SAD news this week that the Garden & Nature Club’s well-established annual flower show, which had been re-scheduled from an August date to September 4 has had to be cancelled owing to insufficient support.

Plans are however already in hand to revive it in 2017. This follows the earlier decision not to hold the Arts Festival this year, and leaves two sizeable holes in the village’s summer programme. But all is not lost! Frustrated gardeners, home bakers and photographers who were hoping to compete could consider switching to the Greater Malvern Show on Saturday September 10 - entry forms available at Malvern Library, Tourist Information and Wilkos.

And for art lovers, a new planned event this year is an Arts & Crafts Weekend at the West Malvern British Legion on August 20/21. More details later – to exhibit ring 01684 564700.

There was some concern at the top end of the village last Thursday when cold water taps started disgorging a mud-coloured liquid looking more like pale ale (no such luck!) than pure Malvern water. Enquiries to Severn Trent’s customer hotline revealed that the problem was due to a leak in a supply pipe in Harcourt Road, possibly a side effect of gas works in the area. It was quickly fixed, however, and by Friday morning taps were running clear once more.

Like daughter, like mother! There was a clue as to where the talents of local cycling star Evie Richards may have originated, when her mum Emma was spotted biking home after a shift at the Elim shop, her handlebar basket piled high with groceries - AND a bag of shopping in either hand – no mean feat! A Union-Jack liveried GB Cycling Team car was also seen in the Dingle car park recently – evidence of how far Evie, West Malvern’s European Under-23 Cyclocross champion, has progressed in her chosen sport.

Congratulations to Jim and Jenny Nisbet, winners of Rosemary Herbert’s 100-question Golden Quiz in aid of the organ fund. If (like me!) you are keen to know the answers, ring her on 01684 572497

COLIN JACKSON