ONCE upon a time... or once in a galaxy far far away, or the past is another country, they do things differently there... or any number of misquotations from iconic books or films... a couple of cartoons turned up at the Review offices in a second-hand envelope.
They were anonymous. No name no pack drill. And they featured a potentially unhealthy obsession with sheep. Sheep with names. Oh and cider, boar, zeppelins and the occasional round of golf. But mostly the sheep, named Kev and Dave, lay in the road philosophising on life, and death and much else.
Incidentally, how many times have you had a near miss with a sheep on the road. Do they move? Hell no!
In an undoubtedly mad moment and probably contrary to his nature (revolving as it does around fishing and shrimping) the editor of the time decided to publish them. And hence history was made, light years away.
Who's responsible for these brilliantly observed commentaries on Forest life? All we know is that he calls himself 'Baz' and that he's a bloke not an 'oomun. He could be construed as the Forest's version of Banksy (possibly coined because of the amount Banksy's carted to the bank). But we know the elusive Baz isn't interested in money cos we 'aven't paid him nothing. Not never.
What we do know is that his name was coined from the chummy Gloucesterites who like to go 'Baaa zzzz' in imitation of sheep whenever they meet or see anyone from the Forest. Funny eh?
And finally what we do know is that he's in print. If you want to know what the 'vurest's (I'm an incomber, forgive me) about, read The Roadsiders, Full On'T.
It's not just a book it's also a way of life. And there are sheep in it, which can't be baaad. A compilation of the first 20 years of the Roadsiders from the very first Kev 'n' Dave to a more recent and oddball explanation of how they aquired the power of speech – even if it is only in a bubble.
Better still, at a tenner, we're not fleecing you on the cost but there are limited numbers so hurry – make sure you don't miss out!
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How to get your hands on a Roadsiders book
• Call 01594 841113 and order now by credit or debit card
• Drop in to the Review and collect one in person
• Or, to pay by cheque or credit/debit card, just complete the order form in this week's Review, and return to:
The Forest &?Wye Valley Review, Tindle Suite, Kings Buildings, Hill Street, LYDNEY GL15 5HE.
Books will be dispatched as quickly as possible but please allow up to 14 days for delivery.






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