As an experiment in quantum physics, in the form of a time machine which Mary Powell and the Ross-in-Bloom Committee built next week, characters from history with local connections were able to revisit the town last Wednesday, 27th July. The day proved to be entertaining for both local people and visitors alike, with interesting sights such as King Charles and Nell Gwynne deep in conversation with an Iron Age man and a courtier from the Court of Henry VIII.

Ross-in-Bloom were actually holding a 'Fun Day of Living History' to coincide with the visit of the Heart of England Judges and the whole day turned out to be a lot of fun, despite the British summer weather. With heavy rain starting the day, various historical characters made their way to a very hospitable King's Head pub.

After the judges had been driven around to see the various floral displays about town, Ross Phoenix Majorettes provided a guard of honour as they visited Ross Heritage Centre. The judges then visited the Prospect and finally Merton House for tea.

It was a fantastic day with everybody looking wonderful (and me looking stupid in velvet shorts and a green medieval hat) so I won't waffle on about it any more. I have covered as much of the day's events as I can in a few photographs below and in other articles but the rest are available for viewing in the gallery.

It's Carnival week this week and there are various events occurring throughout the week leading up to the Grande Finale Carnival day, Saturday 6th August.

The ever popular Odd Object competition runs throughout the week. This entails finding an object that is out of context with the shop in who's window it is displayed. All participating shops have a sign in the window so that you know where to look. All you need to do to enter is obtain an entry form from Ross Heritage Centre and start window shopping. All entries must be returned to the Heritage Centre by 12 noon on Friday 5th August. The winners will be announced at the Carnival Field on the afternoon of Saturday 6th.

Today, Tuesday 2nd August there will be a coffee morning to be held at the Market House in aid of Ross Pre-school Playgroup.

On Wednesday there is another coffee morning, to raise funds for St. Michael's Hospice. Later, at 7.30 pm Carnival Bingo will be held at the Prince of Wales.

On Thursday evening at 7.30 pm there will be an historical talk given by Hereford Records Office at Ross Conservative Club, for which there is an entrance fee of £2.00.

On Carnival Day itself, there will be a whole day of fun and activity for everyone, including a Carnival Prize Draw with a prize of £50, amongst other prizes and the annual Ross Lions Duck Race. The draw for the Wyenot.com Raffle, in aid of Ross Phoenix Majorettes will also be taking place during the afternoon. For further details of the day's events a Carnival programme is available from the Heritage Centre, the Tourist Information Centre and the Larruperz Centre.

Let's hope for great weather for a brilliant day out.