Kington

WHEELBARROW RACE - The high street was closed for Kington Festival's famous sporting challenge. Monte Carlo and the Grand Prix were forgotten as the Wheelbarrow Race Evening came to town on Saturday, June 11. Competitors dashed through the streets, stopping at every pub for a drink and the best time for 2005 was 8 minutes and 24 seconds, recorded by Alan Chrighton and Gareth Evans, followed closely by Dave Moss and Chris Gough. Fancy dress winners were Geoff Cooper and Dave Thomas. Phillip Meadows Cup for Best Entertainment Overall, Dave Sandemann and Oliver Sandemann. Children's races: aged 4 to 7 years, Hugh Black; aged 8-11 years, Jake Fox. Under 20's Race and Fancy Dress, Stephannie Kinsly and Christina Alloway.

FESTIVAL - Kington Festival Diary of events, Saturday Carnival and Gala Day - The grand finale of festival starts with the Mardi Gras Carnival Procession that leaves The Meads at 1.45pm and proceeds through the town to the Recreation Ground. The gala continues with a multitude of displays, workshops, music and dance for all the family. Sunday, June 19, Friends of St Mary's Church are holding a BBQ at Gravel Hill House, Kington, by permission of Mr and Mrs I Waugh, 12noon-3pm, £4 adults, £2.50 children. Contact 01544 230392.

KINGTON SHOW - President of Kington Show, Phyllis Lewis, has organised an evening of demonstrations on Monday June 27, at 7pm at Downfield Farm, Kington, by permission of the Sankey family. There will be a cookery demonstration by distinguished chefs, Matthew Handley and Grant Powell, serving up a four-course dinner. Both Matthew and Grant are chefs at the Stagg Inn, Titley, the first pub in the country to be awarded a Michelin Star. The Stagg Inn prides itself in providing quality local produce. There follows an interval with canaps and wine and a flower demonstration by Gloria Davies, area demonstrator from Ammonford. Gloria is a member of the Flower Arrangement Society and has represented the Society at Chelsea Flower Show in 2000, gaining a bronze medal. She has also had many TV appearances on S4C. Her demonstration is entitled Floral Calendar. Phyllis Lewis, president of Kingston Horse Show and Agricultural Society and chairperson of the horticultural and domestic section of the show, said: "With escalating costs of staging Kington Show, it is so important to keep fundraising for the continuation of the show." Tickets are £12.50 each, including canaps and wine and are available from The Stagg Inn, Titley; McCartneys, High Street, Kington, or telephone 01544 267482.

OFFA'S DYKE ASSOCIATION - With the help of Tony Good, High Ground Coffee based in Wigmore, the Offa's Dyke Association will soon launch their own ground coffee label. Coffee will be available throughout the day at the Offa's Dyke Centre, West Street, Kington on Saturday June 18, from 10am until 4pm, a small charge will be made. Also there will be an opportunity to purchase items from the Fair Trade Stand between 10am and 12noon. The Offa's Dyke Association proposes to sell Fair Trade merchandise in the future together with their coffee. There is also a last opportunity to view Hugo Perks' Photography exhibition on A Path for all Seasons.