The Chairman in her announcements:

• Congratulated Colonel Charles Thwaites on his appointment as High Sheriff of the County.
• Informed Council that the Olympic torch had attracted thousands of spectators to welcome it on its travels through the County, passing through Bartestree, Hereford, Ledbury, Leominster, Lugwardine and Ross-on-Wye en route to Wales.
• Informed Council that the Chairman and Vice-Chairman had attended the launch in March of Robocap, which is a pioneering treatment for prostrate cancer.
• Reported that she had attended an awards ceremony at The Courtyard on 3 May in recognition of long service by Poppy Appeal Collectors and the considerable sums of money raised by collectors.
• Reported that she had attended the 18 anniversary celebrations of Kemble Care.  A local company supplying trained staff to provide quality care to people in their own homes.
• Reported that she had attended the opening of the May Fair on 8 May.
• Informed Council of the official naming of the Wye Trow, which the Lord Lieutenant Lady Darnley christened The Hereford Bull.  The Trow will represent Herefordshire in the Thames Pageant by being part of the fleet of a 1,000 boats and ships to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on 3 June.
• Reminded Council of the Queen’s visit to Herefordshire on 11 July as part of the Queen’s tour across the country to mark the Diamond Jubilee and encouraged all schools to take part and attend this once in a lifetime event.
• Informed Council of the wonderful tactile model map of Hereford City which has been erected in the Cathedral Close and made by local artist Matthew Hart and students from the Royal National College for the Blind.
• Thanked the Mayors of the County for their courtesy and kindness during the past 12 months of her office as Chairman.
• Reminded Council of the ceremony following the Council meeting to adopt The Rifles as the county regiment, which was agreed by Council at its meeting on 2 March.

Petitions

One petition has been received from Belmont Abbey expressing concern about the threat posed to Belmont Abbey by the proposal to terminate a major new road with a roundabout encroaching on Belmont Abbey sports field and the intention of constructing a city bypass across the field and beyond.