Legendary Leeds United goalkeeper, Gary Sprake visited Ross-on-Wye, signing copies of the new paperback version of his best seller biography, 'Careless Hands' for people who approached him as he spoke to 'Wyenot News' about his football career. Gary spoke to me in the new pergola at the White Lion on Sunday morning, where he had arranged to meet with the co-authors of his book, Stuart Sprake and Tim Johnson for Sunday lunch at the inn, with its beautiful riverside view.

Gary was goalkeeper for Leeds United, playing 500 games for the club between 1961 and 1973. In 1973 he transferred to Birmingham, playing for the club until 1976. Gary also played 39 caps for Wales. The newly released paperback version of Gary's biography, with foreword by John Toshack OBE of Liverpool FC fame can be purchased from all good bookshops. John Toshack is now manager of the Welsh National side.

Kevin Sale, a keen 'Leeds United' supporter, who was with me on Sunday told me afterwards that Gary is particularly remembered for the 1970 Leeds Vs Chelsea FA Cup Final, which was the first cup final not to be decided on the day, the first match at Wembley Stadium on 11th April ending in a 2-2 draw. The replay at Old Trafford took place on 29th April and Chelsea eventually won, 2 goals to 1. Both sides were challenging for their first ever FA Cup win and entered the final as two of the best teams of the era, having finished 2nd and 3rd in the First Division that season. Kevin named the whole team that played the FA Cup games with Gary.

In the picture below, Gary (middle) can be seen with authors of the book, Tim Johnson and Stuart Sprake.

Ross Sea Cadets held a presentation evening at Training Ship Ross on Thursday 28th June. The Cadets were presented with their awards by The Inspecting Officer, Unit President Commodore Toby Elliott, Royal Navy and the whole event ran with naval precision. Ross Town Mayor, the Rev. Derek Bedford also attended the event to present Able Cadet, Ryan Green with his badge of office as the Mayor's Cadet. Able Cadet Green will hold this office for the duration of Mr. Bedford's term of office as Mayor.

The list of awards and their proud recipients can be found below the first photograph.

Continued . . .

Enrolments into the Sea Cadet Corps - Thomas Dunn and Ethan Bowcott

The George Puttick Memorial Trophy for Endeavour - Ordinary Cadet Georgia Bean naval precision.
The Puttick Trophy for best attendance jointly awarded to Leading Cadet Craig Morgan and Able Cadet Amy Fountain Runner up Certificate for attendance - Able Cadet Ryan Green.
Junior Sea Cadet Trophy for Best Attendance - Leading Junior Sasha Morgan.
Junior Runner up certificate for attendance - Cadets Liam Hale, Jamie Vaughan and Ethan Bowcott.

The Royal Naval Association Monmouth Branch presented the Unit with a new trophy for the best dressed cadet; this was presented by the Branch Chairman Shipmate Chris Rogers to Ordinary Cadet Edmund Williams.

Promotions and Qualification Awards were given as follows:

Able Cadet Craig Morgan was promoted to Leading Cadet, 3rd year Good Conduct Badge and Coxswain Badge.
Able Cadet Amy Fountain - 3rd year Good Conduct Badge.
Cadet Riannon Lee - 1st Good Conduct Badge.
Cadet Wesley Jenkins was promoted to Ordinary Cadet and 1st year Good Conduct Badge.
Cadet Georgia Bean was promoted to Ordinary Cadet, Competent Crew and BCU1* Canoeing.
Cadet Shane Davies was promoted to Ordinary Cadet, Competent Crew and BCU2* Canoeing.
Ordinary Cadet Edmund Williams - BCU2* and Offshore Sailing.
Ordinary Cadet Leonard Beiszley - BCU2* and Competent Crew.
Cadet Dustan Beiszley - Competent Crew.
Cadet Thomas Dunn - BCU1* and Competent Crew.
Cadet Ethan Bowcott - BCU1*, Competent Crew and Basic ET.
Junior Sea Cadet Simeon Beiszley was promoted to Leading Junior Sea Cadet.
Junior Sea Cadet Daniel Morgan was promoted to Junior Sea Cadet 1st Class.

Well done all of you.

As well as this evening's performance of excellent Delta Blues by Kent Duchaine at Broome Farm, there are lots of events going on at the weekend.

The 5th Ross Country Music Festival begins on Friday evening, running through until Sunday. There are some great artistes lined up for the weekend, including: Dean Austin, Dave Sherrif, Mel Paul and Mary Lacey, Kalibre and many others, not forgetting local favourite Dobbsy. If you would like further information on this event, please visit the 'What's On?' page of Wyenot.com or telephone Colin Gray on 01989 567995.

On Saturday there a couple of events you may like to look at, one of which is Llangarron Summer Fete, taking place at Bernithan Court, Llangarron between 1 PM and 5 PM Brilliant childrens' entertainer, 'Wizard Wonky' will be in attendance, as will Ross Town Band and there will be lots of stalls and amusements, vintage tractors and classic cars on display, plenty of refreshments and a chance to win a Renault Clio.

Merton House Hotel are also holding their Summer Fair on Saturday

Tewkesbury Town Band will providing the entertainment at the Bandstand in the Caroline Symonds Gardens on Sunday afternoon between 2 PM and 4 PM This concert is part of the 'Bands in the Park' series provided for you by Ross Town Council, which will run to the end of the summer.

At their annual Handover Lunch at the Ross-on-Wye Conservative Club it was all change with the leadership. Around forty members, wives and friends attended the lunch to celebrate the take-over of the post of president by the new incoming president, Lion Keith Wilding.

After an excellent meal the outgoing president, Lion Brian Goodfellow, carried out his last duty by presenting long service chevrons to four members of the club. Lion Trevor Smith obtained his 10 year chevron while Lions Nick Dale, Andrew Lerigo and Andrew Middlecote received their 15 year awards.

Brian then gave his outgoing speech, in which he thanked everyone in the club, either individually or collectively, for their support during his year in office. The year had been very successful financially with all of the activities achieving new levels of fund raising. This included the Ross Round Walk which had taken place for the first time and raised in excess of £2,000. There had also been an increase in the number of social events which, he said, made for a strong club. He then emphasized his thanks to the ladies who unstintingly gave their support to the club.

Lion, Brian then asked Lion Keith Wilding to step forward to receive his badge of office. He wished Keith all the best for his year and said he knew he would get all the support of members and their wives.

Accepting the post of president, Keith thanked the members for having faith in him to do the job. He would do his utmost to run a successful club without too many changes; although he felt things could not stand still he would only make changes where necessary. His priorities would be increasing the membership, especially with younger people, and ensuring the social life of the club was maintained. He had faith that his officers would ensure the activities were maintained at their present level and probably higher.

Before the close a bouquet was presented to the partner of the outgoing president, Hazel Tweedie.

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