Friday 25th marked the official opening of the international Ferrous Festival of Artist Blacksmithing with a ceremonial ribbon cutting by the Right Worshipful, The Mayor of Hereford, Cllr Paul Stevens, accompanied by Cllr Sebastian Bowen, Chairman of Herefordshire Council. 

Ferrous 22 brings an abundance of exhibitions, talks and events to Hereford over 10 days, hosted in both established and pop-up spaces around the city centre. From international exhibitions, such as Sharing is Caring II, to live forging demonstrations, there is something for visitors of all ages. 

Now in its 3rd year, with previous festivals held in 2017 and 2019, Ferrous celebrates the craft of blacksmithing and Herefordshire’s own reputation for blacksmithing excellence. This popular festival welcomes visitors from near and far, through its offering of events and activities that allow everyone to discover the world of forged metal. 

“It gives me enormous pleasure and pride to declare the 3rd Ferrous Festival open. It is wonderful to see a world class event returning to Hereford and I encourage everyone to try to see it.” - Mayor of Hereford, Cllr Paul Stevens.

The Ferrous team invite you to explore the various exhibitions, demonstrations, talks and workshops that are available both over the main weekend and throughout the full 10 days of the festival, including a free walking trail on the LoyalFree app, designed to connect visitors with nature, as they uncover the various permanent metalwork sculptures on display around Hereford. 

Ferrous Festival is produced in partnership with Hereford City Life and Hereford College of Arts. 

😂 We Gotcha !! 🤣

Sshh 🤫 Don't tell anyone, we need to see how many fall for this one!

Humour | Our friend and local DJ Ian Davies posted this earlier and we thought it was hilarious and thought we would share it will our followers, certainly made us laugh!

Ian Davies wrote - "Only in Hereford, photo taken 23rd March 2022"

WOW! Our latest LIVE HD Camera today reached 50,000 unique visitors and this camera only went live last month!!

How is that for promoting Hereford!!

The view overlooking the Old Bridge looking beautiful this morning.

LIVE view captured at 07:50 today

Check out the Panoramic views of The Old Bridge and River Wye in Hereford with our 24/7 LIVE Stream, hosted by our good friends at The Left Bank Village

LIVE FEED https://hfd.news/i50

Hereford Voice are members of the Skyline network of high definition panoramic webcams scattered around the world with the sole goal of promoting tourism, art and culture!

Web | www.herefordlive.uk

Host | https://theleftbankvillage.co.uk

Follow us to keep up to date with all the latest news and events in Herefordshire

#HerefordVoice | #HerefordNews | #HerefordLIVE

Test your detective skills as the game opens at Hereford Cathedral starting 21 April 2022.

Exciting challenge for all ages

To celebrate National Lottery Open Week, Hereford Cathedral is excited to announce the launch of its new Escape Room; an immersive clue-cracking and decoding game, hosted in the Old Chapel in the Cloisters. Get a team together and book a session to test your skills this Easter!

It is 1890. You have been accused of embezzling money from the funds of the Vicars Choral. The police have been called and are on their way. You have been shut in the Old Chapel until the police arrive, and you have just one hour to work out who has committed the crime. If you can successfully convince your guard that you are innocent, you will be released before the police arrest you...Can you prove that you are innocent?

Jess Stallwood, Events Officer, is very pleased to launch the Escape Room and welcome visitors in to try out the game; “this is such an exciting thing to introduce to our current events programme! We believe this is a unique offering and one which the team here at Hereford Cathedral can be proud to own.”

The experience lasts one hour and is suitable for groups of up to six people. Each session costs £45. Booking is available on selected days throughout the year, so please keep an eye on the cathedral website for future dates across the year.

The first sessions are available to book on Thursday 21 & Saturday 23 April. For more information, please visit https://www.herefordcathedral.org/.../escape-room-april2022.

The Escape Room was developed as part of the Eastern Cloisters Project which was supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other donors. The Eastern Cloisters Project was a major project to renovate the buildings of the College of Vicars Choral, built in 1475, which are home to many of the cathedral staff as well as housing offices. The project was completed in 2021, and has enabled this beautiful and tranquil area to be opened up to the public for events and activities by creating a more accessible space, improving the facilities throughout, and offering new reception rooms for hire.

