BROAD SHEEP - APRIL 2026

BROAD sheep

april 2026

What’s On - Herefordshire & The Marches

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We take no responsibility for the veracity of the information herein

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On The Road Again

STRETCH of Mumbai’s recently opened Coastal Road seafront expressway has been engineered to play the pulsating Oscar-winning tune Jai Ho from the movie Slumdog Millionaire when vehicles drive on it at lower speeds. Civic officials say the feature is intended to encourage safer driving and is the first of its kind in India. Most musical roads worldwide have been built in less populated areas, but Mumbai’s runs past Breach Candy, home to industrialists, Bollywood stars and other high-profile celebrities. Residents say the refrain of Jai Ho, which roughly translates from Hindi as “let there be victory”, plays repeatedly from 6am until midnight. More than 650 families have signed a formal complaint urging authorities to stop the music, describing it as constant “intrusive background noise” that has caused significant distress. THE GUARDIAN

I am a bit slow off the mark, but this story is the first time I have encountered musical roads. These days everywhere from Japan to The United Arab Emirates you can be gently driving along at 50 mph when suddenly the road starts singing tunes through the floor of your Ferrari (other cars are available). There are now over 35 known musical roads in the world, with the highest concentration in Japan, which boasts more than 30 “Melody Roads”. Other musical roads exist in the United States, South Korea, Denmark, Hungary, China, France, San Marino, Taiwan, Iran, Argentina, and Belarus. These roads use specially spaced grooves to create melodies when driven over at specific speeds. The world’s first musical road, known as the “Asphaltophone,” was created in October 1995 in Gylling, Denmark, by artists Steen Krarup Jensen and Jakob Freud-Magnus. Raised pavement markers produced a tune, specifically an arpeggio in F major, through vibrations in vehicles. Is this one of the most useless and annoying inventions in the history of inventing? Is it nearly as stupid as The Drive Safe Glove, pitched on series 4 of Dragons Den. Mike Carr asked for £100,000, for what was simply a white glove worn on the right hand to remind British drivers to stay on the correct side of the road in foreign countries! It also seems to me to be the bastard child of the music they play in SPAR all the time and the dreaded lift music. As someone

who suffers from non-stop ear worms (check out my YouTube song ‘Music in my head’ petelectricrumba) I only want to hear the birds and buskers - outside of CD’s in my car and live music concerts.

Anyway, the singing road has been a roaring success compared to the glove particularly in the land of the rising sun. A 320-metre (1050 ft) stretch of the Ashinoko Skyline in Hakone plays “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis”, the theme song from the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion. Some of these roads, such as one in Okinawa that produces the Japanese folk song “Futami Jowa”, are polyphonic, with different sequences of rumble strips for the left and right tyres so that a melody and harmony can be heard. Rather surprisingly in May 2025, a musical road was installed in Ankara, Turkey. When vehicles pass at the posted speed, it plays Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Rondo alla turca (the “Turkish March”).

However others have been less than successful. In 2019, Indonesia installed a musical road in Java. The song played is the first six notes of “Happy Birthday to You,” but the fifth note is off-key by a half a tone. A singing road had been installed in the Netherlands near the village of Jelsum in Friesland. The Friesland provincial anthem (“De Alde Friezen”) would play if drivers obeyed the speed limits, otherwise the song would play off-key. After complaints from villagers, the singing road was removed. The Civic Musical Road was built on Avenue K in Lancaster, California, on 5 September 2008. Covering a quarter-mile stretch of road between 60th Street West and 70th Street West, the road used grooves cut into the asphalt to replicate the William Tell Overture. It was paved over on 23 September after nearby residents complained to the city council about noise levels. Work began to re-create it this time, two miles away from any residence. This road is named after the Honda Civic and the road appears in Honda Civic commercials! The rhythm is recognisable, but the intervals are so far off that the melody bears only a slight resemblance to the William Tell Overture, regardless of the car speed.

Thankfully the UK is melody road free apart from the unintentional musique concrete created by the multiple pot-holes.

CHAPEL LAWN STUDIO Recording Studio. Perfect for solo artists & small bands. Do you have a song/melody you want to record? Please come and record it here, in the beautiful Shropshire Marches, between Knighton & Clun. I have guitars, bass guitar, mandolin, electric piano, sample drums, and sample keyboard. I also have a wide range of sample library sounds, for your use as well. I use Logic Pro, and can mix & master your song for CD & radio standard. £25/hour includes sound engineer (me). Contact: Jeremy 01547 530980. Email: jampotmusic@icloud.com

Instagram: @chapellawnstudio

ELIZABETH CASSON - GOLDEN BEE CELEBRANT Ceremonies for the unique, the brave and the wonderfully different. Celebrant led weddings, vow renewals and naming ceremonies. If you’re ready to plan something extraordinary, get in touch. https://elizabethcassoncelebrant. co.uk/ Email: info@elizabethcassoncelebrant.co.uk Tel: 07807 531151.

CHANCE TO VISIT GEORGIA - THE LAND OF THE GOLDEN FLEECE. For a wonderful foreign adventure in 2026, consider joining a small-group tour led by Georgia experts Christopher and Mzia who will show you this little-known country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia on the ancient Silk Road, which boasts the highest mountains in Europe, is rich in UNESCO World Heritage sites and folklore traditions, is the cradle of wine, and has a fabulous cuisine. You will be following in the footsteps of other intrepid local residents and national treasure Joanna Lumley who described Georgia as “simply spectacular!” For more information see www.georgiawineroute.com or contact Christopher and Mzia at mziag@hotmail.co.uk

GUITAR WORKSHOPS FOR WOMEN Taught by Vera van Heeringen. Bringing women together in a friendly and encouraging environment to learn, improve and be inspired.www.guitarforwomen.com veravanh81@gmail.com 0781 052 1234.

CLASSIC AND DESIGNER HANDBAGS WANTED URGENTLY. Instant decisions and payment. Will travel. Please Whatsapp or message with photos: Mary 07813 151398.

BABY MASSAGE CLASSES at Ludlow Assembly Rooms (Studio 2) every Wednesday 10.00-11.00 - £8.00 per session (includes massage oil), if interested please contact Mary Hatt on 01568 770100 or email: maryhatt@phonecoop.coop

SINGING LESSONS – FIND YOUR TRUE VOICE with Darren Clarke. Free your breath and unlock your natural voice. A holistic yet classical approach to confident singing. Beginners welcome. Lessons available Wed–Fri. Ages 16+, 07971 880794. singing.org.uk

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

RETIRED PROFESSIONAL PAINTER AVAILABLE for local work. References available. £85.00 per day. Try me. Roy 01547 520164, 07376 909291.

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

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

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

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

BEEKEEPING FOR BEGINNERS Interested in keeping bees but unsure of how to start? Our weekend ‘Bee Ready’ courses are run on our family smallholding near Bromyard, and aim to give you the information and confidence you need. Now taking bookings for our first course on May 9th/10th. For further details please email woodruffbank@btinternet.com

PIANO LESSONS IN PRESTEIGNE. All ABRSM grades or simply for fun. Contact Mzia 07981 752405, mziag@hotmail.co.uk

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.

LOST FOR WORDS? Experienced magazine, newspaper and book editor, advertising copywriter, journalist, author and longstanding Broad Sheep contributor can edit, re-write, proof read, research or write from scratch, whatever you need word-wise. Modest fees, quick turnaround. williams.mark1@gmail.com

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

Tel: 07527 298199. Hay’s Headline Making Independent Music Shop - only a one minute walk from the main car park. Hay’s destination shop packed with pre-loved machine cleaned and new vinyl records, CDs, Books and more.

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

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Lost icons architecture

AFTER almost a quarter of a century (were they really deliberating all that time?) the DCM&S has decided that the whole of London’s brutalist South Bank Arts complex needs the protection of statutory listing: the Hayward Gallery – where even artists like Tracey Emin and Anthony Gormley struggled to overcome its oppressive Brutalist interiors, the QE Hall, Denys Lasdun’s unlovely National Theatre (occupying, after Greenwich, the finest Thames-side site in the capital), the BFI’s gloomy bunker, graffiti-decorated skate boarding undercrofts and acres of what is termed ‘board-marked shuttering’ – where (at vast labour-intensive cost) external concrete staircases are cunningly disguised to look as if they are made of timber. The 20th Century Society is over the moon.

Though no longer a habitué of the Great Wen, I still enjoy dipping into Nairn’s London (“wholly original; the testament of a man steeped in London.” J. Meades). Nairn was scathing about the South Bank – not least the shabby and spiteful treatment accorded it by Churchill’s in-coming government. Architect Ralph Tubb’s hugely inspiring Dome of Discovery, for example – which would have made a superb all-weather ice skating rink – was sold to an East London scrap merchant, who turned its metal framework into ashtrays! No-one knows what became of the slender components of the iconic Skylon, fabricated in Hereford by Painter Brothers and assembled on site – like a giant Meccano kit – without the protection of scaffolding. A long-promised replica, to be sited at an entrance to the Rotherwas trading estate - originally suggested by Hereford Civic Society - never materialised. German invasion

Why can’t our new architecture be joyous and uplifting – Worcester’s magnificent Hive Library (Feilden Clegg Bradley; 2012), cheers me up every time I visit. But the jury is still out on the Lidl group’s latest addition to the Hereford skyline, mid-way down Hereford’s traffic-clogged Belmont Road. The sleek single-storey

Lost and gone forever the Dome of Discovery and Skylon

1500 sq m unit, looking like a prefabricated cricket pavilion, brings the German supermarket trader’s total European tally to over 1000.

Tesco’s barn-like structure at the westernmost end of Belmont Road is competent, but uninspiring. And at the road’s eastern extremity, alongside that notorious four-way roundabout which is always held out as an exemplar of National Highways’ traffic management skills, sits a giant ASDA superstore. To me its circular entrance tower is reminiscent of a Romanian airport terminal, from which I half-expect an ecstatic Nicolae Ceausescu to be whisked away into exile by helicopter.

The new Lidl supermarket sits on the site of the former Three Counties Hotel, a competently run but architecturally-uninspiring tourist hotel whose Oxfordshire-based owners fancied a change after 20 years of trading. Unsurprisingly, Herefordshire planners offered no resistance; the Greens were lost for words. The loss of the 60-bedroomed hotel will substantially reduce the county’s overall reserve of tourism bed spaces – only partially relieved by a veritable tsunami of air b’n’b accommodation - with vibrant arts / music festivals like Borderlines, Hay, Hellens, Ledbury Poetry. and the triennial Three Choirs all likely to be losers. In adjoining Worcestershire, for example, 1790 hotel bed spaces are available for visitors to the Three Choirs Festival, while Herefordshire’s current total, after the loss of the Three Counties, is a meagre 986.

Nick Jones

Old Adam

ONCE upon a time, or just before.

“In the beginning was the Word and the Word was God”. Genesis 1:3

Once upon a time, or just before, a man was banging a piece of hot metal on an anvil, in God’s own Country. The Old One was already old by the time God made his appearance and when God arrived and declared “Let there be Light”, the Old One did not detect any appreciable increase in the brightness of the day. God held in his hands a big book where all his about-to-be deeds were freshly written out, so he could stake his claim, but our Original did not notice anything else unusual or new as the days wore on, for the sun and moon, the herbs and trees, the beasts of the earth and various types of fowl of the air, he was already familiar with them. The only new thing was God himself, standing there with his arms raised, moving through the first momentous days of his Creation, naming things and sending off bolts of lightning in all directions, without regard for the safety of bystanders. The Old Original, bystanding, questioned him as to his intentions. God hesitated and eventually replied in an unnecessarily oracular voice “In the beginning was the Word” - and out of the corner of his mouth – “without language there is chaos, you see”, and continued to wave his arms about, conducting the universe and naming things in order, with the apparent expectation of bringing the landscape into some sort of focus. The Old One wiped the mixed tears of laughter and sadness from his eyes and looked around and about. “Is that a hat then? “ and God waved his arms in the unseen direction of the Old One’s best hat “Let there be ... what did you say? A hat? Why …a hat?” “Given your Sun - for the shade.” And the Old One peered into the middle distance and asked mischievously again “Is that also a “Whale” over there?” and God waved his arms in the unseen direction of the whale and quickly said “and lo! there were Whales” - in the middle of the desert too. Then even God was surprised. He looked speculatively at his fingers and at the Leviathan and back at his fingers again. “Man! Did I do that?” he enquired. But on the next day he reassured the Universe “Everything I see comes out of my eye, you know”.

“So, it’s all my eye is it?” rejoined the Old One pumping the bellows “for to be sure you have Great powers of Observation”, and took the piece of hot metal from the pile of incandescent charcoal and banged it a bit more, shaping it on the anvil of his own inclinations.

“What is that you are making?” said God,

“You surprise me by asking”.

“I need to know”.

“It is a lighting conductor, that would be its name I think, and I am making it for when I’m around a fella like you. I wouldn’t want to get “Created” all of a sudden – or, by the difference of the one twin-breasted letter, cremated

by a slip of your tongue. But truly - tell me what part of the country do you come from, with all the forked lighting and the smiting of the ground and so on? For it will be said that Man created God in his own image and vice versa, ergo there must be other people around here somewhere, some people like you to - illude you, to create your illusion .. Isn’t that right?.... whose belief system you embody? Ergo since you are like them they will be somewhat like you, I fear. And I might or might not like to meet them, to discover what nightmare cosmology it is that brought you forth to wreak such absolute havoc on your own creators, and to claim with all the naming, the jargon, the quite unnecessary and particular ownership of so much that is free already? Just the extra vocabulary is too much… your words obscure and divide their subjects. The inexperienced may only see - words. Answer me that if you please.”

But God was no longer listening. He was striding around and surveying everything that he had named, and, behold, he thought it was good, very good, five star - the smug bastard, even the Hat. And then the Lord God planted a garden Eastward in Eden; and there he imprisoned the man who had formed him, a slave to his own beliefs, and gave him the shade of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil to hide under: And then He created His idea of a woman, as clever as she was good-looking, out of the spare rib of the man’s lust. Some fantasist, Adam, imagining such yokes and scourges for himself to labour under for all his foolish, foolish days and yet more foolish nights. © Hugh Colvin 2026

POWYS

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

Until 28 June ‘Another Step towards Troy’. An exhibition of myth and landscape by SIR SIDNEY NOLAN & DANIEL MacCARTHY.

Until 5 July ‘Tending to Nowhere’. The Copy Collective. A collective response to sets and sequences of photocopies produced by Sidney Nolan in 1987 and recently discovered at his former home, The Rodd. Tues-Sat 11am-4pm.

Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, Near Newtown 01686 688369

Until 10 May ‘Design Matters’. Retrospective exhibition of internationally renowned contemporary furniture. DAVID COLWELL, ANDREW PEARSON, PHILIPPINE SOWERBY, SALLY JAMES THOMAS & SUE HILEY HARRIS.

Until 10 May ‘Transfigurations. FLORA McLACHLAN & GINI WADE. An exhibition of prints and paintings by two very different artists, who share a commonality of subject matter; shapeshifting and myths.

Wed-Sat 10am-4pm.

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

Until 23 May GEMMA GREEN-HOPE - CELF commission, a new animated poetry film. Tues-Sat 10am-4pm. Rhayader Museum & Gallery, CARAD, East Street, Rhayader LD6 5ER 01597 810561 www.carad.org.uk

April www.carad.org.uk, FB CARADTimeScape Rhayader.

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

The museum houses an art gallery with varied exhibitions and events.

Open Wed-Sat 10am-4pm.

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

April ‘Schools Takeover’. FAIRFIELD & GWERNYFED SCHOOLS. 11 April Printers’ Fair. Celebrating print and paper. 16 stalls of printers showing their work. Come and browse, buy, meet the artists and see some demonstrations. Free entry to the castle on the day. £7.50 castle entry to the exhibition, 10am-5pm.

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

Exclusive and original paintings by Welsh contemporary artist OSIAN GWENT. Luxury works of fine art, paintings and limited edition fine art giclee prints. Open Wed 10am-2pm, Thurs 11am-5pm, Fri & Sat 11am-3pm.

Ardent Gallery, 46 High St, Brecon, LD3 7AP 01874 623333

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

The Hay Makers, 4 Market St, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5AF 01497 820556

Until 10 May Easter Exhibition. HOLLY ALDRIDGE - stained glass. CHARLOTTE BAXTER - prints.

BETHAN JONES & TIM LAKEceramics. SIAN LESTER - textiles. The exhibition includes ‘A Theatre of Brooches’. Mon-Sat 10.30am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

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

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

Open Tues-Sat 10am-4.30pm.

The Table, 43 Lion Street, Hay-on-Wye 01497 822802 www.thetablehay.com

20 April - 3 May KAREN BIRKIN.

4 May - 17 May SOPHIE WINDHAM. Thurs-Sat 10am-3pm.

Minerva Arts Centre, High Street, Llanidloes SY18 6BY 01686 413467

Until 18 April Vintage Style Fair. Clothing, jewellery, books, household items and furniture.

25 April - 25 May House of Quilts. Exhibition of over 100 quilted items and fabric art. Open daily 10.30am-4.30pm.

Wyeside, Builth Wells 01982 552555

April ‘Wyeside Works – Our Future Vision’. Wyeside will be 150 years old next year. To secure Wyeside’s future we’ve embarked on an ambitious project to sympathetically renovate and improve our centre. This exhibition is a chance to share our future plans with our local communities.

Open theatre times.

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

Until 11 April ‘The Sea’. The Tabernacle Collection.

Until 11 April ‘The Picturemakers: Boundaries’.

18 April - 13 June ‘Double Vision’. NEIL JOHNSON & JOHN SMOUT.

18 April - 13 June ‘Chroma’. JOHN ROWLANDS.

18 April - 13 June The Tabernacle Collection: Portraits.

18 April - 13 June ‘Others’. GLENN MORRIS.

Until 9 May ‘Portraits and Dance’. CARL CHAPPLE.

Until 6 June ‘Stones and Greek Myth’. SUSANNAH LESTER.

Open Tues - Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm.

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

Until 9 April BOB & ANDREWphotographs. Tues-Thurs 9am-4pm, Sat 9am-12pm.

Frogmore Gallery, 20 Frogmore St, Abergavenny NP7 5AH 07474 34887

thefrogmorestreetgallery@gmail.com

Black Mountain Circle makers and artists. 28 craft people, makers and artists. Regular programme of monthly exhibitions and workshops. 11am-4pm.

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

4 April - 16 May ‘In Search of the Perfect Hill’. A celebration of the landscape of the Marches with new work by ADRIENNE CRADDOCK, TIM CRAVEN, ROBERT CUNNING, CELIA DE SERRA, RICHARD GILBERT, SARAH HARDING, TEREZA HORACEK, BRIDGET MacDONALD, LYNN RIDING, THOMASIN TOOHIE & MATT WILLIAMS. Open Tues-Sat 9.15am-5pm.

