WEST Malvern sadly lost one of its most prominent and respected lifelong residents last weekend, with the death of John Griffith. He was a member of the Price/Lewis/Griffith family 'dynasty' and noted local archivist and historian. More will be written about John here after his funeral, which will take place at St James's Church at noon on Friday January 29. It will be followed by a wake at the Village Hall at 1pm, to which his friends in the community are warmly invited.
As Gazette readers will have noticed from last week's edition, there will be no West Malvern Arts Festival in 2016. The organisers since its foundation seven years ago on the initiative of Laurie Gregory have decided to take a break following a loss-making year in 2015. It is however hoped that this will be no more than a 'gap year', and that new volunteers will come forward to take on and revitalise what has been a successful event that has brightened recent summers in the village. Anyone interested in becoming involved should contact Laurie on 07801 8189260 or 01684 573089.
Gazette readers who don't quite make it to the sports pages at the back of the paper may have missed last week's report of 18-year-old West Malvern cyclist Evie Richards' outstanding success in being crowned under-23 womens' British National Cyclo-Cross Champion. Congratulations to her and to all her support team – not least mum Emma, who has had to cope with washing some very muddy racing gear this wet winter!
An event of interest to dads with young-teenage sons is being organised next month by Malvern Outdoor Elements – better known to locals as the Outdoor Centre. Billed as a Dads & Lads Wilderness Weekend, it will take place from the 19-21 February, and include two nights' accommodation at the centre. Fathers and sons aged 10-14 to spend quality time together getting back to outdoor basics, engaging in activities such as navigation, fire-building and archery. For more information phone operations manager James West on 01684 574546 or email enquiries@malvernoutdoors.co.uk.
COLIN JACKSON
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