This week's programme is rather different from the usual as, by the programme prep time we were running seriously behind schedule after a busy weekend. Instead of Tina's presentation, you are stuck with me I'm afraid, making just one unrehearsed or even prepared and definitely very unprofessional announcement at the beginning. Hopefully things will be a little easier next week and we will have time to record a proper presentation.

The programme covers an update on the Roman archaeology discovered at the Prospect. We visit the 6th Ross Country Music Festival, SOFA perform at the White Lion. Kevin Sale launches a new CD and we finish with the Jiveoholics performing at Weston-under-Penyard (plus an out-take).

Hope you enjoy the programme despite my intro, which you will soon get over. Enjoy the rest of the news and we look forward to seeing you again next week.

WNTV is also 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.

Jamstand 2008 promises to be even bigger and better than last year's event with a fantastic line up of bands providing some first class entertainment throughout.

This year's event will start at 12 Noon on Saturday, 26th July at the Bandstand and is free for all to enjoy. Apart from great musical entertainment from The Anomalies, Funkosphere, The Dandelion Killers and many more, there will be stalls, a bouncy castle, a beer tent, a barbecue and fireworks.

With just a week and a half to go, after almost a year of hard work, Jack Baldus and his team are getting rather excited about giving a great show to the people of Ross and its visitors. They have asked us to thank the following sponsors for their support: Andy Callwood and sons Butcher, Balthazar Language Services, Brandon Tool Hire, County Collections, Ermin Plant Tool Hire, Herefordshire Capital Fund, Herefordshire Youth Opportunities, Ideal Carpets, Kemps, The Kings Head, The Lions Club, Mike at Broome Farm Cider, Morris Bricknell, Morrisons (£5 donation) Oates of Ross, The Rotary Club, The Riverside Inn, The Ross Gazette, Ross Music Box, Shawcross Solicitors, Ross Town Council, Wyenet and Wyenot News.

We at Wyenot News are really looking forward to it.

Archaeological investigations at The Prospect Gardens are still underway as the team from Border Archaeology try to determine exactly what type of building was found whilst repairs to the Prospect wall were in the process of being carried out in April. The latest phase of work involves targeted excavation and aims to recover sufficient evidence to provide a conclusive construction date for the building and some indication of its former use.

During the initial investigation a large quantity of pottery was recovered from a series of gullies and ditches, indicating that there was a substantial Roman presence in this part of Ross-on-Wye. This in itself is a significant finding as there has previously been no evidence of Roman occupation within the town. Further investigation may reveal that the building is post-Roman. However if that is the case the remains cannot be from any later than 13th / 14th century as they are sealed by material containing pottery of that date.

This evidence gives a rather broad range of possibilities in terms of dates and several interpretations have thus been proposed. The building's unusual plan consists of a square with a circular inner chamber and a large post hole feature in the centre of the chamber. This, coupled with its location on an elevated site overlooking the river suggests that the building may have been a temple, possibly originating as a native shrine in the late Iron Age. Alternatively, it may have been a Roman watchtower or even a 'pharos' or lighthouse.

A third suggestion, based on the thickness of the outer wall, the apparent absence of a doorway at ground level, the circular interior and the central posthole suitable to support a rotating ladder or 'potence' is that the structure is not Roman at all, but a medieval dovecote which bears some resemblance to an example at Garway, built in 1362. If this proves to be the case, the structure may have belonged to the Bishops of Hereford whose palace was located nearby during the medieval period.

Another possibility is that the structure is indeed post-Roman, but that it represents the base of a watchtower or similar structure forming part of a defensive circuit associated with the Bishops Palace, suggesting a date of between 1100 and 1356. The results of the investigation will be published in due course.

Wyenot News went along to the site to talk to Neal Surety of Border Archaeology to find ou thow the investigations were going. You can hear what he ahd to say in this week's WNTV News programme.

Year 9 students at John Kyrle High School commemorated the completion of their Key Stage 3 studies with a Celebration of Success ceremony this week. Speaking to a main hall, packed with students, parents, tutors and governors, head teacher, Nigel Griffiths described how the students had already made a great journey in their lives and how there was much more to come.

