The black beast in question, apparently seen lurking in the background during an episode of the Regency House Party, which was filmed at Kentchurch Court, was spotted by Michael Ridley from Pembridge. "It was clearly too large for a domestic cat and not moving like a dog," he wrote in a letter to the Hereford Times. Jan Scudamore of Kentchurch Court is convinced that this is their Beast of the Borders. "The Regency House Party was filmed last summer, which is when our keeper first sighted the animal." Several sheep, she added, had been killed at the time by a "large animal, bigger than a dog." Regency House Party producer Caroline Ross-Pirie promises to reveal all when she answers questions on reality TV during Borderlines Film Festival at The Courtyard on Saturday March 20th. "We've looked at the footage and there's certainly something strange lurking out there," says Caroline. Capturing the Friedmans
The Festival, the largest rural film festival in the UK, opens on Friday March 19th with Capturing The Friedmans, already billed as this year's Bowling for Columbine, and BAFTA award winning The Station Agent. "Both films are playing prior to their UK release, giving the county audiences the chance to see them here first," says Festival Director David Gillam. With 40 different films being screened at 17 different venues throughout Herefordshire and the Borders, David Gillam is confident that this year's programme has something for everyone - and at some bargain prices. "We have introduced a Happy Hour: tickets for early evening screenings are £3 and weekday afternoon matinees, which start before 5.00, are only £2." Already proving popular are River of Life (Wednesday March 24th), featuring archive local footage, and Andy Goldsworthy's Rivers and Tides (Wednesday March 24th) introduced by earth sculptor Mick Petts. World cinema is especially well represented. "I'd particularly recommend the warm-hearted Last Train, the hilarious Mango Yellow and the stunning Osama." says David. This year's Festival also carries plenty of films with teen appeal. Apart from Thirteen, written by 13 year old Nikki Reed and starring Holly Hunter, there is the tale of a rebellious Icelandic teenager in Noi Albinoi. The Festival's Focus Day on March 20th will feature films by young local film makers. "This year's Festival is programmed with those who like to see something a bit different at their local cinema in mind," explains David Gillam.
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