmic and turning into an emo hipster answer to “2001: A Space Odyssey.”

And yet the emotional temperatures of the movie fluctuate so intuitively from moment to moment, and the situations and editing choices along with them, that there’s ultimately no point trying to deal with “Swiss Army Man” on any terms but its own.

i.e This film is nuts.

I won’t bore you with everything I have seen since acquiring our magic TV gizmo but I will put in a shout for BBCs Russia 1985-1999 TraumaZone. A seven-part series of films by Adam Curtis subtitled ‘What It Felt Like to Live Through

The Collapse of Communism and Democracy’ it is stunning, amazing and sometimes deeply disturbing. I recommend you watch it on BBC iPlayer. It spins from Gorbachov’s stunned silence as he loses political power to idyllic rural scenes deep in the Russian countryside 1,500 kms from Moscow and then back to a drunk Boris Yeltsin at various public engagements.

On the other hand if you just want something to make you beam and forget your worries for 5 minutes type ‘Apartment Sessions’ into YouTube. You will find a group of 50 excellent musicians ripping up a whole range of tunes from Tim Minchin’s - Quiet to Sly and the Family Stone’s - Everyday People. I think there are three sessions and 75 YouTube films and it is one great big joyous musical smile.

BROAD SHEEP, The Fred Bulmer Centre, Wall Street, Hereford, HR4

Daniel Radcliffe not looking at his best

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BEEKEEPING FOR BEGINNERS INTRODUCTORY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FRUIT TREE PRUNING From one branch to an entire orchard. Tel: 01544 260656. apjervis@myphone.coop WANTED URGENTLY VINTAGE CLOTHING for male/ female, plus accessories including jewellery, shoes, etc. Also wanted: quality curtains, lace and textiles, even damaged. Plus designer clothing including male/female... tweeds, evening dresses etc. Also unusual items including fans etc. Please telephone: Annie 07798 632247. Teagowns and Textiles. annies.30@hotmail.com

P/T OR OCCASIONAL WORK WANTED Cheerful, fit, educated, mature woman seeks employment. Clean driving licence, DBS checked. Anything considered from office/business support to house sitting including driving, gardening and dog walking. Phone Katy 01547 520328.

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

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

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

John Langstaffe Maker & Restorer of Violins, Violas & Cellos

Post details with cheque to: BROAD SHEEP, The Fred Bulmer Centre, Wall Street, Hereford, HR4 9HP

For more details phone Clare on 07786 131159

A Visit to Oleg

THE other day I waited for an hour in the reception area of a tall building in the City of London until a woman with enormous eyelashes wiggled out of an elevator and said, ‘Mr Legov will see you now.’

And up I went, to a huge room with a glass wall overlooking the Thames, containing a desk the size of a tennis court, and behind it Oleg. You will remember Oleg. Oleg ‘Gark’ Legov, known to the world of gender ambiguity as Legova. Took over most of the Russian cement industry using high order business skills and a tank regiment. Great friend of Vlad the InvaderHang on.

‘Oleg,’ I said. ‘I had it in my mind that under the sanctions you are a banned person.’

‘Banned, schmanned,’ said Oleg. ‘I have bought UK citizenship using Scottish limited partnership and associated routes and am skveeky clean.’

‘But they took your yacht away.’

‘Yacht was so last year,’ said Oleg. ‘I have now trawler. Which is to say I have bought company that owns company that owns company that owns Vanderpump and Vanker, Dutch company that owns trawler. Trawler is ten thousand tons displacement, name Toxica but changed while in British waters to God Save the King Have Nice Cup of Tea, vich is charming patriotic touch.’

‘Very enterprising,’ I said. ‘But scarcely sustainable.’

‘For me is highly sustainable,’ said Oleg. ‘The more fish we are catching the fewer fish left in the sea, and strong demand and shrinking supply mean big prices. This is normal mixture of economics and extreme violence and first step.’

‘Towards what?’ I said.

‘Privatisation of sea,’ said Oleg. ‘Think vater boards.’

‘Waterboarding is a speciality of yours, I hear.’

‘Not so much now, except that police guy yesterday. Anyvay. All your British vater privatised long ago. Excellent idea, big money for shareholders, report your own pollution so no pollution reporting, you know it makes sense. But pollution at sea must still be reported to Coastguard, vich is owned by Government, old school, not best practice. Privatised Coastguard chooses what to report, and fatalities, oil spills, extinctions, well, reporting rocks boat, to make blinis you must break vun egg.’

‘Very enterprising,’ I said. ‘How?’

‘Bribe or maim politicians. Ven screaming stops secure appropriate legislation, then form Sea Companies. Sea Companies will sell fishing licences to highest bidder. Quotas will be abolished for simple reason that if there are no fish left there is no point in fishing for them. To the Vincent the spoils.’

‘Victor,’ I said.

‘Votever. In these circumstances is advantageous to own biggest trawler on planet. Catch fish till they run out.’

‘And where,’ I said, ‘will this leave people who want to go boating for fun?’

‘ILS, individual leisure seafaring, you mean. Is cash cow. Navigation programs will carry compulsory plugins that will record number of miles boat sails each year, and there will be per-mile charge, wear and tear on sea is obviously severe threat to Sea Companies’ principal asset. There will be compulsory licensing for boats, expensive, to make sure people take it seriously, supervised by marina entrepreneurs who know how to make pips skveek, many of them in my employ already. It is true,’ said Oleg, ‘the sea will become dirtier and less productive of actual fish, but you cannot spend clean, and who needs fish ven you can have money? Anyway, this is no longer business of British public, but of shareholders. Hey! Where you going?’

‘To drop some extra five-ton boulders on the Dogger Bank to wreck your trawl,’ I said.

‘You can’t do that.’

‘I already have,’ I said. ‘And if you don’t like it I suggest you jump in and pick them up.’

From the Spring 2023 issue of the Marine Quarterly

Further sustainable and seasonally appropriate writings by Sam, many of them about gardening, can be found in Digging with the Duchess and Digging Deeper with the Duchess

The Sleeping Dragon

WHEN I was growing up in the early 1950s, the First World War was still very much a living memory to many. Today it is history, with no survivors left to tell the living tale. This transition point in time, from live memory to history, was upon us. This is the point where we must now translate, somehow, what took place, in such a way that it is clear to all that this war must be remembered and learned from.

We have chosen a sleeping dragon for the memorial instead of the heraldic Welsh dragon that we all know and love. The reasoning for this is that the traditional Welsh dragon has a very “up front” attitude with an aggressive stance and unflattering sharp lines, most suitable in war.

The Welsh dragon flying on its standard would have raised the morale of any Welshman fighting for what he believed in. Sadly, many a good Welshman died doing just that, sometimes in lands far off, sometimes for reasons too complex to reason with. Where ever and for whatever, Welshman have always been distinguished in battle. However, there is another side to all of this and that is the Welshman who sang with such passion, now forever silent, the Welshman who loved his valleys and hills but will never again walk there, the Welshman who told his children bedtime myths and tales of dragons in Wales. Their legacy being the continuation of the culture of Wales. All so proud to be Welsh and all died proud. This is the soft underside of our loss. This is the real loss. It is this loss that the sleeping dragon reflects, the soft inner being of all those sleeping Welshman who rest so far from the country they loved, in the fields of World War One.

Every dragon needs a place to sleep and a sun warmed cromlech is the ideal size and shape for the purpose. Cromlechs link us back many thousands of years in Welsh history and folklore. The Cromlech itself is low enough for an adult and for a child raised up by an adult, to see and touch the dragon, giving the connectivity to reinforce the point of the memorial. A child raised up to touch the dragon thus, may not yet understand, but will remember and perhaps in time, understand.

At the end of the centenary celebrations the sleeping dragon was removed from its place at dusk on 11/11/2018 in an attempt to provoke a little of the sense of loss felt by those who lost loved ones during the war.

The outcry was instant and very vocal, with calls for its immediate return. I held out for four years, but eventually I was defeated by one Ed Wilding who simply said “We

need it back Pete”. I had no answer. So yet another plan was hatched for the dragons return and this time, as the groundswell of opinion shows and grows, it looks like he will return sometime this summer if the fundraising is successful.

So to all those who have mithered on at me for four years to return the dragon, it’s your call, we need £7000. Details of how to contribute to do this project are below.

Pete Smith

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ sleeping-dragon

https://www.facebook.com/presteignedragon/

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When In Doubt

PHILOSOPHERS get a touch agitated at the very mention of ‘certainty’ while the phrase ‘without doubt’ is likely to trigger palpitations. So when some airline boffin comes up with a bright idea to help passengers feel less stressed - ‘without doubt an absolute certainty’ - it’s time to take the Valium. The idea was to encourage pilots to make their intercom announcements more chatty, less formal, more personal. Oh dear. [Apologies to any Broad Sheep readers who are nervous fliers.]

‘Your Captain speaking. Welcome aboard our flight from Cardiff to Glasgow. Sit back, relax and enjoy the flight. Personally I’m too excited to be relaxed: this is my first unsupervised flight. The cabin staff have sent me a good luck card. They’ve written encouraging words - ‘Is the Black Box switched on?’ At the moment we’re waiting for permission to taxi to runway 3. That can’t be right. Isn’t that for IN-coming planes?’

‘Your Captain again. As you can see, we’ve arrived at runway 2. Ornithologists amongst you will be keen to identify the huge flock of birds half way down our runway. Carrion crows? Let’s hope the roar of the engines will scare them away.’

‘You’ll be pleased to know that we’ve completed the pre-flight checks. Everything’s hunky-dory. Well, I say ‘everything’ - there’s one annoying red light that keeps flashing. Be nice to find out what that means, but we’ve just been given the all-clear for departure. Best not hang about. So sit back while I have a go at taking off. Frankly, I’ve always been better at landing than taking off, if only on the principle that what goes up must come down. But my co-pilot is very experienced. He knows what nearly all of these knobs and lights mean - though not the little red flashing one. Scotland, here we come!’

‘The Captain again. As you know, we’ve been experiencing some turbulence, requiring a slight change to our scheduled route, which explains why, if you look through the port-side windows, there’s a splendid view of the Brittany coast.’

‘Our cabin crew, Ella and Sam, will shortly be serving light refreshments. Sam is the Senior Steward. Strictly speaking his name should come first, but ‘Sam and Ella’ sounds like a dose of food poisoning. Which reminds me - the fish paste sandwiches are back on the menu. We’ve been serving them for some time now. Unusual taste, apparently. Flight crew have a different menu of course, just in case. Better safe than sorry.’

‘Air Traffic Control have alerted us to military flying activity about to cross our flight-path. So, a great photo opportunity. The Wicklow Mountains look lovely at this time of year, don’t you think?’

‘Your Captain again. We’ll shortly be attempting to land in Glasgow. Landing a plane always reminds me of the game we used to play as children - skimming a pebble across a pond to see how many times you could get it to bounce...’

These announcements are, mercifully, a work of fiction. However, they’re a decent example of how a ‘certainty’ can turn out to be just the opposite, with passengers on that plane probably needing psychiatric counselling.

You’re never far away from someone’s firmly held certainty, as a recent trip to Shrewsbury illustrated. For a start, the railway station claimed that train travel is without doubt the best way to get from A to B. Up the road a young man was sporting a placard with the words ‘Believe the Bible or Spend Eternity in Hell’. Was he certain about this? Yes, absolutely. No doubt either, apparently, that such-and-such a café serves the finest breakfast in town, or that such-and-such a bank offers the best customer service. Descartes would have had a field day.

All claptrap of course, and all presented with typical cocksure certainty. While politicians might be in a class of their own when it comes to claptrap-mongering, they’re by no means alone. There’s never been a shortage of people telling us what to believe, what to do, what to think. As for doubt - what doubt? But philosophers, like scientists, know differently. Rather than sweeping doubt under the carpet, they recognize it as an essential prerequisite for attaining fresh knowledge. Far from treating doubt as Public Enemy Number One we should embrace it as our friend, the sign of an enquiring mind, whereas dogmatic blood-curdling certainty fuels many of today’s most threatening problems.

Of course, to doubt everything is just as intellectually lazy as believing everything. What’s needed is the more flexible attitude of mind that says ‘This is what I think, but I might be wrong. I might have to change my opinion.’ Doubt opens doors. Certainty locks them, then throws away the keys.

Philosopher-in-Residence

www.tents4elements.co.uk

art POWYS

Studer Fine Art, - The Gallery,

4 The High Street, Presteigne. www.studerfineart.com

Until 2 April ‘Sir Gawain and the Green Knight’. An exhibition of 14 original prints by the celebrated artist and designer CLIVE HICKS-JENKINS.

Clive’s paintings and prints of figures and animals are so striking, at least in part, because of the continual dialogue between design and dance, structure and movement. This series of prints based on the epic narrative of Gawain and the Green Knight are an exhilarating journey of colour and imagination produced in collaboration with Dan Bugg of Penfold Press. CAROLINE PEARCEceramics. Open Thurs-Sat, 10.30am - 4pm or by arrangement.

Sidney Nolan Trust, The Rodd, Presteigne LD8 2LL 01544 260149

11 March ‘Cultivate Youth Arts Programme’. Present work from their recent enquiry of the TitleyPresteigne branch line. 11am-1pm.

30 March - 20 May ‘Thirty Years of Landscape’. PHILIP HUGHES.

30 March - 13 May ‘In Praise of Shadows’. JONY EASTERBY.

30 March - 30 Sept ‘The Buzzer’. RICK GRESWELL - sculpture.

30 March - 30 Sept ‘Inside Out’.

KATE HARVEY - sculpture.

Open Thurs-Sat 11am-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 artpaintings and limited edition fine art giclée prints. Tues - Sat, 10am - 4pm.

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

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

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

March Geology, Archaeology, Natural History, Social History and Fine Art. The museum houses an art gallery with a programme of varied and exciting exhibitions and events.

Tues-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat 10am-1pm.

Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown 01686 625041

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

Until 30 April Foyer exhibition. ‘It’s Raining Elderly Ladies and Sticks’. Celebrating Welsh ladies.

Until 21 Sept 2023 ‘Oriel Watching’. ELLEN BELL will be working in the galleries making live drawings of visitors. Open Tues-Sun 11am-4pm.

Wyeside Theatre, Builth Wells 01982 552555

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

The Table & The Chair, 43 Lion St, Hay-on-Wye 01497 822802 www.thetablehay.com

Until 11 March GERRY KEON & CAROL DOUGLAS.

18 March - 8 April CAROLINE YATES & MARK HARRELL. Open Thurs-Sat 10am-3pm.

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

6 March - 2 April ‘There is no time like Spring’. Unique arts and crafts by The Hay Makers and guests welcoming the return of Spring. Mon-Sat 10.30am5pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

Minerva Arts Centre, High Street, Llanidloes 01686 413467

25 March - 15 April Vintage Style Fair. Open daily 10.30am-4.30pm.

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

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

March ROSIE FAREY & MANDY COATS - baskets. SUSAN GALLAGHER - paintings. 11am-4pm.

Lion Street Gallery, 6 Lion St, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5AA 01497 822900

Showcasing some of the very best artists from Wales and the Borders. Open 10.30am-5pm daily except Tues, Sun 11.30am-4pm.

Knighton Fine Art, 2 Broad Street, Knighton 01547 528052

www.knightonfineart.co.uk

knightonfineart@btinternet.com

March ‘First Shoots of Spring’. Over 100 paintings with new art work from JULIENNE BRAHAM, SUSIE CAWLEY, GRETCHEN IND, ALISON MacGREGOR GRIMLEY and crafts from TONY HALL, MARY STEPHENS & BRIGID YATES. KFA is a ‘Warm Hub’. Open Wed-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm.

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

www.haycastletrust.org

Until 23 March ‘150mm Challenge’. Artist blacksmiths from around the world.

Until 14 May ‘Life in Colour’. EUGENE FISK. Open 10am-5pm. The Workhouse Studio, Presteigne Industrial Estate 01544 267864

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

Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, Near Newtown 01686 688369

26 March - 7 May CERI PRITCHARD - new paintings. Collaboration with Ceri Pritchard and filmmakers JACOB DEAKIN & LUKE AUGUR. LORRAINE MORLEY & GEMMA HUGHESinstallations. OWEN THORPEceramics. ANGELA THORPElithographs.

