Powick

Starting at the Pickersleigh Avenue car park the way led on a footpath across to Link Common, past the Temperance Well and through alleys to one of Edward Elgar’s houses called Fawley.

Walkers followed Lavendar Walk, the path he would have taken leading to Holy Trinity Church where he had been organist.

Opposite the church are the old stocks and a whipping post plus an old stone animal pound.

In the churchyard is a preaching cross and opposite a small stone war memorial erected in 1951.

The route then passed the Nags Head, reputed to be the oldest pub in Malvern, and then followed Bank Street which years ago had been part of the main road through Malvern.

This led on to Back Lane, past Holly House where a blue plaque states that Sir John Cockcroft, who received the Nobel Prize for work in Physics in 1951, lived, and the Rose Gully Well, newly constructed by Waitrose during its development in 1998.

From there the walkers visited the Priory churchyard and the grave of Darwin’s daughter Anne Elizabeth who died aged 10 in 1851.

A walk to Priory Park and the theatre, and past the library, led to Victoria Road where a narrow footpath was followed.

Another path led down Clerkenwell Crescent to the estate named after poets.

There two iron cast markers, one dated 1866 and one 1863, which denoted the boundary of the landed once owned by the Clerkenwell estate in London.

The last leg of the walk was back on the Link Common, over the railway by Tabor Gardens and back to Pickersleigh Road and finally Victoria Park. Cheryl was thanked for leading an interesting walk and showing cuttings from Malvern Memories of some of the places visited.

From Monday, there is Malvern Walking Festival where some members will be leading walks; details are on the website.

Powick Parish Council held the Annual Meeting last Thursday when various organisations within the parish gave reports.

Chairman Andy Lamb outlined the year’s activities: finances had remained strong and grants were given to local groups; Rob Shuard would continue with the parish website; the work of the Lengthsman Philp Skeys in clearing footpath vegetation along the roads; plans for Hospital Lane football ground; Stanbrook Abbey plans; meetings over the gipsy site and speeding issues.

Sam Underwood reported on behalf of Callow End Playing Field Association, referring to successful cricket family fun days; a barn dance and football games; work by members of Quinetic on the field; and the forth-coming The End Festival to celebrate the jubilee on July 7.

Jim Allsopp reported on Powick Playing Field where the tennis court now receives a regular clean; new equipment costing £17,000 had been installed with money from £8,000 held by the association and with various grants and funds.

The forest area had been cleared and some equipment repainted; the jubilee fete on June 9 will include a Civil War re-enactment and the usual stalls.

Peter Lewis reported on the Parochial Church Council referring that there is a service in each church every week; that work is involved with the two parish schools; the success of the Angel Festival; Junior Church’s involvement with the Nativity DVD in spite of falling numbers; expense of £18,000 after lead had been stolen from St Peter’s; plans for disabled toilet at St James’ and thanks to parish council for continued grant towards the churchyard.

Jim Allsopp reported on Powick Parish Hall that there were 47 user groups and the hall is used from 7am until 9.30pm, generating an income of £26,000; the new storage extension had cost £44,000 and a loan is being paid off ; there were successful Harvest Supper and Shindig events; but the boiler had needed replacing; and a successful pantomime had been held in February.

Powick hand bell ringers submitted a report via Mary Ward; a new bell had been purchased and the group had played over Christmas and also at a Burns Night Supper with other ringers at Hanley Swan.

Powick Ramblers had held a walk a week through the year within a 12- mile radius; with an average number each walk of 15 and maximum 23 and dogs were allowed; an annual dinner was well supported.

Callow End Village Hall’s report, given by Ginnie Russell, said that three keep fit classes took place regularly, plus a coffee shop; a Shindig, murder mystery evening and a carol evening had been held; grants for new tables and a baby-changing mat received; and a fashion show is planned for June 8.

The West Midland Search and Rescue is based in Callow End and receives 999 calls responding to rescues of people in the river, swans and farming livestock.

Finally, Councillor Elaine Newman submitted a written report on behalf of the district council referring to training courses she had attended; to work on potholes, hedges, grit bins and gas mains in the parish; looking at issues concerning car parking at the schools and the SWDP; grants of £1,000 had been granted (including £500 to the Scouts.

Advance notice is given of the Jubilee Fete being held on Powick Playing Field on Saturday, June 9, from 2pm-5pm. This is the annual fete organised by the PPFA and will include all the usual stalls plus entertainment of a Civil War reenactment, an exhibition of classic cars, miniature cars to drive, bouncy slide, a cake competition, children’s fancy dress on a royal theme, car boot sale, raffle, barbecue and bar and lots more. Any item for raffle, tombola, cake stall, plants or white elephant stalls would be welcome; contact Jim Allsopp (830746), Nick Sandy (831915), Clare Collard (831146) or any committee member.