The children and staff of Whitchurch CE Primary School have recently 'been around Europe'. Each class has studied a different country - France, Holland, Spain and Italy.

We have discovered many new and exciting facts about these countries and food has been tasted. Class 1 loved the Pain au Chocolate and Class 2 got very cheesy with Edam. Class 3 had a Tapas afternoon but the olives did not go down very well and Class 4 designed and made some very inventive pizzas, which the staff were not brave enough to try!

Some interesting language has been spoken throughout the school and although the Head Teacher has only got as far as understanding 'bonjour', the children have made great progress. Some beautiful art work has been produced and has contributed to some stunning displays in the school. This has been a very exciting and productive project to finish the year, which everyone has enjoyed.

Continued . . .

The school is looking forward to an exciting new start to the year in September, with two new members of staff joining the team. We will be building on the success of our recent Ofsted Report to continue to enhance and improve the already high standards of Whitchurch, of which we are very proud.

'This is a good school. Standards in English and mathematics are above average and the quality of teaching and learning is good. The school is led and managed effectively. The ethos is very strong. The school gives good value for money.'

These are the summarized comments of the Ofsted report. We will all be working very hard together to ensure that the children will make very good progress throughout their time at Whitchurch School.

You are very welcome to come and visit our school and experience the happy and caring environment that we provide for our children.

Ann Pritchard BA Hons PGCE - Headteacher, Whitchurch.

Ross-on-Wye Fire Brigade held an Open Day last Saturday, 9th July in order to promote fire, road and water safety and raise public awareness of safety in the home, as well as providing an insight into what the brigade do. The Ambulance Service and Police were also in attendance.

The Brigade would like to thank 'Megabounce' for supplying a bouncy castle for the day and John Baker for supplying rolls for the barbecue in order to raise funds towards the Fire Brigade Benevolent Fund. Fire engine rides and raffles also helped to raise money.

Pictured below are: Ian Hazelwood, Steve Jones, Godfrey Davies - Chairman of H & W Fire and Rescue Authority, Neil Lilwall, Dan Beard and Neil Rhodes. Benjamin and Lewis with father, Tony Fletcher and Stephen Allen.

Monmouth artist Neil Gow was recently commissioned to build a bench and set of seats for walkers and cyclists by the beautiful Biblins Bridge and last Tuesday, 5th July, I photographed him finishing his work in readiness for an official dedication on Saturday last.

The bench and seats were commissioned by the Forestry Commission and SUSTRANS, (Sustainable Transport) in memory of Roger Withers, who following an in depth study, was instrumental in instigating the Symonds Yat to Monmouth Cycle Way. Roger died in 2004 and family, friends and colleagues clubbed together to have the commemorative furniture built.

Pictured below, Neil works on the commission under cover as it was raining. On a sunny Sunday, 10th July I returned to discover the seats and bench already in use by visitors from Germany, David Siebler, Evanmiskal Schulz, Conrad Weise and Johannes Schwabroh.