Reel

As far as I can see from standing by the school gates/fencing (outside school time I should add!) it's now simply a turfed hill. No car park or other facility is in place that I could see.

Not living in Hereford anymore I miss out on a lot of what goes on, however I did see for myself the length of the grass and hedges everywhere during my recent visit - it's not welcoming at all. So I've found photos of the 'Grove' school building. As you can see it was a perfectly useable building. Okay not 'state of the art' anymore perhaps but still modern seeing as it was built in 1998. I cannot understand why it was allowed to be demolished.

I'm assuming you guys aren't (..weren't) familier with the 'Grove' building I'm talking about, which is fair enough. I'll see if I can dig out some pics to give you an idea of how wasteful this has been!!! Now I've seen the new development in the flesh I do believe it does more for the city than Garrick House ever did on that corner!

Last week I spent a few days in Hereford visiting as I've not been back for 3 years (Moved away a decade ago, however). I decided to have a walk around my old School, Haywood (Formally and originally know as Grafton) as I was aware it had been taken over, rebuilt and turned into an Academy - Great stuff, no problem with that. What I do take issue with however, is the fact the relatively new 'Grove' building has been completely demolished! It was only built in 1998 at a cost of £3-million pounds!!! (If I remember correctly, which I'm sure I do). I do not know the facts of how the new school buildings have been funded (privately I assume) but I'm absolutely gobsmacked at how a building only circa' 15 years old can be discarded, especially being a very modern facility.

Ellie Goulding (Born: Elena Jane Goulding) Lyonshall, Herefordshire.

Wow, nice to see more enthusiastic people offering points and direction - thanks guys! I have contacted Nick Millington's Media Company of which I'm awaiting a reply from the Artistic Director to discuss further. John Bulmer's work and history is amazing, truly inspiring! It certainly fits in with this documentary, it would be fantastic to speak to him. Thanks, Gareth

@ Henmeira - Do you know what year the prefabs in Beattie went up, and the prefab houses in Cagebrook?

Damn. I understood this was going to begin in a couple of months time, I was hoping to of captured before, during and after demolition on film.

Good call! I became aware of The Rural Media Company today actually and now I've had chance to check them out a little I've a feeling this could be right up their street. Thank you.

Thank you for the welcome Glenda, Colin and Mick. Earlier today I had a very interesting and informed hour-long chat with Glenda. Early signs are looking very positive, it's certainly looks as if there will be plenty of enthusiasm from residents young and old which is a key element. Initially there will be several hurdles to get over but for now it would be great to build a small team of people who would like to commit to being involved in this, and then we can look at handing out roles, such as researchers, lead providers etc. One of the most important parts of this documentary will be based around the people who make the area what it is and I know over the years the South Wye has seen it's fair share of 'characters' shall we say (!) of which interviews with certain people will make for very entertaining viewing! Not only that, but there must be residents who moved into their property when it was first built who are still there today or who have grown up perhaps in the same street, block of flats... that are about to be demolished! Getting their views and opinons, even following their journey as their lives change throughout the redevelopment. I'm sure there will be many interesting stories - but it's finding those who will also be prepared to go in front of the camera!! It's not just the older generation, I'm interested in getting the stories, views and opinions from all age groups as Newton Farm has evolved through different decades through the eyes of men, women and children. Something that would really add huge value to the production would be old Cine film. It would be amazing to discover old footage of the estate being built! Unlikely I know but I'm sure it's in an attic somewhere - just a case of finding it. I have personally seen a photo of a little boy stood outside the Wimpy flats in Belmont Road as they're just being finished off, you can see the Oval has not yet been built in the background! It's finding things like this that will really capture peoples interest. I have also been involved in talks with Plymouth College of Art (Where I studied for my degree in film), I have their support and access to resources plus I am currently in discussions with a potential producer. As I mentioned earlier in this post there are a few hurdles to get over first, one of these is funding! I've spoke briefly to Glenda about this who has given me one possible lead so far, plus I have one or two ideas of my own - However if anyone has any suggestions on this front please let me know. It's early days for sure but it's looking positive! Thanks, Gareth

Hi all, aside from being able to keep an eye on what's going on in the South Wye, the main reason I joined up is to hopefully speak to the right people about an idea I've had regarding a documentary being produced following the regeneration of Newton Farm, delving into it's history, interviews with residence, councilors and other key people, story telling etc..etc. Although I moved away some time ago I grew up in Kilvert Road, Merryhill Crescent and Honddu Close for 21 years. I have recently completed my degree in Film Arts and Production in Plymouth and as I am a long-term member and contributor on 'Old Hereford Pics' Facebook group it's given me an idea - wouldn't it be nice to properly document the regeneration and get local faces involved? A friend and colleague of mine produced something of a similar vain when Devonport in Plymouth was regenerated a few years ago and I thought wouldn't it be great if i could do that in Hereford. If you have any thoughts or feel you can assist me in any way that would be great. Regards, Gareth