Wednesdays Weekly Art Talk, 2-4pm, free. Thurs-Sun, 11am-4pm.

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

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

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

www.foundgallery.co.uk

15 March - 22 April ‘Body and Soil’. BETH FLYNN - artist and photographer. CONOR RITCHIEwoodturner. GWYN DAGGETT - wood craftsman. Open Tues-Sat 10am-4.30pm.

Pavilion Mid Wales, Llandrindod Wells LD1 5EY 01597 258118

www.pavilionmidwales.org.uk

25 March Artisan Market. Over 20 stalls featuring arts, crafts, homemade, handmade local produce. 10am-4pm.

Caroline Pearce, Studer Fine Art, Presteigne

Kim Davis, The Artists’ Gallery, Bromfield

Peter Marlow, Hereford Cathedral

Angela Holden, Apple Store Gallery, Hereford

Pysanky Ukrainian Egg Decorating Workshops, Kingsthorne, Fownhope & Hereford

Eleri Mills, The Art Shop, Abergavenny

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

Until 18 March ‘Same Storm’. PHILIPPA ROBBINS - paintings and quilts.

25 March - 6 May ‘Borderland - On the Edge’. ELERI MILLS.

Open Tues-Sat 9.30am-5pm.

The Old School, Whitton, near Knighton LD7 1NP 01547 560936 Museum of Welsh Textiles. A fine collection of Welsh costume, textiles. With a selection of antique textiles and blankets for sale, alongside changing exhibitions of art and antiques. Open by appointment, please phone to book.

Museum of Modern Art, Tabernacle, Heol Penrallt, Machynlleth SY20 8AJ 01654 703355 info@moma.machynlleth.org.uk

Until 25 March Visual Stories of Care and Connection.

Until 22 April Portraits from the Tabernacle Collection.

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

Knighton Museum, 1 Broad St, Knighton

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

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

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

HEREFORDSHIRE

Ledbury Poetry House, Homend, Ledbury www.ledburypoetry.org.uk

4 & 5 March World Book Day handling exhibition of Book Art. 10am-3pm. Station Approach, Hereford HR1 1FN www.meadowarts.org

Until April 2023 Meadow Arts & Hereford College of Arts present the work of Lothar Götz. The first of four new bold new public artworks that will engage with the site over 4 years.

The Forum, 18 Market Square, Tenbury Wells WR15 8EA 01584 810085

www.georginafranklin.co.uk

GEORGINA FRANKLINjewellery. Individual contemporary design. Commissions undertaken.

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

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

Until 2 March ‘The English Cathedral’ PETER MARLOW (1952-2016)photographs documenting all 42 of England’s Anglican cathedral on display in the nave of the cathedral. Open during normal cathedral opening hours.

Wobage Makers Gallery, Upton Bishop, Ross on Wye HR9 7QP 01989 720495 www.wobage.co.uk March SHEILA HERRINGpottery. ANDREW McGARVA stoneware pots. CLARE McGARVAstitched textiles. PATIA DAVISporcelain & pots. BEN CASSONfurniture. SHEILA CASSON - stoneware & earthenware pots. CLAIR HODGSON - silver. JEREMY STEWARD - wood-fired salt-glazed pottery. CLYDE HOAR - baskets. Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm.

De Koffie Pot, Bridge St, Hereford HR4 9DG 07938 010638

21 - 28 March ‘New Life’. JAMES FARREL - abstract art works. Open 10am-5pm.

Made in the Marches Gallery, 12 Church St, Kington, HR5 3AZ 07531 820195

www.madeinthemarches.com

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

Canwood Gallery, Checkley HR1 4NF 01568 760242

www.canwoodgallery.com

25 March - 30 April HEREFORD COLLEGE OF ART, exhibiting their Hashtag 150mm challenge across Europe and the USA. The Gallery also features work by locally and international artists including CLIVE ANDRE, NICOLE FARHI, TRACY EMIN & DAMIEN HURST together with a sculpture trail set in 10 acres. Cafe. Thurs-Sun 11am-4pm.

South Chapel, All Saints Church, Hereford 01432 370414

Until 4 March SIAN THOMAS - stained glass.

6 - 11 March HEREFORD LEISURE PAINTERS.

13 - 18 March GOLDEN VALLEY CRAFT SOCIETY.

20 - 25 March MARY O’GREADY.

27 March - 1 April JAN BISHOPIndian silks and saris. Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm.

The Courtyard, Hereford 01432 340555

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

24 March - 30 April ‘Beachcombing Art’. RICHARD BLACKLAW-JONESrecycled man-made materials that he finds on the beaches. Open theatre times.

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

www.applestoregallery.com

Until 4 March ‘Rockfield Arts’. ASG and Artsite 3 Studio artists.

18 March - 22 April ‘Framework Herefordshire’. Members and guests exhibiting recent work. Open Wed-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat 10am-1pm.

RidgeBank Contemporary Art Space, 1 High Street, Kington HR5 3AX 07810 526006

caroline@ridgebank.art Instagram: @ridgebank

Rolling programme of exhibitions and events. Open Fri-Sun 12-6pm. Made in Ross, The Upstairs Gallery, Market House, Ross-on-Wye HR9 5NX 01989 769398

www.madeinross.co.uk

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

email gabydevitt@live.com

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

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

March New workd from TESSA

HOUGHTON & RACHEL SUDWORTH plus work from resident artists. Open Thurs-Sat 10-4pm.

Old Chapel Gallery, East St, Pembridge HR6 9HB 01544 388842

www.oldchapelgallery.co.uk

11 March - 30 April ‘First Song’. Spring exhibition. KIRSTI BROWN, MARIA SANTOS, MARIAN WATSON, KAREN STONE, TAMSIN ABBOTT, KATHIE BARRS, NICK BURNS & JANE

WINTON. Ceramics, jewellery in pewter and silver, watercolours, stained glass, felted work, mixed media sculpture and acrylics. All year ‘Shadows on the Grass’. Garden sculpture exhibition. An ever-changing collection of unique sculptures for your outdoor space in a variety of media including ironwork, carved stone, stone resin, iron resin, bronze resin, ceramics. Wed-Sat

11am-4.30pm, Sun 12-4pm. Mon & Tues by appointment.

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

www.greenstagegallery.co.uk

March Only open online or by appointment. Spring open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10.30am-4pm.

SHROPSHIRE

Bishop’s Castle Town Hall 01588 630023

www.bishopscastletownhall.co.uk

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

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

18 March - 15 April ALAN JEFFERIES.

Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm.

1 April Antiques & Flea Market, 9am-4pm.

Assembly Rooms, Mill St, Ludlow www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk 01584 878141

Until 4 March ‘Rural Amalgam’. INGRID JENSEN.

10 March - 6 May ‘Abstract Edge’. Paintings, prints, photographs and sculpture. Mon - Sat 10am-7.30pm.

Mrs Jones Art Shop & Gallery, 118 Longden Coleham, Shrewsbury SY3 7DU 01743 245134 www.mrsjonesgallery.co.uk

March Featuring work BETSY SMITH - paintings and STEPHEN PAGEequine sculpture. Open Wed-Sat 10.30am-4pm.

The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury 01743 234970

Until 21 March ‘Nature

Connections’. LOVELY LANDERScrochet and mosaic to poetry and film making.

24 March - 25 April ‘Shrewsbury LGBT History Festival Special Exhibition’. Tues-Fri 10am-4.30pm.

SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321

March GILL STOKES. Open Mon, Wed, Thurs 9am-9pm, Tues & Fri 7am-6pm, Sat 9am-1pm, Sun 9am-12pm.

The Gateway Gallery, Chester St, Shrewsbury SY1 1NB

gatewaygallery@mail.com

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

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

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

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

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

Specialising in the conservation and restoration of fine art.

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

March Artists include SHELLY PERKINS - wildlife artist.

PRISCILLA HANN - bronze sculpture. DANIELLE FLOWERS - contemporary jewellery. KIM DAVIS - wood turning. MEGAN EVANS - collagraph prints. JAN JAY - textile designs and screen prints. PIP JONES - watercolours. SARAH BILLINGHAM - pottery. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm. www.theartistsgalleryludlow.co.uk 10am-5pm. Instagram@agalleryrunbyartists

Facebook - The Artists’ Gallery. Smithy Studio, Brampton Bryan SY7 0DH 07811 042478

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

Art & Craft Workshops

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

GINN’S CREATIVE WORKSHOPS

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

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

KNIGHTON PAINTING & SKETCHING GROUP

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

MOOR HALL STUDIO ~ BOBBY BRITNELL

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

ALEX ALLPRESS POTTERY STUDIO - POTTERY EXPERIENCES & LESSONS

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

LAZY DAISY CHAINS CHILDREN’S SEWING WORKSHOP

Make-it-Happen, Gomond St, Hereford. For children aged 7-11, no experience is necessary. Cost £22. For more details go to https://www. facebook.com/lazydaisychains

STONE CARVING WORKSHOPS

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

Frances@artsinthemarches.co.uk

GEORGINA FRANKLIN

Jewellery

Individual Contemporary Design Commissions undertaken

Please see website for studio opening times. www.georginafranklin.co.uk

The Forum, 18 Market Square, Tenbury Wells, Worcs. WR15 8EA Phone 01584 810085

BASKETMAKING USING RUSH

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

CREATIVE BREAKS

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

Make it yourself - take it hometreasure it – or give it with pride!

THE ARTHOUSE STUDIO

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

March

EASTNOR POTTERY

INTO TO THE POTTERS WHEEL £49 per person. Perfect indoor activity for individuals, couples and small groups. 1.5 hr sessions take place on specific dates through the Winter. POTTERS WHEEL COURSES 4 & 25 March. £150 per person. Spend the day r elaxing and creating pots on the potter’s wheel. Eastnor Pottery, Home Farm, Eastnor, near Ledbury. Please book www.eastnorpottery.co.uk Email admin@eastnorpottery.co.uk or tel 01531 633886.

March

HEREFORD CATHEDRAL

29 March - Lego Club, 3.30-4.30pm for ages 8-14, free. Mondays, term time - Toddler Group, craft activities and prayer; suitable 1-3 years, 9.30am, free. Hereford Cathedral, 01432 374225, www.herefordcathedral.org

March

MID WALES ARTS CENTRE

4 March - Enamelling on Silver Jewellery Workshop, beginners to advanced, 10am-4pm, £80.

11 March - Pottery Workshop, 2-4pm, £10, children £8.

Thurs - After-School Pottery for children 7-11 years, 5-6.30pm, £7. Thurs - Pottery & Ceramic Sculpture Club for all ages and abilities, 2-4pm & 7-9pm, £10.

Fri - Pottery & Ceramic Sculpure Club, 11-1pm & 1-3pm, £10. Sat of each month - Family Pottery 2-4pm. 2nd Sat of each month - Life Drawing, 10am-1pm, £20/£14.

Wed - Warm Wednesdays’ Tea/ coffee, books, newspapers and drawing materials. Activities include Tai Chi, 12-1pm, Wed - Art Talks 2-4pm. Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, Newtown, 01686 688369.

March

THE HIVE WORKSHOPS

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

AARDVARK BOOKS & CAFE

Website: www.aardvark-books.com

50,000+ titles; North Herefordshire’s largest indie bookseller; We buy books

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

Bookshop open to visitors Tues-Sun 10am-4pm.

Saturday 8th April, 10am-4pm

THE AARDVARK EASTER EVENT

Over 20 stalls of fantastic Carbootery, plus an amazing selection of brilliant plants from the Cottage Herbery. Plus live music, hot food and much more. What a perfect start to Spring 2023! Stalls £12 each, bookable in advance. Free parking and free entrance.

March MELISSA HUNT JEWELLERY COURSES

2 March - Collet mount setting.

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

9 March - Make a silver ring.

16 March - Enamelling techniques for jewellers.

18 March - Channel setting.

25 March - Make a spinner ring.

27 & 28 March - Make a silver pill box, 2-day class £240. Melissa Hunt, Brampton Bryan, all courses

10am-4pm, £120 for day workshops including materials, www.melissahuntjewellery.com

March SIDNEY NOLAN WORKSHOPS

6 - 27 March - ‘Make’. Weekly arts and creative sessions for young people aged 10-14, using a wide variety of materials and mediums, no experience or skills are needed, 3.30-5pm, free Youth Centre, Presteigne.

11 March - Cultivate Youth Arts Programme for ages 15-25 year olds, 10am-1pm. 31 March - Walking and Drawing Workshop with artist Philip Hughes. 11am-1pm, £10, please book. The Rodd, Presteigne.

To book - 01544 260149 or www.sidneynolantrust.org

Sat 18 March CALLIGRAPHY- BEGINNERS TASTER SESSIONS

Come along & have a go at lettering! A two-part introduction to an edged nib through patterns and lettershapes. Help and encouragement plus a hot drink!

10-1pm, Monkland Village Hall, £20 for the course / £12 per session. Places go quickly! To book: Ring Kris on 01544 327657. Marches Scribes.

Thurs 23 March, Sat 1 & Sat 8 April PYSANKY

UKRAINIAN EGG DECORATING WORKSHOPS

Egg decoration in celebration of Spring.

3-hour workshops. Run by Helena Orlowski and Nataliya Cummings. 23 March - Kingsthorne, £45 all materials supplied and lunch, spaces limited.

1 April - Fownhope, £34, all materials supplied, to book, email sue.pope7@btinternet.com

8 April - Hereford, £10 adults, £5 children for fun session for beginners, www.experienceukraine.co.uk

Sat 25 March PEG LOOM WORKSHOP

Upcycle while you learn the art of peg looming with recycled fabric to make a seat pad for two. Bring unwanted curtains, clothing and scissors. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 10am-1pm, £40, 01588 676060. Booking essential.

Sat 25 March ZEN NO SHODO: THE WAY OF THE ZEN BRUSH WORKSHOP

With Stephen Hopkins and Carolyn Blake. Work with mujibo, the Zen line, enso, the Zen circle and complete the day by brushing Nichi Arada, Every Day is a Good Day, on Japanese paper. Ink, bruches and paper will be supplied, no experience necessary. Clore Learning Space, Hay Castle, Hay-on-Wye, 10.30am-4.30pm, £35, unwaged £25, 01497 820079.

Sat 25 March ITALIC LETTERING

An introduction to this versatile script. All materials supplied including a pen to take home. 10-4 pm £45 for day.Old Cottage Hospital Studio, Ledbury. Info/ booking please ring Caroline on 01531 634571 or email ilovelettering2@gmail.com

Sat 25 March LEARNING LINDISFARNE LETTERS

From looking at the Gospels, an Uncial script for beginners & improvers with tutor Peter Lloyd. 10am-4pm at Monkland Village Hall, nr Leominster. £20 members/ £25 visitors. To book please contact Kris on 01544 327657. Marches Scribes.

Sat 8 April QUILT ASSOCIATION WORKSHOPS

Treasure Boxes with Suzette Smart. Minerva Arts Centre, High Street, Llanidloes, £60, email chris.shercliff@quilt. org.uk 01686 413467.

Tuesdays DRINK AND DRAW

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

Wednesdays INFORMAL ART GROUP

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

Wednesdays DRINK AND DRAW

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

Thursdays HEREFORD LIFE DRAWING

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

3rd Friday of every month

FRIDAY CRAFT CLUB

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

Borderlines Established

PART-FUNDED by the British Film Institute and Hereford Council, and firmly established as one of the UK’s most eclectic and accessible film festivals, Borderlines this year embraces some great and in two cases, silent film classics (e.g. FOOLISH WIVES) and foreign language offerings from as far afield as Bolivia (UTAMA) and China (RETURN TO DUST). Also showing in village halls that those of us living in, well, the rural borderlines mightn’t otherwise get to see, there are some more mainstream titles, e.g. the award-winning BANSHEES OF INISHERIN, and arguably Bill Nighy’s career best, LIVING.

