Computer Taster Sessions: Internet Sessions is taking place on Thursday 23 May between 11am-12pm, giving advice on how to set up an email account and use sites like eBay and Amazon. Booking is required for this event.

Then on Friday 24 May, the library is hosting the E-books in the Library where you can found out how to download free e-books from Powys libraries. This takes place between 11am-12pm but bring your e-readers with you, such as Kobo, Kindle Fire or iPad.

The library will also be holding an event during half term for children called 'Nature'. This storytime and craft session is taking place on Thursday 30 May.

To book yourself on the Computer Taster Sessions or for more information on these events, contact Newtown Library on 01686 626934 or email newtown.library@powys.gov.uk

Quentin Blake will be at the Barclays Pavilion for the Hay Library Lecture ‘In and Out of the Book – The Uses of Illustration’ on Thursday 23 May at 2.30pm.

The lecture is being streamed so if any library members missed out on getting a ticket, they do have the opportunity to watch it on the computer at their local library. But you will have to bring your own headphones to listen in comfort.

Illustrator and writer Blake, whose long collaboration with Roald Dahl and his own work which includes Clown, Zagazoo, Mrs Armitage, Mister Magnolia and his recent study Beyond The Page, has confirmed him as one of Britain’s greatest artists.

His lecture is part of the Hay Festival, which runs for tens days and includes a packed programme of debates and conversations with poets and scientists, novelists and historians, artists and gardeners, comedians and musicians, film makers and politicians. The festival, which runs from Thursday 23 May until Sunday 2 June, has line-up of speakers for adults and children.

For more information, contact your local library.

Cllr John Brunt, who represents Beguildy ward in Radnorshire was elected chairman at the council’s annual meeting on Thursday 16 May, succeeding Cllr Susan McNicholas, local member for Ynyscedwyn.

Cllr Brunt, who has been a county councillor since June 2004, was Chairman of Radnorshire for 2007/08.

“I’m honoured to be appointed as the new Chairman of Powys County Council. During my year in office, I am determined to promote Powys across Wales,” said Cllr Brunt.

“My chosen charity while I’m Chairman will be The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA), who provide lifelong support for our Armed Forces and their families.”

Elected Vice Chairman of the council at the same meeting was Cllr Roche Davies, local member for Llandinam, and Cllr Paul Ashton, local member for St. Mary (Brecon), was elected Assistant Vice Chairman.

Llandrindod Wells Tennis Club is hosting a Family Fun Tennis Day on Saturday 25 May from 11am-4pm.

During the day, there will be six session available. They are:

- Soft tennis demonstration and games (am)

- Longest rally competition (am)

- Parent and child doubles (am)

- Court ‘shootout’ for prizes (pm)

- The ‘Stroke Doctor’ clinic (pm)

- Cardio tennis session (pm).

Participation is free of charge but you will need to book on any of the sessions in advance. Refreshments and a raffle will be available all day from the clubhouse.

To book your place on one of session, contact Matt James, Powys County Council’s Physical Activity & Sports Development Officer (South) on 01874 612335 or email matthew.james1@powys.gov.uk

Llanidloes will be hosting the Sabrina Festival on Saturday 25 May, which attracts walkers and hikers to the beautiful local landscape, which includes the large dam and reservoir Llyn Clywedog.

Popular with walkers all year round, a number of scenic footpaths surround Llanidloes including the Offa’s Dyke path, and Glyndwr's Way. Llanidloes is also the first town on the River Severn, the longest river in the UK, beginning nine miles west of Llanidloes at the highest point in Cambrian Mountains.

Established in 2006 the Sarn Sabrina Walk takes a 25 mile circular route to and from Llanidloes to the source of the Severn. A shorter 12 mile option, the Semi Sabrina, has also since been added. Either option can be taken as either as a one day walking challenge, or over a few days to savour the outstanding views.

The Sabrina Festival takes walkers on a route from Llyn Clywedog, up to the borders of the Hafren Forest and Cwm Biga Farm. The trail then claims up to the slopes of Pen Pumlumon, before reaching the source of the Severn at 620m above sea level.

The event is based on the celtic myth of Sabrina, a water nymph who along with her two sisters chose a different path to the sea, Ystwyth went to the west, and Varga (the Wye) to the south. However Sabrina, who loved the land, chose a long meandering route that took her into the east.

For further information regarding the event telephone 01686 414893 or visit the website www.llanidloes.com

For more information on these and other activities in Mid Wales, please contact Brecon Tourist Information Centre on 01874 622485 or email brectic@powys.gov.uk

From Thursday 23 May through to Sunday 2 June, the Hay Festival will present a dazzling array of speakers and performers from across the world. Those already confirmed for the event this year include investigative journalist Carl Bernstein, Turkish novelist Elif Shafak, folk singer and songwriter Christy Moore and comedian Dara O’Brien.

With something for all ages, the festival also caters to its younger audience with the Hay Fever Courtyard, and this year features storytellers Helen Peters, Mei Matsouka and Sarah McIntyre. Free story times and activities are posted online.

Further information regarding the festival, including the confirmed programme, tickets and accommodation visit their website www.hayfestival.com

For more information on these and other activities, please contact at Brecon Tourist Information Centre on 01874 622485 or email brectic@powys.gov.uk.

