The Ross-on-Wye Tourism Association (RTA) are embarking on a new project; a Vintage Trail of the town for visitors.

The Trail will allow visitors to take in all the amazing shops in Ross which sell repurposed, pre-loved, vintage, antique or retro items.

A working group of three, Yolande Watson, Nicky Cross and Councillor Caroline Utting, had a meeting on Wednesday, June 6th, to kickstart the process.

Cllr Caroline Utting told the Ross Gazette: “The idea for creating the trail has been batted about for several years by various people and the RTA decided it was now in a position to get something sorted out, having recently finished work on getting the much needed new guidebook published.”

“We plan to visit the shops we have identified as fitting the criteria we are working to. We will tell them what we are doing, which is working with a designer to create a DL leaflet containing a map identifying the position of each store and a directory.

“We hope that they will be excited by this initiative and prepared to make a donation towards the cost of getting the trail printed.”

The trail will be stocked at the various Information Sites around the town, and potential distributed more widely, if funds allow.

Caroline added: “Ross has a wonderful selection of independent shops selling really unusual, reinvented one off items of furniture, home furnishings and objet d’art.

“We hope Ross will become recognised for the unique nature of this shopping experience, something that would benefit the whole town centre economy.

“These days many people shop anonymously online, so a day out in Ross mooching round the shops with the trail will be a really enjoyable alternative experience for some. There is a lot of creativity in Ross and this should be celebrated.”

Yolande Watson, Treasurer of the Ross-on-Wye Tourism Association, also told the Ross Gazette: “The Vintage Shopping Trail will provide a great opportunity to spend a day exploring and foraging vintage wares. I’m sure visitors will have fun and find a bargain!”

Nicky Cross added: “How lucky we are to be living in a town with so many independent shops. By providing locals and visitors with a Vintage/Retro shopping trail, everyone will have the opportunity to discover some real gems dotted around the town.”

Since the Ross Gazette met with Caroline, Yolande and Nicky, the Trail has had enthusiasm and commitment in the form of donations to the project from: Ross Old Books, Vintage Virtu, Fritz Fryer Lighting, Inside/Space, Lot 47, Waterfall Antiques, County Antiques, H E Phillips Jewellers, Andy Gibbs Antiques and Crowsfeet.

The other shops they have approached have expressed support and are considering making a financial commitment.