West Malvern

2:50pm Wednesday 7th May 2008

THERE was a steady flow of visitors through West Malvern at the weekend, all wishing to see the decorated West Malvern Tap, which was the only adult entry to earn a Gold Award among the 35 wells around the Hills dressed as part of the Malvern Spa Association's event. Devised and presented by Chantal Crawford and her team from the Garden and Nature Club, it was a brilliant evocation of Malvern's Water Cure days in the 19th Century - complete with hapless patient under the douche and a moss-clad donkey! The theme itself could not have been more topical, given the torrential douche from the heavens that hit the village on Saturday morning, when around a third of an inch of mixed rain and hail dropped on the village in the space of few minutes. Congratulations to the Club on yet another win in this competition.

Bosbury

11:43am Wednesday 7th May 2008

AFTER months of planning the third Cider and Blossom Festival opens at 11am on Saturday. There are attractions for all the family, in addition to the cider tasting and blossom walks. Chairman, Patrick Whitehead and his hard working committee look forward to your support, the proceeds of the festival will be shared by the village school, the church and the parish hall.

Powick

11:22am Wednesday 7th May 2008

NINE members of Powick Parish Ramblers and two dogs, avoided the heavy showers last Wednesday morning to walk five miles around the Sinton Green area. The path left the Hunters' Lodge at Oakham Green, past the farm and across fields. After heavy overnight rain the fields were very wet and wellies were the order of the day. The footpaths led to Sinton Green, with views of Abberley tower, Ankerdine Hill and an end-on view of the Malverns. Past WI House, the way led to Monkwood Nature Reserve where a great crested newt lay dead on the road. In the reserve the walkers were surprised to find a bearded collie on its lead, but wearing doggies galoshes! During the walk a pair of skylarks and swallows were seen. Chris Evans was thanked for leading the walk which took three hours and crossed many stiles. Refreshments were enjoyed at Hunter's Lodge on returning.

Colwall

11:11am Wednesday 7th May 2008

WATCH out for publicity for the Colwall Festival. This is to be held from July 10-20 at venues throughout the village. There is something for everyone, music, art, drama, guided walks, photographic competition, flowers, cricket, story telling, cream teas, grand final of the pub quiz and much, much more. Further details and tickets from Steve Hockett on 01684 564872.

Welland

10:34am Wednesday 7th May 2008

THE first thing to mention this week is the start of the car-boot sales. The first two commence on Sundays, May 11 and 25. Gates open from noon in the Recreation Field, Welland. Cars £5/Vans and trailers £7. Refreshments will be available in the Hall. Please park sensibly and obey the Safety Marshalls. (they are there for your safety and NOT your annoyance) There is a quiz night on Tuesday, May 13 at 7pm at the Village Hall; £10 per table of four (to include light snacks). Bar available and raffle. Proceeds to go to the Blue Cross and the Orang-a-tang Sanctuary in Borneo. To book a table for this event contact Jackie Turner on 01886 832880.

Wellington Heath

10:28am Wednesday 7th May 2008

THE May Fair made £210 on Saturday. Thank you to the Memorial Hall Committee, the local groups and the community for making it such a successful event.

Storridge

10:19am Wednesday 7th May 2008

VILLAGE Activities: Christian Aid Lunch, Sunday, May 11 at 12.30pm, tickets £6.50 from Cradley Post Office. Lunch will be at Cradley Village Hall Christian Aid coffee morning, Tuesday, May 13 at 10.30am to 12.30pm. Cakes, raffle and bring and buy .

Longdon

9:39am Wednesday 7th May 2008

IT is very sad to report the recent passing away of Pat Unwin of Longdon Hall. She played an enormous part in the life of the village and the benefice as a whole or a great many years and she will be greatly missed. On Sunday, May 25, a service of Holy Communion will take the place of the Family Service at St Mary's Church. During this service, Pat will be remembered and her family prayed for. After the service, Pat's ashes will be interred in St Mary's graveyard. The service will start at 11.15am.

West Malvern

1:28pm Wednesday 30th April 2008

YOGA for youngsters is the latest keep fit opportunity available in West Malvern. South African-born Anita Farrer, a qualified (and Criminal Records Bureau checked!) yoga instructor is offering afternoon classes once a week for 6-9 year olds on Wednesdays and for 3-4 year olds on Fridays. "I have been doing yoga all my life, "says Anita. "It all started in my mum's living room in South Africa in the 70's. She was a yoga instructor and used to drag me and my siblings out to go and stretch with the women from the village. Now my own two girls do various stretches to get them going in the morning - even if they still think it funny to find me standing on my head whenever the urge takes me....

