Cathedral Gardens Spring Opening
Hereford Cathedral will be opening the gates to its beautiful gardens on Friday 27 March for visitors to explore for free Each summer hundreds of people take part in the guided tours which run on Wednesdays and Saturdays but, prior to this, the team of volunteer gardeners open the gardens to showcase the spring blooms. This year’s event will take place on Friday 27 March from 10 am – 3 pm. Visitors are welcome to come and freely explore the Canon’s Garden (located behind the Cloister alongside the River Wye), Cloister Garden and Chapter House Garden and meet the volunteer team who maintain the gardens throughout the year. The gardens are easily accessible and through the winter months, work has been undertaken to widen the pathways within the Canon’s Garden to improve wheelchair accessibility. Peter Challenger, Visits and Volunteers Administrator, said: “The Spring Opening is wonderful opportunity to come and visit these tranquil gardens at your leisure and ask any questions you may have about the work which goes into maintaining them. We are fortunate to have such a wonderful team of volunteer gardeners who work all year round to ensure that the gardens of the cathedral are a beautiful […]
Tragedy at The Garrick Theatre
Our story today takes us back to the First World War. To a time of uncertainty where a terrible tragedy befell the City of Hereford from which many parents never recovered. The tragedy at the Garrick Theatre sent shock waves throughout the City, still felt by families today. Setting the Scene As WW1 war raged on, many fathers, brothers and sweethearts were keenly missed. Many of those left behind wanted to raise money in order that they could send treats out to the men of the Herefordshire Regiment. In April 1916 a fund-raising concert was held at the Garrick Theatre in Widemarsh Street. Many of the performers were young daughters of servicemen who were very excited to take part. The night went well with a variety of wonderful songs and short sketches being performed which regaled the audience, bringing some much needed cheer to the crowd. A Wonderful Celebration Before long it was time for the grand finale. Soon the stage was filled with fluffy Eskimos and ice queens. The girls were dressed in costumes of cotton wool and sledges and confetti filled the stage. It was a magical end to a wonderful evening. There were snowball fights between the […]
The Tale of the Baker’s Daughter
As we all know it costs nothing to be kind or nice to a stranger who perhaps isn’t doing so well. Our tale this week is all about meanness, money and a heartless attitude which led to the hoot of a solitary owl. Here is the tale of the baker’s daughter. The Baker and his Daughter A long, long time ago in one of Herefordshire’s market towns, we think it was Leominster, there lived a baker and his daughter Sarah. He was a great baker but he was also despised by his community. Why you might ask? Well he was mean. He cheated his customers and hoarded every penny he made. Each night his greatest pleasure was to sit and count his money. He loved sorting the silver, gold and copper coins into separate bags. He dreamt of turning all the copper coins into silver ones and all the silver coins into gold ones. The baker lived alone except for his daughter Sarah. His wife had died some time ago. He had raised Sarah in his own image, for she too was mean and a little spiteful with it. A Strange Visitor One day Sarah was in the bakery on […]
Magnificent Mother’s Day Ideas
It’s that wonderful time of year where spring is almost upon us, the snowdrops are out in force and we take a moment to celebrate the fabulous women in our life on Mother’s Day. So if you’re looking for a special gift, a gorgeous afternoon tea treat or the perfect day out. Here’s our Mother’s Day guide to give you some magnificent Mother’s day ideas and inspiration. SPECIAL GIFTS TO TREASURE Mike Gell Jewellery shop is situated in Hereford’s historic town centre on East Street, showcasing over seventy designer-makers. Focusing on supporting British makers who excel in high quality design and craftsmanship. With a vast array of styles to choose from and four jewellers onsite, it’s the perfect place to acquire a beautiful piece that will be treasured forever. John McKellar has the most beautiful collection of designer, handmade platinum, silver and gold jewellery. Individual pieces that will make a statement and show how much you love your Mum. Located on Church Street in Hereford their lovely staff are knowledgeable and take pleasure in finding you that perfect piece. Andrew Lamputt Silversmith & Jeweller specialises in beautiful antique and modern jewellery, with a wonderful collection of gorgeous and unique pieces for you […]
A Murder of Crows
Our tale this week is all about secrets and lies. Reminding us that whatever happens the truth will out. Sometimes in the strangest of ways, even by a murder of crows. High above the village of Longtown on the Black Mountains many, many years ago, a shepherd lived on a farm. It had been in his family for generations and was all that he knew. The only downside was his neighbours, two brothers who happened to own all of the land that surrounded his farm. Not satisfied with their own lands they were determined to oust the shepherd from his farm and take what was his. The shepherd however resisted their many attempts to bully and harass him from his beloved home and livelihood. A Callous and Greedy Murder One day as the shepherd was out tending his flock he was unaware that he was being watched by the two brothers who were hiding behind a very large rock. Startled as they stepped out before him, the shepherd asked what they were doing on his land. The brothers demanded that the shepherd hand over his farm or else they would kill him there and then on the spot. “We’re all […]
The Tale of King Dribbler
As it’s Valentine’s day we thought we would bring you a tale of undying love. Love in difficult circumstances that despite all the odds prevailed. Here is the tale of King Dribbler. In the early days of Christianity after the Romans had left England, the country was in the hands of warlords. Those who were rich and powerful grabbed as much land and property as they could acquire and ruled with an iron hand. A Self Styled King In Archenfield in Herefordshire (the kingdom of Ergyng), an area within the golden valley, a self styled King called Piebio ruled. His father before him had been King of Brecon. So he felt more than entitled to call himself King, although he was little more than a Chieftain. From his stronghold in Madley he would spar and war with his neighbouring enemies. Piebio however suffered from a disease which made him constantly dribble, his mouth was always full of saliva. His subjects dreaded being in his company for within minutes they would be drenched in his saliva. The worst fate was to have to eat with him, it was truly unpleasant to watch. To overcompensate for this he was always very tetchy […]
ESL AT BRITISH TOURISM SHOW
Team ESL is excited to be representing Herefordshire as THE destination for Group Travel at this year’s British Tourism & Travel Show at Birmingham’s NEC. With a substantial stand to showcase ESL Members that are group travel locations in Herefordshire, Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire will be accompanied by some of the county’s premier group experiences. Meet Chase Distillery for behind-the-scenes tours of how this unique British single estate potato vodka and gin is made, unveil the newly refurbished Green Dragon Hotel in Hereford and marvel at Hereford Cathedral with its world renouned treasures like the Mappa Mundi, Chained Library and 6 acres of RHS ward-winning gardens, plus new features such as the Ascension window and bespoke themed ‘behind the doors’ tours. Treasures & Charters Hereford City Council and the Hereford City BID will also present the City’s landmarks and events, and welcome you to the new Tourist Information Centre in the beautiful Town Hall building where there is also a new Civic Museum and Heritage Suite housing Hereford’s ancient collection of silverware and original charters. Cars and Cocktails Chase Distillery will be treating visitors at the Herefordshire stand to some fabulous cocktail sampling and will have offers and incentives […]
The Witches of Garway Hill
Garway Hill is one of our favourite spots not just for its beautiful location but also for its Folklore. A common saying is “There’ll be nine witches from the bottom of Orcop to the end of Garway Hill as long as water flows.” The Witches of Garway Hill are etched in Herefordshire folklore and were seen as wise women to be revered. Death and the Veil of Grief Now with that in mind the tale we tell you takes us back to the Middle Ages. There was a man said to be a member of the Mynors family whose wife had passed away. Her death hit him deeply and he mourned her loss for a number of years. His friends were concerned for his welfare as he he didn’t seem able to move forward with his life. Not sure how to help him they suggested that he visit one of the old ladies on Garway Hill. Perhaps there was a way that the misery he was experiencing could be lifted. A Shocking Revelation Although the man was both sceptical and apprehensive he climbed the hill and met with one of the woman. As he explained to her about the loss […]
LOVE IN THE CLOISTERS
As part of the Eastern Cloisters Project, Hereford Cathedral will present an evening celebrating love and relationships in the Cloisters for Valentine’s Day. Guests are invited to join staff and volunteers from Hereford Cathedral in College Hall as they share tales of romance, heartbreak, and people going it alone. The format of the evening will be fast paced as the project team will share stories, archive finds and poetry in short ten minute bursts of information as groups travel from discovery to discovery. The Eastern Cloisters Project, which is funded by the National Lottery Heritage fund and other donors, is currently repairing and conserving the College Cloisters. The Cloisters were built in the late 15th century to house the Vicars Choral – twenty-seven men who sang services in the cathedral and lived and studied in the Cloisters, for centuries. During the project, a team of research volunteers and cathedral staff have been investigating the lives of these men and their families. It is this research which will form the content of the evening Sarah Hollingdale, Activity Officer for the Eastern Cloisters Project, says: “We are really looking forward to hosting Love in the Cloisters. We held a similar event last […]
The Hay Poisoner
Our tale this week is all about rivalry, disputes and petty greed that led to the only solicitor in the United Kingdom to ever be hanged for murder and known as The Hay Poisoner. Major Herbert Rowse Armstrong practised in Broad Street Hay on Wye at ‘Cheese and Armstrong’ and he and his wife Kitty were seemingly upstanding members of the community. The Major a prominent Freemason was much respected. He had fought in the First World War and now resided in Cusop Dingle with his family. On the surface his marriage seemed fine. However Kitty was publicly vocal about her disappointment with her husband and didn’t mind who knew. During 1919 Kitty fell ill with a stomach complaint, experiencing a variety of symptoms from vomiting to paralysis to delusions. She was admitted to Barnwood Gloucester’s mental asylum after showing signs of mental collapse. Within weeks though she started to make a recovery. However when she was released in January 1921 and returned home she fell seriously ill again. Subsequently she died within a month, with the Major there by her side. Kitty was buried and no-one thought any more of it. A Perceptive Man It would appear that the […]
TWIT TWOO! Pottery family fun
From 18 – 22 February 2020, Eastnor Pottery, near Ledbury, Herefordshire is delighted to announce details of its fun and creative themed sessions for families in the approaching February half term. TWIT TWOO is the theme and potters of all ages and abilities get to fashion an owl from soft clay. The creative fun doesn’t stop there either. As soon as they have finished modelling their fowl, participants paint their owls with coloured underglazes and slips. The birds will need to dry thoroughly before they are fired and glazed. This whole process takes about a month and participants will be contacted once their pottery has emerged from the kiln. If they are unable to collect their pottery masterpieces, P+P can be arranged at £5 per owl. “Clay is such a brilliant medium for families to work with” commented Jon the Potter. “We’ve done loads of intergenerational workshops in the past where 70 yr old participants have got creative alongside their grandchildren and sometimes, great grandchildren! Twit Twoo is designed for children as young as 4years – there is no upper age limit” he continued. 1.5 hr sessions commence at 10am, 11.30am and 2pm and places cost £20. Telephone and email booking […]
Famous Artists & Sculptors Gather
RENOWNED ARTISTS AND SCULPTORS SHOWCASE WORK AT GARDEN ART EXHIBITION Renowned artists and sculptors from across the country are preparing to showcase their work at a Garden Art Exhibition in Worcestershire. Holloways, in Suckley, is hosting the week-long exhibition in aid of the Worcestershire Community Foundation (WCF). Artists including Antony Bridge – the National Trust’s Artist in Residence at Croome – wildlife printmaker Shelly Perkins and still life painter Nicola Currie will be joining RHS gold medal-winning sculptor Christine Charlesworth and Herefordshire artist blacksmith Jon Clift at the show next month. They are among 25 well-known names heading to contemporary country living retailer Holloways for the exhibition, which runs from February 7-13. Also showcasing their work are Worcestershire exhibitors Paul Burton, who creates Earthlight sculptures inspired by his career in the mining industry; landscaper Peter Fletcher, who makes exquisite fire spheres; university art lecture Heather Farmer, who creates striking canvases of wildflower meadows and painter Melanie Williams. Shropshire printmaker Julia Timmins will also be exhibiting, along with landscape artist Chris Williams, Mary Brittain, who paints bold and colourful canvases of gardens, and Welsh landscape painter David Thompson. Artwork in oils, watercolours and dazzling gold leaf will sit alongside intricate giclee […]
TOURISM FORUM UNITES THE MARCHES
130 public and private sector delegates from across the region met in January at The Green Dragon Hotel in Hereford for The Marches Tourism Forum, to set a new vision and action plan for the economic development of tourism across the Marches region. Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire (Herefordshire’s official Destination Marketing Organisation) was delighted to lead the event alongside the Green Dragon Hotel’s Senior Management team who are determined to revolutionise the region’s tourism economy. Strongly supported by lead sponsors the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the day-long event focused on all areas of tourism, from culture and heritage, food and drink, eco and values tourism, and festivals and events, culminating in packaging and promotion. The Forum bought together a dream team of speakers, which included Katrina Michel, former CEO of Visit Cheshire which, during her tenure, increased Cheshire’s tourism economy by 75%; Martin Orbach, founder of Abergavenny Food Festival, Lyndy Cooke who was the MD of Hay Festival for 15 years, Malcolm Bell, CEO of Visit Cornwall and Richard Hammond from Green Traveller Productions. Each chaired a panel on their individual topics and then there was Q&As with the audience, which consisted of a mix of private tourism providers […]
The Turnpike Revolt
