News
News
Pembridge Home to Endangered Species
Pembridge is the host of several rare species of plants and animals.
Tree Warden and farmer Tony Norman explains the importance of preserving the native black poplar. There are 6 of these trees in the parish out of 100 in the county and 6,000 in the country.
A planting scheme has produced 40 more trees from cuttings. Find out more and how you can help halt their decline.
www.portraitofpembridge.co.uk/learnaboutfarming
Crayfish are dying in the River Arrow due to a highly infectious disease. This particularly affects the stretch between Pembridge and Kington. The parish council has highlighted the problem and provided guidance from the Environment Agency on how we can help prevent this spreading. The disease isn’t transmissible to humans but threatens the white crayfish population.
Do not enter the river while this outbreak is ongoing and do not touch any dead fish but report findings to the Environment Agency.
For more information on this see the Parish Council website on
Village Show 2025
The Village Show was held on 26th July was a great success with more entries than ever across all classes.
You can see a selection of photos of the event on our website www.portraitofpembridge.co.uk/past-events
The winners:
Flower Section
Presidents Perpetual Challenge Cup- Janet Bright
Don Vaughan Perpetual Challenge Cup- Barbara Goodey
The Arrow Cup – Elaine Goddard
Homecraft Section
Perpetual Challenge Cup – Gill Smith
Anne Evans Perpetual Silver Salver – Meryl Griffiths
Molly Thomas Salver -Gill Smith
Flower Arranging
FJ Newman Perpetual Challenge Bowl – Barbara Goodey
John Bishop Perpetual Memorial Cup – Barbara Goodey
Vegetable Section
T G Exell Perpetual Challenge Bowl- Philip Bright
Karl Nordblom Shield -Steve Dickman
Eric Williams Silver Salver -Philip Bright
Most points in flower and vegetable sections
Sun Valley Perpetual Challenge Cup- Michele D’Lemos
Best Exhibit in Show
The New Inn Trophy- Barbara Goodey
Children’s Section
Tommy Russell Perpetual Challenge Cup
Elis Williams, Fred Sant, Seth, Lola, Cerys Williams, Jim Bancroft,
Jack Edwards Cup- Domi Hudcova
Congratulations to all the winners and all who entered. The standard was very high.
Thanks also to the organising committee and helpers.www.pembridgeparishcouncil.gov.uk
h.Art 6th – 14th September
The annual festival of art will feature events and exhibitions throughout the county. Here are details of those happening in Pembridge.
On 6th September The Old Chapel Gallery, East Street, opens its exhibition “Quiet Birds in Circled Fight”
This will feature:
Lynda Jones - oil on linen, pen and ink, watercolour, graphite drawings
Ann McCay - oil on linen
Rachel Sumner - driftwood sculpture
Rachel Wright - textile embroidery
Jane Littlefield - stained glass
Rachel Bailey - silver jewellery
Kathryn O’Kell - carved wood
What’s New?
With Autumn in the air and the start of the new school term lots of regular activities are starting once more - see “Dates for Diary” for a full list of regular events in Pembridge. Two new initiatives at the Parish Hall are a monthly Movie Night on the last Friday of the month and a Tai Chi class on Thursday afternoons. The first movie is “ Peanut Butter Falcon (12) on 29th August followed by “ Thelma”(PG) on 26th September. On 4th September at 3.45pm a new Tai Chi Class will be held. This first session is free, booking required. hello@goldenthreadscic.com
Total Triage
Patients of Mortimer Medical Practice may have already received a letter about the new appointment booking service from 1st October. It’s designed to help patients get appropriate treatment and advice. When requesting an appointment patients will be asked to complete an online form setting out their questions and concerns. This will then be reviewed the same day by a GP who will direct the patient to the most appropriate next steps.
These could include: a face to face or telephone appointment; advice or a prescription without needing an appointment; signposting to another service which can help.
Patients are encouraged to complete the online form with as much information as possible. Those without internet access can phone the surgery and receptionists will assist in completing the form. The practice will be holding workshops throughout September to explain the changes and help patients familiarise themselves with the new procedure. More information is available on www.mortimersurgery.co.uk
Coffee Mornings
Every third Saturday (10.30-12.00) a Coffee Morning is held at the Parish Hall giving residents an opportunity to enjoy coffee, cakes and a chat. All residents are welcome, including children and well-behaved dogs. There is no charge, but donations are requested. Each event is sponsored by a parish organisation. The August coffee morning was sponsored by the Page Turners and Pembridge Active Ladies book groups and raised £110 for Pembridge School library. The next event is on 20th September and is sponsored by Pembridge Allotment Association and will include a sale of produce. On 18th October the Royal British Legion will launch this year’s Poppy Appeal.