Hope Maintenance and its director, Garry Ridley, pleaded guilty to three charges at Hereford Magistrates court on 22 February 2022.

The company and director were ordered to pay a total of £318.00 in fines and costs.

The court heard that in June 2021, enforcement officers from Herefordshire Council investigated a report of fly-tipping on private land at Caplor Farm in Hereford, where Hope Maintenance is based. Officers found evidence of fly-tipping and carried out a full investigation. Garry Ridley was discovered to be promoting waste collection services on Hope Maintenance’s Facebook page. He admitted collecting waste from an address in Hereford for £25.00 in cash. He then dumped the waste in a field at Caplor Farm to save paying to dispose of the waste legally.

Hope Maintenance received a fine of £100.00, was ordered to pay costs of £100 and received a victim surcharge of £34.00. Garry Ridley was fined £50.00 and was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £34.00.

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

“Although we are very disappointed with the low level of fines and costs awarded by the court, despite the evidence we provided, we are pleased this case was proven. We very much hope it will deter others from breaking the law by exploiting their own land to dispose of their waste.

“Unlawful waste disposal and fly-tipping costs council tax payers tens of thousands of pounds every year. Businesses do this to avoid the cost of disposing of their waste lawfully. All businesses must ensure appropriate measures are in place so the waste they produce is disposed of correctly. Businesses must also have documentation to show who they have transferred the waste to and keep those records for at least two years. Anyone found fly-tipping waste will be prosecuted.”

The maximum penalty for fly-tipping is a £50,000 fine and/or five years’ imprisonment.

The council’s community protection team regularly carries out spot checks on waste carriers. The team investigates unlawful waste disposal and fly-tipping cases reported via Herefordshire Council’s website or by calling 01432 261761.

Residents and businesses can visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk/rubbish-recycling for information about responsible, legal waste disposal.

Bikers across Herefordshire and Worcestershire are invited to attend a free 3.5 hour ‘Biker Down’ course next month, offering potentially life-saving skills.

The courses are available at:

• Wyre Forest Fire Station – Friday 8 April (10:00 to 13:30)
• Ross on Wye Fire Station – Friday 22 April (10:00 to 13:30)
• Worcester Fire Station – Friday 29 April (10:00 to 13:30)

The Biker Down course is 3.5 hours long, and each course is limited to 15-20 attendees.

Places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

The first course will take place at Wyre Forest Fire Station and is being run by Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.

🔸Places must be booked in advance.

Full details will be provided to course attendees once their place is confirmed.

The Biker Down course is being delivered in partnership with a number of organisations who all have a vested interest in reducing motorcycle-related casualties and reducing the severity of injuries sustained, including: Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, West Mercia Police, IAM RoadSmart and Midlands Air Ambulance Charity

Designed for motorcyclists of all ages and abilities, Biker Down is a free course which offers bikers the chance to benefit from essential first-aid training and advice on what to do should they find themselves first at the scene of a collision where a motorcyclist is injured, as well as learning practical skills to help avoid being involved in a collision.

The course is made up of three modules: Collision scene management, basic first aid and casualty care (including CPR and helmet removal) and ‘The science of being seen’ – advice on visibility and positioning.

Biker Down is a national course which originated in Kent, and has already been adopted by numerous other areas across the UK including Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, Dyfed Powys and West Midlands.

To book a place on one of these courses, please email dying2drive@hwfire.org.uk with your details (name, email address, contact telephone number, preferred course date / time) as soon as possible.

At just after 07:00 this morning Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service crews from Leominster Fire Station were called to reports of a high voltage cable arcing and giving off flames. The firefighters ensured scene safety, liaised with Western Power Distribution and assisted with access.

Power supply to surrounding properties affected.

Western Power Distribution told Hereford Voice that 86 homes in the HR6 8PR, HR6 8PP, HR6 8HW, HR6 8HP, and HR6 8HL postcodes are without power this morning due to a high voltage incident.

