‘Cathartic, a little bit scary and ultimately immensely rewarding’

A group of men in Herefordshire who have been living with mental ill health have produced a book of their own writing.

Further Beyond Words showcases original poetry and short stories by men who use creative writing to help them deal with anxiety, depression or other mental health issues.

Many of the 20 poems and stories delve into darker urges and emotions in a cathartic way, while others express hope, positivity and a sense of recovery.

Herefordshire-based horticulturalist, broadcaster and writer Monty Don, who has faced his own struggles with mental illness, wrote the foreword, and all artwork is by students at Hereford College of Arts.

The book is a result of a collaboration between two prominent Hereford-based mental health champions and FurtherBeyond, a local creative writing project.

The two main driving forces, Euan McPherson, chief executive of Hereford Services for Independent Living (who also supports Hereford Men’s Mental Health group), and Cllr Paul Stevens, Mayor of Hereford, have experienced mental ill health themselves – and both have contributed poems.

Euan said:

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“Our hope is that Further Beyond Words will help raise awareness of men’s mental health issues and inspire others to try creative or personal writing.”

Paul said:

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“When we started seeing all the great writing by members of the group and others, Euan and I felt it would be timely to help the men share their work and hopefully, in turn, encourage others. We’re delighted that HCA students were inspired to provide such fantastic illustrations.”

One contributor, who uses the pen-name BlackDog, said:

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“I'd never considered putting pen to paper before it was suggested by the HMMH group as an opportunity. Suddenly I’d found a way of expressing emotions and feelings that I was otherwise unable to convey - not just to other people but even to myself.

‘Using creative writing as a recovery tool was cathartic, a little bit scary and ultimately immensely rewarding.”

 

Another contributor, known as Glyn, said:

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“I found the whole process of of writing my feelings down expressively and sharing them hugely beneficial. Through this book I’m hoping that someone else is helped in a similar way.”

Monty Don writes in his foreword:

“There is still far too much ignorance, shame and fear surrounding mental illness. So it is especially important that publications like this, as well as being a celebration of the creativity that can emerge from troubled minds and troubled times, can help confront these attitudes.

‘Art, of all kinds, can put our own minds right and can change others’ minds.”

Funding was provided by Herefordshire Community Foundation and Great Places.

The book will be available for purchase from the Services for Independent Living website www.s4il.co.uk with all proceeds going to support Hereford Men's Mental Health (HMMH) group – Further details to follow.

Yesterday (05/10/2021) a group of males were discovered digging a Badger sett close to the River Dulas. The group were subsequently located near a parked car where they threatened a local resident with baseball bats. The four males then left in a silver Peugeot estate (possibly a 54 plate).

If anyone has any information about this incident then you are asked to get in touch quoting incident 449_i_05102021. Information can be passed online at www.westmercia.police.uk or via 101. Anonymous information can be passed via Crimestoppers.

Badger baiting is a barbaric and archaic activity where terrier like dogs are sent into setts to locate Badgers. The group will then dig down when the dog has located a Badger. The group will remove the Badger and force it to fight a number of large, powerful dogs. The Badger is usually killed by the dogs or beaten to death by the group. The dogs involved usually sustain horrific and long term injuries that are rarely treated by a vet due to the risk of the offenders being identified.

Offenders face 6 months imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine if convicted. 21058

The Very Revd Sarah Brown was installed as the new Dean of Hereford on Saturday 2 October during a special choral evensong which also celebrated the Feast of St Thomas of Hereford.

In a service which was livestreamed and attended by members of the cathedral communities of Peterborough and Hereford, representatives from Hereford Diocese and local dignitaries, Sarah became the first woman in the 1,300 year history of the diocese to be appointed to the role of Dean of Hereford.

Dean Sarah opened her sermon by thanking everyone who had made her so welcome in Hereford before calling on the community to grow as disciples and help bring forward the next generation to Christ. Those present were encouraged to demonstrate generosity to others as Sarah explained how the cathedral will at times need to meet the spiritual, and sometimes physical needs, of the city and county before its own. The Dean’ssermon closed with an acknowledgement of the challenges that lay ahead in a post-Covid world and a promise that Jesus would be central to every decision she makes moving forward. 

