Project Scope:

HCBID is seeking proposals from qualified and experienced businesses to provide creative PR campaigns to support the promotion of Herefordshire as a premier destination for tourism and leisure. This tender invites agencies or individuals with a proven track record in destination PR and Reel creation to submit detailed proposals.

Budget:

• 1 January 2026 until 31 December 2026 – 12-month budget
• A maximum of £60,000 has been allocated to PR and weekly Reel creation (exclusive of VAT).

How to Apply:

• Expressions of Interest – If you are considering applying for this tender, please register your expression of interest to Diane Mansell, CEO of Herefordshire County BID Ltd, at diane@herefordshirecountybid.co.uk
• Questions or clarifications – must be submitted to Diane Mansell, CEO of Herefordshire County BID Ltd, at diane@herefordshirecountybid.co.uk no later than 31 October 2025 11.59pm.
• Deadline – All tenders must be submitted electronically to Diane Mansell, CEO of Herefordshire County BID Ltd, at diane@herefordshirecountybid.co.uk no later than 14 November 2025 11.59pm.

Find out more here.

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Not just one but two of the lovely, and quite different properties, were listed by Country & Classic Properties.
While the show did not feature Diana Lee, director and owner of Country & Classic, her dedication was evident as she went out of her way to profile her clients’ homes for sale, ensuring they were presented in the best possible light to a national audience.

The episode showcased both properties’ unique charm, highlighting their character, countryside appeal, and the lifestyle offered to prospective buyers. Country & Classic’s attention to detail and commitment to their clients were evident in the way the homes were presented for filming. Diana Lee’s personal involvement underscored the company’s ethos: a client-first approach that combines professional expertise with genuine care.

This television exposure not only brought attention to Herefordshire and the properties themselves but also reinforces Country & Classic’s reputation as a trusted estate agent for discerning buyers seeking distinctive rural homes

For Country & Classic, the Escape to the Country feature highlights their ability to go above and beyond for clients, helping properties stand out in the spotlight while maintaining the professionalism and integrity that has become their hallmark in the estate agency sector.
https://www.countryandclassic.co.uk/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002kw1j/escape-to-the-country-series-26-8-herefordshire

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The Baton of Hope, a specially designed baton symbolising the importance of open conversations about suicide, will be carried through the city by volunteers whose lives have been touched by suicide. The Hereford leg of the nationwide tour is one of many stops across the UK, uniting people in a shared mission: to reduce stigma around mental health, raise awareness, and save lives.

A community coming together

• In conjunction with Talk Community and Herefordshire Council, the Baton will be welcomed to Hereford with a day of activity involving local schools, businesses, and community groups. The route will pass key landmarks in the city, giving residents the chance to see and support it. Starting with a tractor run from the Hereford Livestock Market, the main walking route commences at Herefordshire, Ludlow & North Shropshire College, travels through the city, and ends at Hereford Town Hall around 5pm — where there will be a celebration and creative showcase lead by students from Hereford College of Arts.

Expect community displays, the “Hunt for Hope” trail for under-5s, activity in public spaces, and messages or notes of hope made by local schoolchildren.

“This is about more than one day,” said Ben Wilson from Baton of Hope. “It’s about creating lasting change, giving people the confidence to talk about suicide, and making sure support is there when it’s needed most. By bringing the Baton to Hereford, we hope to inspire honest conversations and show that together, we can make a difference.”

How to get involved

Baton of Hope invites local people, businesses, and organisations across Herefordshire to be part of this important day:

• Community groups and schools can join the route, host events, or welcome the Baton with creative displays and activities.
• Businesses can pledge support by encouraging conversations in the workplace, hosting awareness events, or lighting up their buildings in Baton of Hope colours.
• Residents are encouraged to line the route, follow updates on social media, and share their messages of support.

Why it matters

Every year in the UK, thousands of families are affected by suicide – the biggest killer of men under 45 and of young people under 35. Baton of Hope’s mission is to ensure suicide prevention is a national priority, and that everyone knows it’s okay to talk about suicidal thoughts and to seek help.

For more information on the Hereford event, including the Baton’s route and how to take part, visit www.batonofhopeuk.org, email BatonOfHopeHereford@herefordshire.gov.uk or follow @BatonOfHopeUK on social media.

