BROAD SHEEP - MAY 2023

BROAD sheep may 2023

What’s On - Herefordshire & The Marches

The Robots Are Coming

A sheep

Contents

Small Ads

Hugh’s bit

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

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

Tel: 07786 131159

Email: info@broadsheep.com

Website: www.broadsheep.com

I is going to put you all out of a job. It seems it can write and record hit songs in the style of anyone you like from Elvis to Jay-Z, paint pictures of urban sunsets in the style of Van Gogh put together film of famous peoples heads on other peoples bodies and write you a brand new Hemingway novel or Shakespeare play! Hey, that’s given me an idea. Perhaps some Chatbot could write my editorials for me I deserve a rest after 30 years. Lets give it a go. I can sign up for a free try on ‘Jasper’ and ‘Copy. ai’ I press go. 15 seconds later I have my editorial !!! It usually takes me a couple of days to get my shit together that means I’ve wasted 720 days of my life writing this nonsense when I could have been out having fun. Okay let’s see what it’s churned out. Most people are familiar with local listings magazines, which are full of restaurant reviews, store listings, and other information about the area. But what many people don’t realize is that these magazines often leave out important information. In short, local listings magazines can be useful starting points, but they rarely tell you what you need to know. If you’re looking for reliable, up-to-date information about a particular area, it’s best to do your own research. That way, you can get the complete picture and find the best options for your needs. And if you don’t have the time or energy to do your own research, you can always just take a wild guess and hope for the best!

Okay that’s quite enough of the negative bullshit. Tell me something about the music scene.

Are you a fan of rock music? If so, you’re in luck! The Welsh Borders are home to some of the most exciting live music events around. From rock concerts to festivals, there’s something for everyone. So come join us as we take a look into the exciting world of live music events on the Welsh Borders! So grab your tickets and get ready for an unforgettable experience - it’s time to rock out on the Welsh Borders!

That’s a bit more positive. Any downsides?

Attending rock concerts on the Welsh Borders can be a great experience, but there are some drawbacks that you should be aware of. From loud music to long queues and expensive tickets, there are plenty of things that can put a damper on your fun. So before you head out to your next rock concert, make sure you know the pitfalls associated with attending these events!

Hey, I said no negativity what about say ….. the local cycling scene?

Wales is a country full of incredible bike routes and trails that offer cyclists an unforgettable experience. From the Welsh Borders to the coastal paths, there are plenty of opportunities for cyclists to explore Wales by bicycle. Whether you are looking for a leisurely ride or an adventurous journey, Wales has something for everyone. So grab your helmet and get ready to hit the road - it’s time to explore the incredible bike routes of Wales!

Now you are getting the hang of it. It’s a bit too general but a much healthier tone. If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience of local cuisine, then a visit to the Welsh Borders is a must. Here, you can wander through the countryside and sample some of the most delicious traditional dishes from this region. From traditional snack bars to fine dining restaurants, there’s something for everyone in this area. You’ll be able to invigorate your senses with the unique flavours and aromas of local ingredients

while discovering all that this beautiful region has to offer. So come and explore the Welsh Borders and indulge in its delicious local cuisine!

Good. Although it’s not exactly Mr Pernickety is it? How about a more general view of the magazine?

It seems like every time you pick up a magazine, the headlines promise to tell you the “secrets” to life that you need to know. But, more often than not, what you find in magazines is far from the truth. Magazines rarely tell you what you actually need to know in order to live a successful, meaningful life. For starters, magazines rarely talk about the importance of mental health. They often portray a false image of perfection and beauty that is impossible to achieve. Magazines rarely talk about the importance of relationships, either. It’s easy to think that all relationships are based on physical attraction and romance, but in reality, healthy relationships take a lot of effort and time to sustain. Learning how to properly communicate, express yourself, and trust someone is key to having successful relationships.

What the hell do you know about physical attraction and mental health you’re a bloody computer that’s considered the question for 15 seconds.

As I said in my first paragraph if you don’t have the time or energy to do your own research, you can always just take a wild guess and hope for the best!

Look just shut it. You are meant to be helping me not talking back!

A Broad Sheep in an AI generated style of Wan Gogh

small ads

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

ent Music Shop - only a one minute walk from the main car park. Hay’s destination shop packed with pre-loved

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

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

SING FOR THE SEASONS NEW! Natural Voice singing group with Sarah Rowe, 6.30-8.30pm every first Sunday starting June 4, Lady Emily Community Hall, Tarrington. Learn uplifting rounds and part harmony songs from around the world. All experience levels welcome, no auditions or performances. £7.50, refreshments included. BOOKING REQUIRED. Email singfortheseasons@btinternet.com

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

VIOLIN LESSONS: ex Halle, ECCO, Guadagnini Trio, professional violinist RCM dip honsARCM. 30 years experience Classical, World Music traditions. Kirsten 01544 388689, kirsten.hellier@googlemail.com

DESIGNATED DESKS FOR HIRE Looking for somewhere new to work from? Get your very own desk at WorkPlace at the Ludlow Mascall Centre, available on a monthly basis. Includes Wi-Fi, parking, tea and coffee, and printer access. Hot desks also available on a daily basis. Contact director@ludlowmascallcentre.co.uk or 01584 873882 for details.

HEREFORD MALE with missing mojo seeks female partner for fun times, and whatever...

Email tingtawng@gmail.com Don’t be shy.

WANTED 1950’s-1970’s Plastic Toy Soldiers, Romans, Knights, Cowboys etc. Loose and especially boxed. Timpo trains. 0782 3443474.

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

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 June 10th and 11th. 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.

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

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

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.

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

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

www.TheMarketTheatre.com

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

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

For more details phone Clare on 07786 131159

The Coronation: hugh’s bit

The lesser of two evils: Boy Bishops Day has arrived again, reviving a mediaeval tradition. The Lord of Anarchy and Misrule takes over the town and a boy is crowned on the bishop’s throne and everybody gets the day off. Party time like Mardi Gras or the Day of the Dead. Long ago when kings were Kings and bishops were Bishops with castles and armies, the Boy Bishops carnival was a brief lawless safety valve for the rest of us who laboured all year under the yoke of the aristocracy and were kept in thrall by the church’s miserable talk of Hell and Sin. In our modern masquerade we will be putting a pet white elephant on the throne instead of a boy. His ears are that size anyway. They stop the crown from slipping down round his neck. Dressing up our pets as leaders is absurd, but not new. Roman Emperor Caligula tried to make his horse into a consul, just as the Tories dress up any old backbench donkey as a Lord, frothing at the mouth with rabid prejudices.

It’s the charade our boy has been waiting for all his life; enough silk, precious stones, gold and silver, fur collars, magic orbs, enchanted swords, crowns and wands to cause spinal impaction were he not being carried to his throne in a gold encrusted pram with his fairy queen at his side, swimming in a froth of white lace. Rumour has it that he has been doing weights at Frogmore House in order to cope. Which brings me to the extraordinary fate-tempting names the Royals chose. Like Frog-more. If you kiss the front door knob, will it change into Prince Andrew? and Charles III…. The original C1 had his head chopped off in 1649. So a pointed reminder to the white elephant not to exceed his powers? One of William’s children is called Louis. After Louis XVIIIIII etc. of France or Louis Mountbatten perhaps, who both paid for their royal status with their lives.

By these libels I celebrate that for nearly 4 centuries now we neither prosecute our rulers for being absurd nor those who ridicule the absurdity of our rulers. Sadly this has yet to apply in India where Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has been sentenced to 2 years in jail for telling a joke about Prime Minister Modi. It’s the same in Turkey, Iran, Russia, Rwanda, China etc. Nor do we behead our “leaders”; we just pillory them, take the piss, cut them down to size, but only in speech and not in deed. As far back as 1689 James II was sent packing down the Thames in a skiff without his trousers on otherwise known as The Glorious Revolution - rather than being dragged to the block. There was no coming back from the humiliation, though his grandson, another Silly Prince Charlie, did try. Back in the 1800s the cartoonist Gilray could publish pictures of the future Queen as a roly poly plum pudding shitting in the street, and of the Prime Minister, Pitt the younger as an Excrescence, a fungus, and a toadstool growing on the dunghill of Parliament. Sadly the absurd Mr Zandawi, our boy Chancellor for one day of genuine misrule last year and briefly also Minister for Education is somehow ignorant of our robust traditions of freedom of speech (and of paying tax). He told headmasters to stop pupils writing essays that criticised Boris Johnson. In one

of his few agreeable acts Boris let it be known that we could go on saying what we liked so long as he could go on doing what he liked.

More Absurdity: My parents were invited to one of those royal garden parties that recently made the headlines with the infamous “But where are you weally fwom?” remark. There were instructions with the invite about parking and sandwiches, and this directive: “Ladies will not be wearing tiaras”. Even my mother laughed…

Absurdity therefore laughter therefore tolerance are three reasons to remain a grudging 51% advocate of monarchy, because otherwise there is no possible logic for such a patently out-of-date unkind hereditary system except the steam-roller of tradition. It is the indefensible summit of Goonery, of Spitting Imagery, of Python and Pratchett and yet defensible because then none can take seriously the buffoonery at the heart of government. The greater of two evils: The Democratic Alternative. We need a head of state with a few essential powers. The alternative to King Charles is Queen Theresa, President Farage, even David Attenborough in our dreams; a Keeper of the Constitution, either elected by Parliament or directly by us. In 1999 most Australians were opposed to the colonial Monarch, but when given the choice of having their own corrupt or played out politician instead, appointed by their parliament, they preferred to keep Our Gracious Queen.

The Irish were cursed with De Valera as their head of state for decades, the dark agent of the rotten theocracy of 20th C. Catholic Ireland. Then they elected a string of retired/corrupt politicians until finally they heaved off the yoke of the Church and elected Mary Robinson, later UN commissioner for refugees, and then Mary McAleese, two humane women (at last), making a better argument for directly electing your Head of State. However on the crest of some confected Daily Mail scandal, Netflix factoid docu-drama or social media conspiracy theory, we might elect Presidents Farage, Lineker, or even Stewart Lee - the Ukrainians elected Zelensky, - a comedian only pretending to be President. It’s a relief to realise that little toni blair could never get elected by popular vote (been there, done it, got the scars) BUT! he might well get the job by a stitch-up among the donkeys in parliament.

The risk of getting e.g. Clarkson by direct vote or baby boris indirectly “kicked upstairs” as our ceremonial head of state is too great, so despite the mental cruelty of training generations of frogs + spares to believe they are fairy tale princes and princesses in an involuntary life-long soap opera & zoo like that excellent film The Truman Show I am still 51% a monarchist, though I hate the deference, the class system and the plummy aristocratic assumptions of all the vulgarly over-dressed people with more money than me, and will not be watching the mumbo-jumbo (because he really is an elephant) Disneyworld confection of mythological tat and weirdness. I will be up in the unruly hills well away from the flags and the bunting.

© Hugh Colvin 2023

POWYS

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

Open Thurs-Sat, 10.30am - 4pm.

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

Until 20 May ‘Thirty Years of Landscape’. PHILIP HUGHES.

Until June ‘In Praise of Shadows’. JONY EASTERBY & PIPPA TAYLOR.

25 May - 29 July ‘Sometimes | Miss

The Applause’. DEAN CROSS.

Until 30 Sept ‘The Buzzer’. RICK GRESWELL - sculpture (outdoors).

Until 30 Sept ‘Inside Out’.

KATE HARVEY - sculpture (outdoors).

May ‘Dead Standing’. JONY EASTERBY - sculpture (outdoors).

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

May 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. Wed-Sat 10am-4pm.

Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown 01686 625041

Until 21 Sept ‘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

7 April - 25 June ‘Inspired Inspiration: Thinking with Colours’. ALICE KIRBY & MELTHAM ARIKAN. Open theatre times.

The Table & The Chair, 43 Lion St, Hay-on-Wye 01497 822802

www.thetablehay.com

Until 13 May SIMON QUADRAT, DAN WILLIAMS & SAM HALL.

20 May - 24 June SOPHIE WINDHAM & LYDIA KIERNAN. Open Thurs-Sat 10am-3pm.

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

Until 14 May CHARLOTTE BAXTERprints. DANIEL BOYLE - ceramics.

15 May - 9 July Festival Exhibition. CARRY AKROYD - prints. KIM DONALDSON - ceramics.

CORNELIUS VAN DOP - silver boxes. NADEGE HONEY & ANGELA SOULIER - jewellery. Open Mon-Sat 10.30am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

Minerva Arts Centre, High Street, Llanidloes 01686 413467

Until 20 May ‘Pathways: Lines and Journeys’. Contemporary work by Tangent Textiles Group plus collaborative work from local organisations.

27 May - 24 June Wool & Willow Festival. Showcasing unique, handmade products by willow and textile artists from Wales and the Borders. Open daily 10.30am-4.30pm.

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

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

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

Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, Near Newtown 01686 688369

Until 7 May CERI PRITCHARD - new paintings. Collaboration with Ceri Pritchard and filmmakers JACOB

DEAKIN & LUKE AUGUR. LORRAINE MORLEY & GEMMA HUGHESinstallations. OWEN THORPEceramics. ANGELA THORPElithographs.

21 May - 2 July NEIL JOHNSON, JOHN SMOUT, ERIC ROWAN & JONATHAN MIDDLEMISS.

Thurs-Sun, 11am-4pm.

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

Knighton Fine Art, 2 Broad Street, Knighton 01547 528052

www.knightonfineart.co.uk

knightonfineart@btinternet.com

May Spring landscapes by JOAN BAKER, JULIENNE BRAHAM, SUSIE CAWLEY, CELIA DE SERRA, EDGAR HOLLOWAY, GRETCHEN IND, JOSH PARTRIDGE, STUART ROPER & BRONTË WOODRUFF. Plus pottery, ceramics, woodwork, driftwood, tin sculptures and greenting cards. Wed-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm. Hay Castle, Oxford Rd, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5DG 01497 820079

www.haycastletrust.org

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.

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

Until 20 May ‘The Concrete & The Clay’. DAVID COLLYERphotographs. AGNIESZKA POHLceramics. ROY POWELLretrospective artist.

24 May - 24 June ‘Early Summer Finds’. VANNESSA POMEROYartist. MARY KENNY - pottery. TIM COLLIER - photographs. HELEN MUNDAY - basket maker.

Open Tues-Sat 10am-4.30pm. The Art Shop, Cross St, Abergavenny NP7 5EH 01873 852690

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

12 May - 24 June ‘Mappa Marches’. Celebrating the solace and magic of the Marches landscape, history and culture. HELEN ARTHUR, ADRIENNE CRADDOCK, SHELLIE BYATT, DAVID ENGLAND & NICK CRADDOCK.

13 May - 24 June ‘After the Light’. KUMA SARAFF - paintings.

Open Tues-Sat 9.30am-5pm.

Angela Howard, Apple Store Gallery, Hereford

Botanical Eco Print Workshop, The Hive, Shrewsbury

Helen Arthur, The Art Shop, Abergavenny

John Piper, Elmslie House, Malvern

Agnieszka Pohl, Found Gallery, Brecon

Kevin Sinott, Found Gallery, Brecon

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 20 May ‘A Whispering Noise Breaks the Silence’. JOHN CLOW.

Until 10 June ‘Bring the Story Inside’. NEALE HOWELLS.

Until 10 June SLQS: Roan/m

Until 6 Sept ‘The Land We Live In’. The Tabernacle Collection.

Until 10 June ‘Against All Odds’. SPIKE BLACKHURST.

Until 15 June ‘Hope. Echoes of Mabinogion’. Open Wed-Fri

10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm.

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.

Pavilion Mid Wales, Llandrindod Wells LD1 5EY 01597 258118

www.pavilionmidwales.org.uk

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

HEREFORDSHIRE

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

www.georginafranklin.co.uk

GEORGINA FRANKLINjewellery. Individual contemporary design. Commissions undertaken. Weavers Gallery, Church Lane, Ledbury 07881 926661

2 - 7 & 22 - 28 May ARTISTREE, new work. Open 10.30am-4.30pm, daily.

Grange Court, Leominster 01568 612779

6 - 24 June LEOMINSTER ART GROUP. Art exhibition. Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm.

St Michael and All Angel’s Church, Bodenham, HR1 3JU

25 May - 7 June ‘The Knitted Bible Exhibition’. Discover hundreds of knitted models portraying 35 of the best known bible stories. Craft stalls and refreshments, Saturday breakfast baps. Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 12-4pm, free entry.