So what follows here are some admittedly subjective selections of films I can heartily recommend and some I haven’t yet seen myself which, like you I hope, I’ll seek out on the basis that Borderlines programmers know what they’re doing!

This year the festival has chosen Jean Luc-Godard as a featured director and his 1965 PIERROT LE FOU starring the wonderfully louche, if slightly typecast Jean-Paul Belmondo and the gorgeous Anna Karina who embark on a wild, crime-tinged road trip to the French Riviera in my all-time favourite Luc-Godard venture. This is matched by another road-trippy melding of sci-fi and noir, ALPHAVILLE, again starring Ms.Karina paired with B-movie stalwart, Eddie Constantine and his huge Ford Galaxie, both of which I’d urge you not to miss.

Albeit set in the 1870s, CORSAGE is a more recent

historical drama which finds PHANTOM THREAD’S Vicky Krieps as the spoilt, yet paradoxically rebellious Empress of Austria who quite literally and figuratively determines to break out of her straight-laced regime, a visually intoxicating work from writer/director Marie Kreutzer (THE GROUND BENEATH MY FEET). And yet another period piece, EMILY, stars Emma Mackay as Emily Bronte who used her creative talents and supportive siblings to overcome a suffocating, prejudicial Victorian existence. A distinctly male perspective on breaking psychological bonds, which also has local relevance is INLAND, from debut writer/director Fridtjof Ryder. Set in a claustrophobically rendered Forest of Dean, impressive newcomer Rory Alexander is a young man coming to terms with the disturbing realties of his past, aided by an unlikely father figure played by the reliably mesmeric Mark Rylance.

As ever, Borderlines is not short on impressive documentaries which this year includes the obviously painterly, ERIC RAVILIOUS – DRAWN TO WAR, reviewed here last month, MOONAGE DAYDREAM, a fascinatingly original homage to the equally innovative David Bowie and THE SILENT TWINS recounting the extraordinary story of the Gibbons twins, the only black children in 1970/80s Haverfordwest who developed their own, impenetrable language to shield them from a world they found hostile.

There really are far too many wonderful gems within this year’s festival to list here, but a few more personal favourites include EO, which for this donkey lover legendary Polish director Jerzy Skolimowky provides a warm remembrance of these intelligent if wilful animals as the title character voyages from circus ring to football pitch via a donkey sanctuary. Then there’s ALCARRÀS, which explores the tensions between a Catalonian farming family and the march of climate-protecting technology vividly portrayed by an amateur cast, and the peerless Isabelle Huppert playing a real-life nuclear conspiracy whistle-blower in LA SYNDICALISTE. Finally we have Nicholas Cage’s best work in years as an aging buffalo hunter in one of several fine westerns showing here, BUTCHER CROSSING by RED ARMY director Gabe Polksy.

But you must discover your own favourites, or re-discover old ones and the entire programme, venues and booking details can be found online at www.borderlinesfilmfestival.org Mark Williams

Pierrot Le Fou

Corsage

Inland

BORDERLINES FILM FESTIVAL FRIDAY 3 - SUNDAY 19 MARCH

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

ABERGAVENNY FILM SOC.

1 March THE TOLL

15 March EVERYTHING WENT FINE

29 March BANGLA SURF GIRLS

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

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW

1 & 2 March PLANE (12A)

2 March BABYLON (18)

3 & 6 March THE WHALE (ctbc)

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

5 March LES PARAPLUIES DE CHERBORG (PG)

6 March HIDDEN LETTERS (ctbc)

7 March GODLAND (15)

10 March BLUE JEAN (15)

11 March MY SAILOR, MY LOVE (PG)

11 & 13 March THE SON (15)

13 March FOOLISH WIVES (PG)

14 March ALL THE BEAUTY AND THE BLOODSHED (18)

15 March ALLELUJAH (15)

16 March BUTCHER’S CROSSING (18)

16 March THE SILENT TWINS

18 March UNDER THE FIG TREES (12)

18 March WOMEN TALKING (12)

Assembly Rooms, Mill St, Ludlow, 01584 873229

BOOTH’S BOOKSHOP

11 March MY IMAGINERY COUNTRY (12A)

12 March THE BLUE CAFTAN (15)

18 March FULL TIME (12A)

19 March GODLAND (12A)

Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye. 01497 822010

BRECON FILM SOCIETY

6 March HIVE (15)

3 April THE FLAVOUR OF GREEN TEA OVER RICE (U)

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

CONQUEST, BROMYARD

3 March THE LOST KING (12A)

5 March EMILY (15)

9 March AFTERSUN (12A)

12 March RETURN TO DUST (PG)

14 March MOONAGE DAYDREAM (15)

17 March THE MENU (15)

Conquest Theatre, Bromyard. 01885 488575

COURTYARD, HEREFORD

Until 2 March ENYS MEN (15)

Until 2 March THE FABELMANS (12A)

1 March BABYLON (18)

3 - 5 March ALCARRAS (15)

3, 4, 7, 9 March ALL THE BEAUTY AND THE BLOODSHED (18)

3 & 6 March RETURN TO DUST (PG)

3, 10 March THE BLUE CAFTAN (15)

4 & 16 March BUCK AND THE PREACHER (PG)

4, 10 - 14 March WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT? (12A)

5, 6, 9 & 14 March CORSAGE (15)

5 March HOW FAR THE STARS + PROUD ROMA (12A)

5 March LEAVING TO REMAIN + HURJASA (12A)

5 & 8 March MY IMAGINARY COUNTRY (12A)

5 March OPEN SCREEN (12)

5, 6, 8 & 9 March THE WHALE (15)

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

6 & 14 March CHARCOAL (15)

6 & 7 March JOYLAND (15)

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

6 & 14 March THE SILENT TWINS (18)

7 & 9 March LEONOR WILL NEVER DIE (15)

7 & 15 March THE COW WHO SANG INTO THE FUTURE (15)

8, 9 & 12 March AFTERSUN (12A)

8, 9 & 11 March BLUE JEAN (15)

8 March DESTINY (15) plus intro

9 March THE CAMERA IS OURS (12A)

10, 16 March CLOSE (12)

10, 12, 15 & 16 March LUNANA: A YAK IN THE CLASSROOM (PG)

10, 15 & 16 March THE SON (15)

11 March EPIC TALES (U)

11, 12, 14 - 16 March BROKER (12A)

11, 12, 17 March EO (12A)

11 & 15 March RODEO (15)

12 & 13 March CREATURE (12A)

12 & 13 March MOTHER AND SON (15)

12, 13 March ONE FINE MORNING (15)

13 & 15 March ALLELUJAH (15)

13 & 14 March BRAINWASHED: SEX-CAMERA-POWER (15)

13 & 19 March LA SYNDICALISTE (15)

13 & 15 March 1976 (15)

14, 19 March THE EIGHT MOUNTAINS (15)

14, 17 & 19 March UNDER THE FIG TREES (12)

15 & 19 March BUTCHER’S CROSSING (18)

16, 18 March CAIRO CONSPIRACY (15)

16 & 17 March OTHER PEOPLE’S CHILDREN (15)

17 & 19 March GODLAND (12A)

17 March INLAND (15) Q&A + intro

17 - 19 March NOSTALGIA (12A)

18 March PIERROT LE FOU (15) + intro

18 - 21 March MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON (PG)

19 March THE BITTER STEMS (PG)

19 March CASQUE D’OR (12A)

20, 21 March WHITNEY HOUSTON: I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY

20 - 22 March WOMEN TALKING (15)

20 - 22 March EVERYTHING

EVERYWERE ALL AT ONCE (15)

24 March - 13 April ALLELUJAH (12A)

31 March - 15 April MUMMIES (PG)

The Courtyard Theatre, Edgar St, Hereford 01432 340555

2 March THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN (15) Brilley VH 075011 33194

2 March DEATH ON THE NILE (2022) (12) Lindridge Parish Hall 01584 881615

3 March AFTERSUN (12A) Garway Hall 01600 750465

3 March MOONAGE DAYDREAM (15) Staunton-on-Wye VH 01981 501031

3 March TICKET TO PARADISE (12) Fownhope New Memorial Hall 01432 860717

3 March THE LOST KING (12A) Conquest Theatre, Bromyard 01885 488575

3 March TOP GUN - MAVERICK (12) All Stretton VH 07812 583113

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

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

4 March THE QUIET GIRL (12A) Castlemorton Parish Hall 01531 631503

4 March BELFAST (12) Hanley Broadheath VH 07972 183164

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

4 March THE DUKE (12A) Ballingham Old School Hall 07967 017759

4 March THE DUKE (12A) Habblerley VH 07977 127161

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

5 March EMILY (15) Conquest Theatre, Bromyard 01885 488575

6 March WHERE THE CRAWDADS

SING (15) The Red House, Albrighton 01902 373854

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

01885 400311

7 March COUP 53 (15) All Stretton VH

07812 583113

7 March WHERE THE CRAWDADS

SING (15) Lydbury North VH 01588 680302

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

01981 510368

8 March THE MULE (15) Hope

Bowdler VH 01694 723648

8 March THE LOST KING (12A)

Cawley Hall, Eye 01568 615836

8 March MRS HARRIS GOES TO PARIS (2022) (PG) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125

9 March AFTERSUN (12A) Conquest

Theatre, Bromyard 01885 488575

9 March NO BEARS (12A)

Leintwardine Community Centre

07572 442903

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

10 March THE LOST KING (12A)

Great Witley VH 01299 896412

10 March UTAMA (12A) Garway Hall

01600 750465

10 March DECISION TO LEAVE (15)

Bedstone & Hopton Castle VH

01547 530282

10 March EMILY (15) The Simpson Hall, Burghill 07726 148736

10 March ELVIS (2022) (12) Kelsall

Methodist Hall 01829 752931

10 March BLIND AMBITION (12A)

Ryton VH 01743 718237

10 March THE OUTFIT (15) Cound

Guildhall 01743 761451

11 March LIVING (12A) Cawley Hall, Eye 01568 6115836

11 March THE PHANTOM OF THE OPEN (12) Bayston Memorial Hall

07843 413653

11 March MRS HARRIS GOES TO PARIS (2022) (PG) Bicton VH

01743 850495

11 March KING RICHARD (12) Little Witley VH 01886 888122

11 March DREAM HORSE (PG)

Ombersley Memorial VH

01905 620350

12 March DECISION TO LEAVE (15)

St Mary’s Church Hall, Ross-on-Wye 07789 778048

12 March THE BANSHEES OF INSISHERIN (15) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125

12 March RETURN TO DUST (PG)

Conquest Theatre, Bromyard 01885 488575

14 March TOP GUN (12) Ashford

Carbonell VH 01584 831574

14 March MOONAGE DAYDREAM

(15) Conquest Theatre, Bromyard 01885 488575

14 March PARALLEL MOTHERS (15) St Mary’s Church Hall, Ross-on-Wye 07789 778048

14 March OPERATION MINCEMEAT

(12) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321

14 March THE QUIET GIRL (12A) Escleyside Hall 01981 510116

14 March WELCOME TO THE STICKS (12A) Garway Hall 01600 750465

15 March THE LOST KING (12A) Myddle VH 07706 450075

15 March LIVING (12A) Bedstone & Hopton Castle VH 01547 530282

15 March THE QUIET GIRL (12A) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125

15 March FISHERMANS FRIENDS

- ONE AND ALL (12A) Chetton VH 01746 789257

16 March TICKET TO PARADISE

(12) Diddlebury VH 07375 326381

16 March THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN (15) Leintwardine

Community Centre 07572 442903

16 March THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN (15) Gorsley VH 01989 750649

16 March THE FRENCH DISPATCH

(15) Pencombe & Little Cowarne Parish Hall 01885 400311

16 March TOP GUN - MAVERICK

(12) Kinnerley Parish Hall 01691 683619

16 March TOP GUN - MAVERICK

(12) Pudleston VH 01568 750303

16 March LIVING (12A) Much Birch

Community Hall 01981 540097

16 March ALI AND AVA (15) Castlemorton Parish Hall

01531 631503

17 March WHERE THE CRAWDADS

SING (15) Lingen VH 01568 770920

17 March UTAMA (12A) Market

Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125

17 March THE MENU (15) Conquest

Theatre, Bromyard 01885 488575

17 March THE DUKE (12A)

Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms 01588 676060

17 March ELVIS (2022) (12) Bosbury

Parish Hall 01531 640333

17 March TOP GUN - MAVERICK

(12) Callow End VH 01905 830469

17 March TOP GUN - MAVERICK

(12) Clungunford VH 01588 660159

17 March THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN (15) Knighton Community Centre 07964 023841

17 March MRS HARRIS GOES TO PARIS (2022) (PG) Marton VH

01743 792790

18 March WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING (15) Lindridge Parish Hall 01584 881615

18 March NO BEARS (12A) Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington 01432 890720

18 March TICKET TO PARADISE (12) Cleobury Mortimer Parish Hall 01299 270047

18 March DECISION TO LEAVE (15) Brilley VH 075011 33194

18 March MOONAGE DAYDREAM (15) Brilley VH 075011 33194

18 March THE MENU (15) Much Birch Community Hall 01981 540097

18 March MRS HARRIS GOES TO PARIS (2022) (PG) Upton upon Severn Memorial Hall 01684 592273

21 March BRIAN AND CHARLES

(PG) Acton Scott VH 01694 781260

23 March TOM AND JERRY THE MOVIE (PG) Grimley Peace Hall, Sinton Green 01905 641572

23 March WEST SIDE STORY (2021)

(12A) Norbury VH 01588 650306

24 March THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN (15) Colwall VH 07891 668124

24 March THE COURIER (12) All Stretton VH 07812 583113

24 March EMILY (15) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125

24 March THE QUIET GIRL (12A) Ryton VH 01743 718237

24 March OPERATION MINCEMEAT

(12) Almeley VH 07557 659291

25 March THE PHANTOM OF THE OPEN (12) Aston on Clun VH 01588 660545

30 March MRS HARRIS GOES TO PARIS (2022) (PG) Goodrich VH 01600 890609

31 March WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING (15) Fownhope New Memorial Hall 01432 860717

31 March THE DUKE (12A) Knighton Community Centre 07964 023841

THEATR HAFREN, NEWTOWN

8 March THE LOST KING

22 March DEATH ON THE NILE (2022)

5 April THE DUKE

Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 01686 948100.

MALVERN THEATRES

3, 4, 7 March BLUE JEAN (15)

3, 4, 5 March CORSAGE (15)

3 - 7 & 9 March THE SON (15)

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

4 & 5 March FULL TIME (12A)

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

5 March THE BLACK VAMPIRE (PG)

6 March CREATURE (12A)

6, 7 March UNDER THE FIG TREES (12)

8 March ALCARRAS (15)

8 March CLOSE (12A)

8 March GODLAND (15)

8 March THE SILENT TWINS (18)

8 & 9 March THE BLUE CAFTAN (15)

9 & 15 March 1976 (15)

9 & 11 March LUNANA: A YAK IN THE CLASSROOM (PG)

9, 10, 12 & 14 March THE WHALE (15)

10 - 13, 15, 18 March WOMEN TALKING (15)

11 March AU BONHEUR DES DAMES (PG)

11 March INLAND (15)

11, 13, 17 March RODEO (15)

12 March ALPHAVILLE (15)

12 & 15 March EO (12A)

12, 16 March ONE FINE MORNING (15)

14, 16 March ALLELUJAH (15)

14, 17 March ALL THE BEAUTY AND THE BLOODSHED (18)

14, 16 March THE SON (15)

17, 19 March BUTCHER’S CROSSING (18)

17, 19 March THE EIGHT MOUNTAINS (15)

18 March BUCK AND THE PREACHER (PG)

24 March BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL Action adventure films

Malvern Theatres 01684 892277

MKT. THEATRE, LEDBURY

8 March MRS HARRIS GOES TO PARIS (PG)

12 March THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN (15)

15 March THE QUIET GIRL (12)

subtitles

17 March UTAMA (12) subtitles

24 March EMILY (15)

Market Theatre, Market St, Ledbury 07967 517125

MONTGOMERY MOVIE CLUB

2 March FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS: ONE AND ALL (12A)

16 March FILM TO BE CONFIRMED

Dragon Hotel, Montgomery, 8pm, 01686 668442

OLD MKT. HALL, SHREWS.