Did you know that by 1730 Herefordshire had the largest turnpike system in Britain? An act of parliament was passed which allowed local groups (turnpike trusts) to take over the maintenance of roads in the county. In return the trusts were allowed to install turnpikes and tollgates and charge people for using the routes. At this time 118 miles of road was controlled by the Hereford Trust. However the turnpike revolt was coming. Historic Milestones We often revel at finding some of the historic milestones dotted around our beautiful county’s lanes. However in 1766 they were deemed compulsory on all turnpike roads and a very common sight indeed. Turnpike trusts were then required to mark every mile along a route so that accurate timing of journeys and prices could be estimated. Many of our Herefordshire towns were surrounded with toll gates and for non tax payers routes to market were blocked. So as you can imagine the tolls were not popular. In fact the turnpike laws were hated and reviled by locals and visitors alike as they were fiercely enforced with very few exceptions. The poor resented them just as much as the farmers whose trading was significantly disrupted. So […]
Half Term Family Fun
If you’re planning ahead for the February half-term and looking for some fantastic activities that the family can do together in Herefordshire then look no further. So here’s our round up of great days out, activities and places to visit which will provide you with lots of memorable moments and plenty of half term family fun this February! Battlelands & Laserclayz Battlelands is a family run independent outdoor activity provider located just outside of Ewyas Harold in Herefordshire. Their centre is surrounded by amazing views of the Herefordshire countryside, the Golden Valley and the Black Mountains. Offering you a great range of activities from paintballing, laserclayz and the very popular splatmaster, it’s definitely a day out that the whole family can enjoy. If you haven’t been before, it’s one of those brilliant experiences that will have you returning time and time again. All group sizes can be accommodated with activities for those who are 8 years upwards. www.battlelands.co.uk Middle Cefn Farm, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire, HR2 0JH Oakerwood Leisure Extremely popular with families and groups, Oaker Wood Leisure is an exciting woodland activity site situated between Leominster and Ludlow. Therefore it’s the perfect place to head to this half term if your […]
Make Valentine’s Day Extra Special
If 2020 is the year that you intend to propose to that special person in your life then it’s time for you to discover romantic Herefordshire. A county of mountain walks, valley views, wonderful woodlands, nature trails and fabulous food. There are some beautiful and memorable places that will capture the moment and make Valentine’s Day extra special this year. Let’s not forget that it’s also a leap year, so ladies if your partner is a little shy, this is your year to take the lead and propose. AMAZING PLACES TO PROPOSE The Weir Garden Surround yourself with nature, wildlife and ancient trees, feel the wind in your hair and look out onto the beautiful river meandering by. Take a romantic walk following the garden paths as they wend their way downhill to the riverside or stop on one of the pretty bridges for a special moment together. To find out more click here. Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum Imagine the breeze on your faces and the breath-taking vistas of the viewpoint at Queenswood Country Park for your magic moment. Historically a vast ancient oak wood that once stretched to the Welsh borders and beyond, this is a stunning location […]
Murder Stone Message
As we delve deep into the history and folklore of Herefordshire ready to bring you a snippet or two, some interesting things often catch our eye. Recently we were intrigued to read about ‘Murder Stones’ and wondered if there were any in our beautiful county. We’ve read a few murder stone messages and we can see why they may have caused alarm for the locals. Murder stones are historic markers which were most popular during the 1820’s and appeared mainly in the countryside. They were usually placed at or nearby the scene of a murder. Used as a visual reminder of a crime which had shocked a community or had caused outrage. Often the perpetrators of the murders were found. However some stones record unsolved killings too. Some murder stone messages could be quite unnerving for the locals. The murder stones were usually erected by prominent local people, landowners or justices. Most served to commemorate the life of the victim or to warn others of the consequences of committing such crimes. They also acted as stark warnings, particularly to women to take more care. One of the more famous murder stones is that to the Unknown Sailor. An unidentified man […]
Eastnor Castle to Feature on TV
Eastnor Castle to feature on our television screens next Tuesday evening Eastnor Castle, near Ledbury, has enjoyed its fair share of screen time over the years with recent filming projects including an episode of ITV’s Dr Thorne, and filming of the Roy family wedding from Season 1 of HBO’s award-winning series, Succession. Eastnor is set to appear in a slightly different programme next week though when it features in the first episode of ‘An American Aristocrat’s Guide to Great Estates’ on Tuesday 21st January at 8pm on Smithsonian Channel. This brand-new series takes an in-depth and behind-the-scenes look at sprawling estates and castles dotting Britain’s landscape. The programme host, Julie Montagu (Viscountess Hinchingbrooke) ventures into life in a stately home and talks to the families who keep their histories alive. In this hour-long production, Julie discusses some controversial historical anecdotes with James Hervey-Bathurst’s eldest daughter Imogen, visits the mill on the Eastnor Estate to try her hand at producing flour and joins James in polishing his favourite steam engine. A spokesperson for Eastnor Castle said: “We were thrilled to be approached and asked to take part in this television series. We are proud of our standing within Herefordshire and are […]
Thieves Vagabonds and Murderers
We have so many old and wonderful buildings in Herefordshire steeped in history. Many with tales of hauntings. Some of these are connected to old public houses. Where communities would come together and stories and tales would be told, much like today in many ways. Here’s one of our favourites, it involves thieves, vagabonds and murderers. One such story of supernatural intervention involves the wonderfully characterful 14th century Rhydspence Inn. Located to the west of Hereford on the road to Hay on Wye. Centuries ago ferrymen used to bring travellers and locals across the River Wye. They were well known colourful characters. One night however the ferryman who had been working the crossing from Hay on Wye was set upon and stabbed to death. The pennies that he kept from his fares were also taken. That night the thieves who had enacted such a brutal crime headed to the Rhydspence Inn for the night. Careful to cover up their misdeeds they hid the jar of pennies in their room away from prying eyes. However just as they settled in for the night it is told that the jar began to violently rattle and shake. The commotion disturbed everyone at the […]
Musicals Season is Upon Us
It’s Musicals Season at The Courtyard Cinema in Hereford. Everything’s coming up roses at The Courtyard this season as its film programme includes four iconic musicals to be screened as part of British Film Institute’s (BFI) Musicals! The Greatest Show On Screen season. Screenings from The Courtyard, which are presented in partnership with the BFI Film Audience Network, include a singalong version of Doris Day classic, Calamity Jane (U) (Wed 29 Jan, 5pm) where audiences can also enjoy a free Barn Dance session from 4pm, a showing of Ken Russell’s 1975 British independent rock musical Tommy (15) (Thu 30 Jan, 5pm) and a Valentine’s Day screening of The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (PG)(Fri 14 Feb, 5.30pm) a romantic drama musical that is sung in French with English subtitles. Tommy (15) and The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (PG) are both being re-released by the BFI as part of the Musicals season. In addition to the three Courtyard screenings, The Courtyard Cinema will be hosting a special singalong screening of all time classic The Sound of Music (U) in the iconic Hereford Cathedral building. Audiences are welcome to bring cushions and blankets to cosy up with and fancy dress is encouraged, with prizes for […]
Ghosts of Christmas Past
So for the last Folklore Friday of 2019 and in true Dickens style, it’s time for some ghosts of Christmas past. In December 1926 two policemen happened by St Peter’s Church in Hereford one evening. While out on their nightly patrol they were more than a little surprised to see a cowled figure saunter through some iron gates and then a thick oak door into the church. In disbelief at what they had witnessed they returned to the Police station. They recounted their story, leaving their colleagues both a little scared but intrigued. The Vanishing Monk As word spread the son of an organist who had once played at St Peter’s church shared how his father too had experienced similar occurrences. Apparently his father avoided being there alone in December. He had told him tales of a robed figure who would vanish through doors or into thin air. This he had witnessed on more than one occasion. Marauding Welshmen Many surmised who the ghost could be and shared their theories and tall tales. Walter de Lacy who had built the church for the monks in the thirteenth century was favourite. He had fallen from the tower of the church to […]
Five Wonderful Winter Walks
This winter why not embrace the great outdoors and venture out into the spectacular countryside of Herefordshire. With stunning countryside, wonderful woodlands and spectacular views to discover, above all the best way to see it all is on foot. Therefore here’s our favourite five wonderful winter walks that will inspire you to move away from that warm hearth, head outside and blow those cobwebs away. Haugh Woods, Located between Mordiford and Woolhope, HR1 4QX The ancient woodland at Haugh woods is full of beauty and charm and is a haven for cyclists, walkers, nature lovers and photographers. With over 850 acres to explore of walking, cycling and butterfly trails, this is a popular destination for families and dog walkers. The two most popular walks are the Three Choirs Way and the Wye Valley Walk which skirt the edge of the woods, however it also links with the Mordiford Loop a circular trail taking you through traditional orchards, woodland and more beautiful countryside. The name Haugh, which is pronounced “Hoff” is derived from the name of a Saxon owner indicating that this is the site of an ancient wood. Haugh Woods, is nationally important for butterflies and moths, with over 600 […]
Celebrating the Feast of St Nicholas
We often wonder where some of our customs and traditions originate from. However some fade away over the centuries but others have survived the test of time. One such tradition which is thought to have originated in the 13th century, was upheld in Hereford Cathedral until very recently. Celebrating the Feast of St Nicholas and choosing a ‘Boy Bishop’ was commonplace during medieval and Tudor times. Who was St Nicholas? Traditionally a choirboy would be chosen on the 6th December, (the feast of St Nicholas, the patron saint of children, as well as sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves, brewers, pawnbrokers and students) to take over the duties of the Bishop. The ‘Boy Bishop’ would be invested with all of the symbols of the episcopal office and be seated in the Bishop’s throne. He was required to act as Bishop for anywhere between 24 hours and 3 weeks depending on the region. Required to preach at least one sermon, he lead processions around communities, collected money for the parish funds and had the authority to bless people. He was also given a supply of tokens to distribute to the poor which could be redeemed for food and drink in local shops […]
Borderlines Film Festival Comes of Age
18TH BORDERLINES FILM FESTIVAL Herefordshire, Shropshire, Malvern, and the Welsh Marches Borderlines Film Festival Comes of Age Borderlines Film Festival is back for its eighteenth consecutive year in 2020. Now one of the largest, best-attended film festivals nationally, it will take place over 17 days from Friday 28 February to Sunday 15 March in 30 locations across three counties of the Welsh Marches: Herefordshire, Shropshire, Powys, as well as Malvern in Worcestershire. Borderlines ranges over 2,000 square miles of rural Britain, bringing films and related events to venues of different size and character, from multi-disciplinary arts centres, theatres and assembly rooms, to village halls, community cinemas, a church, a pub and a cluster of pop-ups. In this sparsely-populated area of the country, the Festival attracted a record 21,678 attendances for its 2019 edition. A total of 280 screenings, more than ever before, are planned for 2020. 80 features and around 30 shorts will make up the programme. These films will be supplemented by guest speakers, exhibitions and additional moving image events. The Independent Cinema Office programmes Borderlines and secures a generous proportion of film titles screening at the Festival prior to their UK release. These previews comprise approximately 30% of […]
Wassailing in Herefordshire
EVERYONE LOVES A GOOD WASSAIL! One of the jewels in Herefordshire’s crown is cider, its origin, heritage and traditions. With a wealth of inspiring small and larger makers Herefordshire’s ciders are now in demand across the globe and wassailing has become a popular pastime on twelfth night. What’s a Wassail? Wassailing is the special ingredient that goes into Herefordshire cider. So you may well ask what’s a ‘Wassail’? Well it was a practice first recorded in 1585 and Wassailing (Wassail meaning ‘Good Health or Be Well’) is an Anglo-Saxon custom in cider producing regions of England. So, as Herefordshire produces over half of the UK’s cider, we invite you to take part in this traditional event that blesses the orchards and promotes a good harvest for the coming year. Wassailing, on around Twelfth Night in January, brings many together to drink a concoction of mulled ale, served in huge silver or pewter bowls and mixed with curdled cream, apples, eggs, cloves, ginger, nutmeg and sugar, small pieces of toast are often added and float on the top, its appearance leading some to call the drink ‘Lamb’s Wool’. With a torch light procession between orchards, a wassail King and Queen lead […]
New Year, New Chef for Pensons
Lee Westcott will be stepping down from his role as Head Chef of Pensons at the end of the year. Having opened Pensons with Peta Darnley in January, Lee has been one of the driving forces behind the project. He has headed up the kitchen since the launch and the restaurant was awarded a Michelin Star in this year’s guide. Lee will be returning to London from January, the kitchen will be run by new head chef, Chris Simpson. Chris joins the team at Pensons after having worked with Nathan Outlaw for seven years in Cornwall as Head Chef at Restaurant Nathan Outlaw which had two Michelin stars. He then moved on to Gidleigh Park as Executive Head Chef, and was part of the team that won a Michelin Star there. Peta Darnley said, ‘We are very sad to see Lee go, but wish him all the best for the future. I’m personally so happy to have worked with him on this huge venture: turning a derelict, disused barn on our Netherwood Estate into a restaurant with a flourishing kitchen garden. Lee and I are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together along with the hard work of the […]
Christmas Glory… at a Castle!
