Many of the younger people in Ross on Wye remember taking part in the Annual Peace Poster Competition. Sponsored by Ross Lions Club and open to all students in Year 8, this has been part of the Art Curriculum in John Kyle High School for over 25 years and promoted themes of Peace to every generation.

The Lions Peace Poster Competition for 2021-22 has the theme "We are all Connected". Two hundred and fifty-six students took part and researched the theme before creating their design ready to be judged. The judging in school takes place in early November and choosing who should win is always a tough decision. The winner this year is Martha Gilson.

Martha’s winning poster was entered into the competition for Lions Clubs in the District - from a potential 92 Clubs, again Ross won! The excitement grew and continued as the next stage of the Competition was for the British Isles and from this Martha became the national winner.

This is not just a local competition or even a National one, it is International. Young people, sponsored by Lions Clubs in over 200 countries. will be waiting to hear who is the final winner. The competition will be decided in Chicago, USA during January.

Nick Dale, Ross Lions’ Youth Officer, said: " I have been involved with John Kyrle and the Peace Poster Competition for many years and this is the first time we have had the National winner. Martha’s poster stood out when judging took place at the school and I’m delighted that its gone on to win the next two rounds". What a way for Ross Lions to continue to celebrate their 50th Anniversary!

One of the key purposes of Lions is to promote international understanding. In the modern world, encouraging young people to think deeply about peace. The Peace Poster Competition has developed from the Lions relationship with the United Nations. This goes back to 1945 when the Lions partnership with the UN was developed.

In Ross on Wye, Lions give their volunteer time to help the Community in many different ways. Anyone who would like to get involved or know more can see their website www.rossonwyelions.org or find them on Facebook.