Power is expected to be restored by 12:00noon today.

HWFRS Leominster

We reported on the incident that involved emergency services closing the roads while they dealt with the casualty, which happened on the junction of union Street and Gaol Street just after 17:00 in our article here 👉 https://hfd.news/gb8

A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service told Hereford Voice

"West Midlands Ambulance Service were called out at 17.07 to the junction of Union Street and Gaol Street, Hereford to reports of a low speed RTC involving a car and a pedestrian. Crews treated one woman on scene, the pedestrian, who had sustained a potentially serious injury before she was conveyed to Hereford County Hospital"

Wren Kitchens have now moved into the unit formally occupied by Harveys on the Newtown Road Retail Park (next to Curry's) and Hereford Voice were today given a sneak preview.

Wren staff are taking booking and leads ready for when the store opens next Friday morning at 09:00.

New store opening hours;

Monday - Friday 09:00-20:00

Saturdays 09:00 - 18:00

Sundays 10:30 - 17:00 (10:30 - 11:00 viewing only)

Web | https://www.wrenkitchens.com

Councillor defers decision in light of public opinion 

Following a public meeting last week, where Councillor John Harrington listened to the concerns of the community, a decision to introduce car parking charges in Kington has been deferred until a full transport study can be undertaken to understand the issues raised in detail.

The introduction of charges for off-street parking in the town had been proposed as the council considers how it can best meet the needs of residents and promote other ways of travel. It is important that the limited number of parking spaces in any town centre is correctly managed to enable visitors to find a parking space easily and conveniently when they arrive.

The transport study will align with the emerging scoping work set out in the Market Town Investment Plan for Kington, which is due to be considered by Cabinet on 24 March, and identify solutions to address the concerns raised around the parking.

The town council has been invited to review the transport study brief to ensure that it addresses their concerns before it is progressed. The study, which will include further consultation with the town council and local stakeholders, is anticipated to be completed over the summer.

Cllr John Harrington, cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, said:

“I’m grateful to the town council for arranging a public meeting last week as it was important to fully understand the detail behind the concerns expressed by those who may be affected by the proposed decision.

“I have reflected on the meeting and the issues raised and have agreed to defer the decision on the implementation of parking charges until the challenges and concerns raised by the community can be fully considered.

“By working with the community to align the transport study with the Kington Market Town Investment Plan I’m optimistic we will reach a solution that will help deliver economic benefits.”

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service crews supported their colleagues from Northfield Fire Station at a very large fire at Kevs Cars and Coaches Ltd in Birmingham Road, Lydiate Ash in Bromsgrove North Worcestershire during the early hours.

📸 WMFS Northfield 

A body located in the River Wye in Netherton, and recovered by officers searching for a missing woman from Hereford, has been formally identified.

Sadly, the body found yesterday morning (Thursday 10 March) has been confirmed to be Janet Edwards.

Janet was reported missing late last year and her next of kin have been informed.

Detective Chief Inspector Emma Whitworth said: "We know there has been a huge amount of hope in finding Janet safe and well, and we are deeply saddened by this outcome.

"I would like to express my thanks to the community for all of their support with our search for Janet over the past three months.

"Our thoughts go out to Janet's family and friends as this very difficult time."

Janet’s family have asked that their privacy is respected at this time.

Emergency services were called to the scene at Netherton in Herefordshire just after 10am this morning.

Later West Midlands Ambuland Service confirmed the body of a person had been found in the River Wye today.

A spokesperson for the West Midlands Ambulance Service told Hereford Voice

“We were called by the fire service at 10.41am this morning following reports of a person in the River Wye near Backney Bridge, Ross on Wye. An ambulance, paramedic officer, community first responder and HART paramedics attended. Sadly, it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save the person and they were confirmed deceased on scene.”

Independent candidate Claire Davies has been elected District Councillor for the Bromyard West Ward in the election that took place on Thursday March 10.

