Here is a great photograph from our Instagram page showing the new novelty Piaggio seats at The Coffee Cart Company, in the Old Market Shopping Centre Hereford.

How cool are these! 😎

Follow Us 👉 on Instagram

An online marketplace that provides an environmentally friendly, one-stop-shopping experience with independent businesses has won an award for its commitment to sustainability at the Small Awards.

Herefordshire e-commerce start-up Local e Sourced enables shoppers to choose from over 90 local suppliers with single local or national delivery. It won the inaugural national 'Net Hero Award' for its unique, environmentally friendly approach of storing stock from independent suppliers in its own warehouse, to reduce packaging waste and transportation emissions.

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"Our business was built with the intention to limit our carbon footprint and environmental impact as far as possible, so I am absolutely thrilled to have won this fantastic new award,"

said owner Hamish Light, who brought forward the planned launch of his business at the start of the pandemic to support local businesses and consumers.

Hamish Light

Hamish was surprised at his home with a trophy during the virtual Small Awards ceremony that increasingly stunned guests, as eleven businesses across the UK were crowned winners on their doorsteps.

Local e Sourced  impressed the Small Awards' panel of expert enterprise judges for its dedication to sustainable logistics. It utilises compostable WoolCool thermal insulation and recyclable packaging, as well as two courier services - one to reach areas outside of Herefordshire, and a bicycle courier within the county.

In its fifth year, the Small Awards is a nationwide search for the smallest and greatest firms in the UK, across all sectors. It is organised annually by Small Business Britain, which champions, inspires and accelerates small businesses in the UK.

The new 'Net Hero' award also follows the launch of its Small Business Planet campaign to engage and encourage entrepreneurs and small businesses to commit to reducing their carbon emissions to Net Zero before 2050, supporting the broader call to action and efforts in this area by the UK Government. 

"Congratulations to Hamish and the team at Local e Sourced – they really impressed our judges with their inspiring creativity and dedication to sustainability," said Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder of Small Business Britain, and the Small Awards.

"It has been a difficult year for the whole small business community, but it is so positive to celebrate the amazing contribution of small firms, especially when they are taking action on such crucial issues like protecting the environment. So many small businesses are hugely passionate about sustainability, and it's important to recognise and encourage this as they can play a vital role in tackling climate change and reducing the UK's carbon emissions." 

The Small Business Planet campaign will kick off with a series of special weekly events in the run up to COP26 on Small Business Britain's digital channels, including webinars, Facebook Lives, Power Hours, Drop-Ins and live streamed sessions on Instagram and LinkedIn.

AFC win the Buildbase FA Trophy with a 3-1 win Hereford FC today at Wembley.

Fantastic effort from our team! 

Eight men have received prison sentences for Courier Fraud offences they committed in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Sutton Coldfield in 2019.

The group of offenders based in London targeted elderly and vulnerable members of the public pretending to be police officers, encouraging them to help an investigation by withdrawing money from the bank.

Couriers would then be arranged, also pretending to be police officers, to attend the victims’ addresses and collect the money.

Two were arrested following a high speed pursuit in Hereford in which they rammed police cars and other vehicles before they were detained.

More than 200 victims were identified by police, with many more targeted by the and with over 1,000 unique and known landline numbers contacted.

The benefit amount of the conspiracy, for money stolen or attempted to have been stolen was just under £200,000.

Full details 👉 https://bit.ly/3442FQQ

We originally ran an article highlighting the fabulous Trust back last year 👉 https://hfd.news/8gw

Actor Ross Kemp officially opens new housing for military veterans

A military veteran housing scheme has been officially opened today by the well-known actor, author, presenter and investigative journalist, Ross Kemp, on behalf of The Buchanan Trust.

During the opening ceremony, Ross, a long-term supporter of the Armed Forces community, assisted in cutting the ribbon for the four new Almshouse cottages that have been built specifically to help ex-service personnel make a successful return to civilian life.  
Ross Kemp said:

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“It’s a great achievement for The Buchanan Trust to have built these stunning cottages during lockdown and it’s a pleasure to be here today to officially open these new homes for our veterans.”

“Robert Buchanan formed the Trust over 100 years ago and I wonder if he was looking down today would he wonder why there is still a need to provide housing for our veterans and what he would think about the fact that organisations still need to come together to offer this support to our ex service personnel.”

Funding from both Herefordshire Council and Homes England through the Almshouse Consortium has enabled The Buchanan Trust housing scheme to go ahead and has seen the construction of four properties on the rural 700 acre Bosbury Estate in Herefordshire. 

