WE take electric light for granted - except when there's a power cut - but 100 years ago it was an exciting technological novelty.

"Now that the council have well in hand the erection of the electric lighting station, private residents and tradesmen will think it about time to see to the wiring of their houses and places of business in order to be in a position to use the light directly it is available," reported the Malvern News in 1903.

"Messrs C Santler and Co, the well-known firm of electrical engineers, are to the front with an announcement that they have made special arrangements for dealing with wiring.

"The first installation of the electric light in Malvern for business purposes has been made by Mr A Sparkes, gasfitter etc, of Church Street. On Tuesday the two large windows of the shop were a great source of attraction. They contained a brave display of electrical fittings in the shape of brackets, pendants, globes, shades etc, the whole being lit with electricity."