All students were presented with their Key Stage 3 results by their tutors. Additionally, many students also received language qualifications and certificates of commendation for outstanding attendance and contribution in subjects. Throughout the proceedings, the audience also enjoyed Year 9 student performances, including a duet by Kelly Morris and Bethany Gwilliam, words of thanks from Oliver Bartle and a rousing song from the band, 'Flapjack' with Danny Simmons, Ben Bushell, Jack Weyman, Anthony Humble and John Roberts on lead vocals, lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass guitar and drums respectively.

Closing the ceremony, head of Year 9, Chris Elias, spoke about success. He explained how success was not just measured by how many certificates each student had received but also by how they dealt with all the challenges they have to face in the many other aspects of their lives.

Police are appealing for witnesses to a five-vehicle collision on the three-lane stretch of the A49 Callow, south of Hereford, which resulted in the death of two motorcyclists.

The incident occurred at 5.10pm on Saturday, 14th July when two motorcycles travelling uphill were in collision with a Toyota Corolla travelling south. Two other vehicles were struck after the initial collisions, a large articulated vehicle travelling up hill and a Ford Ka travelling down. A third rider travelling in convoy with the other two motorcyclists avoided collision and injury.

The two motorcyclists were pronounced dead at the scene. They have since been named as Mr Mark Price, 40 years of Wormelow and Mr Stephen Waring, 39 years of Gwynne Street, Hereford. The Coroner has been informed and an inquest is expected to be opened and adjourned in the next few days.

The driver and passenger of the Toyota Corolla were treated at Hereford County Hospital. The elderly male driver has serious but non-life threatening injuries and the elderly female passenger was treated for minor injuries. The busy A49 was closed for several hours whilst emergency services were at the scene and police collision investigators examined the site to determine the cause of the crash.

Police are anxious to speak with anyone who witnessed the accident or, more particularly, who may have seen the motorcyclists or the silver Toyota Corolla driving along the A49 immediately prior to the incident. Anyone with information should contact PC Simon Prater of the Roads Policing Team at Hereford Police Station on 08457 444888.

Ross Police Sergeant, Alex Warner has been awarded a Divisional Commendation for meritorious and outstanding service in preventing a disturbed and violent man from committing suicide. On 18th February 2008, police received a call expressing concern that a man was standing by Huntsham Bridge on the River Wye (near Symonds Yat) with weights tied around his legs. Intelligence suggested the man might have serious domestic, emotional and mental health issues. Despite this, Sergeant Warner attended the incident, commencing a search alone and on foot. He located the man who ran off along the bank carrying the weights as he ran. The man appeared intent on jumping into the river. Sergeant Warner rugby tackled the man but struggled to restrain him due to the man's size and strength. With the fortunate assistance of two passers by, they were able to eventually apply an Emergency Restraint belt carried in the police car, despite the man struggling violently. The two passers by each received High Sheriff's Awards for their part in the incident.

At a commendation ceremony at Hereford Town Hall on Tuesday, the Chief Constable, Mr Paul West, paid tribute to many Herefordshire police officers, support staff and members of the public who came to their assistance. Officers, support staff and others received a range of awards to mark the excellent, outstanding or courageous service that they have provided.

He said, 'Police officers often have to do dangerous things in the service of the public and have to show a huge range of attributes. These include bravery, compassion, leadership, sensitivity, investigative skills, outstanding professionalism and tenacity. Many officers may just tell you "It's all in a day's work" but I know that when they go home each day, they've done something special.'

Ch. Supt. Mark Turner, Divisional Commander for Herefordshire, echoed these feelings, adding, 'These commendations celebrate the commitment that our staff have in doing their job. Much of what we do is measurable. But tonight allows us to pay tribute to the immeasurable - the contributions of many to justice, to others and to a better quality of life for those around them.'

Councillor Bernard Hunt, Police Authority member and Chair of the County's Policing Board, commented, 'I am struck by the modesty of those who receive these awards, but behind the modesty is courage and bravery. I sometimes wonder if I could have done some of these things but it's so good to know that there are people who will do them.'

