Hereford Voice

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.

A WELCOME AWAITS…. The land crew are now on St Mary’s Island awaiting Ian’s arrival (and Captain Paddles too of course! 🐻) Ian and rowsentinel are less than 40 miles away so he may decide to keep going and arrive tonight! Ian will be the first person to row across the Atlantic Ocean solo and without GPS from New York to the Isles of Scilly. ℹ️ Former SAS soldier Ian is rowing 3400 miles solo from NY to the Isles of Scilly without GPS! He hopes to raise £500,000 for his charities, the SAS Association's charity and St Michael's Hospice - Hereford, more details ➡ rowsentinel.com What a fabulous adventure, full of twists and turns and some terrifying force 10 storms too but you're almost home now Ian, we've been following you all the way, it's nearly time to get the flags out! 🇬🇧 👏 📸 rowsentinel

Ian, sentinel and Captain Paddles are just 60 miles away from the Isles of Scilly. Ian may get his first glimpse of land for more than 80 days later today as he approaches the Bishop’s Rock Lighthouse. Former SAS soldier Ian is rowing 3400 miles solo from NY to the Isles of Scilly without GPS! He hopes to raise £500,000 for his charities, the SAS Association's charity and St Michael's Hospice - Hereford more details rowsentinel.com What a fabulous adventure, full of twists and turns and some terrifying force 10 storms too but you're almost home now Ian, we've been following you all the way, time to get the flags out!

It is good to see the river path which runs alongside the Saracens Head pub on St Martin's Street Hereford has reopened.

He is 300 miles from Bishop’s Rock lighthouse, his finishing line and he will be able to see it from 20 miles away What a fabulous adventure, full of twists and turns and some terrifying force 10 storms too but you're almost home now Ian, we've been following you all the way, you've got this! Follow Ian's journey and donate here https://rowsentinel.com

If McDonald's get the go-ahead a new drive-thru would be located close to where the A449 meets the A40 in Ross on Wye, Herefordshire.

A man has been jailed for the murder of Neil Parkinson, who was found dead in Cotheridge in Worcestershire last December. Neil, who was 66, from Clifton-Upon-Teme was leaving his partner’s property in Cotheridge on Saturday 12 December when it is believed he was attacked at the end of the driveway. He and his vehicle were driven to a layby on the Ankerdine Road and set alight. On Monday (16 August 2021), Mark Chilman, 52, from Pencombe in Bromyard, was given a mandatory life sentence with a minimum of 22 years after a jury found him guilty of murder. Senior Investigating Officer, DCI Dean Jones, from West Mercia Police’s Major Investigation Unit, said: “I’m pleased that a significant sentence has been handed to Chilman for the brutal murder of Neil Parkinson. “Chilman committed a senseless act that ended Neil’s life prematurely, and he will now serve a considerable sentence in prison where he cannot cause further harm to the wider public. “Neil Parkinson’s family have understandably been left devastated, Neil was simply leaving his partners home to return home to take care of his elderly mother when he was tragically killed in a senseless attack and my thoughts and condolences remain with them.” Neil’s family have paid tribute to him: “Neil was a loving, caring, happy person who enjoyed life to the full; his infectious personality will be missed by all of his family and friends in our local community and further afield that he had met throughout his life. “We would like to express our thanks to all parties involved in bringing the evil, calculated individual to justice that took Neil from us. This includes the Police force members that have been involved from the tragic start, throughout court and continue to support us at this heart-breaking time. We would also like to express our gratitude to the courts and jury members that have heard the case.” Neil’s family continued: “As a family it’s been a very difficult eight months and our lives have been changed forever. The result from court today means we can have some peace now that the individual responsible for Neil’s death will spend time within the prison system away from society. We take a small amount of comfort that at least he cannot cause harm and the grief to anyone else, like he did to Neil and our family. We hope that during his time in prison he reflects and regrets his actions. “Neil will be sorely missed by all his family and the memories of him as a loving father, grandfather, brother and son and will be remembered dearly for all the happy times.”

