Hereford Voice

The Duke of Edinburgh visits NMITE’s Centre for Advanced Timber Technology New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) is delighted to welcome The Duke of Edinburgh to the Centre for Advanced Timber Technology (CATT) at their Skylon Campus on 1st October 2024. His Royal Highness, who will be accompanied by the Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire Mr Edward Harley CBE, will meet NMITE’s President and Chief Executive Officer, James Newby, academic staff and NMITE students, including those who have recently entered the workplace. The visit will include a tour of NMITE’s Skylon Campus, providing an opportunity for His Royal Highness to get hands-on with NMITE’s unique approach to learning, and will conclude with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque. Ahead of the visit James Newby, President & Chief Executive said “This will be an amazing opportunity to show The Duke of Edinburgh how NMITE is a transformative force in UK university and technical education, redefining engineering and construction training on a national scale, how we are providing new educational opportunities for local people and helping to overcome the barriers to regional economic growth. Our overarching goal is to generate substantial employment, skills development, and economic impacts for Herefordshire, fulfilling the institution's intended role as a catalyst for positive change in the region.” During the visit, His Royal Highness will meet NMITE’s Foundation Year students, along with MEng and BEng Integrated Engineering students, some of whom will be showcasing their engineering and technology projects. Several of NMITE’s Pioneers (NMITE’s first student intake from 2021) who have now entered the workplace will also be among those on-site to welcome His Royal Highness. Representatives from NMITE’s recent Retrofit programme, and Timber Technology Engineering Design (TED) short courses will also be in attendance. The venue for the visit, Skylon Campus, completed in 2021, has been recognised with a Construction Excellence Social Impact Award and is an exemplar of timber-based modern methods of construction. Designed as a demonstration of the benefits of using timber as a building material, the building is a "Living Lab" and also stores 330,000 kg of CO2e, serving as a beacon for sustainability in the region and beyond. Academic staff who will be present include Professor Robert Hairstans, CATT Director, Professor David Oloke, Chief Academic Officer and Steve Bertasso, Associate Professor. CATT which was established as a partnership between NMITE and Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) has drawn particular praise from industry and government for its part in developing innovation in timber construction. Professor Hairstans, NMITE’s CATT Director, is also a Professor of offsite and industrialised construction at ENU’s School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment (SCEBE). Hairstans says “It is a privilege to have the opportunity to explain how CATT is being established as a nationally renowned centre for research and education excellence in timber construction for the delivery and upgrade of the built environment. Our work in collaboration with the sector and throughout the supply chain has an important part to play in achieving the net zero carbon ambitions of the UK whilst enabling a just transition by means of upskilling and reskilling the professionals of the future.”

A Herefordshire care home has celebrated its 20th year of delivering care to the local community with a party for its staff and residents. The milestone celebration, which was attended by Shaw healthcare’s CEO, Russell Brown and chairman, Simon Macsorley, was held at Orchard House in Withington on Thursday 5 September. Residents and their families enjoyed afternoon tea, cakes and entertainment from local singer, Darrel Barnsdale, who performed many of the resident’s favourite hits from the likes of Elvis and Johnny Cash. During the event, several employees were recognised for their long service and 90 years of combined experience. There was a special mention for support workers, Susan Stocker and Claire Griffiths who celebrated 25 years at the home, having transferred from Herefordshire Council when Shaw healthcare took over the operation of Orchard House in 2004. Service manager, Michelle Orris commented: “It’s been so lovely to mark this special occasion with residents and their families, and not forgetting the wonderful team here who strive to provide a high standard of care to those who live here.” Orchard House provides residential care as well as operating a day care service. Shaw is the largest employee owned care provider in the UK.

A man has been arrested this afternoon (4 October) following a report of him carrying a bow and arrow at Herefordshire and Ludlow College, Folly Lane in Hereford. West Mercia Police Officers believe this to be an isolated incident, and officers will remain in the area to offer reassurance to students, staff and the community.