Among others who were commended at the ceremony were PC Polly Price and PC Sue Beament (Hereford) were awarded a Divisional Commendation for their swift response to the scene of an armed robbery and for their decisive and brave action in challenging and arresting one of the suspects when he was visibly in possession of a firearm.

At 10pm on Monday 28th January 2008, two males entered a shop in Bellebank Avenue, Hereford. One of them pointed a gun at the pregnant shop assistant, demanding cigarettes, whiskey and money. They then left the store and the police were immediately called. PC Price and PC Beament responded by searching the area for the offenders, whose descriptions had been circulated over the radio. Shortly after, two other officers found the suspects who ran off. The officers called for urgent assistance and gave chase. As PC's Price and Beament arrived, they found their male colleague wrestling with one suspect on the floor, the other had his hands in the surrender position, with the gun still in his hand. PC Price shouted to him to drop the weapon, which he did, allowing them to detain him as well. One offender was later jailed for 7 years at Worcester Crown Court, his accomplice receiving 5 years in a Young Offenders Institution.

Both officers knew the suspects were armed (albeit it was later found to be an unloaded air weapon) but did not hesitate to respond to the call or challenge the armed suspect when they found him. Their two colleagues, who first confronted the offenders, received Chief Constable's Commendations for their actions. Their awards were presented by the Chief Constable.

PC Paul O'Reilly (Leominster) was awarded a Divisional Commendation for his dedication and commitment to Local Policing in Leominster and for service to the local community in reducing antisocial behaviour in the town. In Dec 2006, Leominster Town Centre was suffering from antisocial disorder caused by a number of local youths. PC O'Reilly gathered intelligence on those responsible and, through the use of a Dispersal Order and warning letters with parental involvement, the problem started to ease. He followed this up with Acceptable Behaviour Contracts for a number who continued and brought four persistent offenders to court, where they had ASBO's awarded against them in July 2007 and Feb 2008. Instrumental in introducing an alcohol-free zone in public within parts of the town centre, Paul has help to achieve a large decrease in levels of antisocial behaviour and calls to police in the town. His work is highly regarded by the local community, and he has made a major contribution both to enhancing community safety and increasing satisfaction and confidence in the police.

DC Steve Perkins and DC Sue Prosser (Hereford CID) were awarded a Divisional Commendation for their tenacity and detective ability during the investigation into the criminal activities of a teacher at Wessington Court School In April 2006. Police began an investigation into allegations of sexual and physical abuse of pupils at the aforementioned school by a member of staff, Frank Joynson. The complaints spanned a period of three decades and it was soon realized this would be a large, lengthy and complex investigation. DC Perkins and DC Prosser travelled throughout the UK to meet and build up relationships with the many victims and witnesses in the case. The accounts taken were almost always harrowing, embarrassing and traumatic. Their diligence, professionalism, together with their detective and interpersonal skills enabled them to gather vital evidence that was critical to the outcome of the case. In November 2007, Joynson was found guilty at Hereford Crown Court on 14 counts of sexual abuse including rape, which resulted in a total of 39 years imprisonment, though many were concurrent. This ensured he would spend the next 13 years in prison.

Three further members of the Constabulary staff received Chief Constable's or Divisional Commendations for their part in the investigation.

DS Martyn Barnes (Hereford CID) was awarded a Divisional Commendation for commitment, perseverance and leadership during the investigation into the criminal activities of a teacher at Wessington Court School DS Barnes became involved in the Wessington Court School enquiry in summer 2007. He quickly assimilated the case, ensured the pre-trial stage was correctly managed, handling the support care and production of witnesses at the trial, the latter leading to the co-operation and attendance of all victims at court. He worked tirelessly to meet the victims' needs and counter the arguments created by a professional and dedicated defence team. DS Barnes also held a victims conference at the end of the trial, allowing them to ask questions, understand the whole police investigation and give closure. All members of the investigation team in this case were also commended by the judge at Hereford Crown Court.

