A man has been jailed for sexual offences against a child in South Herefordshire

Ricky Powis, 42, of Three Crosses Road, Ross-on-Wye, was sentenced to six years in prison at Worcester Crown Court on Friday 22 October.

He was also given a sexual harm prevention order.

Powis’ victim was known to him and several offences took place during 2019.

Following an investigation, he was arrested, subsequently charged and after a trial was convicted of sexual activity with a child under 16.

Detective Constable Katie Parry said: “We are very grateful to the victim and her family for their help during our investigation."

The Victim Advice Line is a free and confidential service for victims
and anyone who has been affected by crime and needs support.

Freephone: 0800 952 3000
Email: info@victimadviceline.org.uk
Web (including Live Chat): www.victimadviceline.org.uk

West Mercia Police vehicle operation with Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency and HMRC.

7 x drivers reported, 7 x vehicles prohibited. 1 x £500+ fine for illegal use of red diesel.

Below driver was hoping to stay warm and cosy with the roof down! Loft insulation was dangerously insecure and obscuring drivers visibility.

Positive Hereford | Fabulous day again at our Hereford Duck Pond Clean Up Event and thank you to everyone who turned out!

Lots of good people came and got stuck in!

After we cleaned the weeds

We would like to thank the Mayor of Hereford Paul Stevens for his brilliant contribution today as well as Sue Cockroft, Kelly, Emma from Hereford Community Clean Up Group, Corden Smith and his lovely daughter, Andrew Bowley, Keith Marston and his family, Doug Sim, Cllr. Cat Hornsey, Elaine Underwood, Pauline Crockett and all the other lovely people who helped with today's wonderful achievement, here are just a few before and after pictures.

Doug Sim and Andrew Bowley litter picking duck pond style! 

Next Spring is the next clean up weekend, possibly end of April

Sewage is discharged into rivers across the UK and Ireland on a daily basis. This isn’t an isolated problem; it occurs up and down the country, affecting urban city centre rivers and pristine chalk streams alike.

This map below shows where the sewerage network discharges treated effluent and overflows of untreated effluent and storm water into rivers in England & Wales. Avoid entering the water immediately downstream of these discharges and avoid the overflows (brown circles), especially after it has been raining.

The 'brown circles' represent sewer storm overflows and emergency overflows in the River Wye which have monitoring equipment (Event Duration Monitoring) installed to record how often they discharge. The bigger the circle the more spills have occured.

Sewer storm overflows (also called combined sewer overflows or CSOs) are designed to relieve the pressure on the combined rainfall and sewerage network during heavy rainfall, preventing flooding of streets and houses. CSOs discharge the excess rainwater mixed with raw sewage straight in to rivers or sea, bypassing the wastewater treatment process temporarily. Therefore it is advised to avoid entering the water directly downstream of these discharge points, especially after rainfall.

Many wastewater treatment works have large storm tanks, which collect this untreated sewage and rainwater before it enters the river, and then treat it later, once the water levels in the treatment works have dropped. Pumping station emergency overflows are designed to operate only when equipment or power failure occurs, so they should not operate due to heavy rainfall.

Shocked by this map and want to do something about it? Please follow our unique link ➡️ https://hfd.news/d66

Unpaid carers save UK state £530 million every day of the pandemic

With every day of the COVID-19 pandemic that passes, unpaid carers are saving the UK state £530 million in the care they provide, new research by charity Carers UK shows.

The research, released for Carers Rights Day, estimates that the care provided by people looking after older, disabled and seriously ill relatives and friends during the pandemic stands at £135 billion so far, after just eight months.

Previous research by the charity found that the majority (81%) of carers have been taking on more care since the start of the pandemic and nearly two thirds (63%) are worried about how they will continue to manage over winter.

Carers UK is calling on the Government to provide additional support for carers over winter and ensure those caring for more than 50 hours a week get access to a funded break.

With many crucial face-to-face support services such as day centres and support groups significantly reduced – or in many cases closed – because of costly infection and control measures, Carers UK is warning that people caring round the clock are going to break down after months of caring without respite.

and

Carer’s Allowance is the lowest benefit of its kind at £66.15 per week. We want to see Carer’s Allowance significantly increased for all carers in the UK.

Find out more
You can read more about the challenges faced by carers during the coronavirus outbreak in our report, Caring behind closed doors: six months on (October 2020), here.

Back in April 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we also released our original, Caring behind closed doors (April 2020), which you can read here.

You can find information and advice about caring during the coronavirus outbreak here.