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

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

HEREFORDSHIRE

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

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

Cloud 9, The Burton Hotel, Mill St, Kington, HR5 3BQ 01544 230323

1 May - 30 June MARCHES SCRIBES - calligraphy. Open daily, free admission.

Weavers Gallery, Church Lane, Ledbury 07881 926661

30 April - 3 May ‘Nine Go Painting.’ Open 10am-4pm, closed Sun.

RidgeBank Contemporary Art Space, 1 High St, Kington HR5 3AX 11 April - 30 May ‘The Jess Collective’. JESS ALLEN, JESS DAVIS, JESS DIXON, JESS EDWARDS, JESS HINSLEY, JESS LOWE, JESS MacKENZIE, JESS WATKINS, JESS WOOD. Open Wed-Sat 12pm-5pm.

Open Studios, Kington www.marchesmakers.co.uk

2 - 4 May Open Studios Kington. Eight artists and makers are opening their studios to the public.

Take 4 Gallery, 30 The Homend, Ledbury HR8 1BT www.take4gallery.com

Arts and Craft gallery run by a cooperative of 22 artists and makers including blacksmiths and basket makers, painters and photographers, sculptors and ceramicists, jewellers and textile artists. Basket maker HELEN MUNDAY, blacksmiths

STEPHEN MCRAE and SADIE SNOWDROP STAR, ceramicists

CLAIRE BILLINGSLEY, STEVE FREER, RUTH BUSBRIDGE and FIONA O’NEILL, mixed media artists

CHERYL HEWITT and HELEN NORMAN, jewellers SAM HEMMING, SUSAN WILKINSON and HAZEL MATHIOT, painters DAVID COPE, IVAN JONES, TRUDI FOGGO and JO DEWAR, photographer CRAIG DODDS, sculptors ALAN RICHARDSON and NICK HELME, textile artists SARAH FREER and DI WEISSBERG and wood turner KEITH BRITTEN. Open Mon–Sat 10-5pm.

Market Hall, Kington www.marchesmakers.co.uk

2 May Marches Makers Festival will host a variety of ceramicists demonstrating their techniques.

3 May Marches Makers Festival will host a a textile theme workshops and demonstrations highlighting wool, alpaca and flax processes.

4 May Marches Makers Festival, with demonstrations throughout the day.

The Parish Hall, (next door to St Mary’s Church), Church Rd, Kington HR5 3AG www.marchesmakers.co.uk

2 - 4 May ‘The Fold’. Celebrating the endless possibilities of what paper can do. A wide range of unique handmade book art works including calligraphy, eco-dyeing, paper cutting, collage, origami, photography and stitch to tell our stories. Open 10am-4pm.

Part of the Marches Makers Festival

St Mary’s Church, Kington www.marchesmakers.co.uk

2 - 4 May Marches Makers exhibition featuring 36 artists and makers. Open Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 11.30am-4pm, Mon 10am-4pm. Free entry.

South Chapel, All Saints Church, Hereford 01432 370414

13 - 18 April GOLDEN VALLEY CRAFT SOCIETY - craft sale.

20 - 25 April Local craft sale organised by Christine Wheeler.

27 April - 2 May Love Zimbabwe. Fairtrade arts, crafts and charity information. Mon-Sat 9.30am-4pm Lyde Court, Hereford HR1 3AE 01432 357753 www.lydecourt.com

5 April MOBO Group Super Sunday. Supercars, friendly faces and feelgood vibes, £5 per vehicle, free for spectators, 10am-1pm.

9 April Biker Night, food, conversation, 5pm-8pm.

18 April Flea Market. Vintage, retro decor and collectables, 10am-4pm.

Tinsmiths, Tinsmiths Alley, 8a High St, Ledbury HR8 1DS 01531 632083 www.tinsmiths.co.uk

Until 11 April ‘Type Face’. An exhibition of work in clay and print by JOHN INGLEDEW with pieces inspired by and made using letterpress blocks. A unique range of natural fabrics, homewares, stationery and artisan ceramics. Tues-Sat, 9.30am-5pm.

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

GEORGINA FRANKLIN - jewellery. Individual contemporary design. Commissions undertaken.

Mappa Mundi & Chained Library, Hereford Cathedral 01432 374200 www.herefordcathedral.org

Until 12 Sept ‘Shaping Early Medieval Faith: The Hereford Gospels’. Discover the inner life of the oldest manuscript, made circa 800AD. Alongside the Gospels are some of the oldest texts in the chained library. 10 April Special late night opening to the exhibition which will include a talk by Drs Richard Gameson and Andy Beeby of Durham University, 7pm, £20. Mon-Sat Cathedral Tours 11.05pm & 2.15pm, £10 per person, under 16s £5, students £8.

Selected dates Tower Tours. Contact office for details, £10 adults, £5 for children under 16, £8 full-time students. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm.

The Courtyard Theatre, Hereford 01432 340555

2 April - 2 May ‘On Tenterhooks’. ROSE TINTED RAGS - cherished textiles and artwork.

Old Stable Gallery, Tourist Information Centre, 11 Corn Square, Leominster HR6 8YP 01568 616460

April ‘Drawing the River’ NAOMI BROOKES. Drawings completed ‘en plein aire’. a vibrant and unusual collection of sketches, installation and soundscapes. Mon-Fri 9.30am-4pm Sat 9.30am-3.30pm.

Greenstage Gallery, Bromtrees Hall, Stoke Lacy, Bromyard, Herefordshire, HR7 4HZ 07977 574383

info@greenstagegallery.co.uk www.greenstage gallery.co.uk Open by appointment.

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

Pots, prints, jewellery, willow and wood. Handmade at Wobage workshops. Part of Forest and Rivers Open Studios Arts Trail and Herefordshire Art Week. BEN CASSON - furniture and kitchenwood. LYNN HODGSON - wood carving and kitchenwood. PATIA DAVIS - slip decorated earthenware and porcelain. JEREMY STEWARD - wood-fired salt-glazed stoneware and porcelain. PETRA STEWARDwood-fired salt-glazed stoneware and collagraph prints. CLYDE JEFFERSON - willow basketry. CLAIR HODGSON - gold, silver and semi-precious stone earrings. ISABELLE PROFFITT - salt-fired porcelain and stoneware. Open Thurs - Sat 10am-5pm.

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

Until 30 April ‘Song of the Earth’. Spring exhibition featuring work by JOY SAUNDERS, JENNY JONES, SUE HAYDEN, LYNDA JONES, TAMSIN ABBOTT and more.

Including original acrylic and collage, oil on canvas, pen and ink, stained glass, ceramics and jewellery. Throughout the year ‘Splendour in the Grass’. Featuring an ever-changing collection of unique sculptures for your outdoor space in a variety of media including stone, bronze & iron resins, ironwork, mild steel, carved stone, glass and stainless steel. Including sculpture by RACHEL RICKETS, MYLES MANSFIELD, ANGELA PALMER, HELEN SINCLAIR and more. Wed-Sat 11am-4.30pm, Sun 12-4pm.

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

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

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

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

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

April New work from LEYLA MURR, ANNICA NEUMULLER & STEPHEN RIPPINGTON. Plus gallery artists featuring STUART ELLIS, STEPHEN RIPPINGTON, JOHN MAXWELL STEELE and TESSA HOUGHTON. Thurs-Sat 10am-4pm.

SHROPSHIRE

Stars Pop Up Shop, Bishop’s Castle, SY9 5AE gunnerjanice2154@gmail.com

Until 6 April ‘Indigo - A Blue to Dye for’. Indigo blue textiles, clothes, fabrics and more. Plus workshops. Open 10am-4pm.

Awen, Llanfyllin Gallery, Glasgow House, Narrow St, Llanfyllin SY22 5BU

Until 26 April ‘Pray at Machine’. Dr. D - urban artist from London, a veteran street artist and ‘subvertiser’. Open Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm.

St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow www.ludlowartsociety.org.uk

10 - 19 April Spring exhibition. LUDLOW ART SOCIETY Local artists exhibit their inspired and original art work. 10am-5pm.

Bishop’s Castle Town Hall 01588 630023

www.bishopscastletownhall.co.uk

4 April & 2 May Antiques & Flea Market. 9am-4pm.

4 April - 5 May LIN BROWN. Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm.

SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321

April DAVID HAND. Mon-Thurs 9am-9pm, Sat & Sun 9am-12pm.

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

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

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

Until 11 April ‘Castle Quest; Imagination Playground.

Until 11 April Easter Spring Trail. April Archaeology, geology and fossils, decorative arts and ceramics, social and industrial history.

25 April - 20 June ‘Wildlife Photographer of the Year’. 10am-4pm, Sun 11am-4pm.

Bucknell Memorial Hall, Bucknell 07973 548220

11 April Art and Textile exhibition and sale. 11am-4pm. 50% of proceeds to go for the new village hall project.

Shropshire Museumns’ Collections Centre, 7-9 Parkway, Ludlow (Ludlow Library Building)

Until 1 July ‘Doctors and Nurses’. The lives of local health professionals from history. Open Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri, 9.30am-5pm, Sat 9.30am-1pm.

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

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

The Gateway Gallery, Chester Street, Shrewsbury SY1 1NB gatewaygallery@gmail.com

Until 8 April Harvey’s Channel Crossing exhibition.

9 April - 27 May EBS Showcase. Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm, Thurs until 8pm during term time.

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

Until 25 April Spring Open Exhibition. Featuring PED4IR MON photographic collective.

2 May - 27 June Borderland Visual Arts 2026 including Open Studio Weekends in and Around Oswestry. Studio maps available from Willow Gallery. 10am-4pm, closed Sun/Mon.

Alice Draws The Line, The Old Forge, Brampton Bryan SY7 0DH www.AliceDrawsTheLine.co.uk Cards, tea towels, mugs, gifts. Open when the lights are on!

Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Mill St, Ludlow 01584 878141

Until 2 May DAISY DIXON & RHIANNON HOOSON explore our differing relationships with the world.

8 May - 27 June ‘Quiet Echoes’. JAN PARK. Land and seascapes. Mon-Sat 10am-7pm.

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

4 April Aardvark Easter Event. Plants, stalls, live music with Red Madog and hot food. Open Tues-Sun, 10am-4pm Closed from Easter Sunday, 5 April.

The Artists’ Gallery, Upper Floor, Ludlow Farm Shop (formerly Ludlow Food Centre), Bromfield, Ludlow SY8 2JR 07974 652866 www.theartistsgalleryludlow.co.uk Instagram @galleryrunbyartists Facebook The Artists’ Gallery Artists include SHELLY PERKINS - wildlife artist. PRISCILLA HANNbronze sculpture. KIM DAVIS - wood turning. PAUL BURTON - sculpture in steel, glass and stone. PIP JONESwatercolours. SARAH BILLINGHAMpottery. ALICE SAVERY - watercolour and pen botanicals. LAURA-JAYNE GREY- jewellery metalsmith. Until 12 April LISA LIMB - Egg art. STUART FLETCHER - glass.

13 April - 10 May CHRISTINE GITTINS - ceramics. JEMIMA JAMESON - paintings. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm.

Art Workshops

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

JAPANESE FLOWER ARRANGING

Workshops, half and full day classes, demonstrations to groups/societies, by NOELLA PLASMAN-JONES, NAFAS NATIONAL TEACHER OF IKEBANA (OHARA School). Gift Vouchers available. 07379 499984. www.discovering-ikebana.com

ART FOR PLANET EARTH

Founded in Ludlow it is an online gallery for invited artists to exhibit their artwork and respond creatively to environmental themes. A competition will be open from 20th March to 31st August for artists to submit inspiring artwork that reflects their concerns for the environment, climate change, pollution, etc. There will be a £1000 prize for the best work of art. For further details or to view the exhibitions please visit www.artforplanetearth.com

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:- Upholstery, Mosaic, Rag Rug Making, Stone Carving, Dichroic Glass Jewellery, Suminagashi, Rush Basketry, Glass Fusing, Hand Block Printing, Sewing, Stained Glass, Weaving, Painting and Drawing, Woodcarving and Turning, Needlework, Embroidery and Adornment, and Painting. For full details visit www.creativebreaks.co.uk Make it yourself - take it home - treasure itor give it with pride!

STONE CARVING WORKSHOPS

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

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

STONE CARVING With Lottie O’Leary Tuesday classes in Knucklas starting on April 14th. 9.30 to 1pm and / or 2 to 5.30pm, come when you can. £45 per session plus cost of stone. Weekend dates on website soon. www.lottieolearystonecarver.co.uk 01547 528 792 or email Oleary.lottie@gmail.com

MOOR HALL STUDIO - BOBBY BRITNELL

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

Wed 1 - Sat 4 April TEXTILE WORKSHOPS

1 & 4 April - An Introduction to Sashiko. A traditional Japanese hand-stitching technique with textile artist Janice Gunner. Wed 2pm-4pm, Sat 11am-1pm, £20 includes a sashiko kit. 2 & 3 April - Inspired by Boro. An introduction to patching and applique with vintage Japanese fabrics. Thurs 11am-1pm, Fri 2-4pm, £25 includes a Boro kit. Please book by emailing gunnerjanice2154@gmail.com

Sat 11 April MARCHES SCRIBES Brush Lettering on Objects - clay to wood. With tutor Josie Brown. Monkland Village Hall, Leominster, 10am-4pm, £20 members, visitors £25, 07858 459236 to book.

Sat 25 April COB OVEN WORKSHOP

A one day Workshop that includes building, lighting, using and caring for a cob oven. Build an oven throughout the day, covering materials, techniques and processes. Take home new skills, oven plans and course notes. The Leintwardine Centre, £95 Includes wood-fired pizza lunch. www.coboven. co.uk To book call Matthew Lloyd on 07974 955196 or email : cobovenman@me.com

Sat 2 - Mon 4 May MARCHES MAKERS FESTIVAL

2 May - Gel Plate Printing. Demonstration and drop in have-a-go workshop with Michael Hancock, 10am-1pm, free. 2 May - Mask Making, drop in workshop for all ages, 1.30-3.30pm, free. 3 May - Tile Painting Workshop. Learn to paint traditional canal art roses with Jane O’Connor, 11am-2pm, £10 includes all materials and one tile, to book, 07791 022936. 3 MayCharms of Belonging. A modern take on creating a folk-art charm of personal meaning to you, drop-in workshop, all materials included, free, 1pm-3pm. 4 May - Clay Tile Decorating with Stamps. For all ages, 11am-1pm, £2 per tile firing charge, or free just to have a go. All at Market Hall, Mill St, Kington. www.marchesmakers.co.uk

June VICKI NORMAN STUDIO

5 - 7 June - 3 day painting retreat, Acton Scott Hall. 21 - 26 JunePainting West Cornwall. vicki@vickinormanstudio.com

April THE OXFORD ARMS

26 April Creative Workshop. Air-Dry clay slab pot making. The Oxford Arms, Kington, 2-4pm, payment by donation (£5), 07301 081444.

April LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS

1st Thurs of the month - Ludlow Arts Society, 7-9pm, members free, guests £3, www.ludlowartsociety.org.uk Fri - Painting and Drawing Classes in the Studio, for all abilities, 2-4pm, £20 per session, contact Helen 07949 745604.

April & May MINERVA ARTS CENTRE 9 April - Mini Concertina Collage Books with Jane Hunter, 10am-4pm, £65. 2 May - Traditional Welsh Quilting with Sheila Davis, 10am-4pm, £65. Minerva Arts Centre, High St, Llanidloes, 01686 413467.

April WYESIDE, BUILTH WELLS

1 April - Kid’s Workshop. Hands-on workshop where you can make something special to take home and watch grow. For ages 6-11 years, 10.30am-12pm, £7. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 01982 552555.

GEORGINA FRANKLIN

JEWELLERY

Individual Contemporary Design Commissions undertaken

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

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

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. Until 4th April only!

Saturday 4 April, 9am-4pm “LAST EASTER HURRAH!”

Fantastic plants from the Cottage Herbery and tons of stalls. Live music with Red Madog and hot food. Until Saturday 4 April

BIG BOOK SALE MUST END 4 APRIL! Huge discounts off everything in the shop, plus 50p sale in the barn!

April THE REGAL

23 April - Dragon Hills Painting Workshop with Karen Lee. A ‘Brush and Bar’ workshop for a fun and creative night out, 7pm, £35. The Regal, Tenbury Wells, 01584 811442.

April LYDE COURT

Every Sat - Kids Fun Club. Free play Lego building, crafts, colouring and garden games, 10am-4pm. Lyde Court, Hereford, 01432 357753.

April ORIEL DAVIES GALLERY

Check the website for upcoming events. Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown, www.orieldavies.org

April MID WALES ARTS CENTRE

11 April - Artists in Conversation with Flora McLachlan RE and Gini Wade, in conversation with Marcelle Hanselaar, 3pm-5pm. 18 April - Artists in Conversation: David Colwell, 3pm-5pm. 25 April - Artists in Conversation: Sally James Thomas, 3pm-5pm. Every Thurs - Pottery Workshop, 2-4pm or 7-9pm, £15, students £10. Every Fri - Pottery Workshop, 10am-1pm, £20 or 11am-1pm, £15, students £10 and 2pm-4pm Monthly (usually 2nd Sat, but please check) Family Pottery Workshop, 2.30pm-4.30pm, £15, children £10. Life Drawing Class - Monthly (11 April), 10am-1pm, £20, students £16. Every Wed - Talking Art, 2pm-4pm, free. Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, Newtown, 01686 688369.

April CUP CERAMICS

Monday’s - Creative Youth Group - Free group for 11 - 16 year olds. Through clay, drawing and painting. 4 April - Pottery Taster Course - 10am -12.30pm - £70 (price includes 2 fired and glazed pots). 10 Week Ceramics for All Course - 6 April 6.30pm-9pm or 9 April 10am-12.30pm - £350, throwing and hand building or just to refresh rusty skills. 18 April - Press moulding - 10am-4pm- £75 (price includes two pieces fired). 19 April - One day Intensive Pottery Course - £125 (price includes 4 fired and glazed pots and lunch). 25 April - Raku Experience - 10am-4pm - £150 (price includes 6 fired and glazed pots and lunch). Cup Ceramics, 10 Foley Trading Estate, Hereford, 07548 629525. www.cupceramics.com/courses

April EASTNOR POTTERY

INTRO TO THE POTTERS WHEEL £60 per person. Perfect indoor activity for individuals, couples and small groups. 1.5 hr sessions take place 10, 11, & 17 April. POTTERS WHEEL COURSES 8, 18, 29, 25, 26, 29 April. Day £180. Weekend £340 per person. Spend the day or weekend relaxing and creating pots on the potter’s wheel. Eastnor Pottery, Home Farm, Eastnor, near Ledbury. Check availability and book online, www.eastnorpottery. co.uk admin@eastnorpottery.co.uk or 01531 633886.

