Sue Field heads to Herefordshire, the border county where the wonderful grassland makes for great smallholding…

The song “Go West” by Village People (with a later version by the Pet Shop Boys) encourages
a sense of adventure, togetherness, and the pursuit of a better life. It epitomises a desire to leave behind your current circumstances and embark on a journey to the west, symbolizing a fresh start and a new beginning. Perfect sentiments for smallholders seeking a new life in rural Herefordshire.

Herefordshire is a county on the Welsh borders and is predominantly comprised of pasture land where agriculture and nature are very important. Most people will be aware of the famous Hereford cattle, one of the oldest native British breeds, with their white faces and deep red coats. Primarily a beef cattle, they are a versatile breed who produce top quality beef on the rich pastures in the county.

With good road networks and ideally situated for easy access to the rest of the country, Herefordshire has a great deal to offer. Bordered by Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Shropshire on the English side and Monmouthshire and Powys on the Welsh side, the county lies in the West Midlands.

FAMOUS AND INFAMOUS SNIPPETS FROM HEREFORDSHIRE
As touched on, Bulmers Cider has the world’s largest cider factory in Hereford and just maybe has resulted in quite a few sore heads over the years! Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Cookie monster and Yoda (Star Wars) were all born in the county. Well, their co-creator, Frank Oz, was born here in 1944. The rock musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, was created by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd-Webber who holed up in a secluded hotel in the late 60’s to formulate the multi million-pound stage and screen show.

Sporting prowess is not high on the list of Herefordshire’s attributes but Hereford United did manage to grab the headlines in 1992 by having the most players sent off during a match from one team!

With its undulating hills and valleys, lush green pastures and enchanting towns and villages, Going West to find that better life looks very tempting.

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