Last year the Ross Gazette included a fascinating feature about the changing fashions of some of the residents of Ross Court, a residential home in Ross-on-Wye, and what they have worn during their lifetimes.

It was a surprise to some that a chat in the garden about changing styles could become a full page article in the local newspaper, but the story has not stopped there.

A suggestion was made that the residents’ reminisces could become a fashion show. This led to an idea that by selling tickets the residents could raise some money for a local charity and unanimously decided that it should be a local charity which supports young people.

As Amanda Denny, the activities co-ordinator at Ross Court told the Ross Gazette, some of the residents felt that older people are often in the news as needing help so it was good to have an opportunity give something back.

From those simple beginings a fabulous night of fun and fashion and fine dining is planned. Ross Court is organising a wonderful evening at the Chase Hotel in Ross on Friday, March 9th at 7.15pm to raise funds for Hope Support Services. This is a Ross-based charity which supports young people with a family member with a serious illness.

Rhi, a Youth Worker who runs sessions at The Venue for Hope Support Services, told the Ross Gazette that the young people have different roles, such as a chair, vice chair, marketing, etc., and fundraise for events, raising money so that they can put on the youth sessions. They also organise trips such as paintballing and arts and crafts.

There are also ‘Girls Only’ sessions four times a year, which focus on topics such as Breast Cancer Awareness and makeup.

Rhi said: “It is whatever they want to do. We will do anything that will boost their confidence and make them aware. They can also ask questions that they don’t feel they can ask at home.”

“They are really excited for the Fashion Show, and are going to do hair and makeup, and hopefully a couple of them are going to model. This will build on their confidence, especially because they’ll be talking to members of the public.”

Special guest Quentin Letts is the pre-dinner speaker at what promises to be a very entertaining event. A gourmet three course meal will be enjoyed before ‘a stroll through time’, a look back through the decades of fashion in a 1920s to the present day catwalk show modelled by local students.

Tickets are £35 available from Ross Court by calling Mandie Williams on 01989 764349. A percentage from the sale of each ticket will be given to Hope Support Services.

Started by Sue Trevethan in her home, Hope became a charity in 2010 and has expanded to support young people in Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Hope at St Michael’s and of course across the UK via their online service. They have just started working with their 400th young person.

Having a bit of extra support at such a difficult time can be incredibly important, as the residents of Ross Court know. They are grateful for an opportunity to use their experiences to raise funds to help young people facing difficulties, and also organise a really fun evening.