MEMBERS of Malvern Civic Society will be meeting Communities Minister Eric Pickles in London in recognition of the success of the town’s civic week.

Chairman Roger Sutton and vice-chairman Katharine Barber will meet Mr Pickles at the Houses of Parliament on Monday, June 10.

They were invited to the meeting because the civic weeks in 2011 and 2012 both received awards from Civic Voice, the umbrella group for civic societies.

Malvern was one of only eight chosen from about 300 entries.

The variety of events held during the civic week and the involvement of diverse community groups were among the reasons given for the society’s success.

Ian Harvey, of Civic Voice, said: “We hope to hear stories from the groups attending and to let the Secretary of State know what diverse work takes place within the civic society movement.

“The Secretary of State is very keen to hear of the efforts from groups such as Malvern Civic Society, as he believes in the importance of civic pride and communities playing an active part in the community they live in.”

Mr Sutton said: “We’re delighted to have been invited down to London and look forward to talking to Mr Pickles.”

This year’s civic week kicks off on Friday, July 12, with a talk by acclaimed crime writer Phil Rickman. The following day will see the opening ceremony at Belle Vue Terrace in the morning followed by the carnival procession from Great Malvern via the Link to Barnards Green.

The same evening is the world premiere of The Dream of Chopin, a gala concert recounting the secret romance between the composer and singer Jenny Lind, who lived in Malvern and is buried in the town cemetery.

On Monday, July 12, American historian Arthur Candenquist will give a talk on the time Lind spent in Malvern.

Other events include talks on Jane Austen, the Foster cricketing family and the conquest of Everest.

There will be visits to historic buildings such as Madresfield Court and a series of walks.

To find out more about the events, visit malverncivicsociety.

org.uk.