The Ross Lions are seeking to enhance a major tourist attraction in Ross-on-Wye, while giving their group a legacy by marking the international Lions Club’s 100th anniversary.

Four members of Ross Lions Club, Keith Wilding, Andy Walker, Richard Ball and Colin Parry, were at the full meeting of Ross Town Council on Monday, March 13th, to speak about four projects they hope will upgrade the area around the bandstand.

Mr Wilding explained that the Lions were hoping to gain the Town Council’s support and their advice on how best to proceed with the four projects.

He added that in 2005, the Lions provided the funding to have the bandstand built in the Caroline Symonds Gardens near the River Wye.

The asset is owned by the Town Council, and in the summer, the free concerts on Sunday afternoons are enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike.

Mr Wilding said that as 2017 marks the International Lions Club’s centenary, the local club wanted to leave Lions a legacy.

There are four ideas that the Lions are hoping to implement at the bandstand to make the area better. In the first instance, they are hoping to establish a power supply, with a cable leading from the public toilets, to a power outlet supply on the stage.

In the second, they are hoping to erect seven sail shades near the bandstand, which will give audiences shelter from the wind, rain and sun. Colin Parry commented:?“If the bandstand is used more, we want to make sure the public is likely to go down and enjoy the events.”

The Lions are also hoping to set up a noticeboard by the bandstand where, on one half, the Town Council can publicise events in the town so visitors know where to go, and, on the other half, the Lions can advertise their events and news, such as Rossbeerfest.

For the last project, the?Lions are hoping to set up a small Lion statue by the bandstand, which would be made of Ash, and approximately 4ft6 in height, to celebrate the Lions’ centenary.

Mr Wilding added that each project is to be treated separately and if members thought that one of the four projects would not be feasible, he hoped they would be able to continue with the other three. He asked the Councillors what he thought their next steps would be.

Councillors Richard Mayo, who is Chair of the Amenities Committee, was very positive and optimistic about the proposals put forward by the Lions. He said:?I?see the value in all four projects.”

Councillor Chris Bartrum thanked the Lions for attending the meeting, and he commented that it was nice to see them engage so positively with the community, and that they wanted to enhance one of the Town Council’s assets. “Thank you so much for caring,” he said.

All Town Councillors voted that they were in favour of the four projects in principle and to give the Ross Lions their support and advice along the way.