The funeral of Michael Park took place on Thursday 6th October at the Church of St. Bartholomew, Much Marcle. Michael, or "Beef" as he was affectionately known was sadly, fatally injured in a competitive accident during the British round of the World Rally Championships held in Wales on Sunday 19th September. Michael was co-driver to one of the leading drivers in the championship and was paired with the Estonian driver Markko Martin, as part of the Peugeot 307 WRC team. The WRC mirrors Formula 1 in it's tour of the world, with sixteen rallies held across all five continents during the season. Michael had risen through the ranks to compete at the very highest level of the sport and many of his fellow sportsmen came to pay their final respects, along with several hundred mourners.

The Rev Howard Mayell, Team Vicar at Ledbury Team Ministry led the funeral service during which he read a moving letter by Michael's daughter Victoria, written to her father on the evening of the day he died. Tributes were paid to Michael by three close friends and colleagues, Robert Reid, Nicky Grist and Paul Turner, who told of Michael's love of life, living it to the full; his terrific sense of humour, his deep love for his family and his commitment to his chosen sport. Prime Minister of Estonia, Mr. Andrus Ansip said of Michael: "He was a man well known and respected throughout the Estonian Nation. He helped to bring our country honour and recognition."

Michael will be sadly missed.

"To My Never Ending Daddy"

I can never get over it, and you will; and will for ever be the best ever dad and co-driver in the world that any girl could have: so I would like you to take lovely thoughts of rallying to heaven with you, and to not think of the crash. Everyone is so worried about you, even though people say you are dead, you will always be my dad who is alive with all your might.

Victoria Park, aged 10.

Ross Phoenix Majorettes left for Italy during the early hours of Thursday Morning ready to take part as a part of the England team in the European Championships at Pordenone. The girls look surprisingly lively considering the two photographs below were taken outside John Kyrle High School at 3:50 am.

Despite some major difficulties with the arranged flights, resulting in the team having to reschedule and fly via Milan and then on to Venice, the team performed well. The girls from Ross-on-Wye won second place in both the Junior and Senior Marching Parade Corps events.

The girls, who returned to Ross on Monday Evening, would like to say a special thank you to Tracie Cox for leading them to their success. Well done girls and thank you to all of those who helped with the necessary fund-raising for their visit to Italy!