MORE information on the project to convert Adelaide House into a rehabilitation centre for ex-service personnel recovering from post traumatic stress disorder should be forthcoming at Monday’s (July 14) Parish Council meeting at the Village Hall at 7.45pm.

David Hannon, director of developers Rooftop Housing, will be returning to update the local community on the conversion plans and other issues such as vehicular access, parking and site security. The previous meeting in May (widely misrepresented in some local media) attracted a large attendance, and showed that while West Malvern is fully ready to open its arms to these ex-armed services people on the final stage of their return to normal civilian life, there are issues to be dealt with if the community’s goodwill is to be assured.

Rain the day before and on the morning of last Saturday’s West Fest may have sent a few hearts into a few boots, but the weather relented and there was no rain at all during the hours of the event itself. An attendance estimated at between 2,000-2,500 enjoyed the music of the 15 bands as well as dancing by the schoolchildren, singing by the West Malvern Voices – and almost drank the beer tent dry! A big success all round, with a profitable outcome assured. Congratulations to all who put so much effort to ensure smooth running and a a happy day for the community.

The village can now pause for breath before its next major summer event, the West Malvern Arts Festival, which will be held on the weekend of August 15-17. This will be the fifth in the series of this annual event, sponsored by the Malvern Hills Community Foundation, in which a wide range of art work will again be on show in a mixture on venues between the Elim College and the Brewers Arms. More details nearer the time, but meantime anyone wishing to exhibit should contact Foundation chairman Laurie Gregory on 07801 818260 or email him at westmalvernarts.org.

Before the Arts Festival, however, comes yet another well-established village event, the Open Air Music Night at the Mathon Court cricket ground. This will take place on Saturday ,July 26 from 7pm-11pm, with music provided by Stewart Puttick and local band No Tools Required. Again, more details later.

COLIN JACKSON 01684 877604