Launching Today | 'HEREFORD LIVE'

After months of work behind the scenes today we are pleased to announce 'HEREFORD LIVE'

LIVE FEED https://hfd.news/k17

Hereford Voice have completely sponsored Hereford's first LIVE HD Webcam from the heart of of fabulous city!

Check out the panoramic view of The Victoria Bridge and the River Wye hosted by our good friends at The Pavilion, Castle Green in Hereford.

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

Statistics | You will be able to see how many people are online libe as well as how many visitors there have been viewing our fantastic city.

Web | www.herefordlive.uk

Host | https://www.castlegreenpavilion.co.uk

If you have a great view in Herefordshire that you would like to share and are interested in having a LIVE webcam sponsored by Hereford Voice please get in touch.

Premium | If you would like to view any of the cameras on the network it is completely FREE but there is just one 5 second advert however, for a small fee of €9.50 per year you can go Premium. The Premium option allows access to features and services that will render your navigation experience on SkylineWebcams more exciting.

With Premium you can explore the site without ads, view webcams in Full Screen mode, quickly access your favourite webcams, take pictures and share them on the site, communicate with other users thanks to the chat, travel from one corner of the globe to another in just a few seconds with the interactive map and the search engine.

The Exchange, a traditional free house situated in Hereford city centre has been sold through licensed property specialist Sidney Phillips.

The Exchange is an attractive Georgian property dating back to the early 19th Century set in the main pedestrianised centre of the city. It stands adjacent to the Old Market Development which has recently brought many other main restaurant chains to Hereford, enlivening this area of the city. The Exchange is now well positioned on a main drinking circuit and experiences a high level of footfall as a result.

The property offers a traditional open plan ground floor bar, first floor function room and surprisingly large owners accommodation spread across the first to third floors, with rear trade courtyard in addition.

The outgoing operators have owned the property for the past 22 years as a purely wet business, popular during the day and especially during the evening.

The premises has been purchased by a local buyer, who will be retaining it as a licenced premises. There are plans to undertake a full refurbishment, ready for reopening in the coming months.

We received this absolutely wonderful creative short film from James Fox back in 2018, looking at different parts of Hereford over the last few years and centuries. This is brilliant!

Thank you James Fox for sending us your work, we love it!

Contactless Limit Increases to £100

The maximum amount was increased from £30 to its current level at the start of the pandemic, and plans to raise it further were announced in the Budget.

The pandemic accelerated a move away from cash, with shoppers often being encouraged to use contactless in many stores to reduce close contact between staff and customers. Nearly two-thirds of all debit card transactions are made via the tap-and-go technology.

The decision to raise the upper limit from £45 to £100, breaking away from EU-wide limitations, was made by the Treasury and the Financial Conduct Authority in the wake of a public consultation and discussions with banks and the retail sector.

UK Finance, the body representing banks, said the rollout would begin on 15 October, with some retailers accepting the higher payments straight away.

It said terminals would need to be updated, and that it would take “some time” for the £100 limit to be available at all checkouts.

If you are worried about misuse, check with your bank / banking app as some will allow you to set a cap or limit, or to deactivate the contactless option completely.

Hereford Cathedral will be hosting an exhibition of abstract pictures exploring meditation this Autumn.

Journey To Your Centre – The Art of Meditation explores the practice of stilling, in order to experience the presence of God's love within. The exhibition by Bath based visual artist, Stephen Magrath will consist of eight different artworks which can provoke contemplation and reflection. Creating the paintings, which often feature circles and repeated pattern, acts as a meditative process for the artist and invites the viewer to centre themselves and discover inner peace.

Stephen is an art teacher and meditation group leader who has exhibited his work nationwide. His work is motivated by an interest in health and a desire to contribute to the creative, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of himself and others in his community. He has qualifications in Social Psychology, Fine Art and Art Therapy and his work is in various collections including Wellcome Images, the University of Bath and Royal United Hospital Bath.

Stephen Magrath, said: “This series of paintings and drawings are about inner movement towards an experience of peace, harmony and wholeness. Although essentially abstract they employ external geometric forms such as spheres, spirals and grids. I have worked up my designs on a variety of papers using graphite, ink, watercolour and marker pens.”

The Revd Canon Chris Pullin, Chancellor at Hereford Cathedral, said: “We are delighted to be able to host this exhibition of pictures that focuses us on the practice of meditation.  In a world where there is so much distraction, noise, busyness and loss of spiritual repose, it is vital that we all find help in ‘returning to the centre’.  So many of the problems of the present age will only be healed when the human spirit is healed and at peace.  This exhibition presents us with a way of meditating that can bring us to the source of that healing.”