The Buchanan Trust is a not-for-profit charity set up to support ex-military personnel in 1918 in memory of Alan Buchanan who fell in the First World War.  Run by a board of voluntary trustees, the Trust still continues to this day with its vital work in supporting veterans with their transition from military to civilian life.

The Trust provides temporary residential accommodation for up to 40 former service men and women and their families, to help them readjust after their time in the forces has come to an end.  In addition to housing, the veterans are also provided with access to work experience, accredited training skills and employment opportunities in the rural and construction sectors.  

Councillor Barry Durkin, Herefordshire Council’s representative for the Armed Forces, said:

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“We are delighted to provide funding for these four new properties and also providing assistance and support for the important work of The Buchanan Trust in supporting military veterans and their families as they re-integrate into the local community.” 

Robert Buchanan, trustee and direct descendant of the original benefactor, added:

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“It’s remarkable that the trust today, supports our Armed Forces community as it was first intended back in 1918 when it first started.  The military has evolved over that time but the need to help those who have served our country still remains, so it is important we continue to raise awareness.” 

General Sir Adrian Bradshaw KCB OBE, Patron of The Buchanan Trust, said:

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"Since the end of the First World War a century ago The Buchanan Trust has been supporting former soldiers, sailors and airmen with homes, training and work experience to enable them to start new lives, mainly in agriculture and rural jobs, after leaving the Armed Services.  These four new cottages will provide fitting homes to add to our community of military veterans at Bosbury who are being helped by the Trust, and who support each other, in their transition to civilian life.  Should you wish to help the Trust, or simply wish to know more about us, look us up at www.buchanan-trust.org.uk or contact us on 07342 874385."

Sue Missin, Housing Development Manager, Saffer Cooper Consultancy, said:

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“The delivery of the latest development from The Buchanan Trust is very welcome. The Trustees have worked hard over a number of years with Herefordshire Council, Homes England and others to ensure that these crucial additional residential properties are delivered.”

Congratulations to Hereford Pegasus Ladies winning the Herefordshire FA Ladies County Cup with a dominating 4-1 win over Bartestree LFC at Edgar Street last night.

Photograph courtesy of Hereford Pegasus Football Club

7 cases of variant identified but contained within small work bubble

Herefordshire Council is working with Public Health England (PHE) Midlands to support a farm in the county following an outbreak of COVID-19 among a small number of their seasonal workforce.

The small number of workers affected had all been routinely tested during their period of isolation when arriving on the farm. Fourteen workers have been found to be COVID-19 positive, seven of which have been confirmed with the variant B.1.617.2 (Indian variant).

The farm involved has strict control measures in place to limit transmission, including a period of isolation for all workers on arrival who then live and work in small groups (bubbles).

Herefordshire’s Acting Director of Public Health, Dr Rebecca Howell Jones, said: 

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“We are working closely with a farm who have taken all the right steps when welcoming their valued seasonal workforce, including routine testing and a period of isolation. This has helped to limit transmission in their workforce and there is no evidence of onward spread outside of the household groups in which the workers were isolating.

“Because of the strict measures taken and very limited transmission to date we do not currently have plans to introduce surge testing locally, however we will continue to monitor the situation closely.

“I would like to reassure people that we are working closely with businesses in Herefordshire to prevent outbreaks and limit transmission when positive COVID-19 cases are identified. 

“As restrictions are lifted and people socialise more, it is vitally important for people to stay vigilant for signs and symptoms of COVID-19; self-isolate and request a test if they develop symptoms.”

 

If you have COVID symptoms, no matter how mild, you and your household should isolate and book a COVID test online or dial 119 from any phone to book.

Everyone should also take twice-weekly rapid lateral flow device (LFD) testing when symptom-free. There are a number of testing sites available for residents who live or work in Herefordshire, alternatively you can pick up a test from participating pharmacies or you can order tests for home delivery. More information can be found on the council website. 

To protect yourself and others, you must remember: Hands. Face. Space. Fresh Air.

Hands – wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water often, and as soon as you get home - use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.

Face – wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.

Space – stay at least 2 metres away from anyone you do not live with, or who is not in your support bubble.

Fresh Air – it is safest to meet outdoors. If you do meet friends or family indoors stick to guideline limits, keep the visit short and ensure good ventilation.

Vaccination – take up COVID-19 vaccination when you are invited to do so.

DfE issues non-statutory Improvement Notice following recent High Court judgment

Herefordshire Council has today (Tuesday 18 May 2021) received a non-statutory Improvement Notice from the Department for Education (DfE).

