Members of Ross and District U3A welcomed four speakers to their monthly meeting in May. This is somewhat unusual, but there was a good reason. These speakers told us all of the good works their organisations do for the town of Ross, its community and its environs.

First to speak was Denis Humble, who informed us of ‘enviroability’ and how we could benefit from their work. Although we all live within this area, I think few of us appreciated the scope of all the projects on offer. He then went on to tell us about Ross Shop Mobility, a subject dear to some of our hearts. The other speakers came in, on cue, driving the mobility scooters, which are available free from their base alongside Ross Swimming Pool in Red Meadow car park. He spoke of the liaison with WRVS which enabled people to either be taken to the scooter, or have the scooter delivered to them.

Second to speak was Janet Macdonald from the local branch of Age Concern. She told us how, from varied referrals, Age Concern can help support the older members of our community. (Older meaning from 50 upwards, in general.) She listed the areas in which they have become involved with people. They give advice and information, organise visits and/or telephone calls to the lonely, offer foot-care services and exercise classes,have a handy person or two to help with those little jobs that we can no longer doourselves, and finally, outings for those who find it difficult to get out and about. She praised all their volunteer workers, without whom none of this would be possible. Janet then handed over to her colleague, Hilary Davies, who is the administrator for the STEPACROSS project, organised by Age Concern.

Hilary explained that this project title was an acronym for their aims to Support To Enable People, Age Concern ROSS. No problem is too big or too small for them to tackle; if they didn’t have the facilities to help, then they know where to look. When meeting with a new client theytend to assess immediate needs, and then other things crop up. They look to the individual's health and safety, security, and involvement in activities. They can provide a network of support to improve quality of life. They have ‘wise and well’ group meetings where people can experience gentle exercises, Tai-Chi, and aromatherapy.

Last, but not least, to speak was Debbie Griffiths from WRVS. She knew that some of our members were aware of certain aspects of the work of the local WRVS, because she recognised her volunteers. She was passionate in her praise of the way that all volunteers give of their time to help others less fortunate than themselves, and her voice broke as she extolled the fact that with so many people volunteering for so many charitable causes “Ross has a very strong beating heart in its community”.

I think we were all familiar with meals on wheels as it used to be known, but the WRVS now offers a frozen meals service delivered to your home, luncheon clubs, afternoon clubs and community transport services, managing to get the people who need help to their social, medical or family commitments. She added that any member of the U3A who found travelling to meetings difficult could call upon their services. After listening carefully to all the speakers, questions were then asked from the floor. A response to a question from one of our members caused quite a commotion. The questioner asked whether we might be getting any replacements for the rather worn out blue boxes used for kerbside recycling. Denis told us that far from replacements, the Herefordshire Council were thinking of withdrawing the scheme entirely. They were considering issuing wheelie bins for mixed recycling as well as general refuse. The members were appalled, and after quite a few minutes a spokesman stood up and asked the chairman to apprise Herefordshire Council of the meeting’s feelings.

I think that the afternoon proved that an informative talk can be just as stimulating as an entertaining one! Our next talk is scheduled for next Monday when David Howe will be telling us that ‘Laughter is the Best Medicine’.

We meet at the Larruperz Centre, and the afternoon commences at 2.30pm. If you are interested in joining our U3A you can call either 567789 or 562884 for more details, go to rossu3a.org.uk or just come along to our meeting where you will be made very welcome.