IT’S the end of the line for a Christmas tradition in Ross-on-Wye that has been held for over two decades.

Regrettably, the Community Christmas Day Meal at The Larruperz Centre, organised by EnviroAbility and funded by Ross Lions, will not be going ahead this year.

Paula Evans the general manager ofEnviroAbility said: “We are very thankful for the contribution of the team that ensured the smooth planning and running of the day for the past 20 plus years.

“Unfortunately, our core team members are no longer able to carry on and without new volunteers willing to contribute to the process.

“EnviroAbility and Ross Lions would like to thank all the stalwart donors who have contributed to help lower the cost of running the event.

“We are extremely grateful to all our volunteers who have given up their time to help ensure the smooth running of the day and the various chefs who have given up their Christmas day to feed our community.

“We would also like to thank the Ross Action Committee and the Royal Voluntary Service for providing transport to people attending the lunch on Christmas Day.

EnviroAbility also acknowledge the support of the Larruperz Centre which has allowed the organisation to use the centre its facilities.

“Without the involvement of all those mentioned, over the past 20 something years, many members of our community would have been alone or without a meal on Christmas Day,” said Ms Evans.

“We would like to see the event back up and running for Christmas 2025, but that needs a new core team.”

If you are someone who might be interested in taking on this role for next year please email [email protected] or call the office on 01989 763388.

For the Christmas meal to succeed it needs at least four volunteers who are willing to organise planning meetings, manage the transport and home delivery bookings, arrange the ordering of the food and contribute to the running on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

EnviroAbility would also need to secure the services of someone with a least a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery (or equivalent) to supervise the food preparation.