MANY residents of the village may have been puzzled by the recent appearance of a blue plaque placed by the Malvern Civic Society at 115 West Malvern Road commemorating Robert Welch, who lived there from 1936-1952.

Who was Robert Welch - not the sort of household name usually associated with such an honour? The answer is that he was a Malvern-reared silversmith and designer of such distinction that he was not only not only created an MBE but was also admitted to membership of the prestigious Royal Designers for Industry. His family moved here when he was seven, so West Malvern would have been his home throughout his childhood and early manhood until he moved away to study at the Royal College of Art, eventually setting up his own business at Chipping Campden, still run by his family. There must be residents of the village who remember this local-lad-made-good: it would be interesting to hear any recollections of him during his time here.

Congratulations to the Village Hall committee on the successful outcome of their recent coffee morning, which raised £300 for the Macmillan cancer charity. The nucleus of hard working committee members are also active in the Garden and Nature Club, which holds its next meeting this Tuesday, October 21 when Rosemary Winnall will speak on bringing wildlife into the garden.

Another active village group, the Royal British Legion branch, will be holding another of its popular prize bingo evenings next Saturday from 8.30pm. Newcomers are welcome to come along and enjoy an inexpensive evening out and perhaps win one of the Christmas-themed prizes.

There are at present two volunteer sits vac for important roles in the village, both offering chances to get involved in a practical way with our lively community the Parish Council is seeking a successor as Footpaths Officer to long-serving Robin Whittlestone, who will stand down at the end of the year: contact Robin on 572384 or Parish Clerk David Sharp on 573213 and a Booking Officer for the Village Hall is sought to succeed John Mast. Details are on the website www.westmalvernhallandvillage.net: contact John by email at dellhouse@talktalk.net.

COLIN JACKSON 01684 577604