Councillor Colin Gray, who has served as Mayor of Ross-on-Wye for two years, handed over the chain of office to the new Mayor, Councillor David Ravenscroft at the Installation Ceremony on Monday, June 6th.

This special event, often referred to as Mayor-Making, took place at the Larruperz Community Centre in front of a large audience of friends and well-wishers.

The guests included Paul Deneen DL representing Lady Darnley, Inspector Bob Barnett, several Mayors, and civic leaders from other towns, and representatives of many of the local organisations.

The new Mayor of Ross-on-Wye, Cllr Ravenscroft was Mayor for one term in 1994-1995 and served for two years between 2011-2013. He was supported at the Mayor-Making this year by his Cadet for 2016, Able Cadet Elizabeth Chinn.

While Councillor Gray assisted Cllr Ravenscroft into the Mayoral robes and chain the Penyard Singers entertained the audience with a medley of songs from the musical My Fair Lady.

Cllr Gray gave a brief speech summing up his year in office and presented a cheque to Mike Keel, Chief Executive of St Michael’s Hospice, his chosen charity for his term as Mayor.

Cllr Ravenscroft said that his charities will be the Friends of Ross Community Hospital and SSAFA, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association. He presented a bouquet of flowers to his Mayoress, his wife, Doreen and presented his deputy, Cllr Nigel Gibbs with his badge of office.

Cllr Gray presented flowers to his Mayoress, his wife Anne Gray, the Town Clerk, Sarah Robson, the Deputy Town Clerk, Rachel Lewis, the Mayor’s Officer, Joanne Skelton and a gift to the Maintenance Operative, Charlie Sayce. Gifts were also available for the Assistant Clerk, Amanda Smith and Maintenance Operative, Paul Sims who were unable to be present.

Cllr Ravenscroft outlined his hopes for his term in office, especially for the town’s amenities, such as the refurbishment of Dean Hill Park and the areas by the river. He is hopeful that more people will come forward to take part in the Neighbourhood Plan. He said that once the Plan is in place Ross could benefit from payments from developers which could be used to improve play areas, among other projects. He said:?“These are challenging times but I am sure the Councillors will rise to meet them with enthusiasm.”

Paul Deneen OBE JP DL told the Ross Gazette that he is very grateful to the former Mayor and Mayoress, Colin and Ann Gray, particularly for their fund raising for St Michael’s Hospice. He thanked the Town Councillors, Town Clerk and staff for organising the very well supported evening. He praised the Ross Penyard Singers, conducted by John Firth and accompanied by Joe Scriven, for their wonderful singing which was enjoyed by all and the Larruperz Centre for their excellent hospitality.

After the formal proceedings ended the new Mayor mingled with his guests as they enjoyed refreshments.