100 years ago.

At a largely attended meeting in Barnard's Green on Tuesday evening, it was decided to start a Ratepayers' Association for that district, which is a populous and growing one, and part of an important ward of the urban area. The object of the association is to around interest in public affairs, and it will devote its energies to nominating candidates for seats on public bodies as vacancies occur, and keeping a vigilant eye on local matters generally. It is the duty of every man and woman to show an intelligent interest in the government of the place in which they live, as all are affected by it, and they should keep in touch with what goes on in their municipal council. It is a notorious fact that the ratepayers of Malvern have been steadfastly apathetic in this direction, and if the new association can arouse them from their lethargy, it will serve a useful purpose.

Malvern Gazette, April 3, 1914.

50 years ago.

Because they consider Hastings Pool on common land near the junction of Poolbrook Road and Guarlford Road is now too deep, Malvern Trades Council is to ask the Hills Conservators to consider making it much shallower no deeper than a foot. The matter was raised by Mr F Salmon at last week's meeting of the Trades Council at the Fir Tree Inn, Malvern Link. Mr Salmon contended that the pool; was very dangerous in its present state. "If a small child fell in, it would never get out, remarked Mr A Davis. In view of the chaotic traffic conditions at Barnards Green, which, according to Mr Salmon was "chock-a-block with cars at weekends" it was decided to ask the urban district council if the bus stops near the Post Office and in Court Road close to the island could be abolished. It was felt it would be a better arrangement to have just the one stop at the bus shelter.

Malvern Gazette, April 3, 1964.

25 years ago.

Page Three beauty Linda Lusardi will swap her role as a pin-up for that of a Victorian cockney flower girl when she plays Eliza Doolittle at this year's Malvern Festival. the photographic model turned actress has already won rave reviews for her performance on stage in other productions, and has been described as a "promising young actress". She will play the challenging part in Pygmalion opposite Philip Madoc as her mentor Professor Higgins. The part of Eliza - whose immortal words "Not bloody likely" are among the nest known in the theatre - is a major step in a burgeoning career. I5t will be the first straight acting she has done, but producer Kevin Wood is confident she is the right person for Eliza. George Bernard Shaw's celebrated masterpiece marks the 60th anniversary of the Malvern Festival, which began in 1929.

Malvern Gazette, April 7, 1989.