To commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the closure of passenger rail services in Ross in November 1964, the Heritage Centre will be putting on an Exhibition of the History of Local Railways from 8th October to 8th November. Displays will include information boards from Hereford Museum's Rail Exhibition last year, as well as memorabilia, photographs and other items from local people and the Ross Archives. Items for display are still very welcome and can be dropped in during opening hours, when the staff will be able to give you a receipt for them.

Jeremy Whitehouse has produced some prints of his railway paintings to sell, from the exhibition he put on a few years ago. These would make ideal gifts for Christmas and can be purchased from the staff on duty. He may have available other prints and the staff will only to pleased to give information on these.

Jo Ashman of Halcyon Daze in Ross presents an award every year at the Ross-in-Bloom Presentation Evening, to the unsung person considered to have contributed most to the town during the year.

This year she was delighted to present the Community Spirit Award to Mary Sinclair Powell - much to her surprise.

Mary is the organizer of the awards for this now annual occasion, and the full house of guests at the Phoenix Theatre were highly amused to find her speechless for once. Mary joined Ross-in-Bloom in 1997 when Mary Dew decided to do more for the Britain in Bloom entry. Mary P became her secretary and kept an eye on the finances, deciding she would only do it for a year or so until it got off the ground. She is still there, and is also now local judging co-ordinator as well as the main organizer of the Heart of England in Bloom judging day and other events during the in bloom year. Jo Ashman told the audience " The award is for community spirit. Mary has been given this award because she is constantly thinking of ways to help Ross. A born administrator, I know part of it is her job at the Heritage Centre, but she goes above and beyond by always being ready to put on a Charities Market or help a budding artist - anything for the town of Ross or the people living here".

Thanking Jo, eventually after a few moments not believing what she had heard, Mary told everyone due to increasing pressures at work, she had actually resigned part of her duties for the coming year, with a view to handing over for the following year. Everyone agreed she cannot now resign and will have to continue for the foreseeable future!

Speaking with the Ross Gazette she told them having been born in Ross she loved her town and always wants to do her best for it. "I believe everyone should have pride in the area where they live - after all they choose to live here. My work in the Heritage Centre, with Ross-in-Bloom and on the fringe of other committees enables me to do this - and when I can no longer give 120% I feel that is the time to give up. Being a Powell, I was raised to always do and give your best in whatever you do. I try to do this at all times and by being given this award I am obviously getting it right somewhere. However I would like some help to be able to continue next year and anyone who can do so can contact me at the Heritage Centre during opening hours".

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