A DIAMOND of Faith attracted fans of Heritage Open Days to four historic churches at the south end of the Malverns: everyone said how much they liked the name and enjoyed the contrasts between the medieval and Victorian buildings and their setting.

A time-line led visitors along the long path at St Faith's and John Sermon shared fascinating insights at St John the Baptist, Eldersfield, where there was a great atmosphere with the dedicated band of bellringers there also. All Saints Hollybush is a much loved feature on the hills, and the Churchwarden Roger Gillard and Reverend Julie James welcomed visitors through the day. Visitors to the Church of the Redeemer, Lower Pendock, were delighted to hear services were held regularly, and fascinated by this rare and lovely church; a younger visitor quickly completed the task on the children's trail to find four features made of wood! The large and very well kept churchyards at Eldersfield and Berrow were admired by the visitors; and amazing toadstools had appeared in the beautifully tended churchyard at Hollybush for the occasion. Intriguing stones with crosses on the outside walls of St Faith's were identified and enthusiasts were keen to share information about church architecture, and to hear about the first-round pass that has been received from the Heritage Lottery Fund for a Restoration Project at St Faith's.

A visitor from Evesham said he enjoyed these events not only for seeing the buildings but also for meeting the people for cared for them, which was a super compliment for all members of our benefice.

Caption: Members of the Benefice Walking Group, Ruth Coates, David and Libby Allen and Cathy Powell-Chandler are welcomed by Elisabeth Rambridge (second from the left), the organiser of A Diamond of Faith.