In case you are wondering why the children at the start of this week's WNTV News programme are bashing a huge ladybird with sticks, they are trying to break it open to retrieve some magnifying glasses so that they can take a closer look at some of the creepy-crawlies whilst making their way around a new sculpture trail that has opened on the Doward. The Mayor, Councillor Derek Bedford braves the wind and rain to open a new tea shop and gallery in High Street and we talk to Angie Barnard about the big school reunion she is organizing for Saturday, 29th March. You can also catch a few glimpses of a great fund-raising event for Action for ME that took place at the Prince of Wales on Saturday, featuring the young and talented Controversial Minds and the fabulous Jiveoholics.

WNTV is available to watch in DVD quality at Ross Heritage Centre

Back issues are also available there to be viewed and current issues will be available from Friday lunchtimes (possibly earlier - this depends on time available as I can only produce the DVD quality versions once the main news is prepped and on-line.

Get any WNTV News programme on DVD

If you would like a DVD quality version of any of the WNTV News programmes produced so far, a DVD can be purchased at a cost of £5.00 per issue plus postage and packing if necessary. Email or call for info.

Can you find the grizzled skipper? Oops did you just sit on a wood louse? Where Wild Things Play and artist Ian Berrill invite you and your family to look right up close at some marvellous metallic mini-beasts at White Rocks, one of the Doward Nature Reserves near Ross-on-Wye.

Perfect for an Easter outing or a springtime adventure White Rocks and it’s surrounding reserves combines ancient woodland and wonderful open glades which provide a perfect habitat for butterflies and woodpeckers and many plant species. Where Wild Things Play activities are always for adults and children to enjoy together and these trails are a great way to for all the family to find out more about who lives in these very special Herefordshire Nature Trust Reserves.

An activity trail sheet accompanies your trip to White Rocks. It is perfectly possible to explore this small reserve without one but to be sent a copy please contact Herefordshire Nature Trust (HNT) on 01432 356 872 or email wildplay@herefordshirewt.co.uk

Where Wild Things Play has always taken a creative approach to events and the arts are now widely recognized as an essential tool in encouraging people to explore and interpret their environment further.

If you enjoy this and fancy a trip to the other side of the county then visit Titley Pool where wings of imagination will rouse your curiosity and inspire your explorations as you wander through the wood. Artist, Anne Belgrave has created a collection of 3D proverbs associated with birds, nest & eggs, which are hidden in the wood at Titley Pool. Made of natural materials - wool, sticks and hay – these sculptures will biodegrade in time and provide extra nesting materials for the birds & field mice. Also available from HNT are nature trail sheets for you and your family to explore Ross-on-Wye ‘Town to River’ and several nature reserves around the county.

WNTV News went along to film the opening of the sculpture trail at the Doward on Saturday and Tina spoke to Artist, Ian about his work.

Crime and mystery, murder and mayhem, tales of the riverbank, super heroes and Japanese Manga drawings are all on the cards for a fun-packed celebration to mark Ross-on-Wye Library's 20th birthday. The celebrations kicked off last Thursday with a special story time for under fives.

This Friday, 14th March, Herefordshire's best selling local author Phil Rickman will be at the library in Cantilupe Road to talk about his writing. The crime and mystery author will talk about murder, mayhem and exorcisms in (fictional) rural Herefordshire. He will also be signing copies of his books during the event which runs from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Tickets costs £3 and are available from the library.

On Tuesday, 18th March at 7.30 pm the popular local historian Heather Hurley will give an illustrated presentation on 'Barges, Barley, and Bark: Navigation on The Wye from Hereford to Ross'. Visitors can expect to hear unknown facts of the River Wye as well as have the opportunity to buy books signed by Heather. Tickets costs £3 and are available from the library.

On Wednesday, 26th February at 10.00 am, visitors to the library will be able to create their own super-heroes with popular local author and illustrator Shoo Rayner. Shoo's 'Ginger Ninja' drawing workshop will be followed by a cake-cutting ceremony (11.30am - 12pm) to mark the library's 20th birthday. The drawing session is for youngsters aged from five to 12 - tickets cost £2 and are available from the library. A coffee morning will be run in the Dennis Potter room while the drawing workshop takes place so parents can catch up on the latest best-seller over a coffee and a slice of cake.