Specialist conservation work on the exterior of the iconic Black and White House Museum in Hereford has been completed a month ahead of schedule. The Grade I listed timber-framed building, dating back to 1621, is one of the county's most treasured heritage sites. Originally built as a butcher's home, the building has served as a museum since 1929, offering visitors a glimpse into 17th-century life. Despite the ongoing restoration, the museum has remained open to the public, ensuring minimal disruption to its visitors. The project, which focused on repairing and conserving the historic exterior, was due to be completed by the end of October but has been completed ahead of time, allowing the building to be fully enjoyed in the coming months. The work was carefully timed to coincide with the summer months, ensuring that the materials used in the repairs could set properly. Come and explore the Black and White House Museum, open Tuesday to Sunday. Enjoy entry for just £3.50 for adults, with special offers available! Opening hours for the Black and White House: Tuesday to Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm Sunday: 11 am - 4 pm Special Offer: Entry for 2 adults plus a guidebook for £10. Standard entry prices: Adults: £3.50 Under 16s: Free Students (with valid ID): Free Don’t miss this chance to explore a piece of local history! For more information, please visit the Black and White House Museum or contact Herefordshire Council's Museum Service.

Local MP Jesse Norman has expressed his strong support for two great initiatives in South Wye, the new CMA debt advice service and the community food parcels provided to needy families. Speaking on a visit to Putson Baptist Church, Jesse said: "These are both fantastic local community initiatives, aimed at helping people to get out of debt, and feeding more than sixty local families with good, nutritious food. "I warmly congratulate Revd Andy Goode and the whole team at the Baptist Church in Putson for their energy and spirit in making them happen."

Royal visit takes place tomorrow!

No real surprises here now that they have got planning, they will just keep pushing for more

Hereford AppleFest is starting today, 28 September to 13 October. 2 weeks of incredible apple-themed events are taking place across the County Today will be a day full of live music, artisan cider, perry & apple juice, children’s activities, art and exhibitions https://orlo.uk/UtQPZ

The Royal visit is on Tuesday 1st October. Diary Of Events: 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗗 🔷 New Model Institute For Technology & Engineering’s Centre for Advanced Timber Technology, Skylon Campus, Canary Drive, Hereford HR2. 🔷 Herefordshire Veteran Support Centre, 19 West Street, Hereford HR4. 🔷 Holme Lacy College, Holme Lacy, Campus, Hereford HR2 6LL 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗠𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 🔷 The Duke of Edinburgh Member of the Court of Assistants, The Worshipful Company of Haberdashers will open the Haberdashers’ Monmouth School, 24 Hereford Road, Monmouth NP2. The Duke of Edinburgh is His Majesty The King’s brother and the youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He dedicates much of his time as a full-time working member of the Royal Family to championing young people and promoting the benefits of non-formal education across the world. The Duke of Edinburgh is proud to support the work of the Armed Forces both in the United Kingdom and overseas. He holds a total of eight military appointments and meets service personnel and their families whenever possible.

This winter, Sugar Shack Bakery, an independent family-run café, is set to open its doors in Old Market, Hereford, offering a friendly, welcoming atmosphere alongside handmade, mouthwatering treats. Known for their delicious brownies, cookies and artisan coffee, Sugar Shack bakery is set to become the new go-to coffee destination for locals and visitors alike. Founded two years ago, Sugar Shack Bakery has its roots int the South West. Elly, the owner and Head Baker, handcrafts all of our brownies, bakes and cookies at the Swindon bakehouse, which are shipped nationwide and stocked in our cafes and numerous other locations across the UK, with both wholesale and little treats. FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO EXPANSION Sugar Shack Bakery began during lockdown when Elly, on maternity leave, started baking from home with her husband and co-owner Dean. What began as a home-bound hobby quickly grew into a thriving business. As demand skyrocketed, Elly left her recruitment job to focus full time on baking. Soon, they outgrew their home kitchen and decided to take a leap by opening a bakery café as opposed to just a commercial kitchen. Their first brick-and-mortar café in Swindon proved a huge success. After two busy years, they expanded to a larger bakehouse, known as Number 8, where all of Sugar Shack’s goods are now baked and decorated by hand. With the business continuing to grow, Sugar Shack is ready for the next phase of it’s journey: opening a new café in Hereford. The Hereford location will offer the same signature handmade bakes, delicious coffee, and welcoming atmosphere that Sugar Shack is so well known for. SUGAR SHACK AT OLD MARKET, HEREFORD The new Hereford cafe will feature Sugar Shack’s renowned brownies, along with cookie pies, cookie bombs, milkshakes and seasonal bakes. Customers can expect the signature Sugar Shack touch- bright plants, neon lights, and plenty of pink- the cafe of dreams! Hereford was chosen for its vibrant, growing community of young professionals and families who appreciate unique, independent businesses. The city’s thriving café culture makes it the perfect home for Sugar Shack Bakery, which is excited to become a part of the community and to host lots of exciting events and gatherings in the space. WHAT MAKES SUGAR SHACK BAKERY SPECIAL? Sugar Shack Bakery isnt just about coffee and bakes- it’s about creating a luxury experience. The bakery team aims to provide more than just a visit; it’s an escape from the everyday into a little pocket of loveliness. With a personal touch and a sense of charm, Sugar Shack can truly set itself apart from the average chain café. As Swindon’s first “Instagram café”, Sugar Shack’s pretty-in-pink interior, paired with bakes that will make you drool, it is a must-visit for those who love an aesthetically pleasing vibe. Every little treat is as photo-worthy as it looks delicious. The Hereford location will also offer a loyalty card program, as well as discounts for students and Blue Light Card holders. STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES Keep an eye on Sugar Shack Bakery’s social media for updates on job opportunities, grand opening celebrations, and exclusive offerings at the new Hereford cafè. You won’t want to miss what’s coming next! Facebook: Sugar Shack Instagram: @sugar.shack20