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

April SIDNEY NOLAN TRUST

Mondays term time - MAKE - Weekly Art Club for 7-11 years, 3.30pm-5pm. Presteigne Youth Centre, 3.30pm, free. 18 April & 16 May - Cultivate - Monthly Youth Arts Programme for 11-18 years, 10am-2pm, free. Sidney Nolan Trust, The Rodd, Presteigne, www.sidneynolantrust.org

April BLEDDFA CENTRE

Last Fri of each month - New Accessible Art Sessions. Friendly, creative workshops that support health and wellbeing. All ages and abilities welcome. 11am-2pm, £3. Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, 01544 260149.

April SHREWSBURY MUSEUM & ART GALLERY

1 April Myths and Legends Clay Workshop for children aged 5+, all day workshop, £12 per person. 10 April - Get Creative for ages 5+, £12. First Fri of every month until 5 Dec - Home Educators. Hands on history, science and art workshops for ages 7-11 years, 10.30am-12pm. Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, Market Square, Shrewsbury, 01743 258881.

April TALGARTH MILL

3 April - Easter Egg Trail in the Mill Garden, 11am-2pm, donations welcome. 16 April - Parent and Baby Coffee Morning, 9.30am-11am. 30 April - Knit and Knatter Group, bring your knitting or crochet (or not!) 2pm-3.30pm, free. Talgarth Mill, The Square, Talgarth, ceri@talgarthmill.com

April THE GLOBE

Fridays - Little Willows Playgroup, full of indoor and outdoor adventure, 10am-12pm, free. 4 April - Easter Egg Hunt, 10.30am, £5. 9 April - Craft & Sip, monthly craft workshop, paired with a bit of bubbly. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, www.globeathay.org

April HEREFORD CATHEDRAL

9 April - Easter Messy Church, 12pm-12.30pm. 21 AprilLego Club, 3.40pm-5pm, free, no booking required. Thurs (term time) - Cathedral Seedlings new toddler group for ages 1-3 years, 10am-11.30am. Hereford Cathedral, 01432 374202. www.herefordcathedral.org

April THE ART SHOP & CHAPEL

23 April - Monoprinting Workshop with printmaker, Adrienne Craddock. Upstairs at the Chapel, The Art Shop & Chapel, Abergavenny, 10am-4pm, £105 includes lunch, refreshments and all materials. To book, 01873 736430.

April THE COURTYARD

13 April - 18 May - Six week beginner and Improver Silver Jewellery Making Course, £185. Every Thurs - Life Drawing, 10am-1pm. £10. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

April ART COURSES - ABERYSTWYTH

8 April - Paperclay: Pushing Boundaries, £140.

13 April - Introduction to Printmaking, £170.

All short courses running over several weeks and held in Aberystwyth. Lifelong Learning, Aberystwyth University. Details 01970 621580, www.ac.uk/learning

April - September JAPANESE PAPER MARBLING: SUMINAGASHI

If you like the idea of a calm, gentle day exploring this craft with other like-minded folk then this might be just the ticket. The art of suminagashi is the art of allowing and this workshop ‘will teach you how to arrange things so that suminagashi occurs’. A 1000 year old craft included on Heritage Craft’s endangered list. No previous art training or skill needed, just bring your curiosity! Held near Kington from April to September with a maximum of 6 people. £95. More details: sarahamatt.com

THE BRIDE! (15) – 126MINS

After reaping her BAFTA for Hamnet, Jessie Buckley’s star continues its ascent playing Ida, a cadaver brought back to sort-of life by the villainous, morally abstruse Dr Euphronious (Annette Bening on top form) as a potential partner for the monstrous Frankenstein (a convincing, barely recognisable Christian Bale). Based on Mary Shelley’s novel and handsomely set in 1930s Chicago, whilst best known as an actress (The Secretary, Crazy Heart) Maggie Gyllenhaal’s second directorial outing is, if a little too talky at times, a small masterpiece as Ida and Frank circle each other romantically whilst executing an almost accidental killing spree. Along the way two detectives – Gyllenhaal’s real-life hubby, Peter Sarsgaard and a wonderfully sardonic Penelope Cruz – get on their murderous case and there’s a sly cameo from her brother, Jake (Nightcrawler, Prisoners) but as with Hamnet, the film ultimately belongs to Buckley who puts in an emotionally-charged, multi-faceted performance.

Reviews by Mark Williams

THE EDGE ARTS CENTRE

13 April A BIG BOLD BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY (15)

20 April THE CHORAL (12A)

27 April THE LIFE OF CHUCK (15) The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock 01952 728911

1 April I SWEAR (15) Cardington VH 01694 771295

1 April THE MARCHING BAND (15) Phoenix Theatre, Ross on Wye 07789 778048

2 April THE STING (12) Lindridge Parish Hall 01584 881615

2 April THE CHORAL (12A) Brilley VH 01544 327227

3 April THE ROSES (15) Conquest Theatre, Bromyard 01885 488575

4 April THE CHORAL (12A) The Old Picture House, Kington 07855 254590

7 April THE CHORAL (12A) Lydbury North VH 01588 680302

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW

2 April ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT (12A)

15 April GONE TO EARTH

Nina & Co Vintage Film Night. Assembly Rooms, Mill St, Ludlow, 01584 878141

BRECON FILM SOCIETY

6 April ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT (15)

11 May VERMIGLIO (15) Brecon Coliseum Cinema, Wheat St, Brecon. 01874 620642

CONQUEST, BROMYARD

3 April THE ROSES (15)

1 May THE CHORAL (12A) Conquest Theatre, Bromyard. 01885 488575

COURTYARD, HEREFORD

Until 9 April MARTY SUPREME (15)

Until 9 April HOPPERS (U)

14 April ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER (15)

2 & 20 April SINNERS (15)

4 - 9 April THE BRIDE! (15)

7 April EASTER PARADE (U)

Dementia Friendly screening

7 & 21 April SENTIMENTAL VALUE (15)

8 & 20 April IT’S NEVER OVER, JEFF BUCKLEY (15)

10 & 14 April BEST IN SHOW (12A)

10 - 21 April MAGIC FARAWAY TREE (U)

11 - 17 April EPIC: ELIVS PRESLEY IN CONCERT (12A)

13 & 14 April IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT (12A)

14 - 23 April A PALE VIEW OF HILLS (12A)

15 - 23 April I SWEAR (15)

17 - 21 April PROJECT HAIL MARY (12A)

17 & 22 April IS THIS THING ON? (15)

20 April SIRAT (15) Radix Film Club

21 April DJ AHMET (ctbc)

23 & 27 April WERCKMEISTER HARMONIES (2000) (12A)

24 - 27 April TWO PROSECUTORS (12A)

24 - 30 April THE DRAMA (ctbc)

Until 28 April H IS FOR HAWK (12A)

Until 30 April HAMNET (12A)

19 April SONG SUNG BLUE (12A)

Until 23 April MOTHER’S PRIDE (12A)

The Courtyard Theatre, Edgar St, Hereford 01432 340555

8 April THE CHORAL (12A) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125

9 April SONG SUNG BLUE (12A) Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms 01588 676060

9 April THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND (12A) Leintwardine Community Centre 07572 442903

10 April MR BURTON (12A) Mamble VH 07761 981622

10 April JANE AUSTEN WRECKED MY LIFE (15) The Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125

10 April A COMPLETE UNKNOWN (15) Fownhope New Memorial Hall 01432 860567

11 April CLEO DE 5 A 7 (PG) Malvern Theatres 01684 892277

11 April PARLEZ-MOI DE LA PLUIE (12A) Malvern Theatres 01684 892277

11 April GAZON MAUDIT (15) Malvern Theatres 01685 892277

11 April SONG SUNG BLUE (12A) The Old Picture House, Kington 07855 254590

11 April HUGO (U) Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington 01432 890720

11 April THE ROSES (15) Yarpole Parish Hall 01568 780250

11 April THE ROSES (15) Cawley Hall, Eye 07771 798712

11 April THE ROSES (15) Ombersley Memorial Hall 01905 620350

11 April THE CHORAL (12A) Rodington VH 01952 771147

11 April THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND (12A) Bayston Hill Memorial Hall 01743 872096

12 April PEPPERMINT SODA (12) Malvern Theatres 01684 892277

12 April L’AVENIR (12) Malvern Theatres 01684 892277

13 April HELL OR HIGH WATER (15) Coalbrookdale & Ironbridge Community Centre gorgefilmclub@ gmail.com

13 April BRASSED OFF (15) Welshpool Town Hall 01938 552043

13 April A BIG BOLD BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY (15) The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock 01952 728911

14 April THE CHORAL (12A) Garway Hall 01600 750465

14 April THE CHORAL (12A) Ashford Carbonell VH 01584 831574

15 April ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER (15) Diddlebury VH 07396 730342

15 April THE CHORAL (12A) Myddle VH 07706 450075

16 April THE CHORAL (12A) Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton 07429 237955

16 April THE CHORAL (12A) Kinnerley Parish Hall 01691 683619

16 April THE CHORAL (12A) Norbury VH 07929 366745

17 April GOOD FORTUNE (15) The Simpson Hall, Burghill 01432 760552

17 April THE CHORAL (12A) Colwall VH 07891 668124

17 April THE CHORAL (12A) Ryton VH 07835 928069

17 April MR BURTON (12A) Marton VH 01743 792790

18 April MISSION IMPOSSIBLE THE FINAL RECKONING (12) Upton upon Severn Memorial Hall 01684 592273

18 April LEE (15) Little Witley VH 01886 888122

18 April THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND (12A) Leominster Community Centre 01568 616411

18 April THE CHORAL (12A) Bicton VH 01743 850551

20 April THE CHORAL (12A) The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock 01952 728911

21 April WHITE BIRD - A WONDER STORY (12) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 638038

21 April THE CHORAL (12A) Acton Scott VH 07485 655898

24 April HUGO (U) Knighton Community Centre 07964 023841

In a typically bold move, over the weekend of April 11 – 12th you can see six, sub-titled films by French women directors at Malvern Theatre. Admittedly influenced by my affection for those equine outsiders, the best of these is My Donkey, My Lover and I co-written (with Robert Louis Stevenson!) and directed by Caroline Vignal. Beginning when schoolteacher Antoinette (Laure Calamy, T.V.’s Call My Agent) decides to crash the family holiday of her married lover (Benjamin Lavernhe) in the French Alps, her accomplice being the titular donkey, Patrick, eliciting a charming, screwball comedy. Then there’s the comic drama Let It Rain, directed, co-written by and starring Agnes Jaoui as an aspiring politician returning to her family home to sort out her late mother’s affairs, and I’d also recommend Mia Hanson Love’s Things To Come starring the incomparable Isabelle Huppert as a school teacher grappling with the loss of a publishing deal and a cheating husband.

24 April THE ROSES (15) The Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125

25 April SULLY (12) Himbleton VH 01905 391143

24 April THE CHORAL (12A) Clungunford VH 01588 660159

25 April SAVE THE CINEMA (12) Callow End VH 0333 666 3366

25 April THE CHORAL (12A) Chapel Lawn VH 07780 728812

25 April WICKED (PG) Church & Chetwynd Aston VH 01952 813234

25 April THE CHORAL (12A) Tasley Parish Room 01746 764881

27 April THE LIFE OF CHUCK (15)

The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock 01952 728911

28 April A REAL PAIN (15) Loppington VH 07932 737967

30 April DEAD OF WINTER (15) Almeley VH 07913 992911

THE HAFREN, NEWTOWN

29 April DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE

The Hafren, Newtown, 01686 948100

10 April THE 400 BLOWS (PG) 24 April SUMMER 1993 (12)

8 May MY FAVOURITE CAKE (12)

The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 01743 234970

MALVERN FRENCH FILM FEST

Six of the best French films by women directors. Introduction by Fiona Handyside, University of Exeter. 11 April CLEO FROM 5 TO 7 11.30am 11 April LET IT RAIN 3pm 11 April FRENCH TWIST 7pm 12 April MY DONKEY MY LOVE & I 11am

12 April PEPPERMINT SODA 3pm 12 April THINGS TO COME 7pm. Show in Malvern Theatre’s Studio One with English subtitles. Tickets £6 per frilm or Festival Pass £30, bookings via www.malvern-theatres.co.uk info www. malvernfrenchfilmcentre.uk Malvern Theatres 01685 892277

Jafar Panihi is an Iranian director who was jailed for his apparently seditious work against the totalitarian regime, e.g. 2011’s This Is Not A Film, so it’s particularly timely that his latest, 2025 Palme d’Or winning work is showing here now. Full of the darkest, often surreal humour and bereft of background music, it begins with a family’s car hitting a stray dog on a country road at night but when the father Eghbal goes to a garage to get his damaged car repaired it transpires that Vahid, the mechanic, suspects that his visitor had once tortured him in prison. However he feels obliged to double-check with Shiva who was also ‘interrogated’ by this man and now works as an upscale wedding photographer. The rest of the film, shot in a somewhat restless and seat-edging manner typical of its director builds to climax suffused with a kind of uneasy hope.

MARKET THEATRE, LEDBURY

8 April THE CHORAL (15)

10 April JANE AUSTEN WRECKED MY LIFE (15)

24 April THE ROSES (15) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125

MID BORDER ARTS

8 April COCO

Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 4pm, The Workhouse (cash) and www.midborderarts.com

OLD MARKET HALL, SHREWS.

Until 2 April MIDWINTER BREAK (ctbc)

Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281

OLD PICTURE HSE. KINGTON

4 April THE CHORAL

11 April SONG SUNG BLUE

3 May THE COLOUR ROOM (PG) A biographical drama covering the life of Clarice Cliff. Part of Marches Makers Festival.

The Old Picture House, 46 Bridge St, Kington, 07855 254590 www.theoldpicturehouse.com

PEMBRIDGE PARISH HALL

24 April THE RIDER Pembridge Parish Hall, 7pm. www.pembridgeparishhall.co.uk

PHOENIX THEATRE, R-O-W

1 April THE MARCHING BAND (15)

2 May HAMNET (12A) Phoenix Theatre, Ross on Wye, 01989 564570

PRESTEIGNE SCREEN

10 April IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT (12A)

19 April STEVEN SPIELBERG’S WEST SIDE STORY (12A) Presteigne Festival Springboard Weekend. 24 April THE OTHER WAY AROUND (12)

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

REGAL, TENBURY WELLS

3, 7 April PEAKY BLINDERS: THE IMMORTAL MAN (15) Themed event on 3 April; fancy dress with flatcaps and waistcoats encouraged! 6, 8, 9, 11 April HOPPERS (U)

13 April 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (U) Regal, Teme St, Tenbury Wells, 01584 811442

SAVOY, MONMOUTH

Until 2 April THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE (12A)

3 - 9 April MOTHER’S PRIDE (12A)

3 - 11 April HOPPERS (PG)

10 - 12 April EPIC (12A)

13 - 15 April THE BRIDE (15)

Savoy Theatre, Church St, Monmouth 01600 772467

SPARC, BISHOP’S CASTLE

21 April WHITE BIRD - A WONDER STORY (12A)

SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 01588 638038

WYESIDE, BUILTH WELLS

1 April HOPPERS (U)

1 & 2 April PROJECT HAIL MARY (12A)

1 & 2 April THE BRIDE! (15)

3 - 15 April THE MAGIC FARAWAY TREE (U)

3 - 9 April ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT (12A)

10 - 16 April MOTHER’S PRIDE (12A) Wyeside, Builth Wells 01982 552555

LIVE EVENTS ON SCREEN

2 April WESTLIFE

Live from the Royal Albert Hall. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.30pm, 01952 728911.

4 April TURNER & CONSTABLE

Exhibition on Screen. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

5 April SIEGFRIED

Royal Ballet Opera. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 2pm, 01982 552555.

7 April OTHELLO

Filmed live at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, London. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

8 April TURNER AND CONSTABLE

Exhibition on Screen. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 4.45pm, 01600 772467.

9 April LA TRAVIATA

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

9 April TURNER AND CONSTABLE Exhibition on Screen. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, 01600 772467. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

10 April THE AUDIENCE

National Theatre. Montgomery Town Hall, 7.30pm, www.montgomerytownhall.uk

11 April THE AUDIENCE

National Theatre. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

14 April OTHELLO

Filmed live at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, London. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

16 April ALL MY SONS

National Theatre. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7pm, 01600 719401. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7pm, 01885 488575. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7pm, 01952 728911. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7pm, 01588 638038. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7pm, 07967 517125.

Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7pm, 01982 552555. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7pm, 01584 878141. Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, 01497 822010

17 April ALL MY SONS

National Theatre. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7pm, 01874 611622. The Regal, Tenbury Wells, 7pm, 01584 811442. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

18 April ALL MY SONS

National Theatre. The Phoenix Theatre, Ross on Wye, 7.30pm, 01989 564570.

19 April ALL MY SONS

National Theatre. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 01982 552555.

20 April THE AUDIENCE

National Theatre. The Courtyard, Herford, 01432 340555.

21 April THE MAGIC FLUTE

RBO. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 6.45pm, 01600 719401. The Hafren, Newtown, 6.45pm, 01686 948100. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 6.45pm, 01874 611622. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 6.45pm, 01885 488575. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 6.45pm, 07967 517125. The Regal, Tenbury Wells, 6.45pm, 01584 811442. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

23 April IT’S NEVER OVER, JEFF BUCKLEY

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

25 April ALL MY SONS

National Theatre. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

26 April ALL MY SONS

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

26 April THE MAGIC FLUTE

The Royal Opera. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 2pm, 01588 638038. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 2pm, 01982 552555.

26 April MUSIK

Frances Barber as Billie Trix. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 2pm, 01982 552555.

28 April THE MAGIC FLUTE

Royal Ballet & Opera. Ludlow

Assembly Rooms, 6.45pm, 01584 878141.

30 April JAMES ACASTER: CINEMAGOERS WELCOME

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

30 April ALL MY SONS

National Theatre. The Hafren, Newtown, 7pm, 01686 948100.

5 May EUGENE ONEGIN

Royal Ballet & Opera. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 6pm, 01600 719401. The Hafren, Newtown, 6pm, 01686 948100. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 6pm, 01885 488575.

6 May TWELFTH NIGHT

Royal Shakepeare Company. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7pm, 01885 488575.

WORKSHOPS

Every Tuesday YOUTH CAFE

Young people (8-16) can meet and share creative activites including music, drama and films. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 01743 234970

Wednesdays FILM MAKING CLUB

For ages 11-17. The Courtyard, Hereford, 6-7.30pm, £82 per term, 01432 340555.

