The Parish of Guarlford

What's new on the website and in the village

The Grapevine

The August/September 2024 issue of our colour on-line parish magazine The Grapevine, edited by Cora Weaver, has been published. This includes an exciting announcement that the upgraded Village Hall should reopen on 28th September 2024.

The Grapevine

The June/July 2024 issue of our colour on-line parish magazine The Grapevine, edited by Cora Weaver, has been published, which includes details of forthcoming events including the Guarlford Summer Street Party on 8th June, commemorating the 80th anniversary of D Day.

Worcester on demand trial bus service

Worcestershire County Council is running a trial bus service. You may have seen a litle green bus passing through the village?

Click for trial bus service poster

Note: you may need a smartphone to use this service.

If you would like to help others by sharing your experience of using the bus service do please get in touch using the 'Contact Us' button above.

For more information about the pilot service click this link:-

https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/travel-and-highways/bus-travel-worcestershire/worcestershire-demand

St Mary's

Church services poster added for May.

Click for church services page

The Grapevine

The April/May 2024 issue of our colour on-line parish magazine The Grapevine, edited by Cora Weaver, has been published.

Modernisation of Guarlford Village Hall

Work on modernisation of the village hall is proceeding at pace. Read page ten of the latest issue of the Grapevine to find out what is going on.

Easter church services

Details of Easter church services can also be found in the Grapevine.

Alternatively click St Mary's and then Services buttons above.

Home Upgrade Grant

Government funding is now available for free energy improvements to make homes warmer and reduce energy bills for eligible households in Worcestershire.

If your annual household income is £31,000 or less and you are not connected to mains gas for heating, then you could be eligible.

Click for Home Upgrade Grant flyer

Happy New Year

Waxwings spotted on Guarlford Road

Suddenly last week numerous cars were parked on the Guarlford Road and groups of people from here and far were seen with cameras and binoculars. The unusual bustling gathering was caused by the appearance of Waxwings, rare winter birds, visiting from Scandinavia, which were feeding on the white mistletoe berries growing in abundance in the trees on the north side of the 'Guarlford straight' between Chance Lane and Hall Green.

Click for stunning pictures of Waxwings in Malvern Gazette

The Grapevine

Cora Weaver has published a new edition of the Grapevine colour on-line magazine, packed full of interesting material.

Click to view Grapevine February/March 2024 issue

Please help by emailing a copy to your friends or possibly even printing for an elderly neighbour without the Internet.

(You will find a picture of the Waxwings on the front cover.)

Alternatively click the Village button and then Magazine to go to the history of the Grapevine, and a list of archived electronic editions.

The Grapevine

Thanks to the efforts of Cora Weaver the Grapevine community magazine is back as a web-hosted colour publication.

Please click for the November/December 2023 (revised) edition which is in the form of an 11MB pdf file that should open in your web browser.

Alternatively click the Village button and then Magazine to go to the history of the Grapevine, and a list of archived electronic editions.

Cora would very much like the ‘new’ Grapevine to be a community asset and would welcome notices, requests, offers, articles etc. Just get in touch (see contact details in the magazine). Please feel free to copy the Grapevine amongst your friends and neighbours.

Noticeboard

The noticeboard has been updated - note the Christmas Quiz on 25th November will be the next major  event in the Village Hall followed by the Christmas Fayre on 2nd December.

Recent updates

Invitation to tend for work on Village Hall

See noticeboard for an invitation to tender for work on the modernisation of Gualford Village Hall.

Closing date: 13th December 2023.

Village hall report October 2023

Report for October 2023 added to Village Hall reports page.

Pledges for future funding have risen to £140,000 due to the hard work of the committee making possible further upgrading of our village hall.

Recent updates

Addition of Heritage Open Days to noticeboard, and Village Hall report for August 2023

Recent updates

Noticeboard updated with details of MEYC Coffee Morning (tomorrow) and Village Hall AGM on 28th June.

Agenda for AGM posted on Village Hall Events page.

Report for June added to Village Hall reports page.

Distric Councillor report

Our District Councillor Tom Wells plans to provide monthly reports to Guarlford Parish Council. A place has been created on the Parish Council Information page for these.

Tom's first report mentions the campaign to save Malvern College of Art.

Recent events

In recent weeks there has been quite a lot going on in Guarlford and our sister parish of Madresfield, home to our village school and the privately run Madresfield Early Years Centre (MEYC).

Church-goers worship alternately at St Mary Guarlford and St Mary Madresfield.

Here is a roundup of recent news.

Village quiz

On 10th April a quiz was held in Guarlford village hall, which was preceeded by the formal opening of the excellent new toilets. See village hall reports page for more information.

Well done to those running the quiz and the builders who are undertaking the regeneration work on the building.

Coronation tea party

The day after the Coronation of King Charles III on 6th May, a party was held in Penny Close to celebrate the event. As in 1953 the rain fell on Coronation Day itself, but fortunately the weather held dry for the Guarlford street party. Thanks to all those who organised a very enjoyable event including Richard who ran the barbecue, and those who set out the many tables, chairs and gazebos and put them away afterwards.

The street party tug of war (click to enlarge in new window)

Activities Day

On Saturday 20th May the village hall committee ran a free activities taster day in conjunction with Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire. On offer was:

• Tai Chi led by Enid of Golden Threads

• Art and Craft led by Charlotte and Olivia of Hereford Community Arts

• Singing for fun led byAnthony McCure

• Dancing led by Debbie Goddard

For more details see Village Hall June 2023 report

Music at Madresfield

On the afternoon of Sunday 21st May there was a well attended performance of music by Mendelssohn in St Mary Madresfield.

Thankyou to Antonida Andonovo (violin), Alison Virgo (viola), Margaret Tarr (cello), and Carleton Tarr (piano).

Rev Gary opening recital

Madresfield open gardens and village fete

After a gap of four years the annual village fete in the grounds of Madresfield Court returned. The weather held fine and there was a record attendance. Madresfield Court's smart new branding could be seen on the signage.

The PCC organised a stall selling secondhand books, craft items and plants which raised £243 for the two parish churches.

The church bookstall

Visit by descendants of Rev Wathen

Guarlford church was opened on 7th June for a visit by Mary, the great grand daughter of the first Rector of Guarlford, John Bateman Wathen, and her daughters Jane and Rachel.

It was lovely to show them the church, and for them to share with the Guarlford History Group family photos and JBW's diaries.

Jane, Rachel, Rosemary and Mary discussing JBW memorabilia

Guarlford Gallop

The Guarlford Gallop fun run took place  as planned on Sunday 11th June. Despite rain the previous day it held dry. The route ran up Wood Street, across and down the fields to the Green Dragon, and back along the common to Guarlford.

There were stalls and refreshments in the village hall.

Some found the weather rather hot and muggy but plan to return next year.

Bob and Mel glad to have completed the course!

For more details see Village Hall June 2023 report

Many thanks to Gill and Roy Hollick for organising the event.

Worship Celebration

Children of Madresfield School and their parents gathered in St Mary Madresfield on Monday 12th June, for a service organised by Benefice youth workers Kay and Vicky, demonstrating religious activities in the school. The children sang many songs learned from iSingPop and talked about collective worship in school. Rev Gary talked about some work he had done with the children involving a painting by his friend Timmy Mallet, and the Open the Book team and pupil volunteers presented a short dramatisation 'Praying for Peter'.

Visit by Bromsgrove U3A to St Mary Madresfield

About 20 members of the Bromsgove U3A 'Visiting Churches' group met at St Mary Madresfield on 15th June, after having lunch at the Swan at Newland. Rev Gary spoke about his work in the parish, while Angus, Rosemary and Elizabeth talked about the history of the church. This was followed by a brief tour of the churchyard, particularly to the grave of Victorian botanist Isabella Ann Allen. Once again the weather held fine and a good time was had by all.

Click for Rev Gary's U3A group photo on Twitter

Updated pages

WI programme updated and new subscription rate posted. Newsletter added to Village Hall Reports. Village Hall Events page updated. Concert at St Mary Madresfield added to Noticeboard. Agendas for Guarlford Parish Council meetings on 15th May added to GPC meetings page.

Doorstep scams

Rogue traders may call at the door and offer you a service you don’t really need. They may claim to have noticed something about your property that needs work or improvement, such as the roof or drive, and offer to fix it for cash at an inflated price. They prey particularly on the elderly.

