Ken Riches, former Mayor of Ross-on-Wye had a long history of working for the community but was also a devoted family man.

Ken was married to Audrey for 66 years, they had two daughters, Sue and Sharon, who gave them four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Ken and Audrey took over the chip shop in Tudorville in March 1968 and they retired after 26 years ‘frying’ in 1993.

Ken was a local Councillor and became Mayor between 1978 - 79. Among the many projects he was involved in, he helped save the Christmas Carnival, replacing the Prospect Gates and signed the charter to start the Condé Twinning Association. He was also a founder member of the Betzdorf Twinning Association.

Alongside his Council work, he helped local lads with weight training in the garden of the chip shop.

After Ken retired, he returned to the Council for a few years until he thought it was best to hand it over to younger blood.