Members of the John Kyrle Retirement Club were delighted to enjoy a celebratory morning to mark the many years that volunteers have worked there, as well as the completion of recent renovation work.

Ross-on-Wye Mayor, Councillor Jane Roberts, and her consort, as well as members of the Royal Voluntary Service, club users, and club volunteers enjoyed tea and coffee with celebratory cakes on the morning of Tuesday, July 23rd.

Anne Colburn was awarded for her 10 year service, and Club Chairman, Brian Higgins, along with Ann Clarke, were recognised for their 15 year service.

The upstairs of the John Kyrle Tea Rooms where the Retirement Club reside, has been refurbished, and Brian told the Ross Gazette that it is available to rent or hire.

Club Treasurer, Wendy Skyrme, told the Ross Gazette that the Retirement Club welcome not just those who would like to enjoy a hot drink there, but anybody who is interested in becoming a volunteer.

Considering all of the work that has been undertaken over the years, Brian told the Ross Gazette about the interesting history behind the building that is now home to the John Kyrle Retirement Club. Once a slaughterhouse, Brian recalled taking pigs down there with his brother.

Years later, in 1964, the building was purchased by Ross Round table and utilised to look after the older people of Ross-on-Wye, and it became a place where they could enjoy a drink and a chat. It had over 100 members at the time.

Initially for those aged over 55, which earned the club its ‘retirement’ name, the present volunteers are keen to make people aware that there are no age requirements to enjoy a morning at the Retirement Club.

Many also assumed that the Retirement Club was not running during the renovation work, however the volunteers were still busy keeping the club running. They hope that having marked the completion of the renovation, residents and visitors to the town will once again enjoy mornings in the Tea Room.See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.