Old Stable Gallery, Leominster Tourist Information Centre, Corn Square, Leominster 01568 616460 May Leominster Meeting Centre. Mon-Sat 9.30am-4pm.

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

Hereford Cathedral, Cathedral Close, Hereford 01432 374200

3 - 19 May ‘Coronation Exhibition’. Photographs from royal visits throughout the years, an archive display of royal seals and documents and a selection of artwork by local primary school children. Free entry, open during normal Cathedral opening hours.

Mappa Mundi & Chained Library, Hereford Cathedral, 01432 374200

1 May - 30 Sept ‘Cathedral: City: County’. This exhibition uses items from across the archive collections to show the many and varied links that the cathedral has had with those who lived and worked both within and beyond its walls. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Normal admission charges apply.

South Chapel, All Saints Church, Hereford 01432 370414

1 - 6 May Love Zimbabwe. Fairtrade arts, crafts and charity information.

8 - 13 May Local craft sale.

15 - 20 May THE GOLDEN VALLEY CRAFT SOCIETY.

29 May - 3 June SIAN THOMASstained glass.

5 June - 10 June Love Zimbabwe. Fairtrade arts, crafts and charity information. Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm.

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

www.madeinthemarches.com

May CLARE CONRAD - ceramics. PETER HORROCKS earth pigment paintings. SIWAN - abstract landscapes. Alongside by cooperative members: NICKI CORNISH, REBECCA FINNEY, JO FLETCHER, NANCY FROST, FREYA GAMBLE-MAPES, TESSA GAVIN, JANE KEAY, CELIA KIBBLEWHITE, SUE LEAVETT, CLARE LESTER, CLAIR MURPHY & HELEN SMITH. Beautiful work from local artists and makers, including ceramics, paintings, prints, clothes, jewellery, sculpture, stone, wood, ironwork, basketry cards and gifts. Commissions and vouchers available. Open Tues–Sat, 11am-4pm.

Canwood Gallery, Checkley HR1 4NF 01568 760242

www.canwoodgallery.com

5 May - 11 June ‘Alone Together’. An exhibition exploring aloneness including an immersive print installation by LEONIE BRADLEY, JESS BUGLER & PRERNA CHANDIRAMANI.

11 - 28 May ‘Fragile Beasts’. STEPHANIE RODGERS, illuminating many environmental issues that face us today and bringing people closer to nature. The Gallery also features work by local and international artists including CARL ANDRE, NICOLE FARHI, TRACEY EMIN & DAMIEN HURST, together with a sculpture trail set in 10 acres. Cafe. Free entry. Thurs-Sun 11am-4pm.

St Peter & St Paul Priory Church, Leominster 01568 612124

www.leominsterpriory.org.uk

2 - 9 May ‘The Crown and Our Town’. A free exhibition in the historic Priory exploring Leominster’s surprising history with the Crown over 1400 years through artefacts, displays, flowers and more. Featuring King Merewald, the Herefordshire Hoard, rebellious barons, Prince Owain Glyndwr, Queen Mary I’s charter, local celebrations for George V’s coronation. Refreshments available. Open daily 10am-4pm.

Oxenham Art, Broad St, Leominster HR6 8BT 01568 611898

May COLIN DAVIES - seascape paintings, EVA POLLARD - glass sun catchers and jewellery, KENNETH BRIDGES - landscape paintings, JANE HICKMAN - batik painting. Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-3pm

Market Hall, Kington 07977 978676 3rd Saturday of the month, until Dec Print, paint, wood, wool, paper, metalwork, ceramics, baskets and more. 9:30am-3:30pm, anna@akcrafts.co.uk

The Courtyard, Hereford 01432 340555

5 May - 3 June Hereford Community Farm. Showcasing the work of Hereford Community Farm through mixed media, installations and photographs. Open theatre times.

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

www.applestoregallery.com

Until 3 June ‘Surroundings’. ANGELA HOWARD - work inspired by the environment and people around. 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

Until 13 May Guest exhibition by JANE FOOT.

18 May - 14 June Guest exhibition by WALTER CHERRY.

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

May New work from RACHEL SUDWORTH & DIANE SHORLESON plus gallery artists JOHN MAXELL STEELE, ZOE TAYLOR, STUART ELLIS, LAYLA MURR, TESSA HOUGHTON & JO JENKINS and more. Open Thurs-Sat 10-4pm.

Elmslie House, 8 Avenue Rd, Great Malvern WR14 3AG 07714 106386 Email richard@fiftiesart.com

26 May - 4 June ‘Original and Unusual: A New Mid-Century Selection’. Showcasing paintings and original prints by a wide range of artists active in the 1950s and 1960s. Includes works by KATHARINE CHURCH, GARRICK PALMER, ROWLAND SUDDABY & JOHN PIPER. Plus a special display of low cost etchings, lithographs and woodcuts. Open Fri, private view, 6-8pm, (please contact Richard to attend). Sun 11am-3pm, all other days 11am-4pm. The Fifties Art Cafe will be open each weekend.

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

May 13 - 30 June Hay Festival

Exhibition @OCG. New work includes oil on canvas, pencil drawings, pen and ink drawings, mixed media, ceramics, stained glass, needle felt, pewter art, jewellery. LYNDA JONES, CAT SANTOS, KARIN CELESTINE, TAMSIN ABBOTT, MARIA SANTOS-ALCANTARA, SUE HAYDEN.

From 13 May and throughout the year ‘Splendour in the Grass’. An ever-changing collection of unique sculptures for your outdoor space in a variety of media including forged iron, carved stone, stone resin, iron resin, bronze resin, glass and 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

May Open by appointment.

SHROPSHIRE

The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury 01743 234970

Tues-Fri 10am-4.30pm.

St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow

www.ludlowartsociety.org.uk

secretary@ludlowartsociety.org.uk

1 May LUDLOW ART

SOCIETY. An eclectic group of artists covering many genres, informal meetings monthly and regular guest speakers. Modest membership fee and exhibitions twice a year.

Open 10am-4pm.

FBC Manby Bowdler Gallery, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury 01743 281281

Until 31 July ‘A Passing Portrait’. MALCOLM HAGUE. Mon-Sat from 10am.

Friday 12th May 12 noon - 5pm

Saturday 13th May 10am - 4pm

Bishop’s Castle Town Hall 01588 630023

www.bishopscastletownhall.co.uk

6 May Antiques & Flea Market, 9am-4pm.

Until 20 May CATHERINE JONES

27 May - 24 June ALAN JEFFERIES.

3 June Antiques & Flea Market, 9am-4pm.

10 June Craft Fair. Two floors of stalls with a large selection of locally mad crafts, Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm.

Mrs Jones Art Shop & Gallery, 118 Longden Coleham, Shrewsbury SY3 7DU 01743 245134

www.mrsjonesgallery.co.uk

11 - 25 May ‘M is for Maker’. Open Wed-Sat 10.30am-4pm.

THE CROWN AND OUR TOWN

Festival marking the Coronation of King Charles III

2nd - 9th May 2023, 10am-4pm daily

Leominster Priory

A free exhibition in the historic Priory exploring Leominster’s surprising history with the Crown over 1,400 years through artefacts, displays, flowers and more! Refreshments available.

Featuring King Merewald, the Herefordshire Hoard story, rebellious barons, Prince Owain Glyndwr, Queen Mary I’s charter, local celebrations for George V’s coronation!

Sun 7th May 2023 6.30pm

Leominster Community Coronation Service

Massed choirs, brass band, historical characters and dancing. All welcome, free. Fancy hats encouraged!

More information: www.leominsterfestival.org

www.leominsterpriory.org.uk

Facebook Leominster Priory, Facebook Leominster Festival or 01568 612124

The Priory Church of St Peter and St Paul, Leominster. www.leominsterpriory.org.uk

SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321

May 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

5 May - 2 June ‘Borderland Visual Arts’. Group show of abstract landscape. Open Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm, Thurs until 8pm during term times. Assembly Rooms, Mill St, Ludlow www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk 01584 878141

Until 6 May ‘Abstract Edge’. Paintings, prints, photographs and sculpture.

12 May - 8 July ‘Grounded in Beauty’.

JACKIE YEOMANS & CARA

CAMPBELL. Mon - Sat 10am-7.30pm.

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

Until June ‘Monument to the Vanquished. Part 2. Rural Rebels. A Meadow Arts project with artist Leah Gordon and researcher Annabel Edwards that explores the social history of land enclosure in England and Wales. Open 10am-4pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

Aardvark Books, The Bookery, Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan, near Bucknell SY7 0DH 01547 530744 www.aardvark-books.com

1 & 28 May Car Boot, lots of stalls of fantastic carbootery, plus live music and hot food. Pitches £12 bookable in advance. Entrance and parking free.

Tues-Sun 10am-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

May 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.

Bedstone & Hopton Castle Village Hall, Bedstone 01547 530282

13 May Spring Sale. Soup lunches, tea/coffee, bric-a-brac, books, produce, table top sales, 11am-2pm.

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.

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

Original and Unusual: a new mid-century selection

Friday 26th May - Sunday 4th June

Elmslie House

8 Avenue Road, Great Malvern, WR14 3AG

This exhibition showcases paintings and original prints by a wide range of artists active in the 1950s and ‘60s. It includes works by: Katharine ChurCh, GarriCK Palmer, rowland Suddaby and John PiPer, and a special display of low cost etchings, lithographs and woodcuts.

Friday 26th May: 6.00pm-8.00pm Private View: please contact Richard Turkington to attend. Saturday 27th May: 11.00am-4.00pm

Sunday 28th May: 11.00am-3.00 pm

Monday 29th May - Sunday 4th June: 11.00am-4.00pm

The Fifties Art Cafe will be open each weekend

For more information, please contact Richard Turkington at richard@fiftiesart.com or on 07714 106386

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

TEXTILE WORKSHOPS WITH ANGIE HUGHES

Zoom and face to face creative workshops including machine and hand embroidery, print and mixed media techniques. Based in Ledbury. Email angie@angiehughes.com tel 07533 362900.

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

RECYCLED GLASS FUSING

Learn to cut, prepare, fire and fuse recycled glass. Create light-catchers, tea light stands or pictures. Half day workshop £30 / person. Includes all materials and homemade refreshments. Workshops arranged to suit you, and / or your friends up to max. 5 people. frances@artsinthemarches.co.uk

BASKETMAKING USING RUSH

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

CREATIVE BREAKS

Learn a new skill and explore your creativity with experienced tutors, all based in beautiful countryside with outstanding views and local produce. We offer a wide range of courses throughout the year:- Basketmaking, Upholstery, Felting, Rag Rug Making, Sculpture, Stone Carving, Dichroic Glass, Plant Dyeing, Natural Dyes, Herbal Medicine, Siminagashi, Rush Basketry, Creating a Sketchbook, Jewellery, Glass Fusing, Hand Block Printing, Sewing, Stained Glass, Weaving, Linocutting, Painting and Drawing, Japanese Woodblock, Printmaking, Weaving Wire, Woodcarving and Pottery. For full details visit www.creativebreaks.co.uk Make it yourself - take it home - treasure it – or give it with pride!

May HEREFORD CATHEDRAL

15 May - Dementia Action Week: Coffee & Games morning, 10.30am-12pm, free but booking is required. 24 May - Lego Club, for ages 8-14, 3.30-4.30pm. Mondays, term time - Toddler Group, craft activities and prayer; suitable 1-3 years, 9.30am, free. Hereford Cathedral, 01432 374225, www.herefordcathedral.org

May 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 Spring. POTTERS WHEEL COURSES 6, 8, 20, 27 & 28 May. Weekend: £280 Day: £150 per person. Spend the weekend or day relaxing and creating pots on the potter’s wheel. CLAY MODELLING 30 May. £25 per person. Themed Pottery Fun for all the family at Eastnor Pottery. Eastnor Pottery, Home Farm, Eastnor, near Ledbury. Please check availablity and book www.eastnorpottery. co.uk Email admin@eastnorpottery.co.uk or tel 01531 633886.

May MID WALES ARTS CENTRE

20 May - Silversmithing Workshop, beginners to advanced, 10am-4pm, £85. Wed - Weeklly Art talks, 2-4pm, free. 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. Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, Newtown, 01686 688369.

May CUP CERAMICS WORKSHOPS

5 May - Throwing on the Wheel taster, 10am-12.30pm.

13 May - Simple Mould Making Course, 2pm-5pm, £40.

14 May - Pottery Taster Course, £45. 20 May - One Day Intensive Pottery Course. If you are new to clay this course will introduce you to making pots on a wheel, throwing and hand-building pots, for all abilities, £125.

21 May - HCA Student Fundraiser Raku event. A day of Raku firing to support this year’s cohort of HCA students, £10. CUP Ceramics Community, Unit 10, Foley Trading Estate, Hereford. For more information and bookings www.cupceramics.com

May HAY CASTLE

Clore Learning Space, Hay Castle, Hay-on-Wye, 01497 820079.

May & June ORIEL DAVIES GALLERY WORKSHOPS

Thursdays until 18 May - Clay Workshops with Vicky Ware, 12.30pm-4pm. Fridays 16 June - 21 July - Spoon Carving with Graham Beadle, 1-4pm. Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown, 01686 625041.

May & June VICKI NORMAN STUDIO

11 - 15 May - Westcott Barton Painting Retreat.

6 - 8 June - 3 Day Painting Retreat at Acton Scott Hall.

25 - 30 June - Painting on Location in West Cornwall. Full details email vicki@vickinormanstudio.com

May & June THE HIVE WORKSHOPS

11, 25 May & 8 June - Natural Crafting Workshops for ages 11+, free, 2-4pm. 30 May - Botanical Eco-Prints. Learn how to create your own botanical contact prints with fresh leaves and flowers on paper and fabric. Suitable for all the family (over 10+), 10am, free. 1 June - ABCs of Podcasting. Aimed at 14-18 year olds. Develop skills in recording, producing and editing, 10am-3pm, free, please bring a packed lunch. Every Tues - Life Drawing for all ages, 7-9pm, £8. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 01743 234970.

May & June SIDNEY NOLAN WORKSHOPS

13 May - Cultivate, a creative programme for 15-25 year olds, 10am-2pm, The Rodd, Presteigne. 17 - 22 MayMAKE, an arts and creative club for young people aged 10-14 on Mondays (term time), 3.30pm-5pm at the Youth Centre, Presteigne. 3 June - Drypoint Printmaking - The Birds and the Bees with Helen Arthur, 1.30pm-5pm, £50, Sidney Nolan Trust, The Rodd, Presteigne. To book01544 260149 or www.sidneynolantrust.org

May & June QUILT ASSOCIATION WORKSHOPS

16 May - Paint and Batik Landscapes on Teabags with Jenny O’Leary, £60,

22 June - Introduction to Eco Printing with Jane Hunter, £60. Minerva Arts Centre, High Street, Llanidloes 01686 413467. Email chris.shercliff@quilt.org.uk

May MELISSA HUNT JEWELLERY COURSES

Melissa Hunt, Brampton Bryan, all courses 10am-4pm, £120 for day workshops including materials, www.melissahuntjewellery.com

Sat 13 May

COPPERPLATE CAPITALS

For beginners or improvers, this will be a great workshop with internationally renowned calligrapher Rachel Yallop. 10-4pm @ Monkland Village Hall. £20 members or £25 visitors. To book: ring 01544 327657. Marches Scribes.

Sun 4 June

NEEDLE-FELTING WORKSHOP

Create a scene-in-a-mug such as a duck pond or cottage, completely out of wool. All tuition and materials provided. Bodenham Parish Hall, HR1 3LB, 10am-2pm, £35 including refreshments, contact SMaxwellSAM@aol.com

Sat 24 & Sun 25 June

INTRODUCTION TO BRUSH LETTERING ON PAPER & FABRIC

Learn the techniques of using an edged brush via patterns through to simple letters and a completed project. Suitable for beginners or more experienced. Brooms Green Village Hall, GL18 2DP. ONLY 4 PLACES LEFT!! £80 including all materials plus brush pack to use & take home. To secure a place or for more info, please contact Caroline Owen-Thomas: ilovelettering2@gmail.com

Sat 1 & Sun 2 July & Sat 30 Sept & Sun 1 Oct

STONE CARVING COURSES

With Lottie O’Leary. A two day course for all abilities. £270 inclusive os stone, lunches, tea and coffee. Knighton, LD7 1PN. Bookings 01547 528792, oleary. lottie@gmail.com www.lottieolearystonecarver.co.uk

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 628627.

