Crews from Ewyas Harold Fire Station assisted Western Power engineers to make safe a HGV in collision with overhead power cables at Pontrilas. One male casualty taken to hospital by air ambulance.

#HerefordVoice #Herefordshire

National restrictions from 5 November

Applies to: England (see guidance for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland)

COVID-19 case numbers are rising rapidly across the whole of the UK and in other countries. We must act now to control the spread of the virus. The single most important action we can all take to fight coronavirus is to stay at home, to protect the NHS and save lives.

When we reduce our day-to-day contact with other people, we reduce the spread of the infection. That is why, from Thursday 5 November until Wednesday 2 December, you must:

Stay at home, except for specific purposes.

Avoid meeting people you do not live with, except for specific purposes.

Close certain businesses and venues.

These new measures will reduce the growth rate of the virus, which will:

prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed

ensure schools, colleges and universities can stay open

ensure that as many people as possible can continue to work

Until 00.01am on Thursday 5 November, the relevant Local Covid Alert Levelmeasures will continue to apply in the area where you live. From 00.01 on Thursday 5 November these national restrictions replace the local restrictions in your area.

The new measures will apply nationally for four weeks up to Wednesday 2 December. At the end of the period, we will return to a regional approach, based on the latest data.

These measures will be underpinned by law. Police and other authorities will have powers to give fines and break up gatherings.

You can help to protect your friends and family by downloading the NHS COVID-19 App to keep updated on the latest guidance from Thursday 5 November

There is separate guidance for households with a possible or confirmed coronavirus infection.

Full details can be found HERE

How organised are we??

I ask because in a little over 24 hours, the count will begin!

Are members who are "in the know", or just in the right place at the right time,able to post updates for the rest of us, as the results are known??

Personally speaking, I know I shan't sleep a wink until I have confirmation that Jim, Dazza, Jimbo, Paul, Amanda, Liz, Chris and Glenda have won their ward places..... and Pat, Harry and Tony are given their marching orders!

Fingers crossed,IOC will sweep into power, and Friday could herald a brighter future for Hereford and its residents!

Vive La Revolution, Comrades!

Better access to covid testing in north Herefordshire

A mobile Covid-19 testing centre for north Herefordshire is now operating on the Broad Street Car Park in Leominster.

This is the second mobile testing centre to be set up in county within the past three weeks – taking the total number of sites countywide to three. The other two sites are in Hereford and Ross-on-Wye.

This latest unit makes it more convenient for residents from north Herefordshire to get a covid test close to home. The unit opened today (Nov 13) and will offer tests from 10.30am until 3.30pm each day and will be in place for the foreseeable future. It is being provided for Herefordshire Council by the regional NHS test and trace team.

Herefordshire Council’s Director of Public Health Karen Wright said: “It has always been our aim to set up more testing sites in Herefordshire to make it easier for our residents to get tested close to home.

Quote

“We are delighted to see this plan becoming a reality and are confident it will help us to carry out local testing, tracking and tracing to help control the spread of the virus.

“We cannot do this alone. The successful control of Covid-19 here depends on the actions of everyone in Herefordshire. Cases of Covid-19 in the county are rising significantly and could overwhelm our community, including local health and care services.

“Nobody in Herefordshire can afford to relax. It is essential people get tested if they have symptoms and also that they self-isolate immediately.”

Anyone experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 – a high temperature, persistent cough, loss or change in sense of taste or smell – should immediately book a test by ringing NHS 119 or visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test. They should self-isolate (not leave their home) while waiting for their test and until they have the result. Anyone who cannot get to a test centre can order a home test kit.

Hands, Face, Space. We would like to remind people to wash their hands regularly, use a face covering (when visiting enclosed spaces like shops and businesses) and keep their distance (at least 2 metres) to help protect themselves and others.

Police discovered around 160 cannabis plants with a street value of more than £130,000 at a property in Newent yesterday.

A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of producing a controlled drug and cultivating cannabis.

The find was dismantled after it was made safe by electricians.

Inspector Nick Cook said: “Drugs can have a devastating impact on people’s lives and often go hand in hand with other types of criminality.