The notice follows significant concerns raised in a recent High Court judgement which led to an urgent and thorough external review of Herefordshire Children’s Social Care Services.

The Improvement Notice includes the appointment of Gladys Rhodes White OBE as an Improvement Adviser for a minimum of 12 months, and until such time that the Secretary of State is satisfied that she is no longer required. Mrs Rhodes White will provide advice to Children’s Social Care Services and Herefordshire Council, and she will chair the Improvement Board which is being established from the beginning of June 2021.

Paul Walker, newly appointed Chief Executive of Herefordshire Council said:

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“We welcome the appointment of Gladys Rhodes White OBE as Improvement Adviser following the Department for Education Improvement Notice. Mrs Rhodes White is an outstanding leader with substantial expertise and skills in transforming and improving services and outcomes for children and families. I will work closely with Gladys and Cath Knowles, our Interim Director of Children’s Services, to address the serious issues identified by the High Court judgement and Department for Education Improvement Notice and to deliver a sustainable and improved children’s services department.

“We take full accountability for the failings of our Children’s Social Care Services and we will make much-needed changes to our culture and practices. Our Interim Director of Children’s Services continues to lead the improvements to our Children’s Social Care Services. Our social workers continue to do their best, often in very difficult circumstances, to support families and protect vulnerable children in our community. Under the new leadership, we will strive to ensure we offer Herefordshire children, and their families, the highest level of care and support possible.” 

 

A review of Children’s Social Care services is underway to understand and address any failings and immediate actions are being taken to deal with any serious concerns. Herefordshire Council continues to offer residents the opportunity to report a concern following their experience with its Children’s Social Care services. A dedicated team, led by the Interim Director of Children’s Services, are working through these concerns and while we seek to understand the full extent of past decisions made within Children’s Services, we regret that we may find further instances that do not meet the required standards. If you have any concerns about the way you or your family have been treated by Herefordshire Children’s Social Care services, you can contact us at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/careconcerns  or email careconcerns@herefordshire.gov.uk

His family, friends and colleagues all paid tribute today in a fitting service for a true gentleman who was tragically killed in an accident last month.

Photographs courtesy of West Midlands Ambulance Service

Thank you to Dan Guerche and Steve for their very kind invitation to a private viewing of Saxtys Bar & Club last night.

Saxtys Bar & Club has undergone a very tasteful refurbishment as you will see from the photographs below.

We were fortunate to sample some of the delicious food. The starters were well presented and we had a variety of options to tease our taste buds. The main meal was a fabulous steak that arrived on a 🔥HOT STONE🔥 and slowly continues to cook at your table until it reaches your desired preference.

There is a superb choice of drinks and cocktails on offer and the service for their first night was impressive to say the least, the staff worked tirelessly throughout the evening and they all made us feel very welcome. 👏👏

We are looking forward to returning again over the coming weeks and months. We have missed Saxtys and are so pleased that this brilliant city centre venue is back open in Hereford!!

Saxtys Bar & Club is open from Thursday at 5pm till midnight.

Friday from 12 till late for food and cocktails.

Saturday from 12 till late for food and cocktails.

Sunday roast from midday till 5pm (last table at 4pm)

We would encourage you to book for food 👉 www.saxtys.co.uk

A new car parking charge structure that has been introduced across the county today (17 May) will make it easier than ever for you to make an informed decision about where best to park your car. 

The new structure, which divides the price of parking into bands relative to proximity to the City or town centre, gives you the option to balance spending less on parking with a short walk, and ensures there are plenty of spaces available in the centre for short term users.

Parking is now free in all market towns on Sundays and after 6pm every day, while in Hereford parking is now free after 8pm every day.

Prices have been frozen at Merton Meadow in Hereford which is our largest car park out of the town centre, while prices at St Martins (swimming pool) have been reduced from £1.20 to £1.00 per hour. The off-peak hours season ticket, which allows parking in any car park between 5pm and 9am for £75 per year or £25 per quarter, has also been extended to all Market towns.

The new structure, along with details of charges at each location can be found on the Herefordshire Council website.

Cllr John Harrington, Cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, said: 

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“Parking charges have not been increased since 2016, and we appreciate that bringing in rises is always a hot topic but they are increases we need to introduce for a variety of reasons. Effectively managing the demand for parking spaces allows us to ensure the turnover of spaces to help with availability, reduce congestion and improve air quality. We want our historic city and town centres to be clean, vibrant and busy centres where people can meet, shop, eat and work.