Castlemorton

10:07am Wednesday 30th April 2008

THANk you to all who attended the Four Seasons String Quartet at St Gregory's Church last Friday.

Bosbury

10:04am Wednesday 30th April 2008

LAST Sunday's fundraising Bluebell Walk raised £466, to be shared between the church and the parish hall. The April showers deterred some of our regular supporters but we welcomed visitors from across the two counties and an enthusiast from Melbourne, Australia. All were appreciative of the beauty of the grounds at Bosbury House and once again we are indebted to nat and Laura Hone for their welcome. The afternoon tea with home-made cakes were enjoyed by all, a warm thank you to our willing bakers.

Powick

9:56am Wednesday 30th April 2008

"Mud, mud, glorious Mud" - two members (and one dog) of Powick Parish Ramblers braved the steep muddy slopes on their walk last Thursday around the Suckley Hills. Starting at the Knapp and Papermill Nature Reserve, the path led up Old Storridge Hill onto the Longley Green, Crews Hills and up onto Suckley Ridge. The switch-back route was part of the Worcestershire Way. The wet conditions did not deter the walkers for they were rewarded with a profusion of wild flowers. The new, fresh green leaves of the trees contrasted with the blue and sometimes black sky, but the walkers were spared the rain. The five mile walk ended at teh top of the Knapp Reserves and a short descent led to the Leigh Brook (much altered in course by last July's floods). Welcome refreshments were enjoyed at the Nelson Inn at Suckley when Joy and Phil were thanked for leading the walk.

Colwall

9:38am Wednesday 30th April 2008

BRIGHT Sparks will be holding a fair in the village hall tomorrow, May 3 from 2-4pm.

Callow End

9:32am Wednesday 30th April 2008

CHRISTIAN Aid week is marked from May 11-17 when door-to-door collections are marked through an envelope delivery scheme. This year's message is aid for Bangladesh in providing clean, safe water for drinking. Coastal communities risk loss of homes and clean water through contamination by rising sea water due to global climate change and global warming. Please give generously.

Welland

9:21am Wednesday 30th April 2008

THE first thing to mention this week is a Farmyard Baptism that took place last Sunday (Rogation Sunday) at Lawn Farm, Welland (home of the local pig and sheep farmer Roger and Jo Cousins). The retired Vicar from Malvern, Ray Martin, used a 17th Century 12" Travelling Font, which was supplied by St James Church. The baptismal candidate was James Black's son, Christopher, who was supported by 50 relatives and friends.

Wellington Heath

4:43pm Tuesday 29th April 2008

THE Whist Drive held on Saturday, April 19 raised £153 towards Claudia's Closet. This is a charity set up by five enterprising sixth formers at Dean Close School (in memory of their school friend) to raise money for a recreation room refurbishment in Gloucester Children's Hospital and then the equivalent in Bristol. Well done.

Storridge

4:32pm Tuesday 29th April 2008

Village Hall - Worcestershire Society of Botanical Artists meet on Monday, May 5 from 10am to 4pm. Botanical Artists are welcome to join us for a session to see what we do at our meetings. There will be a small fee to go towards the hire of the hall. The activities range from time to paint/draw to interesting speakers. For further information please contact the secretary, Mrs S Sefton on 01684 569637 or Mrs B. Barnes on 01905 429494.

Castle Frome

10:37am Friday 25th April 2008

YOU are invited to our Baptism exhibition at St Michael and All Angels Church, Castle Frome on Saturday and Sunday, May 3 and 4, 10am-4pm.

Longdon

9:20am Friday 25th April 2008

ON Saturday, April 26 Malvern College Chamber Choir are holding a concert in Longdon Church, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £6 to include wine and refreshments. Children are free and St Mary's Junior Choir will also be performing during the evening.

Bosbury

4:31pm Tuesday 22nd April 2008

BOSBURY Bluebells. On Sunday, April 27 an opportunity to enjoy a memorable bluebell walk in the grounds of Bosbury House by kind permission of Nat and Laura Hone. The proceeds will be shared by the church and the parish hall. 2-5pm. Adults £4, accompanied children under 16 free. Afternoon tea with delicious home-made cakes on sale. Fairtrade tea and coffee supplied by Jenny Faiz, who will have her usual Fairtrade stall.

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