Read the Herefordshire Council statement in response to the publication of an Ofsted letter following a recent planned visit of our children's services department Ofsted has published their letter this week following a planned visit of our children’s services on 7 July 2021, in line with the inspection of local authority children’s services (ILACS) framework. During the recent visit inspectors reviewed our arrangements for children in need and children subject to a child protection plan. They looked at a wide range of evidence, including interviews with staff, discussions with senior leaders and case discussions with social workers and team managers. They also looked at our performance management and quality assurance information and children’s case records. Ofsted identified three areas for priority action: Address inconsistent and variable social work practice to ensure that children are the focus of assessments, planning and interventions. The frequency and effectiveness of case supervision and the monitoring of children who are subject to child in need and child protection planning. Shortfalls in case-holding capacity for social workers, including newly qualified social workers, to allow them to respond effectively to children in need of help and protection. Inspectors recognised the significant changes recently made to the senior leadership for children’s services and stated the following: Councillor Diana Toynbee, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Safeguarding and Corporate Parenting and Catherine Knowles, Director for Children and Families, shared: You can view the full Ofsted report for the 7 July 2021 visit here. - We have also attached the pdf below If anyone has concerns about the way they, or someone they know, have been treated by Herefordshire Children’s Social Care services, you can contact us at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/careconcerns or email CareConcerns@herefordshire.gov.uk Herefordshire_Focused_visit_of_local_authority_childrens_services_July21.pdf

Over the next few weeks, you may notice some bin collections are later than normal This is due to staff shortages. Herefordshire Council are working hard to make collections, so please only report a missed bin if it has not been collected by 5pm - before this time, a crew may still be on their way to you. The Council are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Ian and rowsentinel have been at sea for 77 days so he hasn’t seen land for 75 days since he left New York He is 300 miles from Bishop’s Rock lighthouse, his finishing line and he will be able to see it from 20 miles away What a fabulous adventure, full of twists and turns and some terrifying force 10 storms too but you're almost home now Ian, we've been following you all the way, you've got this! Follow Ian's journey and donate here https://rowsentinel.com

Positive Hereford | The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) have been awarded a grant of £3000 from Hereford City Council which will go towards funding new lawnmowing equipment. This will help the College maintain their grounds for the benefit of RNC students and guide dogs. Full details can be found HERE

A man who drove whilst drunk and skipped a red light which led to a collision that seriously injured two people last year has been jailed for his reckless actions. Loic Freeman, aged 26 and of Bullinghope in Hereford, appeared at Gloucester Crown Court yesterday, Thursday 12 August, where he was sentenced after previously pleading guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He was sentenced to three years and nine months reduced to two years and six months to allow for his guilty plea for the first offence, with the same sentence being given concurrently for the second offence reduced to 20 months in recognition of his guilty plea. He was also sentenced to an extended period of disqualification from driving of 15 months with a further period of three and a half years to run on his release from prison. Officers from Gloucestershire Constabulary's Roads Policing Unit attended the collision on Halfpenny Bridge in Lechlade at the end of May last year shortly before 10pm which involved Freeman, another vehicle and members of the public who were watching the NASA launch of the SpaceX rocket. Upon attendance it was found that Freeman's car, an Audi A5, had collided with a Mercedes-Benz which was travelling along a narrow bridge operated by traffic lights. Freeman had driven through a red light when the vehicle he was driving collided with the Mercedes, it caused the car to spin, mount the pavement and collide with a wall. A group of four pedestrians were in the area at the time with one woman, 47-year-old Nadine Wood from Lechlade, being pinned between the Audi and a wall which caused serious injuries. She was taken to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford by air ambulance and was later treated for fractures to her right leg and pelvis, both of which were life changing. As a result of the collision she now has multiple metal plates in her pelvis and blood clots within her lungs. She is still suffering from her injuries more than a year after the collision and has reduced mobility. The front seat passenger of the Mercedes, a man in his 40s from Swindon who does not wish to be named due to still coming to terms with what happened, suffered life changing injuries to his abdomen. He was taken to Great Western Hospital in Swindon where he received an operation to fit a stoma and nearly died twice. He too is still suffering from his injuries and like Nadine Wood has had several operations as part of his on-going treatment and care. Freeman walked away from the scene leaving the pedestrian, Nadine Wood, trapped between his car and the side of the bridge screaming in agony, and when officers attended his whereabouts were unknown. There were a large number of members of the public and emergency service workers who were able to assist officers in locating Freeman, who was found nearby. He was detained by officers from Wiltshire Police, who noted that he smelt strongly of alcohol when he admitted to driving the car at the time of the collision. Officers required Freeman to provide a sample of breath and conducted the roadside breathalyser procedure, with a reading of 127; this being nearly four times the drink drive limit. He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving a motor vehicle whilst over the prescribed alcohol limit and causing serious injury by dangerous driving before being charged with two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving earlier this year. Gloucestershire Constabulary has now released dashcam footage of the collision, with permission from the victims, which shows the recklessness of Freeman's actions and the impact it had on those who were in the area at the time.PC Tim Griffiths said: Dashcam footage from the Mercedes Benz which was involved and shows the collision can be found here ➡️ https://we.tl/t-fZKjt37lac (warning, footage shows point of impact of both vehicles)