Until 2 March THE FABELMANS (12A)

Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281

PRESTEIGNE SCREEN

3 March TRIANGLE OF SADNESS (15)

10 March ERIC RAVILIOUS: DRAWN TO WAR (PG)

17 March THE QUIET GIRL (12)

31 March MEMORY BOX (15)

14 April CORSAGE (15)

www.presteignescreen.org.uk

Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 8pm.

SAVOY, MONMOUTH

1 & 2 March THE WHALE (12A)

3 - 9 March THE SON (15)

10 - 16 March WOMEN TALKING (15)

11, 12, 18 & 19 March THE AMAZING MAURICE (PG)

17 - 23 March WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT (12A)

3 - 6 April BABYLON (18)

Savoy Theatre, Church St, Monmouth 01600 772467

SHREWSBURY FILM SOCIETY

3 March AFTER LOVE (12)

8 March DAISIES (15)

8 March LA JETÉE (15)

17 March SHUN LI AND THE POET (2011) (15)

22 March MIRROR (1974) (U)

31 March THE PROMISE (15)

14 April FLEE (15) Shrewsbury Film Society. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, 01743 234970

SPARC, BISHOP’S CASTLE

14 March OPERATION MINCEMEAT (12A)

23 March LIVING (12A) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 01588 638038

WYESIDE, BUILTH WELLS

1 March FABLEMAN (12)

1,2, 4, 5, 12 March ANT MAN & THE WASP QUANTUMANIA (ctbc)

3 - 5, 7 - 9, 31 March MAGIC MIKE’S LAST DANCE (ctbc)

3 - 5, 7 - 9 March WOMEN TALKING (15)

4 & 5 March MATILDA: THE MUSICAL (PG)

4, 5, 11, 12, 25 March & 2 April PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH (PG)

4 & 5 March EMPIRE OF LIGHT (15)

10, 11, 12, 14 - 16, 31 March & 1 April WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT (12A)

10, 12, 14, 16 March BLUE JEAN (15)

11, 18, 25 & 26 March, 1 & 2 April MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON (ctbc)

12 March I NEVER CRY (15)

17 - 19, 21 - 23 March COCAINE BEAR (ctbc)

24 - 26, 28 & 29 March CREED III (ctbc)

Wyeside, Builth Wells 01982 552555 LIVE EVENTS ON SCREEN

2 March BRIAN & ROGER ENO

Live at the Acropolis. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, 01600 772467.

2 March OTHELLO National Theatre. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7pm, 01982 552555. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7pm, 01588 630321. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7pm, 01743 281281.

4 March OTHELLO National Theatre. The Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7pm, 07967 517125.

8 March MARY CASSATT: PAINTING

THE MODERN WOMAN

Exhibition on Screen. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 340555. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575

9 March MARY CASSATT: PAINTING

THE MODERN WOMAN

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

11 March OTHELLO National Theatre. Hafren Theatre, Newtown, 7pm, 01686 948100.

15 & 19 March ANYTHING GOES

Cole Porter’s classic musical recorded live at The Barbican Theatre. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 01982 552555. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 1.30pm & 7pm, 01600 772467.

22 March TURANDOT Royal Opera House. The Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, 07967 517125. The Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.15pm, 01600 719401. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.15pm, 01432 340555. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.15pm, 01885 488575. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.15pm, 01584 811442. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281.

23 March TURANDOT Royal Opera House. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7pm, 01584 873229.

25 March LOHENGRIN (Encore). Metropolitan Opera. The Courtyard, Hereford, 4pm, 01432 340555.

26 March TURANDOT Royal Opera House. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 01588 630321. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 2pm, 01982 552555.

30 March LIFE OF PI National Theatre. The Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7pm, 07967 517125. The Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7pm, 01600 719401. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7pm, 01584 811442. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7pm, 01588 630321. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7pm, 01982 552555. Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, 01497 822010. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7pm, 01584 873229.

dance Dance Performance

Sat 4 & Sun 5 March

GIOVANNI PERNICE - MADE IN ITALY

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £46.50-£31.50, 01743 281281.

Tues 7 March

IRELAND THE SHOW

All star Irish cast of the Emerald Isles featuring singers and performers accompanied by Keltic Storm band and world champion Gael Force Irish dancers. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Mon 20 & Tues 21 March

SHREWSBURY GOTTA DANCE

Groups and schools from all over Shropshire join together for two evenings of entertainment. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £15.50, 01743 281281.

Thurs 30 March

PULSE

NATIONAL DANCE COMPANY WALES. Two physically thrilling dance works featuring ‘Waltz’ by Marcos Morau and ‘Say Something’ by Sarah Golding & Yukiko Masui. The Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, £11, 01686 948100.

Dance Workshops

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

Fri 31 March

DISCOVER DANCE

NATIONAL DANCE COMPANY WALES. A fun and relaxed interactive performance. Try some dance, ask questions, learn some moves, then watch the professionals in action. The Hafren, Newtown, 1pm, £5, 01686 948100.

COURTYARD, HEREFORD CLASSES

Adult Classes. Mon - Contemporary Dance with LG Dance, 6.30pm, £21 per month, £8 drop in, www.lauragale.co.uk. Tues - Street Jazz with LG Dance, 7.15pm, £21 per month, £8 drop in, www.lauragale.co.uk Wed - Adult Irish Dance, 8pm, £60 for 10 week course, ludwigtheatrearts.com. Thurs - Silver Swans Adult Ballet, 1.30pm & 2.30pm, £6 per session, www.starlightcompany. co.uk Thurs - Adult Performance Class with LG Dance, 8pm, £48 for 6 weeks, £8 drop in, www.laruagale.co.uk

Fri - Chance to Dance, 10.15pm, £6 per session. Junior Classes with LG Dance. Mon - Junior Contemporary, 4.30pm, £21 per month. Mon - Senior Contemporary, 5.30pm, £21 per month. Tues - Junior Street Jazz, 5.15pm, £21 per month. Tues - Senior Street Jazz, 6.15pm, £21 per month. Thurs - Mini Musicals, 5.30pm, £23 per month. Thurs - Junior Musical Theatre, 5.30pm, £23 per month. Thurs Senior Musical Theatre, 6.40pm, £28 per month, www.lauragale.co.uk Wed - Irish Dance with Ludwig Theatre Arts, Beginners (6+) 6pm, advanced 7pm, £5 per session. Fri - Dancing Tots for ages 2-4, 11.30pm, £4 per session. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

LEARN 2 JIVE 50’S SWING STYLE CLASSES

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

Coolmoves Dance & Fitness for adults.

SHIMMY CENTRAL WITH ALANYA

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

Fortnightly Saturdays CHORUS LINE

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 07943 417561.

Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays

MID WALES DANCE ACADEMY

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 07943 417561.

Tuesdays FOXWELP MORRIS

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

Wednesdays SOLO LATINO DANCE

Parish Hall, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm. Mely 07837 169505.

Wednesdays BIG FISH LITTLE FISH FOR MUMS & TOTS! Dance Centre, Llandrindod Wells, 2-3pm, £3 drop in, for tots aged 8 months+, 01597 824370.

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

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

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

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

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

Hay Castle Cafe, Hay-on-Wye

HISTORICALLY and geographically, Hay-0n-Wye is one of a chain of towns along the Marches whose function developed over the last millennium from military to administrative to mercantile – towns, like Monmouth and Ludlow, sited on east-west trading routes, that have boasted castles, courts and cattle markets. But for the first half of the C20th Hay struggled to find a new raison d’etre. Defence from the rape and pillage of Welsh freedom fighters is no longer required; the passing drovers have been replaced by 40-tonne stock lorries, and those seeking retail Valhallas of consumer goods can now drive themselves to the great, grim shopping malls of Bristol or the Black Country. Sustaining any kind of commercial activity in marginal Marcher towns like Hay presented a challenge, until a decision was taken in 1961 by an eccentric entrepreneur to buy the redundant fire-station and create an immense second hand bookshop – and Hay had found its raison d’e. Soon he added Hay Castle to his portfolio of book-selling properties in the town.

For as long as Mr Pernickety had known it, Hay Castle harboured a million mouldy books and King Richard of Hay. There always was a seductive air of decrepitude about the king and the crumbling fortifications and Jacobean mansion, which some might say was sad to lose. Mr P, always a sucker for a slightly foxed first edition of an X Trapnel novel, used to enjoy the musty smell of books that have known better days which filled the aisles between rickety shelves that seemed to be holding up the castle’s interior walls.

But he clearly recalls how cheered he was when in 2007 the Monarch sold his Lion Street bookshop to an American pocket dynamo, Elizabeth Haycox who, having somehow dispelled the odour of disintegrating books, created between the shelves, clearings filled with freshly upholstered sofas and potted aspidistras, where punters could peruse the stock in comfort. Somehow, at a stroke, buying books in Hay seemed less about mortality.

A similar treatment has also been carried out on Hay Castle, albeit on a magnificently greater scale. This month Mr P and his Lovely Companion visited the dramatically refurbished edifice for the first time since its reincarnation. He was struck by conflicting emotions, having occasionally paid court to the late King in the ancient panelled chambers of his palace. The external walls have been skilfully and impressively scrubbed up and between them has been inserted what feels like a state of the art, forward-thinking sixth-form college, with much knowledge manifestly on offer and described now as a centre for arts, literature and learning. There are several potentially engaging events planned, and Mr P hopes to come back and take advantage of some, and see more of the castle, for on this occasion it was in his persona as the Woolly Organ’s food commentator that he was there, to appraise the Café, which is open from 10.00am until 5.00pm.

Mr P and the LC arranged to meet friends, an architect whose focus is aged buildings and his wife, one of Hay’s best-known artists. While Mr P found the aesthetics of the café a little disappointing, the menu was imaginative and looked like good value in these war-warped, post-Brexit times. Still recovering from a session of cut and thrust surgery last November and feeling perhaps hypersensitive, he was struck by the familiar smell of damp logs burning fitfully in a mighty fireplace at the far end of the room. He was also mildly grumpy about not having anywhere to hang his fine tweed coat, mitigated by helpful staff, who were consistently professional.

On the lunch menu there were several dishes Mr P could have chosen, but he is supposed to be bulking out on protein so ordered Dry-aged, Grass-fed, Wye Valley Rump Steak with hand cut chips and aioli (all for a modest £14.50). The steak was perfect, rare as requested and full of flavour; the chips as good as any Mr P has had in a long time, with a glass of well-selected house red. The LC wanted Butter and Thyme roasted Hake with spuds, Puy lentils and salsa verde. Mr P envied her; she said the fish had kept its delicate flavour, and was well set-off by the Salsa and Lentils. The architect had cottage pie, particularly liking the cheesy mash which topped it. He was pleased too with buttery greens. His wife went vegan and was very happy with a roasted squash, white beans, basil pesto, radicchio and nuts. Four out of four dishes had hit the mark – a good score, and all at comparatively modest prices. They all agreed they would come back again. The main shortcomings for Mr P and his guests were the surroundings – tubular and ply chairs and tables, hard surfaces on every quarter, no curtains, or any kind of textile to soak up the sound of many people talking loudly enough to be heard; no speakers issuing soothing string quartets or Miles Davis; plain bland walls and a series of pictures too small to do anything. It wasn’t overtly offensive, but so irritatingly plain as to make it so. But these are all things about which much could easily be done, and which would please Mr P when he returns, for the goodness of the food.

Mr Pernickety - info@misterpermickety.com

EVENTS

Sat 11 March WILD GARLIC PESTO WORKSHOP

Forage for wild garlic leaves followed by workshop on how to make pesto. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 10am-1pm, £12.50 includes a jar of pesto to take home, 01588 676060. Booking essential.

Sun 19 March MOTHER’S DAY SUNDAY CARVERY

Floodgates Bar & Restaurant, overlooking the River Wye, Left Bank Village, Bridge St, Hereford, 12-4pm, 01432 357753.

Sun 19 March MOTHER’S DAY

A la carte menu available. The Courtyard, Hereford, 12-5pm, 01432 340555.

Mon 20 March THE FOLK CAFE AT BILL’S KITCHEN

Delicious meal and great music. Bill’s Kitchen, Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7pm, £25 or just music £15, 01584 873229.

Tues 21 March SUPPER SERENADES

Delicious dining with a German inspired menu, accompanied by exquisite chamber music from Orchestra of the Swan. The Courtyard, Hereford, 6pm, 01432 340555.

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

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

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

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

3rd Saturday of every month FARMER’S MARKET

Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 9am-1pm, 01588 630023, www.bishopscastletownhall.co.uk

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

Third Saturday of every month PRODUCE MARKET

Hightown Community Rooms, Vicarage Rd. Clun, 10.00am - 12.00pm. 01588 641180.

Third Saturday of every month

BURGERS, BYTES & BOARDGAMES

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

Third Saturday of every month FARMER’S MARKET

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

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

First Thursday EVENING FARMER’S MARKET

The Barn, Ledbury, HR8 1EA, 6-8pm. www.ledburyfoodgroup.org

Every Thursday MONTGOMERY TOWN MARKET

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

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

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

Every Friday KINGTON PRODUCE/CRAFTS MARKET

Market Hall, Kington, 9am-1pm, 07867 483135.

Every Friday & Saturday from 5pm STEAK NIGHTS

Floodgates Restaurant & Bar, Left Bank Village, Hereford, www.theleftbankvillage.co.uk

First Friday of the month BOOKCLUB DINNERS Join Katie and the bookworms for an evening of literary delights. Each month we meet to discuss a different book and share a meal inspired by the story. Nov - ‘The Secret History’ by Donna Tartt. Pot & Page, New St, Ledbury, 7pm, please book, www.potandpage.co.uk

FOOD BYTES

Why not advertise? Only £40 per year.

AARDVARK BOOKS LTD, THE BOOKERY, MANOR FARM, BRAMPTON BRYAN, BUCKNELL 01547 530888 Cafe serving refreshments, cakes etc.

Tuesday - Sunday 10am-4pm and Bank Holiday Mondays.

THE GREEN BEAN CAFE, WEOBLEY 01544 318865

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

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

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

RHOS MARKET GARDEN, KNIGHTON 01547 528315

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

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

Why not advertise your eating establishment?

IT’S ONLY £40 FOR THE WHOLE YEAR

BROAD sheep

Just post the wording you require (around 40 words) together with a cheque payable to ‘Broad Sheep’ and post to:

Broad Sheep, The Fred Bulmer Centre, Wall St, Hereford,HR4 9HP

Further enquries, call 07786 131159

MARCH

Wed 1 March

BRECON FOLK AND MORE CLUB

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

THAT’LL BE THE DAY

Combining hilarious comedy sketches and impersonations with brilliant vocals and superb musicianship, this show celebrates the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll and pop. For ages 12+. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £29-£25.50, 01743 281281.

ST DAVID’S DAY CONCERT

Live music, poetry and choir. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 6.30pm, 01497 821762.

THE ELTON JOHN SHOW

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

Thurs 2 March

JAMIE OLIVER

The Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

ALMELEY STEADY SESSION

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

Fri 3 March

THE ELTON JOHN SHOW

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

DUSKI

The Lost Arc, Rhayader, 7.30pm, 01597 811226.

GRAFFITI CLASSICS THE COMEDY STRING QUARTET

16 strings, 8 dancing feet and four voices with one aim: to make classical music funny and fantastically exhilarating. The Talbot Theatre, Whitchurch, 7.30pm, £12/£6/£30, 01948 660660. Arts Alive.

BARRIOKE

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

THE INSTITUTIONS

Gordon Bennetts Bar, Hereford, 9pm.

GLYDERAU

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

CONCERTS IN THE ROUND

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

ZION TRAIN + DJ NUTZO

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

FRIDAY ACOUSTIC SESSION

The Monkland Arms, Monkland, near Leominster, 01568 720510.

OPEN MIC

The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762.