Be on your guard, and if needed refer to:

 Age UK advice on Doorstep Scams

It is reported that residents have been suspicious of a white van recently spotted cruising the neighbourhood.

If you are being pressured to agree to work you don't want, consider noting down relevant details and calling a neighbour or the Police.

Welcome to Malvern sign damaged

The Welcome to Malvern sign on the Guarlford Road opposite the junction with Chance Lane was damaged in a traffic incident around 9:00 am on Thursday 19th January. Police were in attendance.

The 'Welcome to Malvern' panel bearing the Town Council logo was removed by the Malvern Hills Trust for safe keeping, while Worcester County Council, Malvern Hills District Council, and Malvern Town Council discussed who was responsible for its repair.

One assumes the vehicle's insurers will ultimately have to pay for restoration of the sign.

Damaged Welcome to Malvern sign (click to enlarge)

Photograph courtesy of G.C.

Happy New Year

It's a funny start to the new year with Railway employees, Nurses, the Ambulance service, and many others going on strike.

Fibre Broadband in Chance Lane possible but months away

It looks as though Fibre To The Premises is planned for Chance Lane but that may not happen for many months.

Background

Broadband via the copper landline gives roughly 2Mb/s download speed which is pretty poor these days.

Fibre To The Cabinet (FTTC) at Hall Green, which piggy backs onto the copper landline,  provides about 50 Mb/s to properties near the cabinet, but the signal becomes weaker as it approaches Chance Lane so only about 12 Mb/s can be achieved there.

A BT fibre optic cable runs from the Great Malvern exchange past Guarlford to Clevelode where Fibre To The Premises (FTTP) has recently become available.

BT thought it too expensive to run the cable over the road to the village of Guarlford, and this gap has been filled by Airband. Airband customers in Guarlford are able to get about 50 Mb/s through Fibre To The Premises.

So Chance Lane is now getting a relatively poor Broadband service compared to neighbouring areas.

Airband offers Chance Lane residents Wireless connection to the Internet, probably through the G4 mobile phone network at a speed of 40 Mb/s. Has anyone tried that?

Cable laying

Some months ago a contractor was installing brown covered fibre optic cable into the BT underground ducts in Chance Lane but was coy about why!

On the 5th January 2023 Full Fibre installed black fibre optic cable into  the BT underground ducts and up the telegraph poles in Chance Lane. The contractor said pots would be added to the telegraph poles to connect properties and a junction box would be installed near the top of Chance Lane.

However, Full Fibre just lay the infrastructure and an Internet Service Provider is needed to sell a connection to consumers, and none are saying fibre is coming to Chance Lane soon.

Please do contact the webmaster if you have more information.

Community Carols

Despite the cold weather 'Community Carols' in Penny Lane was a great success.

Guarlford’s magnificent light display (organised by Cath and Keith) was the backdrop for the annual carol singing this year.

Accompanied by The Chase Brass Band local residents joined together in the frosty air to sing familiar carols and raise a little money for charity. Afterwards everyone warmed up with hot drinks and mince pies in the village hall.

You can see more pictures on Rev Gary's Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/revgarycrellin

Events page added for Village Hall

The Village Hall now has its own Events page where you will find details of the Barn Dance on 15th October

The Grapevine

The October/November 2022 edition of the Grapevine has been published on-line.

Click Village and then Magazine to go to the list of magazines.

Vacancy for editor of the Grapevine

The October/November edition is the last by well known local historian Cora Weaver who has edited the Grapevine for 20 years!

It will be the last edition ever unless someone steps forward to take over as editor. If you would like to become the editor please get in touch using the Contact Us page. Cora will be glad to help you get started.

Guarlford Parish Council

Approved minutes of the meetings on 9th May 2022 added to the meetings page.

Madresfield Tower Project

At the Guarlford and Madresfield PCC meeting at St Mary Madresfield on 20th July 2022 a new project for the Tower at Madresfield was given the green light after a historic vote of confidence was given by the majority of the PCC to explore design and funding options for the ringing chamber, kitchenette, and WC.

Click for report on Benefice news page

Village Hall Regeneration Fund

TARGET 150

Did you know the Village Hall Trustees have plans to modernise the facilities at Guarlford Village Hall?

Our village hall needs better insulating and heating, new toilets, and a new kitchen.

The target is to raise £150,000

You will see on the noticeboard that plenty of activities are planned to help with this.

So come along and help us reach our target of £150.000  !!

For further details contact the secretary Gill Hollick

Tel: 07816 533251

email: guarlfordvillagehall@gmail.com

The Grapevine - Platinum Jubilee Edition

The August/September 2022 colour edition of the Grapevine with photographs of the bring and share picnic at Guarlford has been published on-line.

Click Village and then Magazine to go to the list of magazines.

Village Hall

List of trustees updated and report on Village Hall AGM added to Reports.

Defibrillator training

There was a well attended meeting in Guarlford Village Hall on 18th May when Heartstart Malvern taught us how to give CPR and use the new Defibrillator.

Click for report

Photo opposite: a little card we were given to remind us what to do initially when encountering a casualty.

The assistance of a second person to call 999 and fetch the defibrillator (if required) was emphasised.

On the reverse of the card is a reminder to seek help if suffering possible signs of a heart attack.

Many thanks to Angela and her team at Heartstart Malvern for an informative and enjoyable evening.

The Grapevine

The June/July 2022 colour edition of the Grapevine has been published on-line.

Click Village and then Magazine to go to the list of magazines.

Copies will shortly be collated for those that have requested a printed edition.

Noticeboard updated

Details added of the next meeting of Guarlford Parish Council on 9th May and advance notice of roadworks in Chance Lane.

The Village Hall Quiz was a very successful event with about 70 people taking part.

Noticeboard updated

The May Day Bank Holiday weekend is approaching when there will be a Folk Festival in Upton on Severn. The town and car parks will be busy.

On 4th May there will be a village hall meeting where an update on plans will be discussed - do come along.

On 18th May there will be training on how to use the new defibrillator which is located on the wall by the entrance to the village hall.

The Grapevine

The April/May 2022 colour edition of the Grapevine has been published on-line.

Click Village and then Magazine to go to the list of magazines.

Copies will shortly be collated for those that have requested a printed edition.

Guarlford Parish Council

Approved minutes of the meeting on 13th December 2021 added to the website.

Daffodil Sunday and Spring Gardens

Another chance to walk round the gardens of Madresfield Court.

See noticeboard for details

Guarlford Village Hall

Report added to village hall reports page outlining recent fund raising and some future activities.

Last week volunteers did sterling work clearing out the bottom room.

The Grapevine

The February/March 2022 colour edition of the Grapevine has been published on-line.

Click Village and then Magazine to go to the list of magazines.

Copies will shortly be collated for those that have requested a printed edition.

Guarlford Village Hall

The Village Hall now has it's own Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/Guarlford-Village-Hall-103786325427379/

and a link has been placed at the bottom of the Hall Charges page.

Congratulations to the new Committee and supporters for successful grant applications and promoting future development and use of the VH - more to follow. 

Guarlford Parish Council

Anti-bullying statement added to GPC Information page

Approved minutes of the meeting on 13th September 2021 added to meetings page

Happy New Year

Let's hope this COVID business will soon be behind us!

The Grapevine

The December 2021/January 2022 colour edition of the Grapevine has been published on-line.

Click Village and then Magazine to go to the list of magazines.

New stair-lift in the village hall

The old stair-lift had stopped working and spare parts were no longer available, but thanks to the fund raising efforts of the village hall committee a new stair-lift has been installed.

Don't forget there will be a Christmas Fayre in the vilage hall on 4th December.

The Grapevine

The October/November 2021 colour edition of the Grapevine has been published on-line.

Click Village and then Magazine to go to the list of magazines.

Guarlford Village Hall

Now COVID restrictions have been lifted the Village Hall is once again available for hire for social events, exercise classes and the like.

Please go to the village hall hire charges page for how to book:-

Village hall charges and how to book

The Grapevine

The August/September 2021 colour edition of The Grapevine parish magazine has been published on-line.

Click to read The Grapevine

(File size about 10 MB, pdf document, opens in new window)

Archive copies of the on-line edition can be found on the Parish Magazines page. On the navigation bar, click Village nd then Magazines

WI programme

WI programme updated with events planned to be held in Guarlford Village Hall, now the COVID lockdown has ended.

Three new pictures added to WI photos.

