Ross-on-Wye's 6th Country Music festival took place over the weekend, bringing a record amount of visitors to the town. Many camped in the Rowing Club field - some 250 caravans - while many stayed in guest house accommodation in Ross. Shops in town also made sales as a result of the festival. Most of the campers visited Morrisons to stock up on supplies and I called into Lucas Motorcycles this morning to be told that they made several large sales to festival visitors over the weekend.

As I have mentioned every year so far, country music is not really my thing - I tend to play the records backwards so that the wife comes home, the truck gets fixed and the dog is resurrected - but the people who attend the event are just great! Tina and I had a great time covering this year's event for the news and were told by countless people that they had discovered the festival via our 'What's On?' page and coverage of previous year's festivals in 'Wyenot News'.

Below are some photos I took over the weekend and you can see some of the event, including interviews with visitors in this week's WNTV NEWS programme.

Over the year, I have received hundreds of emails from people enquiring about Ross Country Festival and this trend has continued since the event took place. Here are just two of them, received this week.

Hi Alan,

It was great to meet you on Saturday evening at the festival - what a weekend? This was our first visit to the Ross Country Music Festival, and I have to admit if it had not been for the 'WYENOT NEWS' we would probably would never have heard of it.

For us it all started back last year when we were looking for a Country and Western event that took place within 100 miles radius of Swindon where we live. We left home with our caravan and two dogs on Friday lunch time, arriving on site at about 2.30 pm. On arrival we were met by an army of dedicated stewards, including Moonshine Vic, who directed us to our pitch. Later that afternoon we were joined by my sister-in-law Margaret and her husband Dennis.

I would estimate that by late Friday evening there were about 200 plus campers on Site. That evening we settled in our seats for what turned out to be a weekend event that was full of first class entertainment. It was country and western music none stop, however, the one thing that became apparent to me was that we were probably, part of a small minority, who were not dressed for the occasion.

The way people had dressed really gave a spirit to the occasion. There were cowboys, Indians, US and Confederate soldiers, trappers with their furs, ladies dressed in their fine gowns, there was even a parson. So Saturday we also put on our outfits enjoying the music of Dave Sheriff; the Penny Short Band, Terry Maher and the CB disco.

Sunday we saw additional artists including John Mc Cane and the Last of the Breed; Dave Sheriff; Royston Jones and Travis Logan. Travis gave us a taste of what he calls real country, it was great, we brought the CD.

The week end for us was really a success and what country and western music is all about. I understand it is the largest event so far - may it continue to grow.

Thank you to Colin Grey and all the stewards - we will be back to Ross CMF next year.

Jim Richardson
Swindon Wiltshire

Sir,

The country festival at Ross this year was great It is the first time that my husband and I have been and thought it was great. The venue was just right and the artists, especially Travis Logan were really good.

All the helpers were so friendly and helpful which made the whole week end a joy to visit, and I am sure we will both be back next year.

Yours,
Sheila and Geoff Caspell
aka Delta Rose and Waggoner.

If you are looking for something to do this summer, there are several events taking place in Ross over the next few weeks, the first of which is the Jamstand 2008 concert that will take place on the Bandstand on Saturday 26th July. Twelve hours of virtually non stop entertainment will begin at 12 noon. As well as great live music there should be lots of stalls, a bouncy castle, a chill out tent and barbecue and lots more.

The Old Court Hotel at Symonds Yat West are holding a Summer Garden Party on sunday, 27th July between 1pm and 8:30pm. Proprietors Jonno and Victoiria have been holding an annual garden party since their arrival three years ago and the event is becoming very popular. There will be lots of live music, great food and a raffle and if it does happen to rain, things will simply be moved indoors. All of the proceeds from this event will be donated to local schools. Please see the 'What's On?' page of Wyenot News for details of artistes.

Carnival Day, Saturday, 2nd August is fast approaching now and always promises to be a great day out for the whole family. The programmes our out and you can get your free copy from Ross Heritage Centre and the Tourist Information Centre. There are a few pre carnival day fundraisers going on throughout the week leading up to the day itself, including the popular 'Odd Object' competition. We hear that many shops have agreed to take part this year, so grab an entry form from Ross Heritage Centre, the Tourist Information Centre or Ross Library and see how good your detective skills are? Please see the 'What's On?' page of Wyenot News for further details of events.

If you still have some energy left once the carnival festivities are over, why not go along to Broome Farm at Peterstow? The doors open at 6pm and some great live music is lined up for visitors, with 'Kentucky Fried' headlining. On Sunday 3rd there will be another of the popular Farmers and Craft markets in the barn. Live music will be performed throughout this free event and as well as great cider and perry, there will be some delicious food available on both days, courtesy of John and Hilary Draper of Broome Farm B&B and restaurant.

On Friday, 22nd August at the Prince of Wales, 'The Waxing of Mischa Kopec' is planned. (Further details to follow!) and for Bank Holiday Monday, Colin Davies of Border Counties Vintage Club has organized the club's annual road run, which will begin and end at the Yew Tree Inn, Peterstow. Fifty per cent of the proceeds from this event will go to the Ross-on-Wye branch of Macmillan Cancer Support. Further details of the route and attractions at the Yew Tree can be found in this week's issue of Wyenot News.

On the last weekend in August is Broome Farm's annual Cider Festival. You would be well advised to book if you want to go along to this event as on the Saturday evening at last year's event the organizers had to close the doors at 9pm. A whole weekend of brilliant entertainment has been organized and we shall definitely be attending. Details of what's on, prices of weekend tickets etc. can be found on the What's On?' page of Wyenot News.

'Nothing going on in Ross?' I don't think so!! Have a great summer.

Extra conditions have been imposed upon the 'Horse & Jockey' public house in New Street after a town resident called for the premise licence to be reviewed. Mrs Janet Roberts, a resident of New Street, Ross, requested that the pub's licence be rescinded because of noise nuisance coming from within the premises and for people smoking outside the front and rear of the premise.

The council have gone with the minority as three letters were received from local residents supporting the review of the premise licence whilst five letters were received from local residents against the review.

The current licence allows for the performance of live music, playing of recorded music, dancing and sale of alcohol between 11am and 11pm (Monday to Wednesday), 11am to midnight (Thursday to Saturday) and noon to 10.30pm on Sunday.

Herefordshire Council's regulatory subcommittee met on Friday, 4th July to consider the review and it was decided to impose extra conditions on the licence. These are:

A condition is hereby imposed that a notice shall be displayed reading 'Customers must not smoke on the street outside these premises. Any person failing to observe this condition will be refused further service at the bar upon re-entry'. This notice, measuring not less than A4 size shall be prominently displayed on both the entrance door to the premises and also on the ground floor, street facing windows in such a manner that it is clearly visible to customers. Enforcement by the DPS of this policy shall be a condition of this licence.

There shall be no use of televisions or amplified music in any external area of the premises after 2100.

Members added a recommendation to the licence in respect of a suitable liaison group between the parties involved with mediation offered by council officers when reasonable and would encourage the parties to avail themselves to this suggestion.

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