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.

GEORGINA FRANKLIN

You needn’t be an American basketball fan to enjoy this highly engaging film about sport-shoe titan Nike trying to secure rising superstar Michael Jordan as brand ambassador. Set in the 1980s when Nike’s basketball division was struggling for commercial traction with a lacklustre roster of signed players, Matt Damon, wearing what I suspect is a modest fatsuit, is their scout, Sonny Vaccaro who’s bold, nay wild idea is to sign the star against all odds, not least a measly budget set by tetchy Nike boss, Phil Knight (Ben Affleck, also directing). After dodging company protocol, Sonny has first to convince Jordan’s mother, the always impressive Viola Davis (HIDDEN FIGURES), outwit a foul-mouthed agent (Chris Messina, also in Affleck’s ARGO) and convince his sceptical strategist colleague (Jason Bateman, T.V.’s OZARK) that his is the way to go. And after ramped-up tension and hilarious fast-talking, well… Air Jordan boots remain Nike’s best seller. All reviews by Mark Williams

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW

1 May RYE LANE (15)

8 & 10 May DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES (12A)

11 May GODLAND (12A)

9 May IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING (15)

15 May MOONLIGHT SONATA

LAR Film Club

22 - 25 May UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY (12A)

26, 27 & 29 May THE SUPER MARIO BROS MOVIE (PG)

29 May ONE FINE MORNING (15)

30 & 31 May POLITE SOCIETY (15)

Assembly Rooms, Mill St, Ludlow, 01584 873229

BRECON FILM SOCIETY

1 May THE QUIET GIRL (12A)

5 June ALI AND AVA (15)

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

CONQUEST, BROMYARD

5 May THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN (15)

6 May CORONATION OF THE KING Conquest Theatre, Bromyard. 01885 488575

COURTYARD, HEREFORD

2 & 3 May LUNANA: A YAK IN THE CLASSROOM (PG)

2 - 4 May MAGIC MIKE’S LAST DANCE (15)

2 - 13 May THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE (PG)

2 - 22 May GOD’S CREATURES (15)

5 May - 1 June THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY (PG)

6 May SING-A-LONG-A ENCANTO

6 May LITTLE EGGS: AFRICAN ADVENTURE (U) free pre-activity from 10.30am

15 - 23 May ONE FINE MORNING (15)

19 & 24 May IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING: KING CRIMSON AT 50 (15)

22 - 25 May AS BESTAS (THE BEASTS) (15)

22 - 26 May RYE LANE (15)

25 May - 1 June RENFIELD (15)

26 - 30 May LE BLUE DU CAFTAN (THE BLUE CAFTAN) (ctbc)

26 May RETURN TO SEOUL (15)

27 May DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOUR AMONG THIEVES (12A) Cosplay screening

30 May - 3 June DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOUR AMONG

THIEVES (12A)

The Courtyard Theatre, Edgar St, Hereford 01432 340555

2 May BELFAST (12) Lydbury North VH 01588 680302

3 May LIVING (12A) Cardington VH 01694 771295

5 May THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN (15) Conquest Theatre, Bromyard 01885 488575

5 May MRS HARRIS GOES TO PARIS (PG) Fownhope New Memorial Hall 01432 860717

6 May MAMMA MIA! (PG) Little Witley VH 01886 888122

6 May THE LOST KING (12A)

Leominster Community Centre 01568 616411

6 May THE LOST KING (12A) Coalbrookdale & Ironbridge Community Centre 01952 433297

9 May BREAD AND TULIPS (12A) St Mary’s Church Hall, Ross on Wye 07789 778048

9 May THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN (15) Garway Hall 01600 750465

10 May ABOUT TIME (12) Hope Bowdler VH 01694 723648

10 May SEE HOW THEY RUN (12A) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07867 517125

11 May EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE (15) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321

11 May A BUNCH OF AMATEURS (U) Leintwardine Community Centre 07572 442903

12 May DOWNTON ABBEY - A NEW ERA (PG) Knighton Community Centre 07964 023841

12 May WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING (15) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125

12 May THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN (15) Clungunford VH 01588 660159

13 May A WALK IN THE WOODS (15) Bayston Hill Memorial Hall 07843 413653

13 May A BOUT DE SOUFFLE (12A)

The Coach House Theatre, Malvern 01684 892277

13 May LE MEPRIS (15) The Coach House Theatre, Malvern 01684 892277

13 May UNE FEMME EST UNE FEMME (PG) The Coach House Theatre, Malvern 01684 892277

13 May THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN (15) Cawley Hall, Eye 01568 615836

14 May MASCULIN FEMININ (12)

The Coach House Theatre, Malvern 01684 892277

14 May PERROT LE FOU (15)

The Coach House Theatre, Malvern 01684 892277

14 May ALPHAVILLE (12A)

The Coach House Theatre, Malvern 01684 892277

15 May TICKET TO PARADISE (12)

The Red House, Albrighton 01902 373854

16 May THE LOST KING (12A) Acton Scott VH 01694 781260

18 May A MAN CALLED OTTO (15)

Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton 07508 072206

18 May TICKET TO PARADISE (12)

Kinnerley Parish Hall 01691 683619

19 May TOP GUN - MAVERICK (12)

Bosbury Parish Hall 01531 640333

19 May GOOD LUCK TO YOU, LEO GRANDE (15) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125

20 May LIVING (12A) Upton upon Severn Memorial Hall 01684 592273

20 May LIVING (12A) Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington 01432 890720

23 May MR MALCOM’S LIST (PG)

SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321

25 May THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN (15) Goodrich VH 01600 890609

25 May THE DUKE (12A) Grimley

Peach Hall, Sinton Green 01905 641572

25 May THE PHANTOM OF THE OPEN (12) Much Birch Community Hall 01981 540097

26 May LIVING (12A) Colwall VH 07891 668124

26 May MRS HARRIS GOES TO PARIS (PG) The Simpson Hall, Burghill 07726 148736

26 May COMPARTMENT NO. 6 (15)

Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125

27 May BLINDED BY THE LIGHT (12A) Little Witley VH 01886 888122

31 May THE BAD GUYS (U)

Shropshire Hills Discover Centre, Craven Arms 01588 676060

THE HAFREN, NEWTOWN

11 May SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN Dementia Friendly.

Girl-meets-boy-meets-problems-and-have-some-laughs is a reliable rom-com recipe but for many reasons this one is way above the usual saccharine sweetness. Firstly, the main characters here are of Caribbean descent living in run-down South London, secondly the script by T.V. writers Nathan Bryon and Tom Melia isn’t afraid to play on the prejudices and mores that go along with that territory and thirdly, the little-known actors bring a genuine, utterly beguiling candour to their roles. David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah are the mixed-matched teenagers Dom and Yas whose unlikely, even wince-worthy meeting gradually builds into a sort of mutually risk-taking, back-watching even combative companionship with often hilarious results, especially a restaurant scene with Dom’s ex-girlfriend (Karene Peter) who’d been two-timing him with his best friend (Benjamin Sarprong-Boni), and Raine Allen-Miller’s breezily paced debut feature is infused with an infectious joyfulness. A real if perhaps unlikely ‘must-see’.

31 May A MAN CALLED OTTO (15) The Hafren, Newtown, 01686 948100.

HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN

26 May CARBON: THE UNAUTHORISED BIOGRAPHY

26 May SUPER TELESCOPE

26 May ATLAS OF A CHANGING EARTH

27 May KILLER ASTEROID: DEFENDING EARTH

27 May QUENTIN BLAKE: THE DRAWING OF MY LIFE

27 May THE SECRET LIFE OF SEALS

27 May EXTRAORDINARY ECOSYSTEMS

27 May YOUR 100 YEAR LIFE 27 May WHY DO WE EVEN WORK?

27 May CASTRO’S SPIES 27 May THE BOWRAVILLE MURDERS

28 May JACK B. YEATS: THE MAN WHO PAINTED IRELAND 28 May MALAYSIA’S LAST TIGERS

28 May SAVING THE WILD: ELEPHANTS

29 May T-REX: AN EVOLUTIONARY JOURNEY

How The Light Gets In Festival. Just off Newport St, Hay-on-Wye, www.howthelightgetsin.org

THE LOFT, HEREFORD

5 May RETURN OF THE JEDI (U)

6 May CORONATION PARTY + THE KING’S SPEECH (12A)

8 May EPIC TAILS (U)

12 May MAGIC MIKE’S LAST DANCE (15)

14 May TOP GUN: MAVERICK (12A)

21 May THE FABELMANS (12A)

26 May MEGAN (15)

27 May MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON (PG)

27 May WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT (12A)

28 May ANTMAN & THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA (12)

28 May FILM QUIZ

29 May COCAINE BEAR (15)

The Loft, 18a West St, Hereford HR4 0BX 01432 507460

MKT. THEATRE, LEDBURY

10 May SEE HOW THEY RUN (12)

12 May WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING (15)

24 May FILM In aid of St Michael’s Hospice (U)

26 May COMPARTMENT NO. 6 (15)

Market Theatre, Market St, Ledbury 07967 517125

RYE LANE (15)

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOUR AMONGST THIEVES (12A)

LIVE EVENTS ON SCREEN

4 May GOOD

National Theatre live (subtitled). The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555.

6 May KING CHARLES IIITHE CORONATION

Live on screen. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 9am, (free of charge), 01885 488575.

9 May GOOD

National Theatre. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7pm, 07967 517125.

13 May GOOD

Normally shunning video-game spin-offs or sword’n’sorcerer fare, I was however intrigued by its visually astounding, laugh-out-loud trailer which ultimately proved well worth the ticket price. It begins with smooth-talking thief, Edgin (Chris Pine) and his pal Holga (Michelle Rodrigues) breaking out of a very nasty jail in search of Edgin’s estranged daughter, Kira, now the ward of his best friend-turned-double-crossing tyrant, Forge (a riotously OTT Hugh Grant). Soon joined by a decidedly low-rent wizard (Justice Smith) and human-hating druid (Sophia Lillis), and rattling along at a heady pace, their (mis–)adventures inevitably involve, well, dungeons, dragons and a great deal of carnage. A tad long at 134 minutes but the young writer/directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein maximise what I’m told is the appeal of the franchise and if you enjoy a jolly romp, you won’t go wrong. Oh, and see it with awesome DolbyAtmos sound if possible.

OLD MARKET HALL, SHREWS

Until 11 May THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY (PG) Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281.

REGAL CINEMA, TENBURY

2 & 4 May A GOOD PERSON (15)

5 & 9 May RYE LANE (15)

12, 13, 15 & 16 May ALLELUJAH (12A)

19, 22 & 23 May CHAMPIONS (12)

29 & 30 May SHAZAM! FURY OF THE GODS (12)

Regal Cinema, Teme St, Tenbury Wells, 01584 811442

SAVOY, MONMOUTH

1 & 2 May THE SUPER MARIO BROS MOVIE (PG)

1 - 4 May GOD’S CREATURES (15)

Savoy Theatre, Church St, Monmouth 01600 772467

SPARC, BISHOP’S CASTLE

11 May EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE Bishop’s Castle Film Society.

23 May MR MALCOM’S LIST (PG)

1 June I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY (12A)

SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 01588 638038

SHREWSBURY FILM SOCIETY

19 May FADIA’S TREE

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

THEATRE SEVERN, SHREWS

18 May BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281.

WYESIDE, BUILTH WELLS

1, 6 - 8, 13 & 14 May MUMMIES (U)

1 & 13 May THE SUPER MARIO BROS MOVIE (PG)

1 May RYE LANE (15)

1 & 21 May DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOUR AMONG THIEVES (12A)

1 & 2 May AIR (15)

1 - 4 May THE POPE’S EXORCIST (15)

5 - 11 May RENFIELD (ctbc)

6 - 8 May LEONOR WILL NEVER DIE (15)

14 May CALM WITH HORSES (15) Film Club

2 - 4, 10 June POLITE SOCIETY (ctbc)

11 June FARGO (15) Film Club Wyeside, Builth Wells 01982 552555

National Theatre (encore). Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7pm, 01743 281281.

18 May BEST OF ENEMIES

National Theatre. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7pm, 01874 611622. The Hafren, Newtown, 7pm, 01686 940100. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7pm, 01982 552555. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7pm, 01588 630321. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7pm, 07967 517125. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7pm, 01885 488575. Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, 01497 822010.

20 May BEST OF ENEMIES

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

20 May DON GIOVANNI

Metropolitan Opera. The Courtyard, Hereford, 5.55pm, 01432 340555. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 5.55pm, 01885 488575.

23 May TOKYO STORIES

Exhibition on Screen, based on a major exhibition at the Ashmolean in Oxford. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 340555.

24 May THE SLEEPING BEAUTY

Royal Opera House. The Royal Ballet. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.15pm, 01432 340555. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.15pm, 01874 611622. The Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 6.45pm, 01584 811442. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7.15pm, 01588 630321. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.15pm, 01885 488575.

25 May BEST OF ENEMIES

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

28 May THE SLEEPING BEAUTY

Royal Opera House. The Royal Ballet. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 2pm, 01982 552555. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 2pm, 07967 517125.

30 May TOKYO STORIES

EOS. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575.

31 May BEST OF ENEMIES

National Theatre. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555.

1 JuneTHE SLEEPING BEAUTY

Royal Opera House. The Royal Ballet. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7pm, 01584 878141.

1 June BEST OF ENEMIES

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

WORKSHOPS

Every Tuesday

YOUTH CAFE

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

Wednesdays

FILM MAKING CLUB

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

Friday 12th May 12 noon - 5pm

Saturday 13th May 10am - 4pm

Dance Performance

Thurs 4 May

ANTON DU BEKE

The King of the Ballroom takes to the stage with his live band, guest singer and dancers. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £49.50-£32, 01743 281281.

Sun 21 May

SHALL WE DANCE?

KC DANCE CENTRE. An amateur production with children aged 3 years through to adults presenting an exciting, creative and entertaining dance spectacular. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 11am, 2pm & 5.30pm, £12.50, 01743 281281.

Tues 23 May

PULSE

NATIONAL DANCE COMPANY WALES. Two physically thrilling dance works to set your pulse racing. ‘Waltz’ by Marcos Morau and ‘Say Something’ by Sarah Golding and Yukiko Masui. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 8pm, £16/£14, 01874 611622.

Fri 26 & Sat 27 May

COME SAIL WITH US

ASPIRE DANCE STUDIO SHOWCASE 2023. Performing numbers with a cultural flavour from around the world as well as some classic cabaret pieces. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555.

Dance Workshops

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

Tues 16 May

THE COURTYARD’S SPECTACULAR TEA PARTY

Fun and nostalgic dementia friendly event. Full of music, tea, cakes and dancing The Courtyard, Hereford, 2pm, £4 including refreshments, accompanying carers free, 01432 340555.

BLACKTHORN BORDER MORRIS

Herefordshire based folk group who dance Border, Molly and Rapper Sword. Dancers and musicians wanted, some previous dance experience would be ideal but not essential. Practice every Thursday, 7.30pm, for more information www.blackthornbordermorris.com or email Blackthorn.folk@gmail.com

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.

COURTYARD, HEREFORD CLASSES

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

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-yougo - 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 - Saturdays MID WALES DANCE ACADEMY Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 07943 417561.

Tuesdays FOXWHELP 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.

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

The Angel, Ludlow

THERE is an eccentric tradition among some victuallers in this country of attracting custom by insulting their customers. It could be for their dress, their politics, accent or general demeanour. This seems, on the face of it, like a practice guaranteed to discourage trade, and yet the English not only tolerate it, but will often seek it out, to provoke or challenge the owner into new heights of rudeness. The French, of course, are quite used to maitre d’s looking down their noses at them, but the Americans wouldn’t begin to understand the concept; in their country, serving staff are encouraged to sweeten their service with exaggerated exhortations to ‘Enjoy’ or ‘Have a nice day’, and other vapid clichés.

In England there have been several establishments where punters are routinely insulted and the more offensive the proprietor, the more busy their place will be, though usually with the proviso that the victuals they offer are better than average.