Roadworks in Barnards Green finished

On Wednesday it was good to see the road outside the shops was clear; the temporary traffic lights had gone and the Geraldine Road car park was back to normal after removal of the contractors' storage area.

Roadworks in Barnards Green

Roadworks outside the shops in Barnards Green look set to continue to 23rd July with consequent delays to traffic caused by the one way system and traffic lights.

Click for fuller report

The last we heard the (eastern) bus stop had moved round the corner to the top of Pound Bank.

Theft of Caravan

A caravan was stolen from Guarlford in broad daylight.

See The Stitchery Twitter

Rumour has it the thieves called at a house nearby the next day asking to buy their caravan and were very threatening when told it was not for sale.

 The Grapevine

The June/July 2021 colour edition of The Grapevine parish magazine has been published on-line.

Click to read The Grapevine

(File size about 10 MB, pdf document, opens in new window)

Archive copies of the on-line edition can be found on the Parish Magazines page. On the navigation bar, click Village and then Magazines

Application for an easement at Mill Lane

A developer is seeking an easement from the Malvern Hills Trust to enable an access road to be built next to Mill Lane to facilitate the building of up to 180 homes on farmland between Mill Lane and the Green Dragon. If permission is granted the proposal could then be included in SWDPII which itself has yet to be approved.

Click this link to see the documents

Mike Huskinson, Chairman of Guarlford Parish Council, is asking as many people as possible to make representations to the Malvern Hills Trust by 18th April.

Click to read Mike's personal comments on this proposal

Further comments can be made to the Malvern Hills Trust by clicking this link

The Grapevine

The April/May 2021 edition of The Grapevine parish magazine has been published on-line.

Click to read The Grapevine

(File size about 10 MB, opens in new window)

WI pages updated

About us page amended to show reduced subscription during 2021 due to COVID restrictions; Programme updated to say there is as yet no programme for 2021, but there have been meetings on Zoom; Photo page brought up to date.

Do let us know if you would like to contribute either stories or photos of WI activities.

COVID Pandemic

Over 50s can now book a vaccination without having to be called by their GP surgery. Click this link:

Book a coronavirus vaccination - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

On 29th March we expect STEP 1B of the exit from lockdown to be implemented. That will allow either two households or groups of up to six people to meet outdoors keeping 2 metres apart.

You can now get COVID lateral flow tests at Great Malvern Library.

WI News updated

Some news about what we did last year, and plans.

Vaccine

The COVID vaccination programme is proceeding at pace and those aged 50 and over can now book a jab. The mass vaccination center at the Three Counties showground is up and running.

Walks

A link has been added to a 'Walking in England' website from which walks can be downloaded both in Worcestershire and beyond.

http://www.walkinginengland.co.uk

Zoom

Guarlford WI are now enjoying meeting using Zoom. Rev Gary has been holding Zoom services and hopes to open churches at Easter; possibly music, but probably no singing.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year everyone. Sadly Coronavirus is still  with us and likely to build to a peak in January. Hopefully rates will start to come down in February. Until you get your jab continue to take care and stay safe.

Click for Coronavirus weekly update for Malvern Seniors

The Grapevine

The on-line edition of the February/March 2021 Grapevine has been published. (To locate from the Home page, click on Village and then Magazine).

St Mary's

The decision has been taken to close the churches in the Benefice during the COVID lockdown and while the epidemic is spreading rapidly in Worcestershire. Services are now held on-line using Zoom.

For further details and to receive copies of the weekly Headlines newsletter please contact the Rev Gary Crellin.

Benefice website: http://www.oldhillsmalvern.co.uk

Police Commissioner's Christmas Message

A bit late but here it is

The Grapevine

The on-line edition of the December/January Grapevine has been published. (To locate from the Home page, click on Village and then Magazine).

Christmas lights

Festive Christmas lights are beginning to appear to lighten the gloom, for example in Penny Lane and near the bends in Chance Lane.

Christmas Bazaar

Sadly the Christmas Bazaar in the village hall has had to be cancelled due to the COVID epidemic.

Police Commissioner's introduction

As part of his commitment to engage with local communities, John Campion, our Police and Crime Commissioner, provides articles for publication in local Town and Parish newsletters. These articles, which currently appear in over 60 local newsletters, outline his work and detail ongoing projects beneficial to local communities, as well as highlighting local police activity of note.

In this newsletter he explains his role, and more may follow on a monthly basis.

Role of Police and Crime Commissioner

Death of Lady Morrison

Lady Rosalind Morrison, grand daughter of 7th Lord Beauchamp of Madresfield Court, died aged 74 following a heart operation. She will be sadly missed by the many that knew her and friends at St Mary's.

Website updates

Addition of on-line edition of the October/November Grapevine. (To locate from the Home page, click on Village and then Magazine)

Addition of approved minutes of the GPC meeting on 11th May

(to locate from the Home page, click on Parish Council and then Meetings)

Addition of memories of Jack Meeks, basket maker

(To locate from the Home page, click on GHG)

Guarlford Parish Council

The Parish Clerk is in the process of moving Parish Council information to a more permanent home on the Worcestershire County Council parish pages.

Click the link below to go to a list of parish councils, and then look down the list to find Guarlford.

https://e-services.worcestershire.gov.uk/myparish/

For the time being the information will be mirrored on the Guarlford Parish website.

Coronavirus alert

The infection rate which had been low in the Malvern Hills district is beginning to escalate and the elderly should take special care and consider self isolating.

Because of the spike in cases the government has imposed a new limit of six people on social gatherings both indoors and outdoors with effect from next Monday.

Click to read PMs statement

Guarlford Road Closure

Be prepared for more work on the Guarlford Road between Hall Green and Guarlford in the next few days. This time it is said to be for replacing the Cats Eyes and White Lines.

Click for notice

Guarlford Road Closed

The Guarlford Road was closed today for patching between Guarlford church and the turning into Chance Lane, necessitating long diversions.

Signs indicate the disruption could continue up to and including 15th July.

You should allow extra time for your journey and consider alternative routes.

See noticeboard for further information.

Grange Farm Nursery

Grange Farm Nursery at Guarlford is now open, but in order to maintain physical distancing you need to phone in advance on 01684 562544 to book a timeslot for your visit.

Parish Magazines

The Grapevine Parish Magazine is not being distributed during the Coronvirus lockdown. Consequently an online edition can now be found on the website. To find this click the Village button and then the Magazine button at the top of the Village page to go to a new Magazine page. There you will also find a link to the Powick Parish  Magazine.

Guarlford Nursery can now open

Due to easing of the Coronavirus lockdown announced on Sunday, it is expected Guarlford Nursery will reopen today subject to physical distancing being maintained.

Madresfield School Fete cancelled

The Madresfield school fete and open gardens event planned to be held at Madresfield Court on Saturday 20th June has regrettably been cancelled due to the Coronavirus epidemic and continuing restrictions on large gatherings.

The Grapevine

Due to the Coronavirus epidemic the Grapevine magazine is not being delivered this month, but a copy can be collected from the phone boxes in Guarlford and Madresfield. The Powick magazine is being published online and can be found from the links page of the new Benefice website, else click here.

Church news

An Online Worship page has been added to the new Benefice website, listing resources for use at home during the Coonavirus epidemic.

Asking for help

Click this link for assistance if you need help while self isolating at home during the Coronavirus epidemic.

 Coronavirus pandemic

Due to Coronavirus the litter pick has been postponed to September and the village VE75 celebration remembering the end of WWII has been cancelled.

Church services at the four churches in the Benefice have been suspended for the duration.

Remember to socially distance yourself from others and wash hands thoroughly, for example on returning home, during the epidemic.

Click to view number of cases on the Coronavirus Dashboard

Litter Pick

A litter pick is planned on Wednesday 1st April, see noticeboard for details.

Freedom of Information

Contact details for Parish Clerk updated on Freedom of Information page.

Other news

Coronavirus

Coronavirus is a clear and present danger, but little impact on Malvern - so far. The effectiveness of face masks has been questioned, and shops seem to have sold out. Face masks marked FFP3 are likely to be most effective, if you can get them and have to travel to affected areas.

Floods

Routes out of Malvern have been blocked by floods; see Malvern Gazette for latest information. Fields are waterlogged making life difficult for farmers, and Daffodil Sunday at Madresfield Court has had to be cancelled.

