My Herefordshire: Jeremy Wilding, the new registrar for Hereford Diocese

It is the Registrar’s responsibility to make sure the regulations that govern the duties of the Church of England are accessible to a wide audience including Diocesan staff, clergy and the public. The position-holder is required by law to issue marriage licences, oversee requests for work on church buildings and maintain historical records. He also runs the diocesan Consistory Court. In addition to these new duties, he is the Under Sheriff for the county.

HAVE YOU ALWAYS LIVED IN HEREFORDSHIRE? IF NOT, WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE COUNTY.

I moved to the county when I was ten. However, I already knew the area quite well, as my grandparents lived here. I especially enjoyed my visits to the toy department in the basement at Chadds, which seemed like heaven at the time. I also have happy memories of watching Hereford United; they seemed to win every game in those days!
 

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

It’s a county of rolling hills, sparkling rivers and somewhere that gives you space to think. After visits to London (which I also enjoy in its own but very different way) I am always struck by how blessed we are to live in this wonderful county
 

AND IF A STRANGER ONLY HAD TIME TO VISIT ONE PLACE, WHERE WOULD YOU SUGGEST?

Dore Abbey, tucked away in its own valley, is a wonderful place with a special atmosphere. From the church you can easily walk up on to Ewyas Harold Common which has marvellous views towards the Black Mountains. 

The view from Ewyas Harold Common
 

WHAT MAKES HEREFORDSHIRE PEOPLE SPECIAL? They are one of a kind! Generally a little understated, but I think that is rather a good thing. 

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO DO IN THE COUNTY ON A DAY OFF?

My perfect day off would be to have a delicious breakfast in All Saints Church. I would then set out for a lengthy walk in the Black Mountains or along the Wye, rounded off by tea and scones. Then I would head to the cathedral for evensong (we have an excellent choir). That would be followed in the evening by a concert or a play at The Courtyard. I think I would sleep well after that! 
 

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT, THE PLACE YOU MISSED MOST IN LOCKDOWN?

Working in the centre of Hereford, I have particularly missed the Castle House (look out for the kingfishers), and the newly refurbished Green Dragon Hotel, which has been wonderfully rejuvenated by its excellent new management team.

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

It’s good to head out to a country pub, and I have always enjoyed the Green Man at Fownhope. It has a very special ambience and the food is terrific!
 

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE WALK – OR VIEW? It’s hard to beat the views from the Cat’s Back. You can see over the whole county, across to the Cotswolds, up to Clee Hill and the Long Mynd in Shropshire and then down towards Bristol and the Severn estuary. On one occasion there I found myself walking above the clouds; it was an unforgettable experience. 
WHAT’S THE VERY BEST THING ABOUT THE COUNTY?

The views – think Symonds Yat, Coppet Hill, the Cat’s Back, Fromes Hill, the Bromyard Downs, Croft Ambrey, Herefordshire Beacon, Hergest Ridge – the list could go on for ever!
 

WHAT WOULD MAKE HEREFORDSHIRE AN EVEN BETTER PLACE TO LIVE? A new river crossing in Hereford and/or a proper park and ride system. And how about opening up some of the disused country railway lines and stations for recreational use by cyclists and walkers? I think we can be a bit bolder and a little more imaginative in our vision for the county.