A man has been found guilty of the murder of Neil Parkinson, who was found dead in Cotheridge in Worcestershire last December. Neil, who was 66, from Clifton-Upon-Teme was leaving his partner’s property in Cotheridge on Saturday 12 December when it is believed he was attacked at the end of the driveway. He and his vehicle were driven to a layby on the Ankerdine Road and set alight. Earlier today (Thursday 12 August), Mark Chilman, 52, from Pencombe, in Bromyard, was found guilty of murder by jury. Mark Chilman He will be sentenced on Monday 16 August at Worcester Crown Court.Senior Investigating Officer, DCI Dean Jones, from West Mercia Police’s Major Investigation Unit, said:

After discussions with the Ward Councillor, who has been in discussion with parish council, residents and local businesses, the Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Transport has asked that the works planned along the B4224 at Fownhope village and Fiddlers Green, which were due to commence on 23rd August 2021 are postponed to later in Autumn, therefore the B4224 will NOT be closed during this period. Photograph courtesy of Google Maps We had planned to deliver these works during the school summer holiday to minimise disruption to commuters and school traffic, but in response to concerns over the impact on local tourism and leisure, particularly following the full easing of COVID restrictions, these works will now be delivered during Autumn – the exact dates to be confirmed in the next couple of weeks.

Initial analysis from the Knife Angel Hereford team shows that at least 102,000 people visited the statue during its recent visit to the city. Photograph courtesy Jon Simpson In addition, more than 700 school children took part in associated workshops to learn about and discuss issues related to violent crime. A further 30 free to attend events were organised for the general public, including sessions about coping with stress after lockdown and bereavement workshops. The Herefordshire Walking Festival even included a visit to the Knife Angel along two of its routes! During its four week stay, the Knife Angel became a focal point for visitors to the city. Nearly 200 volunteers were recruited to provide advice and information. These included Samaritans and Vennture team members who were available to offer additional support for those who needed it. Thousands of photographs were taken of the Angel, including stunning shots from the official photographer, Jon Simpson. The Knife Angel was free to visit, but nearly £11,000 was donated on site by members of the public. Thanks to their generosity and to 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 gathered a legacy fund of more than £30,000 to continue with its work to raise awareness of the devastating impact of violent crime. The Knife Angel’s visit to Hereford was organised over 18 months by a core team, led by Alison Davies and Meryl Cain. Alison, who lost her own son to knife crime in 2018, says: More than 350 knives and two guns were surrendered to the two Knife Angel amnesty boxes (one located at the Knife Angel site at Hereford Cathedral, the other at Hinton Community Centre). These will now be melted down to produce a commemorative sculpture for the city. The Knife Angel left Hereford in the early hours of 12 July. It is currently at its home base in The British Ironworks in Oswestry, awaiting its next public appearance in Chelmsford, Essex in the September. Partner organisations We are very grateful for the support of the following organisations: John Campion West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, West Mercia Police, The British Ironwork Centre, The Chapter of Hereford Cathedral, Hereford Diocese, Herefordshire Council, The Herefordshire Community Foundation, The Clocktower Foundation, Herefordshire Business Board, Golden Valley Web Design, Herefordshire High Sheriffs (20/21, 21/22), Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire, Hereford Voice, Signs & Labels Hereford, Safeguard Medical, The Green Dragon Hotel, Wyvern Flooring, Tudor Building Supplies, Hereford Rotary, Herefordshire Lieutenancy, The Beaumont Trust, West Mercia Youth Justice Service, Gabbs Solicitors, Your Herefordshire, Hereford College of Art, Herefordshire & Ludlow College, No Wrong Door/HVOSS, BBO/HVOSS, Close House, The Samaritans, Vennture, Hereford City Youth Council The National Monument Against Violence & Aggression - The Knife Angel The Knife Angel is a stunning 27ft tall, 3.5-ton sculpture of an angel made out of 100,000 confiscated knives received from 43 Police Forces across the UK. Originating from The British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry and created by sculptor Alfie Bradley, it took two years to construct. Prior to lockdown, the Angel toured around the UK and has become a national monument against violence and aggression in all its forms.

