Portrait of Pembridge Blog 24
February 2026
Northern Lights Over Pembridge
Monday 19th January saw the skies above Pembridge light up as we were treated to a display of the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis.
This is usually only witnessed in Northern Scotland in the UK, and more often in the Artic Circle, but this year the sun is unusually active bringing the Northern lights as far south as Italy.
Auroras are the result of disturbances in the Earth's magnetosphere caused by enhanced speeds of solar winds. These disturbances alter the trajectories of charged particles (mainly electrons and protons) in the Earth’s magnetospheric plasma. These particles precipitate into the upper atmosphere, the resulting ionization and excitation of atmospheric constituents emit light of varying colour and complexity (green for oxygen particles; red, pink and blue for nitrogen particles).
You can see a selection of photos taken by residents which capture this rare phenomenon.
Martin’s Mission
In our October Blog we covered Martin Steer’s ambition to raise £50,000 for local charity Dementia Matters (Herefordshire) charity # 1187352.
The charity provides vital support to those living with dementia, and their carers, throughout Herefordshire. One service is the dementia bus delivering help locally. The current bus is over 20 years old, and a replacement is urgently needed. Back in October Martin had raised £10,000. This week he got a huge boost and is now at nearly £40,000 thanks to a generous £15,000 donation from the Clive Richards Foundation.
You can help Martin meet his target on 7th February when we are holding a fund-raising Pop Music Quiz at Pembridge Parish Hall. Teams of up to 6 people are invited to take part. So, if you find yourself shouting at the radio when Pop Master is on why not come and enjoy a fun evening of quizzing, Musical Bingo, raffles and spot prizes. Licensed Bar.
This is a ticket only event and you can buy tickets or reserve a seat at :-
Local Historians Find Treasure Trove
Members of the Pembridge History Group were delighted to access the Village History 1854-1954 which was compiled by members of the Women’s Institute in 1966. The book which contained hours of research and interviews with parishioners is now lodged at the Herefordshire Archives (HARC) at Rotherwas.
One interview with Ernest Lane, recalling his childhood friendship with a blind weaver, corroborated a story we had heard about this remarkable man who lived in a shack off the Byway at Bearwood. While a Mrs Coxon shared many old Herefordshire dialect words. We have reproduced these memories.
The book also contained the diaries of Alice Langston of Green Farm, Marston (1870-1918). We have published these in full but will be taking extracts from them and other source material to provide further insights into life in late 19th and early 20th century Pembridge.
Barbara Joss is continuing her series on the wills and inventories of the Copner Family of Marston.
www.portraitofpembridge.co.uk/history
Poppy Appeal 2025
In our December Blog we reported the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal had raised £9,100 in the local area. Some further donations have now been received taking the total raised to £9,729.
The RBL thanks the businesses, churches, and schools for hosting collections, the door-to door collectors, and all who gave so generously.
Congratulations Carl and Craig Searles
Carl and Craig are celebrating finishing the Dakar Rally 2026. The rally is considered one of the toughest and most dangerous. It is believed that they are the first British brothers to complete the rally together securing their place in rallying history. The gruelling 4,970-mile race took place over two weeks in Saudi Arabia. The brothers trained for 3 years in readiness for the challenge which saw them spending up to 15 hours a day on their motorcycles.
Keep Fit Classes at Pembridge Parish Hall
Farah’s Fitness classes recommence on Friday 30th January, meeting on Wednesday and Friday mornings at Pembridge Parish Hall.
10am Beginners and 11am Intermediate. These sessions are free and equipment is provided. Just turn up to have fun getting fit.
Artificial Intelligence- Friend or Foe?
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Will it make your life easier or harder? Is your job threatened by AI or will it make you more productive?
All these questions and more will be answered at a talk at Pembridge Parish Hall, Friday 6th February, 7pm.
Licensed Bar. Tickets £5
www.pembridgeparishhall.co.uk/events
Happy Birthday Pembridge School
This year the school is 160 years old. The picture below was taken in 1966 on the 100th anniversary. Many of the infants on the front row are now grandparents of pupils at the school.
