Work is planned to begin week commencing the 13 February to repair the fencing along the river path near the Old Bridge.

All of the debris from the floods of storm Dennis back in February 2020 were removed last July which we reported in this topic 👉 https://bit.ly/fencerepairs however, this latest development is a welcome news and long overdue.

Road and path closure from 13 Feb - 17 Feb 2023

Remember where you heard it first..

West Mercia Police Officers are investigating a burglary offence that occurred in the Kington area of Herefordshire.

If you can help, please contact 101 quoting crime reference number 22/125218/22.

A farmer from Garway has been fined, given an 18-month community order and banned from keeping livestock for 10 years from 16 February 2023 in a case brought by Herefordshire Council’s trading standards service.

Richard Sparey of Lodge Farm was sentenced by Hereford magistrates after previously pleading guilty to 10 charges of failing to correctly store and dispose of a large quantity of animal carcasses. Trading as HJ Sparey and Son, the farmer was also guilty of ensuring the needs of sheep and cattle he managed met required good practice.

As well as the ban and community order, the farmer was given 20 days’ rehabilitation, fined £2500, with a victim surcharge of £95, and ordered to pay costs of £5165.83 on 22 December 2022.

Complaints about dead stock in fields were made to Herefordshire Council’s trading standards service between March and June 2021. Animal health officers visited sites where the farmer kept animals. They advised him on the needs and conditions of animals in his care. He was also informed of his requirement to properly dispose of all animal carcasses. Despite the warnings, officers found dead sheep in water where animals drank as well as carcasses that had not been collected from fields. Officers also found a dead cow next to animal feed.

Marc Willimont, Herefordshire Council’s head of public protection, says:

“This was a particularly serious and distressing case for everyone involved. Officers uncovered a very unsuitable farming environment with dead stock left in fields and within water that other animals could drink from. The council will continue to support farmers and all livestock keepers to ensure that best practice is maintained on farms and smallholdings. We do not tolerate animal suffering and take action against anyone who disregards the welfare of farmed animals.”

In aid of 'Save Hereford's Athletics Track' the team wrote;

"Today was a special one 💚 

From the bottom of our hearts, thanks to everyone who took part and got involved in the Hereford Couriers Dawn til Dusk Run 
The response was incredible. Over 150 athletes from over 15 clubs in and around the county to help raise awareness of the Save Hereford's Athletics Track campaign. 

Today we demonstrated how much the Herefordshire running community wants to save our much loved track! 
We had all abilities and ages taking part in distances from 400m to 40 miles as we set off at 8:19am and finished just after 4:15pm 🌅🌇

Huge kudos to those who completed the full 40 miles 👍
A big thank you to Couriers Chris, Graeme, and Ben for co-ordinating today's event ❤️

But we couldn't have done it with our all of your support and involvement. Please continue to get involved in the events planned in the future to help Save our Track 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️💚

Today, we've had air time on Free Radio, tomorrow we will be on BBC Hereford & Worcester and Wednesday evening at will be on BBC Midlands Today" 

For those who would like to donate to the campaign please visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/herefordathleticstrack

Well done to everyone involved 👏👏👏

📸 Photographs courtesy of Hereford Couriers Running Club 

📣 POLICE APPEAL | ID SOUGHT 

Hereford Police are seeking to speak with this male to assist with enquiries regarding damage to cctv cameras in the Whitecross area in Hereford. If you think you have information on the identity of this male, please ring 101, report online at https://www.westmercia.police.uk or email herefordnorthside.snt@westmercia.police.uk

Men who stole Herefordshire treasure hoard ordered to repay £600k each.

Two men who stole an Anglo-Saxon treasure hoard worth in excess £3.2m have been ordered to repay over £600k each.

The Confiscation Order, under the Proceeds or Crime Act 2002, was made on 21 December 2022 at Worcester Crown Court.

