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Herefordshire Lore were overwhelmed by the turnout and support by the people of Herefordshire, who made Hereford History Day such a success.

Thanks to everyone who came along, and especially the people who worked so hard to showcase the diverse and amazing history that we are so lucky to have around us.

Civic Parade through Hereford City Centre to announce the start of Hereford History Day 2023

We estimate that up to a thousand visitors arrived at the Town Hall on Saturday 23rd for Hereford History Day 2023.  Organised by Herefordshire Lore, the event has been described as a “triumph”.

“Wonderful day, rich in heritage and community spirit. Great to see our Town Hall bursting with life and history too” – Nic Millington CEO The Rural Media Company

Officially opened with a civic procession through the city, with the Mayor and High Sheriff in attendance, the day got off to a great start. Eighteen stallholders from history and heritage organisations across the city reported huge interest, while crowds of people wanted to know if it would be happening again next year.

Guest speaker Nick Barratt from ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ sponsored by Herefordshire Family History Society

Our guest speaker, Nick Barratt, from BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are programme received a rapturous welcome. The Elizabethan History Slam added some light-hearted drama over ownership of the Wye. The award of the Betty Webb Memorial Cup for Hereford’s Young Historian was warmly received and the winners a credit to their schools and parents.

Herefordshire Lore’s Peter Mayne, with some items from his Secret Post Office Museum

Joseph Brown winner of the Betty Webb Memorial Cup for Hereford’s Young Historian

Hereford History Day was organised by Herefordshire Lore with support and funding from Hereford City Council, Herefordshire’s Family History Society, Wye Valley Brewery and Jackson Property.

It was a hugely successful day, pulled off by a team of volunteers.

Young People from Close House who helped leafleting during the parade through Hereford Town Centre

The Mayor’s Officer, John Marshall (front first row) with Mayor Cllr Jacqui Carwardine (second row second from left), Junior Mayor Zuzanna Zarebska (second row third right)  together with the High Sheriff of Herefordshire Robert Robinson (second row far right).

Photographs: © Christopher Preece 2023

Read more about was offered at Hereford History Day 2023

Watch Herefordshire Lore’s ‘Hereford History Day Slideshow’ with photos from our archive of ‘Made in Hereford’ produced by our Christopher Preece:

See the photographs from Hereford History Day 2023:

Thanks to our sponsors for Hereford History Day 2023:

Obituary Betty Webb BEM, committee member

We are very sad announce the death of our much-loved, and long-standing committee member, Betty Webb, who died last month. She will be greatly missed by us all.

London-born Betty was a reluctant evacuee. Having lost her Mum in a wartime bus accident in which she was also badly injured, the 16-year-old was sent to Hereford where her brother was with the RAF. He found her digs at 11 Hopton Road and the Labour Exchange found her shop work. “But the shop only paid £1/7s a week and the digs cost 6d more.” Betty went back to the Exchange who found her war-work at Barronia Metals. “They paid £3 a week!”

The mother of six girls, Betty was a firm believer in women’s rights: “In the old days you were dependent on a man. For everything. And that was awful.”

Betty had a worked on the fruit and veg stall in the Butter Market for over 20 years. She was presented with the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Jubilee Awards which acknowledged her many years as a volunteer with the British Heart Foundation. Betty was a testament, at her great age, to fortitude, survival, and lack of self-pity. She will be greatly missed.