100 years ago.

The University of Birmingham has been taken over by the Government for a period of two years, and has been converted into a base hospital for the Midlands, for the reception of wounded soldiers. The buildings have been thoroughly equipped for the purpose and the various wards contain in the aggregate no less that 1,050 beds. The contract was places with Messrs. Broad Ltd, Malvern, who secured it in competition with many of the leading Birmingham firms. The extent and character of the work entailed heavy demands upon Messrs. Broad and they have been engaged upon it almost night and day since the start. It speaks volumes for the well-known Malvern firm that they have been able to complete the contract in phenomenally quick time, the hospital now being ready for the reception of patients.

Malvern Gazette, September 11, 1914.

50 years ago.

Because of the nuisance being caused by ice-cream vans on Malvern Hills Conservators' car parks, a sub-committee has been sent up to consider he matter, it will be reported at Monday's meeting of the Conservators. In a report to the board, the ranger, Mr J W Roberts, states that there was quite an invasion of ice-cream vans during August and he has had considerable difficulty in keeping them off the parking places. "One van parked at Gardeners Common, in the gangway between rows of cars, stopped all vehicles going in and out of the parking place. The driver refused to move until the chairman and I arrived on the scene," said Mr Roberts. He wondered if the situation could be regularised by allowing certain firms to sell on certain specified parking places - on payment - as there was a considerable demand for their services, particularly on the parks near to shops or cafes . "Incidentally, I am very unpopular with visitors when I move the ice-cream vans," he adds.

Malvern Gazette, September 11, 1964.

25 years ago.

Controversial plans to build a hotel, golf course and leisure complex on the outskirts of Malvern were refused by Hills District Council planners on Monday. Afterwards, applicant Mr Robert Lyle said he did not intend to go to appeal and was unsure of his future plans. The proposed scheme at Little Buckmans Farm, Leigh Sinton Road, has originally been recommended for approval, but was changed to recommendation for refusal. A petition signed by nearly 1,00 supporting the approval, but the county engineer had recommended refusal because the highways network was inadequate. Mr Lisle said he was upset the planning officers had changed their recommendation so late in the day. He said: "We have been negotiating with planners for two years and I have made it plain I would not go against them. I would have asked for the plans to be withdrawn if I had known the recommendation would be for refusal."

Malvern Gazette, September 15, 1989.