Nearly 70 guests sat down to a wonderful lunch on Christmas Day at the Ryefield Centre thanks to the co-operation and generosity of Dennis Humble, Debbie Griffiths and some of her WRVS workers, the Ross Lions Club, led by their President, Sam Phillips, and other volunteers. These included visitors to the town who wanted to help.

Transport was provided by volunteers to bring the 68 guests to the Ryefield Centre. A further eight meals were delivered to housebound people. On arrival at the Ryefield Centre each guest was personally welcomed and invited to have a drink. Members of the Lions and other helpers then chatted with them and kept their glasses topped up until the meal was served. Those people who delivered the meals to the housebound helped to serve it and chatted to the recipients. Entertainment was provided by members of the Ross Baptist Church and the New Life Church who gave a great rendering of all the well known Christmas Carols. The Mayor of Ross, Councillor David Ravenscroft, also came along to talk to the guests and he gave thanks to everyone for giving their time and effort.

At the end of the meal Santa, in the form of Lion Cyril Powell, turned up and handed presents to all the guests. These gifts were made possible through the co-operation of Sainsbury's who allowed a collection to be made at their store in Ross. Others who deserve thanks are the Ross Garden store who provided table decorations, the Phoenix Singers who held a collection at two of their concerts and donated the money to the Lions, the anonymous person who gave a large donation towards the costs, and anyone else who helped, especially those who turned up on Christmas Eve to make all the preparations for the event.

A large number of elderly people who would have been alone at Christmas received a lovely meal, gifts and chats with many happy volunteers and continued a great Ross tradition for another year.