Hereford Voice

Organ donation law in England has changed. What has changed? Organ donation in England has moved to an 'opt out' system. You may also hear it referred to as 'Max and Keira's Law'. This means that all adults in England will be considered to have agreed to be an organ donor when they die unless they have recorded a decision not to donate or are in one of the excluded groups. Your family will still be approached and your faith, beliefs and culture will continue to be respected. You still have a choice whether or not you wish to become a donor. Get the facts about organ donation to help you decide. Why has the law changed? The law has been changed to help save and improve more lives. Every day across the UK, someone dies waiting for a transplant. What do I have to do? We are asking everyone to: Record your organ donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register Tell your family and friends what you have decided If you would like to speak to somebody about your choices, please call our dedicated line: 0300 303 2094 When did the law change? The opt out system in England came into effect on 20 May 2020. Who will the changes affect? These changes will affect all adults in England unless they have recorded a decision not to donate or are in one of the following excluded groups: Those under the age of 18 People who lack the mental capacity to understand the new arrangements and take the necessary action Visitors to England, and those not living here voluntarily People who have lived in England for less than 12 months before their death Download the factsheet below The factsheet explains the changes to the law around organ donation in England, and the choices you can make. organ-donation-law-in-england-factsheet-updated-010520.pdf

Captain Tom Moore to be knighted The World War Two veteran, who raised funds by walking up and down his garden, says he is "absolutely overwhelmed" at the award. Captain Tom Moore, who raised almost £33m for the NHS as it battled to cope with coronavirus, is to be knighted, Boris Johnson has said.The 100-year-old World War Two veteran, who raised the extraordinary sum of money by walking up and down his garden, said: The prime minister, who recommended the award, which the Queen approved, called Captain Moore a "true national treasure" who "provided us all with a beacon of light through the fog of coronavirus". His knighthood comes just weeks after he was made an honorary colonel to mark his centenary and fundraising efforts. Source SkyNews

A woman whose body was discovered in the Forest of Dean last Tuesday (12 May) has been named as Phoenix Netts, aged 28. Phoenix Netts A statement released on behalf of Phoenix’s family reads: Our thoughts are with Phoenix's family at this extremely difficult time. We've been working closely with detectives from West Midlands Police over the past week and they are now leading the murder investigation. Two people charged in connection with the investigation appeared at court this morning (19 May). Detectives from West Midlands Police have been working closely with colleagues at Gloucestershire Constabulary and are now leading the murder investigation. Exactly where Phoenix was killed is still unknown and officers continue to follow-up a number of enquiries in a bid to establish what happened. Our specialist family liaison officers are working with the 28-year-old’s family at this devastating time. Two people charged in connection with the murder appeared at Gloucester Crown Court this morning (19 May). Gareeca Conita Gordon, aged 27, from Salisbury Road, Birmingham was charged with the murder of a woman on or before 12 May 2020. Mahesh Sorathiya, aged 38, from Denmore Gardens, Wolverhampton was charged with assisting an offender on or before the 12 May. Gordon was remanded into prison, while the court granted Sorathiya conditional bail, and both are next due to appear at Bristol Crown Court on 4 August. Detective Chief Inspector Scott Griffiths from our homicide team said: Anyone with any information can contact Gloucestershire Police or call 101 anytime.

Local Business Hey, Honey has just launched their online store and it's buzzing! Head over to their online store here and select ‘shop’ New lines & new items are being added each day, so be sure to keep popping back! Click-&-Collect or home delivery are now available. Either can be curb side/contact free, just let them know at checkout, (include your contact details) please be mindful & adhere to social distancing. Worldwide shipping with all major credit/debit cards accepted inc ApplePay. 3% of all profit goes to projects directly helping the UK 🐝 bee population 🐝 20% off EVERYTHING for the entire FIRST WEEK with discount code 👉 WBD20 👈 at checkout to celebrate & support 🌍🐝*World Bee Day*🐝🌍 on Wednesday 20th May, 2020. Please sign up to their mailing list on the website for news, updates, offers & more discounts! Supporting our local businesses #HerefordVoice #HfdLocal #Hereford #KeepItLocal

