Two Counties

WORCESTERSHIRE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION DISTRIBUTES £1M TO LOCAL CAUSES DURING PANDEMIC

One of Worcestershire’s largest charitable hubs has handed out over £1 million during the 20/21 period to support 374 charities, good causes and community groups who were severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Part of the UK’s fourth largest funding network, Worcestershire Community Foundation (WCF) launched its Covid-19 Response Appeal in 2020 to help local community projects operate and deliver much-needed emergency response services during the pandemic. The Foundation channeled funding from organisations - including the National Emergencies Trust and Worcestershire County Council - whilst also raising nearly £200,000 through a local match appeal, from businesses and individual donors.

Following the success, WCF has now released an Impact Report which profiles its work over 2020/21. The report details the significant amount of funding provided for volunteer networks and vital support and supplies for isolated, vulnerable people in deprived areas. David Shaw, Chair of WCF said: “During the Pandemic, Worcestershire communities have really suffered, with many experiencing the effects of isolation, poverty and a reduced quality of life. “We are very proud to have worked so closely with our amazing local Voluntary and Community sector to overcome Covid-related challenges.”

www.worcscf.org.uk

HEREFORD TO PASS GO AND COLLECT BRAND NEW MONOPOLY EDITION!

The city of Hereford has been chosen to get its own official monopoly board!

Beating competition from 24 other locations, the board will be themed around more than 30 local landmarks and the public are being invited to suggest cards and squares to feature in the game, set to release in October. Ella Gibbs, of the makers of the new game, Winning Moves UK, said: “Hereford is blessed with great landmarks which will get to replace the famous Monopoly streets like Mayfair and Park Lane.” Players will get to see popular landmarks such as Hereford Cathedral and Wye bridge included as the properties you can own. The brand new Hereford edition will look to capture the culture, heritage and history that Hereford has to offer and will surely fly off the shelves when it is released later this year.

STENERGY SHOOTS FOR A GREEN REVOLUTION IN WORCESTERSHIRE

Stenergy is pleased to submit their detailed proposal to Worcester County Council, detailing the construction and operation of a Anaerobic Digestion Biomethane Plant that will produce and inject ‘green gas’ (2.8 MWe) into Cadent’s Local Transmission System and by doing so, transform Worcester’s Heat for Homes, Transport and Food Waste Management strategies. This Waste Food Gas to Grid project aligns with the objectives of COP 26. The proposal has been supported by a number of businesses including Worcestershire Bosch who say that this will greatly assist Worcester City meeting the UK governments NetZero target. The project is also set to create a number of jobs within the area.

GO-AHEAD FOR £8M INVESTMENT ON SKYLON

The final phase of an £8 million investment at Skylon Park, Hereford Enterprise Zone has been given the go-head. Commercial property developers Priority Space will begin construction of nine industrial units at Centenary Park, a 110-acre site in Skylon Park, in Spring 2022. Centenary Park, which provides employment space for small to medium-sized businesses, has been developed by Priority Space in partnership with HG Sites and Herefordshire Council. Their overall vision is to create high quality business space and a vibrant, dynamic business community in an attractive historic setting. Over £25m has already been invested in the area to make the park ready for business, with several key projects providing cutting edge facilties and high quality accommodation for small businesses to rent.