Thanks Alex be good to see you

Looking forward to seeing you mate

Ian and rowsentinel have endured a terrible 48 hours but they’re still going. Ian has no power on board and just one channel of communication left. It’s a very difficult situation but he can row, he’s going in the right direction and he can use a compass to navigate. Food stash! Then, like a gift from the Gods, he found a stash of food he’d forgotten about Beef jerky, nuts and dried fruit and hot chocolate. He’s so chuffed, it made a huge difference to his morale at the toughest of times. rowsentinel now need your help… We’d love to get the charity total past £100,000 to give Ian a massive push in these really difficult days. Please spread the word about the huge effort that this former #specialforces soldier is making. Donations for St Michael's Hospice - Hereford and the Special Air Service Regimental Association https://hfd.news/guy #HerefordVoice | #HerefordNews | #SASRegiment

Three men have been sentenced at Worcester Crown Court for a total of more than 16 years in prison for drugs offences. Pictured left to right - Keith Hill 47 | Lewis Plant 22 | Bradley Reader 20 Keith Hill, aged 47, of Ridgemoor Road, Leominster, was stopped by officers on June 30, 2020, while driving a van in Leominster. A quantity of heroin, crack cocaine and cocaine was found hidden under a seat. A search of his home was later carried out and officers seized a torch which was a fully working stun gun. Keith Hill was bailed for further enquiries. While officers investigated Hill’s offences they discovered he was involved in transporting Class A drugs from Liverpool into Herefordshire. He then used others to distribute heroin, crack cocaine and cocaine throughout the county. On 12 March 2021, officers carried out four simultaneous search warrants in Leominster and Kington as part of the investigation. In total officers recovered just under 1kg of Class A Drugs which had a potential street value of approximately £100,000. Equipment used to compress the drugs was also found at one of the properties as well as £7,000 in cash. Lewis Plant, aged 22 of Hawkins Court, Hereford and Bradley Reader, aged 20 of Tan Y Bryn, Holyhead, were both distributing Class A drugs in Leominster and Hereford and were arrested as part of the operation. Keith Hill was also further arrested at that time. Hill was sentenced on Thursday 5 August to 12 years - reduced to 9 years for an early guilty plea - for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine, possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of criminal property. Plant was sentenced to 6 years - reduced to 4 years 10 months for an early guilty plea - for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine. Reader was sentenced to 3 years - reduced to 2 years 3 months for an early guilty plea - for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine. Detective Inspector Matt Cartwright said: “Following the initial arrest of Keith Hill we were able to identify that he was distributing drugs throughout Herefordshire. “I welcome the sentences handed down to these three men. It demonstrates that we will not tolerate any form of drug dealing and those caught should expect a severe prison sentence. “Tackling drugs and organised crime is a force priority and we will continue to pursue those involved. Our teams have worked tirelessly to uncover this county line and the criminality within it. We continue to work closely with our communities who share vital intelligence with us so that we can help protect people from harm. “I urge anyone who is concerned that drug dealing is happening in their street or town to please contact us, or alternatively Crimestoppers – an independent charity – and we will investigate.” West Mercia Police’s Protect campaign aims to tackle serious and organised crime together and is underpinned by a four P principle – Pursue, Prevent, Protect and Prepare. If you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name and they cannot trace your call or I.P address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.

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

Ian was upside down, up to his neck in a flooded cabin, in the middle of the Atlantic in the pitch black. His navigation books are destroyed. He has a rudder so he can steer and he has water and food, but everything is soaking wet. He’ll know what’s possible once he’s checked himself and the boat but he’s a very determined, very special man. With 4 days of bad weather still to come, Ian is checking what he can but he’s lost most of his power, a lot of kit and communications equipment.He is battered and bruised but feeling strong. He has lost AIS (the alarm) so the coastguard is alerting other ships of his location. Former SAS soldier Ian is rowing 3400 miles solo from NY to the Isles of Scilly without GPS! He hopes to raise £500,000 for charity more details rowsentinel.com Latest update an hour ago: 10:00am Ian is continuing to row towards the IOS and has less then 600 miles to go. He’ll do everything that he can to complete the challenge. Good luck Ian we are following your progress.