Over 1.8 Million People (85%) have recovered and been discharged from hospital from Coronavirus worldwide. Most people who catch coronavirus will only get mild symptoms and make a full recovery. We are in no way trying to dilute the severity of this virus or the impact of loss and bereavement this disease is having for so many people but just wanted to 'highlight' how many people are recovering each day, rather than publish the daily doom and gloom numbers of deaths being constantly reported. World statistics of the Covid-19 - Coronavirus pandemic recovery rates last updated: May 17, 2020, 0:50 GMT. Source: Worldometer Graphic designed by Freepik #HerefordVoice #Coronavirus

February, Calm, Coot Calling' a studio watercolour created from outdoor sketches at Bodenham Lake Nature Reserve managed by Herefordshire Wildlife Trust Thank you to Richard Bavin for painting this superb watercolour for our viewing pleasure. Richard is a local landscape painter specialising in trees and woodland, Richard seeks to capture the character and atmosphere of particular places in all weathers and seasons.

Congratulations to Kate Bingham, wife of our own Jesse Norman, MP for Hereford and South Herefordshire. Kate Bingham has today (16 May) been appointed chair of the UK’s Vaccine Taskforce – the group set up by the Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Business Secretary and Health Secretary to lead UK efforts to find and manufacture a COVID-19 vaccine. This is a cross-government role and Kate Bingham will report directly to the Prime Minister. Kate Bingham is a leading figure in the life sciences sector and her appointment will enable the Vaccine Taskforce to accelerate the development of a safe and effective vaccine, one of the long-term solutions to controlling the coronavirus pandemic and saving lives without social distancing or contact tracing in place. Kate will co-ordinate the work already underway across Government, academia and industry to rapidly develop vaccines, and ensure that as and when a viable one becomes available, it can be produced in mass quantities and safely administered to the public – both in the UK and around the world. The Taskforce is ensuring the work being done to find a vaccine in the UK complements and supports global efforts. The UK is a leader in the global response, committing £250 million to the international drive to develop a coronavirus vaccine through the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and hosting the upcoming global pledging conference for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, on June 4th. Kate is uniquely qualified for the role, having worked in the biotech sector in the UK and internationally for 26 years – most recently as Managing Partner at SV Health Investor. Her work has led to the launch of six drugs for the treatment of patients with inflammatory and autoimmune disease and cancer. Business Secretary Alok Sharma, who has been tasked with ministerial responsibility for the government’s work on vaccines said: Chair of the Vaccine Taskforce Kate Bingham said: Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: Government Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said: About Kate Bingham Kate is temporarily stepping back from her full time role as Managing Partner at SV Health Investors, a leading international life sciences venture capital firm to take on this role as Chair of the Taskforce. At SV she is responsible for biotech investments and activities in the UK and serves or has served on the boards of companies in the UK, US, Ireland, Sweden and Germany. Her investments include small-molecule drug discovery and development projects, biotherapeutic development projects, and drug discovery platforms in a broad range of clinical areas. Kate played a leading role in setting up the UK’s Dementia Discovery Fund (DDF) and serves on the DDF Investment Committee. The DDF was created by six leading pharmaceutical companies (Biogen, GSK, Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Takeda), together with the UK Department of Health and Alzheimer’s Research UK. Launched with initial commitments of £70m it now has £250m to invest in new potential disease modifying therapeutics for dementia. Prior to joining SV, Kate worked in business development for Vertex Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company in Cambridge, MA and at Monitor Company, a strategy consulting firm. She has an MA in Biochemistry from Oxford University (First class) and studied on a Kennedy Scholarship at Harvard Business School (MBA Baker Scholar). Jesse Norman In 1992 Hereford and South Herefordshire MP Jesse Norman married The Honourable Kate Bingham, daughter of The Lord Bingham of Cornhill, the former Lord Chief Justice. They have two sons and one daughter.

