The driving force behind many of Ross Library’s events and actvities is on the look-out for her replacement.

Due to a lack of new volunteers stepping up, the Ross Library Development Group is appraching a state of crisis unless residents are able to step up and step in. Clare wrote to the Gazette, she said:

“First let me wish you a very happy and rewarding New Year. This time last year, many of us hoped for a return to some level of normality after ‘The Covid Years’ but instead we encountered a year of difficulties and disasters at international, national, and community levels… and Covid didn’t go away! Let us hope that 2023 can bring positive changes and improvements on every front.

“As those of you who attended our wonderful December event with the indomitable and delightful Dick Brice will know, we have decided not to hold further evening events until the Spring. Two key factors: the discouragement of winter weather to attendance and the need for the library to keep the heating on into the evening. So our first 2023 event will probably be on April 4. 

“Meanwhile I had hoped to help set up some ‘pop up’ events at the library during the winter days, but I am afraid that everyone is so busy before Christmas that nothing was achieved. Sorry.

“Finally an appeal—not for the first time—for new committee members. We are now just four and I intend to resign the chair at the June AGM. I did attempt to begin some succession planning back in 2019, but Covid shot a hole through that. My husband has been co-opted to run the bar at every single event in 2022—for which I have been very grateful, especially on those occasions when I was the only committee member present.

“We have some staunch volunteers who have also helped out—much appreciated. However this situation is not viable. We have an excellent Treasurer but recently, very sadly, lost our membership secretary. I am currently chairing and minuting committee meetings, doing the publicity, maintaining the website and Facebook page, organising and leading events, liaising with the library team and with members, and so on... As I say, this is not viable. If you are interested, or know anyone who might enjoy taking on some of these activities please get in touch.”