The Border Counties Vintage Club celebrated their thirtieth year with a 'Birthday Bash' at the Yew Tree, Peterstow on bank holiday Monday. The day started out with some fifty plus vintage vehicles meeting at the Crown, Whitchurch and a road run to Peterstow, which passed through Ross town centre.

At the event, prizes were given for the best presented road run exhibit. 1st prize went to Philip Powles in his truck, 2nd to Phil Buckle in his Fordson tractor and 3rd to Thomas Emden with his Austin 7 Tourer. The winning vehicles are pictured below.

The stalls which did manage to attend Friday's 'Great British Market' event were excellent, offering wares ranging from home made jewellery to chocolate fudge, luxury biscuits and decorative soap but it is just a shame that there were so few of them. Whilst I was there taking photographs, one lady visitor insisted on telling me, 'I've travelled all the way from the other side of Herefordshire to visit this market. I saw it advertised in a Herefordshire magazine but I wish I hadn't bothered as there's hardly anything here.'

The market could have been a good event if traders had supported it. Even the French managed better last year. Could the lack of interest from market traders be put down to the fact that Herefordshire County Council charge so much for the rent that traders are not interested in setting up? I know that is why I no longer bother with setting up the Wyenot Shop of a Thursday and Saturday. Take note, Herefordshire Council! Without a regular market, Ross and other towns will no longer be classed as 'Market Towns', which are good for the tourist industry. Without tourism, the whole county would be up the Wye without a paddle!

It was nice to note however, that 'Andy Callwood and Son', who were serving delicious fresh burgers were donating all of their proceeds to St Michael's Hospice.