As the festive season gets into full swing, Eastnor Castle, near Ledbury, will be opening its doors for a very special evening of Christmas magic, just a week before the big day! On the evening of Wednesday 18th December, James Hervey-Bathurst, the owner of Eastnor Castle, will be welcoming visitors from 6pm until 8.30pm to sample the delights of Christmas at Eastnor. The castle doors will swing open for three scheduled tours, each led by James himself and will take in the beautifully decorated Great Hall including a 20-foot tree featuring decorations handed down through generations. The historic bedrooms and the atmospheric, candle-lit dining room will give people a glimpse into Christmas from a bygone era. The tour will include a glass of wine and a mince pie as well as Christmas carols by members of the Ledbury Choral Society. The event is to raise funds for the Eastnor Church Tower Appeal in which James is heavily involved. Up to £120,000 needs to be raised for a project to repair the ancient and beautiful church and to improve its facilities to allow wider use. The Church is a grade 1-listed Place of Worship and on the Historic England Buildings at […]
Supernatural Superstitions and Curses
This week we venture into Herefordshire’s world of the supernatural, superstitions and curses. Many of which were attributed to people who had experienced wrong doing upon them and had in true fashion responded in kind. The Cursed Doll In Hereford Museum there is said to be a cursed doll amongst their collection of artefacts. Dated to around the late nineteenth century it was discovered at 21 East Street in 1960. Found with it was a note bearing the words, Mary Ann Ward I act this spell upon you from my holl heart wishing you to never rest nor eat nor sleep the rest part of your life. I hope your flesh will waste away and I hope you will never spend another penny I ought to have. Wishing this from my whole heart.” The identity of the author of the note was never found. The Little Wooden Coffin Another strange item in the museum which is thought to come from around the same time, is a little wooden coffin with a human effigy. The body is firmly pinned down by a nail. It was unearthed at a house in Woolhope by the then owners in 1987. It is said that […]
Local Choir to Sing in London
Hereford Cathedral Choir will be singing at Guards Chapel in London on Tuesday 3 December, 6.30 pm as part of a Service for Advent. Since 2010, Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust have arranged an annual Advent Service in London at the Royal Military Chapel (Guards’ Chapel) at Wellington Barracks. The service opens with an Act of Remembrance, to the members of the Special Air Service who were killed during the Second World War, before moving into the Advent Prose. Initially developed to celebrate the links that Hereford Cathedral has with local military groups, the service has now become a way for supporters of the cathedral, who work or live in London, to experience Hereford Cathedral close to Christmas. Over the years, many friends and supporters have been welcomed to the Guards’ Chapel including members of the Royal Family and guest readers including, Belinda Lang, Hayley Mills, Larry Lamb and Sir Andrew Motion. This year, Jane Asher and Loyd Grossman will be reading at the service. The event also acts as a fundraiser for the Perpetual Trust who support the choir, educational outreach and continuing restoration of Hereford Cathedral. Glyn Morgan, Chief Executive of the Perpetual Trust, says; “A Service for Advent […]
Festive Family Pottery Sessions
Family workshops in the buildup to Christmas Evergreen 5 November – 21 December 2019 Eastnor Pottery, near Ledbury, Herefordshire is delighted to announce details of its fun and creative themed workshops for families in the buildup to Christmas 2019. Evergreen! is the inspirational title and participants will learn how to create a hollow Christmas using soft clay under the expert tutelage of professional potters. The fun doesn’t just stop with the hand making. Participants also get to decorate their freshly created masterpieces, there and then with a seasonal palate of paints and under-glazes. All this for just £20 per person. If hand modelling isn’t your thing then there is plenty of opportunity to try the potter’s wheel instead starting at just £30 per person. The creations will need to dry out before they can be fired and glazed. This process takes about a month and the Pottery will contact participants as soon as they are out of the kiln and ready for collection. Don’t worry if you can’t make it back to Eastnor to collect your ceramic arty-fact, P+P can be arranged at £5 per item. Sessions need to be booked in advance and the Pottery is open Tuesday – Saturday. […]
Local Award for Pensons
PENSONS WINS BEST RESTAURANT AND FOOD & DRINK BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AT THE HEREFORD TIMES FOOD & DRINK AWARDS 2019 Pensons has been awarded Best Restaurant or Dining Pub and named overall winner of Food & Drink Business of the Year at the Hereford Times Food & Drink Awards 2019. The Hereford Times Food & Drinks Awards, now in their second year, celebrate innovation, service and creativity in food and drink industries across Herefordshire. The awards ceremony took place on Tuesday 19th November at Hereford Racecourse and was presented by journalist, Rob Stokes. The awards cover 11 different categories including Best Cider Producer, won by Bromyard’s Little Pomona and Best Drinks Producer awarded to Penrhos Spirits. Pensons vision is to cook imaginative, ingredient-led menus that showcase the very best produce that, whenever possible, is grown on the Estate or sourced locally during the seasons. This approach was applauded by the judges who also commented that Pensons had elevated the region to national recognition with their recent Michelin Star accolade. Peta Darnley, Pensons Managing Partner, commented; ‘Our ethos is to put local at the heart of what we do. So not only do we grow what ingredients we can, but […]
Christmas Sparkle Organ Concert
Hereford Cathedral’s Advent and Christmas programme begins on Saturday 30 November, 1.15 pm with Christmas Sparkle, a free organ concert given by Peter Dyke. Throughout the summer, hundreds of people attend the very popular lunchtime organ concerts given by organists from across the world on the famous Father Willis organ. Christmas Sparkle is the final concert of 2019 and will feature a range of colourful and festive music from across Europe. Peter Dyke, will perform pieces including Dubois’s March of the Three Wise Men (which requires the use of a pencil to hold a note down throughout the piece) and Tchaikovsky’s Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy which features the famous and unique Glockenspiel stop. The concert will feature large screen projection so that the audience can see the organist and the organ console, which will be suitably decorated for this festive occasion. Peter Dyke, Assistant Director of Music at Hereford Cathedral, says: “Music is such a valuable and powerful part of the experience of Christmas, giving us heart-warming melodies, treasured memories and a sprinkling of profound emotion. There will be something for everyone at this concert!” Christmas Sparkle begins at 1.15 pm on Saturday 30 November; admission is free with a […]
Local Festive Foodie Treats
We all love some local festive foodie treats to wow our visitors, put in Christmas stockings or to fill our hampers. Herefordshire is brimming over with amazing artisan food and drinks producers that have some stunning products that will tantalise your taste buds and make your Christmas extra special. CELEBRATION DRINKS AND GIFTS Swan Brewery, Leominster If you love your ales and you like to share then Swan Brewery of Leominster have a fantastic range of beers for you to choose from. From crisp light ales to delicious dark delights, party beer, casks or gift packs. Brewed by Jimmy Swan, a brewer of over 25 years’ experience, Swan Brewery will really get your festive celebrations off to a great start. Open every Friday 9 – 4, so do stop by and stock up with your favourite ales. www.swanbrewery.co.uk Chase Distillery, Preston Wynne Chase Distillery have some of the most fantastic vodkas and gins for you to enjoy this festive season, not to mention some wonderful gifts too. A Herefordshire family owned, British Field to Bottle distillery, creating fine spirits from their farm in Herefordshire. Their superb products are in now in demand across the world. So if you like a […]
Hereford Lions Santa Sleigh Route
Hereford Lions Santa Sleigh Route for 2019 (Updated 9th November 2019) Hereford Lions Santa Sleigh route around the city streets of Hereford, and in the neighbouring villages, is one of the great Christmas traditions which was introduced by the Hereford Lions Club four decades ago. Thousands of children come out to see Santa and tell him what presents they would like for Christmas with some children giving him a letter (don’t forget to put your name and address on it to get a reply from Santa!). Please note: the times given are approximate. Saturday 30th November – Villages From 5pm – Moreton on Lugg (outside village stores), 5.45pm – Marden School, 6.15pm – Sutton St Nicholas School Sunday 1st December – East Belmont & Newton Farm area From 4.30pm – Eastholme (Community Centre), Westholme Rd (by Notice Board), Mulberry Close, Silver Firs, Wheatridge Rd (corner of Green Nash Close), Rowan Tree Close, Waterfield Rd (by bus shelter), Yarlington Mill (junc Coppin Rise), Carwardine Green, Ethelstan Cres (junc Waterfield Rd), Ethelstan Cres (halfway along), Ethelstan Cres (junc Masefield Ave), Charlton Ave, New Kilvert Rd, Woodward Ave, The Oval Monday 2nd December – Villages From 5pm – Holme Lacy, 5.45pm – Fownhope, […]
The Perfect Gift for Christmas
If you’re looking to give the ones you love the perfect gift for Christmas, something a little different and unique, this year you may wish to consider giving them a gift card or voucher for the gift that keeps on giving later into the year. Herefordshire is full of wonderful attractions, eateries, food and drink experiences and producers who really have something special to offer. Here’s our guide to what’s available this festive season. ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES Battlelands & Laserclayz Battlelands is a family run activity centre based in the Herefordshire hills offering three great activities; Paintball, Laser Clay Shooting & Splatmaster. If you’re stuck for gifts for a whole family, why not treat them to a day out at this brilliant activity together. You could even join them. A great idea for people who like to break away from their normal routine with an action-packed day out. The great thing is a voucher can be used when the weather get a bit drier and brighter. All group sizes can be accommodated with activities for those who are 8 years upwards. Click here for voucher options www.battlelands.co.uk Eastnor Pottery Remarkable clay and pottery experiences designed to explore and develop creativity […]
The History of Sin Eaters
THE HISTORY OF SIN EATERS Did you know that in the County of Hereford since the early 1600’s an old custom took place at family funerals? Grieving family members of the recently departed would call upon a sin-eater to rid their deceased loved one of their sins. So being a sin-eater was a rather odd profession but a very common one across the UK right up until the mid nineteenth century. Because it was not for everyone the role was usually reserved for the poor. Through a sin-eater ritual it was believed that the deceased would enter into heaven without any of the sins that they had accumulated throughout their lifetime. So what did a sin eater do? The belief was that if a piece of bread or pastry was placed on the chest or the face of the deceased, it would absorb all of their sins. So friends and family would gather around the deceased, drink beer, sing and mourn their passing. The body would then be brought out of the house along with the loaf of bread or pastry, a tankard of beer and a sixpence. All of which were passed across the body to the sin-eater to devour the […]
Charity Christmas Shopping Day
Charity Christmas Shopping Day at Iconic Hereford Landmark Newly refurbished Green Dragon Hotel will open its doors to shoppers on 20 November 2019 for an event to raise funds for Herefordshire Headway. At 11am on Wednesday 20 November The Green Dragon Hotel on Broad Street, Hereford, having finished a complete refurbishment during the last 12 months, will warmly welcome shoppers to its Ballroom where manufacturers and producers, largely from all over the county, will be selling their most festive goods. The event is to raise much-needed funds for Herefordshire Headway, a charity making a huge difference to those in the county who face extraordinary challenge following brain injury. £5 entry on the day for shoppers will include a complimentary tea or coffee and delicious mince pie! Festive food and drink; gifts; fashion and fashion accessories; and home wares will be showcased at this Christmas event. The traders are all coming together to support Herefordshire Headway, based in Credenhill, which significantly improves life after brain injury, as a result of a stroke or accident. Doors open 11am-5pm. So, if you are looking for that special something for that special someone, you will most likely find it at this Hereford Christmas shopping […]
Royal Visit to Tourism Birthplace
HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES HAS VISITED THE BIRTHPLACE OF UK TOURISM, ROSS ON WYE Ross-on-Wye put on a right regal show to welcome HRH The Prince of Wales when he visited the town where UK tourism began in 1770. His Royal Highness toured a local producers’ market and met groups representing the strong philanthropic heritage of the town, including local community organisations and their local business supporters. He visited the historic Market House to meet members of the arts and crafts collective, Made in Ross and met local schoolchildren. He came to Ross-on-Wye to launch the Gilpin 2020 celebrations. In 1770 the Reverand William Gilpin published the first tourist guide in Britain when the ‘Wye Tour’ began, and coined the term ‘picturesque’. The ‘bestseller’ guided visitors to the beauties of the Wye Valley, now an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The launch of Gilpin 2020 heralds a year of activities, including an augmented reality project – Museum Without Walls, lectures, talks, films, the Ross-on-Wye May festival, vintage rowing trips, art and photography exhibitions amongst them.