Celebration of the Pembridge Tapestries
This year the Pembridge Tapestries are ten years old. They tell the story of Pembridge from Domesday in 1086 to the present day. They’re on permanent display in Pembridge Church along with the Pembridge Map and the Pembridge Jubilee Tapestry. In March many of us were lucky to attend a concert of songs written by local resident Andy Davies telling the story of Pembridge as depicted in the Tapestries. For those disappointed to miss this, on 11th October there’s a second chance to hear the wonderful words and music sung by local vocalists accompanied by the Eardisland Village Band under Andy’s direction. Pembridge Church will be releasing the tickets soon so lookout for further details on Facebook and in our next blog.
VJ Day Remembered
15th August marked the 80th anniversary of the ending of World War II when Japan surrendered. For those fighting in the Far East and held as POWs this was the first time they knew they would be going home. This included some from Pembridge who were stationed in Burma. The occasion was marked by Pembridge and Shobdon Royal British Legion along with representatives of Weobly, Dilwyn, Eardisland and Kingsland RBL branches who attended a short service at the War Memorial in West Street. Wreaths were laid on behalf of the RBL by branch President Bridget Rose and on behalf of the Parish Council by Cllr Marguerite Fothergill. Photos of the service of Remembrance are on our website www.portraitofpembridge.co.uk/past-events
The Suffrage Movement in Herefordshire
This will be the topic of a talk by author Clare Wichbold on 13th September at the Parish Hall. Tickets £3 on the door. This talk is organised by The Pembridge History Group. To join the group contact nrumble@btinternet.com. On October 17th there will be a talk on Cider Making and the History of Herefordshire Orchards and a cider tasting. Scandal, drunkenness, revenge, adultery and murder. All feature in “ The Temptations and Downfall of the Vicar of Stanton Lacy”. This book, meticulously researched by Pembridge author and historian Peter Klein, tells the true story of Robert Foulkes. A married vicar with a passion for a young woman, a bitter publican, a Peeping Tom, and a resentful churchwarden all played their part in Robert’s downfall. It’s now on sale at St Mary’s Church, price £10.
Footpath Group
The parish council are looking to set up a volunteer footpath group, to walk parish footpaths, maintain and report problems for action. If interested contact Cllr Hancock 01544 340799 or Cllr Zagni 07360205777
Defibrillators
Apologies for an error in our last edition which stated that a defibrillator was in Bearwood, this should have read Broxwood.
For clarity the four defibrillators in the parish are at:
The Parish Hall, Bearwood Lane, Pembridge;
East Street Car Park Toilets, Pembridge;
Telephone Box Broxwood;
The Leen Farm, HR6 9HN.
Pembridge Film Nights – Film Fest
In association with The Old Picture House, Pembridge Film Nights at the New Inn are screening a series of films celebrating art and artists.
Showing at The New Inn:
7th September -Memories of the St Ives Modernists,
11th September – Eric Ravillious Drawn to War,
15th September – Final Portrait – Giacometti,
Showing at The Old Picture House, Kington:
30th August The Electric Life of Louis Wain
20th September Mrs Lowry and Son
Full details in “Dates for your Diary” www.portraitofpembridge.co.uk/news
Dates for your Diary August & September 2025
29th August Movie Nights at Pembridge Parish Hall. “ Peanut Butter Falcon” (12) 6.30pm for 7pm. Tickets £6 ( Children £4) www.pembridgeparishhall.co.uk/events
30th August from 5.30pm Greek Night at The New Inn, Live music from So What!!! From 8.30pm.
30th August 7.30pm The Old Picture House , Kington
Pembridge Film Nights return with a special series of films about British Art to coincide with H-Art Week. See https://sites.google.com/view/pembridgefilmnights/home
“ The Electric World of Louis Wain”(12) . Tickets £6.50 artsalive.co.uk/events/the-electric-world-of-louis-wain
2nd September new term starts for Learn 2 Jive sessions at Pembridge Parish Hall. For details see Weekly Events below.
3rd September 9am Autumn term begins at Pembridge CE Primary School.