The Magic Flute

dance

Dance Performance

Thurs 16 April

I HAVE A BRUISE WOMANEWER’S live performance based on real life stories, performed by five professional female dancers who are all survivors of sexual abuse. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, pay what you decide, 01432 340555. Sat 2 & Sun 3 May MORRIS DANCING AND MAYPOLE DANCING

In the streets of Kington throughout the weekend. Part of Marches Makers Festival, www.marchesmakers.co.uk

Dance Workshops

Single, dated listings are free. Year round entries £45. ASSEMBLY ROOMS DANCE CLASSES

Weekly - Circle Dancing, no partner required, 1.45-3.45pm, £5, contact Kathryn 01584 877446. Weekly - GKY Dance. Dance and acrobatics for children, various classes, 4-8.15pm, £4.75-£6.25, contact Grace Young 07939 638637. Weekly - Learn 2 Jive, beginners 7.30-8.30pm, intermediates 8.30-9.30pm, no partner needed, £6, contact Matt info@coolmovesdance.co.uk. Zumba - Tues, 6-6.55pm, £8, contact Julie, 07753 197097. Adult Dance Classes with Hollie Victoria for ages 18-80 - weekly, 7-8.15pm, £10, email Hollievrobertson@aol.com Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 01584 878141.

DANCE WITH ALANYA

Mondays at Kingswood Village Hall, HR5 3HE: 11.00am12.00 noon Move with the Groove Classic tracks from Disco to Swing - follow-on steps or do your own thing. All welcome. £8.00 drop-in/£24.00 per 4-week block. 12.15-1.00pm Belly Dance Basics Beginner Level Belly Dance, no experience required. £6.00 drop-in/£18.00 per 4-week block. 1st & 3rd Saturdays at Bodenham Parish Hall, HR1 3LB: 1.00-3.00pm Shimmy Central Open Level Belly Dance, all levels welcome. £14.00 per class, bookings by the previous Wednesday.For full information, visit www.alanyadance.uk or contact Abbie at alanyadancer@gmail.com or on 07962 161081.

COURTYARD, HEREFORD CLASSES

Mon - Boogie with Baby, 1pm-1.45pm, £6.50. Mon - Dance Blast Mondays, 10.45am-11.30am, £7. Tues - Silver Swans Adult Ballet, 11am-11.45am. Thurs - Silver Swans Adult Ballet, 1pm-1.45pm. Thurs - Music and Movement for the Mind, 2pm-2.45pm, £7. Fri - Chance to Dance, 10.15am-11.15am, £7. Fri - Dancing Tots, 11.30am-12.15pm, £6.50. Sat monthly - Line Dancing, 6.30pm-7.30pm, £7. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

DANCE CLASSES AND STUDIO HIRE WITH 2FACED DANCE AT THE CENTRE FOR MOVEMENT, GAOL STREET, HEREFORD HR1 2HU.

Wee Movers: Age 4 - 6, Mon 16:30 - 17:15, Mega Movers: Age 7 - 10, Mon 17:20 - 18:20,

Adult Contemporary Flow: Age 18 +, Mon 19:20- 20:50

Teen Contemporary: Age 11+, Tues 17:00 - 18:00

2Faced Youth: Age 11+ (audition only), Tues 18:0021:00. The Kin Project: Boys age 9+, Wed 18:15 -19:30

K-Pop Kids: Age 6 - 10, Wed 4.45-5.45

K-Pop Youth: Age 11+, Wed 5.45-6.45

K-Pop Perform: Age 11+ Wed 6.50-7.50

www.2faceddance.co.uk / 01432 620032 / admin@2faceddance.co.uk

LEARN 2 JIVE 50’S SWING STYLE CLASSES

Mon - Bartestree Village Hall, Hereford, 7.30pm. Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton, 7.30pm. Tues - Pembridge Village Hall, 7.30pm. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm. Claines Parish Hall, Worcester, 7.45pm. Wed - . Holy Trinity Parish Hall, Malvern, 7.30pm. Thurs - Ledbury Dance Studio, Bye Street, 7.30pm. Abberley Village Hall, 7.30pm. Penybont Community Centre, 7.30pm. Castle Hall, Bridgnorth, 7.30pm. Thurs - Lindy Hop Introductory 6 week course, Bodenham Parish Hall, 8pm. Fri - Gentle Jive, Bartestree Village Hall, 10.15am. Sun - Eardisley Village Hall, 6.30pm. For more information please e-mail info@coolmovesdance.co.uk Matt or Sarah on 01989 750354. www.coolmovesdance.co.uk Coolmoves Dance & Fitness for adults.

DAYTIME ADULT BALLET AND TAP CLASSES

Ballet 4All, Wednesdays 10:30-11:15 at RNCB, The Point4, Venns Lane, Hereford. Tuesdays; 1-2pm Silver Swans Adult Ballet, 2:15-3pm Low Impact Adult Tap at The Larruperz Centre, Ross-On-Wye. Classes are suitable for all ages and abilities, beginners are welcome, PAYG £8. Tel Ruth; 07854 793 960 Email; creativefitness20@gmail.com www.creativefitness.org.uk

PINSLEY MILL MORRIS

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

Fortnightly Saturdays CHORUS LINE

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 07943 417561.

Tuesdays, Thursdays - Saturdays MID WALES DANCE ACADEMY Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 07943 417561. Tuesdays SOLO LATINO DANCE Parish Hall, Hay-onWye, 7-8.30pm. Mely 07837 160505.

Wednesdays SALSA CLASS The Old Picture House, 46 Bridge St, Kington, 7.30pm, 07855 254590, www.theoldpicturehouse.com

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

A Riverside Inn and Rose Cottage Cafe

LAS, as I write Mr Pernickety is in hospital and we wish him a speedy recovery but in the meantime it again falls to me to report on eateries I have visited recently. And it must be said that as far as the Marches are concerned, truly upscale dining is something of a rarity so in the dank, dark depths of February, and after a hiatus of two years or so, it was a delight to take lunch at the Riverside Inn in Aymestrey (01568 708440).

The chef patron, Andy Link, started there as a kitchen porter some twenty years ago in order to help pay for his further education and having worked his way up he determined to concentrate on locally sourced and sustainable food and drink, since when the restaurant’s reputation has, if you’ll pardon the awful pun, mushroomed. But loving Negronis as I do, my friend Mrs M and I somehow restrained ourselves from imbibing the Gatterhope damson vodka, Penrhos gin and vermouth concoction and after a generous helping of the Riverside’s own sourdough bread doused in rapeseed oil and balsamic vinegar we went on to share a generous starter of risotto with artichoke and goat’s cheese. This was perfectly cooked – unlike my own patchy efforts with the pearl barley melange – with the artichoke nicely balanced rather than being overly intrusive.

For mains, Mrs M chose a scrumptious Shropshire chicken with butterbeans and mushrooms with a side order of spiced red cabbage and raisins whilst I had robin – a reddy/orange deep and deeply flavoured sea fish sometime known as gurnard – cooked with fennel and dill with which I opted for some of the best truffled chips with parsley I’ve ever encountered. True, the fish was not sourced from the adjacent River Lugg that gives the Riverside its name, but from New Wave Seafood in Cirencester and by now needless to say it was beautifully cooked, presented and extremely tasty.

At this point it’s appropriate to mention the wine, and from a lengthy and comprehensive wine list I chose a large glass of Primi Soli Pinot Grigio as a suitably crisp and dry accompaniment to my robin. Mrs P chose a smaller glass of Herefordshire’s Sixteen Ridges pinot noir which whilst perhaps surprisingly good value was the match of anything one might’ve drunk from la bella Italia. It’s also worth mentioning that many of Riverside’s wines are available by the glass and for those who’d prefer something from the beer department, they have three Wye Valley Brewery offerings on draught, including my favourite Butty Bach, as well as some Herefordshire ciders.

However already well-sated, we decided against dessert, although the Woodruff Rhubarb Panacotta and meringue was a close call, but instead went straight to coffee which was served with a delicious homemade fudge. Furthermore, I forewent no less than four locally produce digestives in favour of a rich Calvados – well it was my birthday and I wasn’t driving!

And after the warmest of welcomes and seated in one of the cosy ground floor dining rooms which featured works by local artists, service was friendly, well-informed and as prompt as one could expect when everything is cooked to order, although on the day Mr Link’s sous chef, Owen, was rattling the pots and pans and congratulations were certainly in order and readily given.

The same is true when popping my head round the kitchen door after enjoying lunch at the Rose Cottage Café on Presteigne’s High Street (01544 329759) where I’d already eaten twice this year and a little later in February I went again with a colleague from my journalism days who was passing through town. Unlike the Riverside where the menu changes periodically according to seasonal availabilities, Rose Cottage offers main courses and desserts that can vary several times a week, although their paninis and sandwiches are pretty much staples.

We both began with an excellent carrot and coriander soup before moving on to two of the six mains of the day which were macaroni cheese and salad in my case and beef and red cabbage stew with new potatoes for John which he proclaimed was a fantastic combination and perfectly cooked, just like my macaroni cheese. We both had a generous glass of Fentiman’s original ginger beer to wash it all down but demurred from the dessert menu which as ever included home-baked cakes and tarts.

The salad which happily came with separate dressing was a tad on the small side but like John’s stew was nothing short of a bargain which in these straightened times is both amazing and most welcome. And the fact that the place was buzzing, as it usually is, proved testament to the café’s local popularity. True, the Riverside is somewhat at the other edge of the epicurean spectrum from Rose Cottage but given what it offers it, was also impressively good value.

Mark Williams

EVENTS

April

TRIGG’S CAFE, TALGARTH MILL

19 April - Sunday Roast, 12-4pm. 24 April - An evening of Small Plates, 5.30pm-8.45pm. Trigg’s Cafe, Talgarth Mill, The Square, Talgarth, please book 01874 618861 or email triggscafe@gmail.com

April

LYDE COURT

Every Sun - Carvery, 12pm-3pm. 5 April - Easter Sunday Carvery, 2-course, booking essential. Lyde Court, Hereford, 01432 357753.

Sat 11 April

KINGTON MARMALADE COMPETITION

To enter pick up an application form from the Grapevine or Bee’s Knees in Kington. The Oxford Arms, Kington, 12pm-4pm, bar and cafe open throughout, 0730 1081444.

Until June

LUNCH AND LEARN

22 April, 20 May & 24 June. A friendly, safe space, to learn, share and enjoy food. Learn basic food, foraging, preserving and recipe ideas or drop in for a tasty, affordable bite. Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton. Cook 11am-1pm, Share 1pm-2pm, £5pp. 01547 550377, www.sidneynolantrust.org/bleddfa

Every Saturday LUDLOW COUNTRY MARKET 9am-12pm at The Womens Centre, Ludlow. Local produce, handicrafts, plants & veg, cut flowers, cards. First Saturday of every month (except January & July)

VILLAGE MARKET & CAFE

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

First Saturday of every month (except August)

FARMER’S MARKET Produce, craft, gifts, kitchen cafe open. Eaton Bishop Village Hall, 10am-12pm.

First Saturday of every month HELLENS PRODUCE MARKET Stock up on good, local products. Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, near Ledbury, 9.30am-11.30am, www.hellensmanor.com

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

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

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

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

Third Saturday of every month PRODUCE MARKET Hightown Community Rooms, Vicarage Rd. Clun, 10.00am - 12.00pm. 01547 520332.

3rd Saturday of every month FARMER’S MARKET

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

1st Thursday EVENING FARMER’S MARKET

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

Every Thursday MONTGOMERY TOWN MARKET

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

Every Thursday HAY MARKET DAY Local produce. Memorial Square and Clock Tower, Hay-on-Wye, 9am-2.30pm, www.haymarkets.co.uk

Every 2nd & 4th Thursday LUDLOW LOCAL PRODUCE MARKET Castle Square, 9am-2pm, 01584 872043. Every Friday KINGTON PRODUCE/CRAFTS MARKET Market Hall, Kington, 9am-1pm, 07867 483135.

FOOD BYTES

Why not advertise? Only £45 per year.

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.

LEON’S SUPPER CLUB, 14 HIGH STREET, PRESTEIGNE, POWYS LD8 2BA (ABOVE THE SALTY DOG). TEL: 07805 727486 OR VIA FACEBOOK Open every Friday and Saturday 6pm to 9pm. Enjoy authentic Spanish tapas. Bring your own drink.

LOCKDOWN DHABA - EVERY OTHER SATURDAY

Specially curated 3 course vegetarian and vegan menus designed to take you on a journey exploring traditional & contemporary Indian food. Pre-order and we will cook your meal fresh in our home kitchen, quickly chill it and deliver it to your door. lockdowndhaba.com or instagram/facebook @lockdowndhaba

RHOS MARKET GARDEN, KNIGHTON

Growers & providers of organic veg, fruit & flowers. Eco cleaning products & refills. Large range of groceries & wholefoods. The Old Garage Shop Knighton LD7 1EN. Wed. - Fri. 9 - 4, Sat. 10 - 2. Free parking. Organic veg boxes delivered to collection points in Presteigne, Knighton and Beguildy. rhosorganic@outlook.com www.rhosorganic.co.uk

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

YE OLDE TAVERN, KINGTON 01544 231417

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

APRIL

Wed 1 April

FOREST BAROQUE

Free lunchtime concert. Bring along your lunch, laptop etc. St Mary’s Church, Ross on Wye, 1pm, free, retiring collection.

THE HORSENECKS + VERA VAN HEERINGEN

Traditional and original roots music, singing centuries-old ballads, their own songs and barn-burning fiddle tunes. The Hub, School Lane, New Radnor, 7.30pm, £10, 07989 898771.

Thurs 2 April

OPEN MIC/JAM NIGHT

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

THE SHOOP SHOOP SHOW

Get ready to experience a Cher show like no other. Featuring Rachael Hawnt. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

REMI HARRIS HOT CLUB TRIO

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

Fri 3 April

JAMES OLIVER

Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

THE GUILTY MEN

The band is made up of five of the finest musicians from the Northwest of England. Between them they have played over 10,000 gigs, to say they’re experienced would be an understatement! Oscars, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, £16, 01584 878141.

EASTER DISCO

With Alice in Wonderland, with special guest Alice and the Mad Hatter. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 4pm-6pm, www.globeathay.org

REELIN’ IN THE DAN

Corn Exchange, High St, Ross-on-Wye, 8pm, 01989 763174, www.rosscornexchange.co.uk

THE SALOPIAN MIXTAPE

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

THE INNOCIENT CRIMINALS

Gordon Bennetts, Hereford, 9.30pm.

AKOLA TAMBO

Afro-Colombian music. The Lost Arc, Rhayader, 7.30pm, www.thelostarc. co.uk

DELICIOUS DEE

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

OPEN MIC

Music, poetry and fun. The Globe, Hayon-Wye, 8pm, free, www.globeathay.org

FIDDLEBOP

Old Street Tavern, Ludlow, www.oldstreettavern.com

Sat 4 April

THE R & B ORCHESTRA

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

EASTER FAMILY RAVE

Packed with your favourite tunes, bubbles, balloons and plenty of bunny hops. Perfect for all ages. Courtyard, Hereford, 11am, 01432 340555.

BREAKING GROUND

Gordon Bennetts, Hereford, 9.30pm. SATURDAY LIVE AT THE GLOBE

Featuring Anna Anise & Jon Fazal. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £15, www.globeathay.org

THE SWAMP STOMP STRING BAND

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

LAST EASTER HURRAH!

Fantastic plants from the Cottage Herbery and tons of stalls. Live music with Madog and hot food. Aardvark Books & Cafe, The Bookery, Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan, Bucknell, 9am-4pm, 01547 530744.

A FOREIGNER’S JOURNEY

Blending the anthems of Foreigner and Journey. The Regal, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, £22.50, 01584 811442.

THE LEGEND OF BARRY WHITE

‘Let The Music Play’. Featuring vocalist William Hicks. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

PETER COX

‘Go West; We Close Our Eyes, And Other Stories’. Peter Cox will revisit the hits while looking back on featuring in Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky soundtrack and more. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.30pm, £30, premium £45, Meet ‘n’ Greet £75, 01952 728911.

Sun 5 April

THE ROAD KNIGHTS

Gordon Bennetts, Hereford, 9.30pm.

STEVIE KEYS

The Vaga, Hereford, 6-8pm.

Mid Wales Opera

A Night at the Castle

Mon 6 April

ORGAN CONCERT

Peter Dyke will perform on the cathedral’s world-famous Willis organ. Hereford Cathedral, 1.15pm, free with retiring collection.

BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB

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

OPEN MIC

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

ZIP THE CHICK & FRIENDS

Hand-knitted chicks and other animals filled with creme egg available to buy. Lots of games, make and take activities, refreshments. St Mary’s Church, Marden, 2-4pm.

CIDER CITY JAZZMEN

The Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford.

Wed 8 April

ALBERT’S SONGWRITERS SHOWCASE

Featuring Joe Chaplin, We Were Just Kids and Pete Winwood. Albert’s Shed, Shrewsbury, 8.30pm, www.albertsshed. co.uk

THE HORSENECKS

Gabrielle Macrae and Barry Southern, a dynamic duo based in Oregon, whose music crackles with the living spirit of American roots traditions. The Hanging Gardens, Bethel St, Llanidloes, 7.30pm, 01686 413394.

Thurs 9 April

POP MUSIC QUIZ NIGHT

Hosted by Roddy Hankins. Lyde Court, Hereford, 7pm, £5 entry, cash prizes, 01432 357753.

OPEN MIC/JAM NIGHT

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

DOM FRANKS STRAYHORN

Jazz. Corn Exchange, High St, Ross-on-Wye, 7.30pm, £12 in advance. 01989 763174, www.rosscornexchange. co.uk

MID WALES OPERA

Presents ‘A NIght at the Castle’. From unaccompanied folk songs to classical opera via baroque and musicals. The Great Hall, Hay Castle, 7pm, 01497 820079.

BOARDGAMES & BURGERS

The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, free, www.globeathay.org

ALISTAIR MGOWAN:

THREE GREAT SHOWS IN ONE!

An evening of classic comedy, poetry and beautiful piano music. The Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, £32/£24, 01686 948100.

Fri 10 April

PHILLIP CLOUTS QUARTET

Lost Arc, Rhayader, 7.30pm, £10, 01597 811226.

MAGIC QUEEN

Tribute band. The Regal, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, £30, 01584 811442.

SERF

Gordon Bennetts, Hereford, 9.30pm.

LUDLOW ENGLISH SONG WEEKEND

A guided tour of St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow, 4.30pm. Eight Haiky with Roderick Williams & Iain Burnside, featuring the UK premiere of music by Libby Larsen, plus Britten, Finzi, Schubert and more. St Laurence’s Church, 7.30pm. www.ludlowenglishsongweekend.com

OPEN MIC

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

THE WESTLIFE EXPERIENCE

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

OPEN MIC

Music, poetry and fun. The Globe, Hayon-Wye, 8pm, free, www.globeathay.org

THE DIVA CONCERT

With soloist Nina Markendahl, The Ledbury Singers and the Diva Orchestra. Ledbury Rugby Club, 7.30pm, £10, 01531 635129 or 07531 311991.