The final birthday event has an oriental feel - learn how to create, or improve, your Japanese Manga drawings. It takes place from 2pm on Thursday, 27th March and is aimed at 11 to 16-year-olds. Tickets cost £2 and are available form the library.

Overhanging ivy and small trees have been removed from the wall at the top of Wilton Road in Ross-on-Wye. Wilton Road was closed on Mother's Day whilst the work was carried out, because vegetation was falling down onto the pavement below and needed to be done in the interests of highway safety. Council engineers will also now be able to inspect the condition of the wall, which was hidden from view by the vegetation.

Ross Town Mayor, Councillor Derek Bedford proposed Deputy Mayor, Councillor John Davies as the Mayor Elect at the meeting of Ross Town Council on Monday. The proposal was seconded, unanimously agreed and Councillor Davies gladly accepted. This will be Councillor Davies's second term of office as Mayor of Ross-on-Wye and we wish him another successful year.

The Mayor reminded all in attendance that his Charity Ball will take place at the Chase Hotel on Saturday, 29th March. Mayor Bedford's chosen charity is the Ross Education Trust which funds equipment or books to help local students in their education. Mayor Bedford performed a sponsored preach last year in aid of this cause and raised well in excess of £1,000. Hopefully even more will be raised at the ball. Tickets are available by contacting the Town Clerk. Mayor Bedford also announced that the Mayor's Alternative Ball, involving rock and roll music, is to be held at the Prince of Wales in May.

Two PCSOs were in attendance at Mondays meeting and Councillor Cutter asked that it be made known to the public that these officers attend the weekly Council Surgeries at Ross Library and are happy to be approached by members of the public who have concerns that they may wish to discuss.

It was also announced at the meeting that time is running out for people to apply for a Shop Fronts Grant. There is still money available to those who need help to tidy up or repair the front of their town premises. Anybody who feels they may benefit from this scheme should contact the Town Clerk, Mrs. Denise Mason, as soon as possible.

It will be three years this year since the last 'Wyenot News Potters Bar Reunion'. As those held in 2004 and 2005 were so successful and we have had time off to get over the mass hangover, the time is now about right for another.

THE NEXT POTTERS BAR PARTY WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY, 4TH OCTOBER, in the original 'Potters Bar' venue (now the Hope & Anchor Conservatory). All who enjoy the great music of the era are welcome to come along, so please put the date (and the day after - which you will probably need to recover) in your diary.

I still have the complete Potters Bar collection of music - complete with original Potters Bar scratches. Mixed with some original tracks from Hawkwind, Filthy McNasty and Gerry McAvoy Jam with Rory Gallagher, recorded live at Roundhouse and at the Bridge House (which used to be my two regular venues just prior to moving to Ross) the music will definitely provide a night to remember. I do also have some great more modern rock music as well, for those too young to remember Hawkwind, Rory Gallagher and Floyd, so there will be something there for everyone.

The photos from the 'Last Night' and previous reunions will be there - along with the Potters Bar 'Book of Remembrance', so bring your old photo albums along as well and enjoy a night out in 1970s style in the original venue.

Coincidentally, this year's event coincides with the weekend following both my birthday and my daughter, Sarah's 18th birthday - both fall on 1st October. I usually try to forget, rather than celebrate my birthday but I may well consume a bevvy or two on just this one occasion.

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The absolute deadline for Wyenot News stories and other items is 12:00, midday on Tuesday, for inclusion in the following day's edition.

PLEASE NOTE HOWEVER: This is an absolute deadline and not the time I am asking for articles to be sent in. Mondays and Tuesdays here at 'Wyenot News' are Hell with by far, the most events I cover occurring at the weekend. The photography that the public sees happening is only one tiny part of the whole picture (please excuse the pun) of running this weekly news publication and the bits of prep that people do not see, are actually the most time consuming part of getting the story out.

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Alan

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