For more on Talk Community https://www.talkcommunity.co.uk/keeping-well-staying-healthy/baton-of-hope-2025/

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Herefordshire charity Vennture has appointed Jon Roberts as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective 1 August 2025.
Jon, a father of four from North Herefordshire, brings 30 years of policing experience, including senior safeguarding roles at national and regional levels. He will help lead the charity, alongside CEO Rob Thomas and trustees, and expand its work with vulnerable adults, families and care-experienced young people. This newly created role comes as the charity sector faces falling funding, rising costs, and soaring demand. Paul Ballard, Vennture’s Chair of Trustees says these challenges can also create opportunities for innovation, including shaping Vennture programmes and the ways in which the charity is funded.

Rob Thomas commented: “Jon’s exceptional safeguarding experience, combined with his deep commitment to our community, will be invaluable as we continue to grow. Jon’s appointment significantly strengthens Vennture’s leadership at a pivotal time. His expertise positions us to grow our impact, work more strategically with public agencies, and ensure we are ready to deliver against emerging policy priorities and commissioning opportunities. This is a key step in making Vennture an even stronger, more effective partner for the communities we serve.”

Vennture is known through programmes such as Street Pastors, Lean-on-Me, Family Pastors, and Ambassadors—relational, volunteer-led initiatives helping those facing crisis, homelessness, or vulnerability. The charity supported 174 families, 164 individuals, and provided emergency accommodation to dozens during 2024.

Anyone interested in finding out more visit: Home – Vennture

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Conceived as a community development project in 2020, the festival’s commitment to the local area led to the formation of a steering group in 2023, with members drawn from Herefordshire’s education, tourism, literature and business sectors, local and national press, and the armed forces. In early 2025 a crowdfunding campaign was launched, initiating partnerships and sponsorships with many organisations and individuals in the area, embedding the festival into the fabric of the city.

Although the festival is deeply-rooted in Herefordshire, it has been designed to compete on a global stage. To ensure excellence across its programming, the steering group appointed Hand Held Events to produce and manage the festival, one of Britain’s leading festival management consultancies, led by Lyndy Cooke, MD of Hay Festival for 20 years, and Jo James, who advises for Cheltenham Literary Festivals and numerous other UK festivals.

Speaking on the festival’s innovative partnership model, Founder and Festival Director Christian Dangerfield said: “As the first literary festival in the UK dedicated to military history, we recognised from the start that we needed to build a solid base of support in the county, in order to attract audiences from further afield in future years, and we are very lucky to have been able to plug into Herefordshire’s amazing community spirit.”

The festival’s headline sponsor is Hereford-based allpay, one of the county’s leading employers. As a business, allpay prides itself on simplifying payments, positioning itself as a leading payments specialist in the UK. On its sponsorship of the festival, allpay said: “As a proud Herefordshire-based business, we are delighted to support the inaugural Hereford Military History Festival. This unique event not only celebrates our region’s deep-rooted military heritage but also creates an important space for thoughtful dialogue about the impact of conflict, past and present. At allpay, we believe in supporting initiatives that bring communities together and provoke meaningful conversation, values which are clearly at the heart of this exciting new festival.”

Three further partners, integral to supporting the festival’s economic commitment to the area, helped shape first-year plans and continue to give promotional support. Hereford City BID, which was formed to reinvigorate the city centre, support local businesses and help Hereford regain its standing as a top destination for shoppers and tourists; Herefordshire County BID, a county-wide business-led, not-for-profit organisation focused on enhancing the economic and commercial vitality of Herefordshire’s tourism sector; and Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, which provides business and industry support across the two counties.

Support for our veterans community is a key part of the festival’s mission. Hereford has played an extraordinary role in Britain’s military history, which lives on today. A garrison town for over 2,000 years, 25% of its current population are still connected to the armed forces, either as serving personnel and their families, veterans or contracted suppliers. As a result of this, many of the partnering organisations are founded by former servicepeople.

Examples include Selection Brewery which was founded by three SAS veterans with a shared passion for brewing and adventure; Ridgmont Holdings which supports veteran-owned businesses and enables entrepreneurs to realise their aspirations; X-Calibre Mental Health, a training provider aimed at educating former and current service personnel about mental health, founded by military veteran and life coach Paul Vicary; and Help for Heroes which provides veterans with carefully tailored and holistic support for their physical and mental health.