HELLS BELLS

AC/DC tribute. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, 01600 719401.

Sat 11 April

LINDISFARNE

Legendary 70s folk-rock pioneers return with a classic five-piece line up of longtime members. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, 01874 611622.

SATURDAY LIVE AT THE GLOBE

Featuring Very Santana. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £25, www.globeathay.org

GERMA ADAN

A Haitian-born composer, vocalist and string musician whose music traverses Haitian, American and British folk traditions. Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 8pm, www.midborderarts.com

RADIO RUMOURS

Gordon Bennetts, Hereford, 9.30pm. THE EMO FEST

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

LUDLOW ENGLISH SONG WEEKEND

Talk: Where does Finzi Stand Today? For festival passholders, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 10am. ‘Thomas Hardy’s World’, with actor Alex Jennings, poems and songs by Finzi and others. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 11.30am. ‘Shall We Dance?’ Pianist Ian Tindale curates a varied programme. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 2.30pm. ‘Challenging Hardy’ Women poets answer back to ‘A Young Man’s Exhortation’. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 5pm. ‘Gerald Finzi’s World, The composer and his friends’. Roderick Williams and Iain Burnside are joined by soprano Ailish Tynan and bass Matthew Rose. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 8pm. www.ludlowenglishsongweekend.com

THE ENDINGS

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

JUSTIN DAISH IS HANK MARVIN Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £16, students £9, 07967 517125.

LET SPIN

An egalitarian four-piece featuring Chris Williams, Ruth Goller, Moss Freed and Finlay Panter. Shrewsbury Jazz Network. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 7pm, £25, £12 under 22s, 01743 234970, www.hiveonline.org.uk

DAYTIME DISCO

70s, 80s, 90s Edition. The Foundry, Brecon, 3pm-8pm, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

OPEN MIC NIGHT

The Hanging Gardens, Bethel St, Llanidloes, 7.30pm, free drink for musicians, 01686 413394.

KARAOKE & COCKTAILS

Hosted by Jess. The Foundry, Brecon, 9pm, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

THE DIVA CONCERT

Smash hits from the world’s greatest divas! With soloist Nina Markendahl, The Ledbury Singers and the Diva Orchestra. Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £10, 01531 635129 or 07531 311991.

ABBA FOREVER

Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £30, 01873 850805.

Sun 12 April

WHISKEY RIVER

Duo, Aidan & Martin. The Six Bells, Bishop’s Castle, 5pm, free.

QUIZ NIGHT

Teams of up to six, free chips!

The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, £5, www.globeathay.org

WEST END TENORS

Performing the greatest triumphs of musical theatre and film. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £26.82, 01743 281281.

LUDLOW ENGLISH SONG WEEKEND

Talk: ‘When is a Poem singable? For festival passholders, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 10am. ‘Shakespeare Abroad’. A globe-trotting programme with songs from Haydn to Berlioz, Poulenc to Shostakovich with actor Richard Goulding and an all-star ensemble of eight singers. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 11.30am. ‘Shakespeare at Home’. Closing the festival in style, English composers including Finzi Parry, Tippet, Dring and more. Plus all sixteen singers come together for a performance of Vaughan Williams’ immortal Serenade to Music. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 2.30pm. Details www.ludlowenglishsongweekend.com

BIG JOE BONE

Blue grass. Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4pm, 01531 632250.

BLUES CENTRAL

Richmond Place Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 3.15pm, 01432 356529.

Wed 15 April

TRACK DOGS

The band create their own unique brand of acoustic music, including Americana, Latino, folk and bluegrass. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 340555.

THE CAVERN BEATLES

The Regal, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, £29, 01584 811442.

Thurs 16 April

CARDUCCI QUARTET

Programme includes Rhaglen, Haydn, Mozart and Mendelssohn. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £19/£15, students £8, 01873 850805.

GAMES NIGHT

Bring a game or select from our library. Corn Exchange, High St, Ross-on-Wye, 6.30pm, free entry, under 16s must be accompanied by an adult, 01989 763174, www.rosscornexchange.co.uk

OPEN MIC/JAM NIGHT

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

THE TAKE THAT EXPERIENCE

Their most popular and recognised Take That tribute band. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, 01874 611622.

SWEET CAROLINE

Direct from the West End, the ultimate tribute to Neil Diamond. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

LIVE AT THE GLOBE

Featuring Lewis Barfoot, blending contemporary folk with traditional influences. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, earlybird £12, £15 on the door, www.globeathay.org

SWING FROM PARIS

Parisian flavoured music. The Mackenzie Hall, Brockweir, 7.30pm, £18, www.swingfromparis.co.uk

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE QUIZ

Hosted by Roddy Hankins. Lyde Court, Hereford, 7pm, £5 entry, cash prizes, 01432 357753.

THE FUREYS FAREWELL TOUR

Middle of the road, folk and traditional band. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £27, 01600 772467.

Presteigne Festival Springboard Weekend

Thurs 16 April

SCOLD’S BRIDLE

‘Women Left on the Shore’. Bite sized concerts on Abergavenny Library Mezzanine Floor, 2.30pm, £9, 01873 850805.

Fri 17 April

STEADY ED

Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

OPEN MIC

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

DARK & TWISTIES

The Foundry, Brecon, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

MAET LIVE

Meat Loaf’s greatest hits.

The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 6.30pm, 07498 966606.

PRESTEIGNE FESTIVAL SPRINGBOARD WEEKEND

Featuring renowned Ukrainian instrumentalist and singer Galyne Grigoriadi in concert. Performing on the bandura. Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, £10, £1 for ages 8-25. 01544 267800, www.presteignefestival. com

AN EVENING OF RADIOHEAD

Performed by a full band, vocalists and string quartet. The band will be accompanied by very special guests. Hereford Cathedral, 7.30pm, tickets booked online www.eventbrite.co.uk

ANNA AND THE TONICS

Gordon Bennetts, Hereford, 9.30pm.

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS

The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, 07498 966606.

ME AND MY FRIENDS

Afrobeat. Folk. Jazz. Cello. Clarinet. Harmonies to melt your soul. Grooves to bounce your booty on. Me and My Friends effortlessly weave these ingredients into a sonic concoction that is theirs alone, underpinned by the hauntingly elegant songs and sparkling highlife guitar of bandleader Nick Rasle. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.30pm, 01952 728911.

SO WHAT!

Band night. Lyde Court, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 357753.

OPEN MIC

Music, poetry and fun. The Globe, Hayon-Wye, 8pm, free, www.globeathay.org

FOLK IN THE FOYER

Featuring The Roving Crows. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575.

TRANSATLANTIC HOT CLUB

Relive the decadent Parisian jazz scene of the 1930s. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, £18, 01584 878141.

JEB LOY NICHOLS & CLOVIS PHILLIPS

Lost Arc, Rhayader, 7.30pm, £12, 01597 811226.

OH WHAT A NIGHT

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

Sat 18 April

SHREWSBURY CHORAL

Spring concert featuring pianist Sean Godden. Programme includes Mendelssohn, Haydn and Brahms. Shrewsbury Abbey. Details, www.shrewsburychoral.org.uk

GOOD TO GO

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

PRESTEIGNE FESTIVAL SPRINGBOARD WEEKEND

Live music in the library with cellist Clare O’Connell. Presteigne Library, 10.30am free. ‘Compose for Cello’ Mark Boden and Clare O’Connell collaborate with six earlycareer composers as they refine their new solo cello works. Baptist Church, Presteigne, 2-5pm, free, come and go as you please. ‘Roma Indicta: Songs for Voice and Guitar’. Featuring Lucy Gibbs and Declan Hickey. A selection of folk-song arrangements by Britten and songs by Faure and Schubert. St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne, 5.30pm, £10, £1 for ages 8-25. 01544 267800, www.presteignefestival.com

ALLISTER WHITEHEAD

Plus guest DJs. The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 8pm, 07498 966606.

Presteigne Festival Springboard Weekend

CALLING PLANET EARTH

A musical journey back to the 1980s nightclub dance floor. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £30.80, 01743 281281.

LAST TREE SQUAD

The Foundry, Brecon, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

MONMOUTH BIG BAND

16-piece live band bring a lively, upbeat swing with a big band repertoire. St Mary’s Church, Ross on Wye, 7.30pm, £15 in advance from www.fosmross.org. uk or £18 on the door.

THE INSTITUTIONS

Gordon Bennetts, Hereford, 9.30pm.

AN EVENING OF RADIOHEAD

Performed by a full band, vocalists and string quartet. The band will be accompanied by very special guests. Hereford Cathedral, 7.30pm, tickets booked online www.eventbrite.co.uk

SHROPSHIRE BLLUES & ROOTS

CLUB

Featuring Chris Jagger, plus Blue Moon. Ludlow Brewery, Station Rd, Ludlow, 8pm, £15 on the door, 07710 409004, www.shropshirebluesclub.com

THE VELVET VIOLIN

A relaxed cabaret-style evening with special musical guests Art Blank Combo with their mix of jazz, funk and Latin as well as Jesse Reid, a singer-songwriter wise beyond her years who has drawn comparisons with the likes of Iron and Wine, Lucy Rose and Ben Howard. Martin Blake - in ‘Bob Dylan Quiz Mode’. Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 8pm, £15, under 25s £10 tickets from The Workhouse Gallery or www.midborderarts.com

SEVEN WONDERS

The Spirit of Fleetwood Mac. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, 01584 878141.

IDA WENOE & SAMANTHA WHATES

Weaving their songs into a seamless, collaborative flow. Creating space for songs to breathe together in a warm, multi-instrumental evening where voices, stories and talents intertwine. Oscars, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, £15, 01584 878141.

DJ NIGHT

The Oxford Arms, Kington, 6pm, free, bar and food available, 07301 081444.

FIDDLEBOP

Danceable and exciting with plenty of improvised solos. Expect gypsyflavoured jazz. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £16, students and over 60s £14, 07967 517125.

THE HILDASHOLM FESTIVAL ENSEMBLE

Featuring Elisabeth Zeuthen Schneider, violin; Toke Moldrup, cello and Daniele Rinaldo piano. Programme includes Bach, Debussy, and Janacek. Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, near Ledbury, 7pm, £20 free to full-time students and carers, www.hellensmanor.com

LEWIS BARFOOT

Contemporary folk at its best. The Globe, Hay on Wye, 8pm, £12, 01497 821762.

ABERHONDDU MALE VOICE SINGERS

Kilpeck Village Hall, 6.30pm, £10, children free, bar and refreshments available, 075853 34651 or 077899 38506.

JOHN BRAMWELL + BEN DE LA COUR

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

Sun 19 April

PRESTEIGNE FESTIVAL SPRINGBOARD WEEKEND

‘Between Heaven and Earth: Sacred Music for Solo Cello’. With Clare O’Connell. Works include JS Bach, Edmund Finnis, Natalie Klouda, Marin Marais, James MacMillan, Dietrich Stoeffken and John Tavener. St Andrew’s Church, 4pm, £10, £1 for ages 8-25. 01544 267800, www.presteignefestival.com

MARCHES BAL FOLK SESSION

An informal afternoon of music and dance from the French, Breton and European traditions. Cawley Village Hall, Luston, 2.30pm-5.30pm, free, donations, 07731 194797. Tea/cakes.

MUSIC IN NEW RADNOR

Featuring Nigel Clayton and Imma Setiadi. ‘Earth, Air, Wind and Fire’. Four hands at the keyboard, intriguingly described by the duo as ‘a journey across the elements with 20 fingers on 88 keys, in 90 minutes’. The Hub, School Lane, New Radnor, near Presteigne, 3pm, £15, under 14s £3, 01544 350746.

WHISKEY RIVER

Duo, Aidan and Martin. The Bell Inn, Redbrook, near Monmouth, 7pm, free.

Transatlantic Hot Club, 17 April

LAURA JANE WILKIE & IAN CARR

Laura Wilkie had a unique style which has roots in the Highland fiddle traditions, but is influenced by an eclectic range of music from all genres. Rhydycroesau Village Hall, 8pm, £15, 07796 694191. No bar, bring your own drinks.

SUNDAY SESSIONS - OPEN MIC

Live music from local performers, hosted by Moke Longmore. Ludlow Brewery, Station Drive, Ludlow, 4.30pm, free entry, 01584 873291.

Sun 19 April

NADAV TABAK

The Foundry, Brecon, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

JOHN POWER

The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 6.30pm, 07498 966606.

SPICE GIRLS - THE THEATRE SHOW

With backing band, impressive vocals, dance routines and authentic costumes. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £30.25, 01743 281281.

LIVE AT THE GLOBE

Featuring John Bramwell, former frontman of I Am Kloot. The Globe, Hay-onWye, 7.30pm, £26, www.globeathay.org

RUTH NOTMAN TRIO

One of the leading ‘nu-folk revivalists’. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 7.45pm, £17.50, 01743 234970.

LADY MAISERY

Colwall Village Hall, 7.30pm, £20, 07854 918783.

MIKE KELLY

Richmond Place Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 356529.

HEREFORD DIOCESE THROUGH MUSIC - 1350 YEARS!

To celebrate the 1350 anniversary of the Diocese of Hereford, choirs from the diocese will come together to sing music through the ages by Herefordshire composers past and present. Leominster Priory, 6pm.

KATHRYN ROBERTS & SEAN LAKEMAN

In concert. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 8pm, £17.50, 01588 630023, www.bishopscastletownhall.co.uk

Mon 20 April

BLACK IS THE COLOUR OF MY VOICE

Inspired by the life of Nina Simone and featuring many of her most iconic songs. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £32.51-£27.50, 01743 281281.

Tues 21 April

THE BRITPOP SHOW

Award-winning writer and comedian Marc Burrows for a stand-up celebration of the iconic Blur vs Oasis chart war. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £20, 01743 281281.

COMMUNITY BINGO FUNDRAISER

Grab your dabbers and bring your lucky charm! Families welcome. The Courtyard, Hereford, 6.30pm, 01432 340555.

BRECON JAZZ CLUB

Featuring Transatlantic Hot Club. The Muse, Brecon, 8pm, £17-£14, www.breconjazz.org

Wed 22 April

KATE BUTCH

A cabaret show like no other with the star of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £25.85, 01743 281281.

ALBERT’S SONGWRITERS SHOWCASE

Featuring Roscoe Balaban and Timothy Parkes. Albert’s Shed, Shrewsbury, 8.30pm, www.albertsshed.co.uk

EMMA KOLANO BAND

Live rehearsal plus special guest. The Foundry, Brecon, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN

‘Fandango! With Craig Ogden’. Baroque elegance collides with Latin fire in this electrifying concert. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

SPEEDGUMS

Curry and cabaret night. Nori’s Cafe, Leominster, £26 including meal. Please book in advance, 01584 831386 or email noriscafe@yahoo.com

Thurs 23 April

T’PAU

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £30.25, 01743 281281.

OPEN MIC/JAM NIGHT

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

BASSET

The Rankin Club, Corn Square, Leominster, 7.30pm, £10, www.shirefolk.co.uk

Fri 24 April

BASSET

St Anne’s Church, Load St, Bewdley, 7.30pm, £10, www.shirefolk.co.uk

THE GENTLE GOOD & OSGLED

Gareth of The Gentle Good is known for his enchanting melodies, intricate guitar style and beautiful acoustic arrangements. Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown, 6.30pm, £12.50, free for members, 01686 625041, www.orieldavies.org

OPEN MIC

Music, poetry and fun. The Globe, Hayon-Wye, 8pm, free, www.globeathay.org

METALLICA + GHOST HEAVY METAL NIGHT

With Moretallica. The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 6.30pm, 07498 966606.

SARAH MCQUAID IN CONCERT

Acoustic and electric guitars, piano and occasionally drum to create a truly immersive experience. Linton Village Hall, near Ross on Wye, 7.30pm, £12/£6, www.lintonvillage.com Arts Alive.

METAL NIGHT

Featuring Eulogy, Confessions of a Serial Killer, Painted as Monsters, Pandoras Pain. The Foundry, Brecon, 7pm, £5, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

JOHN SMITH

Pioneering singer, songwriter and guitarist has been at the forefront of British folk and roots music for 20 years. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £24.20, 01743 281281.

AWAKE MY SOUL

The Mumford & Sons Story. The Regal, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, £25.50, 01584 811442.

QUIZ NIGHT

Teams of max 4 people, £3 per person, cash prize for winning team. The Oxford Arms, Kington, 6pm, bar available, 07301 081444.

GREEN LIGHT

Gordon Bennetts, Hereford, 9.30pm.

LIZ IKAMBA & AMADOU DIAGNE WITH THE LOST ARC SCRATCH CHOIR

A vibrant cross-cultural collaboration to the Lost Arc with infectious grooves, soaring vocals and rich African rhythms. The Lost Arc, 7.30pm, £12 in advance, £15 on the door, www.lostarc.co.uk

HAY MUSIC

Featuring The New London Chamber Ensemble. Music by Debussy, Barber, Holst and more. The Great Hall, Hay-on-Wye, 7.30pm, 01497 820079. www.haymusic.org

JAMES CHATFIELD

Old Street Tavern, Ludlow, www.oldstreettavern.com

ALEX POSTELTHWAITE

St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, www.stchadschurchshrewsbury.com 01743 365478.

Sat 25 April

SARAH MCQUAID IN CONCERT

Acoustic and electric guitars, piano and occasionally drum to create a truly immersive experience. Aston on Clun Village Hall, 7.30pm, £12/£6, 01588 660139. Arts Alive.

BRIGHOUSE & RASTRICK BAND

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2.30pm, £24-£20, 01743 281281.

LIVE AT THE GLOBE

Featuring NAWR. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, www.globeathay.org

DMF BAND

The Foundry, Brecon, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

ST GEORGE’S DAY CONCERT

With Hereford Police Choir and special guests Taunton Deane Male Voice Choir. St Mary’s Church, Ross on Wye, 7pm, £10 in advance from 01989 564967.

MAYOR’S BALL

Party with the Mayor. Featuring live music with The Forfeits, raffle. Corn Exchange, High St, Ross-on-Wye, 7pm, £10, all profits to Age UK Wyvern, 01989 763174, www.rosscornexchange. co.uk

THE ALLEY CATS

Gordon Bennetts, Hereford, 9.30pm.

JEB LOY NICHOLS AND CLOVIS PHILLIPS

Jeb returns with a new album with longtime collaborator, Clovis Phillips. Aberhafesp Community Centre, SY16 3HT, 7pm, £10 from www.aca.wales/ whats-on

SWING FROM PARIS

All string jazz quartet inspired by the music of the 1930s, 40s and 50s. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575.

