A newly refurbished Ross-on-Wye Jobcentre reopened its doors as 'Jobcentre Plus' on Wednesday 1st March, giving local people access to a new, innovative service. The refurbished office was opened by Joyce Thomas MBE, DL, accompanied by Joan Skerry, District manager for Jobcentre Plus in the Marches.

The opening of the refurbished office is part of the latest phase of 'Jobcentre Plus' offices opening across the country. The office has personal advisers, who give a service tailored to each individual jobseeker, touch-screen 'Jobpoints' providing easy access to vacancies Europe-wide and an efficient appointment system in line with other customer focused high street services.

Pictured below are Joan Sterry, District Manager Job Centre Plus, Joyce Thomas MBE DL, who thanked all at the Job Centre for the help they provide for those seeking employment and Marvin Jones, Ross-on-Wye Office Manager.

This term has seen a strange phenomenon in the playgrounds of John Kyrle High School - the reappearance of skipping ropes and hula hoops! Students approached staff through the school council and raised the issue of playground facilities and the need to burn up energy at break times and lunchtimes. As a result skipping ropes of varying length were purchased, along with hula hoops. Something of a craze has begun, with girls and boys relearning the techniques and chants that their parents (or grandparents!) knew years ago. Dave Boyd, Deputy Head, said 'It's great to see students using break times in ways which are healthy, energetic and which encourage traditional co-operative play. Many students are becoming impressively competent with their skipping and it's a pleasure to see that some of the best we have are boys! Along with our Healthy School initiative, which has seen the removal of fizzy drinks and sweets from sale and an even healthier range of home-cooked food on the canteen menu, we think we have the fittest, healthiest students in the county!'

More hula hoops are on order, as well as a 'skipping post' system and more ropes, which will allow more youngsters to be involved at once. Parents and grandparents who would like to show off their old skills and tricks are welcome!

Pupils at Lea Primary School were given 'hands on' lessons in the Aztec and Roman cultures this week. Ferdinand from, 'The History People' is touring primary schools teaching history ranging from Ancient Egypt to WW2.

Below, pupils at the school can be seen during their lesson about the Aztec Empire, which included handling Aztec artefacts.