Social workers, John and Jane Paul have extensive knowledge and understanding of the issues facing many people in our community. These range from those on the verge of homelessness, those in food poverty, those with addictions and mental health issues, as well as those who suffer from loneliness.

He wants to set up a community project to help tackle all of these and form a new society called the John Kyrle Society based on the aim of the most famous Ross benefactor, John Kyrle.

Nearly 400 years ago this ‘man of Ross’ lived a frugal lifestyle himself and poured his wealth and compassion into the town. He gave away bread to those who could not afford to buy it, and set up working parties to plant trees and improve the area for everyone.

Now John Paul, supported by his wife, Jane, who is still working full-time, want to harness that tradition and turn it into something new to help the people of Ross.

They are hoping to set up a project to purchase John Kyrle’s house, which is currently on the market as the couple believe that this would make the perfect place to set up a project, bringing together those with time or money, or both, to bring the community together. John said that since he first started to talk to people about his ideas he has been inundated with support.

He said the project would need funding but he thinks it would be a perfect project to attract Heritage Lottery Funding, but he needs help. At this stage he needs anyone with experience or skills in accountancy, grant applications or setting up crowd funding pages, or with similar projects to ensure that this idea has the best possible chance of success.

Email: [email protected] or telephone 01432 840575 if you can offer any assistance to the project.See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.