This year's Civic Service took place on Sunday at St. Mary's Parish Church. The Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor Derek and Meryl Bedford were joined by Ross Town Council and visiting dignitaries at Council Chambers for a glass of wine before forming a procession and walking to the church.

In the photograph below, just prior to the service, the Mayor of Ross, Councillor Derek Bedford can be seen with Councillors Mike Shellie, Mayor of Kidderminster, Brettina Meadows, Mayor of Leominster, Terry Christopher, Mayor of Monmouth and Kevin Wargen, Deputy Mayor of Hereford.

The bottom photo shows all of the Ross Town Councillors and visiting dignitories in Council Chambers, prior to the service.

Ross Shopmobility were pleased to host a visit from a group of pupils attending the John Kyrle High School during September. JKHS teacher, Veronica Bunting explained that, 'the lower sixth students are following the Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations ( OCR ) Nationals course in Health and Social Care this year.'

This vocational course aims to help students towards achieving their ambitions in obtaining employment or going into further education. The aim of this visit was to gain knowledge towards completing the 'Caring for service users in a care setting' element of their course. The visit to Shopmobility gave students a better understanding of some of the mobility aids available. They were able to learn about the administration, and safeguards involved in providing this service, and were given the opportunity to test drive a scooter for themselves. The visit gave a better insight to how schemes like this help to maintain and improve people's mobility around the town.

Martn Neicho, manager of EnviroAbility, the local charity who manage the Shopmobility scheme said, 'The visit was a great opportunity for members of the local community, especially students, to see first hand what kind of support the project can provide to both local residents and visitors to the town. We are pleased that the scheme is becoming an asset which the community can make use of in a variety of ways'.

To contact Ross Shopmobility telephone Victoria or Ivan on 01989 763388. The service operates Tuesday to Saturday from 10.00am until 4.00pm.

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Richard Harvey, former Group Chief Executive of Aviva plc, one of the UK's largest companies, joined an impressive line up of business and charity speakers at a special event hosted by Concern Universal at the Leadership Trust, Weston-under-Penyard on Saturday.

Earlier this year, Richard Harvey announced that he and his wife, Kay, would be joining the international development charity on a voluntary basis for one year, following his retirement on 11th July 2007. Richard and Kay Harvey were joined on the platform by Sara Howe of Tetley; Dr Mfon Akpaso of Cares Initiative - a partner to Concern Universal in Nigeria; Angus Davison and John Berry of Haygrove in Ledbury; Rupert Cadbury, Trustee of the William Cadbury Trust in Birmingham; Margaret Thomas of the Leadership Trust in Ross-on-Wye and Ian Williams and Nicola Mushet of Concern Universal in Hereford. These remarkable speakers spoke to an invited audience of individuals from the private, public and charitable sectors about their own partnership with Concern Universal and put forward the business case for close co-operation between the commercial and charitable sectors.

Sara Howe also spoke about Tetley's support for the 3 year Icon Project, delivering 146 new and improved village water supplies and sanitary facilities for over 7,000 schoolchildren in Malawi and the implications for the company's Corporate Social Responsibility Programme. Angus Davison and John Berry of Haygrove will speak about the inspiring steps that were taken to create the 'Gambia is Good' project - a highly innovative pro-poor marketing initiative, selling local produce to the tourist market in The Gambia, West Africa.

Rupert Cadbury explained about the William Cadbury Trust's vital support for Concern Universal's work in 5 countries in West Africa. Margaret Thomas, about the international exchange programme with Concern Universal as well as the charity's participation in the Leadership Trust's courses.

Richard Harvey, as he embarks on his gap year, said: 'There is great potential for businesses to get involved in international development with a benefit to both parties. Not only does it fulfil their Corporate Social Responsibility policies, it can also lead to other benefits - including attracting and retaining high quality staff.'

Dr Ian Williams, Executive Director of Concern Universal, said: 'This event will celebrate the unique and exciting opportunity for businesses to reach their full potential by engaging with the needs of the wider world.'

After a very promising start to their Division 1 campaign, Ross came tumbling down to earth on Saturday, finding themselves on the end of a 29 - 0 defeat to early pacesetters, Southmead.

Ross were expecting a stern examination from last seasons top three side and Southmead did not let them down; ,working hard as a unit up front and never letting Ross settle into their game.

