Ross residents were saddened to learn of the death of Margaret Lucas last week. Margaret, who had been recently widowed, was the wife of former Ross Mayor and Councillor Gordon Lucas and together they ran Lucas motorcycles in the town for 50 years.

Margaret was well known for her work for the town, as Gordon' wife, but also in her own right. She worked with many groups including Merton House, the British Legion and the Lions Club, but will be remembered especially for her work with Ross-in-Bloom, culminating in her award for ten years outstanding work last summer. Even though she had officially stepped down as Chairman she still insisted on knowing everything about a project dear to her heart, Blake Garden, right up until her death.

Margaret served as Mayoress twice, once in 1999 alongside Mayor Jacqui Danter, they had been best friends for 50 years, and then with her husband in 2005.

Born in Shropshire Margaret enjoyed a happy childhood with her three sisters and one brother. She moved to Hereford as a teenager which is where she met Gordon, starting a partnership which lasted nearly 60 years.

Margaret was at home in transport cafés but also loved to visit the Ritz, when she and Gorden went to London to take in a show. She could mix with Lords and Bishops, as well as young motorcyclists from all over the world, because they all had one thing in common, a love of bikes. During her lifetime Margaret travelled all over the world to motorcycling events but she was a renowned motorcyclist herself and her knowledge of local roads and motorbikes is legendary. Many was the time a customer would be astounded by Margaret's expertise and knowledge when they visited the shop in Brookend Street.

That love for motorcycles has been carried on to the next generation and Neil and Gail are determined to honour Margaret and Gordon's legacy by continuing to run the family firm.