MARK HARRISON BAND

Original roots songs for today that sound like classics. Music and stories to make you move, smile and think. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.30pm, £15, 01952 728911. Arts Alive.

THE REMI HARRIS TRIO

One of the UK’s most exciting guitarists, Remi is joined by double bassist Tom Moore and rhythm guitarist Chris Nesbitt. An evening of gypsy jazz and blues. Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 8pm, www.midborderarts.com

THE EASTSIDE KINGS

Band night. Lyde Court, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 357753.

BASSET

St Leonard’s Church, Bridgnorth, 7.30pm, £10, www.shirefolk.co.uk

Sun 26 April

CRAZY PONY BANJO CIRCUS

A swiss Bluegrass duo full of surprises! A comic, cabaret-infused musical duo famed for their banjo tricks, acrobatics and laugh-out-loud antics. The Hanging Gardens, Bethel St, Llanidloes, 6pm, £8/£6, under 16s free, £10 on the door, 01686 413394.

BADLY DRAWN BOY

Live and in conversation with Chris Hawkins. The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury, 5pm, 07498 966606.

WHAM! THE SHOW

Jake Quickenden leads a party tribute. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £39.60, 01743 281281.

GIFTS FROM CROWS

Old Street Tavern, Ludlow, www.oldstreettavern.com

Tues 28 April

ENCORE YOUTH CONCERT

‘Strings’. Featuring Herefordshire talented young musicians. Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555.

Wed 29 April

MONEY FOR NOTHING

A tribute to Dire Straits. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £33, 01743 281281.

ENCORE YOUTH CONCERT

‘Bands’ The woodwind, brass and percussion players of all levels will entertain you. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555.

MARI MATHIAS + ANGHARAD

JENKINS & PATRICK RIMES

Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £18, 01873 850805.

Thurs 30 April

THE FUREYS

Legends of Irish music and song. The Regal, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, £30, 01584 811442.

BEAUTIFUL CRAZY - THE LUKE COMBES TRIBUTE

A theatrical celebration of one of the biggest country stars, Luke Combs. The Courtyard, Herford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

OPEN MIC/JAM NIGHT

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

COUNTERFEIT STONES

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

Thurs 30 April

AN EVENING WITH TOYAH

Songs and stories. Singer, actor, TV host and author. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £29, £50 VIP, £80 Meet & Greet, 01600 772467.

MAY

Fri 1 May

SPRING CEILIDH

With live band Sir Dancelot. Red Cow Barn, Gwatkin Cider, Moorhampton Park Farm, Abbey Dore, HR2 0AL, £12 in advance, £15 on the door, camping available. Details and booking 07879 628235.

CELTIC VAGABOND

The Foundry, Brecon, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

OPEN MIC

Music, poetry and fun. The Globe, Hayon-Wye, 8pm, free, www.globeathay.org

UNIVERSAL TRANSLATORS

Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford.

Sat 2 May

THAT’LL BE THE DAY 40th anniversary celebration. The Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, £32, 01686 948100.

DR MEAKER

Acclaimed drum and bass act. The Lost Arc, Rhayader, 8pm, £20, www.thelostarc.co.uk

CLUN GREEN MAN FESTIVAL

The Fringe, a day of live music, poetry and storytelling at The Postcard Cafe, White Horse, Caractacus, The Sun, Clun Methodist Church and Clun Town Hall. Fringe and Square events free, tickets required for the May Fair, tickets available online, £10, under 16s £5, under 5s free. www.clungreenman.org

VISIONS OF HEAVEN

An evocative programme of English choral music through the centuries including Parry, Stanford and Gibbons, sung by Refugium Chamber Choir. Holy Trinity Church, Bosbury, 7.30pm, £15, children free, 01531 670634 or on the door.

THE MID WALES WEEKENDER

The Foundry, Brecon, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

JOHNNY CASH ROADSHOW

‘The Prison Years Tour’. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £29, 01873 850805.

Sun 3 May

MOONSHINE

Richmond Place Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 356529.

THE MID WALES WEEKENDER

The Foundry, Brecon, www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

CLUN GREEN MAN FESTIVAL

Fair in the Square, featuring Greysha, Thirteen Rivers, Naomi Lewis, Raise the Dust, The Clun Mummers, Shropshire Bedlams, Marth Rhoden’s Tuppeny Dish. Fringe and Square events free, tickets required for the May Fair, tickets available online, £10, under 16s £5, under 5s free. www.clungreenman.org

CHORAL EVENSONG

Leominster Priory, 6pm.

Mon 4 May

BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB

Brimfield Village Hall, 7.30pm, 07909 290942. Bring drink/glasses. CLUN GREEN MAN FESTIVAL

The Battle on the Bridge. Opening ceremony with Morris dancing, fire displays, drumming and of course, the battle. The May Fair - featuring Shopfront Heroes, Innocent Criminals, Rhythm Thieves, Dustbirds, Puffer, Vanlife, Matt Pang, Orly Rose, Jester Jack’s Gardening Show, Moonlight Morris, Ragged Oak Morris, les Miles Des Marches. Fringe and Square events free, tickets required for the May Fair, tickets available online, £10, under 16s £5, under 5s free. www.clungreenman.org

OPEN MIC

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

CIDER CITY JAZZMEN

The Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford.

Music

Workshops

Tues 7 April YOUTH CLUB

Live music, instruments, singing. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 6.30pm-8.30pm, www.globeathay.org

Sat 11 April BORDER MARCHES EARLY MUSIC FORUM

A workshop for instrumentalists. ‘Tres Elegant’, the music of Marc-Antoine Charpentier with tutor Alison Kinder. St John’s Church, Poyner Rd, Ludlow, 10am-4.15pm. Prior booking essential, apply, www.bmemf.org.uk or email annita.lemon@yahoo.com

Sun 12 April SCRATCH CHOIR LAB Immersive singing workshop, offering a workshop-to-performance experience, where participants are invited to become the choir at LIz’s Lost Arc gig on 24 April. The Lost Arc, Rhayader, 2.45pm-4.30pm, £12/£10, email liziambamusic@gmail.com

Sun 26 April SHROPSHIRE HARMONY QUIRE

For singers and instrumentalists exploring the church gallery choirs. Led by Andy Watts. We welcome visitors and new members (first session free). Music and recordings available in advance on-line. Lydbury North Village Hall, SY7 8AU, 2.00 - 5.00pm. www. shropshireharmonyquire.org.uk

Mondays AFRICAN DRUMMING Djembe drumming class with Landing Mane from Senegal.All ages and experience welcome. At De Koffie Pot, Bridge Street, Hereford, HR4 9DG. Mondays, 7pm-9pm. 07960 851447, info:landing@jamojamoarts.com

Monday CLIMATE CHOIR Open to all. The Globe, Hay on Wye, 7pm-8.30pm, free entry, 01497 821762.

Monday BANDAMANIA Bright and breezy traditional and original music. Memorial Hall, Presteigne, 7.30pm, Sue Harris 01547 550158, suemarieharris@btinternet.com

THE COURTYARD Mon - Garrick Singers, 2pm-3.30pm, £7 per session. Tues - Playing Together, 11am-12pm, £5 per participant, £3 siblings, 1 free adult/carer per participant. Wed - term time only Veterens Military Choir, 10am-11am, details 07970 590430. Fri - Singing for Health & Happiness, 2pm-3pm, £5 per session. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

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

Mondays, term time only THE MERE SINGERS An open-access mixed voice, adult choir singing original and traditional acapella songs. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, maryskeith@aol.com

Monday CORVEDALE CHOIR Community choir led by Ros Crouch. Diddlebury Village Hall 7.30-9.30pm. 07805 633615 or ros.crouch@ gmail.com

ENCORE ENTERPRISES Singing for Lung Health Group – Online and face to face sessions. Specifically for people who suffer from progressive lung diseases. Wellsprings Songwriting course, for 18+ to improve their mental wellbeing. LIVEWIRE Rock and Pop sessions for anyone aged 11-21 yrs who wants to play in a band, write songs. Garrick Singers – Term Time only. For ages 55+, weekly at The Courtyard 2-3.30pm. £7 per session. Encore Youth Music For young string, brass and woodwind players. For upto 21yrs of Grade 1-8 standard. Hereford based. info@encore-enterprises.com

Mondays KINGTON CHORAL SOCIETY Led by inspirational Music Director Simon Harper and accompanist Paul Roberts, KCS is a 60+ strong non-auditioned SATB choir performing several concerts each year in Presteigne and Kington, often with professional soloists and orchestra, plus an annual choral Workshop. Rehearsals most Monday evenings 7pm in Titley Village Hall. Interested? Contact Sandie dsgw@hotmail.com

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

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

Tuesday 1-1 DRUM TUITION/GUITAR TUITION

With Sophie Holliday, from 6pm: The Undercroft, £20 for 30 minutes, £40 for one hour. Booking essential. Pavilion Mid Wales, 01597 258118.

Tuesday BLUE HILLS CHOIR Small daytime choir singing classical music led by Ros Crouch. Diddlebury Village Hall 10-12noon. 07805 633615 or ros.crouch@ gmail.com

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

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

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

Wednesdays PLAY IT BY EAR The Pilgrim Centre, Craven Arms, SY7 9NY, 7.30pm - 9.30pm. Folk musicians meet fortnightly to learn tunes by ear. For full details contact Kitty Greenwood: folkfiddleteacher@gmail.com 01584 841564

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

Wednesdays (term time) CHILDREN’S CHOIR

For ages 5-9 years. Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 4pm-5pm, £20 per term. Email: info@midborderarts.com

Wednesday ROCKSPRING COMMUNITY CHOIR Rockspring Community Centre, Ludlow. 01584 529053.

Wednesday LUDLOW LARKS COMMUNITY CHOIR

Led by Polly Bolton. Songs from around the world. Ludlow Women’s Centre, 6.30pm-8pm. 01584 823604 or info@oak-barn.co.uk or www.jollypages.co.uk/larks

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

Thursday CLUN SINGERS Informal community choir, traditional and original songs taught by ear. 10am, Moor Hall, Bettws y Crwyn. Sue Harris 01547 550158, suemarieharris@btinternet.com

Thursday (Term time) MUSIC TOTS LUDLOW Music activities for children aged 0-4 years. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 9.30am for 0-15 months. 10.30am for 1-3 year olds, 11.30am dor 2-4 year olds. Gersom 07531 120951.

Every Thursday KINGTON COMMUNITY CHOIR

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

Thursday (term time) CHILDREN’S CHOIR

Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 3.45-4.45pm, details email info@midborderarts.com

Thursday (term time) MUSIC & MOVEMENT FOR TOTS For ages 0-3 years. Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 9.15am-10.30am, details email info@midborderarts.com

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

Thursday EDGE CHAMBER CHOIR Auditioned chamber choir led by Ros Crouch, Ludlow Methodist Church, 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Contact Ros Crouch 07805 633615, ros.crouch@ gmail.com

2nd & 4th Fridays SINGING FOR FUN Meets on the second and fourth Fridays at 7pm in St John’s Methodist, St Owen Street. Singing boosts wellbeing, and we enjoy varied music. No musical experience needed. All are welcome. Join us. For details, contact admin@herefordshiremethodists.org.uk

Friday BUZZY BEATS! A fun 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.10am - 11.15am. Regularly during term time with some holiday sessions. Join our friendly group to learn traditional djembe rhythms from Africa and samba rhythms from Brazil - Adults £5 (children accompanying their parents can join in with holiday sessions - £1, second child free). Enquiries carol.griffin100@ gmail.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

Sessions back next month

band directory

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

BAGPIPES Authentic Highland Music for your event or gathering from Scottish Wedding Awards 2025, “Highly Commended” Piper of the Year Finalist, Keith Wellings. Keith is a former British diplomat, bringing Scottish music to weddings, funerals, parties, festivals and celebrations. Contact by phone 07580 389903, email keiththepiper@ gmail.com, Facebook Keith Wellings - Keith the Piper, 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

BROADsheep

Band Directory

ONLY £45 FOR THE WHOLE YEAR

Just post the details of your band (around 40 words) with a cheque for £45 payable to Broad Sheep and post to: The Fred Bulmer Centre, Wall Street, Hereford, HR1 3RQ

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.

BANDEMONIUM Community music group based in Herefordshire playing a wide range of world, country dance and traditional folk music. Bandemonium is available to play at weddings, parties, ceilidhs (caller provided), social and community functions, schools, day centres and charity fund raisers. New members welcome. Contact: Hellobandy1@gmail.com

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

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

CALLER AVAILABLE FOR CEILIDHS/ BARN DANCES. Enthusiastic, inclusive calling style with easy to follow dances and gender neutral calling. 25 years of experience with ceilidhs. Can be booked with a band + soundsystem, or just as a caller for your own band. Contact 07731-194797.

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

Email banjojim.allen@gmail.com

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

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

MELOMANICS A wacky, Shropshire-based Duo with an amazingly dynamic sound, playing their eclectic and cosmopolitan repertoire with engaging humour and infectious energy (sustainable). Far more than just great music. And stilts if appropriate. Find out how much fun a ceilidh can be with Tim calling and playing. Ideal for parties, weddings, fund-raising events, festivals, shows, pubs, restaurants, etc. Scottish, Irish and French-themed specialities (Timoléon pour vos soirées francaises). For more info call Tim on 01743 719438, 07835 928069, or Rich on 07594 636828. Email: tim@melomanics.co.uk Website: www.melomanics.co.uk

MIDNIGHT MAYHEM is a quality covers band ready to kickstart your event. Performing female influenced rock and pop with songs to delight your guests. So if you have a birthday, wedding or event get in touch to discuss how we can meet your requirements. Call or text Elizabeth on 07807 531151. Email midnight4mayhem@gmail.com and find us on Facebook or instagram.

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.

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

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

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

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

VENUES

ALBERT HALL, Ithon Rd, Llandrindod Wells 0300 102 4255

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, Mill Street, Ludlow 01584 878141

BARRELS, St Owen Street, Hereford 01432 274968

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

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

BELL HOTEL, Commercial St, Newtown 01686 625540

BELL INN, Etnam St, Leominster 01568 616811

THE BRIDGE HOTEL, Tenbury Wells 01584 810434

THE BRIDGE, Ludlow 01584 872963

BLACK LION, Bridge St, Hereford, 01432 266000

BOROUGH THEATRE, Abergavenny 01873 850805

CARAD, East St, Rhayader, 01597 810192

CENTRE CELF, Tremont Rd, Llandrindod Wells 01597 822777

CHARLTON ARMS, Ludlow, 01584 872813

THE CLIFFE AT DINHAM, Ludlow 01584 872063

CONQUEST THEATRE, Bromyard, 01885 488575

THE COURTYARD, Edgar St, Hereford. 01432 340555

THE DUKES ARMS, Presteigne 01544 267318

DUN COW, Shrewsbury 01743 356408

THE EXCHANGE, Newtown 01686 621814.

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

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

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

GRAPE VAULTS, Broad St, Leominster 01568 611404.

THE HANGING GARDENS, Bethel St, Llanidloes 01686 413394.

THE HARP INN, Glasbury-on-Wye 01497 847373

THE HERDSMAN, Widemarsh St, Hereford, 01432 277330

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

HUNDRED HOUSE INN, Purslow, 01588 660541

KNIGHTON & DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE, Knighton 07751 221487.

LEFT BANK, Bridge St, Hereford 01432357753

LION BALLROOM, Broad St, Leominster. 01568 612277

LUDLOW BREWING COMPANY, The Railway Shed, Ludlow 01584 873291

MARKET THEATRE, Ledbury 07967 517125

THE MALTHOUSE, Ironbridge, 01952 433712

MINER’S ARMS, Priest Weston 01938 561352

NELSON INN, Ludlow 01584 872908

OAKENGATES THEATRE, Telford. 01952 619020

THE OXFORD ARMS, Duke St, Kington 01544 230322

PAVILION MID WALES, Llandrindod Wells 01597 258118

REGAL, Tenbury Wells 01584 811442

ROSE & CROWN, Tenbury Wells, 01584 811336

ROYAL FOUNTAIN, Cleobury Mortimer 01299 272720

THEATR BRYCHEINIOG, Canal Wharf, Brecon 01874 611622

THE HAFREN, Llanidloes Road, Newtown 01686 948100

THEATRE SEVERN, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281

THE TOWN HALL, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630023

THREE TUNS, Bishop’s Castle. 01588 638797

TOWN HALL, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630023

THE VICTORY, 88 St Owen St, Hereford 01432 274998

VOLUNTEER, Harold St, Hereford 01432 276189. WHITEHORSE INN, The Square, Clun. 01588 640305. WHITE SWAN, Eardisland, 01544 388577

WYESIDE ARTS CENTRE, Builth Wells, 01982 552555

theatre

PERFORMANCE

Wed 1 April

OFF GRID

A ‘scratch night’ showcasing the brightest emerging and experienced talent across all art forms. The Studio, The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, £10, children £8, 01432 340555. Arts Alive.

Sat 4 April

TREASURE ISLAND

PHOENIX YOUTH THEATRE. By RL Stevenson and adapted by S Paterson. The Phoenix Theatre, Ross on Wye, 7pm, £14/£9, 01989 564570.

Tues 7 - Sat 11 April

THE CONSTANT WIFE

Adapted by Olivier Award-winner Laura Wade from Somerset Maugham’s glittering comedy. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2.30pm &7.30pm, tickets from £10, 01743 281281.

Thurs 9 - Sat 11 April

ARE YOU BEING SERVED?

CONQUEST THEATRE. The tills are open, the trousers are down and the staff are up to their necks in knickers! When the Grace Brothers department store is forced to relocate its entire staff to a bargain-basement holiday, chaos is guaranteed. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, Sat 2.30pm, 01885 488575.

Fri 10, Thurs 16 April, Wed 6 & Wed 20 May

THE INVISIBLE MAN

OUR STAR THEATRE COMPANY. This original, fast-paced and riotous adaptation boasts 15 characters, played by just three energetic actors. 10 April - The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.30pm, 01952 728911. 16 April - The Regal, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, £18.50, 01584 811442. 6 May - Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £18, 01600 772467. 20 May - The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Thurs 16 - Sat 18 April

CRUMBS

The long-awaited comedy, clowning and live baking. Follow our heroine, an ex-TV baking show host who claims she has moved on for ‘being too old for television’ but is there more to the story? 16 April - Stoke St Milborough Village Hall, 7.30pm, £12/£6, 01584 823791. 17 AprilSilvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton, 7.30pm, £15/£8, aahall2002@yahoo.co.uk 18 April - Chapel Lawn Village Hall, 7.30pm, £12/£6, alexturnerblymhill@googlemail.com Arts Alive.

Sun 19 April

DIANE’S DELI: A TALE FROM PARADISE HEIGHTS

A dark new play from the award-winning writer/director of The Haunting of Blaine Manor. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £20, 01743 281281.