“We will continue to proactively target these operations and welcome any information you have about this kind of activity in the community. People coming and going at all times and properties with blacked out windows are just a couple of things to look out for.

“If you believe drug activity is taking place you can report this to us on our website or through Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.”

A man has been charged and is due to appear in court later this month.

Anyone with additional information about this latest drugs incident can contact police through this website, quoting incident 346 of 9 November: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/us/a-crime-that-has-already-been-reported/. Alternatively, you can also call police on 101.

New flower beds have been planted opposite Hereford Railway Station, in an effort by volunteers from Hereford in Bloom to give onlookers a colourful welcome to the City.

Mayor of Hereford Kath Hey was in attendance with the volunteers yesterday, celebrating the fantastic work which comes as a result of a Grant of £5000 from Hereford City Council, the Parish Council for the City of Hereford.

Comprised of dedicated Volunteers, Hereford in Bloom have been responsible for much of the City’s aesthetic appeal in recent years, enacting innovative projects to ensure our City stays clean, green and a better place for everyone. Their work focuses on protecting and enhancing the natural environment of the City, and Hereford City Council are proud to back their hard efforts.

The Hereford Community Clean-Up Group, who have been helping maintain the City’s parks and streets, also lent a hand, clearing the way for the flower beds.

Mayor of Hereford, Kath Hey said;

Quote

“The City Council are very happy to support the exceptional work of Hereford in Bloom, and it’s amazing to see the final result of the funding in person. Those who have worked on the project have showed an inspiring commitment towards keeping the City looking in its prime.”

Grants are available for community groups helping to make our City a better place; for more information, see here. For more information on Hereford in Bloom, or to help the volunteers, visit the Hereford in Bloom website here.

Notice a huge drop in people posting with their comments on Hereford Voice - any reason - are we all fed up? What are you doing to get you through these current times.

Due to sleepless nights listen to some interesting programs on BBC 5 Live (broadcasts on Hereford & Worcester local radio) between 1am to 6pm where I find the presenters raise current topics with the public and invite them to phone in with their diverse views - mainly older, mature persons - well worth a listen.

Dotun Adebayo with BBC Radio 5 live has a pleasant approach/manner which encourages people to get involved.

An ambulance has caught fire on Dinmore Hill this afternoon badly damaging the front cab.
There were no patients on board at the time and two crew members managed to remove vital equipment from the back of the ambulance before fire crews arrived.
 

Photos courtesy of Angel Carpenter

📷 Erica at the Nave Dinner 2019 taken by Richard Weaver.

In a moving tribute Hereford Cathedral wrote;

Quote

"It is with great sadness that we share the news that our beloved friend and colleague, Erica Manley has passed away after a short illness.

Erica worked for the Perpetual Trust for almost 20 years and in that time organised a countless number of spectacular events raising hundreds of thousands of pounds to support the cathedral and its life and ministry. The most significant among these were her remarkable Strictly Hereford galas, nave dinners, the Clay Shoot and the annual visit by the choir to sing in the Guards’ Chapel in London. 

As well as being a dedicated and passionate colleague, she was an incredible friend to so many people within the cathedral community and further afield. Her sensitive and beautiful soul enabled her to offer the most loving support to her team and her kindness and compassion filled every room she walked into.

Erica will be in our prayers over these coming days and weeks as will her family, husband David, sons Jake and Ivor and her mother Lorna, along with her wider family and countless friends.

She enriched the lives of so many and it was a privilege to have worked with her and to have had her as a dear friend. She will truly be missed.

May light perpetual shine on her. May she rest in peace and rise in glory".

Hereford Medical Group open their doors to patients from Thursday 29th October 2020

The new Station Medical Centre with its highly sustainable and energy efficient building will provide a modern and inviting healthcare environment for patients who previously accessed their GP services through five other city practices. Now those patients will be able to access a full range of community primary care services all from under one roof.

All five surgeries merged back in July 2018 to form the new Hereford Medical Group (HMG):

• Bobblestock and King St Surgeries
• Greyfriars Surgery
• Moorfield House Surgery
• Quay House Medical Centre 
• Sarum House Surgery

The new medical centre has 49 clinical rooms that include several treatment rooms, consultation rooms and a minor operations room.