Vampires in Hereford
If someone had told you that Hereford had once been troubled by the living dead who brought a plague which had ravaged the population would you believe them? What about vampires in Hereford? No? Well maybe you should. Back in the middle ages when the bishop was none other than Gilbert Foliot and Herefordians were suspicious of the Welsh, (mainly because they had burnt down the cathedral in by gone years) there were some very strange occurrences indeed! It was difficult being a Welsh man in Herefordshire Heuno a welsh man living in Hereford wasn’t particularly popular on account of being Welsh but less so because he was a tanner and given the amount of urine needed for the trade. Therefore his poor personal hygiene made him a pariah. Heuno tended to be active during the night time hours as towns folk would leave him a cup of vinegar and a full bucket outside their door which he then collected in exchange for a penny. Due to his strange appearance, Heuno had very prominent teeth, think Freddie Mercury and then some, he looked quite predatory and people were very scared of him. After many years of service Heuno died, most […]
High Sherriff Lecture
‘REFLECTIONS AFTER 50 YEARS IN CRIME’ Sir David Calvert-Smith will reflect on fifty years in crime for this year’s High Sheriff Lecture, which will raise funds for Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust and Herefordshire Community Foundation. Sir David was called to the Bar in 1969 and has led a distinguished career. In 1997 he became a Queen’s Counsel and was the Director of Public Prosecutions from 1998 – 2003 in which time the service dealt with several high profile cases. In 2003 he returned to the Bar, before appointment to the High Court Bench in 2005 before retiring in 2012. He was Chairman of the Parole Board from 2012 -2016, before re-joining as a member in 2017, and continues to sit in the Court of Appeal Criminal Division as a retired judge. His talk will reflect his vast experience in the law, with particular reference to the future of the criminal justice system, the increasing role of victims and legal education. Now in its sixth year, the 2019 The High Sheriff’s Lecture has been arranged by The High Sheriff of Herefordshire, James Hervey-Bathurst CBE DL and The Honorary Recorder of the City of Hereford, His Honour Judge Daniel Pearce-Higgins QC. The […]
Ciderlands makes juicy tourism
When the county of Herefordshire was chosen to host the first conference of the recently formed Ciderlands, the International Network of Cider Culture & Tourism Destinations, this autumn, we knew it would be an amazing occasion. What is Ciderlands? As interest in cider continues to grow throughout the world, ‘Ciderlands’ is a network of cider-producing countries and regions all seeking to promote travel and cultural exchanges between the classic and emerging cider lands, as well as to act as a cider tourism beacon for the world as a whole. Ciderlands was forged in November 2017, during the Sagardo Forum Cider Congress. Then it was officially founded in September 2018, during the International Cider Culture and Tourism Meet-up held in the Basque Country in Spain. Ciderlands Herefordshire 2019 Ciderlands’ first official international conference was held this October 2019 here in Herefordshire UK. Comprising four days of activities across Herefordshire in peak harvest time, Ciderlands Herefordshire 2019 offered an unparalleled showcase of the region’s proud cider heritage and the role that cider continues to play in the county, to the cider tourism professionals from throughout the network. Coordinated by committed cider fanatics Ciderologist Gabe Cook and drinks writer Susanna Forbes, Team […]
10 Terrific Places for a Festive Feast
The festive season is almost upon us and some of our favourite Herefordshire restaurants have unleashed their fantastic Christmas foodie menus. Here’s our 10 Terrific Places for a Festive Feast around the county that will have you celebrating Christmas in style with your family and friends. Prepare yourself for some amazing food, entertainment and fun and relish eating out in Herefordshire. Who doesn’t enjoy a festive feast? The Riverside Inn, Aymestrey If you fancy being really decadent this Christmas how about dining at the glorious Riverside Inn located deep in Mortimer Country in north Herefordshire. Recently awarded UK’s Best Restaurant at the UK Slow Food Awards this fantastic foodie paradise best known for its creative menus and use of local produce will blow you away. The Riverside Inn, Aymestrey, Herefordshire HR6 9ST T: 01568 708440 E: enquiries@riversideaymestrey.co.uk W: www.riversideaymestrey.co.uk Pensons Recently the recipient of a Michelin Star, the wonderful Pensons Restaurant with acclaimed Chef Lee Westcott and his talented team at the helm are offering you the best in fine dining this festive season. Located on the Herefordshire /Worcestershire borders on the Netherwood Estate, the showcase of fantastic seasonal produce from the farm itself and local area creates dishes that […]
FIREWORK DISPLAYS IN HEREFORDSHIRE 2019
SENSATIONAL DISPLAYS, SPARKLERS AND WARMING BONFIRES…. There’s been a crispness in the air, Halloween is looming and the clocks are about to go back. So it’s time for some excitement that will get us away from our cosy hearths. Herefordshire will be hosting some sensational firework displays this autumn, from small village gatherings to more elaborate affairs that will have you and your family whooping with delight. Here’s our round-up of fantastic firework displays in Herefordshire 2019 over the next few weeks. Saturday November 2nd 2019 Hereford Round Table Fireworks Click for more information Sat, Nov 2 | Gates open 5.00pm Fire lighting 6.30pm | Hereford Racecourse | Roman Rd | Hereford HR4 9QU | Tickets £10 Adults, children under 16 FREE. Celebrate the 43rd anniversary of Hereford Round Table Fireworks at Hereford Racecourse, the biggest display in Herefordshire. All proceeds raised will be donated to charitable causes. Ross Lions Club 2019 Bonfire & Firework display Click for more information Sat, Nov 2 | Gates open 6.00pm, Bonfire lit at 7.00pm, Firework display 7.30pm |Ross-on-Wye Rowing Club | Metcalfe Close | Ross-on-Wye HR9 7DD | Tickets £6 Adults & £4 for children or £15 for a family ticket. Burgers, Hot Dogs & Hot […]
ESL AUTUMN TOURISM FORUM
We were delighted once again to welcome so many enthusiastic tourism businesses to our afternoon of Networking, industry News and Marketing tips. This time we were generously hosted by Matt Garcia-Shailer, manager at Longworth Hall Hotel, in Lugwardine; a beautiful venue for Weddings, Private Functions, Corporate Events, and Afternoon Teas. The Hotel’s 9 bedrooms are also available on a bed and breakfast basis. Open to Members and non-Members of ESL, attendees heard about our success in exhibiting the county at regional shows and exhibitions with our mobile Information stand, and also about much of the ‘behind the scenes’ marketing activities that make such a difference, such as our press engagement, e-mail campaigns, our famous social media and development of our trails and maps for all to use. We gave tips on how to use our free tools for your 2020 business marketing along with reminders that we can support you with Social Media training or even manage your social media for you. If you’d like to discuss any requirements, feel free to email on info@eatsleeplivehereforshire.co.uk Then we handed over to our wonderful speakers inculding NMITE about the New University, Glenn Jones about the county’s Destination BID, Eva from Marches Family […]
The Artists Gallery at Ludlow Farm
This autumn, Ludlow Farm (former Ludlow Food Centre) plays host to a unique pop-up art gallery. ‘The Artists’ Gallery’ will be housed in the ex ‘Isla Bikes’ showroom and will open on Saturday the 5th of October until the end of December. As the name suggests the gallery will be managed and run by the artists themselves, giving buyers the exciting opportunity to meet and buy directly from the makers. The concept of the gallery was the brainchild of local wildlife artist Shelly Perkins, who sought to find a group of fellow creatives to join her in this exclusive opportunity to exhibit at this artisan retail site. The group now comprises a range of artists and crafts people working to the highest level in their chosen field, representing mediums including wood turning, print making, painting, sculpture and ceramics. Priscilla Hann has been working as a bronze sculptor for nearly 50 years, her intricate pieces capture the essence of her subjects which range from race horses to dung beetles. Danielle Flowers handcrafts contemporary turned home décor and accessories, utilizing native timber sustainably felled from the Shropshire landscape. Megan Evans creates ‘rubbish’ art (literally!) by collecting litter from the natural landscape and […]
STUDENTS SHOW ‘THE WAY’ AT CATHEDRAL
Hereford College of Arts Students Show ‘THE WAY’ at Hereford Cathedral on Wednesday 23 October, 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm Students at Hereford College of Arts are currently working with Hereford Cathedral to produce an exhibition inspired by pilgrimage. ‘The Way’ will bring together the work of over two hundred Level Three students across art & design, music and performing arts who have been responding to the concept of modern day pilgrimage in a variety of mediums. During the project, students have spent time in the cathedral and have also visited locations on The St Thomas Way, a pilgrimage route from Swansea to Hereford. The St Thomas Way was developed by the University of Southampton, Swansea Museum and Hereford Cathedral and opened to the public in July 2018. The Dean of Hereford, The Very Revd Michael Tavinor, says: “It’s really exciting for us to be able to explore the concept of pilgrimage with students from HCA, especially as we celebrate seven hundred years of St Thomas Cantilupe here at the cathedral.” Darren Williams, Course Leader at Hereford College of Arts, says: “This project has enabled our students to engage with a theme they knew very little about beforehand. They have […]
The Apple Tree Man
THE APPLE TREE MAN So have you ever heard about the Apple Tree Man? In English folklore, he’s the spirit of the oldest apple tree in the orchard and with whom the fertility of the orchard is thought to reside. It is said that every orchard has its own Apple Tree Man. Because he would oversee the the blossoming and ripening of the fruit and look after the farmer’s fortunes to ensure a good crop. So there are many a tales of this spirit. He would spook and frighten anyone entering the orchards around harvest time who were intent on stealing his apples. Many others have recalled positive meetings with this spirit. There are tales of the Apple Tree Man rewarding one man who offered his last mug of mulled cider to the trees in his orchard on Christmas Eve. He revealed the location of buried gold to him, improving his prospects quite considerably. Herefordshire loves the tradition of ‘wassailing’ and if you’ve ever been you may have wondered why cider is poured into the roots of the trees. Why toast and bread is placed in the branches for the birds and shotguns fired to frighten away the witches. But […]
The Tale of Jenny Pipes
Our journey into folklore this week takes us back to 1809 to the bustling town of Leominster. Alive with gossip, where ‘bad speech’ was frowned upon and dealt with in very harsh ways. The tale of Jenny Pipes is a much loved local story involving one of England’s last surviving ducking stools, now located at The Priory in Leominster. What was a ‘common scold’? You may or may not have heard the term ‘common scold’. In the 19th century it referred to a public nuisance, an angry and troublesome person who breached the peace by arguing and quarrelling with their neighbours. In common law a ‘common scold’ was usually dealt with by way of a fine. If you were unlucky and depending on how the magistrate was feeling that day your punishment could be so much worse than this. How did Jenny Pipes fall foul of the law? Jenny Pipes (also known as Jane Corran) a young woman living in a poor community in Leominster, fell foul of this law. Unhappy with her lot and her husband John she made some very public derogatory comments about him and was reported to the local magistrates. As you can imagine dealing with […]
Michelin Star for Pensons
It was announced today that Pensons, the restaurant from Lee Westcott on the Herefordshire/Worcestershire border, has been awarded a Michelin star, as a new entry into the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2020. The restaurant has been open for just over eight months, launching this January. The 46-cover restaurant is a partnership between acclaimed chef Lee Westcott (formerly of Typing Room) and Peta Darnley, owner of the Netherwood Estate where the restaurant is based. Pensons draws inspiration from the produce from the Estate and surrounding countryside. Since opening, Lee has crafted a menu with his team that is based around the seasons, and led largely by what produce is at its peak from the Estate and producers in the area. Dishes include: Herefordshire Herdwick lamb, broccoli, anchovy and watercress; Salt aged beef, black garlic, cep and nasturtium; Scallop, yeast, apple and monks beard, and Lee’s signature house baked IPA sourdough served with cultured butter. Lee comments, “It is such an honour to be awarded a star alongside some truly brilliant chefs and restaurants. I’m immensely proud of the entire team at Pensons, whose hard work has made this possible, and who took a chance on a new opening in the […]
New SpeedQuizzing in Hereford
The Courtyard will be hosting its first SpeedQuizzing event on Tuesday 15 October to raise funds for the organisation and encourage the trivia buffs to take on a pub quiz challenge with a twist. SpeedQuizzing is a new, entirely digital alternative to the traditional pub quiz and has changed the way people approach trivia events. Paper and pens are replaced by tablets/smartphones. Gone are the days of swapping papers to mark answers, as scores are updated real-time by the software and this adds a new level of energy and social interaction between players. “I’m really excited to bring SpeedQuizzing to The Courtyard!” Says Corporate Fundraising Manager and SpeedQuiz host Olle Grove, “It’s a great chance to have some good fun at the same time as raising important funds for The Courtyard’s ongoing community work. We’re inviting local businesses to join in and pit themselves against each other, as well as the best of Herefordshire’s quizzing scene. SpeedQuizzing is fun, fresh and fast paced. Plus this is the only quiz of its kind in the county!” The Courtyard’s SpeedQuizzing event kicks off on Tuesday 15 October at 8pm (registration from 7.30pm) and costs just £2 per player. Teams must have at […]
King Ethelbert Patron Saint of Hereford Cathedral
This week we head way back in time, as far back as the year of our Lord 794. Our story tells of the young King Ethelbert patron saint of Hereford Cathedral. King Ethelbert wasn’t your usual King, hot headed and ready for battle with his enemies. Seemingly he was young, studious, keen on books and education. To some he was perfect, young, pliable and apparently easily manipulated. Certainly he was inexperienced and a vulnerability to the Kingdom. The Alliance with King Offa’s Daughter Those around him decided it would be a good idea to encourage the young King to marry and produce an heir and King Ethelbert looked favourably on this idea. His thoughts drifting back to a recent feast where he had been mesmerised and entranced by a beautiful young woman. This woman was Elfrida none other than the daughter of Offa of the Mercians. He therefore asked his advisers to begin talks to arrange their union. They were as you can imagine wary of the alliance and discouraged it, Offa was known to be dangerous and unpredictable. Furthermore they did not want their King travelling into territories where he would be unprotected. Certainly no amount of cajoling would […]