On 21 November 2019 George Powell, 41, and Layton Davies, 54 were found guilty of theft, conspiracy to conceal criminal property and conspiracy to convert criminal property. They were sentenced to ten years and eight years six months respectively, later reduced to six years and five years following a successful appeal.

His Honour Judge Cartwright rejected the evidence presented by both men at the contested hearing giving a number of reasons, which mainly centred around conflicting evidence presented in both the 2019 criminal trial and the Confiscation Contested Hearing.

He also rejected Davis’s claims that he played a reduced role in the criminal enterprise claiming he didn’t stand to benefit equally with Powell. The Judge disagreed and made a hidden assets order whereby he determined that they both still possess the coins and that the value of these coins is £600,00 each.

George Powell must repay £601,250 and Layton Davies £603,180 in full within three months from 21 December 2022, or they will serve five years and four months imprisonment each in default of payment. This term is in addition to their original sentence.

The convictions 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 the men had visited the site of the hoard, which included Anglo-Saxon coins, jewellery and silver ingots during Spring 2015. They not only failed to disclose the extent of their discovery - 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.

Superintendent Edd Williams, local policing commander for Herefordshire, said: “I’m delighted with today’s result, which brings closure to an investigation which we have been working on for seven years.

“The Confiscation Order, coupled with the sentences Powell and Davies received, send a strong and clear message that we take this sort of crime very seriously and will take action. It is a criminal offence to not declare finds of treasure to the local coroner’s office.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank our partners, including Herefordshire County Council’s conservation and environment team and The British Museum, for their support in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.”

Wishing you all and Merry Christmas 

Colin

These tractors look absolutely fantastic! So much work has gone into making these all look so magical! Well done to Hamish Grundy and everyone involved in the wonderful festive event. If you would like to donate CLICK HERE

Photo from Hamish Grundy (event organiser) 

Thank you to everyone who has donated so far 👏👏👏 All the photographs were kindly sent to us from TJ Gibbons Photography

Hereford has had its say in the Best Xmas Shop Window Awards, with The Children’s Bookshelf and Principality Building Society voted the public favourites in the Independent and National categories, respectively.

Now in its fifth year, the awards, organised by Hereford City Life, provided opportunity for the public show their support for local businesses during the festive season. A great variety of Hereford businesses took part, submitting images of their decorated store fronts to be added to the Facebook album for the public to cast their votes. The contest ran from mid-November to the 18th December with over 1600 votes cast. 

In addition to the People’s Choice vote, the Best Xmas Shop Window Awards held a separate Judges’ Choice vote with shortlisted businesses reviewed in person. This year’s Judges: Deputy Mayor, Councillor Jacqui Carwardine and Colin James of Hereford Voice. Windows were assessed based on their creativity, innovation and overall festiveness, with The Children’s Bookshelf picking up another award and Oxfam Books & Music claiming first place for the Nationals. 

“The Awards are a fantastic Christmastime tradition in Hereford that we have been very pleased to deliver for the last five years,” commented Rhiannon Burns, Hereford City Life Marketing Manager. “We are very grateful for everyone who showed their support for Hereford’s businesses by voting, as well as the judges for giving us their time.”

The results for the People’s Choice were:

Independent Category

Winner: The Children’s Bookshelf

Runners-up: Lunaria Lifestyle and Pear-Laine Lingerie 

National Category

Winner: Principality Building Society

Runners-up: RSPCA and Pandora

The results for the Judges’ Choice were:

Independent Category

Winner: The Children’s Bookshelf

Runners-up: June Lacy Gowns and Make-it Happen Creative Dreams

National Category

Winner: Oxfam Music & Books 

Runners-up: Principality and Pandora

A Hereford man has been sentenced to three years imprisonment following his conviction for multiple sex offences.

70-year-old Douglas Baker of Marlbrook Road, Hereford, was sentenced at Worcester Crown Court on Wednesday 14 December.  He pleaded guilty earlier this year to 5 offences which he committed between 2019 and 2022.

The five charges for which he was convicted were:

Two counts of inciting an underage girl to engage in sexual activity.