A woman has been charged with murder in connection with the discovery of human remains in the Forest of Dean on the evening of Tuesday 12 May. Photo courtesy of Gloucestershire Live/BPM Media Gareeca Conita Gordon, 27 and of Salisbury Road, Birmingham has been charged with the murder of a woman on or before 12 May 2020. Mahesh Sorathiya, 38 and of Denmore Gardens, Wolverhampton has been charged with assisting an offender on or before 12 May 2020. The pair have been refused bail and are due to appear before magistrates in Cheltenham via video link today, Saturday 16 May. Police are awaiting results of DNA tests to establish the identity of the victim.

Gloucestershire Constabulary have confirmed human remains found off a road in the Forest of Dean were a woman. Earlier today officers were been granted a 36-hour magistrates' extension to continue questioning two people who were arrested on suspicion of murder. Overnight a 12-hour custody extension had been granted for both the woman aged in her 20s and from Birmingham and the man aged in his 30s and from Wolverhampton. The further 36-hour extension was granted at around midday today and means they can remain in custody for further questioning. Forensic testing is ongoing to establish the identity of the victim after human remains were found by police shortly after 11.30pm on Tuesday 12 May. Police granted more time to question suspects in murder investigation Gloucester Police gave the following update: Photograph: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans/Rex/Shutterstock

We have acquired this old postcard recently and thought it was quite interesting.. The caption on the card says, "Hereford, Cathedral from the River Bank" It is printed and has been postally used dated September 15th 1908, what is written on the reverse is fascinating... see here >>> https://hfd.news/2rd

Car parks around the Hills and Commons will be open from Wednesday (13th May) in response to recent Government coronavirus advice. Following the announcement of the Government on Sunday 10th May, which allows people to travel to exercise, the Malvern Hills Trust will be reopening its car parks.Duncan Bridges, CEO of the Malvern Hills Trust said “ The Trust are urging people to keep their travel to a minimum, stay local where they can, and avoid crowding in ‘honey pot’ locations such as British Camp. Mr Bridges added The organisation is also encouraging people to take the necessary precautions such as washing their hands, to stay safe and to keep up to date with the latest Government advice relating to access in the countryside. “It is important that those who choose to exercise here follow the social distancing guidelines for their own safety, the safety of their family and the safety of the wider community.” The car parks have been closed since the 27th March in response to the Government’s lockdown to tackle the coronavirus outbreak. Further information regarding the reopening of car parks, visiting the Hills and car park passes can be found on the Trust’s website STAY SAFE Please do your bit to keep people safe and healthy and to stop the spread of the virus. We’ve provided some further information on how you can keep yourself and others safe when exercising on the Malvern Hills and Commons in line with official Government advice. Walking Explore some of the lesser known paths and avoid the more popular areas to minimise contact with others. As a walker you have a right of access over land under our care so you have lots of opportunities to find your own space. Stay at least 2 metres away from others. Please be generous with space when passing people on paths. Be polite and considerate to others. If you’re more mobile and able to, please step aside to allow cyclists or wheelchair users through where space is limited, to make sure everyone is at a safe distance from each other If walking with your dog please keep it under effective control and do not let your pet run up to other visitors. Please keep your dog on a lead near livestock as there are lambs around the countryside and it is important that you keep the sheep safe. Look out for ground-nesting bird signs and keep yourself and your dog to the paths in these areas to avoid disturbing these vulnerable birds. Cycling Use a bell or call out in plenty of time to alert other visitors to your approach. Stay at least 2 metres away from others to keep yourself and other safe. Be polite and considerate to others. You may need to stop and dismount or wait when passing other visitors in order to maintain a safe distance. Please keep your speed down and consider your abilities so you don't take risks that might cause you to require assistance from an already overstretched NHS. The byelaws still apply so please keep to bridleways and permissive paths (map) Running Explore some of the lesser known paths and avoid the more popular areas to minimise contact with others. As you're more likely to be breathing hard and sweating, please take extra care to keep your distance. Be polite and considerate to others. You may need to slow down or stop to keep your distance to allow others the time to move aside to maintain a safe distance of 2 metres. Please follow these tips to keep yourself and the local community safe during this difficult time. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS The trust have put together some answers to questions about accessing the Malvern Hills which you can read here. They are expecting a number of enquiries at the office so please bear with them at this time.

