THE past, present and future of West Malvern will come together in a unique way at St James’s C of E Primary School’s brilliantly conceived History Day tomorrow, Saturday, from 10.30am-3pm. First and foremost it promises to be a notable reunion, with former pupils from every decade since at least the 1920s expected to attend, some from places as far afield as Dorset and Peterborough. Archive exhibits will recall even earlier times, including the 1873 replacement of the former dame school on the site with the basis of today’s building, using stones from the then recently demolished old church – a project which was 96% funded by local subscription. There was a further rebuild in 1962 after the school had been pronounced unfit for purpose and faced possible closure.

Speaking at Monday’s annual parish meeting, head teacher Karen Surrall paid tribute to the way the West Malvern community had once again rallied round in support of the latest building project for new classrooms, a hall and indoor play space, work on which should start in the next few weeks. Already £41,000 of the £60,000 needed to secure diocese/government funding of £600,000 has been raised, through corporate and private donations, the buy-a-brick scheme and events, with more events to come. Most recently, last Saturday’s coffee morning at the church raised another £240 for the cause. Plans for the new facilities will be on display tomorrow along with much else of interest for what promises to be a memorable occasion for the village and its community.

The other guest speaker at the parish meeting was West Malvern’s recently appointed local policing officer PC Danian Lowe, who introduced himself as a friendly face who wanted people to feel free to contact him when necessary. He stressed that with his community support officer Kevin Youds he hoped to maintain a bobby on the beat approach with more foot patrols as far as circumstances allowed (he is also responsible for policing the Dyson Perrins ward and could have his area further extended. His contact details are: telephone 0300 333 3000 ext: 4393, email: danian.lowe@westmercia.pnn.police.uk.

Other points of interest to emerge from the meeting were District Councillor’s John Raine’s urging residents to contribute to the MHDC consultation on the future of waste collection in the area – a subject on which many residents have strong views! – and an offer by the Garden & Nature Club to place a bench and planter beside the recently refurbished West Malvern Tap (or Morris Spout – the name is still another contentious issue!).

Next Friday, May 22 there will be a churchyard working party from 3pm to which anyone willing help will be most welcome. No tools required, to borrow the name of a local musical group! Just turn up. Contact: David Matthews on 567328.

Looking ahead, the Royal British Legion will be staging another Bank Holiday car boot sale on the playing fields on Monday, May 25. And a week later, on Monday, June 1, there will be quiz at the Brewers Arms in support of Christian Aid, whose red envelopes have been coming through our letterboxes this week.