THE truly electrifying sum of more than £3,800 was realised at the Auction of Gifts and Promises in aid of the St James's organ electrics restoration fund last Friday!

A packed Village Hall enjoyed two hours of tense bidding and repartee from genial Ledbury auctioneer Chris Maulkin, who made much of the nearness of Father's Day, also the fact that bids for some of the services on offer were in danger of falling below the legal hourly minimum wage! Holiday accommodation lots topped the sale, £400 for a week in Tenby and £380 for three nights in a London apartment overtopping bids of £250 and £180 for stays in West Malvern. The autograph of Thesaurus man Roget described in the Gazette two weeks ago fetched £120. Two particularly sought-after lots were the carol to be composed by organist John Raine for performance at this year's Carol,Service, which went for £160, and an hour's consultation with village dowser Ced Jackson which was bid up to £75 – well above the minimum wage!

If you haven't yet decided on what to have for lunch this Sunday, think no further! The ever-generous committee of the West Malvern Royal British Legion have invited residents to share a barbecue and music event to commemorate the end of the Second World War. Music from the 50s, 60s and 70s will be provided by local five-piece band the Pontiacs. The food and music will be free, with a paying bar open throughout the afternoon. The event will run from 2pm-6pm at the Legion Club in Lower Road this Sunday, June 28.

West Malvern's very own music festival, the now well-established West Fest returns to the Playing Fields a week tomorrow, Saturday, July 4, from 11am until 10pm. It will feature the usual popular mix of three stages, food, drink, stalls and family fun. More details next week. Meanwhile much more information is available on the festival website www.west-fest.org.uk. All we need is the weather!

COLIN JACKSON 01684 577604