A 45 year old man from Leominster has been convicted of assaulting a paramedic. William Stevens from West Street, Leominster, was sentenced at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday 1 May to twenty weeks for assaulting an emergency worker, four weeks for racially abusing an emergency worker and 2 weeks for criminal damage. Stevens was arrested on 1 December 2019 after paramedics and police officers attended the property (which contains several flats) following concerns for the safety of one of the residents. While at the address, Stevens grabbed the paramedic by their throat and punched them in the face. He further racially abused a detention officer whilst in Hereford custody. Chief Inspector Ross Jones said Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer, Nathan Hudson, said:

Sunshine Radio in Breach Of Broadcasting Code in relation to gender identity during a broadcast on the 16th September 2019, 07:45 on the Paul Ellery in the morning show. Type of case: Broadcast Standards Outcome: In Breach Service: Sunshine Radio Date & time: 16 September 2019, 07:45 Category: Generally accepted standards Summary: This programme featured potentially offensive statements about gender identity which were not justified by the context. In breach of Rule 2.3 of the Broadcasting Code. Introduction Sunshine Radio is a local radio station serving Hereford and Monmouthshire with music, speech, local news and information. The licence for the service is held by Sunshine FM Limited (“Sunshine FM” or “the Licensee”). Paul Ellery in the Morning is a daily light-entertainment programme that includes discussions of news of the day. Ofcom received a complaint that a presenter talked in a mocking manner about singer Sam Smith coming out as non-binary,1. After playing a Sam Smith track during the programme, the presenter Paul Ellery said: 1. Stonewall defines the use of the term ‘trans’ as “An umbrella term to describe people whose gender is not the same as, or does not sit comfortably with, the sex they were assigned at birth. Trans people may describe themselves using one or more of a wide variety of terms, including (but not limited to) transgender, transsexual, gender-queer (GQ), gender-fluid, non-binary, gender-variant, crossdresser, genderless, agender, nongender, third gender, two-spirit, bi-gender, trans man, trans woman, trans masculine, trans feminine and neutrois”. Ofcom considered that the material raised potential issues under Rule 2.3 of the Code, which states: We therefore sought comments from the Licensee about how the programme complied with this rule. Ofcom also requested information from the Licensee about the content on BBC News referred to in the programme. The Licensee could not find it. Response Sunshine FM described the programme as a live, unscripted “one man show” and stated that there was no production team or “backroom staff” involved in its broadcast. The Licensee said that the comment about Sam Smith’s gender was part of a “throw away short link” and was not intended to offend listeners. However, it added that after reviewing the programme, the presenter’s view was that his comment was “misjudged” and had the potential to have caused offence. Sunshine FM said that the presenter would not have deliberately sought to offend the LGBT community. It added that Paul Ellery had undertaken compliance and legal training, in addition to him attending daily meetings to review content. In response to Ofcom’s Preliminary View, which was to record a breach of Rule 2.3, the Licensee said that the presenter had resigned from Sunshine Radio. Ofcom also provided the presenter with the opportunity to make representations in this case but he did not provide any. Decision Reflecting our duties under the Communications Act 2003, Section Two of the Code provides protection for members of the public from harmful and/or offensive material. Ofcom takes into account the audience’s and the broadcaster’s right to freedom of expression set out in Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights when considering whether a broadcaster has provided listeners with adequate protection from offensive material in a programme. Ofcom has also had due regard in the exercise of its functions to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, to advance equality of opportunity and to foster good relations between those who share a relevant protected characteristic – such as gender reassignment – and those who do not. Rule 2.3 requires that in applying generally