“AT the end of the year there retired from the service of the Foley Estate, a very old and much respected employee; Mr Henry Woodward of Guarlford,” reported the Malvern Gazette 100 years ago.

“He had charge of the roads of the Malvern Manor, including the Back Lane from behind the Beauchamp Hotel to Zetland Road, Edith Walk, the Promenade below the Belle Vue Terrace, and the walk leading from White Lion Bank to St Ann’s Well.

“Mr Woodward kept these thoroughfares wonderfully clean and tidy at all periods of the year, and his place will be very difficult to fill.

“He first became connected with the Malvern Manor during the lifetime of the late Lady Emily Folly, on the 31 October 1884, over 27 years ago.

“Mr Woodward was a familiar figure in Malvern, and his retirement brought about by advancing years will be regretted by a host of friends who will wish him health and happiness during the remainder of his life.”

A sadder note was struck by a report in the Gazette of a loss to the town.

“The death took place on New Year’s Eve of Councillor James Lewis, proprietor of Newtown Nurseries, at the advanced age of 82 years.

“The deceased was for a very long period a member of the local governing body and had been connected with Cowleigh Church since it was opened, the greater portion as Parishioners’ and afterwards as Vicar’s Warden.”