VOLUNTEERING was top of the agenda at a community event held at John Kyrle High School.

Guests from all sections of the community, local businesses, charities, Ross parishes, the council and local societies, along with various clubs, attended the school last week and heard that ‘without volunteers where would we be?’

Headteacher Julian Morgan explained that the theme for this event was ‘Volunteering’.

The visitors met for round table discussions led by senior leaders of the school and discussed volunteering opportunities which would assist the school, particularly with the increasing pupil interest in the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme.

The school also asked those present whether they had any requests for volunteers as well. 

To mark the 300th anniversary of John Kyrle death badges were produced for those who volunteer in the local area to wear. The guests were informed that hundreds of people in the Ross community give their time for free, to run, support, and organise groups and events.

Mr Morgan said: “It is wonderful to see so many here today on a working school day where we work together with over 100 staff and nearly 1,400 students,” and went on to praise the school and the students who had been involved in the opening of the refurbished Market House, together with those who represented the school at various remembrance events in the town.

Mr Morgan remarked that for the first time the entire school had joined together to pay its respects to those who had lost their lives in the Two World Wars and other conflicts on Armistice Day, thanks to the efforts of volunteers.

Paul Deneen, chairman of the Local Governing Board said: “This get together is the first event of its kind to be held at the school, and it provides the opportunity to establish a new beginning and a new chapter of this school connecting with the local community.

“With the school motto being ‘Carpe Diem,’ Let’s ‘seize the day’ and take on board some of the JK300 principles of John Kyrle of: Thinking of others, kindness towards each other, compassion to those in need and volunteering and make a real difference.

“These principles are as relevant today in Ross-on-Wye as they were in 1724.”