CHAMBER OF TRADE - Presteigne Chamber of Trade is hoping to produce a tourism promotional leaflet as last year and is seeking funds to add to the £500 that they have available. If funds can be found, 20,000 leaflets will be printed and distributed throughout Wales and adjacent English counties. The chamber is actively supporting the Twinning Committee by organising a fun day in Wentes Meadow on Sunday, May 2. The chamber is planning a fundraising Summer Woodland Barbecue at Boultibrooke, which will be open to all chamber members and their friends.

NORTON CAMEO GROUP - Trish Jones, who started Norton's Tea Cake and Chat Group, has moved away from the area. It has bee decided to re-name the group Norton CAMEO, which stands for Come and Meet EveryOne, and to expand activities. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, March 3, at 2.30 at Norton Manor Hotel, by invitation of Lysette Phillips. Ken Maggs will speak, with slides, on Wild Flowers in Spring. For further information, or if anyone could offer a talk or activity for later in the year, contact Margaret Galliers on 01544 267245

FLORAL ART SOCIETY - Presteigne and Borders Floral Art Society, chairman Cynthia Hughes welcomed Philip Woodman from Westbury-on-Severn as the demonstrator whose theme was Reflections The competition, Summer's Echo, was won by Deanna Watkins with her basket of dried flowers. Cynthia Hughes announced that the annual meeting will be on Wednesday, March 10, to be followed by a talk on Bach Flower Remedies. The spring workshop will be held on Saturday, March 27, tutored by Kate Edwards, and will feature contemporary designs. Phone Cynthia to book a place on 01455 260113.

ASSEMBLY ROOMS - Mid Border Arts presents the Sacconi String Quartet in concert on Saturday. The concert will start at 7pm.

DIARY DATES - The Powys Family History Society will be holding its next meeting at John Beddoes High School today (Friday) at 7 pm when Presteigne historian, Keith Parker, will be discussing the old county families of Radnorshire. 'Bop 'til you Drop' in Lingen Village Hall is on Saturday, from 7.30 to 11.30 pm. On the same evening, and also in Lingen, Black Knight Astronomy at Rose and Ivy Cottage, will be hosting an evening under the stars from 7pm until late. St David's Day Concert, is a day early, on Sunday, when the Madog Male Voice Choir will be entertaining the audience in the Memorial Hall. Supper is at 7pm and the concert starts at 8pm. Cynthia Hughes will be producing a show, Rhymes and Their Reasons, in the Memorial Hall on Wednesday, March 3, in aid of funds for the Youth Project and the Support group. Telephone 01544 260257 for information.

JOHN BEDDOES SCHOOL - Pupils and students, possibly in the region of 200 children, from John Beddoes High School and six primary schools - in Presteigne, Whitton, New Radnor, Beguildy, Knighton and Gladestry - will be joining forces to present a concert at St Andrew's Church on Saturday, March 13, at 7pm and rehearsals have already started in the individual schools.

A successful funding bid has been made to secure finance to promote active music-making by students and pupils in the Presteigne catchment area. Funding is for music development provided by the Welsh Assembly Government and is administered by the Music Strategy Group under the Powys Children, Families and Life-long Learning Directorate.

ST MARY'S, PILLETH - Restoration work at Pilleth has moved on apace, and is now almost finished, with tree works and hedge clearing being undertaken at the moment, and the dazzling white church now clearly visible on the hillside. A major grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund provided 75% of the costs of the restoration, and the hard work and generosity of many other people, charities and foundations have made it possible to raise the remaining funds. St Mary's will be re-dedicated on Sunday, May 23, by the Right Reverend Anthony Pierce, Bishop of Swansea and Brecon.

ART COURSE - The Arkwright Hall, Kinsham, Presteigne, is the venue for a nine- week course in art with John Everett starting on Monday April 26, 2.pm to 4pm. Students will produce an original composition in colour from personal observation and research. Contact Jess Prosser 01544 260590 for more information or to book.