The verified and declared results of the Bromyard West election were :

Claire Davies, Independent 315

Nick Ferguson, Independent 152

Mark Franklin, Local Conservatives 100

Verified voter turnout for the election was 23.49%

Full results can be found on the Herefordshire Council election results page HERE

I was coming into the Council Offices this morning listening to the news from Ukraine, reflecting on the statements being made nationally and wondering what response was appropriate from us in the Council.

We have real connections with Ukraine.

For many years Herefordshire has relied upon workers from Eastern Europe, Ukraine included, to work here. Some have stayed and are bringing up their families here. Many of us travel internationally and might have visited Ukraine. We have a strong global presence in the security industry and there are workers from Herefordshire in Ukraine providing services.

Given the seriousness of war breaking out in Europe today for the first time in over 80 years It is appropriate for me, on behalf of the Council, to send a message of solidarity and sympathy to all democratically elected representatives of the government and of councils across Ukraine and to the people of Ukraine whom they all serve and represent.

The fabric and freedom of their society is under threat and our support, thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult and distressing time.

On behalf of the Council I want to reach out to Ukrainians living in our County. Our thoughts are with you and our residents who have friends and family in the region. If we are able to support you, please let us know.

#HerefordVoice | #HerefordNews | #Herefordshire

A man who stole over 600 sheep has been ordered to pay back the proceeds of his crime.

Daniel Smith, aged 26, of Sutton St. Nicholas, Hereford pleaded guilty to four counts of theft at Hereford Magistrates’ Court on 7July 2021 and on 4th August 2021 he was sentenced to serve eight months imprisonment.

The sheep were stolen from four locations in fields in the Marden, Sutton St Nicholas and Cross Keys areas of Herefordshire between 2 November 2020 and 26 January 2021.

One of the victims identified sheep being sold as those stolen from his farm and subsequently 92% of the stolen sheep were recovered over the following two days in March 2021.

On 8th March 2022 at Worcester Crown Court, a Confiscation Order, under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, was made, whereby Smith’s benefit figure from the crime was agreed to be £11,000. The amount Smith was found to have available was also £11,000, which he has been ordered to pay within three months, otherwise he will be sentenced to a further period of imprisonment in default of payment.

Detective Inspector Emma Wright, of the Economic Crime Unit, West Mercia Police, said, “Smith has been stripped of the trappings of his crime by powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act, as a result of a financial investigation by West Mercia Police Economic Crime Unit. A Confiscation Order imposed, means he must pay back the full amount of £11,000, or face time in prison.”

Wildlife Crime Officer, PC Josh Kitchen of West Mercia Police, said: “We are pleased with the result of this investigation and hope that it reassures the farming community that livestock theft will not be tolerated and that police will fully investigate these incidents.

“Livestock thefts across the UK totalled £2.3million in 2020 and the act often causes suffering for the animals and additional financial pressures for farmers.

“I would like to thank the farmers involved for their assistance in this investigation as well as the cooperation of Hereford Livestock Market. Without their assistance it is unlikely these sheep would have ever been recovered.”

Officers are appealing for witnesses and information in relation to a collision in Newent yesterday, Monday 7 March, which involved a vehicle and a horse.

A vehicle struck the horse at around 4pm on Clifford's Mesne, near to The International Centre for Birds of Prey.

The horse, pictured below, received veterinary treatment but due to the injuries sustained it was later euthanised.

The rider, a 19-year-old woman, was thrown from the horse and went to hospital with injuries which are not believed to be serious.

She was later discharged from hospital and is recovering at home. She is extremely upset by the ordeal.

Inquiries are ongoing to identify the driver of the vehicle, which is reported to have been a silver or grey Vauxhall.

It is believed the motorist, who did not stop at the scene, was a man aged in his 30s and was wearing a hi-vis at the time.

At around 4.45pm, a short while after the collision, an abandoned vehicle was found alight nearby. Inquiries are ongoing to determine whether this was the vehicle involved.

Police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Officers are also keen to hear from anyone who may have dashcam footage of the vehicle or who saw the driver leaving the scene.

Information can be provided to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 298 of 7 March: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/.../tell-us-about.../ You can also call police on 101.

You can also provide information to independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or online https://crimestoppers-uk.org/