THE MAGIC OF THE BEE GEES

You Win Again Tour. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

BRONWEN LEWIS

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

Sat 4 March

VERY SANTANA

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

STEVE KEYS

Vaga, Hereford, 8.30pm.

GRAFFITI CLASSICS THE COMEDY STRING QUARTET

16 strings, 8 dancing feet and four voices with one aim: to make classical music funny and fantastically exhilarating. Eardisley Village Hall, 7.30pm, £12, 01544 327844. Arts Alive.

HUSH HUSH HAY RADIO

Live music and DJ sets. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8.30pm, 01497 821762.

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

ALIVE AND BREL

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

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

LITTLE RUMBA

Kin Kitchen, Ludlow.

CALL OF THE KRAKEN

Gordon Bennetts Bar, Hereford, 9pm.

BUILTH MALE VOICE CHOIR

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

HELLS BELLS

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

Sun 5 March

CHORAL EVENSONG

Leominster Priory, 4.30pm.

FROZEN PARTY

With Elsa and Anna, live sing-a-longs and games. The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 12pm, 18+, 07498 966606, www.thebuttermarket.co.uk

CHARITY QUIZ NIGHT

Oak Inn, Staplow, 7pm, 01531 640954.

GRAFFITI CLASSICS

Comedy cabaret string quartet Graffiti Classics bursts the elitist boundaries with its hilarious all-singing, all dancing musical comedy show. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 2pm, £12/£8/£40, 01588 630321.

HEREFORD JAZZ

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

Mon 6 March

CIDER CITY JAZZMEN

The Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford. BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB

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

Tues 7 March

MITHRAS PIANO TRIO

Programme includes Beethoven, Frank Bridge and Dvorak. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £18-£8, 01873 850805.

Wed 8 March

A TRIBUTE TO HANS ZIMMER & JOHN WILLIAMS

By candlelight with live chamber orchestra performing cinema’s most iconic music. Hereford Cathedral, 6.15pm & 8.30pm, £20, www.herefordcathedral.org

SEAN SHIBE

Guitarist. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, £18, 01584 878141.

Thurs 9 March

STEADY EDD & THE BOOGIE MEN

The Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

SIROM

Slovenian trio playing vividly textured avant-garde folk music. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £12, students £8, 01588 630321.

SOME GUYS HAVE ALL THE LUCK

The Rod Stewart Story. The Pavilion, Llandrindod Wells, 7.30pm, 01597 258118, www.pavilionmidwales.org.uk

LIMEHOUSE LIZZY

Tribute to the Celtic rock icobn Philip Lynott and his band Thin Lizzy. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, £22/£20, 01584 878141.

AN EVENING WITH THE 309S

Bringing the sounds of the 1940s and 50s alive with their infectious songs and swinging beats. For ages 7+. Upton Magna Memorial Hall, 7.30pm, £12/£6/£30, 078542 20609. Arts Alive.

Fri 10 March

AN EVENING WITH THE 309S

Bringing the sounds of the 1940s and 50s alive with their infectious songs and swinging beats. For ages 7+. Chelmarsh Parish Hall, 7.30pm, £14/£8 including refreshment, 01746 862850. Arts Alive.

JOHNNY 2 BAD

UB40 greatest hits, live with a premier 8-piece band. The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 6.30pm, 18+, 07498 966606, www.thebuttermarket. co.uk

Fri 10 March

OPEN MIC

The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762.

CONCERTS IN THE ROUND

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

JUAN MARTIN

Flamenco guitarist. Malvern Cube, Albert Rd North, Malvern, 8pm, £20, www.versatilearts.co.uk

OPEN MIC

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

THE ALLEY CATS

Gordon Bennetts Bar, Hereford, 9pm.

CEILIDH

With Sue Harris and Bandamania. Bettws-y-Crwyn Parish Hall, SY7 8PP, 7.30pm, £8, 01547 510664. In aid of the Bettws Triangle Music & Arts Festival in June.

KICKBACK

Presents Jake and the Jesters, Undaunted and PigDaze. Ludlow Brewery, 7.30pm, £10, 01584 873291. Fundraiser for the Lingen Davies Centre, Shrewsbury.

FLEETWOOD BAC

Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 8pm, £20, 01600 772467.

THE FUREYS

Ireland’s acclaimed and influential middle of the road, folk and traditional bands. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £24, 01873 850805.

CHASING AUGUST + LUNA KISS + GREYSHA

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

BRECON JAZZ CLUB

Brecon Women’s Festival. Featuring Rachel Starritt Trio, melodic classic jazz. The Muse, Old Museum, Glamorgan St, Brecon, 7.30pm, £12/£10, £7 youth, 07791 654799. info@breconjazzclub.org

ANDREAS AND RUNE

Leading Danish traditional musicians specialising in fiddle and accordion but also encompassing viola, whistle and vocals. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 340555.

FOLK AT THE FALCON

Featuring Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne, member of Granny’s Attic with support from Wychbury. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 8pm, 01885 488575.

Sat 11 March

BONGO’S BINGO + AFTER PARTY

The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 4pm, 18+, 07498 966606.

CABARET WITH CLAWSCHARLIE BICKNELL

Cabaret with a twist! Mixing wicked, irreverent humour with song, dance and jaw-dropping acrobatics, this shamelessly sexy, murderously funny acclaimed show is here for one night only. For ages 14+. Brilley Village Hall, 7.30pm, £12, 01544 327227. Arts Alive.

THE REGGULITES

Babar Cafe, Union St, Hereford.

LEOMINSTER INDEPENDENTS DAY

Discover Leominster’s wealth of independent businesses, explore unique shops, cafes and pubs. Free parking, farmer’s market 9am-3pm, Children’s Trail, free Heritage activities, street entertainment, flash sales, promotions and giveaways all day. Buskers welcome! Business@ leominstertowncouncil.gov.uk

MICROBABY

Gordon Bennetts Bar, Hereford, 9pm.

THE GUITAR ICONS

Live music, guitar heroes tribute. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762.

AFTERNOON MUSIC

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

MUSIC IN NEW RADNOR

Featuring Kassia Trio, a modern reinvention of the typical piano trio, with two saxophones and piano. A versatile ensemble offering a lively and varied programme. New Radnor Community Hall, 7.30pm, £15, under 14s £3, 01544 350268. Wine and soft drinks available at bar, feel free to bring snacks.

DREAMS OF FLEETWOOD MAC Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £24, 01873 850805.

MATT WOOSEY TRIO

Malvern Cube, Albert Rd North, Malvern, 7.30pm, £13 in advance, www.malverncube.com

THE BAREBACKS

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

AN EVENING WITH THE 309S

Bringing the sounds of the 1940s and 50s alive with their infectious songs and swinging beats. For ages 7+. Chapel Lawn Village Hall, 7.30pm, £12/£8, 07964 710983. Arts Alive.

Sun 12 March

SHREWSBURY JAZZ NETWORK

Featuring John Law’s Re-creations. Piano, saxophone with an exciting new rhythm section. An eclectic mix of styles and inventive soloing. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, £23, under 22s £12, 01743 234970.

TESS

Singer/songwriter. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 2pm, free, 01497 821762.

MARTIN BLAKE BAND

5-piece band. Richmond Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 3.15pm, free.

RACHEL BAIMAN & DAN WALSH

The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 7.45pm, £15, 01743 234970.

Wed 15 March

AMERICANA SESSION

The Monkland Arms, Monkland, near Leominster, 01568 720510.

ESCAPE ROOM

It is 1890, you have been accused of embezzling money from the Vicar’s Choral funds and been shut in the Old Chapel until the police arrive. You have one hour... Hereford Cathedral, £60 per session for groups of up to six people. Booking essential. www.herefordcathedral.org

STILL EAR

Formerly Slippery Slope. Accordion, violin and bass. Nori’s Cafe, Leominster, 7.15pm, £25 with meal. Please book in advance 01584 831386 or email noriscafe@yahoo.com

Thurs 16 March

KATIE WEST TRIO

The Vaults, Bishop’s Castle. MICHAEL MCGOLDRICK, JOHN MCCUSKER & JOHN DOYLE

Masters of flute, fiddle, song and guitar, folk music’s legendary musical magpies bring their own blend of top-class songs. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £22, 01743 281281.

Fri 17 March

IRISH MUSIC SESSION

Celebrating St Patrick’s night. Nelson Inn, Ludlow, (opposite Sainsburys), 8pm.

JOHNNY KOWALSKI & THE SEXY WEIRDOS

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

UNDAUNTED

The Talbot Hotel, Cleobury Mortimer, 9pm.

OPEN MIC AND JAM

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

THE COVER UPS

Gordon Bennetts, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 9pm.

SAVAGE GROOVE

The Wobbly Brewing Co, Beech Business Park, Hereford, 01432 355318.

OPEN MIC

The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762.

SWEET BABOO + FFREDI BLINO

The Lost Arc, Rhayader, 7.30pm, 01597 811226, www.thelostarc.co.uk

ENGLISH MUSIC SESSION

The Blue Boar, Ludlow, 8.30pm, 07887 535893.

CONCERTS IN THE ROUND

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

DIRE STREETS

Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £20, 01873 850805.

Sat 18 March

BACK TO THE 80S WITH DJ RODDY HANKINS

Left Bank Village, Bridge St, Hereford, £12, 01432 357753.

FODEN’S BAND

In concert. St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow, 7pm, £18 from Priorbooking. com/U/Fodens

FIRELIGHT TRIO

Featuring Phil Alexander, accordion; Gavin Marwick, fiddle and Ruth Morris, Swedish Nyckelharpa. The trio play European music that is evocative, inventive and exciting. The Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 8pm, £12 from The Workshouse Gallery, Presteigne or online at WeGotTickets.com

INTO THE SHADOWS

Step back into the swinging 60s with all the hits of The Shadows and Cliff Richard. Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 8pm, £15, 01588 630023.

BARE JAMS

Original live music, festival party band. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762.

HEREFORD CHORAL SOCIETY

‘Monteverdi Vespers of 1610’. With Aoife Miskelly, Gwendolen Martin, Gwilym Bowen, Guy Cutting, David Ireland, Tim Murphy, Marches Baroque and conductor Geraint Bowen. Hereford Cathedral, 7.30pm, tickets from £10, 07775 667288, www.herefordchoralsociety.org

MERSEY BEATLES

The Pavilion, Llandrindod Wells, 8pm, 01597 258118, www.pavilionmidwales. org.uk

DIRE STREETS

Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, 01584 811442.

THE PHOENIX SINGERS

Programme includes Mendelssohn, Bach, Scarlatti, Lotti, Bruckner, Mauersberger and MacDonald. St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £15, under 18s free, tickets from The Hive, 01743 234970 or on the door.

Firelight Trio

WEIRDSHIRE

Presents Adam Geoffrey Cole (Trappist Afterland), Dark Leaves and Sproatly Smith. Victory Pub, Hereford.

FRONTRUNNER

Gordon Bennetts Bar, Hereford, 9pm.

BOBCAT BILLY’S MOONSHINE MISSION

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

MARCHES CHOIR AND SINFONIA

80 strong choir, professional soprano soloist and orchestra perform Dvorak’s Mass in D and Te Deum, plus Schubert’s Mass in G. St John’s Church, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £15, children/students free, 01588 650315 and on the door.

JEB LOY NICHOLS AND CLOVIS

PHILLIPS

New album launch and concert. Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, 7.30pm, 01686 688369.

JOHN LAW’S RE-CREATIONS

Acclaimed pianist returns with Sam Crockatt (saxophone and an exciting new rhythm section playing an eclectic mix of styles and inventive soloing. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £23, under 22s £12, 01743 234970. Shrewsbury Jazz Network.

STEADY EDD

Presenting a tribute to Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard. Plus support from The Beetroot Band. The Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £12, 07967 517125.

Sun 19 March

HAY SHANTYMEN

A rollicking bunch of land lubbers from the East coast of Wales. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 6.30pm, £8, 01497 821762 or www.hayshantymen.com

STEP SESSIONS

The Monkland Arms, Monkland, near Leominster, 01568 720510.

HARDWICKE CIRCUS

Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4.30pm, 01531 632250.

ST PATRICK’S IRISH MUSIC PARTY

Plus street food event. Featuring Beefy Boys and Divine Donuts in the car park, eat-in or takeaway. Irish themed ales plus Irish classics. Oak Inn, Staplow, 4-8pm, 01531 640954.

JAMIE FLANAGAN

Michael Buble tribute. Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 2pm, 18+, 07498 966606, www.thebuttermarket. co.uk

BRECON JAZZ CLUB

Brecon Women’s Festival. Featuring Shirley Smart Trio. The Muse, Old Museum, Glamorgan St, Brecon, 7.30pm, £15 advance, £17 on the door, £8 youth, 07791 654799. info@breconjazzclub.org

Sun 19 March

WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?

Celebrating the music of Tina Turner. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £32, 01743 281281.

Mon 20 March

THE FOLK CAFE AT BILL’S KITCHEN

Delicious meal and great music. Bill’s Kitchen, Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7pm, £25 or just music £15, 01584 873229.

Tues 21 March

HANNAH JAMES AND TOBY KUHN

Combination of accordion and cello allows for a wide palette of sounds and textures. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, £16, 01584 878141.

SUPPER SERENADES

Delicious dining with a German inspired menu, accompanied by exquisite chamber music from Orchestra of the Swan. The Courtyard, Hereford, 6pm, 01432 340555.

Wed 22 March

ESCAPE ROOM

It is 1890, you have been accused of embezzling money from the Vicar’s Choral funds and been shut in the Old Chapel until the police arrive. You have one hour... Hereford Cathedral, £60 per session for groups of up to six people. Booking essential. www.herefordcathedral.org

10CC’S GRAHAM GOULDMAN

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £32, 01743 281281.

Thurs 23 March

ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN

‘Mysterious Barricades’. Programme includes Bach, Pachelbel, Marcello, Vivaldi, Purcell and more. The Courtyard, Hereford, free pre-concert talk 6.45pm, concert 7.45pm, 01432 340555.

KICKBACK

Presents Shop Front Heroes and The Invisibles. Oscars, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, £8, 01584 873229.

THE SCARLET WIVES + LILITH’S ARMY

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

WELSHPOOL MUSIC CLUB

Featuring Gerard Flotats, cello and Ellis Thomas, piano. International performers who will be offering a contrasting programme of Beethoven’s cello sonatas. Methodist Church, High St, Welshpool, 7.30pm, £15, students £5 on the door, 01938 559087.

PIGDAZE

The Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

TOM BOWES & VERONA MAIER

Violin and piano take to the stage for a lunchtime recital featuring Enescu Sonata No. 3. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 12.30pm, £10/£5, 01584 878141.

INNOMINATI AND THE BRIGHT SHINERS

A talented acapella vocal harmony group who perform songs from medieval to jazz, with diversions into folk, world and more. Great Hall, Hay Castle, 6.30pm, £10 seated, £8 standing, www.haycastletrust.org

ELO EXPERIENCE

Sensational string section, light show and large screen projection. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £28, 01743 281281.

Fri 24 March

THE DULCETONES

Acapella choir. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, £7, 01885 488575.

KICKBACK

Featuring Shop Front Heroes, five-piece original rock band with support from The Invisibles. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, £8, 01584 878141.

ERASURED

Erasure’s greatest hits and 80s party. The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 6.30pm, 18+, 07498 966606, www.thebuttermarket.co.uk

THE FORFEITS

Gordon Bennetts, St Peter’s Square, Hereford.

HANNAH JAMES & TOBY KUHN

Combination of accordion and cello. This duo deliver a diverse, playful and hugely original performance. The Art Shop & Chapel, Abergavenny, 8pm, pre-concert supper available from 6pm, £14, 01873 852690.

MICHAEL PARTINGTON

Rectial by award-winning classical guitarist. Myndtown Church, SY7 8BL, 7.30pm, £12, cash bar, 07917 807808, www.myndtownchurch.co.uk

CONCERTS IN THE ROUND

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

OPEN MIC

The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762.

SECRET ELEPHANT + HONEY I SHOT THE PRESIDENT + RED BY NIGHT

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

THE DEVIL’S VIOLIN

‘The Beast In Me’ is a masterfully woven tapestry of stories about our perception of beauty and the value of kindness. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £15-£8, 01873 850805.

