WEST MALVERN

FOR twelve hours on Saturday the rafters of St James's Church rang to the sounds of an amazing range of musical talent during the highly successful Drop-In Musical Marathon in aid of the organ restoration fund.

From the introductory Bach from organist/organiser John Raine to the exotic sounds of guitar, cello, sitar and percussion from Martin Thorne and Company, an ever-changing audience, from a baby (obviously keen to take part!) to 95-year-old West Malvern old-timer and former Royal College of Music student Liz Spencer, heard instruments as varied as flutes, clarinet, recorders, hammered dulcimer, concertina and melodeon. The music performed by the artists - nearly 70 in total – all unpaid – included classical pieces from the 17th century to contemporary items performed by their living composers. from First World War songs from the Trench Choir contrasted with a Rogers & Hammerstein medley from the ever-popular Colla Voce. Folk groups were represented by Flatworld and Set 'em up Joe and Irish reels and English hornpipes from new West Malvern resident Padraig O'Dubhlaoidh. Most contributors were Malvern-based, many from our own village, revealing the rich pool of talent in our midst, and conveying vividly the sheer joy of music-making of every kind. Equally rewarding was the splendid financial outcome of more than £1,200 – especially as the net proceeds will be matched £ for £ by the Friends of St James's from their reserve built up over years of regular fund raising.

There has been some concern and puzzlement among local residents at the progress – or apparent lack of it – on the project to convert Adelaide House into a rehabilitation centre for ex-service personnel suffering from the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder. At a parish meeting in July last year, project managers Rooftop Housing indicated that work was likely to commence the following month. Since then there has been little visible activity on the site, which is already showing signs of neglect and deterioration in places. It has even been rumoured that the project was to be abandoned and the former care home put to a different use. This week, however, a Rooftop spokesman confirmed that it was still going ahead as planned, but that since it was 'non-commercial', the scheme had been shuffled back in the work queue behind other social housing developments which make up the company's main area of operation. A further update is expected soon.

COLIN JACKSON 01684 577604