Hopefully work will be completed soon

A man, who was convicted of stealing an Anglo- Saxon treasure hoard, has been handed a further prison sentence after failing to fully repay a £600,000 confiscation order. Layton Davies, aged 56, will serve a further 5 years and 4 months in prison after a court hearing last week. The confiscation order was made in December 2022, and he was ordered by a judge to repay a total of £603,180.09 within three months. The judge made a hidden assets order, which took into account the wholesale value of 300 coins, which were believed to still be held in his possession. By serving his prison sentence in default of the payment, he will still be liable for the outstanding payment which remains with him for life or until it is paid in full. Davies only repaid around half of the confiscation order. From this, the land owners and those who were sold coins by Davies from the horde which were later seized, received some reimbursement. In 2019, Davies was convicted of theft, conspiracy to conceal criminal property and conspiracy to convert criminal property. He was sentenced eight years in prison, later reduced to five years following a successful appeal. The conviction followed a lengthy investigation by West Mercia Police following several reports from the metal detecting community and the British Museum of an unreported large treasure find near Eye in Herefordshire in 2015. It was discovered that Davies had visited the site of the hoard, which included Anglo-Saxon coins, jewellery and silver ingots during Spring 2015. He not only failed to disclose the extent of the discovery he was involved in- a requirement under the Treasure Act 1996 - but also sold a large number of the items for significant personal financial gain. The treasure was described by experts as being of national importance both for Anglo-Saxon coinage and for the wider understanding of a key period in English history. DC Stevyn Pritchett from the Economic Crime Unit said “This case exemplifies how seriously the police and courts take financial crime, and the significant implications of failing to repay confiscation orders. Davies will still be liable to repay the outstanding amount, even when his extended sentence is served. Criminals cannot profit from their actions. “I’d like to thank everyone involved in this unusual case, including Herefordshire County Council’s conservation and environment team and The British Museum, for their support throughout the justice process.”