4th September NEW!! Tai Chi 3.45pm – 4.45pm at Pembridge Parish Hall free taster class . Booking essential hello@goldenthreadscic.com
4th September 6.30pm for 7pm National Theatre production of “Inter Alia” at Pembridge Parish Hall. Tickets £10 www.pembrdigeparishhall.co.uk/events
6th September from 4pm Love to Sing Choir perform at Bye Fest, Byecross Farm, Peston -on-Wye
7th September 11am-5pm Westonbury Mill Water Gardens Open Gardens courtesy of Mark and Deborah Constable, Ticket proceeds in aid of St Mary’s Church, Pembridge. World renowned gardens, café, plant nursery, and follies. Tickets adults £8, children 4-16 £3 under 4s free. www.westonburymillwatergardens.com
7th September Pembridge Film Nights “ Celebrating the St Ives Modernists “ 7.30pm. Tickets £15 ( includes a fish pie supper) sites.google.com/view/pembridgefilmnights
8th September Pembridge & Shobdon Royal British Legion AGM 7pm at The New Inn, RBL members only.
11th September Pembridge Film Nights at the New Inn. “ Eric Ravilious - Drawn to War” (PG) 7.30pm Tickets £5.50 sites.google.com/view/pembridgefilmnights
13th September Kington Agricultural Show 9am-6pm. Tickets £12.50 advance. £15 on gate. 10-17 yrs £5 advance £7 on gate. Under 10s free. For full details see www.kingtonshow.co.uk
15th September Love to Sing Choir new term starts at Pembridge Primary School, 7pm-8.30pm £5 per session.
15th September Pembridge Film Nights at the New Inn “Final Portrait” (15) starring Geoffrey Rush as painter Giacometti directed by Stanley Tucci . 7.30pm Tickets £5.50 sites.google.com/view/pembridgefilmnights
17th September Parish Council Meeting 7.30pm at Pembridge Parish Hall. All residents welcome.
18th September Village Art Club at Pembridge Parish Hall 10am-12 noon. New term starts. www.villageartclubs.co.uk
18th September 6.30pm for 7pm “ A History of the Suffrage Movement in Herefordshire” a talk by author Clare Wichbold, including an incident in Pembridge. Pembridge Parish Hall. Tickets on the door £3. Pembridge History Group.
20th September Coffee Morning 10.30am -12 noon at Pembridge Parish Hall. Coffee, Cakes and Chat. Sponsored by Pembridge Allotment Association.
20th September Pembridge Film Nights at Kington Picture House
“ Mrs Lowry and Son” (PG) starring Timothy Spall as the painter whose overbearing mother tried to dissuade him from following his vocation. 7.30pm Tickets £6.50 artsalive.co.uk
26th September 6.30pm for 7pm “Thelma” (12) at Pembridge Parish Hall. Tickets £6 www.pembridgeparishhall.co.uk/movie-nights.
27th September BINGO! 6.30pm for 7pm at Pembridge Parish Hall. Tickets www.pembridgeparishhall.co.uk/events £10 per 6 book Jumbo,£3 per special ticket.
1st October “ Tosca” Royal Opera House production live streamed to Pembridge Parish Hall. 6.15pm for 6.45pm Tickets £10. www.pembridgeparishhall.co.uk/footlights-society
4th October Ceillidh , dancing to Wiffeldy at Pembridge Parish Hall 7.30pm -11.30pm. Tickets £10 (children £5) . Booking essential at www.pembridgeparishhall.co.uk/events
5th October Arrowvale Churches Harvest Festival with Bishop Richard 11am Pembridge Church.
11th October Celebration of the Pembridge Tapestries in Song 6.30pm at Pembridge Church. A second chance to hear the songs composed by Andy Davies to tell the story of the Pembridge Tapestries, featuring local singers and Eardisland Village Band.
15th October 7.30pm Parish Council Meeting at Pembridge Parish Hall. All residents welcome.
17th October 7pm “ The Pomona and Pembridge Cider Making” A talk by Bill Laws author of “ The Herefordshire Pomona” and Rob West on his years at Dunkertons cider making. Cider tasting. Tickets £3.50 from www.pembridgeparishhall.co.uk/events
18th October Coffee Morning 10.30-12 noon at Pembridge Parish Hall sponsored by the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal
We Need You
Portrait of Pembridge is a volunteer run community resource. Please let us have your stories and news, share your expertise on topics ranging from local history, farming, the environment, events and fund raising.
