HAVE YOU ALWAYS LIVED IN HEREFORDSHIRE? IF SO, WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER ABOUT GROWING UP HERE, AND, IF NOT, WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE COUNTY.

I was born in west London and have spent my earlier career in London, Ely, Cambridgeshire and Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. I came to Hereford just over 16 years ago, when I became Dean. On my early visits from ‘over the border’ in Gloucestershire, it always seemed to me that Hereford was a kind of ‘promised land’ – its understated beauty unmistakeable. The red earth and the rolling hills always strike newcomers as does the absence of miles and miles of motorway, as we see in our adjoining counties of Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.

WHAT MAKES HEREFORDSHIRE PEOPLE SPECIAL?

People who live ‘on the borders’ are often of a particularly liberal, inclusive and tolerant persuasion – and it’s certainly true of Herefordians in my opinion and experience. That’s why people of all walks of life have found a home in our county – rigid divisions don’t really find a place here – long may that last!

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE HEREFORDSHIRE TO PEOPLE WHO DON’T KNOW IT?

I always say that Hereford Cathedral is perfectly suited to its surroundings. It’s not a Durham, Lincoln or Ely – imposed on the surrounding landscape. This was what the Normans intended, of course – they wanted their cathedrals to dominate – to represent the change of regime. No, Hereford isn’t like that – the cathedral seems to grow out of the surrounding hills – its soft pink colour reflecting the colour of the earth. It’s that intrinsic link between landscape, buildings and people which makes Herefordshire so special.

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO DO IN THE COUNTY ON A DAY OFF?My love and interest is walking. Each week, I walk up Dinedor Hill (about 5 miles) and from there can admire views in all directions – the Clee Hills to the North, Hay Bluff to the west. Sometimes, I’ll extend this to 8 miles, walking over Dinedor and along the river opposite the Bunch of Carrots at Hampton Bishop, and back to the city. If I’ve got longer, then it will be a walk over the Woolhope Dome, up Marcle Ridge and into Ledbury – back on the train (using my senior pass!) – that’s about 15 miles. Another favourite route is from Upton-on-Severn, over the Malverns to Eastnor and into Ledbury – we’re spoiled for choice in our county!

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT?

I love Castle House in Hereford. The ambience, the quality and the service make it very special – and you get excellent value for money. It’s my place of choice for celebrations and I nearly always bump into people I know!

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO MEET FRIENDS FOR A DRINK AND A CATCH-UP?

I think All Saints in Hereford is a wonderful place – a visionary use of an ancient and beautiful church. Bill Sewell has set up and sustained a café/restaurant of the highest quality – where you can experience new and exciting dishes and where sacred and secular meets most successfully. I’ve enjoyed putting on several ‘gigs’ there –and have enjoyed entertaining diners. I like to take my coffee or lunch onto the balcony and tuck myself away there – you can see everything from a delightful vantage point! I also entertain guests at our own Hereford Cathedral Café – good value – lovely ambience and friendly service!

WHAT’S THE VERY BEST THING ABOUT THE COUNTY?

I can’t choose just one! So here are some key things – scenery, quality, pace of life, tolerance.

WHAT WOULD MAKE HEREFORDSHIRE AN EVEN BETTER PLACE TO LIVE?

I’d like to see fewer closed shops in our city and market towns. We need to have more independent businesses and to attract that particular niche of quality, sustainability and uniqueness.