Following on from the success of their A Level counterparts, GSCE students at John Kyrle presented the school with further outstanding results. A record 64% of students gained 5+ GCSE grades at A* - C with almost 40% of these being at A* - B. The school's overall pass rate has risen again to an impressive 98%. Both these figures are in excess of the national average. Departments including Music, Technology, Drama, History, Geography and Religious Studies saw over 75% of their students gain the higher grades.

Not to be outdone by the senior school, students in Years 9 and 10 were also celebrating superb performances. Almost 85% of students in Year 9 gained the higher levels in the recently published English SATs. Also 70 students from Year 10 were entered a year early for their English GCSE with an outstanding 97% of them gaining grades A* - C.

Headteacher, Nigel Griffiths said he was delighted with the results which reflected the hard work and ability of his students and staff. "In September the Governors and I will reflect upon huge successes at all levels of external examinations this summer. These results mark the end of my first 5 years as Headteacher of the school and it is interesting to note that in the summer before I began the school gained 44% 5+ A* - C compared to 63% today. This progress is down to the commitment of everyone associated with the school and the improvements we have been able to make as a Specialist Technology College to personnel, teaching and learning strategies, buildings, internal accommodation and resources since 2000. We are now a nationally recognized, award winning school which has gained compliments from, amongst others, Ofsted, Her Majesty's Inspectorate, DFES and the National Teaching Award body." Mr Griffiths went on to say, "I hope everybody knows that we are a school constantly looking ahead to the next challenge. I will be telling staff and students that I am genuinely convinced we can build upon these successes. Further record breaking results and successes in the wider life of the school such as sport and music are things we look forward to in coming years. Our main focus area will continue to be excellence in the classroom from teachers and students. We will also uphold our traditional values of self-respect, respect for others, care, friendliness and pride in our school."

Lucky Debbie Kirby drove away from the Ross-on-Wye Morrisons store with a large smile on her face when she was presented with the keys to a brand new Ford Focus after winning an in-store competition.

Debbie joined 18,000 other hopefuls when she completed a leaflet at her local Morrisons store to enter a national competition to win a Ford Focus. The gleaming prize came courtesy of Birds Eye in a competition open exclusively to customers at Morrisons and Safeway stores from 16th May to 31st July, in which entrants had to answer a question about the new Birds Eye 100% Chicken Fillet Strip range.

Debbie's luck was certainly in when hers was the correct entry selected in the random draw that took place on 1st August 2005. "This is a fantastic prize,' she said. 'You never think you're going to win a new car when you buy your weekly shopping! I'd like to thank Morrisons and Birds Eye for this wonderful surprise.'

Richard Russell, store general manager of Morrisons Ross on Wye, said: 'I am delighted a customer at our store has won this brand new Ford Focus. It's a great prize and I hope I see it parked in the store car park many times in the future!'

Earlier in the week, Debbie's old car failed the MOT test, so winning a brand new Ford Focus has certainly come at the right time for her.

In case you are wondering what the competition question was . . .
Q - What flavours do the new 100% Chicken Fillet Strips come in?
A - Red Pesto and Dijon Mustard.

A spectacular event in aid of Cancer Research is to be held this coming Saturday, 3rd September at Hill Top, Upton Bishop. Headlining the evening of entertainment will be 'Mamma-Mia', the internationally acclaimed 'Abba' tribute band.

Kicking off at 5:00 pm, the show, which is an evening of entertainment for all the family, will begin with Monmouth Brass Band and children's entertainment including, Alfredo the Clown, who has often performed on television, and a magician. There will also be bouncy castles, pony rides, sweet stalls and much more for the children.

From 6:00 pm until 7:00 pm there will be a falconry display by 'Ancient Art Falconry', after which entertainment will be provided by 'All Stars' a band from Newnham-upon-Severn.

Between 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm a charity auction will take place, with fifty high quality lots to bid for. These include: holiday breaks, a long weekend on a narrow boat, meals at various restaurants, Paint Ball Raiders, a golfing day, a fully signed Gloucester rugby shirt and many, many more.

The main attraction of the evening will be a performance by "Mamma - Mia", seventies tribute band of the year, who will be singing the songs of ABBA, for which they have earned international recognition.

During the event, there will be lots of food and drink on offer, including a pig roast amongst other fayre. Entrance to this event is free and there will be plenty of parking space available.

Organizers Adrian and Sally Cook would like to thank Les and Jean Edwards for very kindly donating the use of their field for the evening.

Congratulations go to Iain Sandison and Jo Price on the birth of their son Charles Owen Sandison. Charlie, as he is known, was born at 04:08 on Tuesday 16th August weighing in at 8lbs 14oz, a future footballing partner for big brother Scott.

The 61st Lea Flower and Vegetable Show was held on Monday 29th August at Dean Common Farm, by kind permission of Mr. and Mrs. G. Savidge. This popular annual family country fete was very well attended and some of the prize winners are pictured below this photograph of Darcey Lowe enjoying a pony ride on 'Rainbow.' Rainbow comes from Littledean Riding Centre and many children have been taught to ride on her.

There were many sections of the show in which contenders exhibited their home-grown goods and home-made cakes and there were special sections for children. Hannah Benison won first prize for the best decorated flowerpot and Jessica Berry, Lydia Spindler, Rosie Ingram, Laura Aubrey and Megan Berry all won prizes in the children's' exhibitions, with Rosie winning 'Best in Show.'