Many partners based in Hereford are also actively engaged with supplying military defence services, including Spectra Group, Global RadioData Communication (GRC), the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE), defence suppliers Level Peaks, and cyber security specialists Sutton House.

On the subject of Hereford’s rich military history, Christian Dangerfield said: “The festival will celebrate and honour the proud military heritage of Hereford and of Britain more widely, and will provide a platform for world-class authors and speakers to talk about and debate all aspects of global military history in an open, balanced and apolitical environment.”

The festival is pledging 10% of the value of all ticket sales to the Herefordshire Veteran Support Centre, which was established in 2019 to provide support to the county’s large community of former military service personnel. In partnership with Spectra Group, the festival is also launching the Spectra Veterans Series, a special line-up of events created specifically for the Armed Forces Community. Tickets on sale now benefit from a £3 reduction in published price of £8 to £5 as recognition of being part of this community.

The festival also hopes to support and promote the county’s agricultural sectors, which are a big part of the local economy. Herefordshire has an incredible range of almost 150 independent food and drink producers, from cheese and beef to cider and beer. The festival provides a great opportunity to showcase these producers. As its hotel and hospitality partner, the Green Dragon Hotel on Broad Street will be offering a discounted dinner package on the Friday and Saturday of the festival (£35 for two courses with wine and coffee), while daytime food options will be available at The Yard in Aubrey Street and the Left Bank on the River Wye.

Also partnering with the festival are a range of organisations committed to assisting the growth of local businesses. These include Ducketts, a chartered accountant and business growth specialist; Herefordshire Means Business, an open business network offering support sessions and breakfast drop-ins; Rose Regeneration, who support businesses to access grants and develop projects; local estate agents Jackson Property; cyber security specialists North Tower Consulting; production company and award-winning charity Rural Media; and e-cargo bike manufacturers and operators MotoCargo and Pedicargo Delivery Service. Printing house and marketing agency Orphans Press have also been integral early partners.

It’s not just businesses who benefit from the festival’s network of partners, but also local schools and pupils. The festival will deliver an inspiring programme of events for 250 pupils for 10 schools in the city, including workshops (with NMITE and others) around code-breaking, drones and other cutting-edge technology.

Speaking on the impact these local partners and sponsors have had on the festival, Christian Dangerfield said: “The development and delivery of the festival has only been possible because it is a highly collaborative team effort, drawing on the skills and experience of a wide range of specialists and committed supporters. The biggest lessons for me personally have been the power of successful community organisation and the motivating power of a unifying vision which is rooted in our collective history and heritage.”

The inaugural programme combines a unique mix of historical insight into some of the world’s most important military episodes, local and regional stories from Herefordshire and beyond, and conversations around war in the 21st Century and the impact of conflicts on our lives today. Featuring internationally renowned writers and thinkers, including Philippe Sands, Sir Antony Beevor, Tessa Dunlop, Larry Lamb, Clare Mulley, Hilary Meredith Beckham, Ben Macintyre and many more, the rich and varied programme will provide a thorough exploration of global military history, showcasing key figures, human stories and the unusual aspects of war.

Website: https://www.herefordmilitaryhistoryfestival.com

Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/military-history-festival

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Herefordshire Council announced McPhillips as its official construction partner on the Hereford Transport Hub project, part of a wider scheme of transport and travel improvements around the city.

As well as new bus stands and layovers, taxi and car parking areas, including commuter and short-term parking, the Hub will provide indoor welfare facilities for passengers and covered cycle facilities and lockers to encourage commuter cycle parking.

The Hub will enhance the area around the station while also encouraging a shift away from reliance on cars, providing an easy-to-use, reliable link to bus and rail, as well as cycling and walking in the city.

Andrew Dunham, McPhillips contracts director, said the project was a great investment in the future of the city.

“Having worked on significant public realm and transport projects over the years for different local authorities, we know how transformative these spaces can be.

“We have a genuine commitment to improving our local communities and the team at McPhillips is looking forward to delivering a hub which will make moving around the city easier and more sustainable for everyone.”