AN EVENING WITH THE 309S

Bringing the sounds of the 1940s and 50s alive with their infectious songs and swinging beats. For ages 7+. Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton, 7.30pm, £12/£6, 01694 720132. Arts Alive.

Sat 25 March

COWBRIDGE MALE VOICE CHOIR

In support of Samaritans of Shrewsbury. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £22-£18/50, 01743 281281.

FARA

Scottish folk. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, 01584 811442.

MID WALES R & B CLUB

Featuring The Jake Leg Jug Band. The Muse, Glamorgan St, Brecon, 7.30pm, www.midwalesrandb.club

AFTERIMAGE

Vaga, Hereford, 8.30pm.

JEAN GENIE

David Bowie tribute. The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 6pm, 18+, 07498 966606.

Hannah James & Toby Kuhn

RODDY WOOMBLE + MICHAEL ANQUISH

Acoustic/folk. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, £18, 01584 878141.

SHREWSBURY CHORAL

Accompanied by Shrewsbury Sinfonia. Singing Rossini’s Stabat Mater and prize-winning pianist, Yuxuan Zhao who will perform Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No.2. Shrewsbury Abbey, 7.30pm, 01743 361953.

WIRED

Gordon Bennetts Bar, Hereford, 9pm.

VERA VAN HEERINGEN

Songwriter and instrumentalist playing original contemporary Folk/Americana music. Accompanied by Andy Seward, double bass and Dave Luke on guitar, vocals and mandolin. The Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 8pm, £12 from The Workshouse Gallery, Presteigne or online at WeGotTickets.com

PAUL BLEASDALE

Masquerade presents the spring party. The Cellars Club, The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 8pm, 18+, 07498 966606.

SEAN FORAN TRIO TRICHOTOMY

Australia’s leading Trios, a compelling, hugely dynamic and unique voice in jazz. Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 07768 504322, email clunvalleyjazz@gmail. com Clun Valley Jazz.

DOMINO SUGAR

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

COLTRANE DEDICATION

Five jazz musicians from South Wales jazz scene. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £10 in advance, £12.50 on the door, 01497 821762.

CEILIDH

Dancing to Bandamania with Sue Harris. Fun for all, no experience needed. Bar, raffle. Almeley Village Hall, 7.30pm, £5, 07578 280089, email almeleyvillagehall@gmail.com

HAY MUSIC

Featuring Thomas Bowes, violin and Verona Maier, piano. Programme includes JS Bach, George Enescu, Cesar Franck and Maurice Ravel. St Mary’s Church, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, £17.50, under 25s £8.75, tickets from Hay TIC and www.haymusic.org

AN EVENING WITH THE 309S

Bringing the sounds of the 1940s and 50s alive with their infectious songs and swinging beats. For ages 7+. Goodrich Village Hall, 7.30pm, £12/£6, 01600 890715. Arts Alive.

KEITH JAMES IN CONCERT

‘The Songs of Leonard Cohen. The Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £15, students £9, 07967 517125.

Sun 26 March

HAY PRIDE

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

KNIGHTON & DISTRICT CONCERT

SOCIETY

String Quartet. Four of the principal players of the St Woolos Sinfonia. Programme includes music by Haydn, Dvorak and Moeran. St Edward’s Church Hall, Knighton, 3pm, £10, students/children £2, 01547 530530. OPERA BOYS

Completely updated with brand new musical medleys from the West End and Broadway. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £21.50, 01743 281281.

Mon 27 March

JARROD DICKENSON

‘The Big Talk Tour’. Guitarist, singer and songwriter from Nashville. St Mary’s Church, Shrewsbury, 8pm.

Wed 29 March

WEIRDSHIRE

‘Cosmic Country Review’ with Jerry Silverstein, Bobby Lee, Joe Harvey Whyte. The Railway Club, Hereford. SONYA SMITH

Frankville singer/songwriter sessions. 130 Frankwell, Shrewsbury, 8.30pm, 01743 341641.

Thurs 30 March

KATIE SPENCER

Compared with artists like Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and Michael Chapman, Katie’s sound carries the warmth and idealism of the early 70s folk and songwriter movements. The Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 8pm, £12 from The Workshouse Gallery, Presteigne or online at WeGotTickets. com

BLUZBOX

The Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

QUIZ

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

Fri 31 March

SOME GUYS HAVE ALL THE LUCK

The Rod Stewart Story. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

JOHNNY CASH ROADSHOW

Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £25, 01873 850805.

JAMES ATKIN

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

REMI HARRIS

Acclaimed guitarist Remi Harris and his band present an eclectic show featuring music ranging from acoustic jazz of the 30s and 40s to electric blues of the 60s and 70s. Pudleston Village Hall, 7.30pm, 01568 750303.

TWO PUSH CHARLIE

Gordon Bennetts Bar, Hereford, 9pm.

BONGO’S BINGO + AFTER PARTY

The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 6pm, 18+, 07498 966606.

CONCERTS IN THE ROUND

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

OPEN MIC

The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762.

OH WHAT A NIGHT!

A musical journey through the career of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £24/£22, 01600 719401.

APRIL

Sat 1 April

50 YEARS OF FENDER

The story of the Fender Stratocaster guitar, told through five decades of the very best hits featuring this famous instrument. The Albert Hall, Llandrindod Wells, 7.30pm, 0300 102 4255, www.thalberthall.co.uk

HEREFORD CHAMBER CHOIR

Lenten Choral Evensong, with music by Gibbons, Pullin, Leighton, 5pm, free entry. Plus concert with music by Brahms, Schutz and Bach, 7pm, £12 in advance, £15 on the door, refreshments available. Holy Trinity Church, Bosbury, 01531 670734.

LIONEL

Malcolm Pitt delivers a powerful performance celebrating the music of Lionel Richie and the Commodores. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £25, 01873 850805.

MIKE AND DYLAN JAMES

Melodeon and double bass duo, singing and playing tunes and dance music of the Celtic world. Cawley Hall, Eye, near Leominster, 7.30pm, £7. Breton Dance Workshop

2.30pm-5.30pm, £5, 07579 965851 or email maggiep@ phonecoop.coop

VENUS

Royal George, Lingen, 01544 267322.

THE TOTAL STONE ROSES

Plus support from Oaysis. The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 8pm, 18+, 07498 966606.

WINGWALKERS

Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm.

Music Workshops

Sat 4 March SING FOR FUN!

Workshop for all singers. Beethoven Mass in C. Geraint Bowen - musical director; Peter Dyke - accompanist. Broadlands School, Hereford, HR1 1HY, registration from 9.30am, 10am-1pm, £15, under 25s free, includes score loan. 07775 667288, www.herefordchoralsociety.org

Sat 4 March HARMONICA WORKSHOP

With tutor Aidan Sheehan. Bring along your own diatonic harmonica. User-friendly tuition. Hereford Music Shop, 48B Commercial Rd, Hereford, 10.30am-12.30pm, £22, 01432 265080, info@herefordmusicshop.co.uk

Sat 4 March SATURDAY COFFEE SESSIONS

Enjoy the unique sound of fiddles in harmony. A blend of sociable ensemble playing, together with expert guidance on style, technique and musicality. Tutor Kitty Greenwood. Fee £16. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 10.20am-12.45pm. www.kittygreenwoodmusic.com/services

Sat 11 March CHORISTER OPEN MORNING

Boys and girls aged 6-9 are welcome to attend the open morning and learn more about becoming a cathedral chorister. Hereford Cathedral, 9.30am-10.30am, please register your interest in advance, www.herefordcathedral.org

Sat 25 March BORDER MARCHES EARLY MUSIC FORUM

A workshop for singers with tutor Rory McCleery. ‘Queen of Heaven Rejoice’. Iberians in Rome: music by Vicente Lusitano, Cristobal de Morales and Josquin Desprez. Grange Court, Leominster, 10am-4.30pm, please book, www.bmemf.org.uk or email ebsarewitz@cantab.net

Sun 26 March SHROPSHIRE HARMONY QUIRE

Sing and play mainly West Gallery music. Led by Andy Watts. Free to newcomers. Instrumentalists (typically flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, violin and cello) are particularly welcome. Lydbury North Village Hall, 2-5pm, email: trevorchalkley@gmail.com

2023 BRASS & WOODWIND REPAIR COURSES

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

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

Wednesday ROCKSPRING COMMUNITY CHOIR

Rockspring Community Centre, Ludlow. 01584 529053.

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

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

Wednesday LUDLOW LARKS COMMUNITY CHOIR

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

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

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

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 CRAVEN ARMS MALE VOICE CHOIR

Mondays, term time only LIVE WIRE MUSIC MONDAYS

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday DOLAU MIXTURES Mixed choir. Dolau

Community Hall, Llandrindod Wells, 8pm, 01597 851427.

Tuesday LUNCHTIME UPLIFT SINGING SESSIONS

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 12pm, 07723 016837.

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

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

Tuesdays term time only LIVEWIRE SESSIONS The Castle Green Pavilion, 5:30 - 7:30pm. A drop-in for anybody interested in music. Whether you’ve never picked up an instrument before or 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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday LITTLE HEREFORD VOICES COMMUNITY CHOIR

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

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

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

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

Sessions back next month

band directory

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

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

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

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

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

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

LITTLE RUMBA This is a band that will entertain and delight any audience that has its wits about it and has an ear for beautiful melodies infectious beats and songs that tell stories. From Winchcombe Live “Absolutely fantastic evening from you guys tonight. We had so many positive comments from the audience; very gratifying! Great musical talent, great humour, variety, and warmth of performance.”

Contact Jacqui Savage 07966 943314 Email –jaxbass.xs@btinternet.com http://www.littlerumba.com

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

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

Website: www.melomanics.co.uk

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

“Professional purveyors of punchy pop rock”. Sue 07397 188543.

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

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

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

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

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

SILVER BRANCH (Ceilidh and Concert Band).

CEILIDH BAND with caller. Available for weddings/ birthday parties/fund raisers, etc. For photos/videos please see our Facebook page. For further enquiries, ring David on 01981 540832 or Anna on 07980 961187.

SILVER BRANCH (UN-CALLED FOR) - Five piece cutting edge instrumental Folk Band. Concerts/gigs.

SIMON THE PIPER Highland Piper with 20 years experience. Available for all occasions - weddings, funerals, Burn’s Night, Hogmanay, festivals, processions etc. Based in Hereford. Call 07791 045831 or facebook. com/simonthepiper Email simonthepiper@hotmail.com

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

SIR DANCELOT 4/5 piece ceilidh/twmpath band with caller. Far and away the best exponents of traditional dance music of the British Isles and beyond for miles around and leagues beneath. Concertina, mandolin, fiddles, whistles, cittern, jews harp... Available for weddings, parties and public events. For information and bookings, contact: Matt 01686 412 753 or 07843 440 789. www.sirdancelot.co.uk

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

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

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

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

Band Directory

ONLY £40 FOR THE WHOLE YEAR

Just post the details of your band (around 40 words) with a cheque for £40 payable to Broad Sheep and post to:

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

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.

VENUES

ALBERT HALL, Ithon Rd, Llandrindod Wells 0300 102 4255

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, Mill Street, Ludlow 01584 878141

BARRELS, St Owen Street, Hereford 01432 274968

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

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

BELL HOTEL, Commercial St, Newtown 01686 625540

BELL INN, Etnam St, Leominster 01568 616811

THE BRIDGE HOTEL, Tenbury Wells 01584 810434

THE BRIDGE, Ludlow 01584 872963

BLACK LION, Bridge St, Hereford, 01432 266000

CARAD, East St, Rhayader, 01597 810192

CENTRE CELF, Tremont Rd, Llandrindod Wells 01597 822777

CHARLTON ARMS, Ludlow, 01584 872813

THE CLIFFE AT DINHAM, Halton Lane, Ludlow 01584 872063

CONQUEST THEATRE, Bromyard, 01885 488575

THE COURTYARD, Edgar St, Hereford. 01432 340555

THE DUKES ARMS, Presteigne 01544 267318

DUN COW, Shrewsbury 01743 356408

THE EXCHANGE, Newtown 01686 621814.

GLEANINGS, near Bishop’s Castle, 01743 891412

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

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

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

GRAPE VAULTS, Broad St, Leominster 01568 611404.

THE HARP INN, Glasbury-on-Wye 01497 847373

THE HERDSMAN, Widemarsh St, Hereford, 01432 277330

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

HUNDRED HOUSE INN, Purslow, 01588 660541

KNIGHTON & DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE, Knighton 07751 221487.

THE LAKESIDE CAFÉ, Llandrindod Wells, 01597 825679

LICHFIELD VAULTS, Church St, Hereford. 01432 266821

LION BALLROOM, Broad St, Leominster. 01568 612277

LUDLOW BREWING COMPANY, The Railway Shed, Ludlow 01584 873291

THE MALTHOUSE, Ironbridge, 01952 433712

MINER’S ARMS, Priest Weston 01938 561352

NELSON INN, Ludlow 01584 872908

OAKENGATES THEATRE, Telford. 01952 619020

THE OLD MILL, High Street, Llanidloes 01686 412008

THE OXFORD ARMS, Duke St, Kington 01544 230322

PAVILION MID WALES, Llandrindod Wells 01597 258118

THE PLOUGH INN, Whitecross Road, Hereford 01432 358867

REET PETITE, 18 West St, Leominster 07484 545368. ROSE & CROWN, Tenbury Wells, 01584 811336

ROYAL FOUNTAIN, Cleobury Mortimer 01299 272720

THEATR BRYCHEINIOG, Canal Wharf, Brecon 01874 611622

THE HAFREN, Llanidloes Road, Newtown 01686 614555

THE TOWN HALL, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630023

THREE TUNS, Bishop’s Castle. 01588 638797

THE VICTORY, 88 St Owen St, Hereford 01432 274998

VOLUNTEER, Harold St, Hereford 01432 276189.

WHITEHORSE INN, The Square, Clun. 01588 640305.

WHITE SWAN, Eardisland, 01544 388577

WYESIDE ARTS CENTRE, Builth Wells, 01982 552555

PERFORMANCE

Fri 3 March

MAGICAL BONES: SOULFUL MAGIC

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

Tues 7 March

SUPER POWER PANTO

EXTANT THEATRE COMPANY, the UK’s leading theatre company of visually impaired performers. They present a panto-style show that flies off the pages of a giant tactile comic book set. Suitable for ages 3-13. The Courtyard, Hereford, 2pm, £5-£10. There will be a free, bookable workshop at 12.15pm, 01432 340555.

Thurs 9 March

TIC TOC

A musical tale of a close knit group of friends who worked together in a factory. They sang, laughed and danced together finding strength in friendship. And now a reunion’s been planned... but one of them hasn’t been invited. The Hafren, Newtown, 7.45pm, £15, 01686 948100.

Thurs 9 - Sat 11 March

HEREFORD COUNTY DRAMA FESTIVAL

Performances of one act plays and acts from longer dramas. The Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7pm, £10 per session, 07967 517125.

Sat 11 March

A LOVELY WAY TO DIE

IMMERSIVE MURDER MYSTERY EXPERIENCE taking place on stage. Enjoy 70’s themed food, with a murder unfolding around you. The Albert Hall, Llandrindod Wells, 3pm & 7.30pm, tickets must be bought in advance, 0300 102 4255, www.thealberthall.co.uk

Sat 11 March

THE GREATEST MAGICIAN

Directed by the late Paul Daniels, the enigmatic magic show comes to the stage for the first time. A jaw-dropping world of light-hearted hilarity, wonderment and mystery. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, £15, senior citizens £13, students £10, VIP £30, 01982 552555.

Sat 11 March

CABARET WITH CLAWS

CHARLIE BICKNELL. Mixing wicked, irreverent humour with song, dance and jaw-dropping acrobatics. For ages 14+. Brilley Village Hall, 7.30pm, £12, 01544 327227. Arts Alive.

Mon 13 - Wed 15 March

TOO MUCH WORLD AT ONCE

BOX OF TRICKS present a theatrical journey that spans continents and lives, an urgent coming-of-age story for our times. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £16/£14, 01743 281281.

