The Ross-on-Wye Community Development Trust (Ross CDT) has been in operation since October 2019 and following the disruption to its Ross Good Neighbours scheme due to the Covid-19 pandemic and three lockdowns, it is now looking forward to holding its first AGM on Thursday 11 March and is encouraging the community to take advantage of free membership which is available until 1 April 2021.

In just over a year, the Ross CDT has set up – with support from local voluntary organisations such as the Ross Lions and Rotary Clubs – a Ross Good Neighbours Buddy Scheme helping people in the community who need vital support such as shopping or medication deliveries; supplied free facemasks during the first lockdown and initiated a Phone Friends helpline to provide a lifeline to those in isolation; raised funds to provide oximeters to those who need them; raised funding for the renovation of an ancient wall on Gloucester Road which was dangerous and in disrepair; and set up a service to help those unable to use the internet to access library books, garden waste bags and refuse tip passes.

Trustee, Melvin Reynolds, commented: “There is still so much more for us to achieve and we rely on continued community support to ensure our town and surrounds are able to support each other in years to come. I have been personally overwhelmed by the volunteer response during the last year and I hope that we have established a solid foundation upon which our good work will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Membership is now open and free until 1 April 2021 so if you would like to be part of the Ross CDT’s vision, support its work and vote in their virtual AGM on Thursday 11 March at 7pm, log onto www.rosscdt.org.uk and click on ‘Become a Member’. If you’d like to get in touch or have additional questions, you can contact them on their Helpline 01989 313002.