VISITORS to the popular annual Bridestowe Ram Roast may have to content their taste buds with fond memories of past flavours — unless the organisers can rustle up a ram in double quick time.

The event, on Saturday August 4, is to raise money for a new village hall. To help out with a good cause, local farmer David Heard normally donates a ram. But, sadly, this year, because of foot and mouth, he has no ram to give.

Ram roast committee chairman Janet Wilkins is hopeful someone can save the day by giving them a ram.

The hall will cost in excess of £300,000 and the ram roast, held on the village sporting green, helps swell the coffers by about £1,000.

'This year we didn't know if we would be able to have the ram roast because of foot and mouth. But once we knew it was okay we felt it was important to hold the event so people can come together and have a chat. The ram roast afternoon is very much a community thing. '

The committee already has the spit and a couple of cooks willing to start roasting at 8am so that succulent 'Briddy Baps' can be served up from 2pm.

All they need now is someone to help out with a free ram to make the event a mouth-watering success. If you can help please contact Janet on (01837) 861669.

l Tomorrow (Friday) there is an Auction of Gifts and Promises in Bridestowe Village Hall when fabulous offers come under the hammer. Viewing in the hall is at 6.30pm and the auction starts at 7.30pm.