Happy New Year Everyone

The Grapevine magazine covering February/March should be dropping through doors shortly; but please note there may be changes to the church services printed on the back page so do make sure to check the diary of the Benefice website for the latest information. A copy of the 'proposed services' can be found on the St Mary Services page of this website.

A village photographic competition is being sponsored by Alliance Westminster, a small insurance company. See Noticeboard page for details.

The results of the Malvern Hills Trust Public Consultation have been published on the Trust website. Only about 2 percent of Malvern residents filled in questionnaires but to a greater or lesser extent the vote seems to have been in favour of the proposed changes. The Trust's next step will be to obtain formal advice from DCMS as to whether the proposed Charity Commission Scheme can replace the existing five Malvern Hills Acts or whether it might become a sixth Act.

A meeting of the Friends of the Commons of Malvern (FoCoM) residents' association was held in Guarlford Village Hall on 25th January. About 70 people attended. Topics discussed included the Malvern Hills Trust Public consultation, the SWDPR and proposals for new housing developments on the east side of Malvern, and whether to form a new group on climate change and environmental issues. If you are interested to find out more email: focom2019@gmail.com

Roger Tipper

It is with sadness we record the passing of church organist Roger Tipper who for many years played at St Mary Guarlford and St Mary Madresfield.

Recent news

Malvern Hills Trust

The Malvern Hills Trust Public Consultation closed on 13th October. The Trust reports about 470 questionnaires were completed and that after analysis a report will be submitted to the Board circa February 2020. It is to be hoped the Trust publishes a full account.

David Fellows has been elected unopposed as the new  Conservator for the Parish of Guarlford replacing David Street.

Graeme Crisp has been elected Conservator for the neighbouring Chase ward, beating David Street and replacing Sarah Stewart who, as far as is known, did not attend any meetings.

The new Board meets for the first time on 14th November.

South Worcestershire Development Plan

One problem disappears and then a new one comes along. The SWDP is being reviewed with the object of extending the plan for building new homes from 2030 to 2041 in order to meet targets imposed by government. The proposals include building 180 homes on land to the south of the Guarlford Road and 180 more in the field bounded by Hall Green, Windrush Crescent and the Madresfield Road.

A 6 week Public Consultation began on 4th November and there will be a chance to find out more at an MHDC roadshow:

 Venue: Lyttleton Rooms

Date: 20th November

Time: between 2 pm and 8 pm.

You will be able to comment online. To read the document and comment you will need to go to this webpage and register with an email address and password in order to login:

https://swdp-consult.objective.co.uk/portal/swdp_review_preferred_options

Comments can also be made by email to contact@swdevelopmentplan.org or by post to South Worcestershire Development Plan, Civic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore, WR10 1PT.

The deadline for responses is 5pm on Monday, 16 December 2019.

Also see this document about the sites that have been considered:

https://www.swdevelopmentplan.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Malvern.pdf

Michael Skinner

It is with great sadness we have to record the passing of Michael Skinner who was a great asset to the village. Michael was for many years Parish Clerk, and was a founder member of the Guarlford History Group.

Malvern Hills Trust Public Consultation

The Malvern Hills Trust is inviting views on the new powers they will be seeking from the Charity Commission and Government.

The consultation ends on Sunday 13th October so there is little time left to have your say.

If you have not already done so, is suggested you skip through the Consultation Document on the Malvern Hills Trust website. At the end there is a link to a set of questionnaires. These are quite easy to complete and if you click the SAVE button part way through you will be sent a link which can be saved as a favourite in your browser enabling you to go back, finish, and submit your views.

Click to find out more about the Public Consultation

Malvern Hills Trust Elections

Nominations for the 11 elected positions on the Board of the Malvern Hills Conservators or Trust closed at 4 pm on Friday.

David Fellows of Rectory Lane Guarlford has been elected, unopposed, Conservator for Guarlford, with effect from 1st November.

Damage to church wall

On Thursday a vehicle collided with the wall of the church in Rectory Lane, knocking out a section of stonework.

There are traces of blue paint on the stonework and pieces of black plastic and a BMW wing mirror left behind. Please tell the webmaster if you know of a damaged blue BMW.

Damaged wall in Rectory Road

Update of webpages

Lists of parish councillors and village hall trustees updated. Agenda for Guarlford Parish Council meeting on 9th September added. Noticeboard updated.

Have your say

The latest news page of the Malvern Hills Trust website reports the Public Consultation about the new powers they are seeking will start on 2nd September 2019.

The documents will shortly be on-line and printed copies for those without Internet access can also be obtained from the Trust's offices in Grange Road opposite the theatre.

A number of drop-in consultations are being organised so that residents can chat with Trust staff and details of these appear in the September issue of the Grapevine magazine distributed to every home in Guarlford, Madresfield and Newland.

Click to view copy of the announcement in the Grapevine

Plough and Harrow

It is reported in the Malvern  Gazette that the Plough and Harrow hopes to reopen on 18th September 2019.

Superfast Broadband

We are told Superfast Broadband has now been installed in some homes in Guarlford by Airband. Please let us know if it is any good and whether you can recommend to others.

It is rumoured speeds of 50 Mb/s can now be provided, a big increase on the 2 Mb/s from BT.

Additions to Home page buttons

'Menu' button added at top right hand side of screen. Clicking or tapping this should display the navigation bar as a simple list which may be easier to use on devices with small screens.

'About' button added to navigation bar - clicking this will display the history of the website.

Old domain name retiring

The old domain name guarlford.org.uk is being retired at the end of July so please be aware after that it will no longer be redirected to the new Guarlford History Group website www.guarlfordparish.uk which includes information about the Parish Council.

Please don't use the old email address admin@guarlford.org.uk as your message won't get through.

A new church website

The new website for the four churches in our Benefice, including St Mary Guarlford, has now gone on line and provides a one stop shop for events at Guarlford, Madresfield, Powick and Callow End.

The Benefice has been given the new 'Friendly' name of:-

Old Hills Malvern

and the new website address is:

http://www.oldhillsmalvern.co.uk

If you scroll down the 'Home' page, you can find out what is going on this week. If you click on the 'Services' button you will be able to download a pdf timetable of church services, and if you click the 'Diary' button you will see an overview of events at the four churches.

This excellent new website is in the 'bedding down' stage, so if you experience any teething problems please report them to Rev Gary.

Plough and Harrow opening delayed

The Malvern Gazette reported that the Plough and Harrow had hoped to reopen on 21st August after extensive modernisation but the construction firm has gone into receivership, so the opening will be delayed, hopefully for a short time.

Brunning Price, the new owners, have asked permission to display old photographs from the Guarlford History books. The Guarlford History Group think that's a nice idea, but please let the webmaster know if you have any concerns.

High Speed broadband

There are reports of poles and overhead cables in the village suggesting high speed broadband is on its way. If you would like to share your experience on this page, please get in touch.

Updates

Noticeboard updated and list of church services in the Benefice added for June and July. Apparently development of the new website for the four churches in the Benefice has been delayed by illness.

Superfast Broadband for Guarlford now more likely

Following the meeting in the village hall last night, Airband are offering to install Superfast Broadband. Please click link for more details (opens Microsoft Word document).

Ideally you should register your interest by 1st May 2019

Noticeboard updated

Noticeboard updated and Benefice Easter services added.

At the meeting on 19th March residents were pleased to hear the Board of the Malvern Hills Trust refuse the request for an easement from Chance Lane into Rose Farm.

Special Board meeting of the Malvern Hills Trust to decide the Chance Lane Easement

It's on, it's off, it's on, it's off, it's on again.

Yes the Malvern Hills Trust has twice cancelled this meeting as a result of objections raised by residents, but after  spending thousands of pounds of public money on legal advice, the Board are finally planning to vote on this controversial Easement.

Venue: The Gryphon Room, Malvern College, Thirlstane Road, WR14 3PL

Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Directions: from Court Road turn into Thirlstane Road, proceed under the railway bridge and immediately turn right for the Gryphon Room and Sports Complex.

Click for map of Malvern College

Click to view Malvern Hills Trust Calendar

The meeting papers can be found on the MHT website.

Please do come along with your friends to this very important meeting to show your support for refusing this application to build a large access road across the Common adjoining the Guarlford Road.

Click to view Residents' Association poster

Provisional Special Board meeting of the Malvern Hills Trust on 28th February 2019 to decide the Chance Lane Easement cancelled

The Malvern Hills Trust is still awaiting legal advice from Counsel regarding matters raised by residents. They expect a new date will be announced at or before the next meeting of the Board on 14th March. The original meeting had been planned for 20th November 2018.

