EASTERN Europeans living in Herefordshire could enjoy better networking opportunities in the future thanks to a new proposal.

Leominster man Gary Dipper wants to start weekly or monthly get-togethers for anyone from a relevant background, or anyone interested in learning a foreign language or about another culture.

Mr Dipper, whose wife is Russian, came up with the idea after he discovered his neighbours were also Russian and he hadn’t realised.

“It’s a society for Soviet or Eastern bloc people living in this county to get together and meet because I know several cases of people living here six or seven doors away from me from Russia and we didn’t even know they were there until 12 months ago,” he said.

Mr Dipper said he didn’t think there were many clubs like it in the area and wanted anyone who is interested in swapping stories, organising events together and generally forming friendships to get in touch and help to get the ball rolling.

He said: “I am married to a Russian person and have a five-year-old son who speaks it fluently. I just thought ‘why not’ really.”

For more information or to register your interest, email marcellous76@hotmail.co.uk.