CELEBRATION OF ST THOMAS CANTILUPE
A Service of Faith and Reconciliation will open Hereford Cathedral’s year of celebrations to commemorate 700 years since St Thomas Cantilupe’s canonisation. On Saturday 12 October (3.30 pm), the cathedral will welcome the Right Revd. Lord Williams of Oystermouth who, as Rowan Williams, was 104th Archbishop of Canterbury. Together with the Bishop of Hereford, they will take part in an act of penitence and renewal and celebrate the relationship that Canterbury and Hereford share today. In 1282, a disagreement between Hereford and Canterbury resulted in a sentence of excommunication being delivered to the then Bishop of Hereford, Thomas Cantilupe. Archbishop Pecham of Canterbury delivered this adjudication as a result of conflict arising from Cantilupe defending the rights of the See of Hereford. To appeal against his sentence, Cantilupe travelled to Italy to lay his cause before the Pope, but he died near Orvieto before judgement could be pronounced, although not before he had made his peace with the Church. During the service, representatives of other Christian denominations within Herefordshire will come together to lead prayers and pupils from Hereford Cathedral Junior School and St Thomas Cantilupe Primary School will perform a short drama further exploring the story. Two new banners, […]
Prestigious Award for Waterworks Museum
Hereford Waterworks Museum Volunteer Wins Prestigious Award On 11 September Alex Rowe, 20, attended an award ceremony at the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre where he was announced the winner of the West Midlands Museum Development 2019 Volunteer (Young Person) Award. A final year blacksmithing student at Herefordshire & Ludlow College (Holme Lacy), and the Waterworks Museum’s first Youth Trustee, Alex is in his third year of working at the Museum. Visitors will see Alex on most open days explaining the operation of the giant triple expansion steam engine. On receiving the award Alex said “I am ecstatic to receive this award, the evening was extremely enjoyable! Hopefully I can inspire more young people to take a little time to volunteer. I am very grateful to the museum for taking me under their wing right from the start” The judges recognised Alex’s huge contribution in so many ways. He has used his blacksmithing skills to design and create four iron safety plates for the triple expansion steam engine, and his ‘behind the scene’ video blogs and ambassadorial talks have helped boost awareness of the Museum to a younger audience of potential visitors and volunteers. Add to this Alex’s can-do attitude, his willingness […]
The Tale of King Herla
The tale of King Herla is one of the most fantastical medieval legends. Telling of a faerie encounter that ends on the banks of the river Wye in good old Herefordshire. King Herla one of Britain’s earliest Kings was in his court when a small man rode in and claimed that he too was a king, a king of many other kings. In his friendly manner he proposed that the Kings visit each other stating, “I will attend your wedding and a year later you will attend mine.” And so it was when King Herla married, the small king attended accompanied by his servants and a large entourage. A wonderful wedding took place and about a year later, the small king returned with an invitation for King Herla to his wedding. A Faerie Celebration King Herla arrived at the small king’s kingdom and followed others through a crevice in the cliff face. Nervously winding his way through pitch black tunnels into the mountain, he was relieved to spy a magical light and the most wonderful wedding taking place. King Herla and his men feasted and celebrated for three days and were given lavish gifts, horses, hawks, hounds and hunting gear. […]
30 years for the Big Apple
The Big Apple is a community event celebrating apples, orchards and cider and the ways in which they have shaped the picturesque countryside in one small corner of Herefordshire. Harvestime 2019 marks 30 years for the Big Apple and a special opportunity to join the celebrations! Nine venues in and around Much Marcle will be offering visitors the chance to learn, taste and enjoy. Cider and perry and making will be taking place at all scales from small to commercial, and the producers will be sharing their knowledge and providing opportunities to sample and buy. An amazing range of dessert and cooking apples will be on display for tasting at the Feast of Apples at Hellens and less well known varieties can be purchased in the Apple Market. Marcher Apple Network will be on hand to help anyone hoping to identify their own apples. As part of the 30th celebrations, there will be two talks at Hellens on Sunday 13th October. At 12 noon, local fruitgrower, Norman Stanier, will be looking back into the early records of the Woolhope Naturalists‘ Field Club to discover the stories behind the famous Herefordshire Pomona. At 2pm, Professor Paul Hadley of the University of Reading will […]
New Bishop of Hereford
The next bishop of Hereford will be Richard Jackson. Bishop Richard, who is currently Suffragan Bishop of Lewes in East Sussex, will take up his role in the New Year and will be the 106th Bishop of Hereford, a church position that dates back to 676. Bishop Richard said: ‘I am immensely humbled to have been chosen to become the next Bishop of Hereford. This beautiful diocese is in my DNA. I’ve traced my family tree and if I took a journey visiting churches from Leominster to the Welsh Border, I would be able to see the graves of my ancestors dating back to the 13th Century. Hereford is a mainly rural diocese, covering Herefordshire, the south of Shropshire, a portion of Worcestershire and several parishes in Wales on the English-Welsh border. It includes the city of Hereford and the towns of Telford, Ludlow, Much Wenlock, Bridgnorth, Church Stretton, Ross-on-Wye, Ledbury, Leominster, Bromyard and Kington. Bishop Richard, who is known for his work as a pastoral and teaching bishop, said: ‘I am looking forward to talking to the people of our diocese about the good news of Jesus Christ. In uncertain times, what the Bible says and the example of […]
The House that Strolled into High Town
Have you ever strolled down High Town and noticed a very cute 17th century Black and White Building nearby to New Look that looks untouched and possibly out of place with all the other newer buildings? Some may recognise it as the old Apothecary and others as the the house that strolled into High Town. An Amazing Feat of Engineering This superb historic little house had been part of Marchants Grocers and in 1965 was moved on rollers into High Town to allow a new Littlewoods store to be built and was then returned to the existing row of shops. It was quite a spectacle at the time and drew large crowds who were keen to see this incredible feat of engineering in action. Some had thought that it wasn’t possible and that the little house would not be able to stay up, but it was all so well planned by civil engineer John Pryke, all went perfectly. Don’t Disturb the Ghosts! This move didn’t seem to upset the ghost reputed to haunt the building either. The ghost believed to be that of an apothecary who accidentally killed one of his apprentices by mixing him the wrong medicine who then […]
Explore Hereford City Secrets
LOVE EXPLORING? Discover the secrets of Hereford City with the Love Exploring app. The new Love Exploring mobile app, funded for Hereford by Hereford City Council, puts the power of discovery in your hands by providing a range of trails, quizzes and games that are fun to do and free to use. The Love Exploring mobile app is suitable for all ages and will keep the whole family and visitors to the City entertained for hours. It includes free fun activities to do with the family and enables you to explore Hereford, its culture and heritage. Download the app and click on Hereford City Trails where you will find games to play, trails to follow and a map including lots of interesting information. Check out the: • free guided trails to explore Hereford and get to know the City’s secrets with sculpture and heritage trails that may take you to parts of the City you have not been to before. Trails include the Walking and Cycling Sculpture Trails, a Blue Plaque Trail, Widemarsh Street Trail and the Breinton Springs Circular Trail. The trails will not end there though as more will be added over time. • free explorer games with […]
ESL HOSTS PRESS VISITS
Team ESL always welcomes journalists to experience Herefordshire and then write about our amazing county on their various press and media platforms. A family holiday in Herefordshire We recently hosted EU writer Martin Banks, in collaboration with Kynaston Public Relations, who was able to experience a wonderful family week at a whole variety of Herefordshire locations this summer. Martin is a highly experienced, British-born journalist with over 16 years’ experience of covering the EU and other international bodies based in Brussels/Belgium for several titles. Living with his family in Belgium, he is also a contributor to Brussels Express writing on a wide variety of issues, including travel and eating out. After 24 hours in Hereford City, at Castle House Hotel, we relocated him and his family to the Riverside Inn at Aymestrey for a night in their new north Herefordshire garden lodges. Knowing that he would have a picturesque drive there, we then directed him across county to Treeopia, for a unique stay in their amazing luxury tree house retreats on the East Herefordshire border. Sunday saw a delicious lunch at nearby newly opened Pensons restaurant and a tour of the Netherwood Estate. 48 hours later we nestled them into […]
ESL Hereford Experience Day
The skies cleared, the sun shone and the breeze blew just enough to create the perfect weather for our wonderful Hereford Experience Day on 15 August, where we brought together tourism businesses to see the City sights of Hereford that they might often overlook. As part of our series of Member Experience Days, the aim is to remind tourism providers of what is in their local area so that they can themselves inspire visitors to visit Herefordshire and enjoy all it has to offer once they are here. Meeting the Mayor and the Civic Treasures of the Town Hall Attended predominantly by Accommodation providers, and open to Members and Non-Members of ESL, the day began with tea and biscuits with the Mayor of the City of Hereford, Kath Hey, in the Mayor’s Parlour. We learned about her plans and projects for the mayoral year ahead along with her chosen charities Phoenix Bereavement and the CLD Trust, both supporting children’s issues. Ably assisted by the Mayor’s Officer John Marshall, we were then given a most fascinating tour and talk around the historic treasures of the Mayor’s Parlour, which all derive from Hereford’s history as the second oldest City in the UK […]
Kington Show 2019
Kington Show 2019 promises to be a great day out for all the family. It will combine the traditional feel of an agricultural show with horses, cattle and sheep alongside an action-packed programme of entertainment. The show will be held on its usual site at The Ovals Farm, Kington HR5 3LN, close to the Welsh Border in the beautiful Herefordshire countryside. After 150 years the show continues to be one of the most popular one day show in the county and this year will be no exception! In the main ring, excitement will be provided by the thrills and spills of the Stannage International Stunt team who will perform their daredevil stunts. During the day, the main ring will also host the Grand Parade of livestock, the Interhunt challenge, including a hands-on experience with the hunt hounds for our younger visitors, trotting races and a vintage vehicle display. Elsewhere on the showground there will be thrilling displays from the Wye Valley Axemen, Corner Exotics, Ferret World Roadshow, Owl World, the Bill Bailey Band, and much more! In the evening, Herefordshire YFC will be hosting an after-show dance and there will be a speed shearing competition. There will be nearly 200 […]
Top Chef at Renovated City Hotel
The Green Dragon Hotel has Appointed Executive Chef Simon Bolsover To Launch its New Restaurant, The Hereford. The Green Dragon Hotel in Hereford City Centre is delighted to announce the appointment of Simon Bolsover as Executive Chef of The Green Dragon Hotel in Hereford. With over 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Simon will manage the culinary program of the new dining experience at the hotel as well as the catering for private functions and events. Simon was born in Yorkshire and most recently worked as Executive Head Chef at the 5-star Seaham Hall Hotel & Spa near Durham having previously worked alongside Raymond Blanc and Keith Floyd. With Simon’s guidance and his drive for gastronomic excellence visitors to the Green Dragon Hotel can expect to see a radical change in the menu as they launch the new restaurant with a focus on modern British dining. Local and seasonal will be at the heart of the menu and Simon is excited to work with local growers and producers to celebrate Herefordshire’s rich larder. Simon joins the new management team at the Green Dragon Hotel with the recent appointment of Food and Beverage Manager Zoe McDonald, who will be […]
700 years of St Thomas Cantilupe
Hereford Cathedral have unveiled their programme of events and services which celebrate the 700th anniversary of the canonisation of St Thomas Cantilupe. St Thomas Cantilupe was Bishop of Hereford from 1275 until his death in 1282. His shrine is located in the North Transept of Hereford Cathedral and is still an important pilgrimage destination. He also served as Chancellor of Oxford University and was involved in high-level politics as the Lord Chancellor of England. The celebration year, which runs from October 2019 to October 2020, starts on Saturday 12 October at 3.30 pm with a Service of Faith and Reconciliation. Rowan Williams, the Right Revd. Lord Williams of Oystermouth and 104th Archbishop of Canterbury will join the Bishop of Hereford in a service which celebrates the good relationship between the two cities today. Throughout the celebration year there will also be a programme of lectures given by Lord Patten of Barnes (Tuesday 8 October 2019), Dr Jan Graffius (Thursday 24 October 2019), The Very Revd. Michael Tavinor (Thursday 26 March 2020) and Ian Bass (Friday 2 October 2020) which discuss the life and times of St Thomas Cantilupe. Alongside these lectures, a series of special exhibitions exploring of sainthood and […]
Stockton Bury Needs Your Votes