Special Board meeting of the Malvern Hills Trust to decide the Chance Lane Easement

The Malvern Hills Trust announced at the Board meeting on 17th January that the special meeting to decide the Chance Lane and Jackpit Lane easements had been provisionally rescheduled for Thursday 28th February 2019 at 7:00 pm at the Chase High School.

CANCELLED

A copy of the MHT papers and the applicant's submission can be obtained from the  reception desk at the MHT office in Grange Road.

A copy of the papers can also be viewed on the MHT website

If you wish to ask a question at the special meeting this has to be lodged with the Trust by noon on Friday 22nd February. This can be either sent by email or handed in at reception.

email: info@malvernhills.org.uk

The Rose Farm Partnership is seeking this access to facilitate planning permmision so that the field can be sold at a large profit to a developer which could lead to the building of two and three storey houses in the field known as Rose Farm opposite the Green Dragon pub on the Guarlford Road.

If you object to this proposal, which could damage the eastern gateway to Malvern, please come along to the meeting on 28th February and support other residents.

Church pages updated

Contact details for Rev Gary Crellin amended on Benefice page.

Rev Gary's Epiphany message added to Benefice News.

Church services for January added.

Wishing all in our parish, and visitors to this website, a Happy New Year

Church news page updated

A new website for the Benefice

Rev Gary Crellin has announced that a new website is to be developed to serve the four churches of the Benefice: St Mary Guarlford, St Mary Madresfield, St Peter Powick and St James Callow End - for further details see Benefice News page.

Malvern Town Neighbourhood Plan

An important event is happening in the background, which you might not be aware of. The Malvern Town Neighbourhood Plan is now with Malvern Hills District Council who are running a public consultation between 9th November and 21st December 2018.

Please support the Town Council by submitting a Response Form and emailing it to the MHDC recommending the Town Plan is accepted (or any other comments you might wish to make).

Details of how to do this can be found on the MHDC website:

www.malvernhills.gov.uk/malvern-town-neighbourhood-plan

Responses should be emailed to:

policy.plans@malvernhills.gov.uk

It is the responsibility of Malvern Hills District Council to collate all the responses and forward them on to an independent examiner, who will consider the responses and the Plan documents when assessing whether the Neighbourhood Plan meets the relevant legislation. If that hurdle is past, the plan will lastly proceed to a referendum in which townspeople will be able to vote whether or not to adopt the plan.

South Worcestershire Development Plan Roadshow

Briefings on SWDP phase II are taking place at various venues in Worcestershire during November. There will be a chance to see the latest proposals at the Lyttelton Rooms on 26th Nov; see Noticeboard.

Special meeting about the Chance Lane Easement postponed

The Trust announced on 15th November that the special meeting on 20th November had been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.

The Malvern Hills Trust announced at the Board meeting on 8th November that the special meeting to decide the Chance Lane and Jackpit Lane easements would be on Tuesday 20th November at 7:00 pm in the 'cricket pavilion' next to the Council Offices otherwise known as The Council Chamber.

A copy of the MHT papers and the applicant's submission can be obtained from the  reception desk at the MHT office in Grange Road.

A copy of the plans can also be viewed on the MHT website

If you wish to ask a question at the special meeting this has to be lodged with the Trust by noon on Friday 16th November. This can be either sent by email or handed in at reception.

email: info@malvernhills.org.uk

The Rose Farm Partnership is seeking this access to facilitate building two and three storey houses in the field known as Rose Farm opposite the Green Dragon pub on the Guarlford Road.

If you object to this proposal, which could damage the eastern gateway to Malvern, please come along to the meeting on Tuesday 20th and support other residents.

Friends of the Commons of Malvern

Collision at the junction of Chance Lane and the Guarlford Road

New domain name

Our old website hosting is no longer fully supported so we have moved the Parish of Guarlford website to new hosting linked to the domain name www.guarlfordparish.uk;

website forwarding is set up so that if you type the old domain name www.guarlford.org.uk into your browser you will be directed to the home page of the new website.

The new address for communications by email is:

webmaster@guarlfordparish.uk

The Guarlford History Group can also be contacted using the old email address:

 admin@guarlford.org.uk

Residents are concerned

Residents are becoming very concerned about local Easements being considered by the Malvern Hills Trust, and a meeting is planned for Wednesday 8th August in the village hall - see noticeboard.

Vacancy for Parish Clerk

On the noticeboard you will also see that the Guarlford Parish Council is seeking applications to fill the post of Parish Clerk as the present clerk will be retiring in September.

Possible housing development opposite The Green Dragon

On Saturday 14th July some of the residents adjoining Rose Farm received letters delivered by hand advising that The Rose Farm Partnership, about whom nothing seems to be known, was requesting an easement from the Malvern Hills Trust (MHT) with a view to building a large housing estate in the field opposite The Green Dragon.

The MHT has known of this application for over a year, but has told residents that any comments must be forwarded to them by 30th July.

There will be a meeting of Guarlford Parish Council on Wedneday 25th July 2018 at 7:30 pm in the village hall at which this matter will be discussed. See Noticeboard for further details.

Open Gardens and Fete at Madresfield Court

Parish Council Annual Return

Institution of Rev Gary Crellin

An important event happened at St Peter Powick last Sunday when a service was held, led by Bishop Graham of Dudley, to inaugurate the Reverend Gary Crellin to the Parishes of Powick and Guarlford and Madresfield with Newland.

The service was well attended and afterwards participants were treated to tasty refreshments in Powick Village Hall.

Click to read more about the Benefice

Addition of a new article in which Sam Beard remembers meeting Oliver Churchill who was later to become an SOE agent operating in and around Italy during WWII.

Cancellation of Daffodil Sunday at Madresfield Court

Sadly this event will not now take place, as the field used for parking is waterlogged.

Worcestershire Pollinators Conference 2018

Appointment of new Rector

The Plough and Harrow

Happy New Year

Cancellation of service at St Mary Madresfield

Please note that 11:00 AM Mattins at Madresfield has been cancelled due to the forecast bad weather.

Meeting of Guarlford Parish Council

Carol Service

Madresfield 150th Anniversary Service

On the 19th November a special service was held at St Mary Madresfield to mark the 150th anniversary of the consecration of the church on 10th November 1867.

This was well attended and afterwards the congregation was invited to refreshments at Madresfield Court.

Special November issue of the Grapevine

You may have noted that the November issue of the Grapevine was a special edition to mark the 150th anniversary of St Mary Madresfield.

The edition is designed so that, with care, the centre section about the history of the church can be pulled out and retained as a souvenir.

Plough and Harrow planning application

17/00915/FUL

At the public consultation meeting about the brewery's application to seek change of use to residential, in order to facilitate the sale of the property as a home, it was suggested residents make representations through the planning website, backed up by letters to councillors on the planning committee.

The application is likely to be discussed at the next meeting in January 2018. Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting.

 Amy Clifford nee Neal

The members of the Guarlford History group extend their sympathy to Mrs P Smith, who has written to advise us of the death of her Aunt Amy Clifford (nee Neal) at the age of 99 years. We were very grateful to Amy for the vivid account she gave us of growing up in Guarlford.

Plough and Harrow

Anniversary service

Fires in the Night (from the Grapevine)

On Saturday 5th August several people from the parish joined a Book Launch at the Malvern Book Co-operative in St Ann's Road, Great Malvern. Mary Jarratt, who until recently lived in Guarlford, was introducing her first children's book Fires in the Night set in the dying days of Roman rule in Britain.

The tale came to life when Mary was teaching a class of Year 2 children in Essex about Roman life. Unable to find a suitable story to read to them, Mary made up her own, based on Colchester, which she has now had published.

'Fires in the Night' is not only an exciting narrative by a young boy called Justin, son of a centurion, but also gives a vivid picture of a city like Colchester in Roman times. What begins as a forbidden walk along the top of the city wall leads to Justin and his friends discovering a plot to betray the city to the Saxon invaders.

Mary Jarrett signing books, at the book launch

The book, priced £6.99, has been designed and published by John Bradshaw of JRB Publishing, Guarlford, and printed by Aspect Design, Malvern. The book is illustrated by Joel Mercer.Mary is now working on a second book - we shall look forward to that.

