Our craft group had a mixed craft day. We could have a go at needle-felting or build on our new crochet skills, with a bit of show-and-tell thrown in.

It was UBWI's 107th birthday celebration this month. Members took part enthusiastically in a circle dancing demonstration presented by Annet Hawkins and Gill from Ross Circle Dancers. Annet taught 5 different dances, one of which could be done in hand gestures alone for seated members. There was a lot of hilarity whenever the steps went wrong, and that added to the fun. The dancing was followed by refreshments, including a delicious chocolate birthday cake made by Lindsay, who cut the cake while we all sang “Happy Birthday”. 

We meet on the second Tuesday of each month, 7-9pm at The Hub, St Mary’s Garden Village, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 7WP. New members are always welcome, entry donation of £5, cake and raffle. We look forward to seeing you. For details and to find out more about the numerous activities organised by the National and Herefordshire Federations of WIs, contact Contact Details on PDF copy on Home Page

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UPTON BISHOP NEWS 

200 CLUB DRAW FOR MAY

Harry & Jo Fields  £20,  Guy Cooper £10,  Jane Ayres £5

BEST WISHES to everyone who is not too well, or who is undergoing or waiting for treatment.

2026 ANNUAL PARISH MEETING 

Residents were given a resume of everything that has happened in the village at the 2026 Annual Parish meeting, which was held on May 26th. It has been a busy year for Upton Bishop with a produce show, Christmas fayre, quiz and bingo evenings, dramatic and musical performances and regular monthly sports and social events and church activities. Mark Rusby, who chaired the APM, thanked everyone who has contributed to village life over the last year. He highlighted the work of the councillors who have commented on planning applications, overseen tasks undertaken by the lengthsman and submitted papers to Herefordshire to try to improve the state of the highways across the parish. The council were also able to draw extra funding from Herefordshire Council to complete a major repair of a culvert on Mulhampton Lane. Away from the roads, there has also been more extensive work carried out to improve footpaths and byways. This has included opening pathways, repairing stiles, installing gates and steps.

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PARISH COUNCIL MEETING ON JUNE 9TH 

Five councillors, the clerk, and ten members of the public attended the Parish Council meeting. The minutes of the May meeting were approved. The ward councillor’s report is on the website.

A member of the public was concerned about a tree growing in bushes adjacent to the road towards Old Gore, which is a potential hazard. It will be investigated and dealt with by the lengthsman if appropriate.nIn response to a question, it was confirmed that a councillor who fails to attend any council meetings for a continuous period of six months will be disqualified unless the absence has been approved by the council.

Councillors considered the Internal Audit Report from Mulberry Local Authority Services Ltd for the year ended 31 March 2026, and noted the findings. The Annual Governance Statement was approved and the Chair and Clerk/RFO were authorised to sign it on behalf of the council. The accounting statements were approved and signed. Public inspection of the accounts will be from June 15th to July 24th and the Clerk was authorised to submit the completed AGAR to PKF Littlejohn by 30 June 2026. The clerk was thanked for all her work in preparing the accounts. The Council is preparing VAT refund claims totalling  £1,968.99

The annual insurance renewal with Zurich Municipal was approved. Ownership of the allotment sheds needs further investigation. The lengthsman has been cutting grass and ensuring road signs are visible. Following a direct approach to the lengthsman from a parishioner, the public are asked to raise all issues about the lengthsman with the Council. The Council is applying for a £1,239.76 Public Rights of Way grant for five sites in the village

A proposed Public Path Diversion Order has been submitted for Footpath UB14. Substantive consideration and any response to Herefordshire Council was deferred to the July 2026 meeting pending Cllr Parr’s return as Parish Footpaths Officer. Response deadline is July 15th.

Councillors considered the relocation of the village defibrillator currently hosted at the Moody Cow, following the landlord’s retirement on 21 July 2026. The Council’s responsibility for the defibrillator was agreed in principle. The preferred new location is outside the shop at Chicory Crops, and the owners are in agreement. The Council will pay the relocation and running costs going forward.

Council has submitted a written question regarding broadband connectivity in Phocle Green to the HC Connected Communities Scrutiny Committee on June 23rd. It was agreed the Moody Cow pub should be registered as an Asset of Community Value with Herefordshire Council. There is no cost for registration.

The Council has £34,670.80 in the bank, and all invoices were approved for payment.

The next scheduled meeting is on Tuesday, July 7th at 7pm at the Millennium Hall. Any parishioner can contact the UBPC at Contact Details on PDF copy on Home Page

Parish Council meeting minutes are available on the Parish Council website.