West Malvern Parish Council has a new vice-chairman, following Monday's annual meeting. Joyce Roberts was re-elected for a third year as chairman, but previous vice-chairman Eric Hollands said he would not continue as he felt it should be occupied by a potential future chairman, a job which he would not be willing to undertake. David Woosey was elected unanimously.

David has lived in West Malvern for two years and already made a mark in village affairs, not only as a parish councillor, but also with the Social Club and during last year's Golden Jubilee celebrations. He was co-opted to the parish council last November on the resignation of Peter Vant. Formerly in the RAF, he now works as a civil servant based at the former DERA site.

Other parish council representative appointments confirmed were: Community woodland working group: Eric Hollands (chairman), Jan Dyer, Colin Jackson; Tree wardens: Janet Whittlestone, Hilary Elgar; Footpaths officer: Robin Whittlestone; Worcs Association of Local Councils: Eric Holland; MHDC Joint Councillor Forum: Joyce Roberts; Transport Cluster Group (evening bus service): Ellie Harnden, Colin Jackson; Playground inspector: Tony Tinton.

A reminder of the recital in St James's Church tomorrow (Saturday) by the musicians of Malvern College, starting at 7.30pm. Admission is free, with a retiring collection for the Friends of St James's Church and the missionary work of the Wickens family in Kenya.

Postscript to last week's notes about paths above Westminster Spout; the clearance of the old straight path was carried out by Conservators' warden Nicky Quinn at the request of WMPC footpaths officer Robin Whittlestone, who said the old path is officially a public right of way, the newer, wider zigzag track is officially not. However since there is open access to the whole of the Hills, there are no plans to seeks its separate legal notification as a right of way.