Please email portraitofpembridge@yahoo.co.uk or call Kay 07342 625796 or Barry 07711 406306 for a chat about what’s involved.
We are keen to reach as many parishioners as possible. If you know someone who doesn’t yet receive our blog and “Dates for your Diary” straight to their inbox, please encourage them to sign up for this free service on www.portraitofpembridge.co.uk
For updates follow us on Facebook or log on to our website: www.portraitofpembridge.co.uk
Facebook: Portrait of Pembridge Community Board
Weekly Events in Pembridge
Monday
Pembridge Auction at the parish Hall. Viewing from 10am bidding starts 3.30pm. see https://www.pembridgeauction.com/
Love to Sing Children’s Choir at Pembridge Primary School Hall. 5.30pm-6.30pm. £4 per session. Term time only.
Love to Sing Community Choir at Pembridge Primary School Hall. 7pm to 8.30pm. New members’ welcome. £5 per session payable half termly. Email Thisgirllovestosing76@gmail.com
Tuesday
Learn to Jive at Pembridge Parish Hall. Beginners welcome. 7.30-8.30pm starts 7th January. £6 per person. https://bookwhen.com/coolmoves
Wednesday
Farah’s Fun Fitness, exercise classes at Pembridge Parish Hall Beginners 10am, intermediate 11am. Free
Thursday
Pride in Pembridge meet Market Square 10am (weather permitting) to help keep Pembridge tidy and colourful. New members welcome. Contact Jan Williams, Secretary on 07485 703096 or email janetfwilliams@icloud.com. For more news about PIPs activities see our Community Groups Page https://www.portraitofpembridge.co.uk/community-groups
Village Art Clubs at Pembridge Parish Hall. Beginners and experienced artists welcome, tutored classes. Book at www.villageartclubs.co.uk or call Liz 07938 563716
Tai Chi starts 4th September 3.45 -4.45pm at Pembridge Parish Hall, Booking Essential, hello@goldenthreads.com
Friday
Farah’s Fun Fitness, exercise classes at Pembridge Parish Hall Beginners 10am, intermediate 11am starts. Free
Sunday
Pembridge Runners meet at the Parish Hall for a gentle 5km run. 8.45-9.00am start. Cyclists and well-behaved dogs welcome.
Cream Teas at St Mary’s Church 3pm -5pm.
Church Services
Bearwood Chapel
Evening Service 6.30 pm First, Third and Fifth Sunday of the Month. See our Community Groups page for more information on Bearwood Chapel (https://www.portraitofpembridge.co.uk/community-groups)
St Mary’s Church, Pembridge
See https://arrowvalechurches.org.uk/ for all services. 11am 1st, 2nd and 3rd Sunday of the month.
24th August 4.30pm Afternoon Singalong.
5th October Harvest Festival with the Bishop of Hereford.
Pembridge Tapestries Celebrated in Song
Andy Davies had not seen the Pembridge Tapestries until he moved to Pembridge in 2024. They left a lasting impression upon him, inspiring him to write 12 songs, each telling the story of each of the 12 tapestries.
The Tapestries tell the story of Pembridge from Norman times to the present day. They are on display in St Mary’s church, accompanied by explanations of each scene written by local historian Lindsy Anderson.
The songs were performed for the first time in a packed St Mary’s Church and delighted the audience with their catchy tunes and clever lyrics. A chorus of local singers started practising the songs in the New Year and were accompanied by the Eardisland Village Band and Haydn Osborne-Brookes on alto saxophone.
Here is an extract of the clever lyrics written by Andy:
The Market Hall
I am off to the hiring fair, in search of work and wages,
The market traders will be there, with stalls and stands and stages.
I’ll dress myself in all my best, to show that I am able,
To serve a master in good faith and sit at his own table.
During the concert each tapestry was projected on to a screen by Richard Goddard revealing all the detail in each piece. A group of narrators, many of them amongst the stitchers, told the story of each panel.
Leading up to the concert, a special exhibition of the tapestries, including original artwork by Kate Skelton, was on display in the church. It went on to form a highlight of the Portrait of Pembridge Photography and Art Exhibition in the Parish Hall.
The tapestries were stitched by a team of local needlewomen, many of whom had not attempted this craft before, but have gone on to create the Pembridge Map in 2019, and the Platinum Jubilee Tapestry in 2022 designed by artist Simon Toone. Their latest project has been the creation of an altar frontal for the Lady Chapel designated to the memory of Catherine Fothergill who had been one of the original stitchers.