Sarah joins Hereford from Peterborough Cathedral where she has served in the role of Canon Missioner for three and a half years. Since her ordination in 2008, Sarah has worked closely within the agricultural and rural community as well as gaining valuable experience of ministry to market towns and a cathedral city. As Dean of Hereford, she will have overall responsibility for the cathedral’s life, mission and ministry, alongside administration, finance and fabric matters as well as holding responsibilities in the wider diocese.

The Very Revd Sarah Brown, Dean of Hereford, said: “I’d like to say a big thank you to all who pulled out all the stops (some literally) to produce a spectacular time of worship for my welcome and installation. I have been amazed and touched by the generosity and kindness already shown to me and my family by so many people and look forward to serving among you, learning to be the kind of Dean the Cathedral needs for these times and working with a whole range of people and organisations to make Jesus known in the world. 

“It is exciting to start this new phase of life in Cathedral and diocese with you and we shall see what God calls us to do.”

The Rt Revd Richard Jackson, Bishop of Hereford, said: “I am pleased to welcome Sarah officially as Dean of Hereford, a role which is for the Cathedral and community as well as the wider diocese of Hereford. Sarah brings a wealth of experience from her life before ordination, in the Farm Crisis Network, and her ministry in Peterborough which will enrich the life of our Cathedral and diocese.  

“I would like to add a public thank you to Precentor Andrew Piper who has been Acting Dean, he has been a huge support during the vacancy.  

“Sarah’s appointment brings the senior team back up to full strength. We are now looking forward to working as a team supporting and encouraging our churches and communities as they rebuild post lockdown.”

Sarah has moved into the historic Cloisters of the cathedral with her husband Richard, they have two children; Alice, who is a musician and Edward, who is training to be a vet. Sarah’s parents have also relocated to the city and Richard’s family are based just across the border in Monmouth. 

The livestream of the installation of the Dean of Hereford is available to watch on the cathedral website: www.herefordcathedral.org/news/installation-of-the-dean-of-hereford

Watch this space 👀

All will be revealed in the next 48 hours..

Who cares about the Carers?

I've just signed Carers UK's petition asking the Chancellor to fund care now to help millions of older people, disabled people and carers who are desperate for better care. At the moment they're being ignored by the Government's reforms, which won't start until 2023.

You can help by signing the petition too - it only takes a minute.

Herefordshire Council originally closed the bridge over a year ago as part of the Emergency Active Travel Plan in line with the governments advice to help combat the Covid-19 pandemic by creating more space for social distancing.

In line with government advice on the removal of many Covid-19 restrictions, Herefordshire Council began the process of removing some Emergency Active Travel Measures in July.

The initial elements that were removed in July were;

• Footway widening in High Street Bromyard, Broad Street and King Street Hereford.

• Temporary 20mph limits in Hereford and the Market Towns

• Highway Covid warning signage in Ross on Wye & Kington

• Friday closure of High Street Leominster

• Extension to closure time of Widemarsh Street

Elements that have been removed today include;

• Old Wye Bridge Closure Hereford

• Footway widening in Bridge Street Hereford

During the period of closure there has been a significant increase in cycling and pedestrians in this area.

Cllr John Harrington, Cabinet member for Infrastructure and Transport, said: I know these measures were not universally popular but I believe this period of restrictions has allowed us to see a different way of using our streets. I am committed to providing the best environment for both continued use of motor vehicles in the centre of Hereford whilst encouraging better walking and cycling routes and better use of our pavements for hospitality outlets.

How Lincoln University regenerated the east Midlands city

Could the benefits seen in Lincoln since the university’s inception be replicated in similar areas such as Hereford?

When the University of Lincoln was first built on a derelict rail goods yard, it’s said that one of its buildings was designed to be converted into a shopping centre if the university didn’t work out.

While that may be an apocryphal story, it speaks to the tremendous success of the university and its value to the local community. Since its inception in 1996, Lincoln has grown from 500 students to 14,500, generating £430m for the local economy annually. In this small east Midlands city of 99,000 people it is a vital presence: one in six people either works with the university or studies there.

