The Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) have announced that after a successful Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) Bid, £2.8 million will be allocated to heritage projects in the 'Overlooking the Wye' Landscape Partnership Scheme. Forty projects will improve and promote historic sites throughout the Lower Wye Valley area.

This unique three-year scheme involves communities and organizations across three counties and over two countries. The bid has involved partners including Herefordshire Council, Gloucestershire County Council , Monmouthshire County Council, the Woodland Trust, Forestry Commission, Forest of Dean District Council, local Parish and Community Councils and individual landowners.

' We are delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has enabled this work to take place' said Andrew Blake, Wye Valley AONB Officer, ' We are looking forward to working with all the partners and community groups who helped develop the scheme, and will be involved in getting the projects off the ground as soon as the formalities are finalized.'

The range and variety of the projects covers themes of industrial heritage, the Picturesque movement and viewpoints, river corridors and hill fort archaeology. Individual projects include a restoration of Abbey Mill Waterwheel at Tintern, community arts projects at Monmouth Quay, restoration of Little Doward hill fort views, archaeological investigation at New Weir Forge, improvement of access to Devils Pulpit viewpoint and the refurbishment of Tintern Old Station.

Explaining the importance of the award Anne Jenkins HLF Regional Manager for the West Midlands said, 'It is really interesting for us to be supporting such a wide-ranging project that will enhance the diverse heritage of the area. This really shows that heritage can be anything from landscape conservation to an interpretative art project, and that the community both on a local and wider level will stand to benefit.'

Individual schemes aim to involve local people in their area's heritage by encouraging them to take part in a range of education, participation and training opportunities. Activities for children such as the Rock and Fossil Show have been organized and an Open Heritage weekend, at Goodrich Castle for the general public to view projects, has been arranged on the 13th/14th September.

'WNTV NEWS' went along to meet representatives of the AONB, Herefordshire Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund, at Goodrich Castle on Thursday and Andrew Blake explains in this week's programme how this money will help open up sites in and close to Ross-on-Wye.

Parents of children in Ross are being urged to talk to their children about the dangers of playing on bridges after two reported incidents of objects being thrown at vehicles on the A40.

Motorists reported bricks or rocks were being thrown from the bridge between the Wilton and Ross Labels roundabouts at around 7pm on Monday, 24th March.

A small group of young people was seen throwing the objects and then hiding in bushes near to the bridge. Fortunately, on this occasion, no vehicles were struck but a search of the area by police failed to find any trace of the children. A similar report of objects being thrown from the bridge was received earlier in the month - again without damage being caused - but police are concerned that should the practice continue, the results could be deadly.

'Throwing objects of at vehicles is both irresponsible and highly dangerous and could very easily end in tragedy,' said Sergeant Sarah Hughes from Ross Police. 'The situation is made even worse by the fast moving nature of the road below. An object the size of brick could smash a windscreen and cause severe head injuries to the driver or passengers. Equally it could cause the driver to swerve in avoidance or lose control, which again could easily cause injuries and deaths. It may seem like a harmless prank to the youngsters involved but the reality is very different and police take such actions extremely seriously,' warned Sergeant Hughes.

Police would like all parents in Ross-on-Wye to talk to their children - especially those of high school age - and reinforce the dangers of throwing objects from bridges. Parents should also ask themselves:

• Do you know where your child is after school?
• Is he or she mixing with the wrong friends and can’t see a way of removing themselves from associating with them?
• Does your child have information about who is responsible for these incidents?

Sgt Hughes went on to say: 'We need to ensure that this dangerous practice stops and all parents in Ross-on-Wye can play their part in making sure it does. Please speak to your children - some of them know who is responsible and some of them may even have been involved. If you or they have any information, they can contact the police on 08457 444888 or call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 55511 and give the information that way.'

GLYN AND WAYNE WILLIAMS

FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS

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Telephone: 01989 564041
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Dean and Caroline Ward of Ross Health and Fitness Centre hold a fund-raising aerobothon for charity. This year, at the request of Liz Collins, who lost her husband, Chris in 2006, the monies raised are going to the Noah's Ark Trust.

The Noah's Ark Trust was set up in 1998 to answer the needs of younger people in the community who have been affected by bereavement. The trust is now in its tenth year and to celebrate, they have launched a three year appeal to source a house in the heart of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire community. This will enable them to offer every aspect of their free service from supporting bereaved children to training volunteers and community professionals.

Sunday's aerobothon raised in the region on £1700. Well done to all who took part in the event and well done to Dean and Caroline for their continued support for charity.

The Mayor, Councillor Derek Bedford held his charity ball at the Chase Hotel on Saturday evening. Music was provided by local covers band 'Silva' and money raised will be going to the Mayor's chosen charity, the Ross Educational Foundation.

There are to be more events taking place over the coming weeks to raise money for the Foundation, including the Mayor's Golf Day, which will take place this Thursday and the 'Mayor's Other Ball', which I am particularly looking forward to covering at the Prince of Wales on Saturday, 19th April.

Dave and Jacqui Newman would like to welcome you to the White Lion 16th Century Riverside Inn. Situated right on the banks of the River Wye at Ross, the White Lion is a picturesque local inn with an interesting history and is noted for its spectacular river views. The White Lion has long been a favourite place to relax by both local people and tourists alike.

The White Lion's extensive and picturesque gardens reach right down to the river's edge and are a wonderful place to enjoy views of the river. It is a great spot to watch the local otters, nesting swans and other wildlife.

Accommodation

Log Fire

Old Gaol Restaurant

Meals served every lunch time
and evening in the bar and restaurant

CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2008

G’Day Alan and Tina,

By chance read the letters section of Wyenot News Issue 174 - 21st November 07 and was surprised to see my name mentioned. I can think of at least two John Clark’s I sailed with during my forty odd years at sea. Please advise the email address of this John as I am intrigued to find out who is trying to contact me.

Roger Wooding Australia (One of your international readership)

It sometimes takes a while but usually, letters published here bring a result. I have put Roger and John in touch. (Actually Roger, I have heard nothing from you since I did that. If you did not receive my mail, let me know and I will send the information again.)

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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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