Among the most obvious examples of this kind of rudeness was Kim Tickell, of the Tickell Arms, in Whittlesford, just south of Cambridge. Squire Tickell was an individual of spectacular eccentricity, who died in 1990 and would probably be banged up now for his anti-wokery. The front door of the handsome, former Georgian manor house he had inherited, painted powder blue with fine gothic windows, had frequently pinned on it a handwritten sign declaring ‘Absolutely no dirty, barefoot, long-haired Lefties”. Reading this, Mr P felt a frisson of combat as he pulled open the door. The place was full of bumptious students, Wagnerian music, and a handsome young German waiter called Siggy, rushing about with pursed lips and short busy strides. The silver candelabra on the tables were heavily encrusted in dribbled wax and flickering logs smoked in an open fire. The proprietor spotted the young Mr P and cocked an eyebrow, before ordering him to take his feet off the table, although evidently, and sadly, he could find no further fault. Subsequently, Mr P learned, Mr Tickell, who kept a medieval mace behind the bar with which to terrorise clients of whom he disapproved, was up in court on a charge of threatening behaviour, or possibly ABH (regrettably, Mr P can’t remember the details).

Peter Langan, proprietor of Langan’s Bistro in 70s Mayfair was also renowned for issuing drunken abuse at most of his clients, or crawling under the table and biting their ankles. Not far from there, in Soho, insults were ritually handed out by Norman Balon, landlord of the Coach & Horses, where Mr P once enjoyed an invitation to lunch with Private Eye.

From this tradition sprang Marco-Pierre White and the habitually foul-mouthed and foul-mannered Gordon Ramsay. More recently, closer to home in Ludlow’s Tower Street, the former proprietor of the French Pantry enjoyed haranguing those who had criticised his restaurant on Tripadvisor with pithy responses….

20 October 2015.“I equate people like yourself, who tirelessly and gratuitously post scathing reviews of restaurants, to the pesky neighbourhood cat who comes and defecates on your flowerbed under the cover of darkness. You’re a pathetic individual, who’s narcissism tells more of your sense of self-loathing than it does of any knowledge

of French gastronomy. Come and talk to me in person, I challenge you.”

Martyn Emsen, the chef-proprietor of the subject of this review is also part of that well-established English tradition. His demeanour comes somewhere between Kim Tickell and Gordon Ramsay, but is generally easily dealt with. Besides, the Angel is in the enviable position of being easily the most sophisticated place in which to eat for miles around. All the elements which Mr P seeks in an eating place are here. Enjoyable, quirky furnishings, perfect lighting, historic architectural features, like the half-circle bay windows that deliver a lovely view of Broad Street, always good music, and first-class service with the right dash of irony.

Mr Emsen is without doubt the grumpiest chef in Shropshire, but he is also the best. For his review of the place, Mr P’s guest was a man he last entertained at the Pheasant in Neenton, and a descendant of a distinguished family of Staffordshire Beaker folk. Like Mr P, a fairly fussy eater, he is not slow to point out any shortcomings he perceives.

The Chef here has several strengths, most notably, Italian cuisine (which he does a native) Spanish tapas, and sea food, which Mr P suspects is his greatest love. Although Mr P and his guest were eating fish that evening, they kicked off with a plate of 48 month aged, acorn fed finest Iberico jamon, thinly sliced – a special treat.

For a second starter, Mr P chose a long-standing favourite. The moules at The Angel are always outstanding, the soup balanced and full of subtle flavour.

His guest looked happy with is pickled herring with dill. He had ordered a bottle of Guinness and stayed with that for the rest of dinner – an odd choice, but it worked. Mr P drank a large glass of Domaine Astruc Chardonnay which saw him through three courses. It performed notably well with his main dish of fillets of sole, cooked so that the delicate flavours were cleverly brought to the fore. Particularly good was a dish of spinach which came with it. Mr P doesn’t know what goes into a dressed crab, but opposite him, his guest declared his ‘perfect’.

Mr P’s friends (those few who remain after his years of writing this food page) have been telling him he looks too skinny since dining regularly at Shrewsbury Hospital, so he was ready to pile into a Tarte de Santiago – a Spanish pud with almonds served with creme fraiche and berries. Delicious and girth expanding. A super dinner all round although Mr P should own up to some partiality in this month’ s review, simply because eating at The Angel is always special and he doesn’t want the proprietor to start shouting at him and banning him. Mr Pernickety - info@misterpermickety.com

EVENTS

Sat 6 & Sun 7 May CAFE ON THE CLOSE

Refreshments from a new pop up cafe area. Bring a picnic blanket and have a lunch with your friends?

Hereford Cathedral Close, 11am-3.30pm.

Mon 8 May JAZZ CAFE AT BILLS

Pop-up jazz event. Meal and music for £25, just music

£15. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7pm, 01584 878141.

Fri 12 May CHEESE & WINE NIGHT

Enjoy prosecco and nibbles on arrival, three courses of small plates paired with matching wines and finished with a cheese board. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555.

Fri 12 - Sun 14 May LUDLOW SPRING FESTIVAL

Barrels of fun, feasting, live music and motors. www.ludlowspringfestival.co.uk

Mon 22 May FOLK CAFE AT BILLS

Pop-up folk event. Meal and music for £25, just music

£15. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7pm, 01584 878141.

Thurs 1 June BOTTOMLESS SMALL PLATES

Enjoy a range of delicious dishes served to you course after course, allowing you to indulge in as many as you like, with half bottle of wine per person. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555.

Sat 10 June BODENHAM FOOD FAIR

Over 35 local food producers. Bodenham Parish Hall and Grounds, HR1 3LB, 11am-4pm, SMaxwellSAM@aol.com

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 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

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

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

YE OLDE TAVERN, KINGTON 01544 231417

Food served Wed-Fri 5pm-9pm, Sat 12pm-9pm, Sun 12pm-8pm. Thursday Steak Night, 8oz Rump and a drink, £12.50.

Why not advertise your eating establishment? IT’S ONLY £40 FOR THE WHOLE YEAR

Just post the wording you require (around 40 words), together with a cheque payable to ‘Broad Sheep’ and post to: The Lodge, Westhide, Hereford, HR1 3RQ

MAY

Mon 1 May

CIDER CITY JAZZMEN

The Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford.

BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB

Featuring Sonya Smith, singer/songwriter. Brimfield Village Hall, 7.30pm, 01584 711480. Bring your own drink/ glasses.

CAR BOOT

Lots of stalls of fantastic carbootery, plus live music and hot food. Pitches £12 bookable in advance. Entrance and parking free. Aardvark Books, Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan, Bucknell, SY7 0DH, 01547 530744. 9am-3pm.

CLUN GREEN MAN FESTIVAL

Traditional crafts, family fun and medieval merriment. Live music from Whalebone, Dan Walsh, BC All Skas, Stiff Witness, Liz Still, Modified Youth, Dunk Burns, David Ian Roberts, Melomanics and Clun Ukelele Band. Clun. Tickets www.clungreenman.org

THE TOASTERS + SMOKE LIKE A FISH

Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 3pm.

Tues 2 May

SEVEN DRUNKEN NIGHTS

This feel-good Irish show tells the story of The Dubliners and a career spanning 50 years. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £28, 01743 281281.

LUNCHTIME ORGAN RECITAL

With Evie Perfect. Hereford Cathedral, 1.15pm, free, retiring collection.

ENCORE YOUTH MUSIC CONCERTS

Featuring Herefordshire Youth Orchestra. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Wed 3 May

THE GLENN MILLER & BIG BAND SPECTACULAR

The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

BRECON FOLK AND MORE CLUB

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

GABBA GABBA HEY!

Featuring Wax Futures + Dvrk Romantics + Bad Fiances. Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 8.30pm.

Thurs 4 May

MICROBABY

The Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

QUIZ NIGHT

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

THE MANFREDS

With original front man, Paul Jones they will be performing many of their hits. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Fri 5 May

TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD

Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

THE RONALDO’S

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

JOHN E VISITIC + GUNS FOR GIRLS

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

SHELDON SINGERS

Perform songs by Rutter, Vivaldi and Reinberger. St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow, 1pm, free entry with retiring collection.

HEREFORD CATHEDRAL SCHOOL & HEREFORD CATHEDRAL

A concert for the Coronation. Coronation anthems by Parry, Handel, Walton and Vaughan-Williams including some favourites from the Last Night of the Proms repertoire. Hereford Cathedral, 7pm, £10 & £15, www.herefordcathdral.org

TRICKSTER

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

MOSCOW DRUG CLUB

World jazz to folk, combining their original material with songs from the likes of Jaqueline Brel, Leonard Cohen and Eartha Kitt. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £15, students £12, 07967 517125.

JAZZ JAM

West Malvern Social Club, Malvern Rd, Malvern, 7.30pm, £2.50, 07974 725374.

FRIDAY ACOUSTIC SESSION

Monkland Arms, Monkland, near Leominster.

FLASH

A tribute to Queen. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7pm, £23.50, 01743 281281.

Belaria & Friends

BELARIA is a singing duo featuring soprano Patricia Head and tenor John Davidson regularly accompanied by Catherine Flack.

On occasions BELARIA invite other singers and instrumentalists to join them as ‘Belaria and Friends’ and at Downton they will be joined by soprano Suzanne Millington and the Lingen Recorder Trio.

Downton on the Rock’s organ was built by Hughes in the latter part of the 19th century and is a fine example of this organ builder’s work. It will be restored by David Gallichan later this year so this concert is a fund raiser.

Free Admission | Retiring Collection Refreshments

Fri 5 May

SUNTOU SUSSO + DJ EARTHDOCTOR

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

BROMYARD SYMPHONIC WIND BAND

Coronation concert, with guest vocalist Cameron Killey. Falcon Hotel, Bromyard, 7.30pm, £10, from The Falcon or www.bromyardwindband.com

BONGO’S BINGO

Plus After Party. The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 6pm, 07498 966606.

OPEN MIC

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

CHARLIE DORE WITH JULIAN LITTMAN

Malvern Cube, Great Malvern, 7.30pm, £12, 01684 575363, www.malverncube. com

MUSIC FIT FOR A KING!

Shrewsbury Concert Band celebrate the Coronation, rousing and historic music. Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton, 7.30pm, £12 including glass of wine, 01694 720132.

CONCERTS IN THE ROUND

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

DES & DAN

Des Horsfall and Dan Raza, two of the UK’s best singer-songwriters reunite to bring their songs and stories to the stage. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £15, children £8, 01588 630321.

Sat 6 May

AN EVENING OF MEAT LOAF

With Europe’s No.1 tribute band. The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 4pm, 07498 966606.

ANDY B

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

THE MADHOUSE BAND

Brand new setlist with classic covers and awesome originals. Llanerch Inn, Llandrindod Wells, 8.30pm, details martinchapple1@gmail.com

KING CHARLES III CORONATION

At 11am, followed by free live music featuring Malvern Delta Blues Band at 4pm. Theme is ‘Crown & Tiaras’. Food served all day. Oak Inn, Staplow, 01531 640954.

LAURA CORTESE AND FRIENDS

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

HAY RADIO

Presents live music from funk masters

The Breaks and DJ sets from Mark Hilton and Ovi Sima to dance till late. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £10, £12 on the door, 01497 821762.

EMPATHY DECKS

The Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

THANK ABBA FOR THE MUSIC

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £26-£24, 01743 281281.

BACK TO THE 60S

With DJ Roddy Hankins. The Left Bank Village, Bridge St, Hereford, 01432 357753, www.theleftbankvillage.co.uk

OPEN MIC

Hosted by Mark Richards. Bull Hotel, Ludlow, 8pm. Please pre-book your slot, markianrichards@hotmail.com

DES & DAN

Des Horsfall and Dan Raza, two of the UK’s best singer-songwriters reunite to bring their songs and stories to the stage. The Boat Inn, Jackfield, 7pm. www.danraza.com

EMMA LINNEY

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

THE BEAT

One of the key bands of the UK ska revival of the late 70s and early 80s. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 8pm, £18, 01600 772467.

PUB QUIZ AND GARDEN PARTY

Royal George, Lingen, 01544 267322.

Sun 7 May

BANK HOLIDAY BLITZ PARTY

Live swing music from Electro Swing Circus, live cabaret from two of the UKs top burlesque performers. Plus DJs. Beefy Boys will be serving some authentic 1930s style food. The Shack Revolution, Hereford, 8pm-2pm, £20 from The Beefy Boys, www.thebeefyboys.com

UNDAUNTED

The Black Star, Stourport on Severn, 8.30pm.

JOJO WAILS

The Vaga, Hereford, 4-6pm.

CORONATION CHARITY QUIZ NIGHT

Oak Inn, Staplow, 7pm, 01531 640954. SUNDAY ROASTS

Coronation concert. The Loft Cinema, West St, Hereford, 07875 699739.

WEDDING SHOWCASE

The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 11am, 01497 821762.

NICK AND JANE

Celebrate the King’s Coronation. Lindridge Parish Hall, 1pm-5pm, live music, bar, free barbecue. The first 100 people can claim a free cream tea.

ORCHESTRAL EUCHARIST

Celebrating the Feast of Consecration and the Coronation of Their Majesties

The King and The Queen Consort. Hereford Cathedral, 10.30am. Plus service to celebrate the Coronation at 3pm. www.herefordcathdral.org

KING CHARLES III CORONATION AT LEFT BANK VILLAGE

Live music, face painting, candyfloss, cocktails, street food and cakes. The Left Bank Village, Bridge St, Hereford, free, 01432 357753, www.theleftbankvillage.co.uk

BEAUX GRIS GRIS & THE APOCALYPSE

The Muse, Brecon Old Museum, Brecon, 7.30pm, www.midwalesrandb. club

MONKEY WRENCH

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

LEOMINSTER COMMUNITY CORONATION SERVICE

Massed choirs, brass band, historical characters and dancing. Fancy hats encouraged! Leominster Priory, 6.30pm, free, 01568 612124.

DES & DAN

Des Horsfall and Dan Raza, two of the UK’s best singer-songwriters reunite to bring their songs and stories to the audience. The Sun Inn, Leintwardine, 4.30pm, www.danraza.com

HEREFORD JAZZ

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

HELLENS MUSIC 2023

Children’s Choir from Bosbury Primary School, 3pm. Great Barn at Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, near Ledbury, free, www.hellensmusic.com

Mon 8 May

WHISKEY RIVER TRIO

Aidan, Alan and Martin. Tiny Rebel Brewery, Rogerstone, Newport, 4pm, free.

JAZZ CAFE AT BILLS

Pop-up jazz event. Meal and music for £25, just music £15. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 01584 878141.

DES & DAN

Des Horsfall and Dan Raza, two of the UK’s best singer-songwriters reunite to bring their songs and stories to the stage. The Raven, Welshpool, 3pm. www.danraza.com

ENCORE YOUTH MUSIC CONCERTS

Featuring Youth Music Bands Concert. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555.

Tues 9 May

LUNCHTIME ORGAN RECITAL

With Peter Dyke. Hereford Cathedral, 1.15pm, free, retiring collection.

ENCORE YOUTH MUSIC CONCERTS

Featuring Strings & Starters Concert. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555.

Thurs 10 May

HELLENS MUSIC 2023

Featuring Trio D’Or with Mate Szucs. Music from the Balkans. St Batholomew’s Church, Much Marcle, near Ledbury, 8pm. Pre-concert supper at Hellens, 6.30pm. Concert £20, concert and supper £40, concert free for students, 01531 660504, www.hellensmanor.com

ESCHERSTEPS

Funky grooves sit alongside raunchy earth-rock riffs, jazzy improvising, rock, haunting ballads, synth sounds and folk tinges. Queen’s Head, St James St, Monmouth, 01600 712767.

EUROPHORIA

The ultimate Eurovision party night. The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 6pm, 07498 966606. FRANCIS ROSSI - TUNES & CHAT

Status Quo legend Francis Rossi is taking up his acoustic guitar to bring a selection of well-known hits and some not-performed live-before tunes. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, Super VIP Meet ‘n’ Greet £80. VIP £45, general £30, 01874 611622.

Thurs 11 May

DES & DAN

Des Horsfall and Dan Raza, two of the UK’s best singer-songwriters reunite to bring their songs and stories to the stage. Ludlow Brewery, 7.30pm, tickets availble in advance. www.danraza.com

HELLENS MUSIC 2023

‘Composers and Muses: Brahms, Widmann and Clara Schumann. Great Barn, Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, near Ledbury, 8pm. Pre-concert supper at Hellens, 6.30pm. Concert £20, concert and supper £40, concert free for students, 01531 660504, www.hellensmanor.com

SINFONIA CYMRU

Free music concert. Community Hub, New Radnor, 7pm, 01544 350559.