“We want people who come to shop or use our hospitality venues to be able to park for longer at a better price just outside the City Centre - like the Swimming Baths - walking into town with time to dwell and spend well locally. Those that want to come right into the City centre, where spaces are much more in demand, will pay a little extra. Motorists with disabilities will still have spaces reserved and the right to park in any parking space in the City centre for free.

“We have listened to key stakeholders around the county and considered the revised parking structure very carefully to try and attain a balance that encourages more active travel without deterring visitors. We really want people who come to shop or enjoy local hospitality to consider staying for longer by parking in one of our car parks that are a short walk from the centre so they don’t have to rush their day or evening out.

“The new banding structure means that parking slightly further from the city or town centre saves a bit of money on the price of parking while increasing footfall which supports local businesses. It also keeps spaces available in the centre of town for those who only need a short stay.”

Funds generated from parking charges are used to maintain local car parks, and any surplus funds provide vital contributions to other important services for local people, including school transport and public transport.

Some coronavirus restrictions are being lifted across England today, as Government move to Step 3 of roadmap.

Here’s what you need to know 👉 https://bit.ly/2QniMFJ 

The beautiful 400-year-old Old House in Hereford will be undergoing some much needed repairs if the recent planning application to carry out these repairs is approved.

The Black and White House Museum Hereford.

As you can clearly see from our photographs below, many of the infill panels need to be repaired and brought back to their former glory.

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Proposed repairs to external joinery, frame and infill panels of 1st floor, 2nd floor & attic level elevations.

Donald Insall Associations - Chartered Architects and Historical Building Consultants

Herefordshire Council appointed Insall to undertake a condition survey of the first and second floor level external elevations, to identify the condition of the timber frame, infill panels and associated external joinery i.e. windows, bargeboards and finials, and provide budget costs to allow a capital funding bid for the work. The findings of the inspection were to inform recommendations for improvement works sufficient to allow tenders to be invited from suitably experienced contractors.

Recommendations 

Timber Frame and Joinery

Necessary repairs to joinery on the upper-level elevations are minor in nature and largely focused on arresting the further loss of the delightful decorative details which are such a feature of this eye- catching building.

  Repair 5no carved pendant characters adorning gable apex. Introduce discreet lead cover flashing over upper surfaces of all 8 pendants following repair and redecoration.

  Repair several other missing or damaged decorative joinery features.

  Numerous previous patch repairs to frame and joinery require refixing.

  Remove extensive modern sealants before repair and redecoration.

  Remove leaching bird deterrent gel on transoms and sills before repair and redecoration.

  Prepare and redecorate external timber with linseed oil paint.

  Arrange close inspection by a suitably experienced structural engineer when access is next available during planned works.

Infill Panels

The constructional build-up and layered provenance of each panel is difficult to determine as the building has undergone may phases of adaptation and repair, but some original panels are likely to have survived at least in part and these are of high significance. Consequently, a cautious approach to repair is required where the type of construction is not apparent in a defective panel.

The cause of panel defects may often be the result of a combination of factors. It appears that many of the defective areas are of modern construction and relate to recent phases of repair.

Remove defective and delaminating coatings to panels and perimeter sealant at junctions with frame.

Progressively open up defective areas recording existing individual panel construction on reference sheet.

  Where defective panel is supported on modern woodwool slab or expanded metal lathing, assume complete replacement with new wattle and daub panel construction.

  Where defective panel is of modern, or historic, wattle and daub construction, assess soundness of panel and integrity of wattles/ laths to establish suitability for stabilisation or patch repair. Samples of any soil or lime-based daub should be carefully salvaged and bagged for analysis by others.

Replacement panels of new wattle and daub construction – refer to specification and drawings. Repairs to existing wattle and daub panel construction – refer to specification.
Prepare and redecorate panel exterior with mineral paint – refer to specification.
Prepare and redecorate panel interior with distemper – refer to specification.

Ancillary Items

Minor repairs to fixed leaded light windows in timber frames.

Renew isolated broken clay plain tiles to bay window roofs.

Repair/ renew sections of lead cover flashing to south elevation 2nd floor bressummer beam.

Remove sealant joint over lead cover flashing at top abutment of tiled roofs – refer to specification for repair detail.

The Condition Survey and Recommendation for Improvement Works PDF from Donald Insall Associates is attached below;

ProposalAttachment.pdf

Positive Hereford | Huge congratulations to Hamish at Local E Sourced awarded ‘Net Hero’ Winners at The Small Awards

This is a fantastic achievement and well deserved 👏👏

Interview with Hamish here https://fb.watch/5x7XYzdWfv/

Local E Sourced are absolutely delighted with their win and have written a few words here https://hfd.news/r99

Herefordshire Council teams have recently completed a programme of resurfacing and drainage works on the U80011 - Union Street, Hereford.

