Matt Teague and Katie Stephenson decided to celebrate their birthdays with a fancy dress party at The Prince of Wales on Saturday and a whole host of famous guests turned up. These included Dennis the Menace, Beetlejuice, Cleopatra, the only gay in the village and the lovely Vicki Pollard. Apparently a great evening was had by all. A belated Happy Birthday to you both.

A very special event took place at the Y-Zone on Thursday, 1st March as young people from Herefordshire proudly launched 'Grounded', a hip hop album which they have written and recorded themselves with assistance from professionals Dubmerge. The CD is the result of rap workshops, some of which were held at the newly refurbished Y-Zone, and at live performances. The new CD shows tremendous creativity by these young people.

Due to a prior commitment I was unable to attend this event. However, many others did attend, including Tina's son Mike, who I would like to thank for taking the photographs below.

The 24th April 2007 marks the 50th anniversary of the visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh to the town of Ross-on-Wye. To celebrate both this and the occasion of her 80th birthday in 2006, the Chairman of Ross-in-Bloom, Margaret Lucas, is marking the occasion with her projects this year.

The first event will be a tree dedication ceremony in Dean Hill Park, Alton Street on Tuesday 24th April at 11.15am. A white Rowan tree, funded by Ross-in-Bloom has been planted by Herefordshire Council Parks Department. All in the town are invited to this ceremony to mark this very special event.

The second celebration to take place will be in the form of a history project in the shops and businesses of Ross. Historic photographs, adverts and a small history will be displayed in shop windows for local people and visitors alike to see how much or how little has changed in the town over the years. Ross-in-Bloom are very grateful for a grant towards the cost of sourcing, reproducing, framing and laminating for this project from the Herefordshire Partnership. If anyone has anything they can lend to Ross-in-Bloom to copy for this project, please contact Margaret at Lucas Motorcycles or Mary Powell at Ross Heritage Centre. They are particularly interested in short written histories or remembrances of what the town was like approximately 50 years ago when the Queen visited, as well as old photographs. However, there is no great worry in sticking to 50 years - any age will do.

Afterwards the information with be documented and placed in the Heritage Centre for all to see. All original documents will be returned as soon as they are copied. It is hoped this will give an added flavour of the history of the town to all who are in Ross during the summer months. Shops this year will be encouraged to display Red White and Blue in their windows. The theme for the window competition will be "A Royal Occasion Floral Window".

This year Ross-on-Wye will be entering the Heart of England in Bloom Campaign. It is hoped everyone will make the effort to emulate the Gold success of 2005. Ross was unable to enter last year due to lack of volunteer help. Ross-in-Bloom are still looking for volunteers, which means the entry will have to be scaled down from the past if no extra help comes forward. The town colours for floral displays will be Red White and Blue. Forms for all local competitions will be available shortly.

Ross-in-Bloom will be holding a fund raising dance at Ross Bowling Club on Friday 27th April. All are very welcome to attend. This is a new venture for the group, which is hoped will give people the opportunity to support the town in a different way. Full details will be in the press and on posters throughout the town at a later date and tickets will be available shortly.

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