Spring Amble/Ramble in Ross-on-Wye – by David Hinds

On the 9th April 16 members of the SBC gathered on the North side steps of the market hall in Ross. After the initial introductions and putting names to faces the conversation soon turned to what outer covering the walkers should need on the walk. Rain seemed unlikely, although cool in the shade David decided a pullover was sufficient, Debs was uncertain as to how warm it was going to be.

Those of us who were ambling set off in small groups round town. There being a good number of charity and antique shops, the latter ranging from those with quality items to what one could only describe as junk shops. With my interests I found, to my mind, the charity shop bargain of the day. This comprised of two blocks of high quality cotton paper for water colour painting for £2. Making our way back to the Royal Hotel we met Trish who was looking at some, one time, common household items by the way of galvanised buckets and enamel bowls, these were priced as if they were gold plated!

Soon after we arrived at the Royal, a rather grand and impressive rabbit warren. Here we met with those who had been walking. Then we settled down to pleasant conversion putting the world to rights whilst enjoying excellent scones, cream and tea. After thanking Debs for organising another enjoyable get-together we all departed on our separate ways, looking forward to the Summer meeting in Tewkesbury.