Engaging in sexual communication with a child.

Voyeurism – recording of a private act.

Making an indecent photograph of a child.

Baker is now listed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

DC Harriet Wheadon-Hill said:

“This sentence shows that abusing young girls will not go unchallenged or unpunished.  Following extensive police investigations, together with the courage of the victims to come forward, we can uncover the truth and bring offenders to justice.”

“West Mercia Police remains committed to seeking justice for rape victims and survivors of sexual abuse, and we, the police, and wider support services are here for them.”

If you feel you are, or have been, a victim of any sexual offence you can report it to us online, on 101 or via West Mercia's Victim Advice Line on 0800 952 3000 or visit www.victimadviceline.org.uk. This is a free, independent and confidential support service. In an emergency always dial 999.

If you do not feel comfortable speaking to police officers, you can contact a Rape Crisis Centre which specialises in helping victims of rape and sexual assault - including providing medical care and counselling. For information and details on how to contact or refer please visit Rape Crisis England & Wales

Two men have been sent to prison for the conspiracy to distribute drugs in Herefordshire.

Jack Davis who is 33-years-old and from Hill Acre, Stoke Lacy, Bromyard and Ben Scotford who is 36-years-old and from Hereford appeared at Hereford Magistrates court on Friday 2 December and pleaded guilty to all charges.

Pictured on the left is Jack Davis. Pictured on the right is Ben Scotford.

Davis was given a five-year prison term and Scotford was handed a 30-month sentence, both for Conspiracy to Supply Class A drugs.

Detective Constable Fiona Morgan said “I welcome the sentence from the court who recognise that Davis and Scotford are a blight on our community. Drug dealers take advantage of vulnerable people and ruin lives, and we are determined to protect our communities. These sentences show we will prosecute anyone involved in drugs supply and at any level.

“We urge anyone with any concerns about drug crime to please get in touch as working alongside our communities is vital to tackling drug crime.”

Concerns about County Lines or drug related crimes can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

This royal visit to mark the 150th anniversary of The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC).

The King said;

“I could not be more pleased to see how all these obstacles are being overcome and to know that the college and its students are ready to face the future with confidence and hope.”

The King has met students who are being equipped with the skills to live independently, and to prepare for university and work.

The RNC champions the teaching of Braille, whilst exploring new technologies to help with communication.

Alongside academic studies, students are encouraged to take part in varied activities, from practical skills like cooking, to assisted team sports. In the sports hall, The King was shown a demonstration of Blind Football, where players are guided by the voices of their teammates.

📸 The Royal Family

Samantha Smith, 55, of Waterfield Road in Hereford, pleaded guilty to a single charge of attempted murder at Worcester Crown Court on Thursday 1 December and will be sentenced on Friday 24 February 2023.

Smith’s conviction relates to an incident in Rothesay Mead, Hereford on Sunday 3 July for which she was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Smith, who will remain on remand until her sentencing next year, had attacked a 59-year-old man with a knife leaving him with significant injuries.

The investigating officer, Detective Constable Emma O’Hare said: “This was a brutal attack which could have very easily have made this a murder trial. Thankfully, the victim was strong enough to work with us in preparing this case and I’m happy to report he is making a good, physical recovery.

“Domestic abuse isn’t isolated to women victims. Many men are in abusive, coercive, controlling, and violent relationships and quite often, they keep their abuse to themselves.

“I want to reassure any victim of domestic abuse that we are here for you. Regardless of your gender, we will listen, we will investigate every report and we will support you.

“I want to thank the survivor of this horrendous ordeal for their trust in police, their courage and their openness. My only hope is that they can now perhaps close one chapter of this book and start to rebuild their life.”

West Mercia Police will act on all reports made and offer our full support to anyone who feels they are a victim of domestic abuse.

For details of what constitutes domestic abuse and for reporting any concerns to us, including contact details of our partners, please visit https://www.westmercia.police.uk/.../support-organisations/.

