High school

LLANIDLOES High School’s astronomy GCSE students have begun preparing for their controlled assessments and among their chosen topics are Drawing the Constellations, Lunar Observation, Observing the Messier Objects and Observing Sunspots.

Astronomy teacher Mr Craig said: “The study of astronomy and space science is fascinating as an academic subject in itself, but it may also lead to a career in the UK space industry, which is growing rapidly year after year. “The Government has put a huge amount of resources into the sector and has projected a turnover of £19bn by 2020 and £40bn by 2030. “The UK is already one of the leading manufacturers of satellites in the world. “We need to provide the skills and knowledge so that our pupils can take advantage of the wonderful op-portunities that are out there. “Naturally, the observational part of the course poses a slight logistical problem for a school, and we don’t have the means to buy the desired equipment either, but it’s a testament to the enthusiasm of the students that they’ve managed to meet the various challenges.

“It’s wonderful to see how committed the students are to the course, and some are on their way to a career in the space sector.”

Student, Bill Atkins, said: “I am hoping to study astrophysics at university and the course has been really useful. I am quite lucky in that Llanidloes High School is one of the very few providers of this course in the whole of Wales.”

Tibetan meditation

CHOJE Lama Rabsang from Palpung Wales, Brynmawr will be in Llanidloes for his spring/summer teachings starting on 10 April at the new venue of the bowling clubhouse.Other sessions will be held on 15 May, 26 June and 24 July.

Idloes Seniors

THE MONTHLY meeting takes place at St Idloes Church Hall on Thursday, 17 March, at 2pm. New members are welcome.Bingo for Only Legs AloudTHERE will be bingo in aid of Llanidloes Only Legs Aloud Club on Wednesday, 23 March. Doors open at 7.30pm with eyes down at 8pm at the rugby club. 50p entry for adults which includes tea/coffee and a biscuit.

The Arwystli Society

THE SOCIETY hosts a presentation of old Llanidloes photographs by local historian Jeremy Pryce on Wednesday, 23 March, at St Idloes Church Hall at 7.30pm.

Welsh Heritage Quilters

THE QUILTERS present a biennial exhibition entitled Sweet Sixteen Quilting Dreams from 26 March to 9 April, open from 10.30am to 4.30pm (except Sundays) at the Minerva Arts Centre.

Mexican night

SUPPORT the local primary school by attending a Mexican Theme Night on 16 April at 7pm in the function room by the Old Mill.In aid of the Friends of Llanidloes Primary School, tickets include a welcoming drink, Mexican buffet and dessert. There will be food, raffle, bar, music, auction, prizes for the best dressed and more. Contact Emily (07805 511619) or Joanna (07480 849458) for more details.

Valentine’s draw winner

THE WINNER of this year free customer draw for Valentine’s Day at Woosnam & Davies News is Jenny Fisher, who wins a bottle and a box of chocolates.

Age Cymru

AGE CYMRU has vacancies for volunteers to help in their expanding Simply Nails clinics in Llansaintfraidd, Welshpool, Newtown, Builth Wells and Brecon. It is also coming soon to Crickhowell and Llanidloes. All training will be provided. For information, contact Yvonne Bufton on 01938 553852.

Sponsored walk

THE HOSPITAL League of Friends are conducting a sponsored six-mile walk on Sunday, 20 March. Sponsor forms are available from Woosnam & Davies News or the hospital. If you would like to join them on the walk, all are welcome from the Gro car park at 10am to help raise money for the new palliative care suite at the hospital.

Churches Together

CHURCHES Together invites you to Lent Lunches on Fridays during Lent in Llanidloes Church Hall from noon to 1.30pm.

Friends of Tenovus Cancer Care

LLANIDLOES Tenovus is launching a brand new fund-raising group which needs enthusiastic friends to help plan events in the local community, such as quizzes, craft fairs and coffee mornings. You don’t need experience, just to be willing to meet up once a month and help however you can.If interested, contact Debbie on 07800 790353 or e-mail [email protected]

World Textile Day

AN EXHIBITION of stitched, printed, embroidered and woven textiles, costumes and artefacts from around the world will be held on Saturday, 19 March, from 10am to 5pm at the Minerva Arts Centre.There will be a chance to meet world textile experts, traders and collectors.At 11am and 2pm there will be special talks given by experts.Refugee support groupFOR FEBRUARY and March, the group is collecting wind-up torches and hot water bottles to be sent to refugees.The collection points in Llanidloes are Natural Foods, Great Oak Street and the Old Mill.

Wool sought for rescue animal blankets

KNITTING wool is wanted to make blankets for rescue dogs and cats.Barbara Woosnam is appealing for any spare unwanted knitting wool, of any colour or ply, that she can use to make them.She is asking for wool to be left for her with your name and telephone number attached at either Llani Barbers or Woosnam & Davies News. Chatwood holds Woolly Wednesday every second and fourth Wednesday of each month.All knitters are welcome to join the evening of knitting, chatting and sharing ideas from 7.30pm onwards with refreshments. For further information, call 01686 413149 or e-mail peterlymer @ btinternet.com

Choo Choo Choosday

IN CHATWOOD, every second Tuesday of the month, Choo Choo Choosday is held for all model railway enthusiasts. It is an evening of construction, chatting and sharing ideas held from 7.30pm onwards with refreshments.

Tadpoles

TADPOLES, the Christian fun group for babies, pre-school children and their parents and carers, takes place on Wednesday, 16 March, at St Idloes Church Hall from 10am to 11.30am.For further details, call Sue (07532 284557) or Julia (07768 861377).

Chess and ‘politrics’

AT THE Old Mill, every Sunday afternoon at 3pm, all ages are welcome from novice to grand master, with one-to-one coaching for learners. For details, call 01686 414893.

Rotary club

THE CLUB enjoyed an informative talk at their last meeting by the area co-ordinator of Tenovus. Tiffany Evans, who is responsible for both Llanidloes and Aberystwyth choirs, explained the services that the organisation provide. Tenovus now boasts 17 choirs, 16 of which are based in Wales. The Llanidloes Choir, which was started in 2014, has become the biggest of all in percentage to population. Anyone can get involved and Tiffany promoted how good singing makes you feel, urging anyone interested, regardless of singing ability, to contact her at [email protected] Rotarians will be in Llanidloes on Easter Saturday to promote the annual Rotary Across Wales Walk. The club will hold an easy application stall which will allow anyone interested to secure a place without needing to go online or mail in. All participants completing this year’s 42-mile walk will receive a T-shirt to mark the achievement.

Twinning

LLANIDLOES Town Twinning Association is holding an event on Thursday, 17 March, from 7pm to 9.30pm at the Bailey Room, Llanidloes Community Centre. A group from Derval is coming to Llanidloes from 23 to 28 July this year. If you would like to have a French family to stay with you and take part in future visits to France, you can found out more at the event. Wine and nibbles will be provided.

Van Institute

WHIST drives take place on 15 March, 22 March (poultry), 5 April, 19 April (charity) and 26 April (charity) with an 8pm start.

Bra bank

LLANIDLOES Inner Wheel is asking for support from ladies in the form of bras to fight breast cancer.They are asking for your old wear-able bras in a bra amnesty to raise money and also provide bras where there is a short supply.The bra bank is in Llanidloes Pharmacy. From there, unwanted bras will go to Africa as well as Against Breast Cancer receiving a donation based on the weight of bras collected.

Café Church

CAFÉ Church is held on the second Sunday of every month at 6pm in St Idloes Church Hall. Relax with an informal service, guest speakers, singing and chat and cake.