Cllr Philip Price, cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said: “Once complete, the Hub will provide accessible, safe and green transport connections, boosting health and wellbeing, reducing congestion and improving air quality. We look forward to working with McPhillips to deliver a modern and outstanding Hub for Hereford.”

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Featuring internationally renowned writers and thinkers, including Philippe Sands, Clare Mulley, Conn Iggulden, Tessa Dunlop and David Beckham’s stepmother Hilary Meredith-Beckham, the rich and varied programme will provide a thorough exploration of global military history, showcasing key figures, human stories and the unusual aspects of war. The festival, which is made possible by headline sponsor allpay, will become a place for intelligent conversations about conflict, and the lessons the past holds for current moments of geopolitical instability.

From the Pre-Raphaelite painters’ secret regiment of artists to the only female resistance fighter to parachute into Nazi-occupied Poland; from a young Emperor Nero’s bloody rise in Ancient Rome to the human impact of the war in Ukraine, the Hereford Military History Festival offers something for everyone. Tickets are now on sale for:

1. Philippe Sands: 38 Londres Street. A blend of personal memoir, historical detective work and gripping courtroom drama, Sands will be discussing his later book with Julia Wheeler, which links former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet to a fugitive SS officer.
2. Conn Iggulden: Tyrant. The historical fiction specialist Conn Iggulden will be exploring the second novel in his new trilogy, which finds newly-crowned Emperor Nero fending off court rivals whilst embracing his fate as the most feared ruler in Roman history.
3. Tessa Dunlop: Lest We Forget.From her latest book, historian Tessa Dunlop examines how we remember the past, and what our war memorials and the people they commemorate tells us about our history and ourselves.
4. Tim Bouverie and Nicholas Soames: Allies at War. Churchill’s grandson Nicholas Soames in conversation with bestselling historian Tim Bouverie about his latest book, Allies at War, a landmark history of the alliance that won the war and made the peace.
5. Jenn Stout and Anna Reid: Ukraine: The Human Impact. Two bestselling authors discuss the impact of war in Ukraine from the early twentieth century to the present, unpicking the past and present of this bloody and complex borderland.
6. Clare Mulley: Agent Zo. Mulley will be discussing her Women’s Prize-shortlisted book which tells the incredible story of courageous resistance fighter Elżbieta Zawacka, AKA ‘Zo’, the only woman to parachute from Britain to Nazi German-occupied Poland.
7. Hilary Meredith-Beckham: Military Lawyer and step mother of a famous footballer, Hilary is widely regarded as the leading military solicitor in the UK with decades of experience representing service personnel and veterans.
8. Patrick Baty: Artists Rifles. The leading British historian of architectural paint will explore the most curious regiment in the British Army, formed in 1860 by a group of painters, architects, poets, sculptors, musicians and actors including the Pre-Raphaelites.
9. Damien Lewis: SAS Great Escapes Four. Damien Lewis’ latest book recounts the escape of three SAS captains from an Italian POW camp in 1943, a hazardous journey across occupied Europe aided by Dutch resistance networks, and a tense return to Britain.
10. Kate Adie: Dinner with Kate Adie. An evening of conversation over great food and wine with the legendary correspondent, Kate will surprise and enlighten us as she recounts her experiences to Julia Wheeler.

Made possible by headline sponsor allpay, the festival’s events will be set across historic venues including Hereford Cathedral, The Green Dragon Hotel, Hereford Town Hall and the newly-refurbished Castle Green Pavilion, tickets for the next 10 events are on sale now, alongside the first five events announced, including Sir Antony Beevor, Ben Macintyre and Daniel Finkelstein.

Website: https://www.herefordmilitaryhistoryfestival.com

Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/military-history-festival

The inaugural programme combines a unique mix of historical insight into some of the world’s most devastating military events, local and regional stories from Herefordshire and beyond, and conversations around war in the 21st Century and the impact of conflicts on our lives today. Steeped in history, Hereford is the perfect setting for the new festival, having been a military stronghold for over two millennia — from Roman legions to the SAS.

