I am constantly amazed by the generosity of many Herefordians.

It might be the Street Pastors, who help people who’ve had a bit too much to drink in the small hours on Friday and Saturday nights, or the brilliant team who support young people at Close House, or dozens of other local groups.

We have so many people who give up their time to help others and support vital projects and causes.

Over the summer I held a big strawberry tea party at my house in the city to celebrate the achievements of local volunteers right across my constituency, from Hay to Hereford to Ross-on-Wye. Talking to many of them about the spirit and energy behind their work that afternoon was hugely inspiring.

And I had a chance to see that spirit and energy just recently on two occasions.

The first was when I joined the team helping to clean up Castle Pool.

The Pool—really the old castle moat—is one of the most picturesque spots in Hereford, with generations having visited to feed the ducks and enjoy the scenery.  But it had become almost entirely covered in green duckweed and algae, and the banks full of litter.

So last week a group got together to help with a clear up. The place was full of volunteers of every age—including the Tupsley and Credenhill scouts--working away, cutting away undergrowth and cleaning up the flower beds.

There was a real community atmosphere; and as always, it was great fun.

Special credit must go to the event’s organisers, and to the Castle House Hotel staff, who laid on sensational soup, sausage rolls, tea and biscuits.

I also had the pleasure of joining Emma Jones and her brilliant band of volunteers on their litter pick off the Three Elms Road last Friday.

It is such a gorgeous park, but the litter is an ugly blight on the area.  Stuart Anderson and I must have pulled 100 bottles and 15 large sheets of plastic out of the Yazor Brook alone!

The litter pick made a huge difference. So, if you have an hour or so to spare, why not get involved?

There will be a group meeting outside Asda in Hereford at 11 am on 15th October, and another on 21st October at the Starting Gate Beefeater pub car park, at the same time.

More details can found online here: https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/info/200226/report_a_problem/107/litter/4