Mr Stephen Davies (Crown Prosecution Service) was given a High Sheriff's Award in recognition of his great and valuable services to the community. Stephen Davies is a Senior Crown Prosecutor with the CPS based at Droitwich, with responsibility for cases from Herefordshire, advising and prosecuting on many of the more serious crime investigations.. Over the past four years, the service he has provided to the police in Herefordshire has been exceptional. He makes himself available for advice and support around the clock, dealing with such complex issues as further detention, special measures, extradition and evidential development. His enthusiasm, good advice and early interventions in cases have resulted in best use of resources, presentation of first class evidence and speedy and effective justice. He recently worked on a serious investigation until 10pm on Christmas Eve and all day on Boxing Day in order to resolve issues such as anonymity of witnesses and conspiracy, clearly going beyond what could reasonably be expected of a CPS lawyer. He will take calls from officers at any time and his impact on the quality of investigations in Herefordshire in considerable. Steve's award was presented to him by the High Sheriff for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, Lt. Col. Michael Leigh.

Having visited a few Wetherspoons pubs, I quite like the place in general. The one in Burnham-on-Sea is brilliant and I quite like the one in Hereford. The one in Ross-on-Wye is a different 'kettle of fish' entirely though...

I go to Wetherspoons in Ross virtually every day as it's a cheap way to eat without having to cook - probably cheaper than cooking at home. Working on 'Wyenot News', Tina and I have very little time left for everyday things such as cooking and anyway, I am addicted to the 'Fish and Chip Afternoon Deal'.

On the photographic printed advertisement for the afternoon deal', which is clearly displayed on the (overcrowded with advertising) tables, the 'deal' quite clearly should come with a slice of lemon.

It may sound silly but, I don't actually like fish without lemon. On the other hand, I love it with. However, every single time I go in there, I have to ask exactly the same staff the same question, 'Can I have a slice of lemon please?'. Often after having brought my meal to me, I ask and they then inform me, 'Sorry we haven't got any'. Occasionally they offer lime instead, when I repeatedly tell them that I don't like fish without lemon. That is better than nothing, I guess but surely they must have twigged by now that I am going to ask and let me know they haven't got any at the time of ordering. I would then order something different that I do like without lemon.

I might also add that Tina likes the cottage pie. Most times this is nice but twice, she has had to send it back because it was, not just a little cool but almost that 'straight from the fridge' temperature.

The fish and chip deal also comes with bread and butter, tartare sauce and peas. More times than I care to remember, they have also forgotten to bring the bread and butter and tartare sauce. They even forgot the peas on one occasion but the really amusing one came last Friday...

With my meal, I always have a cup of tea. On Friday, after serving my tea, the lady behind the bar said, 'I'm sorry, we have run out of spoons, so I have given you a straw instead.

Unfortunately, I didn't think at the time to say, 'That's OK - I've got a biro in my pocket'. Instead, I sat down quietly, drank the liquid 'brewed' with not quite boiled water and gave up - resigning myself to writing an article instead.

I guess Wetherspoons is cheap, the food fills a hole and sitting inside allows a short break, where I can mostly forget work for an hour (sometimes I get pestered by work related questions from other customers,) often bumping into friends I like to see who are also trying to forget work.

I wrote this article just before lunch on Tuesday and decided to think after lunch whether or not I would publish. I had my lunch in Wetherspoons and guess what? I had to ask for my slice of lemon, so here you go - one Wetherspoons article.

Iris Price was recently invited to Buckingham Palace as a commendation for her 25 years of community service in Ross. She went to London with her husband, John on Tuesday, 8th July and both enjoyed their time at the Queen's garden party.

Wyenot News were pleased to be invited along with a few friends to the launch of a new CD, 'coming Up?' by our friend Kevin Sale. The launch was held at the Larruperz Centre on Saturday evening and although we could only stay for a short while due to other commitments we enjoyed the event.

