383 runners do the Pensford 10k

Mums on the Run, from Bishop Sutton, having completed the Pensford 10k race
Much to the relief of those running this year's Pensford 10K the temperature on April 22 was down on that seen at times during the previous few weeks - unfortunately Peppershells remained as challenging as ever for the record field of nearly 400 runners setting off from outside the Memorial Hall.

This year's 10K was particularly special as the event was celebrating its twentieth anniversary. T-shirts were available to mark the occasion and every runner completing the course received a commemorative medal. According to the Race Director, what makes this event special is that it combines the passion not only of club runners but local joggers who for various reasons have been cajoled to enter by friends and family or have taken up the gauntlet after a night of excess in a local hostelry.

It is a wonderfully inspiring sight to see runners aged from 15 to 70+ setting off over what the organisers euphemistically describe as an 'undulating' course, carried along by the enthusiastic support of marshalls and onlookers ... and a great feeling of achievement for them when they cross that finishing line.

Music from the Bristol Samba Band inspired the runners to produce that extra ounce of effort at the end. The Fun Run was again well supported with all ages haring round the 4k course. The speed with which some youngsters reached the finish bodes well for 10k participation in years to come.

for the full results see www.pensford10k.com

Anne Collier

Wanted: more wool

Judith Tranter with wool blanket squares
At the end of last year I appealed through the pages of the Gazette for any double knitting wool which people had surplus to requirements to keep the ladies of Blagdon WI busily knitting blanket squares through the winter months. Not only did I get some offers of wool, for which I was very grateful, but I also got requests by others that they be allowed to start knitting as well or join in with it by sewing the squares together, which offer I was extremely grateful for too.

Our area of operation has spread now even into Bristol with a doctors' surgery becoming involved; the only problem now is, of course, that we have run out of wool again! So once more I appeal to your readers that if they have any knitting wool of any sort which they no longer need or can use please contact me on (01761) 462276 and I will collect it,

Judith Tranter

Emily Smith to headline at Priddy Folk Festival

Scottish singer Emily Smith
Priddy Folk Festival (July 7 and 8) headline acts for the concerts include Emily Smith Band, the oddball poet Les Barker, local favourites Dragonsfly, Chris Wood, Bob Fox, Hilary Spencer, Lisa Knapp, Isambarde and, back by popular demand, Kerfuffle. If you like your dancing they're pleased to welcome Allan Yn Y Fan, renowned as one of Wales' finest Twmpath bands, for our Friday night ceilidh, with Rapscallion on Saturday evening followed by Flash Harry at the 'late nite bop'.

You won't be disappointed, but please book early as they sold out last year. Acts this year also include: Roger Wilson, Brian Peters & Gordon Tyrrall, Queensberry Rules, Ben Murrey & Rosie Doonan, James Chadwick, Wistmans' Wood and Issy & David Emeney. Also performing will be Ian Hunt, Zoox, Huw Chidgey & Catherine Handley, Ron Taylor & Jeff Gillett, Marula, The Shrinks, Nuala & the Alchemy Quartet, Compost Heap, and Strange Folk

The Priddy Folk Festival started some 15 years ago as a way to raise funds to provide music lessons for the children at Priddy Primary School. Since those early days the Festival has grown in popularity and reputation and is now an established event in the Folk festival calendar. The Festival is run by a committe of volunteers and raises funds to support local good causes in and around Priddy, with the money managed by the Priddy community charity.

See www.priddyfolk.org for details or ring (01749) 674080 for informatioan and tickets.

Music festival for Chew Magna in June
A fabulous day out in Chew Magna on Saturday June 9 is on offer with a day of live music with all proceeds being split between the British Heart Foundation, CLIC and the Multiple Sclerosis Trust. This is a completely non profit event and the inspiration for this comes from Luke Hasell who has committed himself to raising over £4000.00 by running the London and New York Marathons for charity.

Luke sats: "We have lots in store for the big day including bands such as Bad Science, The Rags, The New Breeds, Cry Baby and many, many more. A lot of these are Bristol based and some have offered to come from further a field to help support these fantastic charities. We also have lined up an African Drumming Band, Brazilian Beats and DJs from around the country. We will have a fully stocked licensed bar, a wide selection of food stalls and plenty to see and enjoy throughout the day."