accepted standards, broadcasters must ensure that potentially offensive material is justified by the context. Context includes, but is not limited to, the editorial content of the programme, the service on which the material was broadcast, the time the material was broadcast and the extent to which the nature of the content can be brought to the attention of the potential audience (for example by giving information). Ofcom first considered whether the broadcast contained material which could be considered offensive. During the programme the presenter: repeated a remark he said he had heard from another source conflating Sam Smith’s gender and their sex at birth. In our view, it would have been clear to listeners from the presenter’s tone and the manner in which he was discussing this subject (“I can’t get over this...”) that he endorsed the discriminatory and dismissive remarks to which he was referring; and, referred to Sam Smith using the masculine pronouns “he” and “him” and said that they were “definitely a boy” despite the fact that it had been widely reported – and the story that the presenter was discussing referred to the fact – that Sam Smith was identifying as non-binary and had requested that people use the pronoun “they” when referring to them. We considered that these comments had the potential to cause offence as they sought to ridicule Sam Smith’s non-binary status. In addition, by referring to Sam Smith using the incorrect pronoun, the presenter appeared to ignore and undermine Sam Smith’s publicly stated gender identity. As set out above, potentially offensive comments and material can be broadcast, but the Code requires them to be justified by the context in which they are presented to the audience. Ofcom therefore went on to consider whether this content was justified by the context. Paul Ellery in the Morning is a daily light-entertainment programme which includes discussion of news of the day. Ofcom acknowledged that listeners would therefore be likely to expect a range of personal views across a variety of subjects, some of which may be contentious or attract strong opinions from the presenter. We recognise the importance of broadcasters, in line with the right to freedom of expression, being able to discuss issues surrounding gender identity, including those relating to people who identify as non-binary. However, when discussing sensitive issues, particularly those linked to people with protected characteristics, it is important sufficient context is provided so as to comply with Rule 2.3. In this case, the comments made by the presenter about Sam Smith were brief, which may have limited the potential for offence to some extent. However, they did not form part of a serious or considered discussion about issues related to gender identity and, at no point were his comments challenged, scrutinised or otherwise contextualised. Furthermore, the tone of the presenter’s comments was mocking, dismissive and flippant towards Sam Smith’s announcement that they were identifying as non-binary. Noting that we only received one complaint from listeners about the presenter’s comments, we considered that the above factors established the potential for the comments in question to cause offence. Given the strength of the presenter’s views on gender reassignment which had the potential to cause offence to listeners, and in particular, to members of the trans community, we considered that these comments were likely to have exceeded listeners’ expectations of content on this local radio station. We therefore considered that there was insufficient context to justify the potentially offensive references to Sam Smith’s gender. We acknowledged the Licensee’s position that the comments were not intended to offend listeners, and the presenter’s acknowledgement that they were “misjudged”. However, regardless of the intent, in our view the comments had the potential to cause offence for the reasons set out above. Ofcom was concerned by Sunshine FM’s submission that other than the presenter, no other members of a production team or “backroom staff” were involved in the broadcast of the programme. We acknowledged the steps the Licensee has taken to improve compliance prior to the presenter’s resignation, including the presenter undertaking compliance training and attending daily meetings to review content. However, given all of the above, our Decision was that the content exceeded generally accepted standards, in breach of Rule 2.3 of the Code. Breach of Rule 2.3