Rosemary McCulloch

Guarlford Parish Council

Update of church pages

Notice of a casual vacancy on Guarlford Parish Council

A well attended funeral service was held on 10th March in memory of Councillor Eric Jones who died suddenly at Christmas while on holiday abroad. In due course a tribute to Eric will be published on the website

In consequence of this sad event there is a casual vacancy on Guarlford Parish Council, and a formal notice about filling the vacancy has been published by the clerk of the PCC. Please click to open and read the document in pdf format, in a new window.

Our new Tree Warden is Jenny Cameron, and our new Parish Path Warden is Richard Worthington.

A new role for Revd Sue Irwin

It was announced in church last week that Revd Sue will be moving to a new appointment as Chaplain to St Oswald's Hospital in Worcester. Her last day in the Benefice is expected to be 30th April when there will be a Four in Faith Service, followed by refreshments at St Peter's Powick; see church news

Broadband

Item added to the noticeboard about the roll out of 'superfast' broadband in Worcestershire. It looks like this might not be available in Guarlford and Madresfield villages, except for one or two properties, for two years or more, but do say if you know different.

Updates

The short story about the Packhorse Way has been amended with the addition of two paintings by Victorian art teacher George Paterson Yeats. One is of the old Elm which once stood on the corner of Hall Green, and the other is of the cottages which once stood at Rose Farm opposite the Green Dragon.

The noticeboard has also been updated and church services added up to New Year.

Alterations

Dates of WI meetings in June and July updated.

We are pleased to announce that the new Churchwarden for St Mary Guarlford is Mr Christopher Lester. Chris has taken over from Don Hill who has been Churchwarden for many years - thank you Don for all you have done, and continue to do, for the village church.

Noticeboard updated

More memories of an evacuee

Churchyard headstone project

Happy new year 2016

The list of church services has been updated to show January events, and includes details of services at Madresfield, Powick and at St James Callow End.

The WI news page had been updated, and the WI programme now shows events in 2016.

Church news updated

Noticeboard updated

The November issue of The Grapevine has been posted through letter boxes and from this details of Christmas events such as the Guarlford Christmas Bazaar have been added to the noticeboard. Church Services up to the end of December have also been added.

The Remembrance Day service at St Mary Guarlford on Sunday 8th November will be at 9:30 am.

(The Guarlford History Group page Lest we forget contains information about some local casualties)

Extracts from Foley Estates Sale 1910

Planning application 15/01286/FUL

Recent additions

Noticeboard updated with information about forthcoming Fun Quiz Evening and Harvest festival.

Fifty photos of memorials at the eastern end of the churchyard have been added to the 'survey of the churchyard' page. It is hoped to complete the photographic record by late Autumn.

Church

Parish Council

Church

Mobile library stop at Guarlford discontinued

Worcester County Council has advised that due to financial cutbacks the mobile library fleet is being reduced from four vans to one and from 31st January 2015 there will no longer be stops at Guarlford and Madresfield.

Updated pages

Parish council minutes of 8th Sep 2014 added

WI programme for 2015 added

Church services listed to the end of February

Update on survey of the churchyard

More photographs of memorials in the churchyard, taken last year, have been added to the website. That leaves the remainder of the eastern and southern sections to be completed once the weather gets warmer.

Wishing everyone in the parish a Happy New Year

More historical information about clergy

Car accident in Chance Lane

There is police tape blowing into the road so take care if you are cycling.

Christmas services

Church services for December are now on-line.

Amended pages

Publications update

Lest we forget

Recent additions

A microfilm of baptisms at St Mary 1843 to 1884 has been discovered at Worcester Records Office at the Hive, click for more information.

Addition of Parish Council financial statement for 2013/14.

Parish Council

Planning application

Churchyard and Survey

Transcription of the monumental inscriptions recorded in 1990 is now complete, plus some notes have been added.
Click to view list of Guarlford churchyard inscriptions

Minor amendments have also been made to the churchyard page and information received from the Beckwith family who have a memorial in the churchyard.

Churchyard survey

A survey of memorials in the churchyard was made circa 1990; we have begun transcribing the manuscript records for the website - a few more names added.

Update

Malvern Library

The library in Great Malvern is in the process of being refurbished with work due to finish in April 2014. When visited today the reference section on the lower ground floor was not accessible, nor were certain areas on the ground floor, so it might be advisable to phone before making a special visit.

The Worcestershire Hub customer service centre will be moving to the lower ground floor, to where the Job Centre will relocate. The cafe will remain where it is.

Be prepared for some chaos and disruption during the next few weeks.

Click for more information about refurbishment of the library

Citizens Advice Bureau

The Citizens Advice Bureau has moved and is now located on the industrial estate near Festival Housing

Notice board updated

The WI AGM will be on 12th November (not first Tuesday as published in the Grapevine).

This year the Christmas Bazaar will be on 7th December in the village hall.

The Beckwith sisters and their family

History page added about the family of the Beckwith sisters who are buried in Guarlford churchyard. Their father was professional soldier Major General William Henry Beckwith (1766-1844).

Kenneth Woolley

Teacher, Kenneth Woolley, who died in 2012, was the youngest son of Clarence William Woolley, the respected headmaster of Guarlford National School from 1923 to his death in 1941. Ken had happy memories of growing up in Guarlford and very kindly left a legacy to the church in his will.

History web page added

Story of John and Edward Archer added to the website. They were not only hotel keepers of Great Malvern, but also benefactors and churchwardens of St Mary Guarlford.

Village picnic

A village Bring and Share Picnic Lunch to mark the 60th anniversary of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 was held at Cherry Orchard by kind permission of Peter and Liz. The weather held fine and a good time was had by all. (Photos to follow.)

On sale were commemorative mugs designed by Guarlford History Group member Michael Skinner. Please contact Eric or the Webmaster if you would like a mug, price £3.

The inscription on the back reads,

Guarlford History Group commemorates the 60th anniversary of the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 1953 - 2013.

Open Gardens & Fete at Madresfield Court

Following the cancellation of Daffodil Sunday due to ice and snow, the PCC and the Friends of Madresfield C of E Primary School held a special fundraising event in the grounds of Madresfield Court . We are very grateful to our hosts for allowing us to use the lovely gardens. The weather held fine and a good time was had by all. Many thanks to all the helpers for their hard work, those supervising the parking of hundreds of cars, the Friends with the splendid Fete and the ladies of the two villages working so hard serving Teas in the Playroom. Over £8,000 was raised which will be shared  between the Parish Churches of Guarlford and Madresfield, and Madresfield C of E Primary School.

Church Jubilee Gates Appeal

Contributions are invited towards replacing the church gates in Rectory Road. To a casual observer the gates may look fine but in fact there has been a lot of decay and further repair with filler has become impractical.

For further information please go to church news page

Change to church services

Please note there has been a change since the Grapevine was published.

On Sunday 21st April there will be no service at Guarlford. Instead there will be a joint service at St Mary Madresfield starting at the earlier time of 10:30 am

Revd William Joseph Fancourt

New history page added about Revd William Joseph Fancourt who was the second incumbent of St Mary Guarlford between 1846 and 1851.

St Mary church interior and benefactors

New 'history' page added about people named in the east window and on the plaque above the west entrance.

St Mary's church interior and benefactors

Charles Morris

New page added about Victorian benefactor Charles Morris 1799 - 1856 who was a benefactor not ony to Guarlford but also North Malvern.

Malvern Food Bank

Church news report added about Malvern Food Bank and how you can help.

Guarlford Christmas Fair 2012

Thank You

The 2012 Guarlford Christmas Fair again proved to be a festive and jolly occasion and despite the straitened times we are going through it raised a credible £1000.20 which was shared equally between village hall (towards its upkeep) and to the PCC (towards maintenance of our two churches).

Much gratitude is owed to all our stall holders and helpers for their considerable efforts. Most of us are getting on a bit but still manage to rise to the occasion. (Though it was pleasing to see three generations of the Lockley family manning the Tombola Stall.) Cath Lockley and Wendy Bennett particularly wished to express their thanks to all who generously responded to their requests for tombola gifts.

We are very grateful to all who supported the event with gifts and by coming along. Sue Fellows mentioned that she had never seen so many cakes. Finally, of course, thanks to Santa for his presence.

Don Hill

Mobile Library

The mobile library timetable has been updated for 2013.

Please note the mobile library will now call on Wednesdays at the slightly earlier time of 1:50 pm to 2:20 pm

Updates

Church services updated for November.