Local residents say the university has transformed Lincoln from provincial backwater to a culturally thriving, diverse city, with new shops and restaurants springing up to accommodate students and the graduates who stay to work in hi-tech businesses supported by the university.

Maybe a chat with those involved with Lincoln's success would be useful for Hereford Council.

Spooky image in the night sky

Danielson Wilde sent us this spooky sighting that he captured over Belmont Abbey last night.

Halloween has come early 👻

The Old Wye Bridge in Hereford is set to re-open to traffic from Friday 1 October, as the next part of the phased removal of the temporary emergency active travel measures introduced in July last year

The original lining and parking bays on Broad Street and Bridge Street in the City will also be reinstated.

Cllr John Harrington, cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, says:

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“We would like to thank residents and visitors to the city for their cooperation and support while these measures were in place.

“I believe this period of restrictions, which was introduced at the government’s request to allow people to safely social distance and to encourage the increase in cycling and walking, which the lockdowns brought, has allowed us to experience a different way of using our streets. We have seen significant increases in walking and cycling in this area and I hope businesses who were initially cautious have seen the benefits of slower and less congested streets. People of all ages and walks of life have commented on the enjoyment they have felt being able to walk along quieter routes or sit outside and have a drink.

“I am committed to providing the best environment for both continued use of motor vehicles in the centre of Hereford whilst encouraging better walking and cycling routes. We are working towards a masterplan for the city and we will be inviting all stakeholders and the public to input to the vision we hopefully all share for the future of our historic and vibrant city. The expiry of the government’s temporary legislation means we cannot extend the measures beyond September but we can and will consider them for permanent features in due course.”

 

Well done to Belmont Rural Parish Council and Herefordshire County Councillor Tracy Bowes, for spending today sprucing up Benjamin Park in Belmont.

Before

After 

Councillor Tracy Bowes approached the Parish Council asking if they would fund the purchase of paint, wood and bark to revitalise the play area. The parish council approved the request and Tracy and several of the parish councillors, together with Benjamin’s mum, and the locality steward from Balfour Beatty, gave up their free time today to paint and replace play bark and wood.

A big thank you to everyone involved, including parish councillors, Adrian Bridges, Colin Warne, Phil Rudd, Amy bridges, Julie Furniss, Neil Hooper, Des Parish and County Councillor Tracy Bowes. A big thank you to Natalie from Bblp and her partner Max, who also helped.

Great community and great team work 👏

Hereford Movie | Wyvern Hill - Feature Film had it's debut festival screening at the Dead North Film Festival and it won Best Feature!

Congratulations from the team at Hereford Voice 👏

Wyvern Hill is described as ‘the story of one woman’s struggle with reality’ as a series of gruesome killings is shaking the county of Herefordshire, UK. We wrote an article on the new horror movie set in Herefordshire last August.

More details on our previous article from last year here - https://hfd.news/tkt

Another £80,000.00 gone

http://councillors.herefordshire.gov.uk/documents/s50093735/Award of professional services contract to undertake outline design and consultation for the Cathedr.pdf

And more on its way

http://councillors.herefordshire.gov.uk/documents/s50093729/Variation of AP for Critical Friend Reviews v5.docx.pdf

On 19th September, Mayor of Hereford Paul Stevens attended the War Memorial Dedication Service for the crew of JB453 OL-F, an aircraft which tragically crashed at Blankenburg, Germany on 2nd January 1944

Mayor of Hereford Paul Stevens

Read more hereMayor of Hereford Paul Steven ➡️ https://herefordcitycouncil.gov.uk/mayor-attends-war.../ 

A large amount of cannabis has been seized after a warrant was executed. In Cedar Close

The warrant was part of Hereford Cops on-going work to shut down the distribution of drugs in our community. It was our community and partners that spoke to us and who told us of the drug dealing at this address and we acted on this intelligence.

