This year’s Ross-on-Wye Christmas Fayre is rapidly approaching. The event will be held on Sunday, November 20th, between 11am and 5pm outside the Market House, in High Street, in St Mary’s Street, and outside the Phoenix Theatre.

After the costs of the Fayre have been met, any proceeds will be donated to St Michael’s Hospice. Last year, the event raised £973 for the Herefordshire hospice, which provides support for those with cancer and their families.

A donation will also be made to the Ross-based charity, Rocky-Lees Little Feet, which provides financial support to the grieving families of stillborn babies at a very traumatic time for them.

Councillor Hannah Lerego, Chair of Ross Town Council’s Events Committee told the Ross Gazette “We are very grateful to the Manager of Costa in Ross, who has arranged, through their community support scheme, to donate funds to purchase an artificial Christmas tree, lights and decorations for the Fayre’s grotto.

“These items will then be taken to the West Mercia Women’s Aid Refuge, the day after the Fayre. The refuge provides a safe house for women and children fleeing domestic violence.”

Cllr Lerego added that Christmas is often a time when refuge centres are at their busiest, so she would also be glad to hear from anyone who would like to provide items for the women and children staying there.

“Domestic violence, like mental health still has a stigma attached to it, and it’s not an easy topic to discuss, but it is far more common than people realise,” she said.

“Refuges literally save lives and with the support of Women’s Aid those affected by domestic abuse are given coping skills and are able to turn their lives around and rebuild a safe future for themselves and their children away from abuse.”

She continued “If any residents or businesses would like to support any of these charities further please get in touch and we can pass on your details or let you know how you can help.”

Cllr Lerego said that the Events Commitee also wanted to thank the Ross Hoteliers Association, who paid for the road closure, which now comes at a cost from Herefordshire Council.

The Christmas Fayre Team are also eager to hear from residents who may be interested in stewarding the event, to ensure that the Fayre runs smoothly. “Many hands make light work, and with an event of this size we would appreciate some help on the day,” Cllr Lerego told the Gazette. “This is the second year that we have arranged the Fayre and we want to build on the success of last year”

The Phoenix Theatre Car Park will host three local charities; SHYPP (South Herefordshire Young People’s Project), the Ross-on-Wye Branch of the British Legion, and Becky Flynn from Ross-on-Wye, who is raising funds for The British Heart Foundation in memory of her brother Jonathan Phillips.

Ross Rotary Club have again generously donated a Christmas Tree to the residents of the town, which will be placed on the Market Apron.

The Mayor and Father Christmas will turn on the town’s Christmas lights at 4pm, which include new lights purchased for the tree by the Town Council Events Committee, after previous sets were vandalised.

Cllr Lerego said “We do hope residents and visitors will come along and enjoy the event and support these charities. There is free parking in all Council car parks for the day.”

If any businesses or charities would like to book a stall at the Christmas Fayre, there are still some available. To get involved with this year’s Christmas Fayre, search RossChristmasFayre2016 on Facebook, or email [email protected].