Fran Francis cycled to India in November last year to raise money for Ross Multiple Sclerosis Support Group and on Thursday, 2nd February she presented a cheque for £3,220 to the group, who meet at Ross Community Hospital. By way of a thank you, the support group responded by presenting Fran with a certificate and a bouquet of flowers.

Fran told Wyenot News, 'I have been riding bikes for charity since 1999 with the generous support and sponsorship of my friends, family and customers at the Lea Store, Lea. Such support has often helped me to find the strength to keep cycling even when faced with yet another large mountain to climb. A grand total of over £17,000 has been raised for MENCAP, The Deaf Children's Society and the Ross MS Support Group. I would like to thank everyone who has helped with the fund-raising events by giving their time and effort.

I have found all of the bike rides challenging, as they should be. Even the shorter ones from London to Paris and London to Amsterdam. I am now retiring from this crazy way to take a 'holiday', as I have less time these days for training, so I have left my lucky cycling trainers in India, where although well worn, someone will be making good use of them.

The rides were China in 1999, Brazil in 2001, London to Amsterdam in 2001, London to Paris in 2002, Vietnam in 2002 and lastly India in 2005. As you can see it has been varied and interesting and I am very fortunate to have travelled to many different countries and sampled their cultures. My last ride was to India in November 2005 for the Ross MS Support Group, when £3,220 was raised. It was great to raise funds for such a friendly local group who are so enthusiastic about helping to provide equipment and aids for fellow sufferers in the area. Once again, many thanks to everyone. You have been so fantastic and generous, as always.'

Below, presentations of both the cheque and the bouquet can be seen. In the top picture, left to right are back: Carolyn Waterhouse, Angela McNally, Rosemarie Baker, Rose Tingle, Pete Cowderey and Graham Tingle. Front: Fran Francis, Roger Pratlett, Maureen Cowedery and Gloria Neale.

For further information on Ross Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, please telephone Roger Pratlett on 01989 564175.

At the invitation of Head Chef, Marc Barnet, 1st Walford Cubs and Scouts visited the kitchen and restaurant at the Leadership Trust, Weston-under-Penyard on Thursday, 2nd February to work towards obtaining their 'chef's' badge.

The scouts and cubs split into two groups for the lesson. Group one (pictured top) cooked char grilled marinated sirloin steak, served with a sweet onion tarte tatin, game chipped potatoes, roasted tomato and a grain mustard cream whilst group two prepared home made vanilla ice cream served in a brandy snap basket and drizzled with toffee sauce. The boys enjoyed their meal after all the hard preparation in the Leadership Trust restaurant.

In the group photograph (bottom) are, James Teague, Jim Woods, Don Buffery, Marc Barnett and James Weatherhead and Group Scout Leader, John Edwards. The Cubs and Scouts are Nathan Young, Tom Dunn, Louie Woods, Richard Powell, Philip Burton, Daniel Pearce, Eddie Gill and Mark Alston.

If you would like to join Walford Cubs or Scouts, you are welcome to contact John Edwards on 01989 762224.

Children at Gorsley Goffs took part in the RSPB Big Schools' Birdwatch on Friday, 3rd February, recording the number of birds spotted in one hour within the school grounds. Siskins, green finches, coal tits, goldfinches and great tits were among the many birds seen at the school within the hour.

Last year, 32, 000 children took part in the exercise, helping the RSPB to discover how birds are faring around the country.

Pictured below are pupils, Oliver James, Luke Williams, Jessica Waters and Niamh Compton looking for birds in the grounds of Gorsley Goffs with the help of volunteer mum, Caroline Bodger. Also pictured is a chaffinch, spotted by the children during the watch.