Two county lines drug dealers who trafficked drugs into Herefordshire have been sentenced to a total of ten years. Harnaik Mahli, 44, of Worlds End Lane, Quinton, Birmingham, and Keller Preece, 27, of Kingsway, Hereford, were found guilty at Worcester Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday 10 September). Mahli and Preece were running a well-established county line – the name of the telephone number, or ‘deal line’, used to run the organised drug-dealing network – distributing cocaine and cannabis into Herefordshire for substantial profit. Mahli was at the top of the chain of the group and would supply Preece who established himself as a significant member of the drug trafficking enterprise in Herefordshire. Preece led the day to day running of the line and had others under him running drugs on his behalf. On 10 November 2023, police acting on intelligence stopped a vehicle on Old School Lane in Hereford and found Preece in possession of approximately £14,000 cash. A search of his home address found a large quantity of cannabis, approximately £3,500 more in cash and an extendable baton. Phone evidence showed he was dealing cocaine and cannabis, and he was charged with being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of criminal property. On 13 February this year, police were called to reports Mahli and Preece were in Hereford using weapons and threats to settle a drugs debt. Preece and Mahli were stopped nearby in a vehicle on Blue School Street. A wooden bat was found in the passenger seat of the vehicle, Preece was hostile with officers and tried to run off, pushing over a police officer, before being restrained and arrested. Following this incident, charges were secured on both men for being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis. Yesterday, Preece was found guilty of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs – cocaine for which he was given four years in prison and being concerned in the supply of class B drugs – cannabis, for which he was given an 18-month sentence to run concurrently. He was further convicted of possessing an offensive weapon, causing criminal damage to property and assault emergency worker and given a one month, 18-month and one month term for each of those respective offences, all to run concurrently, giving him a total term of five years and six months. Mahli was handed a sentence of three years and four months for being concerned in the supply of class A drugs – cocaine and 18 months to run concurrently for being concerned in the supply of class B drugs – cannabis, giving him a total sentence of four years and ten months after days he was tagged were taken into account. Detective Constable Lia Williams, of Hereford CID, said: “We are pleased with the outcome of yesterday’s court hearing which has removed another county line from the streets of Herefordshire. “Mahli and Preece were running the Mahli line which was responsible for trafficking class A and B drugs into the county and imposing a grip of fear over local users, so their conviction has removed another risk to the public.”

Rezhin Gharib, 36, of Tudor Street in Liverpool, has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The charge is in relation to an incident at Best Trim Barbers on Belmont Road in Hereford on 17 August 2024. He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Worcester Crown Court on 16 September 2024.

The lights in this city are a joke!

A man has been sentenced to nine and a half years for child sex offences. Carl Higgins aged 30 of Widemarsh Street in Hereford was sentenced at Worcester Crown Court yesterday on Thursday after he was found guilty of rape of a child, three sexual assaults and causing a child to engage in sexual activity. The offences took place between 2014 and 2017. In addition to his custodial sentence, he has also been issued an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and an indefinite restraining order. Detective Constable Fiona Pearson said “This sentence demonstrates that the police and courts will strive to remove harmful predators from society and bring some form of justice. “Thanks to the victim’s bravery and courage Higgins will serve a lengthy sentence. We would always encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse, no matter how long ago, to come forward to speak with the police. We have specially trained officers, who can support throughout the process and we work with a number of agencies who can also support.” For further help and support: 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗺 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲 Call 0800 952 3000 – you will get through to a care coordinator who will discuss with you what you need Email info@victimadviceline.org.uk and a care coordinator will respond to you. Online chat at victimadviceline.org.uk– this option, allows you to talk to a care coordinator if it’s not possible, or convenient, to talk on the phone 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗺 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 If you have been a victim of crime and would like support from the charity call the local office 01905 726896 or the support line 0808 1689 111 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗮 𝗥𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝘅𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲 (𝗪𝗠𝗥𝗦𝗔𝗦𝗖) For support call 01905 724514 (Worcestershire) or 01432 344777 (Herefordshire)

Despite local objections, a new bull statue is set to be erected in the Old Market Shopping Centre in Hereford. Mitchells and Butlers, applied for planning permission back in July to place the metal statue in front of its Miller & Carter steakhouse in the city. The proposal has faced opposition, with 17 objections to its appropriateness, design, and choice of materials, and none were in support of the statue. The aluminium sculpture, designed by Warwick-based Elegant Clutter, will stand 1.1 metres high in the outdoor seating area. See our original topic - https://hfd.news/RMO8f

Two women have been fined more than £2500 after they assaulted two police officers. Carolynn Quinn aged 44 of Bridge Street, Hereford and Robynn Quinn aged 22 of Court Orchard, Fownhope, Hereford were both found guilty of two counts assaulting an emergency worker at Hereford Magistrates’ Court earlier today (Thursday 5 September). The pair were arrested and charged after two female police officers were assaulted in Union Street in Hereford in the early hours of Saturday 30 March. The officers suffered slight injuries. Carolynn Quinn was fined £1780 and Robynn Quinn was fined £780. Both fines include compensation to one of the officers. Detective Constable Jeffrey Dube said “No one should expect to come to work and be assaulted. We welcome this result from the courts which sends a clear message that any kind of assault on any emergency worker is unacceptable.”

