Scaffolding has gone up round the spire of Christ Church, in Avenue Road, and repairs to this much-loved Malvern landmark are now under way.

Church services and hall lettings will go on as usual. We apologise, however, for the inconvenience caused, not least on account of the temporary closure of the church car park while the work is in progress. This is for reasons of safety.

The good news is that through grants and donations from companies, schools and individuals, we have raised or been promised some £87,000 towards the estimated cost of £100,000, and we should like to record our thanks to everyone who has contributed to our appeal.

There is still some way to go, however, and the appeal for funds continues. If you value Malvern's townscape and Victorian heritage, if you are glad to see the spire standing tall against the Hills, please help us raise the money needed to finish the job of safeguarding it for future generations. We welcome any donations, large or small. Please make cheques payable to PCC Christ Church, Malvern and send your donation to our churchwarden, Chris Pierce, 3 Woodshears Road, Malvern WR14 3DP. If you would like your gift to be in memory of someone special to you, please let Mr Pierce have the name or names and we will enter them in our book of remembrance which will be on display in the church. Thank you very much in advance for your help.

The Rev. Donald Aird, chairman, Christ Church Malvern Fund Raising Committee.