I had a feeling that a webcam pointing over the River Wye would be popular and that feeling was not wrong.

Within the first six days of its launch on Wyenot, 4,726 frames from the camera, located at the White Lion Inn were viewed and viewings continue at a similar rate.

I have not been viewing the camera a lot myself, just checking occasionally to make sure it is working properly but during one of those checks, on Monday, I captured one of the Wilton herons flying past. See the picture, left.

Despite the rain we have been experiencing, river levels remain normal and the rocks remain visible in the water.

'Wyenot News' recently published the story of Bessie, the Berkshire sow giving birth to piglets at Broome Farm. Bessie had eight babies to begin with, but unfortunately, the little runt did not survive. However, the remaining seven piglets are all doing well and growing at a good rate.

Owner, Toby Lovell told us that May, the Gloucester Old Spot was due to farrow shortly afterwards and we awaited the news of the piglets' arrival. Last Wednesday evening, Mike Johnson and his partner, Sophie heard a noise similar to that which Bessie made when farrowing and, thinking May was giving birth rushed out to see to her. When they got to May, however, there was no sign of any piglets. The noise was coming from Martha, the other Berkshire sow, whom the family had given up on as being pregnant. She was overdue and didn't look expectant. Martha however is now the proud mother of nine.

The next evening it was May's turn and she is now suckling eight gorgeous piglets, who all seem to be doing well.

You can see more of the Broome Farm babies in this week's WNTV News programme.

Mayor of Ross, Councillor Derek Bedford did what all other Mayors of Ross do and held a charity ball at the Chase Hotel to raise money for his chosen charity, which this year is Ross Educational Foundation. The evening was a great success. At the suggestion of the Mayor's Officer, Paul Truman, the Mayor decided to hold another ball this year, this time at the Prince of Wales.

Ticket prices for this ball made it easier for everybody to enjoy the Mayor's ball whilst boosting funds for his charity even further. There was some great entertainment throughout the evening by way of brilliant band, Business As Usual and John Brown provided his disco, the Caroline Roadshow. There were also some great raffle prizes won later in the evening.

We didn't know before Saturday, that the Mayor used to play the guitar years ago. He said he was too rusty to perform on Saturday,however, he and Business As Usual posed happily together for this photograph, along with Mayoress Meryl and Paul Truman. You can see more of this event in this week's WNTV News Programme.

Fridge Door Cabarets are acoustic open mic nights that are organized by local artiste Nik Thiessen. On the evening of Thursday, 24th April, Fridge Door Cabaret is coming to the White Lion Inn, Wilton and all musicians, poets, story tellers etc. are welcome to go along and share their talents.

The event will begin at around 7:30pm and admission is free. Performers are advised to arrive early to ensure a slot. Everybody is welcome whether they wish to perform or just want to enjoy the entertainment.

Nik used to run the Fridge Door Cabarets at Nature's Choice Cafe in Broad Street, but the cafe is now closed due to the sad death of proprietor Alan Lyus, who used to enjoy the then Open Art Surgeries. Alan will be missed by many and this particular Fridge Door Cabaret is dedicated to his memory.

The weather changing almost by the hour did not deter walkers on Sunday, 13th April as they started off on a cold sunny morning from the Bandstand. For the second year running around fifty intrepid walkers took part in Ross Lions' 'Ross Round Walk'; raising funds for the Acorns Children's Hospice and the Lions local charities.

Until all the sponsorship money has been collected and returned the results will not be known but the Lions expect the financial returns to be better than last years which yielded just over £2000.

Even in inclement weather the walk is beautiful, commencing at the Bandstand and following the river until they it reaches Hole in the Wall. On this stretch some of the walkers were lucky enough to see six dear as well as lots of swans and sand martins. From Hole in the Wall the route went up a lovely valley heading for Upton Bishop where participants registered with the stewards and then had a picnic lunch. Before they reached this point they had to withstand a heavy storm which lasted for about an hour. At Upton Bishop, the seven mile mark, many of the walkers decided they had had enough and took the mini-bus back to the Bandstand. The sun shone as the walkers continued across fields to Weston under Penyard, crossing the motorway into Hartleton Lakes where lots of anglers were enjoying fishing in the lovely sunshine. At Weston many more felt they had done their fair share and went straight back to the start. Only seven walkers continued beyond this point and immediately ran into a most ferocious hail storm, wetting them through for the second time.

Those who finished earlier decided to have refreshments at the White House Guest House where, thanks to the owner, Judy Baugh, the proceeds were donated to the Ross Lions funds.

President of the Ross Lions, Keith Wilding, wishes to thank all those who took part in the walk, those who sponsored the walkers, including Ross Labels and Nuttalls, and also those who helped to run the event. He said that the event was again a success and is looking forward to finding out how much had been raised for such a worthy cause. This walk will be organized annually by the Lions around about the same date so do bear this in mind. The Lions would like to see more walkers take part.

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

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