At the Bandstand on Saturday, April 13th, the launch of the Walking to Health Walks took place. Sam Phillips, secretary of the Ross Ramblers, welcomed everyone to the launch. Those attending included The Mayor of Ross, Councillor Derek Bedford, accompanied by the Mayoress, Mrs Bedford, County Councillors Mrs Anne Gray, Mr John Jarvis and Mr Phil Cutter, Mrs Sarah Carr, Lib- Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, Dr Lennane representing Alton Street Surgery and Dr Paul Downey, the Pendeen Surgery. Also present were the Chairman of the Herefordshire Area of the Ramblers Association Mrs Greta Pennington and Area Walks Secretary Pat Bickerton. Sam explained that The Walking to Health Walks are 8 short walks in and around Ross, intended for those who want, or need, to get some moderate exercise. They have been devised by members of Ross Ramblers with the active cooperation and support of both GP practices, and published in a booklet. He pointed out that walking is the easiest and least expensive way to get this exercise and also that it is very enjoyable, especially in a lovely area like Ross. Thanks were expressed to those who had helped with the project – both GP practices in Ross, Phil Cutter, who had supplied the public address system, the members of the Ross Ramblers who devised the walks and designed the booklet and Mike Johnson, of Ross Cider and Perry Company at Broome Farm, Peterstow. who provided the facilities for printing the booklets. Sam also thanked everyone for coming along and in particular the special guests who had given up their time to support the project. Dr Paul Downey, of Pendeen Surgery then spoke in support of the scheme pointing out the importance of exercise at a time when there is such an increase in diabetes and obesity. The Mayor also expressed his support for the project and then declared the Walking to Health Walks inaugurated. Everyone then set off on the shortest of the walks, a one-mile circular walk starting from the bandstand. The walk booklets are available from both surgeries, the Ross Library and the Larruperz Centre.