Journey To Your Centre – The Art of Meditation will be on display in the North Transept of the cathedral from Thursday 7 October – Wednesday 3 November 2021 during normal cathedral opening hours.

An insightful and exciting evening with Guinness World Record holder Ian Rivers.

Join Ian Rivers on 19th November 2021 from 6.30pm for an inspiring and thrilling evening.

In May 2021 Ian Rivers embarked on a solo unsupported row across the North Atlantic from New York to the Isles of Scilly. Using only a sextant as the main form of navigation, this 3,100 nautical mile crossing tested human endurance, navigation and seamanship to the absolute limit. He has become the first Guinness World Record holder for rowing unsupported solo from New York.

We followed Ian and Sentinel from the beginning and wow what a journey it was!

A fabulous adventure, full of twists and turns and some terrifying force 10 storms too, Ian is not only a brave man he was clearly very determined and completed his task, making history and becoming a 'Guiness World Record' Holder!

The row was designed to raise money for the Special Air Service Regimental Association (SASRA) and St Michael's Hospice - Hereford, whilst also raising awareness of the mental health challenges facing serving and veteran personnel.

Spend an evening finding out about this remarkable man, and even have the opportunity to ask questions.

What's On

• 6.30pm – Welcome drink and ‘Sentinel’ boat on display
• 7.00pm – Two-course meal *Curry & naan bread followed by lemon meringue pie
• 7.45pm – An interview with Ian Rivers
• 8.45pm – Charity auction
• 9.00pm – Q&A with Ian Rivers
• 9.15pm – Event ends

Date | Friday 19th November 2021 - 6.30pm - 9.15pm

Venue | Bartestree Village Hall, Ledbury Road, Bartestree, Herefordshire HR1 4BY

Tickets are limited so we would suggest booking early to avoid disappointment - £25

Book here 👉 https://www.st-michaels-hospice.org.uk/.../an-evening.../

Free onsite parking

#HerefordVoice | #HVEvent | #HerefordNews

Community | Belmont Parish Councillors and Herefordshire County Councillor Tracy Bowes, have been up early this morning planting 500 bluebell bulbs, daffodils and trees on Jubilee Field in Belmont.

They still have lots of daffodils and snowdrops to plant.

Well done to everyone involved. 👏

Traffic & Travel | EMERGENCY ROAD CLOSURE C1122 - MARDEN - Laystone Bridge, road closed for safety after a vehicle hit the bridge, see images below ⬇️

Congratulations to Tanners Wines who have been named National Wine Retailer runner up in the Decanter Awards 

“We're thrilled to be named Runner Up in such a prestigious category”, said James Tanner, chairman. “This is a testament to the hard work from all of the Tanners team. It means so much to us!"

Tanners Wines have branches in Hereford, Shrewsbury, Chester, Bridgnorth, Llandudno and Welshpool.

‘Cathartic, a little bit scary and ultimately immensely rewarding’

A group of men in Herefordshire who have been living with mental ill health have produced a book of their own writing.

Further Beyond Words showcases original poetry and short stories by men who use creative writing to help them deal with anxiety, depression or other mental health issues.

Many of the 20 poems and stories delve into darker urges and emotions in a cathartic way, while others express hope, positivity and a sense of recovery.

Herefordshire-based horticulturalist, broadcaster and writer Monty Don, who has faced his own struggles with mental illness, wrote the foreword, and all artwork is by students at Hereford College of Arts.

The book is a result of a collaboration between two prominent Hereford-based mental health champions and FurtherBeyond, a local creative writing project.

The two main driving forces, Euan McPherson, chief executive of Hereford Services for Independent Living (who also supports Hereford Men’s Mental Health group), and Cllr Paul Stevens, Mayor of Hereford, have experienced mental ill health themselves – and both have contributed poems.

Euan said:

Quote

“Our hope is that Further Beyond Words will help raise awareness of men’s mental health issues and inspire others to try creative or personal writing.”

Paul said:

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“When we started seeing all the great writing by members of the group and others, Euan and I felt it would be timely to help the men share their work and hopefully, in turn, encourage others. We’re delighted that HCA students were inspired to provide such fantastic illustrations.”

One contributor, who uses the pen-name BlackDog, said:

Quote

 

“I'd never considered putting pen to paper before it was suggested by the HMMH group as an opportunity. Suddenly I’d found a way of expressing emotions and feelings that I was otherwise unable to convey - not just to other people but even to myself.

‘Using creative writing as a recovery tool was cathartic, a little bit scary and ultimately immensely rewarding.”

