AN idea to celebrate one of Ross-on-Wye’s emblems - the hedgehog - developed into themed family fun event.

St Mary’s Church and Churchyard was the setting for a day of hedgehog activities last Saturday, a fayre, which was organised by the church’s fundraising group and brought together church and town, people and hedgehogs – and a peregrine falcon which oversaw proceedings.

Bird of prey
BIRD OF PREY: A peregrine falcon oversaw the hedgehog Fayre at St Mary’s Church. PICTURE: Paul Clarke, Ross U3a photography group 2. (Paul Clarke)

With lots of information about Ross’s emblem, the hedgehog, now sadly endangered, Andrew De La Haye, of Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, Celyn Davies, from Wye Valley National Landscapes and Helen Saunders of Ross Hedgehog Care and Advice, spent the day talking to many about how to help hedgehogs thrive in our town and surrounding countryside.

Hedgehog
ENDANGERED: Lucinda James from the Wye Valley National Landscape (formerly, the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) promoting the launch of the hedgehog first responder unit. (Tindle)

Town clerk, Carla Boyles, was on hand to explain about the Market House hedgehog project and some of the children visiting were able to contribute to one of the art boards to go on hoarding currently around the Market House.

Croquet
NOT ALICE: Using balls instead of hedgehogs, as depicted in Lewis Carroll’s book, are Sebastian, 5, and Orla Tumelty, 7, in a game of croquet. (Tindle)

Hedgehog games, including a hedgehog hunt around the churchyard and croquet and using balls, and not hedgehogs as depicted in Alice in Wonderland, kept both old and young entertained.

Regular users of St Mary’s Hall demonstrated their activities. A battle of cowboys and Indians in miniature took place in the church while the Cadence Choir and Penyard Singers sang, watched by beautifully dressed Welsh women and members of the WI.

Chior
SINGING: The Cadence Choir perform in the church. (Tindle)

The Motley Hog Brewery provided the bar and hot food, while Mrs Tiggy Winkle (Fiona Barnaby) ran her tea shop.

Clay model
MODEL: Niamh McNally with her clay model of a hedgehog. (Tindle)

Rachel Lewis, one of the organisers, said: “The success of the day has been beyond anything I imagined with so many coming together for such a relaxed and enjoyable time.”

Group
HANDPRINTS: Hannah Bruce-Kingsmill get creative with Rebecca Bills, Lena Josef and Albie and Arlia Tandy. (Tindle)

Over 30 vouchers had been donated by local shops for the grand draw including a first prize of £50 and various other prizes were donated for some of the games. The church is indebted to all these businesses.

Other attractions included facepainting, artwork activities and a puppet show. Visitors also had the chance to meet the author Charlotte Taylor and see some traditional crafts in action including the Bridstow Spinners, who span wool and wicker weaving provide by Clyde Hoare of Wobage Farm Craft Workshop.

Group
HUNT: Tyrone, Kim and Ellie Parker organise the hedgehog hunt stall. (Tindle)

St Mary’s Church is grateful to all who helped in any way and all those who came and supported the fayre.