Tues 14 - Sat 18 March

THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

Based on the Sunday Times bestseller; a journey to India with an eclectic group of British retirees as they embark on a new life. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £42 - £13, 01743 281281.

Thurs 16 & Fri 17 March

THE TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE PAST

By Simon Longman - Youth Theatre production. Malvern Cube, WR14 2YF, 7pm, £5, www.malverncube.com

Thurs 16 - Sun 19 March

MISS NOBODIES - RUTH E COCKBURN

A funny, poignant, heart-warming show about the history of the last 100 years of a shop, fierce Lancashire women and what they have done to leave their mark on the country’s history. For ages 12+. 16 March - Wem Town Hall, 7.30pm, £13/£6, 01939 232299. 17 MarchStoke St Milborough Village Hall, 7.30pm, £12/£6/£30, 01584 823791. 18 March - Habberley Village Hall, 7.30pm, £12/£6, 01743 790179. 19 March - Cawley Hall, Eye, 7.30pm, £12/£6/£30, 01568 615836. Arts Alive.

Thurs 23 March through April

ONE OF THEM ONES

PENTABUS THEATRE. A new play about two siblings living in a rural community trying to get their heads around gender identity. 23 & 24 March - The Old School, Bromfield, SY8 2JU, 7.30pm, £12.50, under 25s free, limited availability, 01584 856564. 25 March - Quatt VH, WV15 6QW, 7.30pm, £10, 0333 666 3366. 31 MarchAssembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, £14/£8, 01584 878141. 15 April - Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 8pm, £12.50, www.midborderarts.com. 19 April - Hereford College of Arts, 7.30pm, £12.50, 01584 856564. 21 April - Malvern Cube Community Centre, 7.30pm, 01684 575363. 28 April - Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £16/£14, 01874 611622. www.pentabus.co.uk

Fri 24 & Sat 25 March

NAVIGATING MARGARET

A magical journey about living with dementia. Malvern Cube, WR14 2YF, various times, £15, www.malverncube. com

Sat 25 March

NAKED HOPE

A solo show depicting the legendary Quentin Crisp at two distinct phases of his extraordinary life. For ages 14+. LGBT + History Festival. Organised by Safe Ageing No Discrimination. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £22-£2, 01743 234970.

Mon 27, Thurs 30 & Fri 31 March

THE COURTYARD’S INSPIRED FESTIVAL

A platform for the Intermediate Youth Theatre Groups from The Courtyard, Ledbury and Bromyard. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, 01432 340555.

The Courtyard’s Inspired Festival

Tues 28 March

DONE TO DEATH BY JOVE!

The 39 Steps meets Agatha Christie via Holmes and Watson! A cast of six bring a comic flurry of suspects and sleuths together to discover whodunnit. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 340555.

Wed 29 March

HPA FEST GALA

At the close of a week-long Performing Arts Festival featuring over 1000 performances by more than 1000 people, ENCORE presents a gala performance with performer ages ranging from 5-95 years. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Wed 29 & Thurs 30 March

ANIMAL FARM

SHROPSHIRE YOUTH THEATRE bring Orwell’s once controversial, now increasingly relevant text to the theatre. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 12pm & 3.30pm, £17.50, under 18s £11, 01743 281281.

Fri 31 March

PHONEY TOWERS

This tribute show, performed in the style and variety of Fawlty Towers, offers an ingenious homage. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, £15, 01885 488575.

Sat 1 April

THE SWEARING JAR

Local Touring Theatre company. Malvern Cube, WR14 2YF, 7.30pm, £12, www.malverncube.com

Sat 1 April

CHARLIE’S BIG NIGHT

Comedy, spoken word and music. The Muse, Old Museum, Glamorgan St, Brecon, show starts 8pm, food and drink from 7pm, £20 with food, 07791 654799.

Sat 1 April

WELSH WRESTLING

The Pavilion, Llandrindod Wells, 7pm, 01597 258118, www.pavilionmidwales.org.uk

MUSICAL THEATRE & OPERA

Fri 3 March

CARMEN

DNIPRO OPERA from Ukraine and accompanied by a live orchestra of over 30 musicians perform Georges Bizet’s powerful and tuneful opera. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £39-£31, 01743 281281.

Sat 4 - 23 March

HANSEL AND GRETEL

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

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

11 March - Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 01874 611622.

14 March - Aberystwyth Arts Centre, 01970 623232.

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

18 March - Courtyard Theatre, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555. 21 March - Theatr Ffwrnes, Llanelli, 0345 226 3510. 23 March - The Riverfront, Newport, 01633 656757.

Mon 6 - Sat 11 March

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW

Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical celebrates 50 years of non-stop partying. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 5.30pm & 8pm, £47.50-£30.50, 01743 281281.

Sat 18 & Sun 19 March

13 THE MUSICAL

CURTAIN CALL JUNIORS present a hilarious, comingof-age musical about discovering that ‘cool’ is sometimes where we least expect it. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2pm & 6pm, £19.50, 01743 281281.

Thurs 23 - Sat 25 March

THE SORCERER

HEREFORD GILBERT & SULLIVAN SOCIETY. A topsy-turvy spectacle replete with fantasy, frivolity and large quantites of food - all on the vicarage lawn. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm plus Sat matinee 2.30pm, 01432 340555.

Fri 24 March

DREAMCOAT STARS

Experience the powerful star vocals of four Josephs, coming together for an evening of West End and Broadway musical classics. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £24.50, 01600 772467.

Sun 26 March

THE RETURN OF THE BLUE MEANIES

REGAL SCHOOL OF CREATIVE ARTS. Britain. The not too distant future. The Blue Meanies have taken control of the country and have banned all music and art. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 6.30pm, 01584 811442.

Wed 29 March - Sat 1 April

EVITA

MONMOUTH MUSIC THEATRE. The colour and excitement of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic musical. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £15/£12, 01600 772467.

Thurs 30 March - Sat 1 April

SUNSHINE ON LEITH

SHREWSBURY MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY present the singalong musical with a soundtrack from The Proclaimers. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2pm, £21-£15, 01743 281281.

The Rocky Horror Show

CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Thurs 2 March

PINOCCHIO

Celebrating World Book Day. Puppetry, shadows, illusion and specially composed music combine to create a show for all the family. For ages 4+. The Courtyard, Hereford, 11am & 1pm, 01432 340555.

Sat 4 March

MILSHAKE LIVE!

Monkey is back, joined by some of his favourite Milkshake friends. The Courtyard, Hereford, 11.30am & 2.30pm, 01432 340555.

Sat 4 & Sun 5 March

WOODLAND TALES WITH GRANDAD

PICKLED IMAGE. A magical puppetry show with Grandad and a host of woodland creatures for ages 3-8 and their families. 4 March - Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 3pm, £12, under 16s £6, 01885 488575. 5 March - The Talbot Theatre, Whitchurch, 3pm, £12/£6/£30, 01948 660660.

Arts Alive.

Tues 7 - Thurs 9 March

TALES FROM ACORN WOOD

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved tales are brought to life on stage for the first time. Perfect for children of all ages. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2pm, 10.30am & 1.30pm, £16, £14, schools £11, 01743 281281.

Sat 25 March

DR DOLITTLE

BARKING DOG’s two talented actors present this wonderful adventure. With original music and audience participation as well as puppetry and mime. For ages 5-10. The Courtyard, Hereford, 11am, free pre-activity 10.30am, 01432 340555.

Thurs 6 April

CARTOON CIRCUS LIVE

Laughter-packed show combines the comedy of pantomime with the thrill of the circus. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 1.30pm, £12, under 16s £10, 01600 772467.

DRAMA WORKSHOPS

COURTYARD THEATRE, HEREFORD

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

COMMUNITY YOUTH THEATRES

The Conquest, Bromyard. Mon - Juniors, Year 3-6: 4.30pm, £39 per term. Intermediates, Year 7-9: 7.15pm, £43 per term. Seniors, Year 10+: 7.30pm, £46 per term. The Phoenix Theatre, Ross-on-Wye. Sat - Juniors, Year 8-14: 10am, £39 per term. Market Theatre, Ledbury. Mon - Intermediates, Year 7-9: 7.30pm, £39 per term. Seniors, Year 10+: 8.30pm, £39 per term. Details email takepart@courtyard.org.uk or 01432 346526.

THEATR IEUENTID / BRYCHEINIOG YOUTH THEATRE

With weekly sessions tailored to suit the needs of each year group, from 4 years and up. Mondays 3.45pm4.45pm Roundabout, Reception & Years 1 & 2.

Wednesdays 5pm - 6pm Junior Youth, Years 3,4 & 5.

Wednesdays 6pm - 7pm Junior Youth, Years 6,7 & 8.

Thursdays 8.30pm - 10pm Senior Youth, Years 9, 10 & 11, 16 - 25. Call 01874 611622, www.brycheiniog.co.uk

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW Mon - Go MAD in Ludlow, 5-6.30pm, Oscars. Contact Simon 07506 478235 & Suzanne 07484 289215 or email hello@gomadinludlow.org Sat - Ludwig Academy of Musical Theatre. 7-11 years 1-2pm, 12-16 years 2-3pm. Oscars. Contact Jack Ludwig, 077922 66225. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow.

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

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

Wednesdays KINGTON YOUTH THEATRE

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

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

Thursdays IMPULSIVE THEATRE COMPANY

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

Thursdays Fortnightly HAVE A GO SHAKESPEARE

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

Thursdays Fortnightly (term time) HAVE A GO SHAKESPEARE All welcome, 10.30am-1.30pm, £7. Wyeside, Builth Wells, info@shakespearelink.org.uk.

Saturdays (term time) SHROPSHIRE YOUTH THEATRE

Beginners 9.30am-10.45am, 6-8 year olds. Juniors 11am-1pm, 9-12 year olds. The Hive, Shrewsbury, www.shropshireyouththeatre.co.uk

Milkshake Live!

Dr Dolittle

Poetry & Storytelling

Friday 3 March

WORLD BOOK DAY WITH JENNY VALENTINE

Love From Joy is the second title in her new series aimed at readers aged 9+ years. Jenny will talk about the book and its characters, as well as reading from it. Tickets are limited. Tickets £3 per child (parents free). Email jules@ northbooks.co.uk or pop into the shop. The first 20 children to sign up will receive a Joy badge! 4pm. North Books, 4 Castle Street, Hay-on-Wye.

Fri 10 March

BLAST STORYTELLING

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

Fri 17 March

DIVERSION

Join Jonny Fluffypunk and Leilah for upbeat and friendly spoken word event with open mic. Ledbury Poetry House, 7-9pm, £8, www.ledburypoetry.org.uk

Wed 22 March

HOLLIE MCNISH: SLUG TOUR

Ted Hughes Award winner Hollie McNish is a poet whose live readings are not to be missed. Expect strong language and adult content ribbon wrapped in carefully sculptured poetry. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7pm, £8, 01584 883229.

Comedy

Thurs 2 March

JIMEOIN: THE CRAIC!

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

Fri 3 March

SIMON BRODKIN: SCREWED UP

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

Sat 4 March

LUCY PORTER

A brand new stand-up show from the TV and radio favourite, about revelations, realisations and epiphanies. For ages 16+. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £20, 01743 281281.

Tues 7 March

LLOYD GRIFFITH: ONE TONNE OF FUN

There’ll be his unique bag of stand up, dubious impressions, and obviously a sprinkling of his (incredible) singing. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £21, 01743 281281.

Fri 10 March

TOM ALLEN: COMPLETELY

He has finally moved out of his parents’ house, great news for him and better news for department stores. The Hafren, Newtown, 8pm, £25, 01686 948100.

Sat 11 March

ROSIE JONES: TRIPLE THREAT

This show is guaranteed to be full of unapologetic cheekiness, fun and joy. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, 01432 340555.

Fri 24 March

WESTON’S CIDER COMEDY CLUB

Featuring some of the hottest up-and-coming comedians on the circuit. For ages 18+ only. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8.30pm, 01432 340555.

Fri 24 March

DICK AND DOM IN DA BUNGALOW LIVE

Grab a pint and get ready for the messiest night out. For ages 15+. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £29, VIP £44.50, 01743 281281.

Sat 25 March

RICH HALL: SHOT FROM CANNONS

Fresh on the heels of his memoirs, ‘Nailing It’, Montana’s transatlantic messenger returns with new rants and knifeedge observations. For ages 14+. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 8pm, £18, 01873 850805.

Fri 31 March

GARY MEIKLE

Playfully dark, Gary Meikle doing what he does best which is to be relatable and honest. For ages 16+. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £22.50, 01743 281281.

Fri 31 March

CERI DUPREE

Talented female impersonator. A brilliant drag act that changes quickly into more than 15 outrageous outfits. The Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7pm, 07967 517125.

Sat 1 April

AN EVENING AND A LITTLE BIT OF MORNING WITH MARK STEEL

There is so much to yell about. There’s the modern world in which you spend so long trying to work out iTunes, that it’s easier to form a band and learn the songs.

The Hafren, Newtown, 8pm, £18, 01686 948100.

Mark Steel

Sat 1 & Sun 2 April

HAL CRUTTENDEN: IT’S BEST YOU HEAR IT FROM ME

After 21 years and 224 days, Hal’s back being single. He’s lost enough weight to almost get his wedding ring off... For ages 14+. 1 April - Wyeside, Builth Wells, 8pm, £19, 01982 552555. 2 April - Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 8pm, £19, 01600 772467.

Talks

Fri 3, 10, 17 & 24 March

LENT LECTURE SERIES

The Revd Canon Dr Maureen Palmer presents a series of lectures. The Old Chapel, Hereford Cathedral, 10.30am-12pm, free, booking not required.

Tues 7 March

LINGEN & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB

‘Tranquility Haven’, a talk by Val Brown. Lingen Village Hall, 7.30pm, yearly subscription £20, visitors welcome £4, 01544 267463.

Thurs 9 March

GOING WILD IN BISHOP’S CASTLE WINTER TALKS

Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, Bar refreshments available, no pre-booking required, donations box at entrance, 01588 630023.

Wed 8 March

MEDICINE

Talk by pharmacy historian, Briony Hudson. St Mary’s Church, Ross-on-Wye, 7pm, £8 on the door.

Wed 8 March

BROMYARD & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY

‘The World’s Oldest Independent Railway: The Ffestiniog Railway, Part 1 Slate’. A talk by Tim Maynard. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, members free, guests £5, 01885 488575.

Wed 8 March

DO NOT CALL THE TORTOISE

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

Sat 11 March

HARDY PLANT SOCIETY

‘Five Centuries of Women and Gardens’. A talk given by Richard Rallings of Mynd Hardy Plants. Glasbury Village Hall, 2pm, £5, 07711 719505, www.hmwhps.org.uk

Sun 12 March

TOM BULLOUGH

Tom speaks about his new non-fiction book ‘Sarn Helen: A Journey Through Wales, Past, Present and Future’. The Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 3pm, £6 from The Workshouse Gallery, Presteigne or online WeGotTickets.com

Tues 14 March

I FEEL SORRY FOR THE VICAR

A lecture by Clare Wichbold MBE on the history of suffrage and its local links to Hereford and the Cathedral. Hereford Cathedral, 7pm, £10, www.herefordcathedral.org

Wed 15 March

LEOMINSTER HISTORICAL SOCIETY

‘King John - the worst or the most useful King’. A talk by Max Keen. Grange Court, Leominster, 7.30pm, members free, visitors welcome £4 on the door, 01568 611398.

Fri 17 March

TALKING OF ADVENTURE: JAMIE MCANSH

After waking up one day paralysed, he refused to give up and instead, faced the challenges head-on. An inspirational sportsman, role model, entrepeneur, disabled adventurer and survivor. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, £15/£10, 01584 878141.

Fri 17 March

HEREFORD ARTS APPRECIATION SOCIETY

‘Hard Work - But Glorious’. Clare Wichbold has recently published a much acclaimed book on the Suffragists who were so active in Herefordshire. Office Q, Kindle Centre, Hereford, 2.30pm, 01432 357552.