JAZZ CLUB

Featuring the Bryan Corbett Quartet. Corn Exchange, High St, Ross-on-Wye, 8pm, £8, www.rosscornexchange.co.uk

WORRIED MEN

The Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

STEADY ED & THE BOOGIEMEN

The Loft Cinema, West St, Hereford, 8pm, 07875 699739.

WELSHPOOL MUSIC CLUB

Featuring Mary Hofman (violin), Vicki Pearce (cello) and Richard Ormrod (piano). Methodist Church, High St, Welshpool, 7.30pm, £15, students £5 on the door, 01938 559087.

Fri 12 May

FOLK AT THE FALCON

Featuring Christina Alden and Alex Patterson with John Bloor and Phil Marshall as special guests. Falcon Hotel, Bromyard, 8pm, email Roger at pugh@live.co.uk

PIGDAZE + SHOTGUN MARMALADE + DUNK BURNS

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

COLDPLACE

Coldplay tribute band. The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 6pm, 07498 966606.

IAN PROWSE & AMSTERDAM

The band will be playing Pele’s ‘Fireworks’ album along with Amsterdam and Prowsey classics. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £20, 01743 281281.

JOHN DOYLE & CHRIS QUINN

Finger-style delta blues, bluegrass and swing/jazz/folk. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £22, 01743 234970.

ULTIMATE COLDPLAY

Malvern Cube, Great Malvern, 8pm, £15, 01684 575363, www.malverncube. com

OPEN MIC

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

HOT CLUB COLLECTIVE

Blues gypsy jazz trio singing songs from the 20s and 30s. Helen Wilding, Anne Marie Summers and Simon Tagg. Norie’s Cafe, 7.15pm, £25 including meal. Please book in advance, 01584 831386, noriscafe@yahoo.com

OPEN MIC

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

DES & DAN

Des Horsfall and Dan Raza, two of the UK’s best singer-songwriters reunite to bring their songs and stories to the stage. Dragon Theatre, Barmouth, 7pm. www.danraza.com

HELLENS MUSIC 2023

‘Music Across the Generations: From Mozart to the Present Day’. Programme includes R Strauss, Mozart, Shostakovich, Caroline Shaw and Mendelssohn. Great Barn, Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, near Ledbury, 8pm, £10, free for students, 01531 660504, www.hellensmanor.com

MUSIC AT THE PUB

Part of Hellens Music 2023. Artists will be giving a pub concert from German romanticism to Brazilian classics to rock and pop classics. Walwyn Arms, Much Marcle, near Ledbury, 9.30pm, £10, free for students in full time education. 01531 660504, www.hellensmanor.com

JENNIFER CROOK

A singer songwriter and musician who has carved her own path through the worlds of folk and Americana. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 340555.

Sat 13 May

FREEDOM TO ROAM

Featuring Catrin Finch. A beautifully crafted journey in new music, film and visual art. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £20/£18, 01874 611622.

UNTAMED SHREWS

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

IAGO BANET

One-man band on an acoustic guitar who has built his impressive career as a solo fingerstyle acoustic guitarist. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £12, students £8, 07967 517125.

SHRED BELLY DUO

Rose and Crown, Ludlow.

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

THE DOLLY SHOW

The life and music of Dolly Parton. The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 6pm, 07498 966606.

SHREWSBURY JAZZ NETWORK

Featuring Bryan Corbett Blue Note Quintet. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £23, under 22 £12, 01743 234970.

CLUSTER FEST

The Loft Cinema, West St, Hereford, 6pm, 07875 699739.

FRANCIS ROSSI: TUNES & CHAT

Status Quo legend Francis Rossi is taking up his acoustic guitar to bring a selection of well-known hits. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £45/£30, VIP Meet & Greet £80, 01600 772467.

ROSS CHORISTERS

Concert for Ukraine. St Mary’s Church, Ross-on-Wye, 7.30pm, £10, 01989 566769 or on the door.

HELLENS MUSIC 2023

10th Anniversary Gala Concert. Programme includes Richard Strauss, Schoenberg and Chopin. Great Barn, Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, near Ledbury, 8pm. Pre-concert supper at Hellens, 6.30pm. Concert £20, concert and supper £40, concert free for students, 01531 660504, www.hellensmanor.com

MONTGOMERY COUNTY MUSIC FESTIVAL

Featuring Katie Adler (soprano), Samantha Lewis (mezzo soprano), William Smith (tenor), Ben Watkins (baritone), together with Festival Choir, Festival Orchestra and Youth Choir. The Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, £15, students £7, family £34, 01686 948100.

HOT CLIMATE

Ludlow Spring Food and Drink Festival. HAY MUSIC

National opera Studio Gala Concert. Highlights from the worlds of opera, operetta and lieder featuring music by Mozart, Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti, Weber, Tosti and more. St Mary’s Church, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, tickets from www.haymusic.org and Hay TIC.

BACK TO BACHARACH

The soundtrack of the ‘60s and beyond. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £22, 01873 850805.

Bryan Corbett, Shrewsbury Jazz Network

Sat 13 May

BARRY STEELE & FRIENDS

Present The Roy Orbison & Traveling Wilbury Story. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Sun 14 May

THE FUGITIVES

Richmond Place Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 3.15pm-5.15pm.

MOJAM

Pop, rock, country, folk covers duo. The Rose & Crown, Burford, Tenbury Wells, 5pm.

THE WHISKEY RIVER BOYS

The Halfway Inn, Tal-y-Coed, Monmouth, 4pm.

NICK AND JANE

Live music from 6-8pm, food and drinks available. Plus a great opportunity to see some classic cars owned by members of the Bromyard Festival of Speed Breakfast Club. (Cars on show from 10am). Kyre Park Antiques Barn, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8RW.

HELLENS MUSIC 2023

‘Morning Concert: Beethoven and Friends’. Plus solo works by various composers. 11am, £10. ‘Afternoon Concert: Elgar and Friends’. 3.30pm, £10, or both concerts £15. Both concerts + BBQ lunch at Hellens £35. Great Barns, Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, near Ledbury. 01531 660504, www.hellensmanor.com

Mon 15 May

WEIRDSHIRE GIG

Featuring C Joynes & Mike Gangloff. The Victory, St Owen St, Hereford, 07369 240683.

Tues 16 May

OPEN MIC FOR YOUNG PERFORMERS

The Underground, Bishop’s Castle, 6.30pm, 01588 630321.

LUNCHTIME ORGAN RECITAL

With Ashley Wagnre from Birmingham Cathedral. Hereford Cathedral, 1.15pm, free, retiring collection.

WALK RIGHT BACK

Featuring the story of The Everley Brothers and all the hits. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £27, 01743 281281.

Wed 17 May

LE CONCERT DE L’HOSTEL DIEU

Acclaimed French baroque ensemble. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, £24/£12, 01584 878141.

AMERICANA SESSION

Monkland Arms, Monkland, near Leominster.

THE MANFREDS

With original front man, Paul Jones. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £29.50, 01743 281281.

Thurs 18 May

THE FUREYS

Legends of Irish music and song. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, 01584 811442.

WEIRDSHIRE GIG

Featuring Iona Lane & Jessica Squire. The Victory, St Owen St, Hereford, 07369 240683.

SHOW OF HANDS

A chronological journey over 800 years of the English radical song tradition. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, £26, under 21s £18, 01584 878141.

SHOP FRONT HEROES

The Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.

QUIZ NIGHT

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

VRÏ

Two fiddles, a cello and powerful vocal harmonies. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £24, children £12, 01873 850805.

Fri 19 May

ENGLISH MUSIC SESSION

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

BONGO’S BINGO + AFTER PARTY

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

THE FUREYS

One of Ireland’s all-time most acclaimed and influential folk and traditional bands. Pavilion, Llandrindod Wells, 7.30pm, 01597 258118, www.pavilionmidwales.org.uk

STATE OF SATTA + HERBIE JACK Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 9pm.

CATHEDRALS AT NIGHT

Discover Hereford Cathedral including free entry to the Mappa Mundi and Chained Library for one night only, 7-9pm, free, no booking required.

OPEN MIC

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

THE CARPENTERS STORY

A musical journey through the glittering career of pop’s most famous brother and sister duo. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £34-£31.50, 01743 281281.

OPEN MIC

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

AUDIO GENIKA

Electronic duo playing original music. Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

THE SOUND OF SPRINGSTEEN

Eight-piece tribute to ‘The Boss’. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Sat 20 May

SKERRYVORE

The best in contemporary Scottish traditional music. With bagpipes, accordions, fiddle combined with kicking rhythms of guitar, bass and drums and keys. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £24, under 21s £15, 01743 281281.

UNDAUNTED

The Black Swan, Leominster, 9pm. ROSS PENYARD SINGERS

‘The Elizabethan Years’. Concert for Ukraine. St Mary’s Church, Ross-onWye, 7pm, £12 on the door.

LIVE MUSIC

The Vaults, Bishop’s Castle. JIVE TALKIN’

Bee Gees tribute band. Pavilion, Llandrindod Wells, 7.30pm, 01597 258118, www.pavilionmidwales.org.uk

The Manfreds, 4 & 17 May

THE MADHOUSE BAND

Playing the best covers and originals. High Town Stage, Hereford, 10.30am-11.45pm.

STATE OF SATTA + SKARUMBA HIFI

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

LUDLOW ORCHESTRA

With soloist Gaynor Keeble, (mezzo soprano). St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow, 7.30pm, £14 from Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 01584 878141 or on the door.

THE WEEKENDERS

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

TAKE THAT ROOFTOP PARTY

Tribute to Gary Barlow. The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 4pm, 07498 966606.

SIX LITTLE FINGERS

The Left Bank Village, Bridge St, Hereford, 01432 357753, www.theleftbankvillage.co.uk

TENBURY TOWN BAND

An evening of music, fun and laughter. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7pm, £10/£9, 01584 811442.

ULTIMATE LIONEL RICHIE & MOTOWN CLASSICS

The Left Bank Village, Bridge St, Hereford, 01432 357753, www.theleftbankvillage.co.uk

THE GOLDEN FLEECE

Sheep Music and Mid Border Arts present a one-day festival of psychedelic pop, alternative folk and a little bit of funk with spoken word stage and children’s activities throughout the day. Line up features Islet, Sweet Baboo, Johanna Warren, The Breaks, Eaten by Lions and Walk, Torc and Punc. Went’s Meadow Barn, Presteigne, 2pm-11pm, £20 from The Workhouse Gallery, Presteigne or online at WeGotTickets.com

Sun 21 May

OTWAY & BARRETT

The Muse, Brecon Old Museum, Brecon, 7.30pm, £22.50, www.midwalesrandb.club

STEP SESSIONS

Monkland Arms, Monkland, near Leominster.

STEVE HARLEY ACOUSTIC BAND

Performing new songs, plus a selection from the vast and eclectic Harley Songbook. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £32, 01743 281281.

OPEN MIC

Hosted by Mark Richards. The Squirrel, Foldgate Lane, Ludlow, 8pm, please pre-book your slot - markianrichards@ hotmail.com

MARTI PELLOW: PELLOW TALK

A night of stories and songs from the singer and songwriter with Wet Wet Wet. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 8pm, £45/£30, VIP Meet & Greet £80, 01600 772467.

TIM KLIPHUIS TRIO

‘In Memory of Django’. This concert will feature tunes from Gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt and the Trio’s new Five Elements suite. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 2pm, £16/£14, 01874 611622. Brecon Jazz.

Mon 22 May

FOLK CAFE AT BILLS

Pop-up folk event. Meal and music for £25, just music £15. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7pm, 01584 878141.

SUPPER SERENADES

With Orchestra of The Swan: British Classics. An intimate evening with dining, accompanied by exquisite chamber music. The Courtyard, Hereford, 6pm, 01432 340555.

Tues 23 May

LUNCHTIME ORGAN RECITAL

With Katherine Dienes-Williams. Hereford Cathedral, 1.15pm, free, retiring collection.

WALK RIGHT BACK

Concert based musical entwines the wonderful and sad story of The Everly Brothers. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Wed 24 May

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

Thurs 25 May

QUIZ

All proceeds to charity. Balance Inn, Luston, 8pm, £2. Every team gets a free homemade pizza, 01568 616801.

JEB LOY NICHOLS

Reclusive country-soul artist airs songs from his album ‘Three Fools’ with Clovis Phillips, recently released to widespread acclaim. The GWRSA (Railway) Club, Hereford, 7.30pm. www.wildhareclub. com

HAY FESTIVAL

Featuring New York Brass Band. Baillie Gifford Stage, 8.30pm, £12, www.hayfestival.org

We are a Herefordshire based folk group who dance Border, Molly and Rapper Sword.

If you have an interest in local folklore, nature, customs and traditions then we are the group for you. Some previous dance experience would be ideal but not essential.

Practice every Thurs 7.30pm-9pm.

If you’d be interested in joining us please drop us an email, we’d love to hear from you.

Thank you.

www.blackthornbordermorris.com

Instagram: Blackthorn.ritualisticfolk

Email: Blackthorn.folk@gmail.com

New York Brass Band, Hay Festival

Thurs 25 May

UNDAUNTED

The Crown & Anchor Vaults, Bishop’s Castle, 9pm.

BRANDY AND THE BUTCHER + ERA’S END

Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 8.30pm.

LUDLOW PIANO FESTIVAL

‘Dealing with Live Performance’. Discussion hosted by Katie Derham, 10.30am. Lucy Parham & Alistair McGowan, ‘Elegie: Rachmaninoff - A Heart in Exile.’ 2.30pm. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow. Christina McMaster, Palmers Hall, Ludlow College, 5.15pm. Paul Roberts playing work by Spanish and French composers, St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow, 7.45pm. 01584 878141.

THE UK PINK FLOYD EXPERIENCE

Celebrating 50 years since the release of their iconic album ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’. A celebration of all things Floyd. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Fri 26 May

BEATLES COMPLETE

Museum of Modern Art, Machynlleth, 7.30pm, £18-£16, 01654 703355, www.moma.cymru

HAY FESTIVAL

Featuring Levellers Collective. Baillie Gifford Stage, 9.45pm, £28, www.hayfestival.org

P!NK

Starring Vicky Jackson. The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 6pm, 07498 966606.

STONE JETS + WHIPJACKS + SEAN GAFFNEY

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

OPEN MIC

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

ALLISON DE GROOT & TATIANA HARGREAVES

This acclaimed Canadian-American duo draws on influences from folk, old time Americana and bluegrass, creating a sound that’s adventurous and original. Supported by Jessica Rising. The Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 7.15pm, £14 from The Workhouse Gallery, Presteigne or online at WeGotTickets. com

LONDON CONCERTANTE

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Vaughan-Williams’ The Lark Ascending. Hereford Cathedral, 7.30pm, www.herefordcathedral.org

LUDLOW PIANO FESTIVAL

Masterclass with Paul Roberts, 11am. Viv McLean, playing Gershwin, Grieg and Chopin, 2.30pm, Assembly Rooms, Ludlow. Benjamin Frith - ‘The Music of Field and Chopin’, Palmers Hall, Ludlow College, 4.45pm. James Lisney ‘Romantics’, St Laurence’s Church, 7.30pm. 01584 878141.

HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN FESTIVAL 300 events across 12 stages. More than 180 music and performance events, over 100 debates and talks. Featuring Saint Boy, Jerub, Seraphina Simone, Malady, Rachel Sermanni, Max Galactic, Jet Boot Jack and George G-Force, Ceri Ridge Hillbillies, All Day Breakfast Cafe, The Last Dinner Party, Zero 7, and Anna Meredith. Just off Newport St, Hay-on-Wye, www.howthelightgetsin. org

TALON

‘In The Raw’ will feature acoustic arrangements from artistes James Taylor, Simon & Garfunkel, 10cc, Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Eagles, Pink Floyd and more. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, 01584 811442.

THE SOUND OF SHREWSBURY

FOLK THE THIRD - MARTIN CARTHY

The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £20, 01743 234970.