Southmead had set their stall from the first whistle. Driving tight to the rucks, they were able to get over the advantage line and dominate territory and possession. From an early Ross infringement came the opening score. Southmead set up a 5 metre lineout, their hooker found his jumper and from the ensuing maul the forwards drove over to score. This opening score set the scene for the rest of the match.

Ross competed effectively in most areas of the game. However, when the Southmead forwards worked their way into the Ross twenty two, they were able to up the tempo, placing a huge amount of pressure on the Ross defence. For the most part, Ross held firm with Gavin Oates, Tim Hanks and TC Leech working tirelessly. However, by half time Southmead added another score to take a 12 - 0 lead at the break.

Ross upped their work rate in the second half, getting good territory and possession. A score early on and a conversion could have put a different perspective on the proceedings. However, they were never able to inflict that killer blow, and after absorbing early pressure Southmead broke out of defence and scored giving them a 19 - 0 lead.

Ross continued to work hard but with the game now lost, the Southmead forwards came again, adding two further scores, giving a final score of 29-0.

The Walford Timber man of the match was TC Leech for his tireless efforts in defence.

Next Saturday, 6th October, Ross take on Bream at Ross Sports Centre. Kick off is at 3pm.

Ross Rugby 2nds played hosts to Bromyard 2nds at the Sports Centre on Saturday, 29th September, coming away with a thrilling 46 points to 3 victory. There were 4 tries from Diepey, 2 each from Gareth Holdsworth, Craig Creed and Richard Russell, with Gareth Holdsworth converting 3 times.

Once again there was an all round solid performance from Chris Conlon, Paul Hayward, Richard Russell, Matt Winstanley and Jake Christopher, with pivotal roles from Craig Powell and Gareth Holdsworth. The Field Fayre man of the match went to Diepey for his four tries.

Ross 2nds would like to thank Field Fayre for sponsoring the match and for supplying the food after the game.

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.

Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic collision on the A438 near Ledbury in which a 46 year old woman died.

The collision happened at around 4pm on Monday, 1st October, approximately a mile from Ledbury and involved three vehicles, a white Ford Fiesta, a blue Vauxhall Zafira and a silver Peugeot Expert. The Fiesta had been travelling towards Hereford at the time, with the other two vehicles headed in the opposite direction. Both the Fiesta and the Peugeot suffered major impact damage in the collision and the road was completely blocked.

All three emergency services attended and the female driver and sole occupant of the Fiesta was treated at the scene by paramedics. She was taken by Air Ambulance to Hereford County Hospital but had sustained serious head injuries and died later in the evening. The male driver of the Peugeot was also taken to hospital for treatment to non life threatening injuries. The road was closed until approximately 9.20pm whilst the vehicles were removed and collision investigators conducted an examination.

The Herefordshire Coroner has been informed of the woman’s death and a post mortem is due to be carried out on Monday, with an inquest expected to be opened and adjourned later the same day.

The identity of the woman cannot be released until next of kin have been informed.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the collision or anyone who saw the vehicles travelling along the A438 beforehand. Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Tim Hargraves of the Hereford Roads Policing Team on 08457 444888.

A woman who died in a collision on the A438 near to Ledbury on Monday afternoon, 1st October has been named. Mrs Gail Deem, who was 46 and from Hereford, died at Hereford County Hospital on Monday evening, having earlier been airlifted from the scene.

A post mortem to establish the cause of death is due to be carried out on Monday, 8th October, with an inquest expected to be opened and adjourned later the same day by the Herefordshire Coroner.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the collision, which happened at 4pm on Monday, around a mile from Ledbury. It involved three vehicles - a white Ford Fiesta being driven by Mrs Deem, a blue Vauxhall Zafira and a silver Peugeot Expert.

The Fiesta had been travelling towards Hereford at the time, with the other two vehicles headed in the opposite direction. Both the Fiesta and the Peugeot suffered major impact damage in the collision and the road was completely blocked. All three emergency services, including the Air Ambulance, were in attendance. The male driver of the Peugeot was also taken to hospital for treatment to non-life threatening injuries. The road was closed until around 9.20pm while the vehicles were removed and collision investigators conducted an examination.

Herefordshire Council has responded to the wishes of residents and helped to set up a safer walking route from Wellington Heath to Ledbury Town Centre. Under the council's Rights of Way Improvement Plan, various path users and local residents are able to have their say on how they think the rights of way network in Herefordshire can be improved.

