This week's archive photographs are more recent than those shown over the past few weeks and were all taken by myself. The quality of the top two is not particularly good as I have lost the original prints and they were retrieved from some scratchy old 35 mm negatives which, at the time of taking them I never thought I would use again, so left them gathering dust. They are of a Hope & Anchor team battling it out in the annual tug-of-war competition, I think in either 1979 or 1980. The people rear to front are Rob McMahon, Mike Abbott, Robin Ancrum, Alan Weston and I think the front man is John Millard but I am not entirely sure. I am also fairly sure from memory that the Hope & Anchor actually won this particular competition.

The bottom two were taken in 1997, a mere eight years ago. It seems only yesterday, which is a sure sign that I am getting older. The band is Silverfish playing at the Riverside Inn and the performers left to right were John Henderson on lead guitar, just visible is Steve Randell on bass, Paul Randell guitar and lead vocals, again barely visible on drums is Paul James and on Keyboards and backing vocals, Tina Jones. This is a very sad photograph as very shortly after it was taken, John Henderson tragically died following a motorcycle accident, whilst taking part in the Isle of Man TT races.

The bottom photograph is more here because I took it in Ross-on-Wye, back in April 1997 but the event itself was visible from pretty much the whole Northern hemisphere. Comet Hale-Bopp, photographed from Cawdor, Ross-on-Wye. There is some trailing of the comet and nearby stars in this photograph due to the Earth's rotation during the two minute exposure. I did not have such a fast camera lens back in those days.

A Knight in 'Armor' from America.

I am planning a tour of the UK again in 2006 - probably in March or early April. May I ask a favor of you to pass on the contact information below to teachers, librarians, scout leaders and others who might be interested in having an old American knight in armor come to assist in telling tales that promote chivalry, presenting history of the knight and what in the world knights are doing in America and the UK today. Who might need a knight at a birthday party event to play some ancient medieval games?

Karl M. Kindt III
229 N. Bompart Webster Groves,
Missouri 63119
USA

Well there you are - if you are thinking of booking a knight in shining armour for your St George's Day celebration next year, why not think about booking Sir Karl. Karl's web site can be viewed at: www.knightforhire.com. Ed.

Information required, please.

I have come into possession of a rather old oil painting of Tintern Abbey seen from across the river and ascribed to "A.M.Wilkins".

I am trying to find out anything about the painting or artist - probably mid to late 1800's - and wondered if any of your readers might have heard of him?

Leigh Youdale

Camden, NSW Australia.

If you are able to help with this matter, please email and I will put you in touch with Leigh.

Ross Rugby Club played host to Old Cryptions from Gloucester at the Sports Centre on Saturday, 12th February and returned to good form by scoring five tries. Unlike the previous week, Ross were able to spin fast ball to the backs and always looked dangerous when on the attack. The forwards, well marshalled by Tara Bennett, were able to lay a good foundation for Gareth Holdsworth, who was making his first start at scrum half, looking sharp around the scrum and rucks.

Winger, Gavin Oats was the first to score. He finished off a flowing move by diving in the corner. The conversion was missed by Guage, who was finding kicking difficult in the blustery conditions. The second score came from Gage himself, who joined the line from fullback and burst through the Cryptions' defence to touch down near the post. He then converted.

Andy Hunt, at fly half was beginning to show some good touches, able to keep the backs moving. Hooker, Wayne Williams found himself on the receiving end of one of these moves and had the sense to dummy the ball to Oats, scamper over and score after wrong footing the defence. The visitors replied with a well struck penalty but it was inevitable that top try scorer, Wayne Bishop would cross. This, he duly did to register his ninth try of the season.

After a strong surge down the middle, Adam Clements made half a break, powering his way through two tacklers to score the final try. Guage then hit the post with the conversion.

The final score was 27 - 3.

M. Pocknell, Ross Rugby Football Club.

WYENOT.COM WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT THESE SPONSORS

Many local businesses support Wyenot.com by advertising.

If you would like to join these supporters, please email or telephone: 01989 763217.