MID BORDER ARTS - The annual meeting was held at the Assembly Rooms. In Millennium year, members elected the previous vice-chairman, Alex Dufort, as chairman to succeed Wendy Johnson-Brett, who had completed three years in office. Also retiring was her husband Geoff, who had edited the newsletter and membership and doubled as handyman. Susan Craven led a vote of thanks to the Johnson-Bretts. Wendy had worked very hard in spite of health problems and had continued regular and frequent meetings with MBA's directors and co-ordinators. MBA had moved forward remarkably in the last three years under her leadership. The dynamic new chairman was well known on several counts. His Brixton pottery was a well-established business and he had successfully promoted a series of folk music concerts. Members attending the meeting were handed copies of the outline programme of MBA events for the next 13 months, containing more than 80 entries. The Assembly Rooms had a number of improvements to its sound and lighting system and still more were to come this year. Bookings had increased during the past year and covered the building's expenses. Publicity outlets included MBA's website mbca.co.uk, the Presteigne web-site, and the Chamber of Trade leaflet circulated throughout many counties. E-mail address was mailatmbca.co.uk.

NORTON COMMUNITY ROOM - The town council of Presteigne and Norton had written to the vicar of Norton and the church councillors inviting them to meet with them today, hopefully before the disputed sale of the village's parish room goes through. At the town council's meeting, the subject of the sale and the controversy arising was raised again. At their previous meeting, councillors had agreed that since the diocesan trust had full legal right to sell the parish room, it was not for the town council to interfere. But this time a new proposal was put forward by Norton councillor Hugh Pope stressing that, on moral grounds, the feelings of a proportion of the villagers should be considered. This was accepted by the town council. Representatives of villagers objecting to the sale were also to be invited to the meeting today, which would be held at the parish room so town councillors could view the building and its limitations. They hoped that together an acceptable solution could be reached. The meeting would be chaired by deputy mayor Councillor Roy Deakins.

MEMORIAL - Town councillors have agreed to a request that, as a memorial to the outstanding public service of the late Joe Deakins, the bypass relief road between Station Road and Scottleton Road should be named Joe Deakins Road.

WENTS MEADOW - Councillor Colin Kirkby, who had been chairman of the town council's project committee, reported on the finances to-date for creating the extensive leisure area at Wents Meadow. Powys County Council had promised a generous grant of £9,000, to be match-funded by the local community. A private donation of £1,000 had been given for the skateboard, with other donations amounting to £750. The Millennium committee had promised £500, the mayor's charity event had raised £750, and the town council had precepted for £4,000. This left the final £2,400 to be raised locally, and as soon as possible, so the work on the first stage could commence.

PLAY AREA - After the immediate removal of a slide, described as 'extremely dangerous' by Powys CC's inspector, another piece of equipment would be installed in its place by his department.

PRIMARY SCHOOL HEAD - Councillor Peter Smith, governor of Presteigne Primary School, told councillors a new head had been appointed for September, after the retirement of Mr Lloyd the present head. The post had been accepted by Beryl Evans, deputy head of Knighton Primary School. Councillor Smith announced he was resigning from the town council and another councillor must be chosen in his place as the governor representing the town council.

MEMORIAL HALL - The annual meeting of the Memorial Hall is to be held on next Wednesday, June 7 at 7.30pm. It is hoped all who use the hall throughout the year, whether for social events or as members of organisations, will endeavour to attend. The committee has important decisions to take, particularly with regard to the full-repairing lease now expected by Powys County Council. It needs to know it have the full support of the community for whom the hall is maintained.

JUDGES LODGING - Manager Gabrielle Rivers has reported that April was an exceptionally busy month at the Judge's Lodging. The stock of attractive goods for sale at the gift shop was wider than ever and prices remained reasonable.

CHURCHES FAMILY DAY - Forty five-a-side football teams had already booked to take part in the football tournament to be held on Sunday, June 11, at John Beddoes Playing Field as one of the attractions during 'God's Family Day'. The countrywide Millennium celebration was being organised by local Councils of Churches, the Presteigne event being for adults and young people of all denominations in East Radnorshire. Planning details were now being finalised. The day would conclude with a Songs of Praise, accompanied by Knighton Silver Band.