All but one of the songs on the album were written, recorded and produced by Kev with some great vocals on some of the tracks by Hannah Bengough. I asked Kev about his CD and he had this to say: 'Coming Up?' I guess it's a kind of loose record of my life since 1980 when everything changed for me with the discovery of sex, drugs and sausage rolls, (although I don't actually like sausage rolls.) This explains why none of my songs are about sausage rolls.

The album tells a story of self-discovery. We are born into this life without so much as a user's manual and told to get on with it. I find this unacceptable. This work is my own user's manual: a way of looking at the world to try and make sense of all the bullshit I have encountered. I don't intend it to be anybody else's user's manual, but; if any of it makes sense to you; if it gets you thinking about how expletive deleted) up everything is and how easy it is to make the world a happier, healthier lace, then my work here is done.

However, if you think you are entirely happy with our government (or any government come to think of it);; think that multinational companies are doing a splendid job: that the war against terror is anything but a smoke screen; that arms dealer is an acceptable profession; are more concerned with acquiring more stuff than the fact that we are going to Hell in a hand basket, then this album may not be for you And that's cool. There is plenty of music out there for you. Try Boyzone or Take That. Mmmmmm, unthreatening AND soporific. You just can't beat that stuff.

Music has been my life since I first heard 'Positively 4th Street' by Bob Dylan at the age of 9. I thought 'Wow, that guy really knows how to rip into someone he doesn't like.@ At that moment I realized what a powerful tool music could be. It also takes me to places I like to be; places where turning on, tuning in and dropping out constitute a good day's work.

Eventually, I want to produce a stage version of the album when I find enough good musicians who want to work for peanuts. And yes, monkeys would be welcome. I'm off to smoke industrial quantities of sausage rolls. Thanks for listening.

If you would like to listen to a track from Kevin Sale's new CD, click here to listen to the title track, 'Coming Up?'. Kevin can be contacted at: sacredrhythm2@googlemail.com.

Six students from the John Kyrle High School and Sixth Form Centre completed their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award expedition over 4 days last week. The expedition crossed Wales from Presteigne to Aberystwyth, covering a required distance of at least 60 miles on foot with the remainder of the journey being undertaken on the Vale of Rheidol railway from Devil's Bridge.

Much of the walk was through the trackless wilderness of the Elan Valley Estate, and the students had to contend with hill fog and persistent rain which presented a serious navigational challenge to which they rose admirably. Assessor Dick Hughes noted that there were several points at which other walkers would have given up because of the hostile weather conditions and he was extremely impressed by the group's achievement.

The expedition was overseen and supervised by Derek Pawling and Nic Howes, teachers at John Kyrle. Derek and Nic believe that this is the School's first ever Gold Award expedition; they are delighted with the students' success and are pleased to be able to offer the exceptional opportunity for students to complete the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards during their secondary education at John Kyrle.

Nic Howes said, 'The benefits of Outdoor Education are absolutely clear when watching these young people rise to the challenges before them. Experiences like Duke of Edinburgh success are life-changing for individuals - they gain skills and confidence that will help them, their communities and the country to build a positive future'.

A special reunion is being planned for Saturday, 19th July to which all members of the Brain family from Ross-on-Wye are invited, along with long time family friends.

Paul and Ali Randell are organizing the event which will take place at the Prince of Wales and they are trying to ensure that everybody in the clan knows that they are welcome to attend. If you are a descendant of the same grandfather as Paul Randell, Colin, Guy and Glyn etc. Brain then the invitation is extended to you and all your children and friends of the family.

A disco has been arranged for the evening and some great live music will be performed by Eclipse.

Once the family have had a chance to catch up with each other, probably from around 10pm, Ali says that everybody at the Prince that evening will be welcome to join them in the function room.

For further information about the reunion, please contact Paul or Ali on 01989 564112.

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

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.

If at all possible, please send your story in as early as you can, rather than wait until the very last minute, so that I can have at least a fighting chance of getting to bed before 3:00 am every Tuesday and Wednesday morning after what has lately become two 18 hour working days on the trot.

Thank you very much for your understanding and help.

Alan

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If you have a local news item or story you can submit it here
or call Alan or Tina on 01989 763217

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