The Courtyard is pleased to announce that Bruce Freeman has taken over as Chair of the Board.

Bruce has been a member of The Courtyard Board for four years, and replaces previous Chair Joanna Cobb, who held the position for three years before retiring in November 2022. 

L-R Chief Executive of The Courtyard Ian Archer, newly appointed Chair of the Board Bruce Freeman, Courtyard Operations Manager Phil Pearcy.

Image credit: More Creative Studio

Joanna Cobb sat on the board for six years and chaired through Covid closure, post-pandemic recovery and the Transform The Yard development. Joanna will continue to be a Trustee of The Courtyard.

Bruce, who was elected as Chair in December, spent 30 years as a science teacher. Including 25 years as Head of Year at Aylestone School, where he left as a Deputy Headteacher in 2007. His affiliation with the arts grew when he was Stage Manager for 13 shows and the Producer for 4 musicals during his stint as a teacher.

“It is a huge honour to have been elected as Chair of the Board at the Courtyard Centre for the Arts, and I’d like to thank my fellow Directors for placing their trust in me.” Said Bruce, “I very much look forward to working alongside a fantastic group of people who work at The Courtyard, and to help steer The Courtyard towards a brighter and more secure future.”

As well as teaching, Bruce has spent 27 years in school governance, including the last 7 years as Chair of Governors at The Hereford Academy. After teaching, Bruce set up his own Project Management Company and helped to convert 13 schools around the country to academies.

Between 2000 and 2011, Bruce led two major appeals and project managed the total refurbishment of the interior of St. Martin’s Church, and the replacement of its roof. When Bruce joined the Board at The Courtyard it was his project management skills that were quickly utilized, as he was asked to Chair the Development Committee, which was responsible for delivering the recent transformation of the building. He played a pivotal role in completing the £1.6 million project on time and on budget.

The Courtyard Board is made up of passionate members of Herefordshire’s community, businesses and creative arts industry. For more information about The Courtyard Board or to apply to be a Board Member visit courtyard.org.uk/the-board.

 
New Hereford Fire Station proposed Illustration

Adrian Elliot of behalf of Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service have submitted plans for the proposed demolition of an existing three-storey fire station, training tower and associated ancillary buildings. Erection of a new three storey fire station, training tower, associated car parking and cycle storage, at-grade external training area, re-fuel facility, sub- stations, telecommunications antenna, vehicular access and associated works.

The existing Hereford Fire Station building was identified by Hereford and Worcester Fire Rescue Service (HWFRS) as needing upgrading, as it is no longer fit for purpose and does not perform well economically or environmentally.

Following a feasibility study carried out by Bond Bryan in early 2021, a decision was made to proceed on the basis of demolishing the existing fire station building and to build in its place a new building accommodating the same functions as existing. The proposed scheme is to replace the existing fire station building on the same site, which is a 4 storey 1950s building. The current fire station has ancillary buildings comprising of the BA training chamber, hose repair room, garage/ drill tower, temporary showers and water tank and diesel pump. The proposed scheme will demolish the ancillary building structures with the functions being accommodated within the new building. It is proposed that the water tank and diesel pump will be located within the grounds of the new development, as well as a new training tower.

The current fire station and surrounding site is owned by Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority (H&WFA).

Herefordshire’s Coalition administration say they will continue to listen to county taxi drivers over licensing policy, following 24 months of extensive consultation, after councillors on Friday deferred a decision at a Full Council meeting on adopting a new taxi policy when members responded to concerns from the trade around the need for further clarification around policy conditions.

Councillor Ange Tyler said: ‘The policy was recommended for approval by officers after a long consultation process but I am happy to accept the majority decision of my fellow councillors, that is proper local democracy in action, and we will work with members of the trade and their representatives to address the concerns that remain.’

