Portrait of Pembridge Blog 21
November 2025
Remembrance Sunday
Remembrance Sunday is on 9th November. A short service will be held at the War Memorial in West Street at 10.45am.
This will be followed by a parade to St Mary’s Church for a service of Remembrance.
The Royal British Legion will lead the parade and invite all residents to join it should they wish.
Pembridge will welcome Keith Wellings, aka Keith the Piper, who will be playing the bagpipes as we march to the church.
Niall Roberts will be returning to Pembridge to play “ The Last Post,” this will be the 51st consecutive year he has performed this. Last year he received a certificate of recognition for his service which the RBL believe may be a record.
At the War Memorial, and in church, the names of 40 men who gave their lives in the World Wars, and in more recent conflicts, will be read out.
You can find their individual stories on our website www.portraitofpembridge.co.uk/warmemorial
Few were serving military personnel when war broke out, many were teenagers, the youngest only aged 16. They were ordinary people doing ordinary jobs who were asked to do extraordinary things.
They left behind widows, children, parents, siblings and friends.
Their stories were researched and written by the late Rory MacColl as a lasting tribute to their sacrifice.
Armistice Day on 11th November will be marked by pupils of Pembridge Primary School with a service of remembrance at 10.45am at the War Memorial.
Parents, carers, and friends are invited to attend.
Francophile Flavour to Film Nights
Following the success of its season of art films during h-Art week, Pembridge Film Nights at The New Inn are continuing the art theme with a run of French films with English subtitles.
On 2nd November Agnes Varda’s “ Faces, Places” (PG) and on 6th November “ Portrait of a Lady on Fire” (15)
Tickets £5.50
Doors open 7.15pm film starts 7.30pm
You can book on www.ticketsource.co.uk/pembridge-film-nights
The French theme continues at the Parish Hall on 5th November where there will be a screening of the Royal Ballet’s performance of “La Fille Mal Gardee” ( The Wayward Daughter). It promises to be a colourful display with choreography by Frederick Ashton. Doors open 6.30pm for 7.15pm.
Tickets £10 from www.pembridgeparishhall.co.uk/footlightssociety or pay on door.
This is just the first of many ballets, theatre, opéra, and films to be shown in November. For full details see “ Dates for your Diary” and www.portraitofpembridge.co.uk/events-calendar
Portrait of Pembridge Collage
Portrait of Pembridge was founded with the aim of recording the history, events, and people of Pembridge parish. Our latest venture is to create a collage of photographs to be installed permanently in the Parish Hall entrance.
Thank you to those who have already sent us photos for inclusion in this project.
Our readers are invited to send us images of Pembridge, buildings, people, and events, for inclusion in this. Photos may be contemporary or historic, in colour or black and white.
Digital copies may be emailed to portraitofpembridge@yahoo.co.uk
If you have a photo you’d like us to copy please call Barry 07711 406306
Community participation will be key to the success of this project which will provide a lasting portrait of Pembridge
National Tree Week
This falls in November and aims to encourage the planting and preservation of trees vital to environmental management. The parish tree warden Nick Rumble will be marking this on 26th November with a guided walk through the grounds of Broxwood Court with the kind permission of Anne and Mike Allen and Richard Snead-Cox.
Those wishing to take part should register their interest with Nick Rumble nrumble@btinternet.com The walk is from 2pm to 3.30pm, dogs on leads are welcome.
We asked Nick about his voluntary role as tree warden for the parish. You can read about it on our website www.portraitofpembridge.co.uk/news
Friends of Pembridge School
FOPS ( formerly the PTFA) are fund raising for the school in November. They will be at the Kington Community Charity Shop from 12th to 17th November. Why not drop in and pick up a bargain?
If you’re having a pre- Christmas clear out, they’d be delighted to receive your donations of good quality pre- loved goods, toys, books, bric a brac and clothes. Please leave donations at the school office between 5th and 11th November.
On 26th November 7pm for 7.45pm FOPS are hosting a Christmas BINGO night at Leominster Sports and Social Club. There’ll be fabulous prizes, including an Amazon Fire tablet!
POPPA to return
The Portrait of Pembridge Photography and Art ( POPPA) Competition was launched last year and received a fantastic number of entries showcasing the artistic talent of Pembridge and surrounding areas.
Following its success, it’s been decided to make this an annual event and it will be returning in the Spring.
Photographers and artists may wish to get out and capture the autumn colours in readiness for this.
Bearbridge Knights
A new band has been formed by residents of Bearwood and Pembridge ( hence the name). The three piece will be performing at the New Inn New Year’s Eve Party.
Their repertoire will mostly consist of cover versions of rock bands including Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac and the Moody Blues. Keyboard player and vocalist Julian Measey has told us more about this and you can read about the band and how to book them on www.portraitofpembridge.co.uk/news
Christmas Lights Switch On
This will take place at 6pm on Friday 28th November at the Market Hall.
There will be stalls selling festive items and a gentleman from the North Pole is expected to visit the New Inn.
Over 70 trees will be distributed to hosts this year making Pembridge’s Christmas lights display one of the best in the county.
Please note the film “ Four Letters of Love” (12A) will now be shown at the Parish Hall on Thursday 27th November and not 28th as previously planned.
Christmas Shopping in Pembridge
The Woodcock Fayre will take place on Saturday 22nd November at St Mary’s Church. With 40 stalls selling crafts, gifts, foodie treats and more it’s a good place to find gifts for Christmas.
Ye Olde Steppes offers a range of drinks, chocolates and treats for Christmas. If you want to say it with flowers Bloom & Grind may hold the answer and for that special gift The Old Chapel Gallery offers a wide range of art, jewellery, ceramics, glass, and textiles. For Christmas Dinner locally grown and sourced ingredients visit Townsend Farm Shop.
Medieval Weekend Postponed
For the last two years a Medieval Weekend has been held in Pembridge over the late May Bank Holiday. The organisers have decided to postpone the event in 2026.
The reasons for this are a lack of participation from the local community both in planning for the event and attendance at the event.
The re-enactors will review the timing and design of the event before deciding whether to reprise it in 2027.
Photos of last year’s event are shown on
www.portraitofpembridge.co.uk/past-events/medieval-weekend-mbles
If anyone would like to help with the design and promotion of this event or have views on how it should be redesigned, please contact us at portraitofpembridge@yahoo.co.uk
On behalf of Portrait of Pembridge we would like to thank the re-enactors for their participation over the last two years.
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.
Spread the Word
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