Hereford's new super surgery is huge and has a total floor area of over 30,000 sq ft.

Contact: Hereford Medical Group  01432 272175

Email: hmg.pharmacists@nhs.net or call the prescription line - Tel 01432 272175 between 10:00-13:00

Online Consult: https://www.online-consult.co.uk/org/hereford-medical-group

Herefordshire Council are to send a letter to every houshold in Herefordshire warning that a move to tier two restrictions is imminent after the latest figures show that the infection level over the past seven days has risen to 84.5 infections per 100,000.

Image courtesy of SkyNews

When levels pass 100 infections tier two restrictions will be bought in and are as follows ..

All businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a Covid-secure manner, other than those that remain closed in law, such as nightclubs and adult entertainment venues

Certain businesses selling food or drink on their premises are required to close between 10pm and 5am. Businesses and venues selling food for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-thru

Schools, universities and places of worship remain open

Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees

Exercise classes and organised sport can continue to take place outdoors. They will only be permitted indoors if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with or share a support bubble with, or for youth or disability sport

The “Rule of Six” will continue to apply outdoors and in private gardens

People must not meet with anybody outside their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place

People should aim to reduce the number of journeys they make where possible. If they need to travel, they should walk or cycle where possible, or to plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport

Happy Halloween! 

Mobile test site opens following rise in local cases

A new mobile Covid-19 testing centre for Herefordshire is now at the Larruperz Centre, Grammar School Close in Ross-on-Wye.

Following an increase in local cases, the centre opens today (Wednesday October 28) and will mean residents in the south of the county needing a test don’t have to travel to Hereford or outside the county to get it.

Herefordshire Council’s Director of Public Health Karen Wright said:

Quote

 

“This is a critical time in this pandemic and, although the number of cases in Herefordshire has been low compared to other parts of the country, the figures here are now rising significantly. One of the areas seeing an increase is Ross on Wye and people in the Ross area can get an appointment for a test near to home. We will also be inviting selected residents individually for asymptomatic testing, to help us understand the wider community transmission.

“The unit is open from 10.30am to 3.30pm each day for a week in the first instance and is being provided for Herefordshire Council by the regional NHS test and trace team.

“We hope to be able to offer mobile testing facilities in the other market towns in Herefordshire in the coming weeks to make it more convenient for residents to get a test.

“Nobody in Herefordshire can afford to relax. It is imperative people get tested if they have symptoms and also that they self-isolate immediately,” she added.

 

Anyone experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 – a high temperature, persistent cough, loss or change in sense of taste or smell – should immediately book a test by ringing NHS 119 or visiting https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test. They should self-isolate (not leave their home) while waiting for their test and until they have the result. Anyone who cannot get to a test centre can order a home test kit.

Hands, Face, Space. We would like to remind people to wash their hands regularly, use a face covering (when visiting enclosed spaces like shops and businesses) and keep their distance (at least 2 metres) to help protect themselves and others.

Crews from Leominster Fire Station attended this RTC involving a single small vehicle, near Bush Bank. On arrival, passers by had already assisted casualty from vehicle, initial casualty care was provided by the crew and then casualty left with West Midlands Ambulance Service.

The vehicle was made safe by the fire crews.

Police and other emergency services including crews from Peterchurch Fire Station attended an RTC at Vowchurch early this morning. A vehicle was on its side and casualty had removed from the vehicle with assistance from passers by prior to the arrival of West Midlands Ambulance Service.

A Historic pub in Herefordshire opened its doors again this week for the first time in five years and in spite of the current pandemic. The New Inn at St Owen's Cross, a sixteenth-century coaching inn,  has been a labour of love for three local businessmen, investor Mark Green and family, developer Mark Freeman and chef Michael Fowler. The team is delighted to be opening the doors this week creating new jobs, supporting local producers and offering a stand-out community-hub for those living locally. 