K15 – the product 22.3 K15 was first manufactured at Kingspan’s Pembridge site in Herefordshire inNovember 2002.422 At that time, the foam was produced with a pentane blowing agent.423 The foil facers of the product were unperforated, with a thickness of 7.6 microns.424 22.4 Following its acquisition of a Dutch company in 2003,425 Kingspan began to introduce a number of changes to its phenolic foam range. They included physical changes to the structure of the foam and the introduction of different chemical ingredients and manufacturing processes to achieve better thermal performance and rates of productivity.426 In particular, Kingspan introduced the use of a mixture of pentane and isopropyl chloride as a blowing agent 427 and perforations were introduced to the aluminium foil facers. 428 The new version of K15 came to be known within Kingspan as “new technology” or “Kesteren technology”429 K15 and the previous version as “old technology”K15.430 Dr Rochefort said that by September 2006 the K15 available to the market was the “new technology” version of the product.431 Ivor Meredith, who had been a Project Leader in the Technical Projects team,432 and his line manager, Philip Heath, Technical Manager until 2010,433 both agreed, although they thought that production of “old technology” K15 had ceased in about August 2007. 434 22.5 Phenolic foam is an organic polymer, so whatever blowing agents or methods are used to produce it, it is not a material of limited combustibility as defined in Approved Document B.435 With the exception of Dr Rochefort, who professed not to have been aware at the time of the fire performance of K15 or the existence of a definition of limited combustibility in Approved Document B,436 all the Kingspan witnesses from whom we heard confirmed that they had been aware throughout their employment at Kingspan that K15 was not, and never could be, a material of limited combustibility. 437 23.9 Herefordshire County Council agreed to undertake the assessment of K15 and prepare any resulting certificate. The work was given to David Jones, who was a Senior Building Control Surveyor from June 2005 until November 2011 and thereafter a Building Control Team Manager until July 2014.942 Mr Jones told us that Herefordshire was selected to undertake the assessment not for any reasons of technical expertise but due to its proximity to Kingspan’s Pembridge site.943 He had never previously been involved in the Type Approval process944 and believed that the work had been delegated to him because he had a specific role in the department for marketing activity. The Type Approval scheme was viewed as a way of raising the profile of the LABC brand. 945 23.10 Mr Jones was reluctant to undertake the assessment of K15. He could see that it involved testing and certification, which he knew were not matters within his experience or within the experience of any other members of his department.946 He had not undergone any specific training on the reaction of materials to fire, the testing and certification of construction products, or on the use of materials in buildings over 18 metres in height. There were no buildings over 18 metres in height in Herefordshire, so he had not had to consider the guidance relating to them in the course of his work. 947 23.11 Mr Jones spoke to someone at LABC, probably Philip Harrison,948 to explain his concern about undertaking the assessment but was told that it would be fairly limited in scope and should involve an initial meeting with the client and a review of the information provided by it. He was also told that if third party certification was considered to be reliable, it could be accepted at face value and that he need not go behind it.949 23.12 The reliability of third party certification was a matter for LABC rather than the assessing authority and the BBA was regarded as the leading organisation accredited by UKAS and therefore treated with a high degree of trust.950 Mr Jones specifically remembered being told during the call that he could rely on the existence of a BBA certificate for K15, which he regarded as significant.951 It provided him with reassurance that he was not expected to delve into complex matters of fire testing.952 He explained that he was specifically told that his assessment should be based on the BBA certificate and that because the BBA would already have examined all the test information,953 he need not verify any part of its contents.954 23.13 LABC did not accept Mr Jones’ account of the telephone call, which it said was contrary to its practice both then and now.955 However, none of its witnesses was able to tell us who had spoken to him or to provide us with any other information about the call he described. David Jones, on the other hand, was a straightforward, candid and credible witness who gave a clear and detailed account of it. We have no doubt that Mr Jones was assured by LABC that there was little to be done beyond checking the BBA certificate (which broadly reflects what a building control officer would have done) and that it was on the basis of that assurance, and the knowledge that there would be a second check,956 that he agreed to take on the task. 957 23.14 Mr Jones’ evidence about what was said during the call is consistent with the terms of LABC’s Service Manual in relation to BBA certificates958 and with Barry Turner’s evidence that when carrying out the second level review959 he would probably not have looked beyond the BBA certificate.960 That all supported Mr Jones’ understanding that in practice LABC did place complete reliance on BBA certificates and expected any authority carrying out an assessment to do the same. Publication of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry phase 2 report The Inquiry published its final report on 4 September 2024. The Government will carefully consider its recommendations, to ensure that such a tragedy can never occur again.

