100 years ago

There was some discussion at the Petty Sessions on Wednesday as to what constitutes an "open and public place" in the Act with reference to gaming. Several youths were summoned for playing pitch and toss in a hop field within six yards of the wall. In one sense the place was public, in that anyone passing through the field could see the boys. But one of the magistrates said: "If I were to be playing cards in my own grounds in view of the public, could I be summoned?" "Certainly," replied the chairman amid laughter, "Don't you try it on." Malvern Gazette, May 5, 1905.

No-one seemed at all surprised to hear of the adverse balance in the church expenses account, at the Ledbury vestry meeting. Some had prepared themselves to hear of a greater deficit than £39 11s and 2d. But the adverse balance would have been reduced greatly, had it not been for necessary repairs to the heating apparatus. Ledbury Free Press, May 9, 1905.

50 years ago

Malvern Urban District Council on Tuesday decided to ask the Chamber of Commerce to try to persuade catering firms in the town to remain open to the fullest possibility on Bank Holidays and at weekends throughout the summer. The committee understood that on Easter Bank Holiday Monday, two or three cafes in Great Malvern were closed for all or part of the afternoon so that it was difficult for the many visitors to obtain tea. Mr W J March said: "We invite people to this town and then apparently are too snobbish to look after them when they come." Malvern Gazette, May 6, 1955.

Dymock Women's Institute did not forget the Birmingham Hospital during the daffodil season, and some 20,000 blooms were picked. They were taken to Birmingham by Mr F. Smith, of Kempley. Ledbury Reporter, May 6, 1955.