L - R: Front row - Mark and Julie Green, middle row - Michael Fowler and Lizzy Condrad, back row - Danielle Lavender and Stephen Robbins. 

Set to be another exciting destination pub in the Herefordshire food scene. The New Inn under the direction of Michael Fowler will be offering a British-modern menu centring on local and seasonal produce. And for those that want to make the most of their stay, there are also three sympathetically renovated rooms to enjoy all the luxuries of a night away on your doorstep.   

Mark Green says

Quote

"I am passionate about keeping our pubs open, they are the heart of our local communities and giving The New Inn a new lease of life is more important now than ever. We hope people will enjoy a fantastic Herefordshire welcome when visiting, we have focused on sourcing local, using local services and of course, our menu will be locally focused too."

The pub will, of course, be serving Mark's well-known Two Farmers crisps at the bar as well as for the first-time a Two Farmers draught cider, alongside a daily changing lunch and dinner menu focused on locally sourced produce. Currently open Wed-Sunday

To book a table visit www.thenewinnherefordshire.co.uk or call 01989 55 33 87

2Faced Dance Company has been awarded £148,000 as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund (CRF) to help face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure they have a sustainable future, the Culture Secretary has announced today. 

2Faced Dance Company is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support. £257 million of investment has been announced today as part of the very first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England. Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks. 

2Faced Dance Company have worked locally, regionally, nationally and internationally over the past 21 years, to not only produce fearless contemporary dance works for audiences of all ages but also as advocates for the industry they work in. This vital funding will enable the organisation to continue their ambitious programme of work, support the vital work of the artists that surround them and continue to lead the local arts ecology.   

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said:

Quote

 

“This funding is a vital boost for the theatres, music venues, museums and cultural organisations that form the soul of our nation. It will protect these special places, save jobs and help the culture sector’s recovery. 

“These places and projects are cultural beacons the length and breadth of the country. This unprecedented investment in the arts is proof this government is here for culture, with further support to come in the days and weeks ahead so that the culture sector can bounce back strongly.”

 

Chair, Arts Council England, Sir Nicholas Serota, said:

Quote

“Theatres, museums, galleries, dance companies and music venues bring joy to people and life to our cities, towns and villages. This life-changing funding will save thousands of cultural spaces loved by local communities and international audiences. Further funding is still to be announced and we are working hard to support our sector during these challenging times.”

Tamsin Fitzgerald, Artistic Director of 2Faced Dance, said:

Quote

"This crucial investment in our company and community will enable us to protect jobs, forge plans to fully reopen and support the wider local arts ecology in Herefordshire and further afield. 2Faced Dance are just one part of an extraordinary collection of local theatre and arts makers in Herefordshire who have all been affected by this crisis.  We will continue to work alongside our community to ensure that it can thrive now and in the future.  We will soon announce our ambitious plans for a programme of work that will nurture new talent, nourish established artists and engage audiences from many walks of life”.

Registered Charity Number 1178796

2Faced Dance Company is based in the stunning rural city of Hereford. Under the helm of artistic director and choreographer Tamsin Fitzgerald and executive director Ian Abbott, the award winning, international dance company produces innovative, accomplished and aspirational artistic performances alongside an ambitious participation programme and captivating community dance initiatives that truly reflect the landscape in which they are based. This allows the company to tell new and original stories, generating distinctive new work, whilst striving to stay relevant to their audiences. 2Faced Dance tours extensively across the UK and internationally and aims to work with cutting edge and culturally diverse collaborators, venues, organisations and individuals. The company supports and mentors local artists whilst advocating on behalf of the wider dance industry by challenging and inspiring different sectors of society. 2Faced Dance is a registered charity and is supported using public funding by Arts Council England. 

www.2faceddance.co.uk

The start of #OpTutelage, a week of added activity around uninsured vehicles saw Hereford Cops (OPU) take 3 vehicles off the road today. 

Tickets were also issued for driving without a licence and for cords exposed on a tyre.

One driver was arrested for suspected drug driving.

(#operationtutelage is a vehicle whereby the registered keeper has driven it without insurance multiple times. They have been sent a reminder letter by us to get it insured and have ignored it).