RICHARD DURRANT

Corn Exchange, High St, Ross-on-Wye, 8pm, £20, www.rosscornexchange. co.uk

Sat 27 May

THE NEIL DIAMOND STORY

Starring Bob Drury. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £22, 01600 772467.

GOOD TO GO

Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury. THE ELECTRIC EMPORIUM With DJ Honey B McKenna. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, 01497 821762.

FAIR ON THE SQUARE

Weekend street party with live music, food and vintage market in the centre of Hay. Featuring Still Ear, The Poobahs, Hay Climate Choir. Castle Square, Hay-on0Wye, 10am-6pm, free.

LUDLOW PIANO FESTIVAL

Masterclass with James Lisney, 10am, Assembly Rooms, Ludlow. Anne Lovett who will play her own compositions and French works, Palmers Hall, Ludlow College, 2pm. Rainer Hersch ‘Rainer Hersch’s Victor Borge’, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 4pm. Charles Owen, programme includes work by Chopin, St Laurence’s Church, 7.30pm. Candlelight Concert, St Laurence’s Church, 10am. 01584 878141.

BONGO’S BINGO + FREE AFTER PARTY

The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 5pm, 07498 966606.

HAY FESTIVAL

Featuring Aleksandar Hemon and Damir Immamovic, 1pm, Wales Stage £12. Hay Music present RIOT Ensemble, 1pm, St Mary’s Church, £15. Sarah Smout, St Mary’s Church, 7pm, £15. Sharon Robinson, Baillie Gifford Stage, 9.45pm, £25. Black Mountain Burlesque, The Hive, 9.45pm, £14. www.hayfestival.org

LOVE CHANGES EVERYTHING

A tribute to Michael Ball. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575.

HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN FESTIVAL 300 events across 12 stages. More than 180 music and performance events, over 100 debates and talks. Featuring Ae Mak, Max Galactic and Vivd People Disco, Tungz, Nerina Pallot, Belle & Sebastian, TC & The Groove Family. Just off Newport St, Hay-on-Wye, www.howthelightgetsin. org

All Day Breakfast, How The Light Gets In

THE FLEETWOOD MAC SONGBOOK

An exciting, hit packed concert that encompasses all eras of Fleetwood Mac’s stellar 50+ year career. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, 01584 811442.

ARRIVAL

The hits of ABBA. The Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, £27.50, 01686 948100.

Sun 28 May

JAMES OLIVER BAND

Richmond Place Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 3.15pm-5.15pm.

HAY FESTIVAL

Featuring Baaba Maal, Baillie Gifford Stage, 8.30pm, £24. www.hayfestival. org

WHISKEY RIVER

Full 5-piece electric line-up. ‘Goosestock’. The Goose and Cuckoo, Upper Llanover, near Abergavenny, 1pm, free.

LUDLOW PIANO FESTIVAL

Discussion ‘The challenges of composition’, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 11am. James Lisney ‘Enoch Arden’, Palmers Hall, Ludlow College, 2pm. Anthony Hewitt, 3.45pm, Ludlow Assembly Rooms. Joanna McGregor, St Laurence’s Church, 6.30pm. 01584 878141.

CAR BOOT

Lots of stalls of fantastic carbootery, plus live music and hot food. Pitches £12 bookable in advance. Entrance and parking free. Aardvark Books, Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan, Bucknell, SY7 0DH, 01547 530744. 9am-3pm.

LIVE MUSIC

Plus street food vendors in the car park. Oak Inn, Staplow, 4-8pm, 01531 640954.

THE BIG FIBBERS

A riot of absurdist blues, space-age pop and psychedelic folk. Queen’s Head, St James St, Monmouth, 01600 712767.

NEW VOYAGE

The Vaga, Hereford, 4-6pm.

HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN FESTIVAL

300 events across 12 stages. More than 180 music and performance events, over 100 debates and talks. Featuring BBC Hereford Showcase, Cerys Hafana, Allysha Joy, House of Figs, Melin Melyn, Jally Kebba Susso, Max Galactic, My MateKate, Honey B McKenna, Gruff Rhys, Club de Fromage, Onipa, Mark Richards & Mojam (8pm & 10pm).

Just off Newport St, Hay-on-Wye, www.howthelightgetsin.org

CLIMATE DAY

With music and film. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 12pm, 01497 821762.

Castle Inn, Knucklas

A 17th Century Country Inn

Nestled in the beautiful Teme Valley, only a short distance away from Offa’s Dyke and Glyndwr’s Way. Bar, restaurant, five well kept ensuite rooms, well known for their homemade food, English Thai, Indian and vegetarian. Vegan dishes freshly made on site.

Local cask ales, selection of world beers and wines. A warm welcome awaits.

Castle Inn, Knucklas Rd, Knucklas, Knighton, LD7 1PW 01547 528150 www.castleinnknucklas.com

Langstaffe Violins

OCG

The Last Dinner Party, How The Light Gets In

(The Oxnam/Chapple Group). An eclectic range of covers from the ‘50s to the naughties. The Wye Inn, Newent, 3-5pm, email martinchapple1@gmail. com

FAIR ON THE SQUARE

Weekend street party with live music, food and vintage market in the centre of Hay. Featuring Jess and Hels, Little Rumba and Truckstop Honeymoon. Castle Square, Hay-on-Wye, 10am-6pm, free.

Sun 28 May

BELARIA

Singing duo featuring soprano Patricia Head and tenor John Davidson. Guest include soprano Suzanne Millington and the Lingen REcorder Trio. St Giles Church, Downton-on-the-Rock, Ludlow, SY8 2HX, 3pm, free admission, retiring collection, refreshments.

Mon 29 May

HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN FESTIVAL 300 events across 12 stages. More than 180 music and performance events, over 100 debates and talks. Featuring Blaenavon Male Voice Choir. Just off Newport St, Hay-on-Wye, www.howthelightgetsin.org

LUDLOW PIANO FESTIVAL Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 01584 878141.

THE MADHOUSE BAND

Brand new set list with classic covers and originals. The Rose & Crown, Redmarley, 3-6pm, email martinchapple1@gmail.com

FAIR ON THE SQUARE

Featuring Mojam, pop, rock, country, folk covers duo, 12pm & 3pm. The Whiskey River Acoustic Quartet, 2pm & 4pm. Plus Jakey Boy Hughes. Castle Square, Hay-on-Wye, free.

LLANBISTER SHOW

Pig show, carriage driving, vintage, custom cars and agricultural vehicle displays, small animal show. Plus traditional show jumping, horse and sheep shows, art, crafts, cookery, produce, trade stalls, car treasure hunt and speed shearing. Email llanbistershow@hotmail.com or follow on Facebook for details.

Tues 30 May

ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN ‘Americana’. Programme includes Denes Agay, Barber, George Perle, Valerie Coleman, Steve Reich and Dvorak. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, free pre-concert talk at 6.45pm, 01432 340555.

HAY FESTIVAL

Featuring Carol Ann Duffy and John Sampson, Baillie Gifford Stage, 5.30pm, £14. Then Before, Marquee, 6.30pm, £5. Judi Jackson, Baillie Gifford Stage, 8.30pm, £20, www.hayfestival.org

LUNCHTIME ORGAN RECITAL

With Angela Sones from Lichfield Cathedral. Hereford Cathedral, 1.15pm, free, retiring collection.

BEAUX GRIS GRIS & THE APOCALYPSE

Mid Wales R & B Club. The Muse, Glamorgan St, Brecon, 7.30pm, www.midwalesrandb.club

Wed 31 May

HAY FESTIVAL

Featuring Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman, Wye Stage, 8.30pm, £16. Safiya Kamaria Kinshasa, Malaika Kegode, Saili Katebe and Rufus Mufasa, The Hive, 8.30pm, £12. www.hayfestival.org

JUNE

Thurs 1 June

HAY FESTIVAL

Featuring Hay Community Choir, St Mary’s Church, 8pm, £12. Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer and Shahzad Ismaily, Wye Stage, 8.30pm, £20. Tara MacLean, The Hive, 8.30pm, £15. www.hayfestival.org

HARRIET

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281.

WEIRDSHIRE GIG

Featuring Benn McElroy & Sproatly Smith. The Victory, St Owen St, Hereford, 07369 240683.

QUIZ NIGHT

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

Fri 2 June

MEZZOTONIC + NATIONAL MILK BAR + ROBBIE JONES

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

GRAFFITI CLASSICS

Comedy String Quartet, classic concert, gypsy-folk, opera, comedy, dance, a brilliant show. Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton, 7.30pm, £15, 01694 720132.

THE NELL GWYNNE SESSIONS WITH DUB TREE

Music and dinner evenings. The Courtyard’s Nell Gwynne Studio will be host to a band playing jazz and blues. Dine whilst you enjoy the music. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, £25 including one-course dinner and music, 01432 340555.

BONGO’S BINGO NIGHT OF THE DIVAS SPECIAL + AFTER PARTY

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

Sat 3 June

MASSAOKE!

Sing-a-long to the 80s. The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 4pm, 07498 966606.

CORVEDALE FESTIVAL

Launch event featuring The Jarualda Quartet. Programme includes Haydn, Shostakovich and Schubert. Diddlebury Village Hall, 6pm buffet, 7.30pm concert, £20 including finger buffet, bar available, 07745 825700, www.corvedalefestival.org

THOMAS ATLAS

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

VINIY PECULIAR

West Malvern Social Club, Malvern Rd, Malvern, 8pm, £10.48, 07974 725374.

LEOMINSTER FESTIVAL FAMILY FUN DAY

Open mic stage. Hosted by Mark Richards. The Grange, Leominster, from 11am, please pre-book your slotmarkianrichards@hotmail.com

Whiskey River Acoustic Quartet, Fair on The Square

HAY FESTIVAL

Featuring Madeleine Mitchell, Gordon MacKay and Nigel Clayton, St Mary’s Church, 1pm, £15. N’Famady Kouyate, St Mary’s Church, 7pm, £12. Zhadan and The Dogs, Wye Stage, 9.45pm, £16. Zia Ahmed, Reeta Loi and Hussain Manawer in conversation with Bobby Friction, The Hive, 9.45pm, £12. www.hayfestival.org

Sun 4 June

HAY FESTIVAL

Featuring Dr Cheddar Gorgeous, Wye Stage, 8.30pm, £20. DJ Max Galactic, closing night party, The Hive, 9.30pm, £10, www.hayfestival.org

THE WHISKEY RIVER BOYS

The Grape Vaults, Broad St, Leominster, 3pm.

MARCHES CHOIR AND MORE SINGERS

‘Coronation Rejoicing!’ A celebration of the coronation with a variety of uplifting and high-spirited music. Walcot Hall Ballroom, Lydbury North, 7.30pm £15, children/students free, 01588 650315 from TicketSource or on the door.

LLYR WILLIAMS

Piano recital. Programme includes Brahms, Schumann and Rachmaninov. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 3pm, £18/£15, children £8, 01873 850805.

Mon 5 June

CIDER CITY JAZZMEN

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

Featuring Sonya Smith, singer/songwriter. Brimfield Village Hall, 7.30pm, 01584 711480. Bring your own drink/ glasses.

Tues 6 June

TUNDE

Voice of The Lighthouse Family. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281.

BREABACH

Scotland’s most skilled and imaginative contemporary folk acts. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, £16/£15, 01982 552555.

Wed 7 June

GABBA GABBA HEY! W/APCE + SOAPER + DRASTIC/AUTOMATIC Albert’s Shed, Barker St, Shrewsbury, 8.30pm.

Music Workshops

Sat 6, 13, 27 May & 24 June SCI-FI PHILHARMONIC (Taster session 6 May). A series of workshops exploring the creation of music for theatre and opera, all levels welcome, acoustic instruments only. Age 16 and over, £2-5 a session, under 18s free. St Edward’s Church Hall, Knighton. Details Sonia 07891 450168 or Camilla 07399 412030. Funded by Ty Cerdd.

Sunday 21 May

SHROPSHIRE HARMONY QUIRE

We sing and play mainly West Gallery music. Led by Andy Watts. FREE for newcomers! Instrumentalists are particularly welcome. Lydbury North Village Hall, 2-5 pm. Enquiries: trevorchalkley@gmail.com

Tuesday 30 May

OUT OF THIS WORLD

Singing workshop. Enjoy wonderful harmonies led by Hannes Kaiser. Leominster Community Centre HR6 8NJ, 7-9pm. Early booking discount. lccatlcc@myphone.coop 07968 188305.

Fri 2 June

TAIKO DRUMMING FAMILY WORKSHOP

Have fun playing Japanese Taiko drums. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 10.30am, 01874 611622.

2023

BRASS & WOODWIND REPAIR COURSES

20 & 21 May - Just Trombone Slidesslide repair and re-alignment, £596.00. 29 May - 2 June - Saxophones

Galore! Advanced and general repairs with Richard Hamer and John Pratt, £1378.00. 12 - 17 June Woodwind Repair Foundation Course with Keith Magnall, £1318.00. 24 - 29 JulyWoodwind Repair Foundation Course with Lynne Williams, £1318.00. Trevor Head, Llangunllo, 07971 083089, email trevorhead@btinternet.com

Zhadan & The Dogs, Hay Festival

First Sunday starting June SING FOR THE SEASONS

Relaxed, friendly Natural Voice singing with Sarah Rowe. Learn uplifting rounds and part harmony songs from around the world. All experience levels welcome, no auditions or performances. Lady Emily Community Hall, Tarrington, 6.30-8.30pm. £7.50, refreshments included. BOOKING REQUIRED Email singfortheseasons@ btinternet.com

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

Mondays, term time only

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

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 drawing beautiful harmonies from the choir. Come and have a inspiring sing -7.158.45 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

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

Wednesday ROCKSPRING COMMUNITY CHOIR

Rockspring Community Centre, Ludlow. 01584 529053.

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

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

Wednesday LUDLOW LARKS COMMUNITY CHOIR

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

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

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

Thursday BELLA A CAPPELLA

All-female 4-part close harmony

singing group. Oscars, Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.15-9.45pm, email aimoevo@hotmail.co.uk

Thursday CANTORION LLANDRINDOD A non auditioned mixed voice choir early and classical music. Rehearsals currently in Holy Trinity ChurchLlandrindod Wells. 7.30pm9.15pm.www.cantorion-llandrindod.org 01597 810601

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

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

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

Friday LITTLE HEREFORD VOICES COMMUNITY

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

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

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

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

Sessions

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

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

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

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

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

Every Sunday FOLK/ACOUSTIC SESSION

The Crown & Anchor, Llanidloes, 8pm.

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

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

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

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

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

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

First Monday (except Bank Holidays) FOLK SINGAROUND Musicians and listeners welcome. The Broadleys, Ross Rd, Hereford, 7pm, 07763 077837.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Every Wednesday ACOUSTIC NIGHT Baskerville Hall Hotel, near Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, 01497 820033.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2nd & 4th Wednesday TELFORD ACOUSTIC CLUB

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

3rd Wednesday MUSIC SESSION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3rd Thursday FOLK SESSION

Calling all folk musicians and enthusiasts. Sun Inn, Leintwardine, 7pm, 01547 540705.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. 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

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 CARDBOARD BOX THIEVES A three piece music band based in Builth Wells. Songs accompanied by accordion, banjo and guitar. Let us entertain you with a selection of our own songs handcrafted and presented as musical stories. 07966 401731. See more on https://facebook.com/CBThieves

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 functions. For information and booking contact Tracey 07547188402 or Liz 07807 531151. Enquiries welcome.

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

Band Directory

ONLY £40 FOR THE WHOLE YEAR

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

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

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

Tues 2 - Sun 7 May

THE NATIONAL THEATRE OF CONNECTIONS FESTIVAL

The National Theatre’s annual, nationwide youth theatre festival. Connections commission new plays for young people to perform, championing the talent of young people from across the UK. Including Saturday night party, hosted by Theatr Brycheiniog’s Young Music Promoters. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 01874 611622.

Fri 5 May

DREAMBOYS

A night of fun, fantasy and no holding back with their new UK tour, ‘No Strings Attached’. For ages 18+. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, 01432 340555.

Fri 5 May

Y MAB DAROGAN

CWMNI THEATRE MALDWYN. The company are touring a new production, centred on the uprising of Owain Glyndwr, one of our foremost heroes. The Hafren Theatr, Newtown, £16/£13, 01686 948100.

Tues 9 - Sat 13 May

WISH YOU WERE DEAD

Adapted exclusively for the stage, this is the latest instalment of the Grace Series, the most successful modern day crime stage franchise from author Peter James. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £41.50-£19.50, 01743 281281.