 

Another contributor, known as Glyn, said:

Quote

“I found the whole process of of writing my feelings down expressively and sharing them hugely beneficial. Through this book I’m hoping that someone else is helped in a similar way.”

Monty Don writes in his foreword:

“There is still far too much ignorance, shame and fear surrounding mental illness. So it is especially important that publications like this, as well as being a celebration of the creativity that can emerge from troubled minds and troubled times, can help confront these attitudes.

‘Art, of all kinds, can put our own minds right and can change others’ minds.”

Funding was provided by Herefordshire Community Foundation and Great Places.

The book will be available for purchase from the Services for Independent Living website www.s4il.co.uk with all proceeds going to support Hereford Men's Mental Health (HMMH) group – Further details to follow.

Yesterday (05/10/2021) a group of males were discovered digging a Badger sett close to the River Dulas. The group were subsequently located near a parked car where they threatened a local resident with baseball bats. The four males then left in a silver Peugeot estate (possibly a 54 plate).

If anyone has any information about this incident then you are asked to get in touch quoting incident 449_i_05102021. Information can be passed online at www.westmercia.police.uk or via 101. Anonymous information can be passed via Crimestoppers.

Badger baiting is a barbaric and archaic activity where terrier like dogs are sent into setts to locate Badgers. The group will then dig down when the dog has located a Badger. The group will remove the Badger and force it to fight a number of large, powerful dogs. The Badger is usually killed by the dogs or beaten to death by the group. The dogs involved usually sustain horrific and long term injuries that are rarely treated by a vet due to the risk of the offenders being identified.

Offenders face 6 months imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine if convicted. 21058

The Very Revd Sarah Brown was installed as the new Dean of Hereford on Saturday 2 October during a special choral evensong which also celebrated the Feast of St Thomas of Hereford.

In a service which was livestreamed and attended by members of the cathedral communities of Peterborough and Hereford, representatives from Hereford Diocese and local dignitaries, Sarah became the first woman in the 1,300 year history of the diocese to be appointed to the role of Dean of Hereford.

Dean Sarah opened her sermon by thanking everyone who had made her so welcome in Hereford before calling on the community to grow as disciples and help bring forward the next generation to Christ. Those present were encouraged to demonstrate generosity to others as Sarah explained how the cathedral will at times need to meet the spiritual, and sometimes physical needs, of the city and county before its own. The Dean’ssermon closed with an acknowledgement of the challenges that lay ahead in a post-Covid world and a promise that Jesus would be central to every decision she makes moving forward. 

Sarah joins Hereford from Peterborough Cathedral where she has served in the role of Canon Missioner for three and a half years. Since her ordination in 2008, Sarah has worked closely within the agricultural and rural community as well as gaining valuable experience of ministry to market towns and a cathedral city. As Dean of Hereford, she will have overall responsibility for the cathedral’s life, mission and ministry, alongside administration, finance and fabric matters as well as holding responsibilities in the wider diocese.

The Very Revd Sarah Brown, Dean of Hereford, said: “I’d like to say a big thank you to all who pulled out all the stops (some literally) to produce a spectacular time of worship for my welcome and installation. I have been amazed and touched by the generosity and kindness already shown to me and my family by so many people and look forward to serving among you, learning to be the kind of Dean the Cathedral needs for these times and working with a whole range of people and organisations to make Jesus known in the world. 

“It is exciting to start this new phase of life in Cathedral and diocese with you and we shall see what God calls us to do.”

The Rt Revd Richard Jackson, Bishop of Hereford, said: “I am pleased to welcome Sarah officially as Dean of Hereford, a role which is for the Cathedral and community as well as the wider diocese of Hereford. Sarah brings a wealth of experience from her life before ordination, in the Farm Crisis Network, and her ministry in Peterborough which will enrich the life of our Cathedral and diocese.  

“I would like to add a public thank you to Precentor Andrew Piper who has been Acting Dean, he has been a huge support during the vacancy.  

“Sarah’s appointment brings the senior team back up to full strength. We are now looking forward to working as a team supporting and encouraging our churches and communities as they rebuild post lockdown.”

Sarah has moved into the historic Cloisters of the cathedral with her husband Richard, they have two children; Alice, who is a musician and Edward, who is training to be a vet. Sarah’s parents have also relocated to the city and Richard’s family are based just across the border in Monmouth. 

The livestream of the installation of the Dean of Hereford is available to watch on the cathedral website: www.herefordcathedral.org/news/installation-of-the-dean-of-hereford

Watch this space 👀

All will be revealed in the next 48 hours..