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Twinkling lights, mulled wine, a festive atmosphere and fabulous gifts – Christmas markets are one of England's fondest traditions. Getty Images Many cities enjoy wonderful Christmas Markets throughout the festive period, with their classic wooden chalets often showcasing local produce, wines, crafts, food and gifts. Which is your favourite market and would you support bringing this tradition to Hereford ? Ho ho ho

The Little Princess Trust will be soon moving into 'The Hannah Tarplee Building' in Berrington Street Hereford. The former Bob Gallier site has been transformed into a state of the art facility for this fabulous charity. The Trust, founded in memory of 5 year old Hannah Tarplee, supplies the best real-hair wigs available, free of charge, to children and young adults up to the age of 24, who have lost their hair through cancer treatment or other illnesses, donations gratefully received here ➡️ https://www.justgiving.com/littleprincesstrust Website ➡️ https://www.littleprincesses.org.uk

The all new Hereford City Life Gift Card - the brand the Hereford Business Improvement District are behind. Launching in the next few weeks - the official Hereford City Life Gift Card has 100 shops for the public to use their card in including big names like McDonalds, Primark and Marks and Spencers....to local independents such as Fodder Wholefoods, Avant Garde Hereford or Hey, Honey ....this is the perfect gift to give and receive and is ideal for companies to use as a thank you to their staff too! Using this means the public also support local shops which is good for everyone. Available later this month to order online or locally from Hereford Tourist Information Centre - watch this space for more details.

Our good friend Just Jon Simpson shared this with members of our Hereford Voice Photo Studio this morning. Jon wrote;

The popular Home Bargains store on Holmer Road is extending to almost double its current size into the unit next door, formally occupied by Bensons for Beds. Home Bargains have confirmed to Hereford Voice that they will be closing their Hereford store on Christmas Eve in order to complete the expansion work before re-opening the newly refurbished extended store in Early 2022, which is likely to create additional employment, which is welcome news for Hereford.

From the people at Hereford City Life ...this is a consumer brand of the Hereford BID HerefordBID_Hospitality_Watermarked_YouTube_H264.mp4 The fabulous local businesses featured in the video are: En BBQ Saxtys Venue Nightclub Castle House Hotel Green Dragon Hotel Left Bank King Street Kitchen The Courtyard Lupa

Exceptional photographs again from our good friend Jon Simpson, the Knife Angel Monument looks even more incredible in the rain, we're just loving the reflections and another set of extraordinary images that Jon has managed to create. Jon wrote; Reflecting on the Knife Angel. The Knife Angel Hereford is free to visit and on display outside Hereford Cathedral until 12 July. Created by Alfie's Art and the The British Ironwork Centre, to highlight knife crime and educate young people of the harmful effect violent behaviour can have on their communities. It was absolutely chucking it down when I took these and despite the rain people were still stopping on their walk home from a night out to stand for a while and take it in. The 2nd photo is the reflection in the water on top of the Knife Bank Amnesty Bin, and is among my favourite photos I've ever taken. 👇

As Hereford bids farewell to the Knife Angel, the official figures have just come in and during the month that the National Monument Against Violence and Aggression was on display at Hereford Cathedral there were 102,000 visitors. £9,200 raised from the generosity of visitors filling the charity boxes - these funds will go toward the continuation of supplying educational resources and workshops for schools and youth organisations. Knife Angel Statue on the lorry heading back to the British Iron Works Centre in Oswestry, photo courtesy of our friend Jon Simpson (official knife Angel Hereford photographer) 284 knives, 2 guns were surrendered and there is still a surrender box at Hinton Community Centre, so we don’t know what is in there yet. Alison Davies looks at the hundreds of weapons and knives handed in. What a fabulous achievement by Alison Davies and Meryl Cain who have worked tirelessly for over 2 years just to bring the monument to Hereford. Alison Davies lost her son Mark to knife crime in December 2018 and together with Meryl Cain and a small group of friends wanted to raise awareness of the catastrophic impact violent crime has on individuals, families and communities. The team’s involvement with this project was carried out on a completely voluntary basis. The group are known as The Knife Angel Hereford Team. Hereford Voice is so proud to have been able to promote and support the Knife Angel Hereford project as an official 'Working Partner' for the many months leading up to the arrival of the statue in Hereford last month and would like to thank Alison Davies, Meryl Cain and the whole team behind the scenes for being hugely successful in highlighting the devastating impact violence has on all our lives and for boosting tourism in Hereford by bringing this fabulous statue to our city.

Today (Sunday 11 July) is the final day to see Knife Angel Hereford before it returns to The British Ironwork Centre The project has truly had a massive impact on our community - as of this weekend we are approaching 100,000 visitors, 250+ weapons have been handed in and the project has worked with over 600 schoolchildren. So many people have been involved in bringing the Knife Angel to Hereford so we have spoken to just a few members of the team to share their experiences. Knife Angel Hereford Summer 2021 | Farewell Video.mp4

WOW What a superb aerial photograph captured 100 metres above the Victoria Bridge in Hereford. Thank you to our friend and regular Hereford Voice Photo Studio contributor Steve Norgrove for this fabulous shot.

