Ross Walkers are Welcome founder steps down as Chair

Last week, Sam Phillips, officially stepped down as Chair of Ross Walkers are Welcome and the committee thanked him for his amazing input over the years.

Sam founded the group in 2009, gaining national accreditation for Ross-on-Wye as a Walkers are Welcome town; and then presided over 13 years as Chair, 12 glorious Walking Festivals, “twinning” visits to Spain and Japan, with reciprocal visitors hosted in Ross; as well as 5 years as Chair of the National WaW organisation. Luckily Sam is still going to be actively involved with the group, but in a different role – initially, developing some very interesting walking trails.

Sam is well known in the town. He was born and bred in Ross and has lived here for most of his life. He has been actively involved over the years with Ross Cycling Club, Ross Ramblers, Ross Lions, Ross/Betzdorf Town Twinning and so much more – often taking a leadership role to develop and embrace the opportunities for people in our community. Sam was always supported by his late wife, Thelma, who sadly passed away in 2021.

Walkers are Welcome is a nationwide initiative launched in 2007 to enable members to assist with their communities’ economic, physical, health and mental well-being through walking. There are now over 100 accredited Towns and Villages throughout the UK. The Ross WaW group describe themselves very much as a marketing and enabling network – promoting Ross as a destination for walkers to come and spend money with our local businesses, and particularly those independent operators which makes Ross such a unique destination; but also as a team who seek to ensure our footpaths are as accessible as possible to as many as possible.

In an average year they work to run the annual Walking Festival on the last weekend of September (23-25th September 2022), facilitate the installation of gates or gaps instead of stiles, and promote walks and trails locally, highlighting the stories and features to be found. See the website for a range of self-guided walks locally and lots more information: http://www.walkinginross.co.uk

Sam’s resignation as Chair will leave a hole in the group, that they hope to fill from the wider Ross community. While it may seem a hard act to follow, the Committee is a very relaxed and friendly group and welcome new ideas and input. If anyone is interested in getting involved/ applying to be Chair, get in touch for an informal chat: rosswalkingfestival@outlook.co.uk