WITH the sad death last weekend of Liz Spencer at the age of 96, West Malvern has lost another of its greatest characters and long-time residents. Although living latterly in Malvern Link, cared for by her devoted son Simon, Liz was often seen back in the village, at church or at social events at the British Legion club, always full of chat and with a twinkling smile on her face. She will be much missed.

The deadline for submitting answers to Rosemary Herbert's Golden Quiz is Sunday June 12. So if you set about solving the clues when the quiz was launched many weeks ago and set it aside meaning to finish it later, now is the time to fetch it out and send it in – even if incomplete. Rosemary reports she has yet to receive an all-correct entry, so there is a still a chance to win! It is even not too late to buy a copy (£1) and have a go – phone her on 01684 572497 or email rosemary.herbert@outlook.com.

Several village organisations are co-operating with the Elim community to arrange a Garden Party to mark the Queen's 90th birthday. It will take place from 3-5pm on Sunday June 12 on the lawn at the Elim International Centre, De Walden Road (the nearest thing we have to Buckingham Palace!). Organisers include the Friends of St James's Church, the Garden & Nature Club and the WI as well as the Elim community. More details next week, but it should be an occasion to remember.

Formby, Princes Risborough, Chelmsford, Wembley, Westcliff-on-Sea, Brentwood, Broadstairs and Palmers Green... and West Malvern! These are the venues for a national tour of the Searchlight Theatre Company's production of the comedy From Small Beginnings. The West Malvern performance will take place on Thursday 16 June at 7.30pm at the Elim Arts Centre.

Tickets - £8 – can be purchased online at searchlighttheatre.org, or on the door.

COLIN JACKSON