MIDSUMMER CONCERT – A midsummer concert held in St Edward’s Church, Knighton, featuring the Knighton Town silver band, Menna Breeze, who sings and plays the harp, and Val Littlehales, local poet and storyteller, attracted lots of people. The event raised money for the church restoration fund and to support the town band developments.

BLEDDFA OPEN GARDENS – Bleddfa’s one-day open gardens and art and craft exhibitions turned into a two-day event. Because of the wet weather on the Saturday, the organisers decided to open again on the Sunday. During the event, there was a plant stall on the village green, in the church there was a display of work by local artists, pottery, turned wood and bowls, figures made out of recycled materials, books, children’s competitions, tea towels and work by the local embroidery group. In the barn, local ladies served cream teas.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT AGM – At The Knighton and District Community Support AGM, there was little change to the current committee. Clive Payne stayed on as chairman with Ken Fincham as vice-chairman, and Richard Smith as treasurer. The new secretary was John Roberts and committee members included Dorothy Rawlings, Roy Williams, Rev Michael Langstaff, Rev Maggie Rich and Andrew Catlin.

Before a talk by Ann Lewis of the Wales Air Ambulance, the annual award for volunteer of the year was presented. This year, the award went to Carole Pigram who not only was chairperson of the support group for many years, but is also a very active volunteer.

BIRTHDAY PARTY – Ruby Bagley from Painscastle held her 70th birthday party recently at Painscastle Village Hall. She was joined on the evening by lots of her family and friends who gave generous donations instead of gifts. A total of £870 was donated and Ruby divided the money between the Wales Air Ambulance and Cancer Research UK. The money was presented to Neil Lewis, paramedic with the Wales Air Ambulance, and Ida Bufton, chairperson of the Llandrindod Wells branch of Cancer Research UK, and Margaret Stephens, the branch secretary. Representatives from both charities thanked Ruby for the donations.

PLAYDAYS NURSERY – Hannah Lewis started working at Playdays Nursery at Fronhir in Knighton in 2001, looking after the babies. She had a short break working in Newtown before coming back and buying the nursery. Hannah has an NVQ level 3 which she did while working at Playdays and is currently working for her NVQ level 4 and a management qualification. The nursery caters for babies to four-year-old children in term time and children up to eight in the holidays. Hannah is currently working with Kirsty Williams to get three-year-old funding for the nursery. There is going to be an open day at Playdays on Saturday, July 5, when people can come and have a look around. There are indoor playrooms, sleep areas and dining facilities as well as a large garden filled with lots of outdoor play equipment and a huge playhouse.

For more information about Playdays or the open day, contact Hannah on 01547 529920.

BARNARDO’S GARDEN PARTY – Despite strong winds, the garden party held at Lower Skyborry to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Knighton Barnardo’s helper group attracted a good crowd. Some of the people who attended walked from Knighton and took part in a fun treasure hunt along the way. At the party, there were various items for sale, a raffle and delicious cakes to go with teas and coffees. The event raised £245. Since 1991, computer records show that the small group of Knighton helpers have raised £10,500 for Barnardo’s.

FARMERS’ MARKET – Knighton farmers’ and craft market will take place at Knighton Community Centre on Saturday from 9.30am to 1pm. There will be lots of stalls selling a wide variety of local produce and craft items.

CONCERT – A concert in memory of Jane Jackson has been organised by her friends to raise money for the Macmillan nurses and St Michael’s Hospice. The event will feature many local artists and will take place at Knighton Community Centre on Friday, July 11, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets at £10 each include cheese and wine and are on sale at The Bookshop, Knighton.

KNIGHTON SHOW AND CARNIVAL – Preparations for Knighton show and carnival to be held on August 30, are now at an advanced stage. At the latest meeting of the committee, after much discussion, it was agreed to put the entry fees up to £6 for adults, £4 for OAPs and £1 for children. The money from the entry fees goes towards next year’s show apart from a small amount that is given to local charities. The theme for the processions is ‘40 years – fact or fiction’ which can include anything that you can think of from the last 40 years.

CARNIVAL PRINCESS AND ATTENDANTS DANCES – The dances to choose this year’s Knighton carnival princess and attendants will take place at The Knighton Hotel on Friday, July 4. The first dance will be from 7pm to 9pm when the attendants will be chosen and the dance to choose the carnival princess will follow at 10pm. Lady DJ will provide the music.

SUMMER BALL – Knighton Show and Carnival will be holding a summer ball on Saturday, July 12, at Knighton Community Centre. There are still a few tickets available from Michael or Maureen Bright. If anyone has any old photographs or memorabilia of Knighton Show in the last 40 years that could be displayed at the event contact a committee member or take them to the chairperson, Christ Branford, at The Clock Tower teashop.

COFFEE MORNING AND GIFT DAY – A coffee morning will be held in the church hall, Knighton, on Saturday from 10.30am to noon. At the event, there will be a selection of items for sale and a raffle. It will also be St Edward’s Church gift day. Donations for the church can be handed in at the vicarage or taken into the church.

COFFEE MORNING – Knighton Methodist Church will be holding a coffee morning next Tuesday in the church from 10am to 11.30am. There will also be a selection of items for sale.

UNWANTED SCOOTERS OR TRIKES If anyone has any unwanted scooters or trikes in good condition and would like to donate them to the nursery children at Knighton Primary School, please contact Mrs Murray at the school.

COMMUNITY ARTS PARTNERSHIP PICNIC – There will be a picnic in Pinner’s Hole behind the Offa’s Dyke Centre on Sunday from noon to 2pm. The picnic is being organised by Knighton Community Arts Partnership. Everyone is welcome to come along with their picnic food and drinks, and bring along their family and friends for a chance to have a laugh and meet people.

From 2pm onwards Mick and Alice are having an open day on their smallholding at Hill Cottage, Rhos-y-Meirch. Everyone is welcome to meet some local food producers. For more details, call 01547 528315.