100 years ago.

We are having wintry weather just now, and no mistake. One of the surprises of the autumn in Malvern was undoubtedly the fact that the weather kept so open and mild throughout, and prior to Christmas there was scarcely a single frost. But - presto change - directly Christmas is over, we find ourselves all at once in the grip of winter, with the thermometer several degrees below freezing point. The prospects of skating, of which we have had none too much of late years, look particularly rosy now, if such a simile is applicable, and no doubt the stock of skates will be exposed for sale in a day or two if this hard weather continues.

Malvern Gazette, January 2, 1914.

50 years ago.

The next four years should see at least three major developments in the British television industry - BBC2, pay-TV and, on a limited scale, colour television. At Malvern Rotary Club’s Monday meeting at the Abbey Hotel, Mr E G Harris, ABC Television’s regional executive, outlined the future trends in British television and the challenge they will offer to an expanding industry. The first step forward comes in April with the introduction of BBC2, which is expected to reach the Midlands by April 1965. For the first 12 months, it will be shown only in London and the Home Counties. It is generally expected that Independent Television will have a second channel by 1967-68.

Malvern Gazette, January 3, 1964.

25 years ago.

Playwright Samuel Beckett - author of Waiting for Godot - and Dyson Perrins School, Malvern, now have something in common. In recent weeks, both have donated £100 to the Amanzi Dam Appeal, which is seeking to send enough money to provide fresh water in Zimbabwe. The Dyson Perrins money was raised by third-year pupils, who held a disco after a talk by Amanzi organiser Mr Roy Henson. Samuel Beckett’s donation was the result of a letter sent to him asking for a donation to the Amanzi Appeal’s planned celebrity auction. Other celebrities who have donated cash include Sir John Gielgud (£50), playwright Michael Frayn ((£50) and quiz master Bamber Gascoigne (£10).

Malvern Gazette, January 6, 1989.