Across the county, the council often replaces stiles with gates as part of access improvements and generally improving the path network for all users, and under the Rights of Way Improvement Plan more specific concerns can also be raised. Wellington Heath Parish Council was asked by a number of residents to suggest a safer walking route to Ledbury because the existing one on a busy road was hazardous, especially to people with pushchairs and wheelchairs.

Tim Thompson, Herefordshire Council's Area Warden worked with Wellington Heath parish councillors Richard Wilcox, Patrick Adams, Fanny Underhill and Alan Woods to create a safer walking route by upgrading an existing right of way.

Local landowners Mr and Mrs Bickham, Mr Mackie, Mr Wills and Mr Clegg gave permission for the upgrading works to be carried out. This work involved widening a bridge and replacing seven stiles with gates and now the 3km route is safe for all users.

Councillor Patrick Adams, chairman of Wellington Heath Parish Council, said, 'We are very happy with what has been done which is definitely a step in the right direction. The gates are marvellous and the bridge has made it far easier to use the footpath which offers a far more pleasant and less dangerous route into town than having to walk alongside the main road'.

The owners of village shops and post offices across Herefordshire are to be given a master class in how to boost business and help guarantee their survival.

Herefordshire Council is working with the Rural Shops Alliance, a national trade association representing over 7,000 independent village shops across England, to put on an information evening and buffet on Tuesday, 16th October. The event will take place between 6:30pm and 9pm at the council's headquarters at Brockington, Hafod Road, Hereford.

The evening is designed to provide an opportunity for village shop owners to meet with other rural retailers. There will be presentations on how to boost sales, including a talk from Marcus Williams of Canon Pyon Post Office and Stores on the cost benefits of using the latest electronic point of sale devices.

Ken Parsons, Chief Executive of the Rural Shops Alliance will be on hand to offer examples of what his members have done to improve business and Anthony Bush of the council will identify possible funding streams for village enterprises.

'A prosperous village shop means a healthy and vibrant community,' said Councillor Roger Phillips, leader of the council. 'They are usually at the centre of village social life and while many of them are very successful and provide an excellent service, others inevitably struggle in isolation. This is why the council, working with its partners, feels that by getting together and sharing ideas and knowledge, owners of our village shops can inspire each other to build on business opportunities and thrive.'

Owners of village shops wishing to this event attend should contact Anthony Bush, parish and rural services officer at Herefordshire Council, on 01432 260611.

In a bid to boost careers in childcare, Herefordshire Council has invited Purple Monster to perform their innovative theatre production this month at the Courtyard, Hereford.

Four years ago, the council teamed up with Birmingham based Purple Monster Training Company to stage its own light-hearted production, illustrating the different types of careers available in childcare. Using drama as a medium for communicating has proved to be incredibly popular, with over 70 people attending the last performance in 2006. The formula has proved to be so successful, that the company is about to embark on their ninth performance in the county.

The performers take on the roles of carers in action and the audience is able to follow George (the play worker), Mrs Sampson (the lunchtime supervisor), Jan (the holiday club worker) and Susie (the nursery manager) in a number of entertaining and informative sketches. The event, which is free, takes place on Tuesday, 30th October and is aimed at attracting more people into the childcare profession. There will be two 45 minute performances a day, plus time for the audience to ask questions and find out more about the council's support services and training opportunities. The morning session which begins at 9.30am, is aimed at adults interested in working with children and the afternoon session, which begins at 2.30pm is especially for school based students.

Councillor Jenny Hyde, cabinet member for children and young people, said, 'Although schools are struggling with falling rolls, the need for childcare and extended school workers continues to grow. It is really important therefore that we are able to attract the right sort of people to the childcare sector. The Purple Monster performances are a great way to help those interested in childcare understand the different types of roles they may choose to develop their skills in.'

Anyone interested, whether they are a school leaver, full time parent or someone who wants to find a more fulfilling career, can contact Fiona Condie on 01432 261681 for further information.

Herefordshire Libraries are running a series of activities during October half term as part of Family Learning Week. The activities are family friendly, encouraging parents and children to work together on projects linked to nature.

Activities include making wigwams out of recycled materials in Leominster and Hereford Libraries, encountering a variety of friendly animals in Bromyard Library, making a wonderful collage from natural materials based on the children's story Pumpkin Soup in Ross Library and also making Bouncing Bats in our other libraries.

