100 years ago By the kindness of the Right Hon Earl Beauchamp, the splendid gardens at Madresfield were yesterday thrown open to the public, a treat and a privilege which was heartily appreciated by the garden-loving public of Malvern and neighbourhood. The day, though windy, was fine and a large number of people took advantage of his lordship's kindness. Earl Beauchamp's gardens are famous throughout the length and breadth of the country for the up-to-date and distinctive system which prevails in them. Malvern Gazette, May 11, 1907 Thursday is the seventh anniversary of the relief of Mafeking. The excitement that prevailed at midnight, when the momentous news reached Ledbury, will never be forgotten. It is now a matter of history, and hardly seems seven years ago since the town was given over to pandemonium, when bands paraded through the streets. We should like to hear The Mafeking Boys band again on Thursday night next. Ledbury Free Press, May 14, 1907.

50 years ago The surprise of the local Urban District Council elections on Tuesday was the defeat by 19 votes in Trinity Ward of Mr H G Hall, a former chairman of the council and present chairman of the parks and pleasure grounds committee. His successful opponent, Mr Charles Bernard Hughes, a newcomer to local government work, will be at the age of 26 the youngest councillor. Mr Hughes, a native of Yorkshire, is married with one child. He has lived in Malvern for a number of years and become identified with work for the Old People's Welfare Committee. An ex-serviceman, he served in Korea. Malvern Gazette, May 10, 1957.

In spite of the uncertain weather, Ledbury Catholics took part on Sunday in the fifth annual procession in honour of The Blessed Virgin Mary. Although there were showers in the morning, these did not deter large parties of Catholics from Hereford from visiting Ledbury, to join in. The total number taking part was 300, a record.

Ledbury Reporter, May 17, 1957.

25 years ago A meeting of the regional health authority will discuss the possible closure of St Wulstan's, the psychiatric rehabilitation unit at Malvern Wells. After moves were made to close it, the hospital was reprieved in 1977 after local opinion strenuously campaigned for its retention. Since June last year, a fact-finding team has been reporting on the running of the hospital. Malvern Gazette, May 13, 1982.

Ledbury's young Rotarians' Group, Interact, is planning another bottle collection to support Ledbury and District Society's bottle bank. On Saturday, they will tour the streets, seeking contributions, and hoping for better weather than the last venture, which was carried out in pouring rain. Ledbury Reporter, May 13, 1982.