Wed 22 April

SHERLOCK HOLMES & THE SIGN OF FOUR

Colin Baker and Terry Molloy are back on stage in another classic adventure for the world’s only consulting detective! Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £25.85, 01743 281281.

Wed 22 & Thurs 23 April

GENERAL MEDICAL EMERGENCY WARD 10

A pacy, cliche-ridden comic hommage to the intrigues and dramas of a every hospital plotline on the big and small screen! 22 April - The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 340555. 23 April - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £19, 01743 281281.

Fri 24 April

THE (ALMOST) COMPLETE HISTORY OF BRITAIN THE PANTALOONS THEATRE COMPANY - And all in just under two hours! Garway Village Hall, 7.30pm, £15/£10, 01981 580215.

Sat 25 April

THE RETURN OF THE NATIVE HOTBUCKLE THEATRE COMPANY present Thomas Hardy’s new adaptation with live music, high energy, multi role playing humour and inventiveness. An English classic brought to life. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.30pm, £15, students £9, 07967 517125.

Sun 26 April

AT THE RAINBOW’S END ARTEMIS THEATRE COMPANY. Free play readings sharing real stories from older LGBT people. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 3pm & 7pm, 14+, 01743 234970.

Sat 2 May

JUST VISITING

ABOUT FACE. A heartening and humorous piece of theatre, intricately woven from real memories and explored through storytelling and puppetry. Kington Primary School, 12pm, £8, tickets from Flock, 12 Church St. Part of Marches Makers Festival, www.marchesmakers.co.uk

MUSICAL THEATRE & OPERA

Sat 11 April

DIDO & AENEAS

MID WALES OPERA OPEN STAGES. The culmination of an inspirational week of music-making and rehearsals involving professionals, students and amateur musicians. The opera will be sung in its original English libretto and accompanied by MWO’s orchestra. Brecon Cathedral, 3pm & 7pm, www.midwalesopera.co.uk

Thurs 16 - Sat 18 April

THE WIZARD OF OZ NEWTOWN MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY. Follow the yellow brick road in this delightful stage adaptation of L Frank Baum’s beloved tale. The Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, Sat 2.30pm, £18/£15, 01686 948100.

Wed 22 - Sat 25 April

CALAMITY JANE

MONMOUTH MUSIC THEATRE. Plenty of laughs, action and music. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, Sat 2.30pm, £16, under 16s £10, 01600 772467.

Wed 22 - Sat 25 April

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG

AAODS. It follows the eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts with his two children as he restores an old grand prix car from a junkyard. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, various times, £16/£13/50, family ticket £55, 01873 850805.

Thurs 7 - Sat 9 May

THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF MUSICAL

FORGET ME NOT PRODUCTIONS bring a slice of The Great British Bake Off magic to the stage. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, various times, £15, 01873 850805.

CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Wed 1 April

FUN FOR LITTLE ONES, A TRIBUTE TO MS RACHEL

Get ready for giggles, singing, dancing and non-stop fun. The Courtyard, Hereford, 12pm, 01432 340555.

Wed 1 April

FAMILY BUBBLE FUN

The ultimate Bubble show. Ray Bubbles, International Bubbleologist and Guinnes World Record Holder. Oscars, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 11.30am, £15/£12, 01584 878131.

Wed 1 April

BRAINIAC LIVE!

Science’s greatest and most volatile live show is back with a vengeance! The Hafren, Newtown, 1.30pm & 4pm, tickets from £18.50, 01686 948100.

Wed 1 & Thurs 2 April

THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD

TALL STORIES THEATRE CO. A wonderful Easter delight for ages 3+. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, Sat 1.30pm & 4.30pm, Thurs 10.30am & 1pm, £14/£6, 01600 772467.

Thurs 2 April

THE SOOTY SHOW

Join the nations favourite bear with the legendary Sweep and Soo for a new show for the whole family. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2.30pm, £21, children £18.50, 01743 281281.

Tues 7 & Wed 8 April

THREE LITTLE PIGS

From the award-winning writers of Mary Poppins (Broadway), this is a charming, ‘very curly musical tail’. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 11am, 2pm & 5pm, £18, 01743 281281.

Sun 12 April

ADVENTURES IN SCIENCE

Join The Magical Mr West on an incredible adventure into the world of science! Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 2pm, £12, £10 under 16s, family £40, 01600 772467.

Sat 25 April

THE SAND DRAGON

THEATRIX ARTS. While on holiday Edie and her daddy find a magical pebble on the beach that can grant one wish? Can you guess what Edie wished for? The Courtyard, Hereford, 11am, 01432 340555.

DRAMA WORKSHOPS

Wed 1 April

WELSH THEATRE GROUP

Come and join rehearsals for our next show. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 6pm, www.globathay.org

Thurs 2 & 16 April

HAVE-A-GO-SHAKESPEARE

An informal environment with a like-minded group. No experience or prior knowledge necessary. No booking required. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 10.30am-1.30pm, £7 per session, 01982 552555.

MID POWYS YOUTH THEATRE

Tues (term time) Little MPYT for ages 10-13 years, 5.30pm-6.30pm, £60 per term, bursaries available. Tues (term time) Big MPYT for ages 14-24 years, 7pm-9pm, £60 per term, bursaries available. 4th Sun of the month MPYT +, for ages 19-29 years, suitable for all abilities, 3.30-5.30pm, £5 per session. Details www.mpyt.co.uk

WYESIDE, BUILTH WELLS

Thurs 5 & 19 March - Have-a-go Shakespeare. No experience or prior knowledge necessary! Run by Sue Best and Phil Bowen, 10.30am-1.30pm, £7 per session, no booking required. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 01982 552555.

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW

Sat (term time only) - Ludwig Theatre Arts for ages 7-17, 1.30pm-3.30pm, contact takepart@ludwigtheatrearts.com Sat - Exploring Shakespeare Study Sessions, 2pm, participatory study sessions, £24, contact shakespeare. courses@gmail.com Assembly Rooms, Ludlow

COMMUNITY YOUTH THEATRES

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

COURTYARD THEATRE, HEREFORD

Mon - Performing Arts for Little Pickles, 10am-12pm, £7.50. Tues - The Acting Circle, 7.30pm-9pm. Wed - About Face Youth Theatre, 9am-3pm, £60.83 per day. Thurs - Drama Tots, 10.30am-11.30am, £6.50, £3 siblings. Fri - Actors Academy: Writing for Performance, 5pm-6.30pm, £96 per term. Sat - Actors Academy: Advanced Performance, 11am-12.30pm, £120 per term. Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

Mondays (term time)

YOUTH THEATRE

For all school age children. Ledbury Market Theatre, 6-10pm, 01432 383663.

Tuesdays

YOUTH CAFE

Young people can meet and share creative activities including music, drama and films. For ages 8-16 years, free. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 01743 234970

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.

SHROPSHIRE YOUTH THEATRE

Sat - Beginners 9.30am-10.45am, 6-8 year olds. Sat - Juniors 11am-1pm, 9-12 year olds. Thurs - Seniors, 7-9.30pm, 14-25 year olds. The Hive, Shrewsbury, www.shropshireyouththeatre.co.uk

Poetry & Storytelling

Sat 18 April

DRAGON TALES

Stories from Welsh Myth and Legend. A witch, a giant, two dragons and the devil himself, what could possibly go wrong? Philip Michell brings traditional Welsh stories to life. Suitable for ages 6-11 years and their families. St Andrew’s Church Hall, Presteigne, 3pm, free event. Part of Presteigne Festival Springboard Weekend, 01544 267800, www.presteignefestival.com

Sat 25 April

CORINNE HARRAGIN - TROUBLED WATERS

Corinne Harragin uses physicality and humour to reanimate the written-down-ness of story with her own brand of oral performance. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, £15, 01982 552555.

Thurs 30 April

DR JOHN COOPER CLARKE

Plus special guest, Mike Garry. Poet, TV and radio presenter and cuultural commentator. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, 01600 719401.

Fri 8 May

PAM AYRES - DOGGEDLY ONWARDS

Pam has gathered her poetry into her latest book ‘Doggedly Onward - a Life in Poems 1970s-2020s’ tracing the course of her life. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, 01874 611622.

Comedy

Wed 1 April

COMEDY NIGHT - JOSH JONES

‘I Haven’t Won The Lottery So Here’s Another Tour Show’. Albert’s Shed, 8 Barker St, Shrewsbury, 7pm, £15, www.albertsshed.co.uk

Thurs 2 April

ABERLAUGH COMEDY CLUB

Hosted by Huw Davies and featuring Roger Monkhouse, Steve Hall plus support acts. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 8pm, 01873 850805.

Sat 4 April

SARA PASCOE & SPECIAL GUESTS

Join the critically acclaimed comedian, author, screenwriter and broadcaster. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £28.60, 01743 281281.

Thurs 9 April

ALISTAIR MGOWAN: THREE GREAT SHOWS IN ONE!

An evening of classic comedy, poetry and beautiful piano music. The Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, £32/£24, 01686 948100.

Fri 10 April

HALL CRUTTENDEN: CAN DISH IT OUT BUT CAN’T TAKE IT

He will be pontificating on issues such as middle age dating, the insanity of modern politics, social media and more. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £20, 01600 772467.

Fri 10 April

COMEDY NIGHT AT THE FOUNDRY

Featuring Carly O’Connor, Mike Reed and MC Gareth Hunt. The Foundry, Brecon, £10 www.thefoundrybrecon.co.uk

Fri 10 & Fri 24 April

COMEDY CLUB

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

Sat 11 April

TOM LUCY

One of the most exciting young comedians in the UK. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £22, 01743 281281.

Fri 17 April

MATT FORDE:DEFYING CALAMITY

Flying the flag for satire, a meaty hour of impressions, gags and reflections. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £25, 01600 772467.

Sat 18 April

ANDY ZALTZMAN - THE ZALTGEIST

Host of The Bugle podcast and BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz, statistician on Test Match Special and champion Taskmaster. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, 01432 340555.

Fri 24 April

SUZI RUFFELL

Suzi is exhausted and she hasn’t even started. This is a stand-up show and a support group. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £19, 01743 281281.

Fri 24 April

COMEDY FUNHOUSE PRESENTS

Richard Morton, plus Philip Simon, Eddy Midgeley and Nik Coppin. Corn Exchange, High St, Ross-on-Wye, 8pm, 01989 763174, www.rosscornexchange.co.uk

Fri 24 April

FUN! WITH BARBARA NICE

Join ordinary housewife extraordinaire Barbara Nice for a laugh-out-loud joyful get-together as we reconnect with what makes life worth living. For ages 14+. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.30pm, 01952 728911.

Sat 25 April

DANIEL O’REILLY: LET’S HAVE IT

Brace yourself for a night of outrageous laughs and no-holds-barred comedy. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, 01432 340555.

Sat 25 April

JOE THOMAS

Hear all about Joe’s favourite Inbetweeners moments and behind the scenes misadventures, as well as its impact on his own life as an actor/comedian. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £22.50, 01743 281281.

Wed 29 April

COMEDY ON THE COBBLES

New material night. Prince of Wales, Ledbury, free, 01531 632250.

Fri 1 May

MARK SIMMONS: JEST TO IMPRESS

Packed with expertly crafted one-liners, alongside his trademark off-the-cuff jokes based on random audience suggestions. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 8pm, £20, 01600 772467.

Talks

April & June

BORDERS & BOUNDARIES: ARTIST TALK SERIES II

Organised by Meadow Arts and Hereford College of Arts. 23 April - Leah Gordon, College Road Campus. 11 June - Larry Achiampong. Hereford College of Arts, Folly Lane Campus, Hereford, 6pm-7.30pm, free, booking encouraged, donations welcome (suggested £5), refreshments available. https://ow.ly/Clfh50XSmUV

Thurs 2 April

HAY TALKS

‘Is Generative AI Unethical - A Young Person’s Perspective’. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, free, www.globeathay.org

Sat 4 April

GO WEST - WE CLOSE OUR EYES & OTHER STORIES

An intimate evening with singer Peter Cox. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.30pm, 01952 728911.

Tues 7 April

LINGEN & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB

‘Exhibiting at the Chelsea Flower Show’, a talk by Jill Whitehead from Aulden Farm. Lingen Village Hall, 7.30pm, visitors welcome £4.

Wed 8 April

BROMYARD HISTORY SOCIETY

‘Ocean Liners of the 1960s and 1970s’. A talk by Anthony Lunn. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575.

Fri 10 April

SHAPING EARLY MEDIEVAL FAITH: DISCOVERING THE HEREFORD PSALTER

To celebrate the exhibition, the museum will host a special late-night opening. This will include a talk by Drs Richard Gameson and Andy Beeby of Durham University. Hereford Cathedral, 7pm, £20, please book, 01432 374202 or www.herefordcathedral.org

Sat 11 April

HEREFORDSHIRE & MID WALES HARDY PLANT SOCIETY

Plant sale plus a talk on ‘Bearded Iris’, by Jill and Alan Whitehead. Glasbury Village Hall, 1.30pm, £5, email vanessa.doyle@plantingspecialist.co.uk

Sat 11 April

HUEY MORGAN

Of Fun Lovin’ Criminals. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.30pm, 01952 728911.

Sun 12 April

MBA SUNDAY SESSION: URSULA MARTIN

Following a cancer diagnosis, Ursula Martin walked 3700 miles around Wales. Her book, ‘One Woman Walks Wales’ documented the journey. Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 3.30pm, www.midborderarts.com

Tues 14 April

SUTTON ENVIRONMENT & HISTORY GROUP

‘Sutton Walls Revisited: A Hillfort with History’. A talk by Judy Stevenson. Sutton Walls hillfort is one of the most important and intriguing hillforts in Herefordshire. Sutton St Nicholas Village Hall, Hereford, 7.30pm, £3, refreshments, suttonwallsscg@gmail.com

Wed 15 April

HERBIE RENFIELD - ‘MYTHS OF NELSON’S NAVY’

First of this season’s ‘Conversations over Lunch’. An unusual and captivating discussion. St Mary’s Church, Ross on Wye, 1pm, free, retiring collection.

Wed 15 April

LEOMINSTER HISTORY SOCIETY

David Lovelace. Leominster landscape and agriculture. The development history of Leominster and its surrounding landscape from historic maps and the archives. John Abel Room, Grange Court, Leominster, 7.30pm, £7 visitors welcome, email info@leominsterhistory.co.uk

Fri 17 April

FOWNHOPE LOCAL HISTORY GROUP

‘Nichoals Patteshall’, a Herefordshire man who circumnavigated the globe in the early 1800s. A talk by Yvonne Chapman. Fownhope New Memorial Hall, 7.30pm, members free, visitors £5, all welcome, 01432 860319.

Fri 17 - Sun 19 April

PRESTEIGNE FESTIVAL SPRINGBOARD WEEKEND

18 April - Dan Llywelyn Hall: Voices of a Welsh Court. Dan will be joined by Gruffyddd Aled Williams and Rhun Emlyn for what promises to be a lively discussion. 11am, £8. 19 April - Gavin Plumley on the Bauhaus. Gavin surveys the work and legacy of this extraordinary chapter in the arts and crafts movement, 2.30pm, £8. Both held at Presteigne Assembly Rooms, 01544 267800. www.presteignefestival.com

Sat 18 April & Fri 15 May

MOGG, UNBUTTONED

Prepare for an evening of sharp wit, unabashed opinion and trademark double-breasted charm as Jacob Rees-Mogg steps out from the green benches and onto the stage. 18 April - The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.45pm, 01432 340555. 15 May - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, 01743 281281.

Sat 18 April

JOHN POWER: CAST, THE LA’S AND ME

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

Sat 18 April

SUSIE DENT - WORD PERFECT

A brand-new tour of the joys of the English language with ‘Britain’s best-loved wordsmith’. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 2pm, 01874 611622.

Tues 21 April

HAMNISH GARDENING CLUB

‘Modern day self-sufficiency - A Good Life update’. A talk by Sam and Kate Davies. Hamnish Village Hall, 7.30pm, visitors welcome, £5, hamnishgardeningclub@yahoo.com

Wed 22 April

SOUTH WEST SHROPSHIRE GARDENING CLUB

A practical demonstration by Philip Aubery M. HortPropogation - new plants from seeds, cuttings and division. Lydbury North Village Hall, 7.30pm, visitors welcome £5, 07811 412455.

Wed 22 April

MARY BEARD TALKING CLASSICS

‘The Shock of the Old’. In association with Rossiter Books. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7pm, 01600 719401.

Thurs 23 April

AN AUDIENCE WITH AGGERS: BEYOND THE BOUNDARY

Jonathan ‘Aggers’ Agnew returns in 2026 with a brandnew evening of stories, laughter and cricketing gold, this time with iconic clips and unseen footage to bring the action to life on screen. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, 01432 340555.

Thurs 23 April

FLOWERS FROM HORSEBACK?

Getting Lost in Rural China. A talk by Steve Griffith, a regular visitor to China shares some of the highlights of his recent three-month trip. The Hub, School Lane, New Radnor, 7.30pm, £5 on the door or online at www.ticketsource.co.uk

Sat 25 April

DUNCAN FERGUSON

An unforgettable evening in the company of a true football legend. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £35, 01743 281281.

Mon 27 April

THE PLACE OF STORIES IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

Professor Alister McGrath will lecture focusing on the importance of stories in remembering, understanding and living out the Christian faith. Hereford Cathedral, 7pm, £12, please book, 01432 374202 or www.herefordcathedral.org

Thurs 30 April

CONVERSATIONS AT THE CHAPEL

Alastair Laurence in conversation with Dr Peter Wakelin, who chairs the Board of Cadw and is President of the Contemporary Art Society for Wales. Upstairs at the Chapel, 8pm, £15, 01873 852690.

Fri 1 May

JEREMY VINE - IN CONVERSATION

In association with Rossiter Books. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7pm, 01600 719401.

Workshops & Courses

Until 4 April AARDVARK BOOK SALE

Huge discounts off everything in the shop, plus big 50p sale in the barn. Aardvark Books & Cafe, The Bookery, Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan, Bucknell SY7 0DH, open Tues-Sun 10am-4pm, 01547 530744 www.aardvark-books.com

Wed 8 April PUB THEOLOGY

A relaxed and informal monthly gathering. Chat about issues related to God, faith, life, theology, philosophy and anything else. For ages 18+. The Orange Tree, Hereford, 7pm. www.herefordcathedral.org

Mon 6 - Thurs 16 April GRAND BOOK SALE

Plus DVDs and CDs. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 10am-4pm, 01588 630023.

