It was like old times at the Brewers Arms last Friday evening, with a goodly gathering of people both outside and and inside the pub. The Armpit was also well filled to hear folk singer Mark Stevenson with his unique style of commentary and original songs accompanied by bodhran and whistle. Now living in Ledbury, Mark was well known around West Malvern as right hand man to the late Any Dakin, with whom he brightened the local scene with their general good cheer as they worked on property maintenance jobs around the village. This was the first of a planned series of regular Friday music sessions at the pub: tonight will see another well-known former village resident, talented guitarist Vo Fletcher, in action at the Armpit.

Other events this weekend include prize bingo tomorrow (Saturday) evening at 8pm at the Royal British Legion in Lower Road, where the club’s 70th anniversary and the Queen’s 90th birthday will be jointly celebrated on Sunday a free barbecue with music by the Pontiacs from 2-6pm.

Also on Sunday June 26 from 1-5pm, Andy and Cath Adams will be opening their beautiful half-acre garden at 24 Croft Bank to the public for the first time under the National Gardens Scheme. Admission £3.50, home made teas and a display of garden-inspired paintings and cards.

Looking ahead to next weekend, West Malvern’s very own - and very local - festival WestFest will take place on the Playing Fields from mid-day till 10pm a week tomorrow,Saturday July 2nd. Too much going on to detail here – but it’s all on the excellent web site www.west-fest.org.uk. Many local residents put a huge amount of effort into this now well-established event, well worthy of support – fingers crossed for good weather!

COLIN JACKSON