I WAS delighted to read in the Postbag dated July 10 that

G O Williams from Govilon had an enjoyable day out at the

junior cross country championships at Llandogo.

I have always thought the secret of a balanced letter is to

have the true facts at ones fingertips. These

championships are aimed at the small community schools

only and it was a purposeful decision made by the larger

local schools, including Llanfoist, not to take part, as it

was felt that they together would dominate the games.

Llanfoist has been one of the only primary schools to take

part in all sporting events at King Henry and is actively

involved in cricket and rugby competitions.

His letter coincided with the Chronicle's report on the

annual King Henry VIII School sports day, an event in

which all students look forward to enjoying a day of

activity. I was impressed with the number of "old Llanfoist

Junior School" pupils who featured well in the list of

winners and indeed specific congratulations to Amy

Bradley who broke three school records - need I say an ex

Llanfoist pupil.

Earlier last week I attended the commemorative time

capsule burying function at the new Llanfoist school site.

This new school opening in September 08 is an

outstanding building in the heart of the village and the

community and able to provide all the facilities required

to teach the national curriculum in the 21st Century. From

an elevated position, it enjoys commanding views to the

rear across open countryside. Sport and recreational

activities are first class, both indoor and outdoor which

will include a running track.

If G O Williams decides to make visits to the junior school

sporting championships an annual outing may I suggest

that he gets used to chanting "Llanfoist Llanfoist" as the

school wins over and over again. One only hopes that we

do not hear grumbles about the unfair competition that

track facilities gives to new community built schools.

Rob Barnes

Gypsy Lane

Llanfoist