That exclamation was overheard somewhere in a field in Sussex, almost a millennium ago, on 14th October 1066. Moments later, Harold Godwine, last of the English Kings tried to pluck an arrow from his eye but failed and died. William, whose invasion force from Normandy had cheated by pretending to retreat before launching their attack took his place. From that day forth, coffee was forced upon the English, the humble bread roll in Safeway supermarkets everywhere became known as the 'baguette' and chippies started selling 'French Fries'. Just to rub it in, last week the French Market came to Ross-on-Wye.

On Saturday, 13th October 2007, almost exactly 941 years later, we got our own back again!

It was as we walked through the door of the Prince of Wales that I first realized that England had beaten France in the Rugby World Cup semi-final. Saturday had been a long day and Tina and I were both totally worn out, having spent the day at Symonds Yat. When it came to the evening, had the entertainment at the Prince of Wales been anybody other than Will Killeen (or the Zebras) we would have given it a miss and stayed home for the third Saturday on the trot. I am glad we did muster the energy to go out though. Will Killeen's performance was nothing less than brilliant (as usual) and the evening, spent in the company of Will, Oz and the Kiss Syndicate was the perfect finish to what had been one of those really good days.

The Prince of Wales was crowded with rugby supporters and the atmosphere good for a great evening of entertainment. That is exactly what we got.

What makes Will Killeen extra special is that, as well as being one of the country's best blues guitarists, he is so unassuming in his manner, despite his amazing ability as a musician. In the past, Will has played with the 'Pretty Things', he replaced Rory Gallagher for a while, when Rory left 'Taste' and has performed at major festivals around the UK and Ireland for many years, yet he still enjoys playing at pub venues and puts as much into these as he does the big events.

I did take some photos of Will performing but, for a change, decided to show the one of him enjoying a large glass of Jameson Whiskey, courtesy of the Kiss brothers, Nick and Phil, who can be seen below.

Sorry. No 'Tina Dancing' this week - it didn't really happen. I did take some photos but they were not of real dancing - more 'Tina leaning against the wall in time to the music' type photos. Rugby supporters, Simon and Daniel Sherwood, Grant and Gareth Holdsworth, Chris Jones and Mark Coleman did manage to dance to Will though and they can be seen below.

Next Saturday, The Zebras are playing at the Barrel Inn, and they are a definite generator of 'All Zebras Groupies Dancing' photos. Looking forward to that one as much as Will, and we hope to see you there!

James McDonald of BBC Hereford and Worcester was at Broome Farm on Friday to interview Roy Gwillam. Roy had won a real ale competition, live on the breakfast show last July, getting five out of five questions right in the first round and four out of five right in the second. His prize was two tickets to the Hereford Real Ale Festival and a day making cider at Broome Farm.

I went along to Ross Cider and Perry Company at Broome Farm on Friday, where I took some photos of Roy being interviewed and of his cider making experience.

Continued . . .

Roy enjoyed his day at Ross Cider, saying, 'Having just had harvest festival at church, Friday was my opportunity to get involved in harvesting a crop of cider apples and help in processing them'.

His day included all activities involved in the cider making process from shaking a tree, picking up the apples and taking them to the work shop for milling and processing.

Roy was impressed with the farm's wildlife. 'The farm has various birds visiting, including yellow hammers, buzzards and winter visitors such as red wings and field fares, who love to eat the fruit which is left over,' he said. 'Other visitors include squirrels, badgers, moles, foxes, rabbits, hedgehogs and bats. It has been an interesting day in the open air away from my normal work of accounting services'.

Having been a presenter on Kidderminster hospital Radio for 24 years, Roy also found the radio interview, which was broadcast on Monday, an interesting experience. He would like to thank Mike Johnson and his team for their hospitality, kindness and friendship. 'I will be back to help again,' he said.

The Ross branch of the Macmillan Cancer Support group are hoping to raise extra funds for the Macmillan Renton Unit by holding an historic guided walk around part of Ross. The walk will take place on Wednesday, 24th October at 2pm. Those wishing to take part in the walk should meet in Ross Heritage Centre from 1:45pm.

The walk will take approximately two hours and the cost of taking part is £2 per head, all of which will go to the Renton Appeal. There is no charge for children, however, they must be accompanied and supervised by the adult bringing them at all times. Spaces are limited to 15 adults so it may be advisable to book in advance.

If anybody is unable to join in on this occasion, but would really like to take part, there will be another opportunity at a later date. Simply leave your name and contact details with any Macmillan Support member or, leave your details at the Heritage Centre.

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