Fri 17 March

DAVID SWINDLE: INVESTIGATING THE UK’S MOST NOTORIOUS SERIAL KILLERS

The Scottish Detective, David Swindle has been senior detective for more than 34 years. For ages 18+. The Hafren, Newtown, 8pm, £28, 01686 948100.

Tues 21 March

AN EVENING WITH HENRY BLOFELD

Blowers reflects on his truly extraordinary life. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £25, 01873 850805.

Tues 21 March

LUDLOW & MARCHES HUMANISTS

‘Music is the language of our silence’ How we absorb, are affected and respond when performing or listening to music. An illustrated talk by Igor Kennaway, a pianist, conductor and music teacher. The Friends Meeting House, St Mary’s Lane, Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01568 770282.

Wed 22 March

CONVERSATIONS AT THE CHAPEL

With Film Producer, Jeremy Thomas. A unique chance to hear him talk about his life in cinema. The Artshop and Chapel, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £12, 01873 852690, www.artshopandchapel.co.uk

Wed 22 March

SOUTH WEST SHROPSHIRE GARDENING CLUB

‘Creating Beautiful Borders’, a talk by Laura Willgoss from Wildgoose Nursery. Lydbury North Village Hall, 7.30pm, free to members, visitors £5, www.gardeningshropshire. co.uk

Wed 22 March

JULIE BROMINICKS: THE EDGE OF CYMRU: A JOURNEY

When Julie Brominicks embarked on her journey around the edge of Cymru by Wales Coast Path and Offa’s Dyke Path in 2012, she intended her walk only to be a break between careers. In reality her walk was the catalyst that led to more journeys. Clore Learning Space, Hay Castle, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, £7/50, 01497 820079.

Thurs 23 March

THE ARTS SOCIETY MID WALES & BORDERS

‘Buildings of Delight’. A talk by Roger Mitchell. Powis Suite, Royal Oak Hotel, Welshpool, 2.30pm, visitors welcome, £6, 01938 555574.

Thurs 23 March

HUNTING KILLERS

An evening with Britain’s Top Crime Investigator Mark Williams-Thomas; a regular on television. The Left Bank Village, Bridge St, Hereford, 7.30pm, £22, 01432 357753.

Fri 24 March

PROFESSOR DAVID WILSON: MURDER AT HOME

David Wilson is the UK’s leading criminologist, and his knowledge of murder is unparalleled. In his book he is taking a step back and looking at the tragic nature of murder to help victims in spotting the signs of risk sooner. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £16/£15, under 18’s £12, 01600 719401.

Sat 25 March

THE CONFESSOR AND THE GODFATHER

A talk by Kris Johnston. What role did the Bishops of Hereford play at the time of the Wars of the Roses? Hereford Cathedral, 10am, £10, 01432 374225.

Wed 29 March

THE STORY OF THE QUAKERS IN ROSS

A talk by John Powell. St Mary’s Church, Ross, on Wye, 7pm, £8 on the door.

Sat 1 April

HEREFORD WEA

‘Silurian Period’. A geology talk by Dave Green. Saxon Hall, Hereford, 10am-1pm, booking essential. www.wea.org.uk

Workshops & Courses

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

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

Fri 3 March (monthly on the first Friday)

POT AND PAGE BOOK CLUB

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

Sat 4 March HEREFORD WEA

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

Sun 5 March THE BOOK YOU WANT TO WRITE: A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO THE CRAFT OF FICTION One-day interactive course hosted by Sarah Burton and Jem Poster. For beginners and advanced, this course will help you on your way. Clore Learning Space, Hay Castle, Hay-on-Wye, 10am-4pm, £125, 01497 820079.

March

LEDBURY POETRY WORKSHOPS

14 March - Ledbury POetry Online Reading Group, free to Zoom. ‘Cold Spring in Winter’, 6.30-8.30pm.

16 March - Learn to Write Flash Fiction Workshop with Cheryl Powell. Ledbury Poetry House, Homend, 10am-3pm, £30. 18 March - The Word Crew. Free Young Writer’s Group for ages 10-16 years. Ledbury Poetry House, Homend, Ledbury, 10am-12pm. For information and bookings www.ledburypoetry.org.uk

Sat 1 April HEREFORD WEA

‘Hereford in the Silurian Period’. A geology talk by Dave Green. Saxon Hall, Hereford, 10am-1pm, £15, booking essential, 0300 346303, www.wea.org.uk

Mon 3 - Thurs 13 April BOOK, CD & DVD SALE

Second hand books, DVDs and CDs. Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle. Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm, 01588 630023.

Until 1 July SPARKS - YOUNG WRITERS GROUP

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

Mondays WRITING ROOM

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

Mondays STORY CORNER AT THE COURTYARD

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

Every Tues, Wed & Thurs SPANISH LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS

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

Every Tuesday READING ROOM

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

Last Tuesday of each month HOMEND POETS

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

First Wednesday of each month BABARS’ BOOK CLUB

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

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

Every Thursday WELSH CLASSES FOR ADULTS

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

Every other Thursday PHILOSOPHY CAFE

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

Last Thursday of the month BOOK CLUB

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

First Friday of the month BOOKCLUB DINNERS

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

Fridays READING ROOM EXTRA

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

International Poetry Writers’ Collective: Abergavenny 01873 856350

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

grass roots

Brexit - a matter of life and death for bees!

HANDS up all those who hate bees! I don’t see a single hand in the room. And yet some of our ministers seem utterly indifferent to the grave environmental threats bees are facing from pesticides and from farmers willing to use the worst kind of toxic chemicals to protect certain crops.

Summertime, with the gentle hum of bees, and birdsong in the background, is surely one of the delights of life in Britain. Yet, in each of the last three years, the government has allowed the “emergency” use of pesticides which spell death for vast numbers of bees and other pollinators, such as moths, butterflies, and other insects.

The pesticides concerned are neonicotinoids. These chemicals are theoretically banned in the UK because of the enormous harm they can inflict on wildlife.

According to environmental groups in the UK and Europe, a single teaspoon of a neonicotinoid is enough to kill well over one billion bees.

Yet this year and last year, and the year before that, the government has invoked an emergency clause which allows so-called “neonics” to be sprayed on the seeds for sugar beet crops. The excuse for doing this has been that there might be a threat to the crops’ health from aphids.

In permitting the exceptional use of neonics, ministers in the UK have been knowingly flouting the advice of the government’s own Expert Committee on Pesticides. When it comes to environmental protection from a highly harmful pesticide, it turns out that it is ludicrously easy for ministers to dodge the purpose of the regulations by citing a handy get-out clause claiming exceptional circumstances.

Until a few weeks ago, the same was true in France, and all other EU member states. These EU ministers were able almost routinely to dodge European environmental regulations by citing a threat to sugar beet from aphids. However, the Court of Justice of the EU has now ruled that making emergency derogations for seed treated with expressly prohibited “neonics” is not in line with EU law. When the French authorities learned this they had to jump smartly to attention and agree to ban neonics. Belgium had also used the “emergency use” get-out clause in 2019. So, as I read it, Belgium will also have to fall in line with the Court of Justice ruling. This is a major win for environmentalists across Europe. But it’s been achieved only after a decade of dogged campaigning by groups, such as Notre Affaire a Tous and Pollinis. A spokesman for Pollinis said in 2021 that the decline in pollinator populations in recent years had been catastrophic.

“The figures of the current collapse are appalling,” said Nicolas Laarman.

“This generalised decline in biodiversity will have dramatic consequences on the balance of life, and it threatens the future of the next generations.”

However, in the UK of course, following Brexit, there is no longer the hope that the European Court of Justice can come to the aid of wildlife.

Environmental groups in Britain have been left fuming. Sandra Bell, of Friends of the Earth, argues that the government’s recourse to a get-out clause to escape the ban on neonics is particularly unwelcome, coming so soon after the pro-environment stance struck by the UK at the UN biodiversity talks in Montreal.

“It’s incredibly brazen to allow a bee-harming pesticide back into UK fields mere weeks after the government talked up the need for global ambition on reducing pesticides…in Montreal,” said Sandra Bell.

“This is the third consecutive year that the government has gone directly against the advice of its own scientific advisors, with potentially devastating consequences for bees and other vital pollinators. The health of us all and the planet depends on their survival.”

Her anger was echoed at a Commons debate in Westminster Hall in February, by Green MP Caroline Lucas. She said “…many members have set out the overwhelming scientific evidence of the harm caused by these pesticides.”

The government’s “continued disregard for the evidence presented by the very experts they have appointed is at best mysterious and, at worst, utterly shameful.”

Julian O’Halloran

Letters

Julian O’Halloran (Grass roots, February) believes we have wilfully ignored warning signs about Russia. Well equally we have ignored the warning signs about NATO and the west. Promises were made to Mickail Gorbachev that there would be no eastward expansion of NATO, yet this is precisely what has happened by stealth over 30 years. The democratically elected President of Ukraine was overthrown in a coup with western encouragement. Civil war broke out in eastern Ukraine. Peace deals negotiated in Minsk which would have created autonomous Russian-speaking regions were sabotaged by the west. When Russia finally did invade Ukraine the west was quick to supply Ukraine with weapons and support. When it looked like a peace deal was possible in the spring Boris Johnson was despatched to Ukraine to prevent it. The Russian Nordstream gas pipeline was blown up, almost certainly by the US - the real reason why energy prices have skyrocketed. Many of the civil rights abuses that we condemn in Russia are carried out by Ukraine as well. Unions are banned and pacifists are jailed. A ceasefire could be in place tomorrow but it wouldn’t suit the west’s desire to humiliate Russia, and it would dent the profits of the arms manufacturers.

This is what our mainstream media don’t want you to hear.

Simon Pearson

Simon Pearson suggests that the West and NATO must take much of the blame for the invasion of Ukraine and for the vast casualties on both sides. But his take on the ousting of the pro-Russian leader, Viktor Yanukovych, in 2014, is simplistic. He implies that the mass street protests which un-seated the then Ukrainian leader were somehow orchestrated from 4,000 miles away in Washington DC.

He also claims that Boris Johnson was “despatched” to Ukraine last year to kill off a likely peace deal. Who sent him? The idea of Johnson’s strings being pulled so adroitly from the White House seems far-fetched. More likely, at a time of dire poll ratings for the Tories, Johnson saw simple electoral advantage in these dashing trips to wave the flag for Ukraine. However, it is hard to disagree with Mr Pearson’s final point. When it comes to the blowing up of the Nordstream gas pipeline, there was no obvious advantage to Moscow in doing that. And, on balance, it seems that Western interests of one kind or another were more likely to blame.

Julian O’Halloran

Green Events

Sun 5 March SEED SWAP

The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 2-4.30pm, 01497 821762.

Sat 11 March & Sat 8 April PLANT SALE

Clun Methodist Church Forecourt, 10am-12pm. Proceeds to Alzheimer’s Research & Clun Methodist Church.

Sat 11 March LEISURE CENTRE OPEN DAY

Free activities throughout the day, meet the team, view the facilities and more. SpArC, Bishop’s Castle, 10am-2pm, 01588 630243.

Fri 17 March SPRING GARDEN OPEN

Hereford Cathedral, 10am-3pm, £6, www.herefordcathedral.org

March NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME

26 March - Bryngwyn Hall Llanfyllin opening. Further details www.ngs.org.uk

March 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.

Sat 1 April SHROPSHIRE WAY 80K FESTIVAL

For runners and walkers. Five events: the mighty SW80K, The Mammothon, Half-Mammothon and Tusker’s 10K. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 01588 676060, www.shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk

Fri 21 - Sun 23 April KINGTON SPRING WALKING FESTIVAL See www.kingtonwalks.org for details

Every Third Saturday in the Month PRESTEIGNE REPAIR

Presteigne Youth Centre, Hereford Street. 10am-12pm. Household items repaired for free. Info: 01544 267997.

Mondays & Wednesdays KNIGHTON MENS SHED

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

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

ENERGY ADVICE SURGERY

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

2nd Thursday of the month KINGTON KLEEN

Networking drinks. Oxford Arms, Kington, from 7pm, www.kingtonkleen.org.uk

A Quiet Place

WOODLAND FOOTPATH, KINTON

THIS Quiet Place has, and probably always will be, a personal favourite with the Cariad Wellbeing team. Squeezed in between prime sheep farming land just off the ‘Kinton Loop’, this unprepossessing bridleway/footpath takes you swiftly up into the peaceful woodlands and hills behind the pretty hamlet of Kinton, North Herefordshire.

Beautiful in all seasons in its own way, this is a fantastic place for reflection, meditation and the opportunity to adopt nature as co-therapist. Heavy rainfall in Autumn changes the footpath as water rushes off the hills and fields, streaming downwards in never ending torrents. It carries broken branches, leaves and other detritus of late Summer. The sound of running water creates instant salve for the soul, while the smaller bubbling brooks and rock pools are quite enchanting. In Winter, the trees are largely bare, but still provide sufficient cover to keep the snowfall off the paths. The slow climb to the top of the hill is both liberating and wild. Tracks on the ground speak of pheasant, rabbit and hare as the trees above bend in unison to the wicked Winter winds. The distant plaintive mewing of buzzards looking down upon a world of whiteness. Later in Spring the trees have budded again, the wild flowers have emerged, the verges are a profusion of cow parsley and pollen, and the lambs gently gambol in the undulating fields and natural grasslands. Above, huge buzzards soar silently, expertly riding the thermals. All is calm save for a light breeze which rustles among the myriad leaves in the woods. You can sense the forest breathing. The swifts return as Summer sun dapples the dusty floor, the footpath remaining cool and inviting under the woodland canopy. Where the constant movement of trees and erosion hit hard, the path is worn back to reveal its rocky strata, as squirrels scamper across the shady stones. Sounds are more muted and muffled, calm pervades once again, as the footpath waits for another season to begin.

So where are your quiet places? Drop us a line.

Dave Fletcher www.cariadwellbeing.co.uk

Copyright@2023

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 or www.hayacupunctureclinic.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY Therapeutic Massage and Yoga Classes with Clare Johnson, to help you feel more at ease and aligned physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. I work in Ludlow and Elton, near Wigmore. Please phone 07980 070675 or email clareswork@gmail. com

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

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

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

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

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

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

HAPPINESS COACHING & PERSON CENTRED

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

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

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.

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

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).

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

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

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

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

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

PARKINSON’S LIFE PROGRAMME: 1 to 1 Neuro

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

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

REFLEXOLOGY WITH ALICE Offering holistic and tailored treatments at The Body Clinic, Leominster. Reflexology can be used as a safe and effective way to support any number of physical and emotional health needs. Book online at www.thebodyclinicleominster.co.uk or contact Alice directly on reflexologywithalice@gmail.com / 07464948568. SPIRITUAL HEALER. 30 years plus experience. One-on-one healing and ‘introduction to healing’ workshops. “If you truly know yourself you will truly know freedom”. Please contact Gilly Williamson, MNFSH, Field House, Kinnerton. 01547 560874.

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

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

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

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

THE WELLNESS ROOM - Hypnotherapist and Coach. Specialising in combatting anxiety and stress, weight loss and chronic pain. Based in Hereford and online. £10 off with code: NEW10. www.thewellnessroom.org.uk.

Email: info@thewellnessroom.org.uk. Call: 07570 200133.

Workshops

Wed 1 & Thurs 2 March

SPECIAL SOUND BATH AT HELLENS MANOR

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

Fri 2 March

MINDFUL MOVEMENT IN THE GALLERY

Stillness in the Busyness; Billy Martin Taylor. Oriel Davies Gallery, The Park, Newtown, 01686 625041.

Fri 31 March

GONG BATH AT THE CHAPEL

Sound journey with Chys Blanchard. Please bring a mat & blanket. Upstairs at The Chapel, Cross St, Abergavenny, 4-5.30pm & 7.30pm-9pm, £15, 01873 852690.

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

HEDGEROW MEDICINE, KITCHEN PHARMACY

Herbal Medicine Making Courses with Rowan

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

Every Tuesday

MEDITATION EVENINGS IN NEWTOWN

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

Spring/Summer (potentially ongoing)

NEI GONG WEEKEND WORKSHOP

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