The Conservators have called a special public meeting to discuss access into Rose Farm field on the Guarlford Road. It will be at 5:00 pm on Thursday 1st November in the Elgar Room of the Council House in Avenue Road (see noticeboard page).

Hearsay is that the public and press may be excluded from discussion of this topic at the Board meeting on 8th Nov.

Book launch

An event was held at Grange Farm Nirsery on 20th October to mark the launch of Jo Newell's autobiography. Click this link for more information on Horsing about with dogs and lorries.

Planning

The village grapevine has picked up rumours of a developer seeking permission from the Malvern Hills Conservators for access to the field known as Rosebarn on the Guarlfor Road for a possible housing estate.

The matter is likely to be discussed at the next meeting of the main board of the Conservators on 8th November 2012.

If you have views, you might wish to write or talk to your representative before 8th Nov.

This and that

Coming up you will see on the notice-board there will be a meeting of the Parish Council on Monday 10th Sep, followed by the annual WI Produce and Handicraft Show the next day. Last week a very successful coffee morning was held at Grange Farm. at which about £300 was raised in aid of Canine Partners.

Also coming up in October will be the annual Harvest lunch. Please book tickets with church wardens as soon as possible so food can be planned.

A page has been added to the Guarlford History Group section about the church tithe of 1866.

Village Hall

Telephone number for booking the Village Hall updated and alternative number added on 'Contact Us' page.

Additions to Guarlford History Group pages

`1) About Charles Andrew whose sister married Revd Wathen in1851

2) About the churchyard

St Mary's

New page added to the Guarlford History Group section about the interior of the church and memorials.

Village Jubilee celebration

Page added to reminiscences recording the village Diamond Jubilee picnic

Noticeboard updated

Read about the village Diamond Jubilee Celebration Picnic on 5th June.

The Madresfield School Fair planned for 21st April was cancelled as the weather forecast was poor - apologies to all those concerned.

The Fair will now take place on 12th May - even if wet!

Updates

Noticeboard page updated. New page added to GHG reminiscences about history of the church bell

Madresfield School  Website

One of the nearest primary schools serving Guarlford is at Madresfield which now has its own website,

www.madresfieldschool.net

Change of Parish Clerk

Following the retirement of Michael Skinner as the Clerk of Guarlford Parish Council on 31st December 2011 after 30 years service, his successor is Helen Sommerville.

Updates

WI programme for 2012 added and church services updated.

Upton Bridge is yellow

Local people were invited to choose the new colour scheme for Upton Bridge, but there seems to have been a mistake as instead of the subdued colour expected the bridge has been repainted bright yellow!

Metal thieves strike again

On the night of 21st November metal thieves raided the church again stripping lead from the roof of the vestry and porch. The Malvern Gazette reports a spate of thefts in the area including theft of lead from Malvern College, The Chase School and St Peter's church, and manhole covers.

Please be alert and note down the registration number of any suspicious vehicle.

Consider also writing to your MP asking what active measures the government and police are taking to deal with the situation.

Theft of Guarlford Church Bell

Thieves stole the church bell from St Mary's, Guarlford, during the night of Thursday 6th and Friday 7th October.

The bell had safely hung in a Hornbeam tree in the churchyard for nearly a century after the turret on the church roof was removed for structural reasons.

The thieves cut the cable to the security lamp and tyre tracks suggest a heavy vehicle was involved.

The bell which weighs about 200 Kg is marked at the top M&S.CO and in the middle 'RECAST- 1926'.

The bell had also been marked with 'smart water' to aid identification.

The thieves had returned after being disturbed on Monday night.  

Anyone with useful information should contact West Mercia Police on

Tel 0300 333 3000

New link to SS Salween added to John Beddington page

Modifications to web pages

Update of list of Parish Councillors, and advertisement of vacancy for Parish Clerk

Update of Village Hall and Church Fabric reports.

Additions to WI photos page

WI page amended to show 1:00 pm closing time of  Federation Office.

Addition of 'Lest We Forget' page. This includes mention of Olaf Petersen who lived with his Aunt  at Old Elm Cottages near the junction of Hall Green with the Guarlford Road.

Addition of page about Joan Bradshaw, village historian (1918 - 2007)

Additions to web pages

Minutes of the Parish Council meeting on 13th December 2010 added and meetings before 2010 deleted from the PC meetings page.

Notice of next PC meeting on 16th May added to notice-board.

Link to a video of the 1993 Guarlford Village Fete added to the reminiscences page.

Updated web pages

Church services added for April and May.

WI About us, and WI News pages updated

Notice board page updated

Don't forget to come to Daffodil Sunday at Madresfield on Sunday 27th March.

other dates for your diary are,

Pram service for mothers and toddlers 28th March

Village Hall AGM 11th April

Annual church meeting 27th April

WI Fun Quiz Evening

The WI Quiz was well attended by about 60 people, who split into competitive teams of four. Spot prizes were awarded between the seven rounds and a snack of vegetable soup, roll and butter, and a choice of pudding was served at half time. Everyone had a good time and the competition was won by a team from Penny Lane.

Happy New Year

Mobile library timetable and W programme updated for 2011.

Unusually we had a white Christmas. The snow first fell on the 17th December and remained until the thaw began on 28th. The weather was colder than average  with the  lowest recorded temperature being minus 15 deg C. Fortunately the main roads were kept clear, but there was plenty of ice on side roads to catch the unwary.

It was reported that there had been an attempt to steal fuel oil from the church, so be on the lookout. A number of people in the Malvern area also reported burst pipes.

Christmas Lunch

Fortunately the snow held off enough for the U3A Welsh Group, which included some Guarlford residents, to go ahead with a festive lunch at the Worcestershire Golf Club at Malvern Wells. Suffice it to say that the meal was very good, and we were well looked after by the staff in comfortable surroundings.

Talk to Guarlford History Group

The Guarlford History Group, in association with the Madresfield History Project, hosted a presentation entitled "Great Great Grandfather and a Few Sheep" on Sunday 21st November, at The Village Hall, Guarlford. 

The talk, presented by Mike Beard, was illustrated with a series of slides (PowerPoint Presentation). Mike first established his credentials by showing census records indicating that the Beard family had been resident in Guarlford for over 160 years. 

By describing his research into his family tree Mike revealed two family mysteries, one culminating in the discovery of a Great Great Grandfather, Joseph Watkins, of Colwall, who was transported to Australia for stealing three sheep off Hook Common, Near Upton, in 1851. 

The second mystery involved plantation owners in Trinidad in the early 1900's. This mystery was never solved. Mike also included anecdotes of his family's life in Guarlford in more recent years. The talk was excellent and much appreciated by the audience of over twenty people. It was a warm and enjoyable experience on a cold day.

Mike has transcribed the census records for Guarlford and very kindly presented a copy to the Guarlford History Group. For copyright reasons these cannot be put on-line, but can be made available to individuals for private research.

Update for October

Photos button added to the WI pages and November events added to the notice-board.

The church warden of St Mary has created an interesting display showing photographs of the interior of the church as it was circa 1900. This can be seen on the south wall near the font. See also history of St Mary on this website.

Sam Beard has kindly donated some books to the History Group, including histories of WWI and WWII.

Mike Beard has been busy transcribing the census returns for Guarlford and has offered to give a Family History talk on 21st November (to be confirmed; please check notice-board for details).

If you have memories or photos you would like added to the website, please contact the webmaster.

Minor updates to the website

Notice board updated. The next meeting of the Parish Council will be on 13th September. Note the mobile library will next visit Guarlford on 21st September.

A reference has been added to the other publications page about an excellent new book relating the social history of the nearby villages of Hanley Castle and Hanley Swan from Norman times to the present day.

The Dog at Baughton

On Tuesday 8th June Guarlford WI celebrated their birthday anniversary with dinner at 'The Dog at Baughton'.

Everyone enjoyed the menu; the food was very good and plentiful and the service was excellent.

Well-behaved dogs are allowed in the bar.

Directions: from Upton on Severn cross the A38 onto the Pershore road.'The Dog' is about 2 miles further on, on the left.

