The Ross Action Bus is a well-known sight around the town as it takes the elderly or disabled on shopping trips or out for day trips. The new bus, which was purchased thanks to the support of so many readers who gave generously to the Ross Gazette’s Charity of the Year in 2017, still goes out in the winter. Each December it takes residents to see the Christmas Lights. This year, on the last of those trips driver and companion, Martin and Margaret Hewitt took the bus to Newent on Saturday, December 23rd and the passengers had fun spotting the various lights around the town.

They returned to Ross to check out the lights on Gloucester Road, Broad Street, Three Crosses Road and at The Gresley’s. They appreciated all the efforts made by the Town Council, the traders of Ross and all the private properties around the town but everyone agreed the Gresley’s were still the best. Almost every house was lit up, and it was a splendid display.

They would love to see even better entries all round next year. They think if Ross was lit up even more it would become an attraction. The passengers all visited Martin and Margaret’s home at Arundel Close for tea and cakes before returning home.

There was no rest for the bus on Christmas Day, it was out and about collecting folk attending the Lion’s Christmas Lunch at the Larruperz Centre.

The bus also had its first New Year outing with another visit to Martin and Margaret’s home on January 3rd, for all the regular shoppers who were able to come. They had a great time, much entertained by one of the guests who told some excellent jokes. They consumed more tea and excellent cakes and were sorry when it was time to go home.

Weather permitting, and thanks to the various willing drivers and companions, the bus will continue to go out on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month for shopping trips to Morrison’s. The regular Saturday, Sunday and other trips will recommence in March, and they would be delighted to arrange more but, like many other organisations, they could do with some more volunteers, both drivers and companions.