ESL member Stockton Bury Gardens near Leominster, needs your vote as they have been shortlisted in the Nation’s Favourite Garden competition. With over 3500 gardens nominated Stockton Bury are in the TOP 30! Massive Congratulations to Tamsin and all at Stockton Bury. The English Garden, the National Garden Scheme and Viking Cruises joined forces earlier this year to find the Nation’s Favourite Gardens. Throughout spring and early summer nominations poured in for favourite gardens from among the 3,500 that open their gates to the public through the National Garden Scheme. The beautiful Garden at Stockton Bury is four-acres in size and has been created by Raymond Treasure and Gordon Fenn. Both are keen plantsman and have incredible knowledge to share. Stockton Bury has been in the Treasure family for three generations and much of the garden was pasture until the pair transformed it into this well-acclaimed garden. The original Victorian kitchen garden and impressive monkey puzzle tree are still very much part of the new garden. Now 30 years old the garden is home to mature plantings and offers keen gardeners plenty of inspiration. Both men were inspired by Raymond’s relative the late John Treasure (well known for his garden […]
NEW CITY COCKTAIL BAR
Last night saw the launch of The Offa Bar at the Green Dragon Hotel; the latest location in the venue’s exciting refurbishment to be completed.Open to residents and public alike, the cocktail bar is a stylish boutique addition to the City’s social scene. The beautiful original carved bar has been re-installed to this architecturally alluring room, which has a stunning glass dome in the ceiling and a wall of leaded windows behind the bottle displays, providing the perfect showcase for your cocktail ingredients. Exciting concoctions from traditional classics to the more exotic form a wide cocktail menu that celebrates locally distilled spirits from brands like Chase Vodka, Williams Gin and British Cassis, as well as other nectareous Whiskeys, Rums, Tequilas and Liqueurs. Decorated in warm russet tones for the seating and the hotel’s signature teal walls, banquet seating lines the walls, with comfy low chairs and cocktail tables one end and bar tables and stools the other. The vibe is smooth, clubby yet cosy and vibrant enough for a cheeky lunchtime tipple. Directors of the Green Dragon welcomed a host of Herefordshire’s business and social faces from around the county, and, of course, Team ESL, who were treated to canapes […]
Brewery’s Crafty New Brand
Back in 2016 and after more than 30 years, stalwart Herefordshire producer, Wye Valley Brewery, unveiled a new look and 2019 sees yet more advances. Whilst the core range of beers remained popular, they had ambitions to embrace the new craft trend with innovative new beers of their own, and felt the brewery’s corporate image was in need of an update. The Big Rebrand The starting point for this was designing a new logo that would be timeless, yet contemporary. The Wye Valley Brewery stamp manages to incorporate their heritage, reputation for consistent beer quality, and their love of hops. Following this they reviewed their product branding and of the 5 core cask products, 2 featured ‘Dorothy Goodbody’. The challenge therefore was to create a unity through design, yet ‘stay true’ to products, ensuring each kept its own ‘personality’… As they unveiled the new-look logo and core range product branding, they then turned their attention to their monthly specials. By retiring Dorothy Goodbody to the bottle products, it gave much more freedom to be creative. This not only applied to the names and designs, but it allowed the brewers to have bundles of fun with the beer recipes! And all […]
Ciderlands is coming
The county of Herefordshire is coming together to host the first conference of the recently formed International Network of Cider Culture & Tourism Destinations this autumn. As interest in cider continues to grow throughout the world, “Ciderlands” as the network is known, seeks to promote travel and cultural exchanges between classic and emerging cider regions, as well as to act as a cider tourism beacon for the world as a whole. Founded in September 2018, during the International Cider Culture and Tourism Meet-up held in the Basque Country, Ciderlands began to be forged in November 2017, during the Sagardo Forum Cider Congress. Delegates will enjoy the full Herefordshire experience, with visits to classic country pubs, a tour of the Mappa Mundi and the opportunity to visit The Big Apple’s Harvestime festival, complete with traditional cidermaking and apple displays. Comprising four days of activities across the county in peak harvest time, Ciderlands 2019 will offer an unparalleled showcase of the region’s proud cider heritage to the cider tourism professionals from throughout the network. In addition, a number of notable public events offer the opportunity to leave a legacy of celebrating the region’s unique cider culture within the local community. Among the […]
Destination Bromyard
ESL’s Managing Director, Heidi Chamberlain-Jones was delighted to be invited to speak about their plans for the county’s tourism economy at July’s meeting of the Bromyard Chamber of Trade and Industry. Around 35 businesses from in and around the area attended the event at The Falcon Hotel in the centre of this active market town, known for its year-round hosting of amazing festivals. From accommodation providers to food and drink destinations, event organisers and those generally interested in developing Bromyard’s visitor economy and foot flow, the room heard how Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire is leading the promotion of the county to put it on the visitor map, and how organisers and businesses can engage with and support these marketing activities. Bromyard is certainly looking for ways to actively develop its share of the growing UK ‘staycation’ visitor market, and a new enthusiasm and direction is being harnessed by an energetic group of inspiring business owners. “There are some incredible things happening in Bromyard and East Herefordshire” enthused Heidi. “From luxury treehouse retreats like Treeopia to fine dining destinations such as Pensons, and amazing experiences at Chase Distillery, as well as the wider plethora of casually accessible yet beautifully presented places […]
Ty Gwyn Fruity Cider Launches
If you’re a fan of artisan ciders such as Ty Gwyn ciders, just the words ‘fruit cider’ will probably have you hiding behind the nearest apple tree! Typically, fruit ciders are sweet, undemanding numbers with little or no reward for the true cider lover. So to shake things up Ty Gwyn have produced a genuine artisan fruit cider –Ty Gwyn ‘Black and Browns’! To use a musical metaphor, if ‘Black and Browns’ blackcurrant cider were a song, it would be a duet that stopped you in your tracks… like Gaga and Cooper, or Mercury and Caballé. And that’s because it’s a blend of classic bitter-sharp Browns cider apples along with some truly outstanding blackcurrant juice from a superb local grower. So at long last you can enjoy a fruit cider where the cider doesn’t play second-fiddle to the fruit – and where the fruit, well, actually tastes of fruit not flavouring! ‘Black and Browns’ weighs in at a crowd-pleasing 4.0% ABV and is available in 330ml bottles. Order now while stocks last! W: tygwyncider.co.uk
Herefordshire’s Top Picnic Spots
Herefordshire is brimming with acres of parkland, splashing rivers and budding gardens – so why not unpack your picnic blanket and head out one summer afternoon? July is national picnic month and this is the county to escape to and explore in 2019. We are here to help you decide the best place to spend lazy summer afternoons with friends and family; presenting Herefordshire’s top picturesque picnic spots. Symonds Yat The gateway between south Gloucestershire and Herefordshire, Symonds Yat is famed for its beautiful river scenery, woodland expanses and its challenging rock faces. Canoe along the popular village wildlife spotting and bring along your picnic blankets and sit on the riverside, taking in the view. Sit and ponder the history of the ancient fishing town, or journey to Symonds Yat Rock, which towers 120 metres above the river and is home to resident Peregrine Falcons. https://www.royalforestofdean.info/wye-valley/symonds-yat.shtml Newbridge Farm Park The perfect place to visit with your children from Easter through to the end of September. A combination of fun, adventure and education; this really is a fantastic summer picnic spot for all the family. Bring your sandwiches and squash to one of their outdoor benches and let your children enjoy […]
Explore Glorious Gardens with the National Trust
Explore glorious gardens with the National Trust in Herefordshire Visitors are invited to fill their lungs with fresh air at National Trust places in Herefordshire as summer takes over the gardens. At Berrington Hall, Brockhampton, Croft Castle and The Weir Garden families can take in the sights, smells, sounds and colours of the season throughout walled gardens, orchards, pleasure grounds and riversides. At Berrington Hall, near Leominster, families can make memories this summer as they become one of the first to discover Berrington’s newly opened curved walled garden. This curved garden is Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown’s final masterpiece and one of only two left surviving of its kind. From Saturday 6 July, visitors can discover this secret garden which has been closed for over 120 years. It will be the only one of its kind open to the public and visitors can discover creative horticultural displays which tell the story of the space both as a working kitchen garden and then as a farmyard using sub-tropical plants, vegetables, hay-bale planters and more. There are plenty of activities families can join in with this summer at Berrington, including live music, garden games and children’s trails. Visitors can relax in a deckchair in […]
ESL AT ROYAL 3 COUNTIES SHOW
HEREFORDSHIRE’S SHOWCASE YEAR Celebrating the Royal Three Counties Show’s 60th year, Herefordshire was this year’s host county for this mammoth agricultural and family event and TeamESL flew the county’s flag loud and proud on the weekend of 14-16 June 2019. Leading this year’s Hop into Herefordshire hub, Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire showcased our Members and the the amazing, yet often hidden locations for the finest food, accommodation and places to enjoy across the region on our big information stand by the main ring. Plus there was lots more going on on our stand … Friday was – Potters wheel tasters Have a go at the Potter’s Wheel with Eastnor Pottery’s flying potter Jon Williams. Saturday – foodie tasting Jane Raven, creator of Myrtle’s Kitchen, with a taste of her award-winning chutneys and preserves, so prized she has a unique range in Selfridges and Liberty! Sunday – Skull-duggery in the Shire A fascinating discovery of skulls by Herefordshire Wildlife Trust highlighted the county’s wildlife heritage and kept you guessing ‘can to tell what it is yet?’ And our Managing Director, Heidi Chamberlain-Jones met lots of interesting people who all came to see the stand … And we must give a Hi-5 […]
New Moon Beers launch
Herefordshire’s Swan Brewery is marking the 50th anniversary of the manned moon landings with two aptly named ales, Swan Small Step and Swan Giant Leap. Head Brewer Jimmy Swan commented, “Hops named Apollo, Eagle, Comet and Flyer caught our eye. These have great aroma and flavour profiles and line up perfectly for beers to celebrate the Apollo 11 mission. The names Swan Small Step and Swan Giant Leap fell into our lap. I’ve developed the recipes with lighter ales in mind for summer, plus the complex character that the range of hops will offer.” Brewery Partner Gill Bullock added, “The pump clips for Swan Small Step and Swan Giant Leap show a moon-boot print and earth viewed from the moon and will help sales go like a rocket. At 4.1% and 5.0% these cosmic ales will be out of this world.” The beers on draught will be launched at a Tasting Day on 5th July 9am to 9pm at the brewery. A limited-edition Swan Giant Leap 5% bottled ale is already available in the brewery shop and local retailers. Swan Brewery is a microbrewery founded in 2016, currently brewing around a quarter of a million pints per year, across 2 […]
Secret Garden Unveiled
A Secret garden in Herefordshire unveiled for the first time at Berrington Hall, near Leominster. Ever wanted to see a real-life secret garden? The National Trust has announced it will be opening the door to a rare curved walled garden in Herefordshire which has remained locked for the past 150 years – and it will be the only one in the country open to the public. The conservation charity will be embarking upon an extensive restoration project to revive the unique curved walled garden at Berrington Hall near Leominster, which is now back in its care having been used to house livestock for over a century. The final masterpiece from Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown – Britain’s most famous landscape architect of the 18th century – the curved walled garden will be opened to the public for the first time on Saturday 6 July. Visitors will be able to see first-hand the vital conservation work that is currently underway to revive the iconic garden into a beautiful space for everyone to enjoy. The garden is one of only two ‘Capability’ Brown designed curved walled gardens in the country, and with the other in private ownership, Berrington Hall’s will be the only one […]
Royal Award For Leominster in Bloom
Leominster in Bloom receives the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. A group of volunteers based in Leominster have been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK. The group works with all sectors of the community in and around the town, bringing together young and old to make the town look beautiful. Creative groups, residents of nursing homes, schools, youth groups as well as individuals all contribute to the annual displays. Representatives from Leominster in Bloom attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May, along with other recipients of this year’s Award . Leominster in Bloom is one of 281 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. The number of nominations and awards has increased year on year since the awards were introduced in 2002, showing that the voluntary sector is thriving and full of innovative ideas to make life better for those around them. The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Winners are announced each year on 2 […]
CATHEDRAL CHOIR TO SING AT D DAY COMMEMORATIONS
Hereford Cathedral Choir will be travelling to France in June to take part in services and events commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day. The choir will sing at several services during their time in France, including the Royal British Legion Commemoration Service at Bayeux Cathedral, on Thursday 6 June. The service will be attended by veterans, their families and dignitaries. Bayeux was the first town to be liberated by the Allied forces and following the commemoration event at the cathedral, the choir will sing at the Royal British Legion’s service at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Bayeux War Cemetery. During their trip to France, the choir have also been invited to sing Choral Evensong at L’abbaye aux Dames, Caen on Wednesday 5 June as part of their programme of events to commemorate the anniversary. The final event in the choir’s programme will be as part of a ceremony on the sea front at Arromanches on the afternoon of Thursday 6 June, as part of a series of events hosted by the local authority to mark the anniversary. Geraint Bowen, Director of music at Hereford Cathedral said: ‘It is a great honour for our choir to have been invited to take […]
A Canine Welcome!