Gates will open at 2pm and close at 2am and all ages are welcome. The cost of a ticket is £20 and children aged 15 and under go free if accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets are selling fast so if you are interest please contact either Rob: 0792 052 0047 or Mel: 0797 086 9473.

Please note that tickets cannot be bought on the day. Luke adds: "As you can imagine there are lots of people needed to organise such an event and if there is anyone who is willing to help out as a streward on the day please contact Luke: 0785 549 2108. Look forward to seeing you there!"

Luke is also planning to run the London and New York Marathons on April 22 and November 5 respectively, in memory of his father Martin Hasell, of Herons Green Farm, Chew Stoke.Luke says: "I decided to run both following last year Bristol¹s Half Marathon which I completed quite comfortably, although 26.2 miles does seem a little crazy. Once I found out that the New York marathon was actually on the anniversary of my father's death in 2003, I confirmed my place and the challenge was set. Having done weeks of training I feel prepared for the mental challenge but not sure my legs feel the same? I did 23 in miles in training a few days ago and don't feel too knackered, so hopefully I'll be ok. I am raising money for British Heart Foundation, for which I am organising several charity events, one of which is the yearly and much awaited golf competition. If you would like to sponsor me then the following link below allows you to do that over the internet. http://www.bhf.org.uk/sponsor/lukehasell"

If you or your company would like to sponsor one of the events then please contact me on 07855492108 and I can send you more details of each."

Airport MD quits
Bristol International Airport has announced that Managing Director Andrew Skipp has decided to leave the company. Andrew joined the airport in 1989, was appointed to the Board as Financial Director in 1992 and became Managing Director in 2002. On behalf of the Board,

Bristol International Chairman Simon Geere said: "We would like to thank Andrew for the commitment he has given the Airport over the last 18 years. He has played a significant role in Bristol International's development and growth to become one of the country's leading regional airports. We wish him well for the future.

Andrew Skipp said: "I obviously have mixed emotions at the moment. I am incredibly proud of the huge progress made at Bristol International in the last 18 years. The airport is flourishing, and is now integral to the success of our region. I have been considering this decision for some time with a view to embarking on new and different challenges and, as the airport prepares to enter the next exciting phase of its development, it is the right time for someone new to take the helm."

Andrew has agreed to remain in post until his successor is appointed to ensure a smooth transition. Aged 47, Andrew is qualified accountant who is married with two sons and has lived in the South West for over 36 years. He joined Bristol International in 1989 as Financial Director, was promoted to Deputy Managing Director in 1998 and Managing Director in 2002.

When Andrew took over as Managing Director the airport was handling 2.5m passengers per annum serving 50 destinations. Today it is handling in excess of 6m passengers per annum. Andrew played a major role in the airport's infrastructure developments including the new terminal building, re-routing of the A38 and the recently published Masterplan. He has been involved in two sales of the airport company together with the recent £500m re-financing of the business.

The Vikings are coming to Hallatrow
The Kubb South West Fun Day takes place on Saturday May 12 at the Old Station Inn, Hallatrow. Enterprising games players will bring a flavour of Viking times to Hallatrow in May at the Kubb South West Fun Day. The organisers are looking for players keen to learn Kubb, a.k.a. Viking Skittles.

Entry is free and beginners are welcome. Kubb is a mix of Skittles, Croquet and Dodgeball. It is easy to learn and beginners will be competing alongside more experienced players at the tournament. There will be practice areas with Kubb sets to use and organisers on hand to explain the rules.

The ages of people currently registered to play ranges from 10 to 67, in teams of between two and six. It is an extremely competitive game which challenges your skills of strategy and dexterity, providing people of all ages with hours of fun. Essentially Kubb is a garden game played between 2 teams of up to 6 players. The object is to knock over wooden blocks by throwing wooden batons, before toppling the King. Knocking over the King before all the wooden blocks, however, results in immediate defeat.

Thus there is a surprising level of strategy, causing many to refer to it as 'Viking Chess' while those more appreciative of its needs for physical skills nickname it 'Viking Skittles'. Kubb is gradually becoming popular in the UK - the organisers of the Kubb South West Fun Day hope to put regular players in touch with each other, popularise the game in the region and create a team able to travel to Sweden to take on the world in August 2008. To register a team for the tournament, contact Neil Wilson on 01761 452697 or email neil@KubbUK.org - teams doing so before the event will be entered in a 'Win a Kubb set' raffle.

Ffi about Kubb, visit www.KubbUK.org.