This year's captain of The Herefordshire Golf Club came to the county three decades ago, drawn by the beautiful countryside and its golf courses

YOU RELOCATED TO HEREFORDSHIRE... WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE COUNTY?
I hail originally from the Wirral. I lived there until 1977, when my work took me to North Wales, living in St Asaph and Colwyn Bay until 1988, when I moved to Hereford with my wife and three children. As I recall, I had only been to Hereford twice in my life before I moved here. The first time was as a child, on what was then, a long journey from the North West to St Ives in Cornwall. I remember staying overnight in what used to be the Ship Inn by the Belmont roundabout. 
My initial impression of the county when I chose to move here, was that this would be a fantastic area to bring the children up, beautiful countryside, with lots of interesting towns and villages to explore.


HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE HEREFORDSHIRE TO PEOPLE WHO DON’T KNOW IT?
In my view, the best way to describe the county as a whole is relatively unspoilt. I know there have been many changes within Hereford in the 30 odd years I have lived here, but once you go out into the picturesque countryside, I suspect little has changed over the years.


AND IF A STRANGER ONLY HAD TIME TO VISIT ONE PLACE, WHERE WOULD YOU SUGGEST?
That’s a very difficult question, but naturally I would say visit The Herefordshire Golf Club, the views from the clubhouse and course over the surrounding countryside with distant glimpses of the Shropshire Hills, the Brecon Beacons and the Malverns, takes some beating. I’ve visited many other golf courses over the years, but few have the unique appeal of The Herefordshire. 


WHAT MAKES HEREFORDSHIRE PEOPLE SPECIAL?
Over my time in Herefordshire I’ve met some great characters, the one thing that I would say many of them have in common is their unwavering love of the county they live in. In my experience, I don’t think you would find this elsewhere.


WHAT WOULD BE YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO DO IN THE COUNTY ON A DAY OFF?
Since I retired I guess my family and friends would say every day is a day off! However, when I’m not playing golf or helping out my family, who incidentally, have all chosen to remain living here, I like nothing better than to get out and about, either cycling along the country lanes or taking in a walk. I live quite close to the River Wye and you can’t beat walking along the banks of the River on a fine summer’s evening or even on a cold and frosty morning.


WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT?
Well again I’m drawn to my golf club, simply because the food on offer is excellent, offers great value and the aspect from the restaurant is stunning. We have in Martin Carter, a first class chef, who many people will know of from the various local foodie pubs he has run over the years.


WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO MEET FRIENDS FOR A DRINK AND A CATCH-UP?
If I’m not at the golf club, one of my favourite pubs is The Barrels in St Owen Street. It’s not posh, just a great place to meet people from all walks of life and enjoy the local brew.


DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE WALK – OR VIEW?
If I want to get away from it all, for a couple of hours' quiet reflection, I’ll usually do the Marcle Ridge Walk. It’s seldom that you meet anyone and the views all along the walk sum up what the county has to offer.


WHAT’S THE VERY BEST THING ABOUT THE COUNTY?
Another difficult question because there is so much to choose from. But, if I had to narrow it down, the choice of locally produced food and drink within the county is second to none. If you just think of the award-winning cheeses, ciders, spirits and even chocolate that can be sourced in the county, it has to be a haven for lovers of good food and drink.


WHAT WOULD MAKE HEREFORDSHIRE AN EVEN BETTER PLACE TO LIVE?
Living in Hereford itself, I find the traffic congestion to be the worst thing. If there was money available, I think Park & Ride facilities, for Hereford and towns in the county should be a priority. That, and the provision of more cycle paths would be a huge improvement.