Founder and CEO Christian Dangerfield said: “We started thinking about the festival in 2020, a long time before defence and geopolitics came back into focus in such a big way. The SAS garrison on the edge of the city, with helicopters going to and for, are a constant reminder of what’s going on in the world. Lyndy Cooke and Jo James of Handheld Events have put together a terrific speaker programme and I think the range and diversity of the talks will be very thought-provoking and stimulating. I would like to think that we will make a positive contribution to the current debate and that the festival will frame the re-evaluation of Britain’s role in the emerging landscape in an intelligent and multi-dimensional context.”

Headline sponsor allpay said: “Supporting the Hereford Military History Festival as headline sponsor is a natural fit for allpay. As a business rooted in Herefordshire, we’re proud to back an event that honours service, sacrifice, and community. It’s a privilege to stand behind those who have given so much.”

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Abbie shared the story of Wye Valley Brewery’s brand refresh and what it really takes to modernise a brand while staying true to its heritage. From focus groups, field research, to the power of storytelling, Abbie’s message was clear – people buy people. Listening to them – customers, stakeholders and your own team – is more important than ever.

Abbie highlighted how Wye Valley Brewery leaned into customer feedback, ran hands-on focus groups and didn’t shy away from difficult questions. Branding changes should be built upon genuine dialogue. The result? A series of products that not only looks better but connects in a deeper way.

The Marketing Meetup events are the perfect vehicle to share those all-important ideas. As a national organisation, TMM has created the marketing version of TED Talks. It is a great opportunity to meet, chat, connect and share. As Fiona Brennan, the organiser of the Worcester TMM events said:

“As someone who dreads walking into a room full of strangers to make small talk, setting up The Marketing Meetup in Worcester has been nothing short of fabulous.

“The marketing community in Worcester is so welcoming. I’ve had people tell me how they came nervous and left with friends. For me, that’s at the heart of what TMM does.

“Worcester often gets overlooked for events. It’s great to bring people together, share stories and find out the exciting work that’s going on in this city.”

The event also gave Nifty Comms a chance to underline their commitment to the local marketing community. With attendees from agencies, freelancers, in-house teams and start-ups, the room was full of energy, ideas, stories and perhaps the odd glass of wine.

“Connecting, sharing and learning from and with other marketers is a win-win in our game. I loved the first Marketing Meet-up I attended and had to get involved. It was a pleasure to introduce our client, Abbie from Wye Valley Brewery who was a fantastic key-note speaker and to showcase the Vinegar Works as a collaborative space. I’m looking forward to helping with the next one already,” said Rachel Collison, Head of PR and Operations at Nifty Communications.

The spirit of the Marketing Meetup is one of collaboration and inclusivity – a genuine opportunity to share, learn and build. As Abbie Gadd says, “People buy people”.

Missed this one? Don’t worry the next one is planned for September. If last week’s event was anything to go by, then you really can’t afford to miss out.

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From a hands-on blacksmithing experience and divine woodland accommodation through to miniature farm animals and the cosiest of pubs, our winners all offer visitors something unique.

Special mention goes to The Riverside at Aymestrey which scooped both the Taste of Herefordshire Award and the Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Award, before being crowned the Visit Herefordshire Business of the Year.

Take a look at our winners and start planning your next trip – https://www.visitherefordshire.co.uk/inspiration/best-herefordshire 

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• Crowd funder
We need money upfront to pay for the licence, insurance and deposits for our contractors, & have set a £5,000 target. You can fundraise in any way you see fit, be it a pub quiz, jumble sale or sponsored walk, make it a community event, or just donate what you can afford to help HRC 2025 be bigger and better.
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/hereford-river-carnival-2025
• Volunteers
Register your interest in assisting at the Hereford River Carnival 2025. We need helping hands and smiling faces for HRC 25 happening on Saturday 17th May. Come and be part of the crew and the magic. If you have skills we can use in our event planning process please get in touch too!
Register here: www.rivercarnival.org Just scroll down and hit the VOLUTEERS button
• Advertising in the Souvenir Programme
We are publishing a Souvenir programme to with all the info on what’s happening at this year’s Carnival, this will be distributed in the Easter Holidays and handed out at the event. The programme is colourful and much prized by the attendees. If you want to advertise prices start as little as £25 to get you noticed and it shows your support for this fabulous community event.
Check out the deals on our website www.rivercarnival.org scroll down to the ‘Advertise with us’ button.

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