‘Since government changed taxi licensing regulations in 2020 we have worked with the industry to develop a policy that keeps passengers safe, whilst supporting the industry, which has struggled through the impact of Covid. It was our belief that the policy was ready for agreement subject to some minor details around penalty points and movable seats, which could be dealt with by council officials. The last consultation received only two responses, however, it is obvious that not all issues have been fully resolved. We hear that and commit ourselves to working to resolve those.’

Councillor Tyler added: ‘We must ensure that the policy is fit and proper providing a robust licensing regime for the hackney carriage and private hire trades with the overriding aim of maintaining and improving public safety while mindful of protecting the public and the provision of service to the public.’

‘We know that the industry nationally has lost around 160,000 drivers and that conditions for taxi drivers are very challenging.

We need to balance that with meeting government regulations and safety for passengers. Taxi licensing policy is always a live document as regulations change and we hoped today to have a framework in place to work around, however we hear the concerns of the industry and will continue our lengthy debate with taxi drivers on this document.’

HSBC announces closure of 114 branches

HSBC has confirmed a raft of branch closures are to take place from next year.

Those near us in Hereford:

April
Abergavenny
Leominster

May
Brecon

June
Chepstow
Ross on Wye

Full list confirmed here:

On course for digitisation of cash. No smart phone - no money or credit. We'll own nothing, but be happy so says the World Economic Forum. The Banks don't want your money just your assets.

As the Autumn term draws to a close and we prepare for the Christmas break, Bishops are looking back on a fantastic term of successes and achievements for our students. 

Year 11 student Shania has been selected to represent her country and play for Team GB at the Junior Roller Derby World Cup in Valence, France in July next year.
Shania has been roller skating since she was 5, Roller Derby training since she was 8 and playing competitive Roller Derby since she was 10.
This is a fantastic achievement and we wish Shania and the rest of her team every success in the World Cup next year.

Bishops has also continued to participate in Pupils 2 Parliament, ably led by Dr Roger Morgan OBE. P2P offers students the opportunity to start to get involved in decision-making in Westminster. We have contributed towards debates as diverse as Artificial Intelligence, maritime shipping laws and protecting endangered species. This term we have participated in a rapid response survey about participation in sports and got mentioned in Parliament!

Bishops was again named in Parliament – the Hansard record for the Westminster Hall debate on Wednesday 9th November reads:

“I also want to thank all the students from the Bishop of Hereford’s Bluecoat School for participating in the process and feeding back to this debate”

Two of the Bishops students who did that survey were then directly quoted in Parliament, and their words are now recorded for all time in the Hansard record of the proceedings of the UK Parliament. The two students’ quotes used in Parliament are:

“Let girls participate in all sports at school” & “I want to do the same sports as the boys – if we dance, so should they. And if they get rugby, so should we”.

Year 9 student Toby was recently chosen as the banner bearer for the remembrance service in Hereford in November. He did a fantastic job along with all of the Air Cadets squadron.

Toby has been working really hard during his time at the Air Cadets and been taking part in exciting challenges such as flying a motorised glider. He was also made Corporal within a year.

Another Year 9 student – Jude, recently took place in a full weekend swimming competition with City of Hereford Swimming Club competing against swimmers from his category and from other clubs around the country.

Jude swam in ten races over two days and achieved nine medals (two gold, four silver, three bronze) and got a trophy for best boy in his age category. He achieved six PBs.

Jude has another competition in December in Bromsgrove which we wish him continued success in.

Meanwhile the Bishops KS4 boys basketball team have been celebrating ongoing successes. They recently travelled to Gloucester to face Gloucester Saxons u16s and given that Saxons play in the national basketball league, Bishops triumphed with an awesome and comfortable 15-point win. There were notable performances from Will, Bodhi, Henry, Jacob and Onur. Further victory was achieved in the match as well against Wigmore High School. 

Finally, six Year 9 students took part in the Maths Picnic held at Lucton school. The event is a fun educational challenge with problem-solving tests and teamwork skills.

Our talented and competitive teams came 1st and 3rd out of 23 teams competing from a variety of schools across the county.