Rock the Night Away with Fern and the Gang

Poster for Fern and the Gang live at Walford Village Hall on 10 October 2025, promoting a rock and blues covers band fundraiser event.

Get ready for a night of great live music, community spirit, and plenty of fun — because Fern and the Gang are bringing their dynamic blend of rock and blues covers to Walford Village Hall on Friday 10th October 2025 at 7:30 PM.

This talented band, hailing from the Forest of Dean, are known for their high-energy performances, toe-tapping rhythms, and soulful renditions of classic favourites. Whether you’re a lifelong blues lover, a rock enthusiast, or just looking for an evening of fantastic live entertainment, Fern and the Gang will have you singing, dancing, and smiling all night long.

What makes this gig even more special is its community focus. Tickets are just £10 each and available on the door — making it an affordable night out for everyone. Guests are encouraged to bring their own food and drink, so you can enjoy your favourite snacks and a bottle of wine (or two!) while soaking up the music in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Even better, the event is raising funds for Howle Hill Memorial Garden, a cherished local cause that creates a peaceful space for reflection and remembrance. By coming along, you won’t just be treating yourself to a fantastic evening — you’ll also be supporting something truly meaningful in the community.

So gather your friends, and join Fern and the Gang for an unforgettable night at Walford Village Hall. Live music, good company, and a great cause.

Don’t miss it — Friday 10th October, 7:30 PM. See you there!

New French Evening Groups at Walford Village Hall

We’re delighted to welcome French language evening groups to Walford Village Hall, starting Tuesday 16th September 2025.

These friendly sessions are led by a native French speaker and are a great opportunity to practise, improve, and enjoy learning French in a relaxed setting.

Class times:

  • Intermediate Group: 6:00 – 7:30 PM
  • Advanced Group: 7:30 – 9:00 PM

Depending on interest, there may also be a Beginner Group offered – so if you’ve always wanted to start learning French, now could be your chance!

Find out more

For details about the sessions, resources, or tuition fees, and to register your interest, please contact:
📧 virginiehartley@googlemail.com
📞 01600 712850

Walford Village Hall secures £20,000 of National Lottery funding

Trustees of Walford Village Hall, Robert Pashley Memorial Hall, Ross-on-Wye, holding cheque for receiving National Lottery funding for roof repairs

The Walford Village Hall Committee is celebrating after being awarded £20,000 of National Lottery funding for urgent roof repairs. The grant, from The National Lottery Community Fund, will allow the hall to replace its ageing flat roofs, ensuring the building remains safe, welcoming, and fit for purpose for years to come.

Walford Village Hall, officially named the Robert Pashley Memorial Hall, has been at the heart of community life in Walford, near Ross-on-Wye, since its opening in 1969. Over the decades it has continued to evolve, with extensions in the 1990s, the addition of a children’s play area in 2017, and recent refurbishments including new toilets and redecorated spaces.

Today the hall provides a fully equipped main hall and meeting room, internet access, kitchen facilities and parking, making it a flexible and much-loved venue for a wide range of events. From parish council meetings and exercise classes to summer and Christmas fairs and tea mornings, it plays a vital role as a hub where residents come together to celebrate, learn and connect.

Anthony Jones, Trustee, said:
“We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our need to future-proof the hall. Thanks to National Lottery players, we can now press ahead with essential roof repairs, safeguarding this space for future generations of our community.”

Tim Pople, Chair of the Committee, added:
“Walford Village Hall has been at the heart of our community for more than 50 years, and this funding means we can keep it that way. The hall is where friendships are made, skills are shared and memories are created. Thanks to National Lottery players, we can ensure that our hall continues to be a safe and welcoming space for everyone, from the youngest children to our oldest residents.”

National Lottery players raise over £30 million each week for good causes across the UK. Last year alone, The National Lottery Community Fund awarded over £686 million to more than 13,700 projects, helping communities like Walford to thrive.

To find out more, visit: www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk

Photo: Ross Gazette