The Knife Angel (Also referred to as the National Monument Against Violence & Aggression) is a contemporary sculpture formed from 100,000 confiscated knives and is an incredible 27ft in height and weighing over 3.5 tonnes, created by artist Alfie Bradley (pictured below) and the The British Ironwork Centre based in Oswestry.

This thought-provoking angel artwork is scheduled to be hosted by the magnificent Hereford Cathedral from 14 June for 28 days.

Hereford Voice is proud to be a 'Working Partner' with this fabulous charity.

Donations https://www.justgiving.com/knifeangelhereford

About Knife Angel Hereford

Alison Davies lost her son Mark Hamilton to knife crime in 2018, together with friends Meryl Cain, Pauline Strong and Jan Jefferies they decided to bring the Knife Angel to #Hereford in 2021 to help raise awareness of the catastrophic impact of violent crime on communities, families and individuals.

Visit the website www.knifeangelhereford.co.uk

During the Knife Angel’s visit, the Knife Angel Hereford team will run a series of workshops and interactive events. It is envisaged that this initiative will continue after the Knife Angel leaves Hereford.

Another reason to Visit Herefordshire this year!

Bromyard Lions a community group of like minded people who wish to assist our community in any way we can.

We act independently of the many other community groups, of which there are many in Bromyard already, without stepping on their toes but bringing something else to the community to enhance what is already there. 

We have made scrubs for the hospital when required, masks for groups as requested.

We have embarked on a couple of big garden projects to assist with tidying the sites at the Hope Centre & Bromyard Community hospital and we are able to do so by fund raising to meet the costs. The rewards are in the pleasure we can bring in helping those in the community who are vulnerable. Other projects as and when funds allow.

We also collect spectacles for recycling, some 500+  to date which will help third world countries improve sight.

Also we have given over 100 Message In A Bottle pots for people to record allergies, people to contact in an emergency and medications, inside and place in the fridge. Stickers are supplied for the window and door for Police, Fire and or Paramedics to see on arrival in an emergency.

We also collected and donated 14 laptops and 5 tablets to Queen Elizabeth High School Bromyard for pupils to continue their education from home during the pandemic.

Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organisation.

Lions are an international network of over 1.3 million men and women in over 44,000 clubs within 200 countries who work together through selfless, effective community service to answer the needs that challenge communities. Lions are individuals who volunteer their time to humanitarian causes in their local and global communities, conducting and supporting vision and health screenings, building parks, awarding scholarships, assisting youth, providing help in times of disaster and much more. In the British Isles and Ireland, and the rest of Europe, Lions donate over 5.7 million hours and £88 million to humanitarian causes each year.

As a member of a Lions Club you become aware of the needs of your community and have the opportunity to make a difference. Each Club provides volunteers with project management experience, leadership training, personal development opportunities and organised fund raising programmes. Being a Lion empowers you to help others in a way that no one person could do alone.

Lions International Foundation’s Global Causes
• Diabetes - We serve to reduce the prevalence of diabetes and improve quality of life for those diagnosed.
• Vision - We serve to prevent avoidable blindness and improve quality of life for people who are blind and visually impaired.
• Hunger - We serve to ensure the community members have access to nutritious foods.
• Environment - We serve to sustainably protect and restore our environment to improve the well-being of all communities.
• Childhood Cancer - We serve to help those affected by childhood cancer survive and thrive.

To find out more, or to join us please contact our President Tony John Richards. tjrichards60@gmail.com or 07885647675.

Regular rapid lateral flow tests for people without covid symptoms can help prevent outbreaks by helping detect positive cases that would not otherwise be found.

In Leominster, the testing site at the Old Priory will close from Wednesday 19 May, with rapid lateral flow tests instead being offered at the following pharmacies:

• Westfield Walk Pharmacy, Westfield Walk
• WS&B Rees Pharmacy, Morris Mews, 20 High St

There are also four local pharmacies that where home test kits are available for residents to collect:

• Leominster Pharmacy, 21-23 West Street
• Boots, 18 Corn Square,
• Westfield Walk Pharmacy, Westfield Walk
• W S & B Rees Chemists, 20 High Street

You must be aged 18 and over to collect the kits, however kits can be used by any age group;

See the Herefordshire Council Website for details of other testing sites across Herefordshire.