Getting up in the small hours of a freezing cold morning to stand around an old stone may not sound like fun for many people.
But that is what I and a few dozen other Rugbeians were doing on Saturday to take part in the annual Wroth Silver ceremony (click here to see the story).
It is infact one of the olest surviving ceremonies in Britain - and that is why we all brave the cold.
For Hillmorton's David Eadon, it was his 70th consecutive year.
It is people like David who should be recognised nationally for keeping ancient traditions alive and well in this country.
Personally, I am addicted to discovering strange curiosities and Wroth Silver is certainly that. 
After going a few years ago, I found it just as exciting the second time around.
The Rugby Advertiser has sent a reporter along for many years and we will continue to do so to make sure Rugby keeps up its position as a national centre of historical importance.
And the cooked breakfast and hot rum and milk is just a bonus...!
On behalf of Rugby - Well done David and keep up the good work!


  

The award for the most patronising advertisement (and it was a close call) goes to Rugby Borough Council and Rugby First's effort on Rugby FM.
It involves a pantomime goodie-style speaker telling everyone that there will be good and bad news this summer.
Of course he is talking about the Rugby Western Relief Road, which has finally arrived.
As it has taken so long to arrive (contrary to many people's belief, that was not the council's fault), we are all well aware it is coming and disruption is on the way.
I appreciate the gesture of letting us all know about the specific hold-ups - what irritates me as I sit in the jams is the patronising way to is told to us.
"There will be good news (cheers) and bad news (booos)"
Then people shout out the benefits of the relief road - and Buttons and Widow Twanky all agree that actually there is no bad news after all...! This, I am sad to say, is not the first time this formula has been used on local radio.
Thanks for the message but remember we are adults - not being treated like kids is a better way of communicating with the dirty unwashed.

One of the most touching stories we have printed for some time has been the inspirational tale of Phil Baker.
Many would use the word 'tragic' because the 15-year-old passed away last Friday after a long battle against a brain tumour.
But as his father, Mark, said to us, he has left a legacy behind him that will inspire people. Tragic doesn't seem appropriate somehow.
As many will remember, the Ashlawn School pupil arranged his own funeral and kept up a happy smile despite being told that his brain tumour could not be cured.
In an amazing twist, he even brought forward his own wake and turned up at it to say thanks to all the people who supported him.
It may have surprised the guests, but as Phil said, it was a 'party' about him so he wanted to be there himself!
His story led to many readers contacting us and the family to pay tribute to him. Sadly, this week we had to report that he lost his battle - a battle he fought with determination but also with a smile and laugh.
It takes someone so young and brave to put all out problems into prospective.

To see Phil's obituary, click here

To see the previous story on Phil, click here

Last week officials said that closure notices for Bishop Wulstan Catholic School will begin despite months of campaigning.
That is why tomorrow's (Thursday, March 15) Advertiser will run a front page piece on why we think the school should stay open.
We have attached contact details for people to email or ring to voice their views to the top before it is too late.

Throughout the protests, readers have been inundating the paper with letters, emails and texts about the proposed closure. As we have been the only media that has been present at every meeting (most of you have propably met our reporter STuart Turner as he is the only ever-present journalist at the meetings), we want you to carry on giving your views on our blog site.

Simply click on the comment option and blog away.

Phil Hibble
News Editor
Rugby Advertiser
(01788) 539968

On the front of the Rugby Advertiser on Thursday, March 1, the Hospital of St. Cross in Rugby said it will only be using it's brand new MRI scanner one day a week.
The £1million scanner was unveiled last summer by celebrity Martin Kemp.
We want to know what you think about this.

Comments we have receieved so far include angry ones from doctors but also reassurance from the hospital, who said it will not have an adverse effect. 

Let us know what you think by responding to this blog



Phil Hibble (News Editor)