THE GROUNDS of Speech House Hotel were the alive with action last Sunday (April 24) for the third Forest Activities festival.

More than 120 groups, businesses, activities and charities were represented and around 3,500 people – from the Forest, Bristol, Herefordshire, Monmouthshire and further afield – visited the event showcasing what the Forest of Dean has to offer.

Whether visitors were seeking an action-packed lifestyle or just a new hobby, there was plenty of inspiration on offer with rugby, football, archery, climbing walls, pottery, crafts, bushcraft, mountain biking and golf. There was a dog show, rocket science, circus skills, cookery, music and even walking football.

The guest of honour was England rugby player Ceri Large of Drybrook who helped out on a rugby skills challenge which featured at the recent Rugby World Cup.

Ceri reckons she used to ‘live’ at her local rugby club in Drybrook. She started there at six and, 18 years later, became a 2014 World Cup winner.

She said: “It’s been a fantastic event with lots for everyone to do.”

It was a busy weekend for Ceri who spent Saturday with friends from Drybrook Ladies following their win in the national Junior Cup.

The 31-24 victory over Barnsley in Lichfield capped a superb season for Drybrook who had already clinched the league championship.

For more pictures see this week’s Review, or on our Facebook page: search for Forest Review.