Cracking down on illegal tobacco Herefordshire Council’s trading standards team are continuing their fight against both illegal tobacco and illegal vapes in the county by organised criminal groups. Illegal vapes and cigarettes can contain various harmful substances and have been previously found to contain weedkiller, lead and animal faeces. The products sold are very often counterfeit and have an adverse impact on legitimate local businesses. The council’s trading standards team carry out targeted enforcement operations and pursue prosecutions and other legal action against offenders. Anyone concerned about the sale of tobacco or vapes, including sales to children in the county, should report the matter to Trading Standards on 01432 261761 or via ethelpline@herefordshire.gov.uk Latest successful court action The Mini Market vape shop at 49 Broad Street, Ross-on-Wye has been issued with a court order forcing it to close for a full three month period, ending on 19 November this year, after the council’s trading standards team discovered illegal tobacco products during a raid. Hereford Magistrates heard that on 4 enforcement visits since June 2023, 592 illegal vapes, 581 packs of illegal cigarettes, and 5.75 kg of counterfeit hand rolling tobacco have been seized. There had also been two sales of vape devices to under 18’s, as well as the sale of two illegal oversize vapes to a Trading Standards operative. A secret stash of illegal vapes was also found in an outside toilet at the back of shop. Appearing by video link, the current business owner Akar Dyer Hassan of Gloucester, denied any connection with any of the seized items, but admitted being the owner of the shop premises on that date. Magistrates ordered that the shop remain closed until midnight on 19 November 2024, commenting that the issuing of the order was important to protect children of the Ross area, along with the prevention of further crimes. Hassan was also ordered to pay £1050 costs. Charles Yarnold, Head of Regulation and Technical Services said: “The use of these emergency closure powers by Herefordshire Council, with the assistance of West Mercia Police, is a proven method for successfully tackling this major criminal activity. The sale of illegal tobacco, even from a relatively small shop can lead to half-a-million pounds tax evasion per year and some of the illegal vapes seized from this shop contain up to an astonishing 25 times the legal limit of nicotine. The imposition of the maximum three months closure shows the courts take such matters extremely seriously.” Cllr Barry Durkin, Cabinet Member for Roads and Regulatory Services, who has accompanied officers on a number of raids, commented: “It was very interesting and educational to watch our trading standards officers do what they do best – conduct targeted operations to help protect the community. It was surprising to see the amount of illegal tobacco and vape products seized from a relatively modest size premises, and it emphasises the importance of constant vigilance and the dedication of our officers. I’d like to encourage anyone with information on the trade in illegal tobacco to contact our trading standards team immediately.”

The redevelopment of the Hereford Museum and Art Gallery has reached a key milestone, with agreement to progress with the final design and construction. Following planning permission and listed building consent being granted in July, the redevelopment of the Hereford museum and art gallery is taking an exciting next step as it progresses to the final design and then construction stage. The project will establish a high quality museum and art gallery for the county, with spaces dedicated to hosting exhibitions and displays of local heritage artefacts including the Herefordshire Hoard, education and hospitality areas and a café. The building will be fully accessible and meet high standards of energy efficiency. Arts Council England (ACE) recently announced a commitment of £750,000 to the project to support the building redevelopment work. This is in addition to the funding already identified - £10.9 million from Herefordshire Council, £5 million from Stronger Hereford, and £5.08 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF). Further funding opportunities are also being explored, which if successful would further enhance the facilities in the building. Councillor Harry Bramer, Cabinet Member Community Services and Assets, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Arts Council England for their funding towards the redevelopment of the museum and art gallery in Hereford. “We are committed to supporting arts and culture in the county, and it’s exciting to see continued progress in the refurbishment of the building and the development of new experiences our museum service offers to visitors and the community.”

Let's start the day with a lovely doggy pic Oh look, it took just 12 minutes for today's scan of our page, maybe we should be flattered