Go ahead given to priority City transport improvements Priority improvements for transport in Hereford have been confirmed with funding for the further development of key schemes, including safer routes to school, walking and cycling network and a new river crossing to the east of the City, approved by Cabinet today (Thursday 24 June). Funding of £1.24m has now been allocated to take forward these schemes, which were identified in the Hereford Transport Strategy Review, to help increase low carbon active travel options and also to provide an alternative to the single river crossing. The council has also secured government funding to develop proposals for improved bus services across the county. Government published its National Bus Strategy in March and has confirmed that it intends to provide more funding for councils to improve bus services in partnership with local operators.Councillor John Harrington, Cabinet member for infrastructure and transport said:

Herefordshire Council teams have recently completed a programme of resurfacing and drainage works on the C1081 - Gorsty Corner to Lower Green, Bearwood in Herefordshire

Hereford Council teams have recently completed a programme of resurfacing and drainage works on the C1091 - Venmore Lane, Dilwyn in Herefordshire.

After 18 months of preparation and anticipation, the Knife Angel will finally be arriving at Hereford Cathedral tomorrow! Hereford Voice is so proud to have been able to promote and support the Knife Angel Hereford project for many months leading up to the arrival of the statue in Hereford tomorrow and wish Alison Davies, Meryl Cain and the whole team behind this fabulous event a very successful month ahead. Our good friend Jon Simpson is the Knife Angel Hereford official photographer and our long friendship spans back many years, Jon will be providing us with some 'exclusive' photographs which we will publish over the coming days. 'Knife Angel' Also known as the National Monument Against Violence and Aggression, this magnificent 27ft statue built from 100,000 confiscated knives and blades and will be on display at the Cathedral between Monday 14 June - 12 July. Thanks to generous grant awards from West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, West Mercia Police, The National Lottery Community Fund, The High Sheriff of Herefordshire (2020/1 & 2021/2), Eveson CharitableTrust, Community Safety Partnership and the Clocktower Foundation, the Knife Angel team has been able to organise an exciting range of free-to-attend events to accompany the Knife Angel’s visit and in order to stimulate discussion on the devastating impact violence has on all our lives. These include: A full day virtual conference, entitled ‘Knife Angel Hereford: Crime in 2021 – From Knowledge to Practice’ (see: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../knife-angel-hereford... for further information and bookings) A comprehensive selection of workshops to be held in locations throughout Hereford City from 21 June to 11 July. Subjects range from ‘Managing post-lockdown stress’ to interactive medical workshops and creative activities. Further details of these free-to-attend events and booking information can be viewed on the Knife Angel’s website: https://bit.ly/3vSI9in Hereford Voice have drawn up a complete and comprehensive list of venues, dates and times etc https://hfd.news/em9 Two walks (22nd and 27th June), arranged as part of the Herefordshire Walking Festival, which include the Knife Angel as part of their route (see: https://www.herefordshirewalkingfestival.co.uk/our-walks for further information). A weapons amnesty, approved by West Mercia Police, where knives, blades and other weapons can be safely disposed. The team responsible for bringing the Knife Angel to Hereford is headed by Alison Davies, who lost her son, Mark, to knife crime in 2018, and Meryl Cain. Alison Davies comments: The Knife Angel will be located outside the cathedral and will be free to visit with no need for visitors to book in advance. Relevant precautions, including a one-way system around the Knife Angel and volunteer stewarding teams, will be in place during the day to help welcome and guide visitors. For further information about the Knife Angel’s visit to Hereford, please visit the website https://knifeangelhereford.co.uk/. #EmbraceHereford and please make time to visit this thought-provoking 'Knife Angel' statue.

