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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, […]

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 […]

  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 […]

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 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 […]

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, […]

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 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Hereford Cathedral have recently announced their latest Life & Learning programme which features a range of talks, lectures and discussions. Life & Learning is the adult education arm of Hereford Cathedral which works to broaden understanding and debate in theology, social issues and the arts. It offers a wide range of opportunities for study and learning, and for experiencing the Christian faith in many aspects.  Open to everyone, regardless of religious affiliation, it aims to be a forum for honesty and engagement. In 2019, the tenth year of the Life & Learning programme, there is a diverse range of subject matter ranging from church records to children’s reactions to sacred spaces. Other highlights include two illustrated talks on twelfth-century French Religious Art led by Peter White (Thursday 21 & 28 February). These talks will look at both the sculpture and stained glass windows of the Romanesque cathedral of Chartres which was destroyed in a devastating fire in 1194. The following month (Thursday 28 March), a celebration of Hereford Diocese’s link with the Lutheran Kirchenkreis of Nuremberg will take place in College Hall. The evening will feature speakers from the Nuremberg Committee who will discuss the many different links between the […]

Juliet Williams of Lowe Farm B&B had a real change of winter scenery on her recent cultural visit to Japan. By request of Green Tourism Ambassador Professor Shinji Aoki, this Pembridge farmer’s wife shone the spotlight on Herefordshire’s excellence in tourism. The Professor, from Tokyo University, discovered Juliet’s business on a research mission to the UK some 20 years ago. He was so impressed that he has been bringing a party, sometimes two, of tourism professionals to meet and learn from her every year since. In 2015 Juliet drafted in the support of ESL’s founder and CEO Heidi Chamberlain-Jones. Heidi has been helping to host the groups’ annual stay, showcasing Herefordshire and how rural tourism businesses survive and thrive. Educating in best commercial practice to support communities as well as individual businesses, customer service and marketing, Juliet and Heidi have made a great team in cementing these international relationships. Read all about the 2018 UK visit here. International teachings from Herefordshire – Juliet’s multi-award-winning business is testimony to her standards of delivery. Recognised as invaluable benefit to the Japanese parties, they recently invited her back for a second visit to tour Japan to impart her knowledge. Taking the bullet train and […]

Wye Valley Brewery are delighted to be announced as the winner of the Water Efficiency Category at the Marches Blue Business Awards. The Herefordshire-based brewery won the award at the annual event, which recognises innovative projects that aim to reduce or eliminate water pollution, improve water quality and cut the use of water within their organisations. Wye Valley Brewery were awarded for the industry-leading technology used during the brewing process, which dramatically reduces water and oil usage.  The makers of Butty Bach and HPA also received recognition for the cleanliness of their waste water, which ultimately flows back into the local environment. Vernon Amor, Managing Director, said: ‘We work hard to consistently reduce our impact on the environment, with 47% of all energy used by the brewery coming from renewable sources. The efficient brewhouse has been designed with efficient cleaning operations meaning a below 4:1 water to beer ratio, far below average for a brewing house of our size. It’s fantastic that the work we do to protect the environment has been recognised and we’re honoured to be named winners of the Water Efficiency Category at the Marches Blue Business Awards.’ It’s not just the March Blue Business Awards that […]

TeamESL was thrilled to be a part of the awards evening for the Hereford Times Food & Drink Awards this week, where we represented Oliver’s Cider, a sponsor of this exciting event. The awards celebrated the outstanding work, creativity, innovation and service across Herefordshire’s the food & drink sector with 11 categories and one special overall winner. We were even more delighted to see so many ESL foodie Members featuring as finalists and winners. Best Butcher of the Year: Ogleby Butchers Finalists: Oakchurch Farm Shop (ESL MEMBERS) Quarry Farm Shop Best Café/Tearoom: De Koffie Pot Finalists: Trumpet Corner Tearooms and Art Gallery (ESL MEMBER) Cafe@all saints Best Dairy Producer: Monkland Cheese Dairy Finalists:  Rowlestone Icecream (ESL MEMBERS) Kelsmore Dairy Best Brewer: Swan Brewery Finalist: Wobbly Brewing Co Best Restaurant/Dining Pub: The Riverside Inn at Aymestrey (ESL MEMBERS) Finalists:  The Beefy Boys (ESL MEMBERS) The Book Shop Best Cider Producer: Celtic Marches Beverages Finalists: Gwatkins Cider Newton Court Cider Community Pub of the Year: The Pandy Inn Finalists: The Temple Bar Inn (ESL MEMBERS) De Koffie Pot Best Independent Food and Drink Retailer: The Green Bean Shop Finalists: Oakchurch Farm Shop (ESL MEMBERS) Mailes Brothers Best Drinks Producer (non cider/ale/beer): Black […]

