No that's not quite true. After twenty four years with REHAU, Derek is finally retiring at the end of April and will almost immediately set off on a 1,200 mile walk from Land's End to John O'Groats, using national trails and footpaths wherever possible.

It will take Derek 76 days to complete the journey and whilst essentially he is doing it on his own, he will be joined from time to time by family and friends, including many people from the Ross area. Gerry Smith of Walford Sawmills will join him to do the Pennine Way!

Derek was the REHAU director responsible for acquiring Hill Court for the company in 1994. 'It was one of the best moves REHAU ever made.' He said. 'Apart from the almost idyllic working conditions, the quality and loyalty of the staff has paid dividends.'

Now after nearly twelve years of being a weekly commuter to Ross, he will retire to his family home in Windsor, Berkshire. 'I have come to love the area very much and will miss the many friends I have made here. My time at the Phoenix Theatre, particularly, both as an actor and Chairman when the new extension was built, will all be particularly remembered.'

Derek is not cutting himself off completely however. He will remain as a Non-Executive Director of REHAU for a while and will continue to belong to the Kyrle Investment Club, for which he is Treasurer, so there will be monthly visits to Ross.

Derek is doing this long walk for a very worthwhile charity, 'Macmillan Cancer Relief', whose nurses do such a fantastic job. Please, if you are able to sponsor Derek in any way, please call him or Erika White at REHAU on 01989 762687 or 01989 762686. Alternatively, you may send a cheque made payable to "Macmillan Cancer Relief", c/o REHAU Limited, Hill Court, Walford, Ross on Wye HR9 5QN.

Spring has sprung, the creatures all around us are coming out of their winter hibernation and now is a great time to get outdoors again. So if you want to shake away those winter cobwebs but are stuck for ideas, then why not join Herefordshire Nature Trust's 'Where Wild Things Play' project for some family fun?

This project, which is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund helps children and their parents play together and discover their natural heritage. Working in partnership with Herefordshire Council Parks & Countryside Services, the project aims to reach many families throughout the County and give them some great ideas and suggestions for things you can do when you go outdoors to play. Let's celebrate the beautiful countryside on our doorstep!

The first play session of the year is Tuesday 11th April - 'Collect and Create at Queenswood Country Park'. Jo Polack, Where Wild Things Play Officer said 'Come along to the Country Park any time between 11 am and 2 pm and join in with some springtime fun! We will be exploring the woods and seeking out some wonderful woodland treasures and creating stunning displays with our finds. This event is free and there is no need to book - just turn up on the day.'

On Wednesday, 12th April, 'Where Wild Things Play' will be at Crooked Well in Kington for 'Spring has sprung' between 2 pm and 4 pm. Creatures are stirring, buds are bursting so come and explore the signs of spring in this glorious riverside meadow. This is also a 'drop in' session so why not come along and join in?

Celebrate Easter on Monday 17th April 2 - 5 pm at an 'Ugly Bug Ball in Easter Woods', Leominster. If the weather is fine why not bring a picnic?

Finally this Easter holiday why not 'Take a Bus to the Woods' at Newton Coppice, in Belmont, Hereford? Get out in the fresh air after all those Easter eggs and join Jo for activities a-plenty! This is another free drop in session but there is no parking at Newton coppice, so if you do not live locally, please catch the bus from Hereford Country Bus Station and get off at Belmont Abbey. For the timetable call the Traveline Tel: 0870 608608 or visit www.herefordbus.info. We hope to see you there!"

Don't miss Where Wild Things Play terrific family trails, which are springing up around the county! Trail sheets to guide you round the wild side of Ross-on-Wye, Queenswood or the Lugg Meadows can be downloaded from www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/hereford/wildplay or collected from Ross-on-Wye Heritage Centre, Herefordshire Nature Trust or Queenswood Tourist Information.

If you would like more information on the project or any of the events this Spring, please contact: Jo Polack at Herefordshire Nature Trust Tel: 01432 356872 email: wildplay@herefordwt.cix.co.uk

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