Wed 10 May

TAPPED

BETHANY COOPER PRODUCTIONS & THEATRE 503. A garage. A flipchart. A pile of Club biscuits. A witty and sensitive portrayal of managing mental health within a family. For ages 14+. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 340555.

Wed 10 & Thurs 11 May

SENSE & SENSIBILITY

HOTBUCKLE. With wit, humour and sharp characterisations. A captivating story by Austen is brought to life. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £19/£16, schools £13, 01743 281281.

Wed 10 - Sat 13 May

THE ELEPHANT’S DREAM CONQUEST PRODUCTIONS. A fantasy based on local events. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575.

Thurs 11 May

KNUCKLES

GURNWAH PRODUCTIONS & RCT THEATRES

CO-PRODUCTION. This is the dark and gritty story, based loosely on true events, of one man’s rise and fall and all the chaos that ensues in-between. For ages 16+. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, 01874 611622.

Sat 13 May

EMMA

THE PANTALOONS present this riotous Regency rom-com. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £15, students £9, 07967 517125.

Sat 13 May

THE SCHOOL OF NIGHT

Imrovising one of Shakespeare’s lost plays. High-wire verbal pyrotechnics and literary tomfoolery with middle-aged men who should know better. Expect anything and expect to get very involved! Workshop on improvised verse in the afternoon. Willow Globe, Llanwrthwl, Llandrindod Wells, 7pm, £12/£6/£30, 01597 811487, www.shakespearelink.org.uk

Sat 13 & Sat 27 May

SHERLOCK’S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE

OUR STAR THEATRE COMPANY present their acclaimed comedy, a wacky, farcical adventure. 13 May - Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, £16, under 18s £10, 01584 878141. 27 May - Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £12, students £8, 07967 517125.

Sat 13 May

THE REMAINS OF LOGAN DANKWORTH

Written and performed by Luke Wright. Logan Dankworth, columnist and Twitter warrior, grew up romanticising the political turmoil of the 1980s. The third of Luke Wright’s trilogy of political verse plays looks at trust, fatherhood and family in the age of Brexit. The Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 8pm, £15, from The Workhouse Gallery, Presteigne or online at WeGotTickets.com

Tues 16 May

GOLYGFEYDD O’R PLA DU 1348, Pentreufargirec. A new chaos has arrived - Plague. To con-artist Twm, everything is ripe for the picking. With people dying, there’s a social ladder to climb. For ages 14+. This is a full Welsh performance. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £18/£16, 01874 611622.

Sat 20 May

JULIUS CAESAR

THE FACTORY return with a lean and hungry look at Shakespeare’s tragedy of political and personal conflict. Contemporary parallels abound in this forensic tale of honour and hubris, ambition, conspiracy and betrayal. Willow Globe, Llanwrthwl, Llandrindod Wells, 2pm & 7pm, £15/£7.50/£37.50, 01597 811487, www.shakespearelink. org.uk

Tapped

Mon 22 - Wed 24 May

TEECHERS

Buckle up for John Godber’s breath-taking, breakneck comedy about education for the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ and a generation left behind. For ages 11+. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 1.30pm & 7.30pm, £21, students £14.50, schools £13, 01743 281281.

Tues 23 & Wed 24 May

MAGICAL BONES: SOULFUL MAGIC Britain’s Got Talent finalist takes to the road with a brandnew show full of awe-inspiring magic. For ages 10+. VIP Meet & Greet available. 23 May - Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £20, under 16s £18, 30 minute close up magic + £15, 01600 772467. 24 May - The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Thurs 25 & Fri 26 May

AMERICAN IDIOT

NPTC PERFORMING ARTS. American Idiot follows a young anti-hero, Johnny, the self-proclaimed ‘Jesus of Suburbia’ and his two buddies, Will and Tunny, as they attempt to break out of their mind-numbing suburban existence. For ages 14+. The Hafren, Newtown, £13/£11, 01686 948100.

Sat 27 May

CIRCUS RAJ

Aerialists, acrobats, musicians, dancers and puppeteers present a colourful, vibrant, fast-moving extravaganza of intrigue, drama, music and laughter. For ages 5+. Steiner Academy, Hereford, 2pm, £12/£6/£30, 01981 540221. Arts Alive.

Sat 27 & Sun 28 May

INTO THE WOODS

CURTAIN CALL THEATRE COMPANY take you on a trip Into The Woods... Amateur production. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £19.50, 01743 281281.

Fri 2 & Sat 3 June

WALES NATIONAL DRAMA FESTIVAL FINALS

Bringing together the six best plays from the regional festivals held across Wales in the last few months. The winner will then go to represent Wales in the UK final. The Albert Hall, Llandrindod Wells, 7pm, £10 per night, 0300 102 4255, www.thealberthall.co.uk

MUSICAL THEATRE & OPERA

Thurs 4 - Sun 7 May

FAME JR

LUDWIG THEATRE ARTS present the global smash hit musical with their Broadway Juniors. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7pm, Sun 2pm & 7pm, 01584 878141.

Circus Raj

Tues 16 - Thurs 18 May

SISTER ACT

HQPA bring a high energy performance. Amateur production. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £15/£10, 01743 281281.

Fri 19 - Sun 21 May

THE ADDAMS FAMILY

YOUNG@PART. This junior production present the story of love and friendship through adversity, with a comical and macabre, yet poignant spin. All performers are under 18 and all proceeds will go to The Albert Hall. The Albert Hall, Llandrindod Wells, 7.30pm, Sun 3pm, £8, children £5, 0300 102 4255, www.thealberthall.co.uk

Fri 19 & Sat 20 May

COSI FAN TUTTE

OPRA CYMRU. A new production of Mozart’s comic masterpiece about the frailty of love. In a witty Welsh translation. 19 May - The Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, £18, students and under 21s £12, 01686 948100. 20 May - Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £18/£15, 01874 611622.

Tues 23 - Sat 27 May

BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY

Featuring two hours of the greatest songs ever written. Dementia friendly performance on Thurs, 2.30pm. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £45.50-£19.50, 01743 281281.

Thurs 1 - Sat 3 June

MATILDA THE MUSICAL JR

LUDWIG THEATRE ARTS present Roald Dahl’s Matilda based on the book. The Courtyard, Hereford, 2.30pm & 6.30pm, 01432 340555.

Tues 6 June

THE BEGGAR’S ROCK OPERA

HEREFORD COLLEGE OF ARTS. A contemporary re-imagining of John Gay’s 1728 The Beggar’s Opera. Be prepared to meet the real criminals in modern Britain. For ages 14+. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Sat 20 May

THE NOSY LITTLE TROLL

GARLIC THEATRE. Big trolls, tiny trolls and a Nosy Little Troll who has an amazingly sensitive nose. Wonderfully crafted troll puppets, live music and lots of joining in. For ages 3-8 years. The Courtyard, Hereford, 11am, free pre-activity from 10.30am, 01432 340555.

Sat 20 May I SPY WITH MY LITTLE EYE THE PEOPLE’S THEATRE COMPANY. Based on the picture book by Steven Lee. Molly and Bingo the puppy are having a birthday party. There will be a treasure hunt, favourite sing-along songs and games. Suitable for ages 2-6. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 2.30pm, £8, 07967 517125.

Fri 26 May

JEMIMA

MAE CWMNI THEATRE ARAD GOCH. A production about one of the most important women in Welsh history - Jemima Nicholas, a Welsh hero from Pembrokeshire. History, music, a little mischief and a lot of fun. For ages 7+. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 10am, £12/£8, 01874 611622.

Mon 29 & Tues 30 may MY SON PINOCCHIO JR

GET YOUR WIGLE ON’s Junior performers return with the classic tale of an ageing toymaker and his wooden puppet. Amateur production. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7pm, £16.50/£15.50, 01743 281281.

Tues 30 May

FIREMAN SAM

When all of his friends go away, Norman Price decides to find adventure in Pontypandy... Join Sam, Penny, Elvis, Station Officer Steele and Norman. The Courtyard, Hereford, 11.30am & 2.30pm, 01432 340555.

DRAMA WORKSHOPS

COURTYARD THEATRE, HEREFORD

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

COMMUNITY YOUTH THEATRES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesdays KINGTON YOUTH THEATRE

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

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

Thursdays IMPULSIVE THEATRE COMPANY

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

Thursdays Fortnightly HAVE A GO SHAKESPEARE

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

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

Saturdays (term time) SHROPSHIRE YOUTH THEATRE Beginners 9.30am-10.45am, 6-8 year olds. Juniors 11am-1pm, 9-12 year olds. The Hive, Shrewsbury, www.shropshireyouththeatre.co.uk

Poetry & Storytelling

Sat 20 May

FARRAGO SLAM POETRY EVENT

John Paul O’Neill hosts. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7.30pm, 01497 821762.

Tues 23 May

RED PARROT POETRY

Frank Olding will read his poems in Welsh and in English translation. Other poets are Lyndon Davis and Charles Wilkinson. Radnorshire Arms, High St, Presteigne, 7pm, tickets available on the night. Half the takings will be donated to The Sleeping Dragon.

Thurs 25 May

CONQUEST SPOTLIGHT

Poetry evening. Bring your own readings on transport. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575.

Thurs 25 May

THE GRUFFALO AND OTHER STORIES

Savoy Patron Julia Donaldson is the pre-eminent children’s author of her generation with a whole catalogue of stories that have delighted youngsters for years. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 4.30pm, £12, £8 under 16s, 01600 772467.

Thurs 25 - Sun 4 June

HAY FESTIVAL

Featuring Brian Bilston, Michael Rosen, Stephen James Smith, Kaffar Kunial, Nick Laird, Hannah Sullivan, Carol Ann Duffy & John Sampson, Karl Nova, Connor Allen, Simon Armitage and more. www.hayfestival.org

Comedy

Fri 5 May

WESTONS CIDER COMEDY CLUB

Enjoy laugh out loud comedy from the hottest up-and-coming comedians on the circuit. For ages 18+. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, 01432 340555.

Sun 7 May

GARY DELANEY

Get ready to dive into a rabbit hole of the best jokes in the world. For ages 16+. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £21.50, 01743 281281.

Tues 9 May

TIM KEY

Velour tracksuit, continental lagers, some ‘poetry’. For ages 14+. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £19.50, 01743 281281.

Wed 10 May

SIMON BRODKIN: SCREWED UP

Simon rips into celebrity culture, social media, the police, Putin, Prince Andrew and Jesus. For ages 14+. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, 01432 340555.

Fri 19 May

COMEDY CLUB

Hosted by Farcical Comedy with Ryan Gough, Andy White, Tal Davies and Robin Morgan. Corn Exchange, High St, Ross-on-Wye, 8pm, £15, 01989 763174.

Sat 20 May

JUSTIN MOORHOUSE: STRETCH & THINK TOUR

A new show that may contain yoga, getting older, Madonna, Shoplifters, middle-aged cyclists and the menopause. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 8pm, £15, 01982 552555.

Sat 20 May

SUZI RUFFELL: SNAPPY

Suzi Ruffell likes things snappy: her stand up, her decisions and her suits. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, 01432 340555.

Thurs 25 - Sun 4 June

HAY FESTIVAL

26 May - Josie Long talks to Natalie Haynes, The Hive, 7pm, £12. David Baddiel, Wales Stage, 8.30pm, £14. Jen Brister, Sam Campbell, Toussaint Douglass and Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Wales Stage, 9.45pm, £18.

27 May - Fats Timbo, Hwyl Stage, 8.30pm. Jason Byrne, Wales Stage, 9.45pm, £18.

28 May - Brian Bilston Poetry Laboetry, Wye Stage, 7pm, £12. Natalie Haynes, Wales Stage, 9.45pm, £15.

29 May - Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Wye Stage, 8.30pm, £16.

30 May Marcus Brigstocke, Andre Vincent, Rachel Parris and Adam Rutherford, Baillie Gifford Stage, 10am, £10. Mark Steele, Wales Stage, 8.30pm, £20. Fear of Faith in the Arts, Wye Stage, 8.30pm, £15.

31 May - Marcus Brigstocke, Carrie Quinlan, Andre Vincent and Robin Ince, Baillie Gifford Stage, 10am, £10. Mark Thomas & PalCom: Palestine Comedy Club, Baillie Gifford Stage, 7pm, £14. Tom Allen, Baillie Gifford Stage, 8.30pm, £25.

1 June - Marcus Brigstocke, Cariad Lloyd, Andre Vincent, Danny Wallace and Rachel Parris, Baillie Gifford Stage, 10am, £10.

2 June - Briget Christie, Athena Kugblenu, Isy Suttie and Robin Morgan, Wales Stage, 9.45pm, £18.

3 June - Dara O Briain, Baillie Gifford Stage, 9.45pm, £30. www.hayfestival.org

Suzi Ruffell

Ann Duffy & John Sampson, Hay Fesival

Fri 26 May

SIMON DAY IS DAVE ANGEL ECO WARRIOR

Dave Angel reveals in speech and song how he has juggled a remakable life of petty crime domestic bliss and his early forays into the British porn industry. Supported by Billy Bleach and Tommy Cockles. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £20, 01873 850805.

Fri 26 - Mon 29 May

HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN FESTIVAL

300 events across 12 stages. More than 180 music and performance events, over 100 debates and talks. Prya Hall, Esther Manito, Erika Ehler, Milo Edwards, Abigail Collins, Felicity Ward, Tom Ward, Joz Norris, Tatty Macleod, Sara Barron, Sean McLoughlin, Jordon Brookes, Tadiwa Mahlunge, Ben Pope, Isabella Bliss. Just off Newport St, Hay-on-Wye, www.howthelightgetsin.org

Talks

Every day until 31 October

HEREFORD GUILD OF GUIDES

Guided tours around Hereford. Also pre-booked themed walks for groups all year round. Mon-Sat 11.30am, Sun 2.30pm (approx 1.5 hours). Tickets from the Cathedral Shop and meet at Cathedral main entrance, Adults £6, children 6-12 years £1, 07947 924494, www.herefordguidedwalks.org.uk

Thurs 11 May

TRACY BORMAN: HOW TO BE A GOOD MONARCH

Royal Historian, broadcaster and Chief Curator of Hampton Court and The Tower of London. An informative audio-visual tour of 1000 years of the twists and turns of the British monarchy is packed with the good, the bad and the mad. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Thurs 11 May

GOING WILD IN BISHOP’S CASTLE

Winter talks. Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 7pm, donation box at entrance, no pre-booking required, bar available.

Wed 17 May

LEOMINSTER HISTORICAL SOCIETY

‘The Great Exhibition of 1951’, a talk by Robert Arley. Grange Court, Leominster, 7.30pm, £4 visitors on the door, no booking required.

Wed 17 May

BROMYARD & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY

‘Inventing History: How Shakespeare’s Plays have shaped our understanding of the 15th Century’. With speaker Hugh Farey. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, £7.50, 01885 488575.

Wed 17 May

CONVERSATIONS AT THE CHAPEL - PEGGY SEEGER

Peggy Seeger recorded for the first time at the age of 18 and has been making albums every decade since the 1950s; now in her 80s she is still performing. In conversation with Alastair Laurence. Upstairs at the Chapel, The Art Shop & Chapel, Market St, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £12, 01873 852690.

Thurs 18 May

SUMMER SERIES BCHRC TALKS

‘Bishop’s Castle Then and Now’. An illustrated talk by John Rimmer. A journey round Bishop’s Castle from 1880’s to present day. The Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 8pm, £5, 01588 630023.

Fri 19 May

ETHELBERT LECTURE - GERALD OF WALES, HEREFORD AND ETHELBERT: SOME NEW PERSPECTIVES

Lecture given by Dr David Stephenson, a leading scholar of medieval Wales and the March. Hereford Cathedral, lecture is free, 4pm, join for tea in the Retro-choir at 3.30pm, www.herefordcathedral.org

Fri 19 May

TALKING OF ADVENTURE: AL SYLVESTER

A well known RAF Mountain Rescue Service leader, who, as well as being involved on over 400 rescue operations, has adventured to the extremes of the planet. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, £15/£10, 01584 878141.

Fri 19 May, Fri 16 June, Fri 7 July

IGNITE ME!