Looking to wow your friends and family with some very special presents this year? Why not take a look at our Great Christmas Gift Ideas all from local Herefordshire businesses. From amazing experience days to fantastic creative courses and workshops to memorable jewellery and art. Make it a year where you dared to be different. CLASSIC CAR ENTHUSIASTS A very SPECIAL GIFT for any CLASSIC CAR lover, the chance to drive a Morgan Plus 4, Alfa Romeo Spider or a fabulous MGB Roadster. Let them experience the stunning scenery of Herefordshire and the Welsh Marches, the Malvern Hills, Wye Valley or the Cotswolds, from behind the wheel of an iconic classic car. Take to the open road and create some super memories with Orchard Classic Car Hire. Click here for more information CREATIVE COURSES Rug making, painting, drawing, printing, creating textiles, upholstery or the art of perfumery. Fantastic courses that will inspire the creatives in your life. Marianne Ryan Gift vouchers are available for Marianne’s fun and inspiring one day art courses taking place during 2019. Courses are £62.00 Vouchers can be purchased directly from Marianne or via the website E: info@artwithmarianne.co.uk W: www.artwithmarianne.co.uk Lucy Brodie – Huntlands Farm Gift […]

Hereford Cathedral Cloisters awarded National Lottery support It was announced today that Hereford Cathedral has received a confirmed National Lottery grant of £866,700 to fund the Eastern Cloisters Heritage Project. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, the project will repair and conserve the College Cloisters, preventing further disrepair and enabling this tranquil area, which is steeped in history, to be opened up to the public for special events and activities. The Cloisters are a much loved part of Hereford Cathedral which house the music department and administrative offices as well as being used for educational events. The area, although beautiful, is in urgent need of repair to provide better facilities for staff, volunteers and visitors. Renovations planned to take place include the installation of better lighting, essential repairs to the walkways and a modern fire protection system put in place as well as improvements to accessibility. An activity plan will complement the restoration and build on previous successful National Lottery funded projects, providing education and learning for visitors of all ages. Once these repairs have taken place, the cathedral will be able to host more events and activities around the themes of music, community and learning, inspired by […]

SANTA, SPARKLE & THE ENCHANTED KINGDOM If you’re excited about Christmas and all the sparkle and glitz it brings, you’re going to love what Herefordshire has planned to kick start the festive season celebrations. Find out where Herefordshire Christmas Lights 2018 are being switched on from our list below: Saturday 17 November Bromyard Sat, Nov 17 | Lights switch on 5.00pm| Santa’s parade & grotto, children’s fair rides, Bromyard Wind Band & Choral Society & Christmas stalls. More Information Hereford Maylords Shopping Centre Sat, Nov 17 | Lights switch on 5.30pm | Hereford | Maylords Shopping Centre Sat, Nov 17 HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS – ENCHANTED KINGDOM Take a snowy footstep into the Enchanted Kingdom’s brand new Christmas Grotto, Hereford’s best Christmas attraction. After two extremely successful years at Maylord Shopping Centre Hereford, they have very own permanent premises there. In addition to their new Christmas experience, they will be bringing numerous other live, interactive experiences throughout the year. Surround yourself in the magic of one of the world’s most beloved Christmas tales… How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Upon entering the Enchanted Kingdom you will be swept away to Whoville to watch a LIVE performance featuring Cindy-Lou Who and […]

The Crown Inn at Woolhope in Herefordshire has been named the UK’s Best Cider Pub in the John Smith’s Great British Pub Awards. The Herefordshire based local was honoured at a gala ceremony at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel on Thursday 6th September after beating off competition from all over the UK. The judges were particularly impressed with The Crown Inn having won the Morning Advertiser’s Cider Pub of the Year for the last two years running. The pub features more than 36 local ciders and perries, available on bottle and draught, all sourced within 15 miles of its location. The pub also looks to bring together local food and drink and offers a five-course set menu which matches food with wines, ciders and perries. The awards – organised by pub industry bible The Morning Advertiser – celebrate the best in the business across more than 20 different categories, covering everything from the UK’s Best Beer Pub, Best Family Pub and Best Food Pub, to the UK’s overall Pub of the Year award. Prestigious gongs are also given to the UK’s Best Pub Garden, Best Newcomer, Best Live Entertainment, and even the nation’s Best LGBTQ+ drinking hole. Morning Advertiser Editor Ed […]