All Nurses are Super Heroes in our book. Happy #InternationalNursesDay #NursesWeek

£2 billion package to create new era for cycling, walking and trials for e-scooters Many countries throughout Europe already successfully use e-scooters but currently they are not legal here in the UK, (unless on private land) however, that may all be about to change... Lime is one of many company offering e-scooter rentals. Alternative ways to travel, such as walking and cycling, could relieve the pressure on public transport. largest ever boost for cyclists and pedestrians emergency bike lanes and streets will help support transport network trials of rental e-scooters to be brought forward to increase green transport options government working with leading tech developers to reduce crowding on public transport Far more people will be cycling and walking thanks to plans to boost greener, active transport, launched today (9 May 2020) by Transport Secretary Grant  Shapps . Pop-up bike lanes with protected space for cycling, wider pavements, safer junctions, and cycle and bus-only corridors will be created in England within weeks as part of a £250 million emergency active travel fund - the first stage of a £2 billion investment, as part of the £5 billion in new funding announced for cycling and buses in February. Following unprecedented levels of walking and cycling across the UK during the pandemic, the plans will help encourage more people to choose alternatives to public transport when they need to travel, making healthier habits easier and helping make sure the road, bus and rail networks are ready to respond to future increases in demand. The government will fund and work with local authorities across the country to help make it easier for people to use bikes to get around - including Greater Manchester, which wants to create 150 miles of protected cycle track, and Transport for London, which plans a “bike Tube” network above Underground lines. Fast-tracked statutory guidance, published today and effective immediately, will tell councils to reallocate roadspace for significantly-increased numbers of cyclists and pedestrians. In towns and cities, some streets could become bike and bus-only while others remain available for motorists. More side streets could be closed to through traffic, to create low-traffic neighbourhoods and reduce rat-running while maintaining access for vehicles. Vouchers will be issued for cycle repairs, to encourage people to get their old bikes out of the shed, and plans are being developed for greater provision of bike fixing facilities. Many more will take up the Cycle to Work scheme, which gives employees a discount on a new bike. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: An updated Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy will be launched by the Prime Minister in the summer, with further measures to transform cycling and walking to deliver the government’s aims to double cycling and increase walking by 2025 – including: the creation of a national cycling and walking commissioner and inspectorate higher standards for permanent infrastructure across England getting GPs to prescribe cycling and exercise creating a long-term budget for cycling and walking similar to what happens for roads The government will also be launching a campaign to encourage more people to look at alternative ways to travel, to walk or get on a bike for their commute instead of public transport. Today, riders from Team Ineos, including Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas, will be telling people to #GetPedalling. Sir Dave Brailsford, Team Principal of Team INEOS, said: If ever there was a good time to get on your bike, it’s now. You will be helping take pressure off public transport. You will be looking after your health. You will be looking after the health of others and you will be helping the environment. Let’s all get pedalling and help Britain on the road to recovery. E-scooter trials will also be brought forward from next year to next month to help encourage more people off public transport and onto greener alternatives. Originally set to take place in 4 Future Transport Zones, the trials of rental e-scooters – which will now be offered to all local areas across the country – will allow government to assess the benefits of e-scooters as well as their impact on public space, with the potential to see rental vehicles on UK roads as early as June. Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands said: As the government aims to encourage people to choose greener forms of travel when the coronavirus restrictions are lifted, a further push is being made to encourage drivers to purchase an electric vehicle. An extra £10 million - double the current funding amount - is being committed to the on street residential chargepoint scheme which will allow local authorities to install up to 7,200 devices, making it more convenient to charge and own an electric vehicle.

Herefordshire Council are advising that it is already taking 2 hours to access the household recycling site, please consider whether your journey is essential. Do not visit unless it is essential Essential means you must only visit if waste or recycling cannot be stored at home safely or disposed of safely by other means. By this we mean the waste cannot be stored without causing risk of injury, health or harm. There is no other reason the journey will be considered a legitimate purpose for travel. If you can temporarily store your waste or recycling in a way that does not pose a risk to yours or others safety or human health, then you must do so. Do not visit the site if you or a member of your household are unwell, as you should be following the Government guidance on self-isolation. This means you should not visit if you are: Extremely vulnerable and are remaining at home for shielding purposes Symptomatic with coronavirus (COVID-19) In a 14-day household isolation The site is now open 8.00am to 6.00pm and 7 days per week.

A car crashed into the the end of a terraced house in New St Leominster just after 9pm last night. A very lucky escape for the family, a woman and two children who were in the property at the time but fortunately they were upstairs at the time of the incident and escaped unharmed. Leominster fire crews were quickly on the scene and the isolated electric and gas supply to make property safe while carrying out a structural assessment. Photo - HW Fire Leominster Leominster Crash Video.mp4 Video: Sunshine Radio

A Special Tribute to the Special Air Service on this 75th VE Day We thought we would create something to end this national day of celebration with a tribute to honour our local boys here in Hereford

Another lovely contribution from Nettie Hall near Bullingham Lane Hereford , thank you

Thank you Mervyn Pickard for this fabulous photo of Arrowsmith Avenue

Thank you Georgina Stevenson

Thank you Teressa Gittens

Bluebell Walk, thank you Lyndsey Paula

We have had these photographs of the bunting and flags that have been put up in various roads and streets in Hereford today and wanted to share them with you. How good on these! More photographs HERE Please add photos of your street

Isn't it brilliant Denise