Many Ross residents and visitors gathered to welcome the new Ross Action Bus on Friday, October 20th, 2017.

Over the last year, the campaign to purchase a new minibus has raised £40,000, due to the dedicated fundraising of kind individuals and organisations in the town, and encouraged by the Ross Gazette who chose the Action Bus as the Ross Gazette’s Charity of the Year.

The bus will provide transport to help the housebound, the blind, the elderly, and the disabled people of Ross-on-Wye, so that they can go on trips, visit friends and do their shopping.

At the Market Place, speeches were made to thank the efforts and achievements of those who made this new Action Bus possible.

Ross Action Bus President, Rosemary Rigby, described the success as a “dream come true.”

Rosemary said a special thanks to volunteer Secretary, Jill Morgan, “who has worked so very hard.”

Major Patrick Darling DL, MFH, former High Sheriff of Herefordshire, said “Thanks to you Rosemary, and Ross Action Committee, a minibus like this gives so much help to people that need it, looking after those who need looking after.”

Local MP Jesse Norman also attended, saying: “Hurricane Ophelia is nothing compared to Hurricane Rosemary.”

Ross Town Mayor, Nigel Gibbs, kept his speech short and sweet, paying tribute to all the volunteers who keep the bus running, “Not forgetting the volunteers that drive the bus!”

The Chief Inspector of Herefordshire Police, Dean Jones, said that “everyone can be duly proud.”

“I see the best and worst things that can happen in communities. Today’s celebration is one of the best things that happens in communities.”

Charlotte Reynolds, Manager of the Ross Gazette, also spoke, saying: “Rosemary, David, Jill, I pay tribute to you. I pay tribute to you all.”

“It is an absolute pleasure to have this bus as our 150th anniversary charity.”

Former Hereford MP, Sir Colin Shepherd added: “Congratulations, well done and keep going!”

There was also a donation on the day, presented by Richard Williams, President of the Ross Rotary Club, who said: “I have experienced Rosemary’s determination, and am not surprised that she succeeded! Hopefully this money will last you a few months.”

Rosemary added: “Yes, we still need donations coming in to keep the wheels turning!”

At the end of the speeches, Reverend Martin Danforth led a blessing for the bus.

He said, “I have blessed all sorts of things, but never have I blessed a bus!” “This will go down in the memoirs.”

See the full story in this week’s edition of the Ross Gazette, or subscribe to our online edition http://www.rossgazette.com/subscribe.cfm"