The Smallholders Show features as the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s first major event of the year and takes place on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May.

Now becoming known as the Spring Festival and with a visitor record of almost 25,000 the event proves itself as one of the most popular in the Showground calendar. The festival boasts a wide range of stands, demonstrations and exhibitors all showcasing aspects of smallholding and sustainable living.

The event places a strong emphasis on the environment and includes the Green Horizons Sustainable Living Exhibition introduced in 2006, which along with exhibitors, features family workshops and green-themed entertainment all promoting and encouraging a more sustainable lifestyle.

Other attractions at the show feature livestock, with a focus on the more rarer breeds, as well as a Farmers' Market showcasing a wide range of Welsh and Border Counties producers, and the modern Food Hall housing a wide range of artisan producers of lamb, mutton, beef, wild boar, venison, game, cheeses wines, cider, and hand made dairy ice cream.

Adult entry to the show costs £12, children (5-16 yrs) £5 and children Under 5 go free. A discount is available by purchasing tickets online. For information on advance ticket purchases as well as caravanning and camping for the weekend, visit www.rwas.co.uk or contact 0844 545 0517, or e-mail tickets@rwas.co.uk

For more information on these and other activities in Mid Wales, please contact Brecon Tourist Information Centre on 01874 622485 or email brectic@powys.gov.uk

Powys County Council’s Trail Tempters programme is back for 2013 with eight walks taking place this year. Led by friendly and knowledgeable guides through the scenic Powys countryside, these free walks range from over one mile to seven miles in length.

The walks, which residents of all ages should find of interest, have been organised by the council’s Countryside Services team.

A leaflet which provides details and dates of the walks taking place in this year’s programme are now available from local tourist information centre, libraries and leisure centres across the county.

Cllr Graham Brown, Cabinet Member for Countryside Services, said: “Powys is blessed with some of the most stunning countryside in Britain and these guided walks are a great way for residents and visitors to explore what our county has on offer.

“Our well-established programme is a great way to take in fresh air and exercise and also learn about our local countryside.”

The first two walks take place at the end of May. A Summer Evening on the Common takes place in Dolanog north Powys on Wednesday 29 May where walkers will explore Dolanog Common and learn about the wildlife, history and present day uses of this unique place over this moderate grade walk.

An Arty Trip to the Hills is a family walk in the hills above Erwood Craft Centre where participants can create their own landscape collage. This moderate walk takes place on Friday 31 May and is aimed at children aged between 7-12, who must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Places are limited so residents are urged to book their place on any of the walks early to avoid disappointment. You can book your place on a walk or ask for the leaflet by telephoning 01597 827567.

To make sure you have a really enjoyable walk, please bring waterproofs, comfortable walking boots, sun protection and a drink and snack. Dogs are welcome on some walks but please check first.

For more information visit www.powys.gov.uk/guidedwalks

Meeting in Llandrindod Wells today (Tuesday) the cabinet agreed to start consultation on the closure of John Beddoes Secondary School, Presteigne and the expansion of Newtown High School.

As an expanded school Newtown High will operate as a spilt-site establishment with 11-16 provision retained at the Presteigne campus.

The plans were agreed in response to a letter from Welsh Education Minister Leighton Andrews suggesting that John Beddoes Secondary School should close because of the poor educational opportunities being provided to the young people of the area.

John Beddoes became the first secondary school in the county to be placed in Special Measures by Estyn Inspectors last year when performance and prospects for improvement were judged unsatisfactory.

Newtown High School is the county’s first ever Lead Practitioner School, a Welsh Government initiative which sees the country’s best performing schools providing support to other schools.

Cabinet Member for Learning and Leisure, Councillor Myfanwy Alexander said; “We are committed to providing the best possible learning opportunities for the learners of east Radnorshire so that they can achieve their maximum potential. Today’s decision will provide a sustainable solution for the area and deliver rapid improvements in education services.

“Newtown High School is one the region’s leading secondary schools and by utilising their expertise and leadership we can have an immediate impact for the benefit of our learners. It is a Powys solution for a Powys problem.”

Formal consultation about the proposals will start on Friday (May 3) and run until June 2. The consultation will include meetings for learners, staff, governors and public at both secondary schools during the month, as well an online consultation through the county council’s website.

The first public meeting is expected to take place at John Beddoes Secondary School on Tuesday May 14 with a second meeting at Newtown High School on Thursday May 16; both meetings will start at 7pm.

The pupils from Welshpool High School took part in the national ‘Sport Your Trainers Day’ scheme and raised £469. The scheme is promoting sport, healthy lifestyles and next year’s Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Sport Your Trainers Day took place on Monday 11 March, which was also Commonwealth Day, and for that day pupils were allowed to wear their trainers to school along with their normal school uniform. Each pupil paid £1 to take part in the event and the money raised will be split between the British Heart Foundation and the school’s PE department.

The event was organised by the school’s Gold Young Ambassadors, Rhys Phillips and Alex Cawthra, and Silver Ambassadors Ewan Ellis and Emilie Gwilt. Thanks to their efforts in giving up their free time, they were about to raise a fantastic amount for these excellent causes.

The ambassadors have been selected to represent the school and have been given the task of promoting exercise and encouraging their peers to become more active within school and in the local community.