Fri 17 - Sun 19 April MID BORDER ARTS BOOK SALE

Donate those books that have been cluttering up your shelves. Bennett’s Pop-Up Shop, High St, Presteigne. Book drop off on Thurday, 4pm-6pm. Open Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 11am-3pm. please email tacomajenny@gmail.com

Sat 18, 25 April, 2 & 9 May HEBREWS BIBLE STUDY

The short course, led by the Revd. Preb. Dr Christopher Moore will trace the argument of this pivotable book and gain a deeper understanding of the Bible as a whole. Hereford Cathedral, 11.30am-12.30pm, free event, but booking essential, via www.herefordcathedral.org or 01432 374202.

Every Wednesday PLACES OF WELCOME

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

LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS

Fri - Creative Writing for Wellbeing, enjoy and share in a supportive group, 11-12.30pm, £60 for six sessions. Contact Cate 07963 440451. Meeting Room, Assembly Rooms, Ludlow.

THE COURTYARD WORKSHOPS

CELEBRATING OUR PAST Throughout Herefordshire

Mon - Writing Room, 6pm-8pm, £90 per term. MonWriting Room Extra. Ongoing sessions for writers with some experience, 2-4pm, £110 per term. Tues - Reading Room, 10.45am-12.45pm, £65 per term. Fri - Playworks, 6pm-8pm, £65 per term. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

Every Wednesday (term time) BABY B! Storytelling group. From birth to 5 years. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 11am, free, 01874 611622.

Sat 9 May - Mon 25 May

Third Wednesday of the month BEREAVEMENT CAFE

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

International Poetry Writers’ Collective: Abergavenny 01873 856350

Leominster Writers’ Circle, Leominster Community Centre. Gill Fothergill chair. 07804 879858.

Meet second Tuesday of month, 2pm. Presteigne Writers’ Circle, 3rd Thursday, Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm, 01544 260398.

grass roots

Green Plumber Hannah Wins Big Up North

IKNOW that the Gorton and Denton district of Greater Manchester is not exactly in Broad Sheep country, but I feel that the Green Party‘s huge by-election victory there deserves a bit of attention from us yokels, down here in the sticks. After all, it is possible that the coverage Broad Sheep gave to the party’s leader Zack Polanski some months ago just might just have played an infinitesimal part in the dramatic Green Party Gorton win.

For those who were not fully awake towards the end of February, or only just starting to come out of hibernation, the Green Party’s Gorton victor, Hannah Spencer, produced the kind of shock that might give any governing party nightmares.

Seismic? Massive, certainly. From memory, she got just a shade under 15,000 votes. And that was about 4,000 odd more than the runner-up.

According to those having more psephological skill than I, or just having a calculator handy, Hannah Spencer gained more votes than Labour, the Tories, and the Lib Dems put together.

The Times, on Saturday February 28 - in a banner headline - splashed, “Starmer on ropes after by-election humiliation” alongside a shot of Hannah Spencer, outside the party’s office, tucking into a vast helping of chips plus curry sauce, no doubt a much-loved dish up around Gorton and Denton.

In the picture, Hannah, a northern lass, clad in cheerfully clashing colours, seems dressed as though to gain attention. I am not certain about the merits of curry sauce on chips, but that seems like a reasonable enough celebration. It may not be the healthiest dish, but it’s a robust and cheery one, much deserved after a month of trudging the rainy streets and knocking on doors.

In a column on the inside pages of The Times, journalist Fraser Nelson, once of the right-of-centre Spectator, tells us that Green Party policies are “doomed to fail”. But this is stated largely in the absence of further supporting argument or evidence. Is his sideswipe against the Greens fair? That’s for voters to judge.

But the Tories, suggests Nelson, certainly have nothing to brag about. Indeed, they finished only some hundreds of votes ahead of the Official Monster Raving Loony Party. And supporters of that outfit are pretty much the definition of cheerful losers.

The victory of Hannah Spencer reminds me slightly of the Orpington by-election triumph of the Liberals back in 1962. More than half a century ago! Yes, that really dates me! I did not really follow politics at that time. I must have been too busy cycling to school, playing sports, or just lounging around in coffee bars.

Orpington! I can still recall it. And I even remember the name of the victor. Eric Lubbock, later ennobled as Lord Avebury. Orpington - a flash in the pan? Not really.

In the early 1980s, the Liberals merged with a moderate Labour breakaway group, to form the Liberal Democrats. These days the Lib Dem parliamentary party, after decades of more or less scraping by in single figures, has a sizeable House of Commons presence of around 70 members.

So, is there a lesson in this year’s huge defeat for Labour? One should maybe look at comments by Angela Rayner, the leading Labour figure felled some months ago by seeming carelessness over rental income from a property she has.

Rayner said that Labour’s defeat in Greater Manchester must be an alarm call for the party. She said Labour must “really listen” and reflect, after the massive defeat. Back in the 2024 general election Labour had gained over 50 per cent of the vote. At the by-election this time, Labour’s candidate, Angeliki Stogia, obtained only around 25 per cent of the vote.

Only days after Gorton and Denton, as if to ring further alarm bells, a You Gov national opinion poll for The Times and Sky News published on March 4th, placed the Greens 5 per cent ahead of Labour. In that poll, Reform got most support and the Tories and Labour shared fourth place.

I have heard of breaking the mould, but those numbers, if repeated in future at the ballot box, might be compared to taking a sledgehammer and smashing the existing political mould into a thousand pieces.

Julian O’Halloran

Green Events

Sat 4 April PAM’S PLANT SALE

Clun Methodist Church Rooms, 10am-12pm, proceeds to Medecins sans Frontieres & Clun Methodist Church.

Fri 17 - Sun 19 April PRESTEIGNE FESTIVAL SPRINGBOARD WEEKEND

18 April - Plants Plus. Presteigne Community Gardeners and Presteigne Plenty join forces for a plant sale, seed swap and spring goodies for sale. The Yard behind Daphne’s Pizza, Presteigne, 10am-4pm, free entry. 19 April - The Secret Life of Spring. Janice Vincett leads a fascinating walk exploring bees, wasps, birds and wild plants. Meet at Community Barn, Went’s Meadow, 1.30pm, £10. 01544 267800, www.presteignefestival.com

Sat 18 April THE SHROPSHIRE WAY 80K FESTIVAL

Welcome to everyone from trail runners through to steady walkers. Entry fee include free parking, local food and drink throughout, first-aid services, trackers and a rescue vehicle. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, staggered starts from 7am, details and booking, www.shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk

Fri 24 April FREE COMMUNITY WELLBEING WALKS

Monthly walks with nature activities and refreshments for adults of all ages and abilities, babies and children welcome, (no dogs). Meet in the courtyard at Talgarth Mill, The Square, Talgarth, 9.45am, booking essential, www.bookwhen.com/wildchildbreconbeaconscic or email ceri@talgarthmill.com

Fri 24 - Sun 26 April KINGTON SPRING WALKING FESTIVAL 2026

A great selection of walks planned to suit various abilities and interests all set around Kington and beyond. With a quiz night on the Saturday evening. Full details www.kingtonwalks.org

Sat 25 April WONDERS OF BIOCHAR & HEALING OUR CARBON CYCLE

Learn how to make and use biochar to boost soil health, lock up carbon and revolutionise your compost making and growing culture. The Globe, Hay on Wye, 10am, £30-£5, www.globeathay.org

Sat 25 April THE ROUND AND ABOUT WALKS

A community day, with registration at the Community College, Bishop’s Castle and refreshment stops in Mainstone and Clun. The full circuit is 23 miles and for strollers, there is a 6 mile loop. £25, all proceeds shared by Friends of Community College Bishop’s Castle and Blood Cancer UK, www.ccbcshropshire.com/ ccbc-friends-roundandabout April SHROPSHIRE HILLS DISCOVERY CENTRE

Until 3 April and 6 - 10 April - Pond Dipping, Easter holidays, explore a fascinating under water world, for ages 4-11 years, 2pm-3.30pm, £5 per child. 24 April - Girls Youth Group, for ages 9-14, ‘Bread on a stick over fire’. 26 April - Bluebell Walk. Three and a half miles of easy walking, 10am, £8. Booking essential on all events. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 01588 676060. www.shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk

April & May HEREFORD CATHEDRAL

Wed & Sat from May-Sept - Garden Tours, 2pm, booking recommended. 15 May, 6 June - Open Gardens & Afternoon Tea events, 10am-3.30pm. Mon - Sat - Cathedral Tours, 11.05 and 2.15pm, £10, students £8, under 16 year olds £5. Selected dates - Tower Tours, £10, under 16s £5, students £8, 01432 374210. www.herefordcathedral.org

Mon 4 May 30TH ANNIVERSARY SPRING PLANT FAIR

Over 65 exhibitors including rare and unusual trees, shrubs, plants, artisan foods, crafts and much more. Hergest Croft Gardens, Kington, 10am-4pm, www.hergest.co.uk

Sun 10 May THE ORCHARD IN THE HILLFORT

A circular walk 3.5 miles to Risbury Hillfort with a short talk about this historic site and bring and share picnic. Led by Pete Blench. Meet at 2.30pm at Humber Woodland of Remembrance, no dogs please, £5, children free from Leominster TIC or 07961 795466.

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.

HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO HAVE A GO AT BEING AN ARCHAEOLOGIST?

Whether you are new to archaeology or looking to gain some practical experience for an educational course, there are opportunities to get involved. Abbey Cwmhir. Work alongside our team of dedicated volunteers, led by Trysor, over two weeks in July 2026. For further information, https://abbeycwmhir.org/events/excavation-2026/

KINGTON LOCAL ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY NETWORK (KLEEN) Presentations & networking without borders. Email: kingtonkleen@gmail.com

Every Third Saturday in the Month PRESTEIGNE REPAIR Presteigne Youth Centre, Hereford Street. 10am-12pm. Household items repaired for free. Info: 01544 267997. First Saturday of the month LEOMINSTER REPAIR CAFE 10am-12pm Community Centre. Electricals, household items, clothing etc. repaired for free, tool sharpening £2. https://leominsterrepaircafe.org.uk/

complementary therapies

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

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

E-booking: www.thebodyclinicleominster.co.uk

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

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

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

ARE YOU EXPERIENCING ILL HEALTH? Nutritional therapy can help with: gut issues, IBS, stress, anxiety, degenerative disease, dementia, child autism, hormones and more. Book an initial comprehensive assessment and advice. Call Julie: 07356 248 656. Email: juliehowesnutrition@outlook.com Web site: juliehowesnutrition.com All consultations at The Body Clinic, Leominster. www.thebodyclinicleominster.co.uk

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE, REFLEXOLOGY & REIKI

HEALING with Clare Stanton ITEC. Book a relaxing treatment with Clare in a calm and tranquil setting to soothe the body and relax the mind.01568 750 055 / 07793532417 clare.stanton@hotmail.co.uk

ARE YOU NEURO SPICEY? Do you have a formal or selfdiagnosis of AuDHD, ADHD or Autism? Would you like to feel better in yourself? Find out how your wellbeing may be directly linked to your lifestyle choices, what you eat, your emotional support and how connected you are to people (in person or online) who appreciate your unique differences. Contact either of us to hear about a new holistic approach available at The Body Clinic Leominster HR6 8EP or call Vicky t: 07790 162067 or Joanna t: 07984 460969.

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

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES - DR NANCY BANCROFT Are you struggling with intense emotions, feeling overwhelmed, lost or stuck? Make sense of your experience and create lasting change, with a specialist mental health professional. Trauma-focussed psychotherapy ~ EMDR ~ mind-body integration

1:1 therapy ~ training ~ supervision. Online and face-to-face sessions available in Pembridge, Herefordshire.Contact hello@thebodyinmind.co.uk www.thebodyinmind.co.uk

COUNSELLING talking therapy to help alleviate distress. Debbie Andrews, 10 years plus experience of working with adults and young people aged 11 years and upwards. Online and face to face appointments at The Body Clinic, Leominster (book via their website) and The Fred Bulmer Centre, Hereford. Supervision also available. Call or text 07874 828701, email debbieandrewscounselling@gmail. com, www.debbieandrews.co.uk

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

FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONER - Toenail trimmingCallus - Corns - Fungal nails - Cracked heals - Athletes Foot - Foot maintenance - Foot health advice. Contact Leanne on 07479 055027, thebodyclinicleominster.co.uk 17 West Street, Leominster HR6 8EP.

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

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

LEARN THE ART OF FEMININE DEVOTION. Emily Martin - 07747 250720 - www.bigasskinkyheart.com

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).

LADIES, DISCOVER HOLISTIC WELLNESS SOLUTIONS FOR A VIBRANT LIFE. Raj Kumari, founder of Forever Radiant offering Aromatherapy massage in the form of, Deep Tissue or Stress Managing Relaxation. For further info call Raj on 07952 548519, Email info@forever-radiant.com, Web: forever-radiant.com. 1/2 price treatments available with my loyalty card.

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.

NUTRITION & FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE Want to understand what’s driving your symptoms? Nutritional therapy and functional testing can help uncover the root causes and provide clear, personalised strategies. Supporting health and wellbeing in both adults and children. Book a free 30-minute online discovery call Natasha Price, MSc, BANT, CNHC info@natashaprice.co.uk 07970 759789.

PSYCHOTHERAPY & COUNSELLING for individuals & couples (18+), face to face – 15 mins from Ludlow, or online.I am here to listen to you and talk with you through times of difficulty, distress and uncertainty. Mandy Fowler (MBACP) 07494769230 www.mandyfowler.co.uk

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

REIKI PRACTITIONER - based in Knighton and visits within a 12 mile radius. Over 20 years experience. I bring a portable massage couch with me for your comfort. Please phone or text Louise Home on 07891970015 for a treatment in your own home.

SHADOW WORK, COUNSELLING & DEEP PROCESS

PSYCHOTHERAPY - Facilitated shadow work is a form of embodied deep process psychotherapy (DPP). I specialise in long-form in-person sessions, 3 - 5 hours in length. These deep-dive sessions offer an accepting and shame free space within which to explore and transform those habitual, ingrained or unconscious patterns, beliefs or behaviours that trapping you and hold you back from living a full, meaningful and joyful life. This work holds the potential for deep personal growth and deep healing and is the place to turn towards and dive deeply into difficulty and challenge, shame or guilt, your grief, your pain, your fear or rage. The holding I offer you is both sensitive and strong, and you are invited to bring any issue you wish to our work together. Find out more about shadow work and to schedule a free 20-minute consultation at: www.inner-truth.co.uk - Alasdair Kirk - 07792 405 660.

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

WOODLAND ECOTHERAPY AND BIOGRAPHICAL COACHING with Hattie Duke of Hearthlight Nemetona, our beautiful woodland regeneration project in Bredwardine, a special sacred haven, allows you to unwind and de-stress. You might also be feeling lost or stuck, overwhelmed or simply needing to pause. Through biography work we find treasures from your past and notice what patterns have been woven into your life. These sessions will give you more confidence, belonging and conviction to step forwards on your own unique journey.www.hearthlight.co.uk, or call 07947 890855 for a FREE conversation to find out more.

Workshops

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

April

MARIAN HARDIMAN

7 April - Gua Sha Facial Massage Workshop, 2-4pm, £25. 14 April - Face Yoga Workshop, 5-7pm, £25.

28 April - Natural Facelift Massage Workshop, 1-3pm, £25. All at Silia Cottage, Presteigne, 07816 981454, info@silvanskincare.com www.silvanskincare.com

Fri 10 April

YOGA DAYS

A day of yoga relaxation and lunch. Suitable for all abilities. Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, near Ledbury, £90, 07771 694490, www.malvernhillsyoga.co.uk

Sun 12 April

HEALTH AND WELLBEING SHOW

Over 20 exhibitors, alongside a series of specialist speakers giving talks throughout the day. The Regal, Tenbury Wells, 10am, £10/£5, 01584 811442.

Thursday weekly

HEALING ARTS PRACTISE

Join a company of new friends sharing informal healing practises; massage swop, breathe, sound and frequency healing, movement, sharing and dream circles. Leominster and Hereford, £10 drop in more info; Kirsty on 07421453114, email: healingartspractisegroup@gmail.com

YOGA IN PRESTEIGNE

• Group classes and one-to-one tuition to support well-being. • Vedic chant tuition. • Yoga therapy to help during challenging times.

‘Anybody can breathe. Therefore, anybody can practise yoga.’ (TKV Desikachar)

Marie Hudson 07972 492304

marieh279@gmail.com www.theyogapractice.org.uk

KUNDALINI YOGA CLASSES & WORKSHOPS & 1-1 SPIRITUAL HEALING

Fun, flowing, energetic, deeply relaxing & releasing for mind, body & spirit, Georgie’s Kundalini Yoga sessions welcome teens & preteens as well as adults. Kington & Brilley, timetable here healingspirits.co.uk. 1-1s for guidance, deep relaxation & energy healing. www.healingspirits.co.uk

READY TO RESET?

Join our Fasting & Wellness Retreat in the serene Herefordshire Hills. Experience expert-led fasting, yoga, art therapy, nature, and healing. Led by Grace, BSc (Hons) Genetics and qualified fasting coach. Look and book for June at www.fastingwithgrace.com

OXFORD ARMS BARN

1 April - Sunflower Social at Places of Welcome. A hidden disabilities support group and network, 10am-12.30pm, free. 8 April - Dementia Matters at Places of Welcome. 10am-12.30pm, free. 20 April - Cafe Mortel. A friendly and supportive space to talk about life, death and everything in between, 2-4pm, free. Oxford Arms barn, Kington, 07301 081444, www.openarmskington. co.uk

HATHA YOGA & SOUND THERAPY WITH BRIDGET ROWAN

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

MINDFULNESS THERAPEUTIC ART WORKSHOP

A day of self exploration, reflection and release , no art skills needed just a willingness to play. Facilitated by experienced Art Psychotherapist. Brampton Bryan. For enquiries call : 01547 519414.

First Wednesday BEREAVEMENT CAFE

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

LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS

Mon - Yoga, 10.15am, £8. Julie Burdett 07780 905729. Mon 6pm, Wed 7pm, Thurs 10am - Tai Chi, £10, mikecoffeyemail@gmail.com Mon - Women’s Self Defense, 7.45pm, £10, mikecoffeyemail@gmail.com Tues - Evergreen Pilates, 9am, £8.50, Ryan 079848 16847. Wed - Pilates, 10am, £10 per session. Sarah on 07967 482510. Fri - Mindful Yoga, 11am, £48 per term, Sophie 07930 353118. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 01584 878141.

PAVILION MID WALES

Every Tues - Eazy Aerobics with Esme, 11am-12pm, 07711 133720. Every Fri - Pilates with Lucy, 8am & 9.15, 5 week course, £27.50, booking essential. Pavilion Mid Wales, Llandrindod Wells, 01597 258118.

THE ART SHED, MID WALES ARTS

Every Thurs - Yoga with Karen Booth, 4.30pm-6pm, karentheyoga@gmail.com 07794 337318.

Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, 01686 688369. THE COURTYARD, HEREFORD Tues - Pilates, 10am-10.45pm. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.