Portrait of Pembridge Blog 22
December 2025
Christmas Lights
The Pembridge Christmas Lights were switched on on 28th November with a record 72 trees distributed around the village.
Pembridge punches above its weight when it comes to community events, the Christmas tree initiative, started by the late Julie Miflin, being just one example. In this month’s blog we highlight all the fund-raising success and celebrate the contribution of the many volunteers in our community who make this parish a great place to live.
Fund raising for next year’s Christmas trees will take place on 23rd December when everyone is invited to join the carol singers who will tour the village, starting at 6.30pm at the Market Hall.
Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
Woodcock Fayre
The church fund raising committee held another successful Fayre in November raising funds vital to maintaining our historic church and giving local craftsmen the opportunity to showcase their wares.
The church wardens and committee would like to thank everyone who helped them get the church ready and cleared up afterwards.
Without your help they could not put on this annual event.
Friends of Pembridge School
Friends of Pembridge School have had another successful term of fund raising. The Christmas Bingo and Kington Charity Shop raised £1,250 for school funds. This was despite Storm Claudia which led to local flooding and reduced footfall in Kington during the week the shop was open.
Congratulations to the parents, teachers, and friends of the school.
Poppy Appeal
The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal has raised a fantastic £9,100 locally. This will enable the RBL to continue to support veterans and their families. Poppy Appeal organisers, Graham Hudson and Charlie Lynch Staunton, would like to thank the collectors, local businesses, and churches which supported the appeal and residents who gave so generously.
There is another opportunity to support the work of the RBL and to have a chance of winning a prize by entering the RBL Christmas Draw. Winning tickets will be drawn on Monday 8th December at the New Inn
Remembrance in Pembridge
The Remembrance Sunday service was well attended with the Parish Council, West Mercia Police, RBL, and Pride in Pembridge all laying wreaths at the memorial.
The service was led by Nick Clarke and Niall Roberts played The Last Post and Reveille for the 51st year running. Members of the RBL paraded to the church escorted by piper Keith Wellings and standard bearer Pat Teale.
Pictures of the parade appeared in the Hereford Times these were taken by Portrait of Pembridge photographer Scarlett Farnell.
You can see more pictures of the service and parade on our website :
On Armistice Day Pembridge School pupils and staff held a service and laid a wreath in memory of the 40 men named on our war memorial.
You can read their stories on
www.portraitofpembridge.co.uk/warmemorial
Cllr Roger Philips attended the ceremony and laid a wreath on behalf of Herefordshire County Council.
Pembridge Parish Hall
There are lots of activities and entertainment lined up at the Parish Hall, theatre, ballet, opera, talks, films, concerts, live music as well as a host of classes ranging from Tai Chi, fitness, art and dancing. See “Dates for your Diary” for details.
www.portraitofpembridge.co.uk/events-calendar
All of this is made possible by the band of volunteers who open the hall for each event, man the bar and clear away afterwards.
Thank you, Parish Hall Committee, for keeping this facility not just open but thriving with events and activities for all of us.
Pride in Pembridge
The PIPs team work all year round to keep the village tidy and colourful. They have recently been planting bulbs to create colour in the Spring and tidied the memorial garden in readiness for Remembrance as well as maintaining the Platinum Jubilee Garden, weeding and litter picking. Thank you PIPs.
Portrait of Pembridge Collage
The design of the collage of historic photos of Pembridge is now underway. We’d like to thank all those who shared their photos with us.
It will be situated in the entrance to the Parish Hall and will be unveiled at the Portrait of Pembridge Photography and Art Competition in the Spring.
Artists and photographers may wish to prepare for the competition by capturing winter scenes around the parish.
We would also appreciate help in staging the event. If you can help with administration, stewarding, or erecting exhibition space please do get in touch at portraitofpembridge@yahoo.co.uk
Road Closure
Herefordshire Highways have advised that Rhyse Lane will be closed from 8th to 19th December.
Mortimer Medical Practice
The practice has published its December newsletter which provides a further guide to its total triage system of seeking medical help and Christmas operating hours. You can access it on
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:EU:42ce8791-590e-4c79-884c-3608a0389f79
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
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
