The switching on of Ross Christmas lights was a little bit different this year. Local children had been invited by Ross Town Council to write a letter explaining why they should be chosen to switch on the lights. There were apparently lots of entries and whilst the singers from St. Mary's beautifully sang some carols to the waiting crowds, the final twelve children each waited nervously to find out if they were the one to perform this important task.

Ross Town Mayor, Councillor John Davies happily chatted to the finalists, giving each of them a present, before he announced young Daniel Williams as the winner. The young man looked so proud of himself as he stood with the Mayor and Councillor Phil Cutter, ready to perform the lighting ceremony. A big cheer went up from the crowds as the Market House lit up.

Ross Town Council are improving this event each year and its is great to involve the town's children in this way and we would like to thank them for their efforts. We would also like to thank Marie, who always supports events like this by bringing her burger van along. Thanks for the welcome hot drinks Marie. They certainly warmed us up. If you are holding an event and are looking for a caterer, why not contact Jamie on 07790772275 or Marie on 07817687106?

Thanks must also go to Jay Hill of the Prince of Wales for providing the pa and festive music and to the man who brought the childrens ride along too.

As most of you will know, Santa visits Ross-on-Wye every year to give every child in the town who goes to see him a little present. This year that day will be Saturday 20th December. Now, it costs Santa an awful lot of money to get these thousands of presents together and, in this current economic climate, (yes, Santa is feeling the sting too), he would be grateful for a little help so as not to disappoint the children.

It's not just the children though. When Santa leaves the Market Place, he goes up to Ross Community Hospital to visit those who will be in hospital over the festive season

On Sunday, 7th December, Santa and one or two of his helpers will be at Morrison's store from 10am with the hope of collecting a few donations towards this cost. He will also be at The Maltings shopping precinct on Saturday, 13th December.

If you happen to see him, please spare a thought for the work he is doing and who he is doing it for...

Thank you.

Herefordshire Council is proud to announce that it has some of the most outstanding schools in the country according to government regulatory body, Ofsted.

Ofsted has published a list of outstanding providers who were inspected between August 2007 and August 2008. The list includes schools, colleges, childminders, day-care providers, pupil referral units and providers of work based learning and adult education.

In Herefordshire, Barrs Court Special School, the John Kyrle High School and Sixth Form Centre, Bredenbury Primary School, Kingsland C of E Primary School and Wigmore High School were all judged to be outstanding and will receive logos and certificates from Ofsted over the next few weeks.

Ofsted inspectors look at 27 separate categories when they visit a school which includes leadership and management, pupil performance and standards of teaching. They also look at a pupil's welfare and invite parents to comment on the school's performance. The list of outstanding providers includes one of the county's childminders and Hereford Sixth Form College.

Councillor Philip Price, cabinet member for ICT, education and performance, said, 'We are very proud of all our schools. The staff, pupils and parents have worked hard to embrace lots of new initiatives as well as achieving good results and enjoying excellent standards of education. We know there are other Herefordshire schools who have also been judged to be outstanding but were inspected outside this report's time scale They include Fairfield, Bishops and St Mary's RC High Schools, St David's PRU and Stoke Prior primary school.

It's very important that we provide our youngsters with the best possible start in life and make sure they are well prepared for the future. Congratulations to all our schools who have achieved this outstanding judgement from Ofsted.'

Police in Herefordshire have confirmed that the body of a woman found in the Avon & Somerset area is that of missing 75-year old Marion Warwick.

Mrs Warwick went missing from Ross-on-Wye in the early hours of 7th November 2008.

On 24th November, Avon & Somerset notified West Mercia Police that Marion's body had been found at Watchet, near Minehead.

Mrs Warwick has been formally identified and a post-mortem examination carried out. The Coroner for West Somerset has today opened and adjourned an inquest into her death. It has been agreed that the case will be returned to the Hereford Coroner who will conduct a full inquest at a later date.

Police have confirmed that they are not looking for any one else in connection with this matter.

We are running this news item as there has been a lot of local concern for missing Marion but Mrs. Warwick's family have requested no further contact from the media.

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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Alan

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