Rotary to celebrate Y-Zone success in Ross on Wye

The President of the Rotary International  in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI), Peter L Offer, is to visit Herefordshire to present a plaque at the newly refurbished Y-Zone in Ross on Wye.

The former youth club has been transformed into a creative learning centre.  The Rotary Club of Ross on Wye has provided £15,500 for instruments and equipment for a music-production suite where young people and the wider community can mix and record their own CDs.

Jennifer Lockwood, Assistant Community Youth Service Manager, said: “The development of the music suite, together with the centre refurbishment paid for with European funding, has provided the area with some fantastic facilities.  Young people and members of the local community have been able to learn new skills and spend some of their spare time creatively. 

“We’re very grateful to the Rotary Club.  Without their generosity, this project couldn’t have happened.  Music is an important part of the youth culture and being able to actively participate allows local talent to flourish and grow.”

Rod Barker,  President of the Rotary Club of Ross on Wye said ”We are very keen on working on projects involving young people and we are delighted to be associated with this project.” 

Demand for the music suite has been high, and the skills of a professional musician are being used to help users find their way around the technical equipment.  The Council plans to lease the centre to the Ross Creative Learning Centre, whose trustees will eventually take over the management of the building.

In the meantime, a full programme of creative activities is being developed for the whole community and some weekend music workshops organised for those aged 16 and over.

Peter Offer, accompanied by District Governor, Ron McKechnie will
unveil a plaque commemorating the funding and work undertaken to the music suite at the Y-Zone centre on 27th February 2007 at 3.15pm.