Given the quality of the songs and the performance of them it’s hard to believe that Andy Davies isn’t a professional musician but pursues his music making as a hobby. On viewing the tapestries, he was struck by the coherence of the narrative they told collectively and yet each panel had its own distinct story. He sought to reflect this in his songwriting.
Judging from the response of the audience the concert was a great success. Proceeds of £700 were raised for the upkeep of St Mary’s church which delighted the church wardens.
Many Pembridge residents have expressed their disappointment that they missed this unique performance. However, it is highly likely that another performance will be scheduled later in the year. Look out for details on a Portrait of Pembridge Upcoming Events and the Arrowvale.
This year’s appeal will be launched at the Pembridge Parish Hall Coffee Morning on Saturday 19th October. Pembridge & Shobdon Royal British Legion will host the event from 10.30-12 noon.
As well as the usual coffee, cakes, and chat, there will be an opportunity to learn about the work of the RBL in supporting veterans and their families and to contribute to its work by making a donation.
The following Saturday 26th October the RBL will be at the Pembridge Tabletop Sale with a book stall to raise funds for the appeal between 9am and 12 noon. Donations of books are welcome and can be brought to the Hall on the day or contact Kay at ingramkay3@gmail.com or 07342 625796.
15/09/2024
A Pembridge woman, Sarah Steer, has been training since January in preparation for a fund-raising walk in aid of St Michael’s Hospice. Sarah is amongst a group of 19 who will tackle the Camino Way from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela in Northern Spain, a distance of 93 km (57 miles) over four days in late October.
The Camino Way is a long-established Pilgrim’s route and will feature in the film “The Way” (12) to be shown by Pembridge Film Nights on 24th October. (See Events Calendar)
05/09/2024
Looking back at our coverage of events in Pembridge, we’ve had a wonderful summer, starting with the unveiling of the Verdun Oak sculpture, Love to Sing Community Choir, the Medieval Weekend, and D-Day 80 through to the Village Show and Strawberry Fayre.
29/08/2024
Dates for your Diary September 2024
Save The Date
In addition to our usual monthly “ Dates for your Diary” here are some events coming up over the next few weeks that you may wish to save the date for:-
Verdun Oak Sculpture Film
The Verdun Oak Project has made a film which tells the story of the Verdun Oak, how a WWI poem by Siegfried Sassoon inspired tree warden,Tony Norman, to resurrect the fallen tree.
The film charts the project from Tony’s initial inspiration, the selection of sculptor Ed Elliott and his representation of a country boy torn from his family to fight on foreign soil and the family he left behind, as did so many Pembridge men.
You can view it here https://vimeo.com/999042698/8dd28f797e
22/08/2024
Irene Causley 1923-2024
We are saddened to report the death of former Pembridge resident Irene (Rene) Causley at the age of 101.
Last year she celebrated her 100th birthday with a visit from the Deputy Lieutenant of Herefordshire and a guard of honour formed by members of Pembridge Royal British Legion. Deputy Lieutenant, Air Commodore Tim Howson, presented Mrs Causley with her wartime medals and a veteran’s pin, at her home in Leominster, watched by members of the Pembridge Royal British Legion who honoured the last surviving World War II veteran of the branch.
22/08/2024
Rare Opportunity, Allotments for rent!
Speak to Rosie or Anita as soon as possible to guarantee your plot.
11/08/2024
Success at the Strawberry Fayre
Gill and Jacqui would like to thank everyone from our wonderful local community who helped make our Strawberry Fayre such a lovely occasion.
Village Show Success
27/07/2024
Five years after the last Pembridge Village Show a new show committee was formed to reintroduce this annual event in the Pembridge calendar. The organisers, who chose the Parish Hall as the venue, had no idea how many entries they would attract after this gap, nor how many parishioners would support it on the day. Their planning required a leap of faith.
PEMBRIDGE RAILWAY STATION
CONSTRUCTION
Pembridge railway station was originally opened by the Leominster & Kington Railway Company (L&KR) formed by several local businessmen and led by the Chairman Lord Bateman of Shobdon Court. Their plans were to link Leominster station on the newly opened Shrewsbury & Hereford Railway to the town of Kington allowing rail access through the Arrow valley. The initial meeting took place at Shobdon Court on 24th October 1853.