CANINE AMBASSADORS WELCOME VISITORS IN NEW SCHEME IN ROSS ON WYE. Ross-on-Wye believes it may be the only small town in Britain to greet visitors and tourists with a group of ambassadors and their pets. The dogs, FIzz, Elli, Bella and Tilly wag their tails in welcome. “The ambassadors are all volunteers and their dogs love people,”says Caroline Utting, chair of the local tourism association. “They wear distinctive purple tabards and tee-shirts and the dogs wear purple jackets.” The ambassadors base themselves outside the historic 16th century Market House and act as tour guides showing people around the medieval streets, vintage shopping trail and riverside, as well as handing out information leaflets about the town and its colourful history.
Big Birches’ Bug Hunt!
The Big Wild Weekend comes to Birches Farm! On Saturday 15 June, discover Birches Farm Nature Reserve and join the Big Birches’ Bug Hunt! Herefordshire Wildlife Trust are providing an exciting opportunity explore this reserve whilst learning from expert naturalists about the vast array wildlife that thrives here. The whole family can enjoy the world of wildlife, with plenty of activities provided by the WildPlay team, including creepy-crawly craft, bug-bingo, face-painting and more! Birches Farm, lying on the outskirts of Kington, has become well-known across the county after it was purchased by Herefordshire Wildlife Trust following a public fundraising appeal and it has since been featured on BBC Countryfile. This small, 60-acre farmstead, now managed primarily for its wildlife, remains a patchwork of smaller fields. Birches Farm has been traditionally managed through the centuries and this continues today with the meadows grazed by sheep and cattle and cut each summer for hay. Here, laid hedges, staked with hazel poles, are rustling and bustling with wildlife; the meadows they border are thick with wildflowers and the hum of insects; cool, shallow ponds teem with life above and below the surface. The Big Birches’ Bug Hunt aims to engage as many people […]
Comedy Club Partnership
A new partnership agreement has been announced by Hereford Courtyard with a brand new partnership that has been established with local cider producers, Westons Cider. As part of this new partnership, Westons Cider will be sponsoring The Courtyard’s monthly comedy clubs. These comedy clubs are a perfect opportunity for audiences to grab some friends, a drink from the bar and enjoy laugh out loud comedy from some of the best up-and-coming comedians on the circuit. Previous performers at these comedy clubs have included Ed Gamble, Joe Lycett and Roisin Conaty. “Westons Cider are delighted to be working with The Courtyard.” Says Westons Cider Assistant Brand Manager, Gemma Evans, “When the opportunity came up to become sponsors of the Comedy Club Nights we had no doubts to say ‘yes’. We are really looking forward to developing our relationship, including Cider Partnership, for the long term.” As The Courtyard enter the exciting initial stages of a £1.2m development, Westons Cider have also come on board to help renovate and install a Westons Cider Bar on the first floor Mezzanine. The company will also kindly be providing new uniforms for Café Bar staff, giving the department a fresh new look. The Westons Cider […]
Half Term Adventures
Make your half term an adventure with the National Trust in Herefordshire. The National Trust in Herefordshire are inviting families to grab their picnic blankets, pop on their walking boots and have an adventure this May half term. Visitors to Berrington Hall, Brockhampton, Croft Castle and The Weir Garden will have the opportunity to test their exploring skills with new children’s trails to complete, activities to try and walks to discover at each of these places. At Berrington Hall, near Leominster, Monday’s playground stories will be made as families put their navigational exploring skills to the test and head out on the Treasure Island trail. Whilst they’re there, families can learn more about the Berrington Garden Project and uncover how the team is working hard to restore the walled garden and pleasure grounds; the final landscape design of ‘Capability’ Brown. Visitors can also discover the exhibition ‘New Perspectives’ by SHYPP (Supported Housing for Young People Project) and learn about how the young people and Berrington’s team collaborated to create this exhibition. Families can also get creative with LEGO Builders on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 June, dress like a Georgian in the mansion, play cricket and croquet on the lawn, […]
Celebrating the World of Cider
Hereford Cider Museum is hosting their annual International Cider and Perry competition this week where they will be celebrating the wonderful world of cider. Cider and Perry have grown in popularity across the world over the last few years particularly in places like America and some of our wonderful Herefordshire cider producers are now shipping their amazing products out to countries such as Russia, Sweden, America and Canada. We’ve been informed that this year’s competition has over 200 entries from the UK, Poland, Germany, France and America. How exciting is that? Apparently the first overall champion award was in the shape of a wooden costrel, but for some years now a silver trophy has been given, and has recently ventured as far as America when Angry Orchard won the competition in 2017. A crack team of four judges will work their way through the entries, which is not a job for the faint-hearted and involves lots of crackers and other ways to keep the palate clear!. This year the judges include cider makers and writers who are playing a part in the #rethinkcider movement: the educationalist Gabe Cook, better known as The Ciderologist; James Forbes of Little Pomona and current […]
ESL Member Experience Day
Earlier this month ESL launched its first Member Experience day, for businesses to meet, network, know what’s in their area and build working relationships. Focussing on the Ross-on-Wye area 25 people attended as Members Walenty Pytel, Labels Shopping and The Laskett Gardens opened their doors to the local businesses and ESL Members for a complimentary visit/tour with huge success and excellent feedback from both hosts and attendees. Visitors had the option of which venues to attend or they could choose all three! First stop for the morning was the secluded and idyllic waterside venue that is the WALENTY PYTEL SCULPTURE GALLERY, near Upton Bishop – Filled with unique pieces for sale and from their own collection curated by Walenty’s wife Mary, the group watched a wonderful video of Walenty detailing the life story of how he became such a renowned artist in his unique way. After initially working with paper sculpture, he moved on to metal and bronze creating birds and beasts from the countryside that surrounded him, creating commissions in prominent locations around the country including Birmingham International Airport, the Houses of Parliament, JCB and many more plus private collections. A gallery tour and talk, and a peek into […]
Eastnor ChilliFest is the hot ticket this weekend!
Organisers of the Eastnor ChilliFest, held annually at Eastnor Castle near Ledbury, are predicting another sell-out year after seeing that the weather looks set to be dry and warm again. Being held on both Sunday 5th and Monday 6th May, Eastnor ChilliFest is now in its eighth year and celebrates all things chilli, along with music and entertainment for the whole family. The Castle courtyard transforms into a Chilli market where visitors are able to try and buy delicious products such as chocolate, bread, cake, vodka, cocktails and chutney as well as grow-your-own chilli plants. There are also be a number of specialist hot food suppliers selling authentic Asian curries and other spicy foods. The outdoor Cookery Demonstration Theatre will see some favourites such as Herefordshire’s Beefy Boys and Felice Tocchini returning from previous years as well as some new, inspirational chefs such as Imran Nathoo, food blogger and MasterChef 2017 Quarterfinalist, taking to the demo stage for the first time. There is a huge amount going on over the weekend with something to entertain all ages. The Clifton Chilli Club will be back on the Valley Lawn each afternoon with their Chilli Eating Competition which is always popular and […]
Freewheeling at Eastnor Pottery
Hey Clay! is at Eastnor Pottery & The Flying Potter from 17-19 May 2019. Eastnor Pottery & The Flying Potter are delighted to be involved in a national event to increase participation in clay work and all things pottery. Hey Clay! is organised by The Crafts Council and is part of the BBC’s Get Creative campaign. Eastnor Pottery founders Jon Williams and Sarah Monk are inviting individuals and families to join them at their Herefordshire studio 17 – 19 May to make a pot on the potter’s wheel for FREE. The couple have called their event Freewheeling and it’s the fourth time the Pottery has participated in Hey Clay! “We love Hey Clay and have been keen advocates since its inception in 2015. It’s a brilliantly busy weekend and we get to meet lots of new people, most of which have never touched clay before” commented Jon Participants will be able to take their creation away on the day to dry and paint at home or, for a small fee, leave it at the Pottery to be fired and glazed. 15 min time slots are available over the three days, but pre-booking is essential. Please tel 01531 633886 or email admin@eastnorpottery.co.uk […]
Hergest Croft Gardens Spring Fair
The Hergest Croft Gardens Spring Fair in Kington is a long-established entry in the calendars of garden enthusiasts the length and breadth of Herefordshire and beyond. This year’s event, on Bank Holiday Monday (6th May, 10am-5.30pm), signals the end of an era as it’ll be the last with founders Elizabeth and Lawrence Banks at the helm as the couple prepare to step down from their duties. They do so with the Fair at the top of its game and set to attract more than 40 plant and craft stalls from a wide range of local specialist nurseries this year. The Marches Makers Festival, a group of artists, crafters and makers based around Kington, will also be exhibiting local sculpture. ‘The Fair’s grown a lot,’ said Lawrence. ‘When we first started we had about 15 stands. Now there are over 40.’ The couple set-up the Fair in 1996 and although stepping down this year, they will continue their support of the event. ‘The first Fair was held to mark the 100th anniversary of the starting of the garden,’ said Elizabeth, a former President of the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society), while Lawrence was Treasurer of the same Society. ‘It was a very […]
Half Term fun for all of the Family
The Courtyard is the place to be this spring half term with a great selection of family shows and films all week long offering fun for all of the Family! Film lovers can enjoy some great new releases including the much anticipated remake of Disney classic Dumbo (PG) from Friday 24 May – Saturday 1 June. There will also be a relaxed screening on Tuesday 28 May at 5pm. Relaxed screenings are for everyone, but may particularly benefit those with autism spectrum conditions, learning difficulties or sensory and communication difficulties. Small adjustments are made for relaxed screenings such as informal seating, lighting is left on low throughout the film and a ‘chill out area’ provided for anyone who may need to take a break during the film. Next up, audiences can enjoy Laika stop-motion animation studio’s new release Missing Link (PG) (Tuesday 28 May – Saturday 1 June). This new adventure sees Mr. Link recruiting explorer Sir Lionel Frost to help find his long-lost relatives in the fabled valley of Shangri-La. Along with adventurer Adelina Fortnight, this trio of explorers travel the world to help their new friend. Families can take part in a free, pre-activity to make paper chain […]
VISIT ENGLAND MAKES ESL OFFICIAL
Bringing the tourism business community together is always exciting for us here at TeamESL and this month almost 80 businesses attended our Spring Tourism Forum held at Hereford City’s Green Dragon Hotel. Interesting changes at Green Dragon Hotel This grand landmark hotel has recently been taken over by a consortium of regional business leaders and is undergoing an much-anticipated cosmetic refurbishment to sympathetically restore it to its former Georgian glory. Attendees were treated to a behind-the-scenes peak of the plans for the bedrooms, lounge and cocktail bars, and the Forum was held in the freshly painted Ballroom. The restaurant is soon to become a completely new dining experience, showcasing Herefordshire’s produce and food & drink provenance. Launch of 2019 guide books The Forum launched ESL’s vibrant 2019 guide books, including the exciting new Marches edition to embrace Herefordshire’s Welsh borders. With 100 pages showcasing to travellers the wonderful places to eat, sleep and enjoy, these famous guide books are essential for any accommodation provider to have in their properties. Order your free copies online here via our distribution supplier. It’s Official With the news that Visit Herefordshire closed on 1 April 2019 and will be closing down its website by […]
Wife Selling in Herefordshire
So, when we heard about wife selling in Herefordshire we were more than a bit intrigued and had to find out more. Apparently it was quite commonplace in Hereford well into the 19th century for husbands to sell their wives by public auction. They would bring her to Hereford market with a rope around her neck or waist. So that she could be led away post sale by the buyer/new husband. The interesting thing is neither the husband, wife or onlookers seemed to think it was strange. It was accepted practice. A local magistrate was purported to say that he did not have the right to prevent wife sales. So it carried on. It was seen as a simple way of ending an unsatisfactory marriage by mutual agreement. Some husbands were forced to sell their wives to remove the burden of care from the workhouses. Sometimes the wife would be sold just for money. In some cases additional food or drink would be included to enhance the offer. However the custom had no basis in law. Frequently it resulted in prosecution as it was seen as a convenient way to remedy an unhappy marriage or change of circumstances. How pragmatic. […]
