I am music-mad, whether singing, listening or (incompetently) playing, but I don't need to tell Gazette readers that one of the greatest joys of Herefordshire is its music.

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.  

He once took the wicket of the legendary Tom Graveney. He was one of this country's top polo players. He designed one of the first electric taxis. He competed at Cowes for fifty years. He was President of the National Playing Fields Association for over six decades, trebling the size of its green fields. He had an exceptional war record.

The presentation of the Budget is one of the great occasions in the parliamentary calendar.

I am thrilled to hear that plans are progressing well to bring the amazing Knife Angel to Hereford Cathedral this summer. The 3.5-ton sculpture is expected to arrive in Hereford on Monday 14th June, and depart on 12th July 2021.

I love wild swimming, and readers in and around Ross-on-Wye will need no reminding that the River Wye is one of the great glories of Herefordshire and the Marches. Yet the river is under serious threat from phosphate pollution.

The office of High Sheriff is the oldest secular office under the Crown.  Historically, the High Sheriff was the monarch's personal representative in judicial matters, while the Lord Lieutenant acted for the monarch in a personal or military capacity. 

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.