A man from Sutton St. Nicholas, Hereford, who stole £87,640 worth of sheep has been sentenced at Worcester Crown Court on Wednesday 4 August to eight months imprisonment. A proceeds of crime hearing is scheduled to take place on 24 November. Daniel Smith, 25-years-old, pleaded guilty to four counts of theft at Hereford Magistrates’ Court on 7 July 2021. 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. 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.” If you suspect any stolen sheep are being sold please contact Wildlife Crime Officer Josh Kitchen on 07773053436.

On our recent visit to the Town Hall our friend John Marshall explained the history of the Coat of Arms and we are so pleased that he has put all of the incredible history into writing for your reading pleasure! It's been 376 since Hereford was under siege from the Scottish! The infamous battle resulted in the creation of Hereford's Coat of Arms, and the two stories are closely intertwined. In 1189, King Richard I gave the City its first royal charter, and with it came Hereford's first Coat of Arms, but the remainder of the design dates much later, to 1645, at which time the realm was in a state of Civil War. The City of Hereford stood for the King, and was stationed with Royalist troops. The garrison for the City, however, was very small, no more than 150-200 men at most. Then, a large Scottish force of 14,000 men marched to attack Hereford - mercenary troops fighting for Cromwell. They surrounded the City with the intention of capturing it, confidant that they could defeat the vastly outnumbered Royalists. However... the citizens of Hereford joined with the soldiers in the garrison, enacting the duties of fighting men so well that they kept the invading Scottish troops at bay for approximately five weeks. The enemy was unable to make a single penetration of the City's defences during this time, their only achievement being the destruction of one span of the old bridge over the Wye and dislodging a few stones from the City walls. In the end, the Scots gave up trying to capture the City and retreated, leaving the Royal Standard flying in triumph over the City. King Charles I, upon hearing of this, was delighted and full of praise for the citizens of Hereford. So much so, that he visited the City in order to thank them personally for their success, and made the Grant of Arms which the City now possesses. The shield on the coat was given ten crosses in white and blue, representing the surrounding forces of the Scottish troops. The motto for the City, which is also on the Coat, was granted; INVICTAE FIDELITATIS PRAEMIUM - which means; "Reward for faithfulness unconquered". A lion crest can now be seen on the top of the Coat, signifying loyalty and defence of the Crown. The helmet below the lion is also very rare, and is only found on the Coat of one other authority in England - the City of London. Full story of the Coat of Arms HERE

I met up with Keith Marston yesterday morning to discuss how we can move forward with our Duck Pond Project. We have agreed our next clean up day will be on Sunday 24th October from 0900-1400. I think we need to have a good general clean up, remove any litter and objects from within the Pond, where it's safe to do so. There is plenty of weeding and the clearance of overgrowth from the immediate area around the main part of the Pond and surrounding gardens as well as the other end near to the Fosse. As a group we can check the fencing and decide an action plan for a bigger event in the Spring of 2022, but at least we can get things moving in October. We have already secured funds for aeration pumps and we will also look at purchasing these with a view to having them installed hopefully in the Spring or sometime next year. A full nature plan is what is required with tree surveys etc so we are looking forward to discussing all of these ideas with Herefordshire Council and Hereford City Council. There are some local groups who are also keen to get involved such as our Friends of the Castle Green. I have left a message for George Watkins at the Castle Hotel and I have had a good long chat on the phone tonight with Jim Kenyon to see how we move this forward. Jim has some really good ideas, which we welcome. So please let us know if you can Join us again folks? We need your help! You all did amazing work with us on this project and we would love to see you all again this time. Make a note in your diaries! SUNDAY 24th OCTOBER 2021 - 0900-1400

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service deployed boat crews from Hereford and Worcester stations, a drone was used from Ledbury Fire Station and another fire crew from Fownhope were all mobilised to reports of a person in the River Wye in Hereford. A Police helicopter was seen hovering over the River Wye using a search light and emergency services were near to the Bunch of Carrots. The incident was finally left with West Mercia Police We reported the story late last night here https://hfd.news/kud