William Catcheside, an artist blacksmith from Ross-on-Wye has just completed the gates and railings for the Fosse House, a unique, landmark building, overlooking castle green in Hereford.

'My obsession with hot metal work has always been driven by a desire to follow my own directions in design, it has been an ambition of mine to do larger work which makes a positive impact on the people and landscape surrounding it. I set set up my business, The Complete Forge, on the Wye Valley reclamation site in Hereford three years ago, with help from the princes trust. This has been my first major architectural commission'.

Continued . . .

The Fosse is a well known building and has a fascinating history. Captain James Pendergrasse, RN, who captained ships for the east India Company, commissioned the Fosse house in 1822. The architect chosen for The Fosse by Pendergrasse was Sir Robert Smirke, (1780-1867), the early nineteenth century architect who obtained many public and private commissions, including Covent garden theatre, the British Museum, the Royal College of Physicians and in Herefordshire, Eastnor Castle, St. Katherine's Hospital, Ledbury and the Shire Halls of Hereford and Gloucester.

The present owners, Joy and Thomas Roderick commissioned William to make the railings and gates because they wanted to stay true to the quality of design and period of the Fosse by having the ironwork made in a traditional way.

'I made up a half scale section of the railing to demonstrate the difference and feel of hot forged work to the customers. Subsequently, I also showed this to the listed buildings planner in Hereford Town Hall. He seemed a little surprised when I dragged a portion of railing into his office but was happy for the demonstration and the plans were approved. The railings are of a traditional design, with hot puched joins. A simple design but with subtle details, complementing the striking architecture.

The gates appear far more contemporary in design, yet reflect and interact with the mixture of architectural influence of the Fosse. They were far more complicated to produce and hinge in four separate sections, so that each half can fold back on itself, the middle right panel acting as a door when the gates are closed.

The gates drew a lot of attention from the locals as they were hoisted into place, accompanied with lots of ooo's and ahhh's from passers by. I have really enjoyed this project and feel privileged to have worked on this architecturally unique building. I would hope that Sir Robert Smirke would be pleased with the results if he were still alive. At least the Rodericks are very happy!'

For a detailed account of the History of The Fosse and to see more images, you are welcome to visit Will's website at www.completeforge.com.

Herefordshire music lovers are in for a string of delights when Ross Live! Festival returns to local venues for two weeks beginning on Saturday, 4th August. For their third year, festival organizers have devised a programme with wide appeal. Concerts and 'have-a-go' workshops for all ages range from baroque classical, theatre, comedy & folk rock. Venues include Wyastone Concert hall, St Mary's Church (Ross), The Baptist Church (Ross), Hom Church and outdoors in The Prospect.

'I am really excited by this year's line-up,' said Robin Symonds, the Festival's Chief Director. 'We are especially grateful to our main sponsor Ross Labels enabling us to attract some important names in the music world'.

Tickets are available now from the Tourist Information Centre at Swan House and prices range from £5.00 to £15.00. Children under 16 get in free when accompanied by a ticket holding adult. Tickets can be bought by phone with credit cards and detailed information about dates, times and particular artistes can be found on the website, www.rosslive.org.uk.

Highlights include the New Rope String Band who will excite their original brand of comedy and virtuosity. The 'Sing for Joy' day at Wyastone gives an opportunity for singers from Herefordshire to actually turn up and sing the Beethoven Choral Symphony, directed by Adrian Partington. Singer-songwriter Steve Ashley will be known to devotees of folk-rock from the 60's onwards.

The three lunchtime concerts will appeal to shoppers, office workers & senior citizens. Heartbreak Productions give an afternoon workshop for children in The Prospect before performing their unique Shakespeare production of the Twelfth Night later the same day.

Julian Hammond of Wyenet Disco held a disco and karaoke evening at the Hope & Anchor on Saturday evening. The evening was in aid of the Pied Piper Appeal, which is supporting a children's hospice in Gloucester, providing clothes and special bedding.

In the photo are Julian Hammond, Jenny Smygh, Debbie McNally and John Squires in the Hope & Anchor Conservatory on Saturday evening.

The Price family of New Street have been renovating their home at 'Newlands' and as a part of the project, have reinstated railings to the street frontage of the property which were removed in the last war. David Barry Solicitors of Clytha House, also in New Street have joined with them in their project.

Jane Holland Architects and Cawthorn and Foster Builders recently completed the renovations to 'Newlands' and now the owners and architects are working with Bruce Jones of Caple Ltd., who have manufactured and installed the railings to match the small section that was left standing when the originals were removed.

Ross-on-Wye Weather Station is located by the tennis courts and bowling green at 'Crossfields' and is one of the important stations around the country which regularly sends data to the Meteorological Office. This is why Ross-on-Wye is sometimes mentioned on the BBC weather reports. It is currently still a manually monitored station and readings are taken twice per day by husband and wife team, June and Rex Swallow.

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