Members of the Ross Action Committee, who run a mini-bus and ambulance to take elderly local residents on outings and shopping trips, were delighted to learn that they had been selected as the Ross Gazette’s 2017 Charity of the Year.

They were given the great news by the General Manager, Charlotte Reynolds, as they collected passengers who had been enjoying lunch at the Conservative Club.

The Ross Gazette is celebrating its 150th Anniversary in 2017 and, as a way of marking our commitment to the community, we wanted to help support a local charity.

The Gazette asked for nominations and all those we received were very worthy contenders and given careful consideration.

Charlotte said: “We received many worthy nominations for our Charity of the Year 2017, and it was a tough decision to choose just one. The Ross Action Bus has been serving the community of Ross for 50 years, and is a lifeline to many residents who have limited mobility and use this free service. Whether it is a visit to friends or simply to do their shopping, this service is vital to them and must continue.

“I am proud to announce that the Ross Gazette will be helping the Ross Action Committee to raise the remaining £40,000 next year for a new bus. The current bus is in desperate need of replacing to enable this service to keep running. £40,000 is a mammoth task but I am sure our wonderful readers and Ross residents will be as generous as they always are and will help us to do the best we can to reach this target.”

As well as raising funds to pay for the replacement vehicle, the committee will have to pay for the necessary adaptations to make the vehicle suitable for all the passengers.

This will be the sixth vehicle purchased by Ross Action Committee and they have all been funded by voluntary donations from individuals and organisations in the town. Although there are now similar organisations in many parts of the country, the Action Bus in Ross was unique in the UK 50 years ago.

The original idea for the Action Bus came from a Ross resident who thought it would be a good idea to buy a car and get volunteers to take two or three elderly residents out for a drive. This soon developed into a mini-bus carrying small groups on days out or to the local supermarket.

Ever since the charity began 50 years ago, Rosemary Rigby, the President, has been responsible for organising the daily running of the Action Bus; along with the wonderful volunteer drivers, companions and escorts who step forward to offer their help.

Rosemary has also been heavily involved in raising the money needed to keep the bus on the road; fuel and maintenance is an ever-increasing burden, but the service is still needed and enjoyed by those who use it. She said: “I am absolutely delighted that the Gazette has chosen the Action Bus, it is such a vital service.”

As well as donations, the Committee is always looking for new volunteers to come forward. Treasurer Rob Barnes told the Gazette that they are in particular need of a driver as one of their longstanding volunteers, who has recently completed 23 years, is stepping down.

Thanks to donations and bequests the Committee has already raised £11,000 towards their £50,000 target. The Committee hopes that over the next year or so Ross organisations, businesses and individuals will help to raise the remaining £40,000 and the local newspaper, the Ross Gazette, is giving its backing to this local charity and promises to do all it can to help the committee meet the challenge.

Charlotte added: “Our fundraising is starting early! You can visit our stand at the Christmas Fayre on Sunday, November 20th where we will be raffling a Truffles hamper, worth £50, to raise funds for the Action Bus. You can also visit the office to make a donation to the campaign, any cheques need to be made payable to Ross Action Committee."