Ross Action Committee, who run a Mini-Bus and Ambulance for elderly local residents, celebrated their 50th anniversary at their recent Annual General Meeting.

The group, who are affectionately referred to locally as the “Action Bus”, launched a project at their AGM to raise £50,000 for a replacement vehicle, with the usual necessary adaptations.

This will be the sixth vehicle purchased by Ross Action group. This bus will provide transport, as the others have over the years, for the housebound, blind, elderly, and disabled people of Ross-on-Wye and District.

The vehicles have been funded by the voluntary donations of kind individuals and organisations in the town. These contributions help towards the initial purchase of the vehicles, and the subsequent running costs, something that the Action Committee’s Chairman, David Rose describes as “A fantastic tribute to our Community.”

At the group’s AGM, Mr Rose said that the Committee, set up in 1966, has lasted for 50 years, but this was not of itself a cause for celebration. He suggested that the true triumph was what had been achieved in the years, over the group’s lifetime.

He said the Action Committee had provided many hundreds of trips and outings, for thousands of elderly and disabled people of the area. He added that this was indeed a reason to be grateful and a cause for celebration.

Mr Rose recalled having read that the invention of the wheel had caused a revolution. Similarly, he said, the revolving of the wheels of the Action Bus in Ross was unique in the UK 50 years ago, and in the service it provided and still provides today. He added that there had been many similar community transport projects over the years since then, which is a revolution in itself.

He added that the Ross Action Committee charity has been blessed by wonderful volunteer drivers, companions and escorts stepping forward to offer their help. Mr Rose said that there are many others who have ensured that the service continues on virtually a daily basis year after year; another cause for celebration.

Mr Rose also paid tribute to Rosemary Rigby, the Committee President, who has been responsible for organising the daily running of the Action Bus. He recalled the many lovely people who he had been privileged to know and work with on the committee over the years since 1966; Secretaries, Treasurers and Committee members who had given their time and support to the service.

The Chairman also made a special reference to the late Jo Lane, who, as both Councillor and Mayor, had given the group so much welcome encouragement.

With some donations and bequests, specifically earmarked over recent years for a replacement vehicle, the Committee has approximately £11,000 towards their £50,000 target.

Miss Rigby and the Committee are hopeful that Ross organisations, businesses and individuals over the next year or so will feel able to fundraise in big and small ways in helping to meet the considerable challenge ahead.

In the meantime, the challenge will also involve funding running costs for the present Action Bus.

The meeting elected Mrs Jill Morgan as their new Secretary and re-elected David Rose as Chairman; Cherith Peachey as Hon. Vice Chair; and Rob Barnes as Treasurer. The Chairman closed the meeting with thanks to all for attending.