Barely two weeks on from the early news of the final US withdrawal from Afghanistan, the scenes of suffering and bloodshed, and the fears of local people for the future, have been absolutely heartbreaking.

We are now in the last month before NMITE opens its doors for the first time on September 6th. It is incredibly exciting to think that an institution is about to be born that--with our continued collective love and support--could lift the economy and well-being of Herefordshire and the Marches forever.

The pandemic has been a very difficult time for the whole country. But if one of its consequences is that more people across the UK come to Herefordshire and visit Ross-on-Wye, that could be a real boost for local businesses and tourism.

I am delighted to write about the wonderful news that Hereford has been awarded £22.4 million from the Stronger Towns Fund. I got a hint of it when I welcomed the Secretary of State for Housing, Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, to open the terrific new Shell Store at Rotherwas a week before the announcement.

In February 1825 the poet Thomas Campbell wrote a remarkable open letter, in which he drew attention to the fact that there was no higher education of any description in London, and he called for the creation of a London University.  

The days ahead certainly look brighter, as we enjoy some warmer weather at last; and slowly, tentatively start to make plans following the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown. 

Last week saw something of a landmark for Hereford and for Herefordshire: the Stronger Towns Fund board submitted its bid for £25 million of regeneration funding for Hereford.

Rome wasn't built in a day, and Gazette readers will be as delighted as I am at the news that full fibre optic broadband is coming to Ross-on-Wye. And the digital transformation of Herefordshire that began in 2010 continues elsewhere across the county as well.  

As readers will know, ever since I first called for a university in Herefordshire in 2008, I have been working to make it happen.