Powick

On the same day in the afternoon, the Friends of St Peter’s welcomed Keith Bridges and his team of Recorders who as part of the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies described their findings in Powick Church. They have spent over two years examining and recording the memorials, wooden structures, textiles, library and documents, stained glass windows, silver and stonework. There was considerable interest shown by the large number of people who attended and the experts spoke about their particular speciality in different parts of the church. Many of the memorials are 18th Century and include ledger slabs on the floor, but in the Lady Chapel are the fine Russell memorial, the Tyas Memorial (1786), the Cook Memorial and the oldest to J Clarke. A memorial in the Chancel was to Colonel Carless who helped Charles ll ,escaping from Worcester, to hide at Boscabel. Comments were made about the Barry- Domville memorial and coat of arms on the flag, and other heraldic features were pointed out in other parts of the church. The memorial to Sarah France (of 1835) was mentioned, as her burial in a vault was discovered in 2004 when floor boards were removed. Reference was made to the extensive use of oak in the roof, the bench (pew) ends, the 14th-15th Century oak West Door and the 14th oak chest in the Lady Chapel. The present screens are Victorian of 1845, and much restoration work was carried out in 1849.

Many of the textiles recorded include choir vestments, altar fronts, cushions and carpets. The vicar modelled the clergy vestments: a chasuble and a cope with silk embroidery. Some of the documents were described including details from the Victorian restoration of 1897 when mention was made of the Earls of Beauchamp and Coventry.

The stained-glass windows are Victorian, including the Four Gospel writers at the West Door. Many had been made by Hardiman’s of Birmingham and the total cost of a window in the North Aisle, including carriage and labour, had been £63! The windows in the Chancel were also made by Rogers of Worcester and Hardiman, and a later style design made by Buckley in 1873.

Some fine tiles on the floor in the chancel date to 1850 with various designs. The organ was moved from the West Door to its present position in 1849 and the fine wooden case was noted. It was restored in 1923 and more recently by Nicholson in 1975, ‘85 and ’88. The stone font had also been moved – from the Lady Chapel to the entrance of the nave. The silverware used in Communion was made by J Richardson in 1670. The Recorders will be producing the detailed report later in the year and they were thanked by Peter Gedge on behalf of the Friends. Donations were collected to further the work of the Friends. During the summer months, the church is open on Saturday afternoons to view the features of the church and to experience its peace, and to enjoy refreshment (dates to be arranged).

Fifteen members of Powick Ramblers plus dogs Tilly, Digby and Clive met at The Green Dragon on the Guarlford Road, Malvern last Wednesday in bright sunshine. The path led across fields and crossed Pool Brook and led on to the Salt Way, a green lane which once carried salt from Droitwich to Malvern. The views across to Malvern Hills were fine and the circular walk passed the Sycamores and Home Farm with its stables and barn conversion to exit at Hanley Swan’s fine village pond. The route passed the Swan Inn, and made its way towards Blackmore and on to Guarlford. The path cross the Guarlford Straight, towards Grove House Farm , behind Hall Green on a well-used path back to the Green Dragon for lunch. The five mile walk took two and a half hours – there were many stiles in good repair – and David and Ginnie Russell were thanked for leading the walk.

The Annual General Meeting was held last Wednesday evening, when 17 members out of the total membership of 45, attended. The year had been successful with 51 walks led by various members, usually accompanied by dogs. Reports from the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer were given and the officers were re-elected for another year and there was an appeal for more leaders of walks. Garth Lowe, once a warden at the Knapp and Papermill Nature Reserve, gave a fascinating talk on its history over the last 20 years. He illustrated his talk with slides of birds showing five different kinds of tit, tree-creepers and others; and of the many wildflowers and orchids currently on view. He described the bird and butterfly migration and was delighted that otters were now found at the reserve. Working parties are held there on Wednesdays for volunteers. Phil Bunyan gave a vote of thanks to Garth who often leads walks for Powick Parish Ramblers.

Next Wednesday, May 6, please meet at The Manor Arms, Abberley (GR753676) at 10am for a four and a half hilly walk on the Abberley Hills along the Worcestershire Way and back to Abberley Village. The leader is Don Woodfin 01905 820615.