A new MONOPOLY game for Hereford could see a “controversial” card ordering players to ‘Go to Worcester’ – rather than the famous MONOPOLY jail.
Over the last 10 days the Hereford public has been sending in suggestions for a new official themed Hereford version of the world’s most famous family board game, since news broke last week that the city is getting its own customised board.
To land the honour Hereford saw off 24 other places from across the West Midlands – including Warwick and Leamington Spa – to clinch
its’ very own game, which will be out in time for this Christmas (2022).
“A huge thank you to everyone who has sent in suggestions so far,” says Ella Gibbs from the makers of the new game Winning Moves UK.
“We shall be formally going through each and every one – once polls have closed– before starting to put this unique edition together.
“A Community Chest or Chance card ordering players to ‘Go to Worcester’ and imposing a fine – of MONOPOLY money – is one proposal we shall certainly be looking at. It’s been mooted on the official MONOPOLY Hereford Facebook page.
“Also, some people would like to see the world famous Hereford’s – the first English cattle to be recognised as a true breed – to feature on either a red or yellow square. That’s because they are coloured very dark red to red-yellow.
“This is something we shall be looking at too – and is perhaps less controversial than the Worcester suggestion!”.
The new unique game will see the multi-coloured property squares all themed around Hereford – with the Chance and Community Chest cards customised too.
Mike Truelove, CEO of the Hereford BID, says:
“This is a unique opportunity for local organisations and businesses to significantly raise their profile and help cement Hereford as a community and destination worthy of a visit. We are absolutely thrilled to be working with MONOPOLY and the benefits this will bring.”
Hereford Cathedral – where last week’s MONOPOLY announcement was made and tipped to land on a leading square – could be yours to own for just a few hundred MONOPOLY dollars.
“We expect to be wonderfully spoilt for choice putting this game together,” adds Ms Gibbs, Custom Games Executive at Winning Moves UK, makers of the board under official license from Hasbro.
At the announcement that Hereford has landed the honour of its very own customised MONOPOLY game, the public was formally invited to suggest landmarks to feature in the game. “The game will reflect the flavour and feel of these suggestions,” adds Ms Gibbs.
“The property sets will be themed around different genres. From heritage to shopping, culture to business – and more. The train station quartet set that features on the classic original MONOPOLY will be handed over to a travel theme for the new Hereford edition. That’s because Hereford doesn’t have a multitude of main line stations to select from like in the London MONOPOLY original.”
Bosses at Winning Moves UK say a variety of factors were used in deciding Hereford from amongst 25 cities and towns in the West Midlands and western Midlands. These factors included ‘pride’, ‘landmarks’, ‘beauty’ and ‘sense of family’.
“Hereford is very historic and blessed with very many stunning landmarks and buildings which will be showcased on the new board, “ added Ms Gibbs.
Hereford has seen off 24 West Midlands rival to land the MONOPOLY honours for this year. There is a famous Community Chance card in the original MONOPOLY version which says: ‘You have won Second Prize in a Beauty Contest’. Well it has now very much won FIRST prize!
In all 30+ Hereford landmarks and favourites will be showcased in the game. Over the last 25 years Winning Moves UK has produced official versions of MONOPOLY .. from Dubai to Dublin and Palm Beach to The Hamptons. Now the dice is rolling upon Hereford.
The game will hit the shops this October (2022) – in time for Christmas.
Suggestions for what should be on the board can be made via either of these ways: 1. By email to: hereford@winningmoves.co.uk . 2 Or to the official Hereford MONOPOLY Facebook page. Polls close at 23.59pm on 23rd February (2022).
