THE new Community Hospital in Worcester Road has now been open for nearly six months – we are so lucky to have such a wonderful new facility in Malvern. As you have probably seen in earlier copies of the Gazette the hospital was officially opened in February by Princess Anne and, in April, was blessed by the Bishop of Worcester.

The Friends are always happy to welcome new members and, if you are interested in joining, then contact David Huntley on Malvern 561016 for a Membership Form. The annual subscription is £5 or you can become a Life Member for £40. You will then receive a newsletter, approximately four times a year, giving you advance notice of any events that are organised to raise much needed funds for the hospital. All the money raised is put towards equipment needed for the benefit of the patients which is not provided by the NHS.

As with many hospitals car parking has to be paid for when visiting. The difference with the new hospital is that all the money collected for car parking actually goes back to the hospital and not to any of the national car parking multiples.

The next events being held are a Wine Tasting on May 25 at Waitrose – tickets will be available shortly and cost £10. On June 24 is a Garden Party at Barnards Green House, by kind permission of Mrs Sue Nicholls, where you can have Strawberries and Cream as well as a walk round the lovely gardens - tickets for this event are £5.

In the autumn there will be a Silent Auction and if anyone has any good quality items which are no longer wanted we would be pleased to have them. Items of jewellery are also very acceptable for selling at our coffee mornings and tabletop sale. Tickets for these two events available from Carol Pike on Malvern 575631.