The Friends of Ross Hospital held their annual Summer Fête on Saturday, June 3rd which was a great success.

Lots of residents, community groups, the Friends of Ross Hospital, and members of the hospital staff attended the fête, which was held in the courtyard garden at Ross Community Hospital.

The fête was opened by the High Sheriff of Herefordshire, The Reverend Lady Lisvane, who welcomed the crowds to the event. She said:?“It gives me great pleasure to be back here. This is not my first visit as I used to come to Ross Hospital as part of my duties as a NED for the PCT.”

She explained what the role of the High Sheriff entails and its historical origins. She said that the office of High Sheriff has been around for more than 1000 years, and she is the 800th named High Sheriff in Herefordshire; the third female High Sheriff in the country, who is also a priest.

Lady Lisvane added:?I only came into office at the beginning of April, and the role has given me a fascinating insight into Herefordshire and I continue to meet a wonderful array of people doing the most amazing things.”

The Carnival Princess of Ross-on-Wye, Tilly Stoneham, then presented Lady Lisvane with a bouquet of flowers, and her husband, Lord Robert Lisvane with a floral buttonhole.

Attendees to the fête were able to visit several traditional stalls, and listen to music from Ross Town Band, who played a selection of popular tunes. Steve Turner also supported the event with his barrel organ at the front of the hospital.