JanuaryThe new year signified a very special occasion at the Ross Gazette as we celebrated our 150th anniversary. Inside the first paper of the year we re-printed the very first ever edition of the Ross Gazette from 1867 to the delight of our readers.

During this time we also received many lovely comments from local dignitries, advertisers, community groups as well as our wonderful readers. One letter we received was from Quentin Letts who wrote: “This fine paper is a vital part of our town. It glues us as a community, informs us, amuses us and has served these past 150 years - an amazing achievement - as an honest chronicler for our times.”

However there was not a celebratory mood everywhere in Ross as January saw an increase in crime around the area, including thefts from cars and break-ins to homes and businesses.

There was also something fishy going on down Rudhall Brook as a large number of fish congregated in a small section of the stream. This did not go unnoticed by a local heron who took up residency on the swimming pool roof and had an easy breakfast, lunch and dinner!

Arson was suspected as the cause of a fire at the Broadmeadow Yard. Ross fire crews were quickly on the scene and extinguished the fire which involved a lorry and a cabin.

It was also the start of a confusing time at Ross Hospital, when a roadshow organised for people to discuss their thoughts on how local services may look in the future, failed to show up!

See our full review of the year on pages 7-10 in this week’s edition of the Ross Gazette, or subscribe to our online edition http://www.rossgazette.com/subscribe.cfm"