If you are concerned about drug dealing in your local area you can report it on line at www.westmercia.pnn.police.uk or via 101, or you can report crime anonymously to Crimestoppers

Online - crimestoppers-uk.org

By phone - 0800 555 111

🔹#HerefordVoice 🔹#HerefordNews 🔹#Hereford

How tidy is your street, your estate. Seen any rats yet? We have had tree cuttings left on the ground since July 2020 even though they were reported several times since , there is even a Christmas Tree lying on the ground.

It appears the council can take away a useful litter bin, but can't empty the ones which regularly overflow. Could that be the reason for the problem? If we didn't have several volunteers who take it on themselves to try and keep Newton Farm tidy we would be under a land fill site by now.

Have you seen any councillors walking around the estate? What's their impression? Maybe they would like to knock on a few doors and seek residents views, but now the elections are over I imagine they have gone back down their burrows.
 

Multiple Fire Crews from both Herefordshire and Gloucestershire joined forces to tackle a barn and combine harvester fire last night in Herefordshire.

Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service (Official) sent their water carrier from Cheltenham to assist at the scene of the site which is away from a sufficient water course.

Fabulous joint effort from both of the Counties fire crews

📸 GFRS

Herefordshire community car club pilot 🚗

Funded by the Central Government Covid Recovery Grant, Herefordshire Council wishes to support up to six communities to establish community car clubs during an 18 month pilot.

A community car club is a local, member-based initiative that provides access to pay-as-you-drive vehicles. Community car clubs are typically run by local groups to support their communities.

Car clubs can improve accessibility to transport provision for residents particularly in rural areas. They can also help households reduce their carbon footprint by not owning a car and having more consideration about car use.

An independent third party will be appointed to support the pilot car clubs, for example by:

• Purchasing and loaning up to six pre-owned cars
• Covering insurance, breakdown, MOT, servicing and repairs
• Providing online booking systems and other administration

Herefordshire Council are inviting communities to submit an expression of interest by Thursday 7 October.

Complete the form if you can demonstrate:

• Evidence you have a steering group in place and named volunteers willing to undertake key roles, for example membership co-ordinator, car keeper, scheme promoter
• Evidence that you have undertaken consultation and publicity and have at least three residents keen to join

Complete the car club expression of interest form by following the 'Hereford Voice' unique link here ➡ https://hfd.news/sxs

Young drivers, and their passengers, are being encouraged to remain safe on Herefordshire roads through an initiative that is targeting students in their final year of secondary school.

Hereford & Worcester Fire & Rescue Service working in partnership with Hereford Police, Safer Road Partnerships, Herefordshire Council Road Safety Team and the ELY Memorial Fund charity held simulated crash scenarios at Leominster Police station last week to enable Year 11 students to witness the emergency services demonstrate ‘What’s Behind the Siren’ when fire, police and ambulance services attend road traffic collisions. An 18 minute extraction to remove casualties from a car demonstrates to young people the equipment, expertise, compassion and determination to remove casualties as quickly as possible within what is known as the ‘Golden Hour’ to the appropriate A&E trauma unit .  

Councillors Kath Hey, Ange Tyler (ELY Memorial Fund), John Hardwick, Felicity Norman and Pauline Crockett pictured at the Dying 2 Drive event for young drivers. 

Students also participate in workshops about the ‘Fatal Four’: distraction; the importance of wearing a seat belt; appropriate speed within different environments and the impact of drugs and alcohol on driving.  

The workshops are followed by the heart-breaking accounts by mothers who have lost their children on the road. Coun Ange Tyler speaks of losing her only daughter Emma Louise Young in a car accident in September 2010, recalling the initial 48 hours after the knock at the door from the police informing her that Emma had been killed.    

Diana Wood also speaks of her journey losing her son Tom in June 2015, explaining to students that her son was speeding and tragically died at the scene of the accident.  

Coun. Tyler, who established the ELY Memorial Fund, said: ‘After two hours students will have witnessed and learnt about the ‘Fatal Four’ that could end in the loss of life, either as a passenger or driver, in a motor vehicle.  The message to the young students from all partners involved with Dying 2 Drive, is to be our future drivers who will make the right choices to remain safe on our roads, as well as enjoying the best experiences of driving.’