IT began with the lovely, colourful carnival parading past the church doors and culminated in a wonderful tribute to the man most associated with his great love of Malvern and his inspiration – Sir Edward Elgar and what better way to end a week of Edwardian celebrations.

The glorious summer weather accompanied Civic Week and our doors were flung open wide to welcome visitors and dogs too! They were browsing our books ( not the dogs!) reading the literary competition entries and displays and enjoying tea and homemade cakes and in Christ Church, on Saturday, July 19 Dr John Harcup OBE premiered Elgar’s Edwardian Era, Elgar’s life and work in words, music and images. We were transported back to Elgar’s birth , his family and friends who were so important to him and inspired his music as well as our lovely Malvern Hills and, along with his dog , Dan, immortalised in his music. Extracts from Elgar’s life were interspersed with recordings of his music and glorious singing from the Jenny Lind Singers, members of Elgar Chorale and guest singers, expertly and sensitively arranged and directed by Lynne Lindner and accompanied by Martyn Lane. Other highlights included instrumental solos from Edward Kimberley and Catherine Oakey and solos from Zara Edwards and Charlotte Mason , who sang so movingly. Finally, a rare recording of Elgar’s voice from 1931 at the opening of the Abbey Road Studios in London preceded the singing of the ever emotional Land of Hope and Glory , such a fitting finale to a week of celebration of which Christ Church was very proud to be part of.

This year is also the anniversary of the start of the First World War and our War Memorial altar has a history of local soldiers who served in both the First and Second World Wars and we continue to remember also in a practical way with our collection for the Army Benevolent Fund.

On Sunday, July 27 our 11am Holy Communion Service will include a commemoration presided over by Canon Harold Goddard and, at 3pmCanon Goddard will give a talk on the First World War, The End of An Era. Please do join us and there will be tea and cakes served afterwards. Tickets are £5 and are available on the door.

On Saturday, August 2 at 7.30pm a free concert and another opportunity to hear Suzuki School of Music with their flute and recorders. Last year’s concert was so uplifting. Refreshments will be served and there will be a retiring collection for Christ Church Roof Fund.

On Saturday, August 9 a rare opportunity to join us in the Malvern St James Dome gardens for a Community get together barbecue , with live entertainment from Lounge Toad. It starts at 5pm until 8pm and tickets are very affordable at £3 or £10 for a family of four. This includes a burger or sausage bap and a drink. We are hoping the good weather will continue to enable us to enjoy the lovely gardens. Please reserve tickets on 07756 722 426 to help with catering numbers.

ANGELA GREEN