 LUDLOW FOOD FESTIVAL RETURNS THIS SEPTEMBER WITH A STELLAR LINE UP  Headliners include Wahaca founder Thomasina Miers, Saturday Kitchen regular Brad Carter and multi-award winning food writer Rachel Roddy, Michelin starred chefs and over 180 different food and drink producers  Friday 7 – Sunday 9 September – Ludlow Castle, Shropshire Ludlow Food Festival returns with a bang this September with a superb line-up of special guests alongside a huge range of top quality food and drink producers from across the Welsh Marches. Set in the beautiful ruins of Ludlow’s medieval Castle, Ludlow Food Festival was first established 24 years ago and is the oldest annual food festival in the UK. This year’s line up includes: Wahaca founder Thomasina Miers; gardener Alys Fowler and the London Honey Company’s Steve Benbow; Bristol based-chefs and writers Claire Thomson (5 O’Clock Apron) and Romy Gill MBE (Romy’s Kitchen); Rome based award-winning food writer and author Rachel Roddy; and Observer Food Magazine editor Allan Jenkins. Chefs and food experts from the Marches area include Andy Link from the Riverside Inn at Aymestry – recently awarded Visit England Tourism Pub of the Year – and Karl Martin from the acclaimed Old Downton Lodge. Other confirmed names […]

Hereford College of Arts Fine Art Summer Show 2018 called ‘Common Room’, is an exhibition of artwork by thirteen postgraduate students of the MA Fine Art course and is open in an unusual venue for showing contemporary art. The exhibition showcases diverse multi-disciplinary artistic practice at two pop-up venues in Hereford, in partnership with the Maylord Shopping Centre and Hereford BID and with the kind support of Hereford Cathedral, bringing the students’ work into the heart of the city. See the exhibition at 3 & 7 Gomond Street, Maylord Orchards, Hereford. The title of the exhibition, ‘Common Room’, refers to a shared creative space where the artists come together to swap ideas and make work. This space is now the MA studios at HCA but was once a real-life common room for staff when the building was part of the Royal National College for the Blind and the braille print used on the posters reflects this. When the art students moved in, they discovered a braille sign that remained in place from the room’s previous use and they adopted the title ‘Common Room’ for their shared practice. Artwork shown in the exhibition uses mixed media and interdisciplinary practices – and […]

Brobury House & Gardens win National Garden Award Congratulations to Brobury House & Gardens on winning Horticulture Week Custodian Award. Shortlisted months ago for the prestigious Custodian Award for their magnificent Herefordshire Gardens. The Horticulture Week Custodian Awards were held at Woburn Abbey –  it was announced Brobury House & Gardens were the winners in the Best Gardens or Arboretum category 1-5 staff, against stiff national competition. The Horticulture Week Custodian Awards honour the achievements of professionals that make the UK’s parks and gardens the vital and vibrant places they are today, ensuring those achievements are recognised by the industry’s customers, clients and stakeholders. Management achievement is recognised with categories celebrating outstanding work across all areas of activity including restoration and redevelopment, on-going management and maintenance, partnership working, volunteer and community engagement, and more. Learn more about the awards and winners Why not take visit these wonderful gardens which are open all year round and see for yourself. With the gorgeous Summer we are having the gardens are at their absolute stunning best, so take the family and a bring a picnic, stay awhile and enjoy the views. More about Brobury House.

This year celebrates 60 Years of the Royal Three Counties Show We’ve put together the key events for each decade at the Three Counties Showground 1958-1968 The first show was held at the permanent site of the Three Counties Showground at the foot of the Malvern Hills in 1958. The show was honoured by an attendance by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.  A five-year schedule of works was undertaken including the laying of permanent trackways, installation of water, electricity and other utilities and the building of a permanent office block and council room. 2018 Sixty years on, the site has grown to encompass 298 acres including a range of permanent buildings, a woodland and a lake. 1968 – 1978 In 1968 the show welcomed Her Majesty the Queen. She spent four hours at the show, spending time viewing the livestock and casting a knowledgeable eye over the Corgi class. 2018 The Royal Three Counties Show has welcomed, and continues to welcome, members of the Royal Family.  This year Her Majesty, The Queen has entered two of her own horses into Equine classes. The Three Counties Championship Dog Show has grown in popularity and size to the extent that it now has its […]

John McGuinness and James Whitham are on the road – for a series of up-close-and-personal shows and coming to Hereford at thePoint4. McGuinness, the twenty three time Isle of Man TT winner and Whitham, the former world superbike racer turned TV pundit will be appearing at six venues across the country in October and November this year. The shows are a rip-roaring romp through the wonderful world and sporting achievement of John McGuinness, recent events have received rave reviews. James Whitham, an expert on motorbike racing James conducts the interview with John as well as an audience question and answer session. MJK sports events work regularly with both and the interview and on stage chemistry between John and James is fantastic. James covers everything in the interview in a way that brings out the best in John and the chemistry between them is nothing short of hilarious. On the night you will also be taken round a lap of the TT course via the big screens with commentary by none other than John McGuinness himself and an added bonus is John brings along a couple of his famous bikes that have carried him to victory. We are delighted to offer […]