Please avoid having a bonfire during the Coronavirus lockdown period. Right now with this fine weather the ground so dry it can fuel the flames, spread to neighbouring gardens, properties and endanger lives. It also increases respiratory problems.

We reported two fires yesterday, this one at Dorstone and another near Much Marcle  both attended by Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service but there were a lot more across the counties.

Let's all stay safe and be sensible during these challenging times.

Debenhams has announced that more stores are to permanently close.

Following on from our article on our Facebook Page last week and this article from last year.

The retailer confirmed that four of its premises would not be reopening once the coronavirus lockdown is lifted, impacting 200 staff.

The news comes just a week after it revealed that seven other stores across the country were to close, following the company's collapse into administration.

Stores in Southampton, Swindon, Kidderminster and Borehamwood are the latest closures confirmed on Friday.

Thankfully, Hereford store is still safe at the moment..

Cabinet - Thursday 30 April 2020 2.30 pm

6. Report on the council’s response to the Coronavirus epidemic

To report to cabinet on the response by Herefordshire Council to the coronavirus epidemic in the county and its impact on the council and the county.

Link: Watch this Cabinet meeting live on the Herefordshire Council Youtube Channel

Do you enjoy gardening?

Well Allensmore Nurseries Ltd have just launched their new national delivery mail order website ‘Golden Valley Plants'

No minimum order, you can order just one plant if you would like to and then pay a delivery charge. Orders over £95 will be delivered free of charge.

Check them out and keep it local! 
#HerefordVoice #KeepItLocal #HfdLocal

Check out 'The River Wye with Will Millard' this Thursday at 19.30 on BBC2 and BBC iPlayer.

This is a short 3 part series. 

Writer and angler Will Millard begins his journey down the River Wye in the wild mountains of Mid Wales. 

He goes in search of the river's source on the slopes of Plynlimon, before learning how a local sheep farmer has diversified by turning some of his land into a destination for petrolheads. 

He explores how a legacy of heavy industry polluted the entire Wye catchment, acidifying its waters and damaging the ecosystem. 

Now an environmental charity is working hard to right the wrongs of the past with some basic chemistry and some heavy machinery. 

The way rivers are viewed is changing and Will takes a detour off the main river up one of its tributaries to reflect on the benefits of being immersed in nature. After spending a night in the wilds, Will explores how the waters that feed the Wye have been harnessed as a valuable natural resource. 

The upper reaches of the River Wye are also an important sanctuary for a diverse range of wildlife, but what we see today is just a fraction of what the river must once have been and could be once more. 

Will goes in search of a river-dwelling animal that hasn't been seen on a Welsh river for centuries. As an obsessive angler, Will couldn't make a journey down the Wye without trying to hook a fish or two. He's never caught Wye salmon, the river's most iconic species, and it's not going to be easy.

We might be stuck indoors for now, but you can escape to the source of the River Wye at 7:30pm this Thursday on BBC Two

 Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service have reported another fire this afternoon. 

Photo courtesy of HW Fore & Rescue Service

Crews from Ross on Wye, Newent and water carriers from both Ledbury and Leominster are in attendance at a barn fire, near Much Marcle.
Photo courtesy HW Fire & Rescue Service.

Kingsland Fire Station crew showing their appreciation to the NHS and Carers.

We also appreciate the work that the First and Rescue service provide, thank you!

The Spring 2020 edition of the PLACE magazine is now available online

https://2f27d1a1-5531-4b3e-b837-81de58e3b73a.filesusr.com/ugd/f03364_676bf77e888641a59a09a02590bfd24e.pdf

Captain Tom Moore has been honoured with a special Pride of Britain Award for his astonishing fundraising walk that inspired the nation.

The army veteran has so far raised £28million for NHS Charities Together by walking 100 laps of his garden in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire, before his birthday on April 30. 

It is with no surprise that he has already received thousands of birthday cards.  You can also send Capt. Tom a virtual birthday message using the hashtag #makeacardforTom.  (or should it be Sir TomMoore?) 

At 8pm will you clap the NHS, Carers, Key Workers, Armed Forces and Captain Tom Moore? 

Happy St George's Day

Who remembers when this knight rode into Hereford?

This brilliant photograph from our archive captured outside Hereford Cathedral. 

'Thank you' to the fabulous biomedical scientists and technicians, the Infection Prevention team at the microbiology dept at the Wye Valley NHS who have been processing all the COVID19 samples locally to ensure prompt diagnosis for the people of Herefordshire!

Photo courtesy Evelyn Williams

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service 'Blue Watch' today in Hereford showing their appreciation to all their fellow Key Workers.

Thank you!

