CHAIR, Mike Taylor welcomed members and guests to our meeting at the Abbey Hotel on Monday, July 6.

Business matters were speedily concluded and our visiting speaker, Dr Emma Philpott was introduced.

Beginning with the issue of cyber security she succeeded very quickly in clarifying our vulnerability, emphasising the point that our information is worth money-so beware! We were all surprised to learn that currently cyber crime is not included in crime statistics, a situation that Emma is working with others, to change.

Moving on to Innovation and Enterprise in Malvern, the case was very strongly made that Malvern is the innovation hub of the country. The success of the Wyche Innovation Centre in helping small companies, with 70 now meeting once a month, led to the growth of similar clusters around the UK, currently 17 with a total of 350 companies now in the UK Cyber Security Forum. The US may have its Silicon Valley but Malvern is our Silicon Pea’.

The number and variety of questions underlined the interest aroused in members, a point noted by Alan Fox in thanking Emma for such an illuminating and informative talk.

At our next meeting on Monday, July 20 we are very pleased to welcome Mark Macleod, Head of The Infirmary Museum located within the former Worcester Royal Infirmary on Castle Street, now part of the University of Worcester. The Infirmary houses an interactive exhibition of medicine, health and wellbeing, enabling visitors to explore the local stories of staff and patients from the hospital, with a particular emphasis on scientific development and some of the hidden histories of health. Malvern Probus members are looking forward to visiting the museum in a few weeks time.

Our meetings are held in the Abbey Hotel. Tea and coffee is available from 10am and the meeting begins at 10.30am. Come along and join us. For further information please e-mail the Programme Secretary, t.batesworc@btinternet.com

TONY BATES