Dear Editor

I write to comment on and recognise the activities of Joyce Thomas who works tirelessly for the people of Ross-on-Wye and who I always call ‘Lady Ross’.

I know she appears regularly in the Ross Gazette attending various charitable functions and events in the Ross area.

I first met her some 20 years ago when I worked closely with all the councillors on Herefordshire Council.

I know, in detail, about the role and responsibilities of local councillors. I soon noticed Joyce was an exceptional councillor and worked so hard for all the people in Ross-on-Wye. She represented Ross on many committees and she was a councillor who "made a difference".

Although she is now retired from the Council and is in her 80s she continues to work for Ross people, as I have experienced first-hand. She seems to be known by everyone in Ross-on-Wye.

People stop her in the street continually when she is out and about. It is as though she is a ‘walking citizen’s advice bureau’. She is treated with much respect and regard wherever she goes.

Most councillors, once they retire, go into retirement mode but not Joyce. She is still a very effective governor at a local school and the children affectionally call her the ‘the Queen’! She still investigates problems on behalf of people in Ross and never refuses to give a helping hand. She is a very exceptional lady. She is now 85 and perhaps some celebration is due.

A past council officer

Name and address supplied