Telephone: 01684 594340

Website: www.thedogatbaughton.co.uk

From the Grapevine

Members of the Guarlford WI and other ladies from the village are currently making comfort quilts in support of Project Linus UK whose aim is to provide a sense of security and comfort to sick and traumatised babies, children and teenagers through the provision of new home made patchwork quilts and knitted / crocheted blankets. Please get in touch if you would like to offer help or contribute materials (email: wifolk@guarlford.org.uk). More information about Project Linus can be found on their website.

www.projectlinusuk.org.uk

Following the article 'Guarlford's Yesterdays Today', in the parish magazine,  memories have been received of the shopping centre in Barnards Green as it was between 1920 and about 1950.

Do you have your own memories of the area that you would like to send us?

Visitors to St Mary's will notice a new aisle runner.  This has been funded from a generous bequest from a dear friend and supporter of the church.

The Guarlford History Group held an open afternoon on 25th February when the archive of old photographs, maps and documents was reviewed. Several visitors came along, some bringing more photographs and information for the project. If you have anything to offer for the Guarlford Archive, please contact us or email admin@guarlford.org.uk

Some other local history books

Malvern library recently hosted a display of new books. Despite the snow, members of the GHG went along to find out more:-

Click here to find out more

Website

The mobile library timetable for 2010 can now be reached from a link on the noticeboard page - the  WI news page has been updated

Another Car Crash

On an icy Boxing Day morning a blue Vauxhall Omega believed to have been approaching from Clevelode Lane skidded and crashed into the pond railings which had only recently been repaired following a previous crash. The joint holding two sections of the railings together came apart and the scaffolding pierced the front of the car. See Malvern Gazette.for photo and full account.

News Digest

September saw a meeting of the parish council, a coffee morning in aid of the ALF group and back to church Sunday. On 4th October a Harvest Lunch was held in the Village Hall after the Harvest Festival service in St Mary's. Thanks to all who helped decorate the church, provided the excellent  food  and washed up! Over £450 was collected in aid of Masasi.

On Monday 5th October a car travelling from Malvern failed to negotiate the bend near the church and demolished the pond railings. Fortunately nobody drowned or appeared to be seriously hurt.

Keith Chester has sent some more photos for the village archive plus a cutting from the Malvern Gazette May 27, 1944 reporting the rescue of the Beaufigter pilot by Charlie Williams. Click here to read transcript.

Dissenters All!

A well attended meeting of the U3A Local History Group heard a fascinating  talk by Rod Ellis about the history of the non-conformist chapels in Malvern based on his book 'Dissenters All'.

Battle of Britain Sunday

This year the local service  was held at Lansdowne Methodist church where we met to recall that in 1940 the RAF against all odds defended this country, and many gave their lives so that we can live and worship in freedom. 

The congregation was joined by members of the Royal Air Forces Association and cadets from the Malvern Air Training Corps.

Car Crash

There was another collision at the junction of Chance Lane with the main Guarlford road at 4:30 pm last Thursday. Police, fire, and ambulance vehicles were in attendance and the main road was closed for about half an hour.

A similar accident occurred only recently, on 11th July 2009, and about a year previously a van travelling from Guarlford veered off the road presumably to avoid traffic waiting at the junction and demolished the 'Welcome to Malvern' sign opposite Chance Lane.

Click for photo of the crash scene

Web Page Navigation Bars

All pages have now been updated with the new horizontal navigation bar. The menu text is larger than before and the buttons light-up when the mouse pointer rolls over .

The top menu is unchanged, but the drop down boxes have been replaced by the lower menu bar.

For example to access the pages about our books, click GHG on the top menu and then Publications on the lower menu.

To read memories of people in the village simply click GHG and you will be taken straight there.

If you get lost look at the site map accessed from the Home page which shows how the pages are organised.

Web Page Navigation Bars

We are giving the web pages a fresher look, and at the same time, the menu buttons are being enlarged and simplified to make them easier to read. As a trial, the Home page has been modified which works with Firefox and Internet Explorer version 7. The remaining web pages are being updated gradually.

If the new pages do not display correctly on your computer, please would you let the Webmaster know, using the email address below - and give details of the browser version you are using, for example IE5 or IE6.

Recent News

Parishioners enjoyed the Parish Picnic on Madresfield school field following Junior Songs of Praise last Sunday. Fortunately the rain held off and it was good to see members of the ALF group.

Thank you to all those members of the parish who made cakes etc and supported the Canine Swimathon at Half Key Kennels in aid of Support Dogs. It was a good day with the band playing and the sun shining. Over £1,200 has been raised so far with some dogs still to swim.

The Hanley Society 'History' Open Day in Hanley Swan Village Hall on Saturday 20th June was a great success and real treat for those interested in the history of the area. Outside the hall the authors of the book 'Blackmore Park in World War II', about the US Army hospitals at Blackmore Park 1943 - 45, had set up a display complete with US Army Ambulance! Those who enjoyed the first book will be glad to know a further book 'Return to Duty' is in preparation. In addition to displays about the Hornyold, Lechmere and other families, stands were manned by Malvern Museum and the Guarlford History Group. In a side room a DVD played of old cine film including footage of the Upton Floods and later in the day Charlie Williams spoke about farm memories.

The Hanley Society have gathered a wealth of material and hope to publish one or more books about the area.

Updates to end March 2009

Daffodil Sunday at Madresfield Court was extremely well attended and a record £9,000 was raised in aid of Guarlford and Madresfield churches. A special thankyou to Lady Morrison, Peter Hughes and all who helped to make the event such a success this year.

Sam Beard has donated a bench in memory of his parents to the Village, which can be seen in the lobby of the Village Hall.

Keith Chester who lived at the Homestead in Clevelode Lane has provided more memories about growing up in Guarlford between the wars These can be found on the memories page.

A news article by the chairman of the Guarlford History Group for the Grapevine has been reproduced on the Future Programme page. Views from villagers are invited on how to continue the work of the group.

In addition minor updates have been made to the notice-board, church services, Rector's message, WI and parish council pages.

Guarlford History Group

Sales of the new book 'The Guarlford Scene' have reached 500 but there are plenty of copies still available.

The group is now compiling an archive of photographs and memories to be made available to interested researchers.

Building links with other Local History Groups is also being considered and an exploratory meeting has been held with Hanley.

There may also be the possibility of further events in the village hall.

Let us know if there is anything that interests you particularly.

Updates to Web Site to end January

Plaque in memory of fallen in two world wars added to photo gallery

WI and church pages updated

Parish Council pages reorganised to help meet freedom of information requirements

Photo added to Evacuees page

Updates to Web Site During October

Photos of 'The Guarlford Scene' book launch added to the photo gallery.

Flying Circus, Poems and Tin Tabernacle pages added to list of memories.

Updates to Web Site during August and September

Growing up in the 1920s. Amy Neal recounts her early years in Guarlford.

Classic Marquees of Malvern added to list of businesses

Marie Hall and Leslie Halward pages updated (and referenced by Wikipedia)

Page added about new pictorial history book 'The Guarlford Scene'

Church services updated.

Book Sales

Copies of 'The Guarlford Scene' are now available to purchase from Beacon Books on Worcester Road Great Malvern, Grange Farm Nursery shop at Guarlford and from the authors. Books are selling briskly and we have received some very favourable reviews. A bargain at £10 RRP and an even better deal for residents.

This would make an excellent Christmas present. Why not order copies while stocks last!

Book Launch

The publisher has delivered our new book 'The Guarlford Scene' so the launch on Sunday 14th September will definitely go ahead.

Mobile Library

The route and frequency of the mobile library has changed. It will now call every three weeks at Guarlford, after lunch, between 2:20 and 2:50 pm.

Enquiries about the service should be made to Malvern Library,

Tel 01684 561223 & 573582

e-mail: malvernmobile@worcestershire.gov.uk

Updates to Web Site during May, June and July

Web content updated to give advance notice of Book Launch on Sunday 14th September when the latest book about the village 'The Guarlford Scene' will go on sale for the first time.

Significant changes to Reminiscence pages:-

Photographs added to Leslie Halward page

New pages created in memory of,

John Henry Tandy

Frank Jarrett and Clark family

John Bedington (RN)

Updates to Web Site During April

Link to 'Walk for a Summers Day' added to the Walks page, together with a shortened version suitable for printing at home. Draft walks removed.

Link to Description of Village Hall Facilities added to the Hire Charges page.

Link to Malvern Business Directory added to the Links page.

Additions made to the Businesses page.

Sawing Log photo added to the photo gallery

Minor changes to the St Mary's Benefice page

To place news on this page please e-mail:   webmaster@guarlfordparish.uk