ROSS-on-Wye’s commemoration of the tricentenary of John Kyrle’s death has been launched – JK 300.

At St Mary’s Church, attended by over 200 people, heard about the origins of the philanthropist dubbed the Man of Ross.

The launch event began with a precis of the Ross Gazette’s article from 100 years ago in which the town was commemorating his bicentenary.

Dr Hazel Wilkinson explained that while John Kyrle was well known in the town, it wasn’t until a poem was written by Alexander Pope that he became known world-wide and became the Man of Ross.

Paul Deneen said: “I think we would all agree that it was wonderful to hear from Dr Wilkinson about both Alexander Pope and John Kyrle, to find out more about them as individuals and to understand the importance of their work, and why this is so relevant today.

“Some superb research has been undertake wiith the update being stimulating, fascinating and most interesting.”

Mr Deneen added: “The legacy, the legend of John Kyrle, his philanthropic contribution, his successful efforts in helping others, the spirit of volunteering past, lives on through the work undertaken by volunteers in Ross-on-Wye of today, by making a difference and improving lives for tomorrow.

“I take this opportunity at this JK300 launch event to give thanks to everyone who volunteers in any way.

The launch event heard that John Kyrle was instrumental in seeking subscriptions to repair the mediaeval causeway from Wilton to Ross, which was planted with an avenue of elm trees.

It was also suggested that John Kyrle was also behind the raising of St Mary’s Church steeple in 1721 and the commissioning of a new bell and pinnacles.

Dr Wilkinson explained that her research led her to believe that John Kyrle achieved a lot with relatively little and said: “His estate was worth £500 a year, being 20 times the annual wage of a craftsman and he used this money to benefit the people of Ross.

“The Man of Ross element of Alexander Pope’s 400-lined poem was often imitated.

“However, Pope’s account of John Kyrle’s life was accepted as being the truth by most readers and his claims were repeated and embellished by later historians.

“The 18th century theologian Charles Peters who imagined a future with the Man of Ross passage becoming almost biblical text and stated, ‘If a 1,000 years hence, there should be no other record of the Man of Ross, but what is found in this poem, would not anyone that should express his thoughts of the generous and magnificent disposition of that good man be understood to acknowledge the truth of the only record of him’.

“Mr Peters is effectively saying that reports of good people survive for centuries in a single source must become truth in the absence of any contradictory facts.

“The Man of Ross, as depicted by poet Pope was a force for good and it’s in that spirt that we commemorate John Kyrle today.”

The film premiere of ‘The Echoes of John Kyrle’ by Ian Lewis was also screened, which a great insight into the views of people in this community of Ross-on-Wye and district.

Mr Deneen said: “It was really interesting to hear local people and their thoughts about both life in the past and compare it with life here at present.

“There was also the opportunity to understand the historical backdrop and be updated on current support via the Community Development Trust, The Community Garden, @ The Hub and the Community Food Larder and other voluntary groups.

“The forthcoming festival, now having been officially launched this evening as JK300 will include the film, history, books, walks, talks and musical events together with the official re-opening of the refurbished Market House opposite John Kyrle’s House.

“This will all form part of a wider celebration of the volunteering offered by many which is enjoyed by all.

The audience were told that the Festival of Volunteering is a wonderful opportunity to remind us of how volunteering enriches all of our lives.

Volunteering allows people of all ages and from all walks of life the opportunity to make that difference. Ross has a brilliant record of volunteering across so many areas of our life.

Mr Deneen said: “On a personal level, the name of John Kyrle is a name which was very much part of my working life having taught at the High School for nearly 35 years.

“I knew Sir Ernle Kyrle-Pope from Homme House as he was vice chairman of governors for many years. It was his family which gave permission at the time of the re-organisation of the secondary schools, that it was felt appropriate to re-name it as The John Kyrle High School and Sixth Form Centre.

“I am also pleased to announce that the school will as part of the festival of volunteering be making its own contribution by also be having a focus on this important area of activity.”