The full list of events is as follows:

Tuesday, 23rd October:
Kington Library - Bouncing bats from 2.30pm until 3.30pm,
Ross Library - Pumpkin Soup collage 2pm until 3pm.

Wednesday, 24th October:
Leominster Library - Green-eyed Monster company creating wigwams from recycled materials 2.30pm until 4.30pm.

Thursday, 25th October:
Bromyard centre - Animal encounters (back by popular demand) two sessions, 1pm until 2pm and 2.15pm until 3.15pm. Weobley Library - Bouncing bats from 1pm until 2pm,
Ledbury Library - Bouncing bats 10.30am until 11.30am,
Belmont Library - Bouncing bats 2.30pm until 3.30pm.

Friday, 26th October:
Hereford Library - Green-eyed monster company creating wigwams from recycled materials 10am until noon,
Leintwardine Library - Bouncing bats 12.30pm until 1.30pm,
Colwall Library - Bouncing bats 10.30am until 11.30am.

Emma Stevens, library learning officer, said, 'These activities are very popular so purchasing a ticket in advance is highly recommended. As it is Family Learning Week, we would also hope parents will stay with their children to join in the fun.'

To book tickets, contact the libraries direct as follows: Belmont library - 01432 342648, Bromyard - 01432 260280, Colwall - 01684 540642, Hereford - 01432 383600, Kington- 01432 260600, Ledbury - 01531 632133, Leintwardine - 01547 540459, Leominster - 01432 383290, Ross - 01432 383282 and Weobley - 01544 318956.

Police are appealing for witnesses to a two car collision on the A4110 Canon Pyon road, in which three people were injured. The collision happened at 4.14pm on Monday, 1st October, just over a mile from Hereford and involved a red VW Golf headed towards Hereford and a red Renault Clio travelling in the opposite direction. Both vehicles suffered extensive damage in the collision and the road was completely blocked.

All three emergency services were in attendance and the fire brigade had to remove the roof of the Clio to free the elderly male driver. He was taken to Hereford County Hospital, where he currently remains with serious chest injuries.

The male driver of the VW Golf was also treated at hospital and later discharged with minor injuries. A male front seat passenger was also taken to hospital and detained overnight for treatment to a back injury.

The road was closed with diversions in place until just before 11pm, whilst the vehicles were recovered and collision examiners began their investigation.

Police are keen to speak to any witnesses to the collision or anyone who saw the vehicles travelling along the road beforehand. They are asked to contact PC Paul Turner at the Hereford Roads Policing Team on 08457 444888.

The miserable summer weather is being blamed for the arrival of the toxic blue-green algae at Herefordshire's Bodenham Lake Nature Reserve. Samples of water taken from the lake by the Environment Agency have confirmed the presence of blue-green algae which tends to occur after warm and wet periods of weather in late summer or autumn. The algae usually disappears in cold weather, but council wardens have already put up signs warning people to keep out of the water and keep dogs on leads.

'We are urging people to co-operate and stay away from the water for the time being. Contact with the algae should be avoided and the council's youth service is unfortunately having to cancel forthcoming water based activities at this site.' said James Bissett, the council's principal countryside officer. 'The Environment Agency will continue to test samples until the algae levels are considered safe. The levels of toxicity can fluctuate as the 'blooms' of algae can appear one day, be dispersed by the wind the next, and then re-accumulate at any time. Blue-green algae in these concentrations is potentially harmful to livestock, pets and humans if ingested. Swallowing the water or algae scum can cause stomach upsets or more serious health effects and contact with the water or with algae scum can cause skin problems. We are advising all visitors to the lake to keep their dogs on a lead and avoid all contact with the scum and the water close to it.'

The orchard and bird hide are both still fully accessible and the car park will remain open as normal from dawn to dusk each day.

Herefordshire Council is consulting on the planning issues affecting the county as a place to live, work, move, improve, grow and enjoy as part of the first stage of developing a new style development plan which will cover the period to 2026. The 'Shaping our Place' consultation is running from Monday, 15th September until Friday, 26th October 2007.

An Issues Paper and questionnaire is available to download or fill in online on the council's website at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/ldf. The Issues paper and questionnaire has also been placed at various Info points and public libraries throughout the county. This consultation is part of the preparation of a core strategy document for the new development plan for Herefordshire called the Local Development Framework.

