This programme has been removed to conserve space on the web server but can still be obtained from WNTV NEWS on DVD.

Whilst in the pub the other day I overheard that 'the council were not going to allow the public to view the discovery of possible Roman remains in the Prospect Gardens and that they were going to fill in the dig'. I would like to reassure those who are interested in seeing the site for themselves that this is absolutely not true.

Wyenot News went along to the Prospect on Monday to see how the mammoth task of erecting of a public viewing platform, specifically for public viewing was progressing, and we were not only informed that the platform is near to completion but were also permitted, 'at your own risk' to walk along the ramp and film the progress so far.

The discovery is protected by plastic sheeting at the moment, but is due to be uncovered later this week for a television press call. I will be there on behalf of WNTV and the site will be open to public viewing in the near future.

You can see more of our visit in this week's WNTV NEWS programme.

It may be exam season, but at John Kyrle High School, Ross-on-Wye, it was the students asking the questions when Liberal Democrat party leader Nick Clegg MP paid a visit on Thursday 12th June.

Parliamentary candidate Sarah Carr, Paul Keetch MP and Nick Clegg MP joined Sixth Formers for a question and answer session. Issues such as fuel pricing and the protection of rural communities took centre-stage as the students took their chance to put their concerns to the Liberal Democrat Party Leader.

Nick Clegg, Sarah Carr and Paul Keetch then met teaching staff, governors and head teachers of partner primary schools who spoke of their hopes and concerns for the future of education in the county following Herefordshire Council's recent disastrous Schools Review.

Nick, Sarah and Paul meet members of the business community at a packed meeting in Hereford later in the afternoon.

Speaking later, Sarah Carr said, 'I was delighted to welcome the Liberal Democrat party leader to Hereford, Ross and South Herefordshire and hear his public support for my campaign to succeed Paul Keetch as Member of Parliament. During the day I was very interested to hear that the concerns aired by the students were mirrored by what the business owners and operators told us. Everyone is feeling the effects of high fuel prices, tax hikes, closing Post Offices and local services constantly under threat. These are things

that matter, that hit rural counties like ours harder than government ministers realize. I will continue to campaign on these issues that effect people's everyday lives.'

Meeting with local Liberal Democrat party supporters later, Nick spoke about the impression he had taken from the day: 'It was a real pleasure to visit Herefordshire and spend time with students, businesses and people around the county. I was so impressed by the pride that everyone I met has in this beautiful part of the country. Herefordshire is a real treasure, and that's recognized across the county. I know it's what has made Paul Keetch such an effective campaigner and strong MP. It's also what motivates Sarah to stand up for this area, and give a voice to local people and their concerns. That's why Sarah works so hard for local families, and it's what will make her a great MP.'

Continued . . .

Having been invited to John Kyrle High School, I accompanied Lib Dem Leader, Nick Clegg MP, Paul Keetch MP and candidate, Sarah Carr during their visit on behalf of Wyenot News, arriving at the school at exactly the same time as they did.

I was introduced by Paul Keetch and Sarah Carr outside the school's reception area and at this time, the news that David Davies MP had resigned in order to force a by-election in his North Yorkshire constituency over civil liberties was just breaking and was about to break on the BBC. Mr. Clegg's mobile phone was making it obvious at this point that his tight schedule needed to become even tighter.

I accompanied the party hurriedly to the room in which the student's 'Question Time' had been arranged and then thought, Oh Dear!' or words to that effect, 'I have left the video camera in the boot of my car'.

Although half a dozen questions had been prepared for Mr. Clegg, only three of the students had time to ask the party leader his views. Matthew Frost asked Mr Clegg's views on education policy and funding, Rachel Mason asked about fuel pricing and tax and Pete Brewer about food security and British farming.

It was part way through Mr. Clegg's answer to Rachel's question that I remembered the tiny reserve video camera I keep on me all the time, 'just in case'. I managed to get it switched on and filmed from that point onwards and this short film can be seen in this week's WNTV programme.

Continued . . .

A John Kyrle Student's Point of View
by Amy Doughty

Having so far been more politically opinionated than active, I was excited, as was everyone involved, when we were given the opportunity to personally question Nick Clegg on issues we felt were important. Before he arrived I was already impressed with the fact that he was coming, even though we were warned of a twenty minute time limit. I was equally impressed with the confident way in which he addressed the questions asked. However, my scepticism regarding politicians, due to their lack of interest in our views until we’re months away from eligibility to vote, was strengthened when it became apparent that, even for twenty minutes, we could not capture his full attention.

This was initially demonstrated when his phone rang two minutes into our time with him. Thankfully he did not answer it, but he obviously did not turn it off either as it rang again five minutes later. At this point he did turn it off, but after twelve minutes in our company, and with only three of our many prepared questions asked, we were told he had to rush off immediately as he had other appointments planned.

For a major politician, it was understandable that his schedule was tight, but when he emerged in the corridor outside our common room, where the session had taken place, he proceeded to spend ten supposedly unaffordable minutes answering press questions. When I asked him if these interviews had been planned, his response was that he 'had no idea as he did not manage his own time'.

I found this quite unsatisfactory as an excuse, and was left with the feeling that his visit was little more than a token gesture to try and gain our votes, and he himself blatantly demonstrated where he places his potential voters and the press in order of importance.

A while ago, I signed up to the Social Networking website, Facebook, to keep in touch with my family and friends spread around the globe. When filling in the stuff for my profile, to the question on 'Religious Views' I answered: 'Dyslexic Agnostic - I think there is a Dog but I need proof'. I thought, 'I'm bound to be the only idiot who would answer like that.

Earlier this week, I was scanning through the website to take my mind away from work stuff and I thought I would search and see how many other Alan Woods there are with facebook accounts. There were something like 500 other Alan Woods out there and I found a facebook group specifically for Alan Woods. Of course I joined the other two members sharing my name and several more who do not but must be related to an Alan Wood.

I made friends with the Alan Wood who had started the group. He lives in Edinburgh and until added him as a friend, I did not know he existed. When he agreed and we could see one anothers profiles for the first time, neither of us could believe it. He too had entered his 'Religious Views' as 'Dyslexic Agnostic'

Spooky! I wonder if he also reads cosmology and the Beano, and wears odd socks and shorts with a woolly hat?

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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