After 18 months of preparation and anticipation, the Knife Angel will finally be arriving in Hereford City Centre in less than a fortnight. Also known as the National Monument Against Violence and Aggression, this magnificent 27ft statue built from 100,000 confiscated knives and blades will come to the city on Monday 14 June and will remain in place outside the West door of Hereford Cathedral until 12 July. Thanks to generous grant awards from West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, West Mercia Police, The National Lottery Community Fund, High Sheriffs of Herefordshire (2020/1 & 2021/2), Eveson CharitableTrust, Community Safety Partnership and the Clocktower Foundation, the Knife Angel team has been able to organise an exciting range of free-to-attend events to accompany the Knife Angel’s visit and in order to stimulate discussion on the devastating impact violence has on all our lives. These include: A full day virtual conference, entitled ‘Knife Angel Hereford: Crime in 2021 – From Knowledge to Practice’ (see: HERE for further information and bookings) A comprehensive selection of workshops to be held in locations throughout Hereford City from 21 June to 11 July. Subjects range from ‘Managing post-lockdown stress’ to interactive medical workshops and creative activities. Further details of these free-to-attend events and booking information can be viewed on the Knife Angel’s website here Direct Workshop booking link: https://www.facebook.com/knifeangelhereford/events Two walks (22nd and 27th June), arranged as part of the Herefordshire Walking Festival, which include the Knife Angel as part of their route (see: https://www.herefordshirewalkingfestival.co.uk/our-walks for further information). A weapons amnesty, approved by West Mercia Police, where knives, blades and other weapons can be safely disposed. The team responsible for bringing the Knife Angel to Hereford is headed by Alison Davies, who lost her son, Mark, to knife crime in 2018, and Meryl Cain. Alison Davies comments: The Knife Angel will be located outside the cathedral and will be free to visit with no need for visitors to book in advance. Relevant precautions, including a one-way system around the Knife Angel and volunteer stewarding teams, will be in place during the day to help welcome and guide visitors. For further information about the Knife Angel’s visit to Hereford, please visit the dedicated website: https://knifeangelhereford.co.uk/

We were invited to a sneak preview of the new En BBQ Hereford at Hereford Old Market Shopping Centre Their will be a 'Soft Opening' from Wednesday 2nd June in the evenings until 6th June then will be full days. (Closed Mondays and Tuesdays for staff training) #SupportLocal and visit Hereford's latest new eatery - book your table here 👉 www.enbbq.co.uk Hereford Voice would like to thank Peyman and Pampi for their kind 'sneak preview' invitation in the week and wish them the very best of luck with their new business! More Positive #HerefordNews

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. 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

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!

Good to see the market traders setting up in High Town early this morning. There are already many people around and the coffee stalls are both busy with people. Support our local economy and independent businesses. We have all new tree's ready to bloom this summer with additional seating around. It's bright and sunny have a great weekend in our fabulous city of HEREFORD!! #lovehereford #herefordvoice #positivehereford #herefordnews

These units were not empty for long! 'Amazing Asia' is due to open within the next 3 months at the Hereford Old Market Shopping Centre The restaurant is to occupy the former Prezzo building and boasts that over 80 items of Indian and Thai cuisine will be available on the menu. More 'Positive News' for a brighter 'Positive Hereford' with even more shops and eateries opening over the summer.

Hereford's Courtyard Hereford has received £276k from the Culture Recovery Fund to help them #RebuildRecoverReignite The theatre are extremely grateful to Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Arts Council England and HM Treasury for not only supporting The Courtyard Hereford but for believing in what they do and recognising its importance to our community!

A US surgical equipment manufacturer is expanding its UK headquarters in Hereford following a 25 per cent increase in UK sales. LeMaitre Vascular took new offices at Stirling House in Centenary Park, just 18 months ago and is now expanding in response to growing demand for its specialist products. The offices, developed by Priority Space in partnership with the Hunt Group and Herefordshire County Council, are part of Skylon Park, Hereford Enterprise Zone. LeMaitre Vascular supplies devices for the diagnosis and treatment of vascular disease to surgeons worldwide. It originally took up office suites covering 2259 sq. ft. The additional 1338 sq. ft will enable the team to manage and distribute more stock to hospitals across the UK as Lemaitre increase their product range. Lemaitre have recently employed a new warehouse operative as part of the expansion. Lemaitre’s Director of Northern Europe Helen Goulding said: “Having a base in the UK has enabled us to deliver a much better level of service to our customers in the UK and Ireland. As a leading global provider of devices for peripheral vascular disease (PVD) we have seen the necessity for our products increase in line with the rise of diabetes and open vascular surgery. “We occupy a suite of offices and warehouse together with a conference facility at Stirling House from where we are able to train surgeons virtually and hands on, however less so in these unprecedented times. Conveniently located close to distribution networks, Stirling House has proven to be an exceptional base where we can meet demands as the business continues to grow.” Adam Richardson, co-director at Priority Space, said: “It’s great to see LeMaitre Vascular expanding its UK headquarters in Hereford so soon after moving into Stirling House. We wish them continued success.”Andrew Manning Cox, chair of the Hereford’s Enterprise Zone, said: Stirling House is a high spec 14,708 sq ft office development with suites of different sizes available to buy or let. It is part of the first phase of Centenary Park, located in Skylon Park, a major development of speculative office, industrial and warehouse units in the Government-backed Hereford Enterprise Zone. LeMaitre Vascular’s neighbours in Stirling House include the SureCare Group and the Hereford Times. Priority Space is committed to developing sites across the UK to create high-quality and sustainable workplaces which stimulate regeneration and economic growth.

Works begins of the refurbishment of the public toilets in Maylord Orchards on Monday! It will be good to have these much needed facilities reopen again in the city centre in the near future. Gemma Davies - Cllr said to us today;