Portrait of Pembridge Blog 23
January 2026
Boxing Day crowds were entertained by Leominster Morris who performed a traditional Mummers’ play in the Market Square. The story of St George and the Dragon also featured Napolean, a Sultan and some very exotic costumes.
Our Portrait of Pembridge photographer, Scarlett Farnell, captured the atmosphere and the bemused faces of visitors. You can see her photographs on
www.portraitofpembridge.co.uk/past-events
Wassail 2026
The next opportunity to see the Leominster Morris in action will be on 6th January at The Crown in Dilwyn where the Wassail 2026 will take place. Join the torchlight procession to bless the orchards from 7pm. Tickets from The Crown Dilwyn.
On 10th January Pembridge will have its own wassail. Meet at the Market Hall at 6pm to join the procession to a nearby orchard and return to the New Inn for mulled cider and more.
Wassailing has its roots in pagan religions and is an invocation for a good harvest and to ward off evil spirits which might damage the crop. It involves the consumption of cider, lots of noise and the chanting of rhymes like the one below:-
Here’s to thee, old apple tree,
May you bud, may you bow!
Stand fast root, bear well top,
Pray God send us a good howling crop,
Every twig, apples big,
Every bough, apples now.
Hats full, cups full, full quarter sacks full,
Halla boys holla and blow the horn!
New Year’s Honour
Councillor Roger Phillips three decades of public service in local government have been recognised in the New Years honours with the award of Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE).
A County and Parish Councillor, Leader of the Council from 2003-2011, and currently Chairman of Herefordshire County Council, Roger represents the Arrow Ward and is well known to residents.
He has led national initiatives in seeking greater understanding of the needs of rural communities in Westminster and Whitehall as Chair of the Rural Services Network.
He has also been a magistrate for 30 years and is a committee member of the Royal Three Counties Show.
Congratulations Roger and well deserved.
New Year’s Resolutions
If you’ve made a resolution to get fitter, or take up a new hobby or interest, there are lots of opportunities to do so in Pembridge:-
Farah’s Forever Fun Fitness Class kicks off at the Parish Hall on 2nd January. This free class is for all abilities and levels of fitness from 10am for beginners and 11am for intermediate every Wednesday and Friday.
Sunday mornings Pembridge runners meet at the Parish Hall for a family friendly fun run.
On Monday 5th January the Love to Sing Choir starts a new term. 7pm at Pembridge School, £6 per session.
Tuesday 6th January you can learn to jive with Cool Moves Dance at the Parish Hall 7.30pm £6 per class.
Tai Chi Classes at the Parish Hall start on 8th January and Village Art Clubs recommence on 15th January
Pride in Pembridge welcome new volunteers to help keep the village tidy and colourful, they meet most Thursdays 10am at the Market Hall.
Thursday 10 am is also when Village Art Clubs meet at the Parish Hall. Art for all abilities with expert tuition. Starts 15th January
Pembridge History Group is keen to involve more residents in researching and retelling the history of the parish and will meet on 19th January 7.30pm at the New Inn.
Full details of these events are in ‘Dates for your Diary’ on the ‘News’ page and ‘Upcoming Events’ page on our website
www.portraitofpembridge.co.uk/events-calendar
History of the Copner Family
Marston resident and local historian Barbara Joss has researched the fortunes of this Marston family from 1609 -1857.
Reviewing the wills and inventories of several generations, she reveals the ups and downs of family fortunes and their rise from humble weavers to gentry by the mid-19th century.
The story starts in 1609 with the death of Joan Copner, and you can read it at
www.portraitofpembridge.co.uk/history
Artificial Intelligence -Threat or Opportunity?
Charity Pop Music Quiz
‘Dementia Matters Here’ is a local charity which provides support to those living with dementia and their carers (see our October blog).
Martin Steer explained that he is seeking to raise £50,000 for a new bus. The bus provides a lifeline to those unable to travel by bringing support and help to them. On 7th February from 6.30pm we’ll be holding a pop music quiz at the Parish Hall to raise funds for this worthy cause.
Those who attended the last pop music quiz had a great evening out with a nail-biting final round between the leading teams. Old rivalries are being reignited for this event.
Teams of up to 6 may enter at £6 per person and ticket sales will open soon on the Parish Hall website.
Look out for further updates.
Bearbridge Knights Gig
In our November blog www.portraitofpembridge.co.uk/portrait-of-pembridge-blog
we introduced new local band, The Bearbridge Knights. They will be performing their first gig at Pembridge Parish Hall on 28th February- Tickets are available at
www.pembridgeparishhall.co.uk/events
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.
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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 or email portratiofpembridge@yahoo.co.uk
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