CITIZENS ADVICE -- In spite of the considerable difficulties of Radnor CAB during the last 12 months, caused by pressure of work and a shortage of trained advisers, Outreach worker Harry Townsend has ensured that a regular Friday afternoon CAB session has been held in Presteigne since last spring. It uses the Community Support Office in Hereford Street, from 2pm to 4pm.The appointment of a Radnor CAB Outreach worker was made possible by grants, from Powys County Council initially and then from the Esmee Fairbairn Trust. Outreach sessions are now also held in Knighton, Rhayader and Builth Wells each week, and a home-visiting service is provided for those who are too incapacitated to come to an office. The annual report of Radnor CAB 2000/2001 was issued for the annual meeting held recently at the Llandrindod Wells Quaker Meeting House. The demands on the services of CAB in Radnorshire have steadily increased for some years, particularly debt-negotiation problems, and the pressure has been heavy on the small number of advisers. For some months, only a telephone service could be offered in Llandrindod Wells. Reorganisation, which will come into effect by next spring, will combine the five bureaux in Powys in a single trust and centralise much of the time-consuming administrative work. Peggy Fraser-Scott, a town councillor of Presteigne and Norton, has agreed to serve as a representative on the Radnor management committee, in place of Councillor Tony Lancett who is now Mayor. Presteigne and Norton Town Council contributed £250 to Radnor CAB during each of the last two financial years. No rent is charged for use of the Community Support Office for the Presteigne CAB sessions. Manager Joanna Nicholson acknowledged gratefully the gifts for the bureau and particularly a generous donation from Mrs Barbara McDowell who opened her garden at Broadheath House, Presteigne under the Gardens Open Scheme.

MEMORIAL HALL -- After many months of restricted activities at the Memorial Hall owing to foot and mouth precautions, a wide range of events is in full swing once more. The Welsh Night, which could not be held on St David's Day, is to be celebrated instead on Saturday, September 29, when the group Y-Delonaid will present the entertainment. Doors open at 6.30pm and supper will be served at 7pm, followed by the concert at 8pm. Tickets bought for the postponed St David's Night will still be accepted, or new tickets are obtainable from members of the committee or from Winnie's Newspapers.

TABLE SALE -- Presteigne and Discoed PCC is holding a table sale in aid of both churches at the Memorial Hall on Saturday from 10am until 12 noon. To book a table contact Judi Charlton on 01544 267420.

JUDGE'S LODGING -- Though many tourist attractions have struggled to survive this summer, Presteigne's award-winning Judge's Lodging continues to pull in the visitors, thanks to the excellent team of manager Gabrielle Rivers and her staff. This year the demand has encouraged them to extend the season. Daily opening from 10am until 6pm will continue until October 31, and from November 1 until December 22, Wednesdays to Sundays, the Judge's Lodging will be open from 10am until 4pm. It will close only during January and February. Group bookings are available for evening visits and also out of season. Special events take place during the year, about which the staff will gladly give details. The educational opportunities for school groups have been a special interest of manager Gabrielle Rivers, a former primary school teacher. A full educational pack is available, and also special topic sessions throughout the year, of which the staff can give details, telephone: 01544 260652.

BEN HARTLEY -- Mid Border Arts report that the recent exhibition of paintings by the late Ben Hartley, held at the Rodd Gallery during the Music Festival, created wide interest. Around 600 people came to view, many buying cards or copies of Bernard Samuels' book on the artist himself. The Tourist Information Centre at the Judge's Lodgings stocks a small range of the Ben Hartley cards, and copies of Bernard Samuels biography of the artist with many illustrations of his paintings.

WELSH CISTERCIANS -- A capacity audience packed the Catholic Church Annexe for the talk by the renowned Dr David Williams on the Cistercians in Wales. A contingent from the Abbey Cwmhir Society came over to hear this popular expert on the mediaeval Welsh foundations of monks who introduced sheep farming and the wool trade. Among the 13 or 14 Welsh abbeys was Abbey Cwmhir, or which Monachty, now known as Monaughty, was a grange not far from the present part-restored mansion. Using slides Dr Williams vividly brought to life the round of work and prayer of the monks.