During the consultation period, members of the council's forward planning team will be running a series of planning road shows at venues in Bromyard, Hereford, Kington, Ledbury, Leominster, Peterchurch and Ross on Wye. The roadshows will involve interactive displays and comments boards where members of the public can find out more and contribute their ideas. The first road show is to be held at the Courtyard Theatre, Hereford on Monday, 8th October from 9.30am until 1.30pm. For details of all the dates and venues, look out for the 'Are you interested?' posters, check the website address above or telephone Emma Lawrence on 01432 383357.

Councillor John Jarvis, Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for the environment and strategic housing, said, 'This is a great opportunity for the people of Herefordshire to get involved in planning their county's future and to shape their place. I would urge those that are interested, to fill in the core strategy Issues paper questionnaire and / or come along to the one of the planning road shows, to tell us what their vision for the future of the county is and what they consider the main issues in Herefordshire are.'

After the consultation, the council will consider all the issues and visions for Herefordshire to develop the next stage in the core strategy process, which is to develop different options for the future development of the county. This stage will take place in the spring of 2008.

Families with young children in Ledbury are to benefit from a new children's centre which will provide a wide range of family support services. The centre, which is next to Ledbury Primary School, Longacres, is being built by Herefordshire Council and will act as a focal point for families with children aged between 0 and 5 years.

Parents and children will have access to health and parent support services, including advice and information on high quality childcare and early years education in the area. There will be drop in sessions for parents and children, ante natal classes and baby clinics, together with a range of special activities around child development, play and healthy eating. With links to local schools and play schemes Ledbury Children's Centre will form a base from which lots of agencies and organizations working with parents and families can operate. The centre, which has been funded by SureStart is scheduled to be completed this autumn. Facilities will include a large community space for meetings and events, a consultation room, crèche area and children's play area.

Councillor Jenny Hyde, cabinet member for children and young people, said, 'This is a very exciting development for the community of Ledbury. The council's investment in this children's centre will lay the foundations for the health and well being of all children living in the area. The children's centre will complement the services provided by the area's schools, making it easier for parents to get help and information about their children's development and to learn how to access childcare for babies, pre-school and school aged children.'

The Ledbury Children's Centre has come together after months of consultation with local schools, playgroups, and community agencies.

Herefordshire Council has agreed in principle for South Wye's Wyebridge Sports College to become a 900 place academy with an additional 200 places for post 16 education. The decision was made by Cabinet on Thursday, 6th September and 'called in' by the Children's Services Scrutiny Committee which met last week.

In a debate lasting nearly three hours, council members heard of the need for the existing Wyebridge Sports College building to be replaced. With no council funding available to pay for this, and changes to the way PFI funding works preventing further applications of this type, the government's academy scheme was an alternative way of achieving major capital investment into the county.

In order to receive academy status and funding of ££20.1 million, a sponsor was needed who would be prepared to invest ££1.5 million into the project. Thanks to an anonymous donation, the Diocese of Hereford became a local sponsor for the Wyebridge Academy project which is due to be completed in 2010.

Members heard how the local and school community had been invited to a public meeting at the school in July and how a stakeholder reference group was meeting on a regular basis to discuss progress and make sure local groups continued to be consulted. The way the school curriculum works nationally is changing, with an increasing focus on individual learning programmes for pupils, and Wyebridge Academy will have to comply with this.

The academy will be governed by the same admissions procedure of every other school in the county. It was made clear that there will be no church places and that children will be admitted in the same way as at other local authority maintained schools. In response to concerns about falling rolls, it was explained that due to housing developments, there were no falling rolls in the South Wye area. With the government's current drive to encourage more pupils to stay in some kind of formal education or training and a new diploma system on the horizon, there is a need to provide a range of post 16 educational experiences in the county.

Councillor Sally Robertson, chair of children's services scrutiny committee, said, 'We had a very robust meeting with concerns regarding community involvement, financial implications and impact on existing providers being the main topics of discussion. Whilst this is a marvellous opportunity for the college, it is important that close working relationships continue and develop with other establishments including the new learning village, to avoid problems in the future.'

The council's Children's Services Scrutiny Committee accepted the proposals which depend on the satisfactory outcome of a feasibility study scheduled for completion in December. The study will be submitted to the Department for Children, Schools and Families for a decision on whether or not to proceed next year.

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