Life Saving: Lock's Garage now has defibrillator on-site.

This is much welcomed life-saving equipment!

A post on their Facebook page reads: 

Quote

"Out of a terrible tragedy, a little good. Thank you to Mrs Helen Jones. Now up and running at Lock’s. Hopefully it will never be needed. 
All staff are first aid trained (included AEDs) and specific training will be given when the lockdown is over" 

'Thinking of you’ service set up for loved ones to keep in touch with patients

There was no image, so we have created this one which has been endorsed by the trust for us to use.

A new ‘thinking of you’ service has been set up for loved ones to keep in touch with patients staying in hospitals across the county, whilst ward visiting remains suspended. 

Wye Valley NHS Trust has introduced the new service to help keep patients and their family and friends in contact with one another during Covid-19. 

The service is available seven days a week and messages will be delivered by hospital staff to patients on the wards at Hereford County Hospital, Leominster, Bromyard and Ross Community Hospital. Catherine Davies, associate director of nursing at Wye Valley NHS Trust, said:

Quote

“This is a difficult time for everyone and we hope this brings some comfort and cheer to our patients who are currently in hospital and missing their loved ones.  

“Our patient experience team will deliver the messages to patients as quickly as possible, 7 days a week, during office hours, and are also available on 01432 372986 if you have an enquiry or question about the care of your relative”.

The relative of a Trust patient said:

Quote

“I just wanted to say a huge thank you to the hospital for organising this.  It was so lovely to hear that my mum received her photos and a lovely surprise for her.  It is really appreciated that you're doing what you can in these difficult circumstances”.

What you need to do to send a message to your loved one: 

Choose one family member or friend to send the letter

Include the patients full name, date of birth and ward/department where they are an inpatient

Email the letter and the above details to Thinkingofyou@wvt.nhs.uk

Herefordshire Council | Talk Community.

Looking after each other? The weekend is the perfect time to call friends, neighbours and relatives to see how they are coping and to check they are ok during this difficult time. If someone you know is having trouble please call 01432 260027 or visit the Talk Community website HERE

What is Talk Community?
Herefordshire Council Talk Community COVID-19 response team has been set up to provide help and support where it’s most needed in Herefordshire, to identify and support the most vulnerable residents in the county. 

The response team is made up from volunteers based around the county so they can reach people no matter where they are located, or how isolated their location.

This is a worrying and challenging time for many, so in response to the outbreak of COVID-19 they are working with community organisations and local businesses to help connect people to support in their local area.

They will continue to provide reassurance and support over the coming weeks, helping you to live well in your own home for as long as is needed.

If you are worried about how you might cope in the coming weeks, have gaps in your support plan or need extra assistance, then the Talk Community’ COVID-19 response team can help you.

You can complete our request for support form / Request for help from community volunteers HERE

Call them on 01432 260027 or email talkcommunitycovidresponse@herefordshire.gov.uk

Local support and assistance
If you would like to volunteer to help support elderly, frail, disabled, and vulnerable people and families in Herefordshire, please complete our volunteering form HERE

Health advice
Follow NHS advice if you have coronavirus symptoms as described on their website HERE

There is currently no specific treatment for coronavirus. It's therefore important to follow the latest NHS advice and stay at home guidance for people with confirmed or possible coronavirus infection on the gov.uk website. This will help stop the spread of coronavirus and help protect others in your community while you are infectious.

Check out this brilliant illustration tribute that we had sent to us by our friend Kyle Dowling of 'Captain Tom Moore' who will be 100 years old at the end of this month and has raised over £13m for the NHS.

You can donate HERE

Illustration courtesy of Kyle Blade

please email any art enquiries to kdowlingart@gmail.com

#HerefordVoice #walkwithtom #NHS

Captain Tom Moore 100th Birthday Badges!

Our friend Kyle Dowling (artist)has created these fantastic birthday badges to celebrate Captain Tom Moore's 100th birthday. 

Hereford Voice appreciates this nice gesture and is happy to share this idea from the artist however, we are not involved in any sales or profit whatsoever.

You could also celebrate by changing your profile photos to a 'Happy Birthday' badge or maybe wearing a birthday badge for Tom and sending him your wishes with a photo.

Captain Tom has so far raised over £17m for the NHS.

If you prefer, you can purchase a badge and wear it with pride both to celebrate Captain Tom's 100th birthday and as a symbol of your support for both Tom's brilliant fundraising effort for the wonderful NHS.|

50% from all profit will go directly to Captain Tom's fund.

You can purchase your badges here HERE or you can donate direct HERE

#HerefordVoice #CaptainTomMoore #TomorrowWillBeAGoodDay