Dr. Sinclair, the organist at Hereford Cathedral, Elgar regularly stayed at his friends home at No. 20 when visiting Hereford. Elgar had a room in the house set aside for his use which he regularly used, and where he composed some of his music. The dog, Dan, had a particular dislike of water, and during a walk along the banks of the River Wye fell in. Hastily leaping out, Dan vigorously shook himself, no doubt soaking the two musicians in the process! Amused by this incident Dr. Sinclair challenged Elgar to put this to music. He took up the challenge and on returning to the house immediately began his musical interpretation which was later to be developed into one of the Enigma Variations. (Var.ll) Thus Dan became immortalised. Sadly, he had a short life and when he died was buried in a grave with his own engraved headstone in the garden of No. 20 Church Street.
There is a modern postscript to this story. About seven years ago a property developer from London applied for planning permission to turn the house and garden into a shopping precinct, thus arousing the wrath of local traders and residents alike. After a petition against the proposal was launched locally. The national newspapers took up the cause arousing world wide interest, citing the Elgar connection and the architectural importance or the building as grounds for opposing the scheme. Thousands of signatures were added to the petition from far and wide. But it was the British love of animals; that clinched the matter: Dan could not, under any circumstances, have his grave disturbed! So thanks to Dan, No., 20 Church Street with it's Elgar Connections has been saved for posterity. We shall always be grateful to you, Dan, may you for ever rest in peace! The 14th century building was saved and after extensive restoration, is now a private dwelling, except for the old Coach House now used for selling classical music; it is not open to the public.
What's on News and Views from Church Street. (Watch this space for regular news updates from THE STREET) Congratulating to John and Ruth Doughty on the opening of their new Quilt Shop in Capuchin Yard. This is an interesting addition to the craft and craft materials available in the Yard. Not only will these additional premises enable them to stock a full range of beautifully patterned American Cottons designed specifically with the quilter in mind, but the fully equipped upstairs Studio is the ideal venue for interesting and challenging textile workshops. The subjects sound exotic; how about Kumihino Braids from Japan, Seminole Waistcoat, a technique developed by the Indian tribes of Florida, or "Glorious Gold" a traditional Goldwork embroidery, not forgetting the more conventional skills of dressmaking. silk painting and soft furnishing. Sounds to me as if this is going to be a very busy summer!

If you are looking for flew ideas and inspiration or just enjoy and admire the creative work of others then, I have found the ideal place for a Blank Holiday outing. Starting on Thursday May 21st until Sunday 24th the Malvern Three Counties Show Ground is hosting "Quilts UK", described as "A Spectacular Display of Quilts From All Over The World" This sounds like a great day out Full details Tel/Fax 01684 893 952
CHURCH STREET TRADERS ARE UPSET: As Independents our Association have always believed in giving our full support to any other organisation devoted to the promotion and improvement of trade in Hereford. Wherever possible we have diligently provided a representative at meetings of the "Hereford City Centre Forum" Since it's inauguration we, as an Association, have been members of the 'Promotions Sub Group". This Committee is responsible for the special advertising and events for promoting Hereford over Christmas. We as an organisation may not be able to provide a great amount in the way of funds but we have always given or our time and were of the impression that our contributions were valued. That is until May of this year when, much to our surprise, we were told that we had lost our place on the Promotions Subgroup. The explanation given is that "individual retailers wishing to be represented On the Subgroup must contribute in excess of £100. If we wish to be represented as an association we 'must make a minimum contribution or £20 per unit of representation'. As Maylord Shopping Centre is represented by their organisation it means that in theory each of the large multinationals in the centre will be asked to make exactly the same contribution as any of the Independents in Church Street If the small independent retailers without an association wishes to be represented he will be expected to pay £100 exactly the same as for example Marks & Spencer, Boots, Woolworths or any at the Banks. IS THIS FAIR!
We have always believed that promoting Hereford involved much more than simply spending money. (Parking facilities, customer relations, security, clean streets, street entertainment etc.) The minutes state, "Main Objectives: to increase the number or visitors to Hereford City Centre" I would like to remind the committee that this was always intended to mean throughout the year, not just at Christmas. Thousands of pound of the retailers money has been spent each year at Christmas but as far as I - aware, nothing so far at Easter or other public holidays; nor, during the very important (for areas such as Church Street] summer tourist period. Without representation on the Promotion Subgroup we are unable to voice such views. One wonders whether the citizens of Hereford realise that such things as the Christmas entertainments in High Town are paid for mainly out of the pockets of the retailers (with a small contribution from the Council) and if this is what they want? What do other Independent Retailers in Hereford feel about being disenfranchised? What are the views of Independents in other towns? How do you organise these thing in other countries (Hereford U.S.A. how about a call)? Let's hear from you all, any one who has an opinion on these or other problems related to the independent business E-mail bfg@clara.net