Cattle market could be a world-beater

4:34pm Thursday 18th September 2008

WHERE is Hereford’s pride and imagination? We are known across the world as the home of one of the finest breeds of cattle. Why not make the cattle market the centre of a distinctive tourist attraction - a refreshing change from the delusory folly of playing “catch-up” with other cities?

We could create an exhibition area devoted to the history and contemporary importance of Hereford cattle, with a viewing gallery overlooking the auction rings where major sales take place.

We could extend the idea to be a showcase of Herefordshire agriculture, bringing together again town and country, with a major outlet for local food, craft workshops and a starting point for farm tours.

We could promote understanding of modern strawberry growing, increase interest in the work of the Nature Trust and perhaps relocate the cider museum. There could be a farm museum, a lecture theatre and a farmers’ advice centre. The College of Agriculture would surely be interested.

Instead of being embarrassed and confused by the presence of a cattle market, with its necessary noise and smells, we could be proud of it and glad to welcome visitors, not least from the Americas, who would have little interest in visiting another cloned city but happy to include Hereford on their itinerary if it offers something truly unique.

The REV A GRAHAM HELLIER, Monmarsh End, Marden, Hereford.

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