Twenty years ago in June 1990 the Larruperz Centre was opened to provide a community centre for the residents of Ross. This was the culmination of years of fundraising and dogged determination by many people who thought the town should have its own purpose built community centre.

In 1921 a group of young men, who called themselves the Larruperz, banded together to raise funds through various activities, with the aim of providing a Civic Hall for Ross. By the mid-thirties they had purchased the land for such a building. However, the intervention of World War 2 and the changing circumstances of the post-war period meant that eventually the land was sold.

Then in the late 1980s the Ross and District Community Association and the Ross Town Council got together to purchase the old Grammar School which was transformed into the Larruperz Centre which is owned by the Council on behalf of the town, but is leased to the Association on a 99 year lease.

Plans are well underway for marking the 20th anniversary of the opening of The Larruperz Centre.

The celebrations begin on Thursday, June 10th and Friday, June 11th when members of The Larruperz Community Theatre will be performing songs from the most popular musicals.

On Saturday, June 12th the Belooshie Blues Brothers are headlining. This show has been invited to return, by popular demand, following their incredible contribution to the resurrection of the New Years Eve Party at the Centre, some four years ago.

Tickets are on sale priced at £10 and £7.50 for children. This includes the, now famous, Larruperz Buffet Supper which wins many compliments for its quality and quantity!

The evening kicks-off with the action packed tribute when these extremely talented performers recreate the iconic songs and dances made famous in The Blues Brothers film.

Following a break to enjoy the food, the 'Brothers' return as themselves to remind us that they are also very accomplished musicians and singers in their own right. A tremendous night of entertainment is guaranteed and tickets are now on sale from the Box Office on 01989 565465.

Further events planned include The Big Quiz on Sunday, June 20th which costs just £2 per person. The winning team will collect the 'pot' of entrance monies. There are no second or third prizes - the winner takes it all! It might be sensible to remember that this is a 20th anniversary, so maybe some research of 1990 is called for?

For those of you with different interests, there is a re-run of the popular, Fabulous Jewels and their Famous Owners by John Huxley Travis MA (Lecturer University WEA and NADFAS). His lecture on June 17th at 2.30pm will be followed by tea and cakes. This one is free but tickets must be obtained beforehand from The Larruperz Reception.

The Anniversary celebrations will culminate in a Treasure Hunt, organised by Jane of X-entricity. If you can follow the clues you will finsinh back at the Larruperz Centre for a pig roast. Subject to the British weather this will take place on the Sunday prior to the August Bank Holiday Monday.

This is a very small sample of the many different activities available at The Larruperz Centre. So if you've not been there before now is your chance.

This is a facility that many towns - even cities - would sell their souls for! Here, in little Ross-on-Wye there is a centre that stages shows, has its own Community Theatre, has a youth theatre (X-entricity), a Short-Mat Bowls Team, a Table Tennis Team, as well as being a popular venue for weddings, funerals, birthdays and christenings. Join in the celebrations and help keep it open.