THE Village Hall was packed for WAMDRAM’s three performances of Cold Comfort Farm last week. As always, cast, producers and technical support worked wonders with limited resources and kept audiences well entertained throughout, even if the narration and some of the rustic accents were at times a little hard to follow. There were many highlights, but perhaps special mention should be made of the contrasting dual roles performed by three of West Malvern’s more prominent citizens: Susan Raine as soft-headed peasant girl Poor Daft Rennet and dazzling society hostess Mrs Hawk-Monitor; Johnny Birks as respectable city gent Charles and posturing would-be Hollywood heartthrob Seth Starkadder; and David Matthews as the young local landowning son and heir, doubling as the lecherous neanderthal Urk.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Australian dowser Alanna Moore will be showing a film on The Wisdom of Water at the West Malvern Village Hall at 7.30pm. Well known for her work on Towers of Power into how the round towers of Ireland helped the fertility of the land, she now travels across the Australian outback dowsing for the best position to place modern version of round towers. And on Sunday she will hold workshop, based at the Village Hall but including practical sessions on the HIlls, on working with the subtle energies of the land. Details from of both events from Ced Jackson on 01684 560265 or www.FengShuiFutures.com This Sunday, May 3 the vicar, Reverend David Nichol will conduct a special memorial and thanksgiving service at St James’s Church for people who have died, whether recently or many years past, when those who have suffered bereavement and still miss loved ones can share sorrow and celebrate their lives. Reverend Nichol will also be performing blessing ceremonies at St James’s Churchyard, the West Malvern Tap and the Westminster Spout on Tuesday May 12 at 10am as part of this year’s Well Dressing Festival. Look out for the usual artistic adornments to the springs this weekend.

On Saturday week, May 9, from 10am-noon, the church will also be hosting a coffee morning with stalls in support of the Primary School Building Fund to which everyone will be welcome. The monthly Social Coffee morning will take place as usual at the Village Hall two days earlier.

And a reminder of the car boot sale on the Playing Fields on Bank Holiday Monday May 4, 10am-2pm, admission free, booters £5 per car, set up from 9.30am. Contact: Richard Hammond on 07533 710651.

Finally, congratulations to West Malvern-raised James Gregory, who despite a number of injuries incurred during training beforehand, successfully completed the London Marathon in 3 hours 39 minutes. To support his fundraising effort for the Red Cross, visit justgiving.com/jgmarathonman or email gregory_51@yahoo/co.uk.