WEST MALVERN

Thanks to those to those who helped on the day, made cakes, provided produce and plants – as well as those who came and bought - the total raised topped £400. There was an exceptional collection of gardening books on offer, due to mainly to a single generous donation of a complete private library, and many remained unsold. These will be on display at the next regular first Thursday social coffee morning at the Village Hall on May 1 from 10.15am to noon – some wonderful bargains available, just as the gardening season gets fully under way.

It is great news that the ever-popular West Malvern Players will be returning to the Village Hall stage next month, after a lengthy absence. This was due in large part to the loss of key members – the untimely death of Andy Dakin and the accident to Sue and David Matthews, now happily restored to health and once again active in village affairs. On Friday and Saturday May 9 and 10 the Players will present Alan Ayckbourn's comedy Intimate Exchanges. The author, who in 1977 broke the record for the most plays running simultaneously on Broadway and the West End, has written 78 plays and is still writing at the age of 75! His intelligent comedies tellingly reflect the contemporary English way of life. Tickets for next month’s WMP production (£5 adults, £3 children) can be booked by ringing 567328. With only two performances against three in some previous years, a sell-out is quite likely, so it might be as well to get in early!

COLIN JACKSON 01684 577604