The Larruperz Centre has been a major support for the Ross-on-Wye community for many years, and as the committee running it prepares to celebrate their 30th anniversary the centre shows no sign of slowing down.

The Larruperz is home to the Ross and District Community Association, a registered Charity whose Trustees are responsible for the sustainability and maintenance of the Centre.

On Wednesday, January 15th the Ross Gazette visited the centre as it hosted ‘Lunch at the Larruperz’, a pop-in community lunch that is held twice a month and is proving to be increasingly popular with as many as 40 people attending the lunch. At £6 for a two-course meal including main course and dessert followed by tea or coffee, the Larruperz Lunch is great value for money, with the quality of food also being to a high standard.

Centre Director Sue Kirby said: “The lunches are proving to be very popular, our Christmas event was a real success and that seems to have attracted more and more people to come to these events, which is fantastic news for the centre. As with most community centres these events provide much-needed income and support to keep us running.”

None of this of course would be possible without the support of the volunteers who give their time to assist in the running and organisation of the centre.

The Ross and District Community Association employs a staff of five, with Centre Manager, June Pearce working full-time and four other staff working part time. The Centre reception is manned most days by volunteers, who also help out with other duties at busier times. The Social Club manage the bar and its facilities, and promote and organise social evenings and other events to raise money for the Centre. 

Chairman Brian Marshall spoke to the Ross Gazette about the recent renovations that have been made to the centre.

“We’ve had a lot of work done before Christmas including putting in a new fire escape as well as new toilets. With so many different people and organisations using our facilities throughout the year, it is important that these facilities are looked after and well-maintained so people are encouraged to return to the centre", said Brian.

The centre hosts a variety of functions throughout the week including dance, arts and sports classes.

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