WEST Malvern will be paying its tribute on Sunday to the men of the village and the whole nation who gave their lives in defence of the freedoms we all enjoy each day and perhaps take too much for granted. St James’s Church will doubtless be well filled for the 10.30am Service of Remembrance, which will include the two minutes silence at 11 o’clock. Afterwards there will be a social time with light refreshments.

A full three-course lunch, to which all village residents are invited, will be served at the Royal British Legion Club in Lower Road at 12.30pm. As well as the meal – always excellent, generous and free! – there will be musical entertainment and the presentation to representatives of Malvern Community Hospital of a cheque for the £500 raised at last month’s birthday barbecue at the club.

The Village Hall committee have apologised for the last-minute cancellation of the November coffee morning last Thursday, due to illness and other commitments on among the small band of people who arrange this much-valued monthly community event. The good news is that the next will be on December 1st – a special one with fresh coffee, mince pies, sherry and cake – well worth a look in for a seasonal chat with friends and neighbours. Meanwhile, if you can spare time on the first Thursday of each month to offer practical help at these regular coffee mornings you will be welcome – we are assured there will be no pressure to join the committee! Contact Jen Close on 567895 or Chantal Crawford on 568474.

West Malvern’s young cyclo-cross riders have been starring again. At a recent British Cycling National Trophy event at Abergavenny, current under-23 world champion Evie Richards (who is still only 19!) won the Elite Womens’ race, while Ross Harnden took the junior event. Good breeding and tough training on the Hills obviously continue to pay dividends for these talented youngsters, and lend lustre to our village!

There will be a rare Monday musical event at West Malvern Social Club on November 14th, when Berlin-based New Zealand group Luckless (aka Ivy Rossiter) will be performing from 8pm. Sounds very progressive – for details visit luckless.co.nz! Free admission, donations welcome.

COLIN JACKSON