CLOSURE OF VISIT HEREFORDSHIRE
It has been announced that Visit Herefordshire will close on 1 April 2019 and will no longer provide a tourism promotional service for the county. While this may be of concern to some, across the UK it is increasingly common for previously funded county tourism bodies to be replaced by specialist companies who operate more sustainable commercial models and deliver a more comprehensive service. A NEW ERA FOR HEREFORDSHIRE’S DESTINATION MARKETING Fortunately all is not lost for the much-needed promotion of tourism for Herefordshire, as already established www.eatsleepliveherefordshire.co.uk will now continue to expand their growth as the official tourism body for Herefordshire. www.eatsleepliveherefordshire.co.uk has been in operation since 2015 and, under its strong Membership model and management, provides a large Herefordshire website portal, publishes a national 100 page annual Herefordshire guide book, attends industry and public shows across the country to showcase Herefordshire, engages with group travel companies to bring visitors into and around the county, writes Herefordshire press features and hosts press visits, liaises with filming and production companies to make programmes in the area, provides member business support with training, networking meetings and familiarisation experiences and much more as a fully rounded destination marketing service for Herefordshire. ‘We […]
The Mermaid of Marden
In our quest to bring you some folklore fun we came across the little-known legend of the ‘Mermaid of ‘Marden’. It involves a priest, some villagers, a church bell and a grumpy mermaid. Apparently the local priest happened to pull too enthusiastically on the church bell one Sunday. It dislodged and fell from its hold rolling into the River Lugg. After numerous attempts to retrieve the bell from the river, a man spotted it from the bank but noticed that a mermaid had wrapped herself around it. This mermaid was sassy and when summoned by the villager was not at all co-operative about returning the bell. In fact she complained about the ringing disturbing her peace and decided to claim it for herself. After continued attempts to lift the bell from its watery resting place and disturbing the mermaid once more, she grew angry and cut the rope being used to hoist the bell to land, sending the bell back into the depths of the river. It was regaled that the mermaid grew so fed up of people poking about in her part of the Lugg looking for the bell that she hid it in a pond near to the […]
Ferrous 2019
Ferrous 2019 – a celebration of the natural world Ferrous2019 will be back from 5th April 2019. Brought to you by Hereford Business Improvement District and Hereford College of Arts, this year’s festival is packed with exhibitions, talks, film and of course blacksmithing demonstrations and the chance to have a go. Live Forging – Your chance to Have a Go and Save the Bees From 5th – 7th April the huge marquee with seven hot metal forges will be making its return to Hereford’s High Town. This offers another chance for Hereford residents and visitors to the city to watch demonstrations by expert blacksmiths or try their own skills at the anvil. This year’s challenge is to make a beautiful seed marker for your garden or balcony which you will be able to take home with you afterwards. And we are giving you a packet of wildflower seeds to plant and mark with your seed marker – our small contribution to celebrating and supporting the natural environment by attracting bees to these wonderful meadow flowers. If you want to try your hand at the blacksmith’s art, then you can book online now on our website https://www.herefordcitylife.co.uk/have-go-forging-high-town. Each slot costs £12 […]
The Dragon of Mordiford
THE DRAGON OF MORDIFORD Mordiford village grew up around an ancient ford over the River Lugg and has the oldest surviving bridge in Herefordshire dating in part to c.1352. It is best known for the legend of the ‘Dragon of Mordiford’, who would amble down from its lair in Haugh Wood to drink from the confluence of the rivers Wye and Lugg near the village. From early life, the dragon was said to have loved a small girl named Maud who resided in Mordiford. She had nurtured the dragon from infancy. When it grew into adulthood, she remained the only person safe from its reign. In the legend, after reaching maturity, the dragon’s hunger could not be satisfied with milk anymore. It started to feast on local farmers and livestock but never was a danger to Maud. The townspeople grew exhausted of the constant attacks from the dragon and sought help from the noblemen of Mordiford. A local man from the Garstone family then killed the dragon. The story of the dragon remains part of Mordiford’s culture and is continually mentioned in modern records of the village. It was said that the dragon lived until 1811. A portrait of the […]
Pleasure Grounds Exhibition Opens
Discover a new exhibition, ‘Pleasure Grounds’, by Hereford College of Arts at Berrington Hall At Berrington Hall, near Leominster, visitors will be able to experience a new exhibition by students from Hereford College of Arts from Saturday 2 March to Tuesday 30 April. ‘Pleasure Grounds’ has been created by Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma Art & Design students in response to the iconic walled garden and pleasure grounds at Berrington, which were designed by ‘Capability’ Brown around 243 years ago. Visitors will be able to discover three elements of the exhibition. ‘Think and Play’ is an exhibition of creative photography by first year students, who were challenged to explore and experiment to create visualisations that formed a sense of place. ‘Shelter/sculpture’ communicates ideas by second year students for a unique structure which could be installed in the gardens at Berrington. ‘Who am I?’ takes inspiration from the current exhibitions in the mansion, ‘A Dress Fit for a King’ and ‘Eye am She’. Students have created patterns and designs which could be applied to goods for sale in the shop. The team at Berrington have embarked on an ambitious, large-scale conservation project to revive and conserve ‘Capability’ Brown’s final walled […]
Calling all Herefordshire Young Artists
Hereford College of Arts invites entries for their Brian Hatton Young Artist Competition Hereford College of Arts invites entries for their annual Young Artist Competition for 2019. As in previous years, the competition celebrates the life and work of Herefordshire artist Brian Hatton. Open to young creatives, aged between 5 and 16 who have a passion for art, this competition offers great prizes to category winners and schools who enter. This year, there is no set theme for the competition, the College just wants to see entrants be creative by welcoming all kinds of 2D art – from painting and drawing to illustration, collage and print. Participants are encouraged to draw upon the life and work of Brian Hatton as inspiration for their entries. Schools can find some useful study materials about Brian Hatton, including lesson plans, online. Brian Hatton was born in Hereford, and lived in Whitecross and then later Broomy Hill. He started practicing as an artist at a very early age, going on to create over 1000 art works in his lifetime. Brian Hatton used all sorts of mediums to create his artwork, including oil paint, watercolours, pencil and pastels. His subjects included landscape views, horses, agricultural […]
Herefordshire’s Mission to Brussels
TeamESL is delighted to be part of Herefordshire’s cultural mission to Brussels European Parliament this week, alongside Hereford College of Arts and other selected local businesses to provide a showcase to Herefordshire. West Midlands Conservative MEP Anthea McIntyre secured the opportunity to showcase the county in the European Parliament offices in the capital city saying, ‘Living and working in this most beautiful of counties, I am excited about sharing it with my colleagues in the European Parliament. With the help of Hereford College of Arts and its talented students, we will be letting them know what an interesting and beautiful place this is to visit, what wonderful produce it has and what great opportunities there are to invest.’ A contemporary and visual theme of cow hide, Ryeland wool and soil was chosen by a steering panel, as a bold and sensory evocation of the county with abstract sculptural forms and film that feature some of the essential materials of Herefordshire’s past, present and future such as the county’s rich red soil, iconic cattle hide, Ryeland wool and sessile oak. The materials used in the exhibition are intended speak to both Herefordshire’s rural and industrial heritage and prospects. Eat Sleep Live […]
Hereford Cathedral is Autism Friendly
Hereford Cathedral are celebrating the recent news that they have been awarded the Autism Friendly Award from the National Autistic Society. NAS’ Autism Friendly Award champions organisations who commit to making sure that autistic visitors receive the same warm welcome as everybody else. As part of the process Hereford Cathedral have created additional resources including social stories for visitors, implemented ‘Quiet Hours’ for individuals who may struggle with sensory overload and worked with different groups including the local branch of NAS to gain an understanding of the needs of autistic visitors. Hereford Cathedral is the first religious place of worship to receive this award which comes at the end of a six-month process which has focused on improving accessibility for visitors and its community. During the research phase of the Heritage Lottery Funded Eastern Cloisters Project, it became apparent that whilst many people enjoyed visiting the cathedral, some struggled to enjoy their experience for a variety of issues. As a result of these findings, the cathedral undertook a full access audit and appointed an Accessibility Officer to create an action plan to make the necessary improvements. Staff and volunteers are currently in the process of completing accessibility training which encourages […]
Borderlines – Films For All
March’s Borderlines Film Festival brings something for everyone The 2019 Borderlines Film Festival opens its 17-day run on Friday 1 March with a Gala screening of Everybody Knows, the latest film from two–time Academy Award winning director Asghar Farhadi (A Separation, The Salesman). This psychological drama, set in Spain and starring Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem, is just one of the 29 previews, titles screening prior to their UK release, that make up a substantial segment of the Festival programme – 86 films in total. Says Festival Director Naomi Vera-Sanso, “It’s a considerable coup for a rural film festival like Borderlines to be in a position to offer its audiences so many films on preview. We are delighted to enable cinema lovers in this part of the country to see films before they go on general release, weeks ahead of London and other major UK cities. But that’s not all. We’re really proud that there is something for everyone in this year’s programme.” The range of previews reflects the Festival’s long-standing commitment to world cinema with titles from Colombia (Birds of Passage), China (Ash is Purest White), Vietnam (The Third Wife), Kenya (Rafiki), Chile (Too Late to Die Young) and […]
NEW – Pensons restaurant opens
ESL is delighted to celebrate the opening of Pensons, the exciting new dining destination situated on the 1200 acre Netherwood Estate, owned by the Darnley family, on the rural Herefordshire/Worcestershire border. The restaurant venture is a partnership between acclaimed chef Lee Westcott (formerly of the Typing Room) and Peta Darnley, where Lee’s experienced and ambitious team compliments Peta’s design expertise to bring you a stylish yet accessible venue of gastronomy. ESL visited Pensons following its launch in January and we could immediately see the care and passion that is in every inch of the business. The sympathetic conversion of the derelict 15C farm buildings, with architect Alex Coppock from Communion Design, has entirely rejuvenated, restored and preserved intricate original features, re-using as many of the historic materials as possible. The former manger, used for feeding hay to the cattle, is being reused as a lighting rig, the brick threshing floor has been repaired and beautifully weathered elm and oak boarding reinstated. The bespoke kitchens, designed to Lee’s requirements, are open to the diners’ view, showcasing the talents of his hand-picked team. The refined menu draws inspiration from produce from around the Netherwood Estate and surrounding countryside, favouring […]
The Legend of Black Vaughan
Who would think that this lovely black and white building holds a very dark past? Hergest Court has held a sinister reputation for a long time, one which locals in the neighbouring town of Kington know well. The Legend of Black Vaughan is one which sends chills down your spine and keeps you looking over your shoulder. There once was an evil squire Sir Thomas Vaughan who once resided at Hergest Court and was known as ‘Black Vaughan’. Apparently he lost his head in the Wars of the Roses. As his head toppled from his shoulders and hit the ground a blood curdling howling could be heard as his black bloodhound scooped up the head and set off back to Hergest Court. Sir Thomas’s headless body was buried but his ghost remained at large. It took the form of a black bull that was accompanied by the bloodhound. His ghost preceded to terrify the area, so much so that frightened villagers refused to leave their homes. An exorcism was held and the spirit of the wicked Lord was laid to rest. However his bloodhound remained at large and invoked terror into the hearts of any that crossed its path. Some […]