Dear Editor,

This photo from the Ross Gazette a few weeks ago brings back happy memories.

A few years before this photo, I challenged Peter Brookes to a running race from Cobrey Park to the Weston Cross Inn. The run then became an annual event for a few years, taking place between Christmas and the New Year.

I had won the race each year and so in 1988 a plan was hatched to beat me, with Bill Wilde bringing his son, Jamie and Tony Shaftain bringing Pete Fletcher. Tony recalls:?“Pete worked for me for a number of years and was my secret weapon on the day as he was a really good athlete and ran from the hips.

“Unfortunately when we arrived at the start, the race had already begun – we thought it was for 9.00am, it actually started at 8.45am – was that a stitch-up by John Chinn? Pete did his best to catch up and finished second, not quite making up the 15 minute lead that he had given John.”

As part of the fun, we organised a raffle for the Great Ormond Street Wishing Well Appeal because Tim (son of the late Dr. Brian Smith) and Claire’s baby, Charlie, had just been looked after there.

I recognise all but one of the people in the photo, from left to right: Bob Marshall, John Chinn, Edward Chinn, Pete Fletcher, Christopher Chinn, not recognised, Tony Shaftain, Ollie Marshall, Bill Wilde, Brian Edwards, Huw Bellamy, Philip Jenkins, Roger Bellamy, Nick Marshall, Jamie Wilde and Henry Chinn.

I hope that this may be of interest to some of your readers.

John Chinn

Ross-on-Wye