AFTER all the hard work refurbishing Malvern Wells Village Hall, it has now been re-opened. At a special event on April 29, Ian Rowat, Chairman of the Malvern Hills Conservators, gave a short speech. He also unveiled the three new plaques on the inside of the hall that identify where the funding came from. A new boiler, ceiling fans and a ramp for wheelchair users have also been added in the recent facelift. The stage lighting needs attention so that is a future project. Two of the Wells Players, Mike and Rosemary, did a short sketch entitled Political Correctness.

The invited guests were then treated to a demonstration of Eskrima – a precise martial art that has been developed over several centuries and is more correctly known as Filipino Eskrima. the leader, Marcie along with three experienced students showed how they had gradually learned to speed up the moves until they were moving fluently in this modern art form. Following this display, a wonderful cold buffet was served by the Wells and Wyche W I. A big thank you to all concerned. The next project is the pointing of the external stonework which is traditional Malvern Stone from a local quarry. The Board is looking for a Buildings Manager to replace the current manager when he leaves his post in September. If anyone is interested in this important role, please could they let Mike know on 01684 574079.

The Village Hall Club is celebrating its 111th anniversary and wants to stress that the Club is open to all and not just residents of Malvern Wells. The club is now going from strength to strength with membership rising from 17 to 201 in the past year or so. The Club management would like to thank the Gazette for the picture and article that they ran on the club last year because it gave them the boost that they needed. The club room is hidden away beneath the village hall but opens most evenings at 8.30pm. A warm welcome awaits new members. Just call in any evening and take a preview before you join. Membership is just £1 and will go right through to the end of December 2009. The committee wants the club to become the hub of the village. They are keen to hear from members and others concerning what they would like from their club. Telephone (01684) 567354. Last years projects included repainting the stairs and fitting new carpets. Also a glass washer was purchased. Their next project is to replace the rather dated tables.

As for the Martial Arts, there are weekly classes in Eskrima at Malvern Wells Village Hall and the Wyche Institute. The course is particularly suited to women who want to gain self-confidence because size, weight and strength are not involved so you can do it! If you are interested, please telephone Marcie on 07595 739995. If you are aged between six and 15 there are classes starting for you too (see ‘Wyche’ column).

There is a quiz evening at 8pm on Wednesday, May 13 in Malvern Wells Village Hall. Entry is £1 which includes a few nibbles. Teams of four are needed to take part and a lot of fun is had by all.

It was a double act at the village club last Wednesday evening when the POJOs took over the first half and the Funky Junky Monkeys took the later spot. The POJOs played rock music from the 1960’s and 1970’s and the solo spot for the evening was taken by Malvern Wells vocalist Shelley Lewis who accompanied herself on the acoustic guitar. She made her debut at Malvern Wells Village Club on Wednesday, April 29 encouraged by her mother and her friends to have a go. If there are any pubs or clubs out there looking for a talented young vocalist then why not give Shelley a chance to build up her experience. It was then the turn of the Funky Junky Monkeys who performed some lesser known 70’s and 80’s numbers. They call their style a mixture of Funk, Punk and Glam.

The monthly Cribbage Night is being held tonight (May 8). It has been postponed for one week to avoid the bank holiday weekend. This paired event will be held in the village hall at the usual time of 8pm.

The Spring Garden Show started yesterday, Thursday, May 7 and will be on all weekend, ending on Sunday, May 10. All gates will be in use to ease congestion in the area but those not attending the show are best trying to avoid the area.

Also tonight (May 8) and tomorrow night (May 9) the Malvern Wells players will be doing evening performances of their latest show entitled Our War. This is the World Premiere of this new play written by Malvern Wells playwright, Francis Charters. Each show commences at 7.30pm. Tickets may still be available from Daniel’s Garage and Malvern Wells Post Office or if there are any left, on the door. They are £4 for adults and £2 for children.

The popular four day Quilts UK Show is being held at the Three Counties Showground from Thursday, May 14 until Sunday, May 17.