A series of inspirational talks by people whose lives have been ignited by spirituality and faith. 19 May - Most Rev. John Davies, retired Archbishop of Wales. 16 June - Ian Marchant, author and broadcaster. 7 July - Right Rev. John Lomaas, Bishop of Swansea & Brecon. Saint Mary Magdalene’s Church, Bleddfa, near Knighton, 7pm, £5 with a glass of wine. Advance booking via email: nicola.payne@btinternet.com

Fri 19 May

GARDENERS’ QUESTION TIME

Bring along your gardening questions to put to the local gardening experts; Gary Twist of Ross Garden Store, Andrew Walton of Andy B Garden Services and Stacey Gibson of Dor’s Garden. Chaired by Terry Walton. St Mary’s Church, Ross-on-Wye, 7.30pm, £7.50 online at TicketSource or at the door.

Marcus Brigstocke, Hay Festival

Tracy Borman

Fri 19 May

HEREFORD ARTS APPRECIATION SOCIETY

‘River People’. Marsha O’Mahony will remind us of the many people who lived and earned their living by our rivers. Office Q of the Kindle Centre, Hereford, 2.30pm, 01432 357552.

Sat 20 May

MORTIMER HISTORY SOCIETY

The MHS Spring Conference ‘ Marriage, Sex and Dynasty Building’. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, further details, www.mortimerhistorysociety.org.uk

Tues 23 May

TAKING STOCK: A CENTURY OF FARMING STORIES

A talk by Professor Kirsti Bohata, who will dip into a century of farming stories in Wales and explore how farms and farmers have been represented. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 11.30am, £5, 01982 552555.

Wed 24 May

SOUTH WEST SHROPSHIRE GARDENING CLUB

‘Hostas and Companion Plants - How to grow and make the most of your hostas’. A talk by Robin Pearce. Lydbury North Village Hall, 7.30pm, visitors welcome, £5, www.gardeningshropshire.co.uk

Thurs 25 May

WELLINGTON PARISH HISTORY SOCIETY

‘Water In Wellington: an historical perspective’. An illustrated talk by Gill Bullock. Wellington Community Centre, 7.30pm, followed by refreshments, 07377 728822.

Thurs 25 - Sun 4 June

HAY FESTIVAL

Featuring Alistair Campbell, Rafael Behr, Tracy Borman, David Wengrow, Gary Young, Sadiq Khan, David Milliband, Jesse Norman, Jack Monroe, Jeremy Bowen, Prue Leith, Rowan Williams, Colin Grant, George Monbiot & Minette Batters, Andi Oliver, Mary Berry, Tom Bullough, Lucy Worsley and more. www.hayfestival.org

Thurs 25 May

BEZ - IN CONVERSATION - THE NINE LIVES OF A HAPPY MONDAY

The story of a bad lad who has turned his life good, tracing his passage from 20/30 something casualty to middle-aged politician, eco-warrior and bee-aficionado. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £22, 01873 850805.

Thurs 25 May

ARTS SOCIETY MID WALES & BORDERS

‘Secret and Lies - What Great Masterpieces Really Tell Us’. The speaker is Sarah Gathercole. Powis Suite, Royal Oak Hotel, Welshpool, 2.30pm, £6, 01938 555574.

Fri 26 - Mon 29 May

HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN FESTIVAL

300 events across 12 stages. More than 180 music and performance events, over 100 debates and talks include China and India, The Future of Sex, Protest, Democracy and Power, Philosophy at War, Saving Nature and the Economy, Bodies, Brains and Mental Health, The Centre of the Universe, How to Think Like a Spy, Diplomacy, Deception and Disaster, The Truth of Fiction, The Best and Worst of all Possible Worlds, Life, Death and Specialisation, In Conversation: Rowan Williams and Ian McGilchrist on the Nature of Reality, How to Avoid War and Find Peace, Capitalism and Climate, How Oceans Shaped the World, Philosophy of the Senses with Barry C Smith, plus more. Just off Newport St, Hay-on-Wye, www.howthelightgetsin.org

Mon 29 May

PETE BARKER

Meet the author, Greenpeace activist and writer. Eighteen Rabbit Fair Trade, Lion St, Hay-on-Wye, 12-3pm, 01497 822882.

Wed 31 May

BOOK TALK - THE MARRIAGE QUESTION

Clare Carlisle will talk about her exceptional new biography of George Eliot revealing how Eliot wrestled with the question of marriage, in art and life. In collaboration with Rossiter Books. St Mary’s Church, Ross-on-Wye, 7pm, £8 on the door.

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.

AARDVARK MAY CAR BOOTS

This year Aardvark has not one but two car boots! Don’t miss out!

Monday Bank Holiday Car Boot - 1st May, 9am-3pm

Sunday Bank Holiday Car Boot - 28th May, 9am-3pm

Jeremy Bowen, Hay Festival

Lots of stalls of fantastic carbootery, plus live music and hot food. Pitches £12 bookable in advance. Entrance and parking free.

Sat 27, Mon 29, Tues 30 May, Thurs 1 & Sat 3 June

NORTH BOOKS FOUR O’CLOCK FRIENDS EVENTS

Book signings, readings and conversation.

27 May - Children’s author Rachel McCoubrie reads from ‘The Great Alien Cake Off’ for ages 5+, 4pm, free.

29 May - Children’s author Jess Childs brings her guitar and a blanket of grass to share her new book ‘Ivy and the Mole’ for ages 4-6 years, 4pm free.

30 May - Join writer and campaigner George Monbiot, Angela Jones, campaigner and author of ‘Wild Swiming The River

Wye’ and Tessa Wardley of The Rivers Trust and author of ‘The Mindful Art of Wild Swimming’, 4pm, free.

1 June - Meet Mike Parker, award winning author of ‘All The Wide Border: Wales, England and The Places Between’ and ‘On The Red Hill’, 4pm, free.

3 June - Kathy Biggs returns with her second novel ‘Scrap’, following her gripping debut ‘The Luck’, 4pm, free. North Books, Castle St, Hay-on-Wye, www.northbooks.co,uk

Fri 2 June

MARINA HYDE IN CONVERSATION WITH JUDE ROGERS

No other writer is more suited to chronicling the absurd times in which we live. Marina Hyde slashes her way through the hellscape of post-referendum politics where the chaos never stops. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £15 (ticket and book), 01873 850805.

Workshops & Courses

LEDBURY YOUNG POETS COMPETITION‘EARTHWORDS’

Invites 5-18 year olds to explore the natural world prompted by the theme ‘Earthwords’. Open to anyone living in Herefordshire, Worcestershire & Gloucestershire. (5-11 and 12-18). Poems can be entered online at www.ledburypoetry.org.uk and the winners will be announced during Ledbury Poetry Festival on 1 July.

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

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.

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.

Third Wednesday of the month BEREAVEMENT CAFE

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

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.

Rachel McCoubrie

grass roots

WHAT is very large, is located in the countryside, costs a fortune, and is likely to arrive decades late? The answer, of course, is a nuclear power station. A good example is the Hinkley Point C plant in Somerset, which has been receding further and further into the future since work began on the plans in 2008. The completion date currently seems to be in the mid to late 2020s. But don’t put money on it!

Despite the many drawbacks of nuclear reactors, the government is dead set on going for more of them. However, the last decade is a saga of huge delays and embarrassing cost overruns. Back in 2013, when Hinkley Point C passed a key stage in its development, the then prime minister, David Cameron, claimed, “This is a very big day for our country!”

At that time, the opening of the completed plant was planned for – guess when – 2023! But a functioning Hinkley Point C is still quite a few years away. And the predicted cost has risen from about £14 billion to around £26 or £28 billion, largely backed by gigantic government loan guarantees, meaning the taxpayer could end up footing much of the bill. So, when nuclear industry executives offered to construct new plants in smaller bite-size chunks, the government could hardly restrain its enthusiasm.

These nuclear chunks are called small modular reactors. The idea is, perhaps, that if one or two of them go way over budget, the financial impact is containable. A US-based advocate for small modular reactors, Ken Silverstein, argues that these reactors could typically produce from 50 to 300 megawatts of power. At a given plant you could have reactors which in total add up to 1,000 megawatts – about the capacity of a current conventional sized nuclear reactor. “And,” says Silverstein “…if one module goes down, it can be repaired while the rest still operate.”

The government has been banging the drum for these reactors for a couple of years now. But in March, Alan Brown, energy spokesperson for the Scottish National Party launched into a tirade against them and their proponents. He said that in the UK there was not even a regulator-approved design for a small modular reactor (SMR) yet, but that somehow Rolls Royce, a constructor, was saying it could have them operational by 2029. To him it brought back exaggerated claims for nuclear power going back many years.

“It is the same rhetoric,” he went on, “and the same mistakes, over and over again….In reality each (reactor) will cost £2 billion….If SMRs are so attractive, why is the taxpayer being asked to pay half the cost of a prototype….It makes no sense, if it was so commercially viable.”

Even more damaging, an outfit in the USA called Clean Tech News has found out that there are only two existing contractors in America which have produced

Kwasi Kwarteng, Former Energy Secretary

numbers and costs for SMRs. And it has learned that the one with the more detailed numbers is proposing to supply electricity at a price which is actually higher than the power expected from the notoriously late and overbudget Hinkley Point C in Somerset.

If that is anywhere near correct, it pulls the rug from under small modular reactors. It means they are likely to deliver power no cheaper than what we expect we will get from the large sized reactors which have caused so many headaches. Nevertheless, the UK government is determined to steam ahead.

In the last couple of years one minister who has been notably keen to promote small modular reactors is Kwasi Kwarteng. Remember him? Blink, and you might have missed him! Last year he was Chancellor of the Exchequer, no less, during the catastrophic premiership of Liz Truss.

Kwarteng has been unkindly dubbed Kami Kwasi by one newspaper columnist. Kwasi has not launched an aerial suicide attack on anyone, but one of his more dramatic exploits did end in his own political demise. In 2021 Kwarteng became energy secretary - a big cabinet job! In that role he put his name to a statement claiming that these new nuclear plants would provide reliable, affordable, low carbon energy, which was a “once in a lifetime opportunity” for the UK to bring clean electricity to people’s homes.

And within 18 months of that claim, Kwarteng joined Liz Truss, during her dizzying spell in Downing Street. She made Kwarteng Chancellor of the Exchequer. But he lasted only 5 minutes! Sorry, I am being unfair! He lasted a full 38 days in the job before being booted out by his friend Liz.

La Truss was soon forced to fall on her own sword in the face of fury on the Tory benches and chaos in the financial markets, caused by the Truss-Kwarteng “minibudget”. No doubt those with any doubts about small modular reactors will feel deeply reassured that this technology has the solid backing of such an illustrious leading politician as Kwasi Kwarteng.

Julian O’Halloran

Reactors - small is not beautiful, or even cheap!

Green Events

Every day until 31 October HEREFORD GUILD OF GUIDES

Guided tours around Hereford. Also pre-booked themed walks for groups all year round. Mon-Sat 11.30am, Sun 2.30pm). Tickets from the Cathedral Shop and meet at Cathedral main entrance, Adults £6, children 6-12 years £1, 07947 924494. www.herefordguidedwalks.org.uk

Sat 13 May PUTLEY VILLAGE OPEN GARDENS

Five or six gardens open, maps of the route provided. Gardens and Parish Hall open from 10am-4pm, £6, under 15s free. Plant stalls and refreshments, www.putleygardens.co.uk

Sat 13 May PLANT AND SEEDLING SWAP

Teme Valley Environment Group. Knighton Community Market, 9.30am-12.30pm.

Tues 16 - Mon 29 May BISHOP’S CASTLE ROUND & ABOUT WALKS 2023

Beautiful walks with great maps and instructions. Ramble (23 miles), Amble (10 miles) or Scramble (13 miles). £10, family £20, under 16s free with accompanying adult. www.ccbcshropshire.com/ccbc-friends-roundabout

Wed 17 May OPEN GARDENS

Explore the Chapter House Garden, Cloister Garden, Canons’ Garden, Deans’ Garden and the Bishop’s Garden. Garden guides on hand in each garden. Hereford Cathedral, 10am-12.30pm & 12.30pm-3.30pm, £6 via the website, www.herefordcathedral.org

Mon 29 May LLANBISTER SHOW

Pig show, carriage driving, vintage, custom cars and agricultural vehicle displays, small animal show. Plus traditional show jumping, horse and sheep shows, art, crafts, cookery, produce, trade stalls, car treasure hunt and shearing. Email llanbistershow@hotmail.com or FB.

May SHROPSHIRE HILLS DISCOVERY CENTRE

7 May - Bluebell Walk, three and a half miles of easy walking, 10am-12.30pm, £6. 22 May - Discovering Bees and Wasps, talk then explore the meadows in search of these fabulous creatures, 10am-2pm, £16. 29 May - 2 JuneHalf Term Activity - Backyard Survival, for ages 5-11 years, 1pm-2.30pm, £4.50. Booking essential for all. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 01588 676060.

May NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME

1 May - Garregllwyd, Nantmel, 2-5pm, £5.

6 & 7 May - Gregynog Hall & Garden, 10am-4pm.

7 May - Cwm Farm, Forden, 12-5pm, £5.

7 May - Pontsioni House, Aberedw, 2.30-6pm, £5.

13 & 14 May - Dingle Nurseries, Welshpool, 9am-5pm, £3.50. 20 & 21 May - Rock Mill, Abermule, 2-5pm, £6.

21 May - Llwyn Madoc, Beulah, 2-5.30pm, £6.

21 May - Llanrhaeadr Ym Mochnant Gardens, 12-5pm, £6.

27 & 28 May - Bachie Uchaf, Llanfyllin, 12-5pm, £5.50.

27 & 28 May - Hill Cottage, Llandrindod Wells, 1-5pm, £4.50. 28 May - Llysdinam, Newbridge-on-Wye, 2-5pm, £5, www.ngs.org.uk

Fri 2 June THE ANIMAL MAN

Join Corner Exotics for a very interactive animal show with over 35 animals. An event for all ages. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 2pm, 01584 811442.

Sat 10 & Sun 11 June HELLENS GARDEN FESTIVAL

Hellens, Much Marcle, near Ledbury, £9 in advance adults, £10 on the day, £2.50 children, 10am-5pm. Please book in advance, www.hellensgardenfestival.co.uk

Sun 18 June BISHOP’S CASTLE OPEN GARDENS

Programmes from St John the Baptist church Lynch-gate, entrance to at least 10 gardens £6 per adult. Tea and cakes in the church, plus plants for sale, 01588 638175.

KNIGHTON COMMUNITY WOODLANDS GROUP

Volunteer with us on our weekly task days to learn new skills. http://tveg.org.uk/wordpress/woodland-project Email woodland@tveg.org.uk 01547 520374.

Every Third Saturday in the Month PRESTEIGNE REPAIR

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

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 Wednesday of the month

KINGTON LOCAL ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY NETWORK (KLEEN)

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

First Saturday of the month LEOMINSTER REPAIR CAFE, no session in May due to Coronation celebrations but from June 3rd we will be open, 10-12.30pm. Community Centre. We repair small electrical items, furniture & other household items, jewellery and clothing. Free service , donations welcomed. Also café with bacon sandwiches a speciality. Find us on Facebook

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.

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

SOUND THERAPY BY EDAN SOUND. Soesen Edan is a certified Sound Therapist with nearly 20 years of experience running 1-2-1 and group sessions. Using sound and vibration to heal all manner of ailments and disease; physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. Monthly group sessions held in Herefordshire & Birmingham. 1-2-1 sessions run from Holme Lacy. Specialising in work with people with complex disabilities & autism; prison therapeutic education, corporate work & away days; workshops; talks; bespoke sound consultancy. www.edansound.co.uk

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

WORKSHOP LISTINGS - Single (dated) listings are free. Year round, ongoing workshops will cost £40 per year.

Fri 26 May

GONG BATH AT THE CHAPEL

Sound journey with Chys Blanchard. A sound meditation to focus on bringing together all those separate parts of ourselves that make the being that we are... Bring a mat, blanket and comfortable clothing. Upstairs at the Chapel. The Art Shop & Chapel, Market St, Abergavenny, 4-5.30pm & 7.30-9pm, £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 it or lose it! Helen Boley info@helenbpilates. com https://helenbpilates.com 01544 231512, 07968 970093.

HEDGEROW MEDICINE, KITCHEN PHARMACY

Herbal Medicine Making Courses with Rowan

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

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

Hedgerow Medicine