visitors are invited to an open day in the grounds of Davenham and Perrins House in Malvern.

Once the private residence of James Dyson Perrins, the 18th Century house at 148 Graham Road has been converted and extended to create a nursing home for between 70 and 80 elderly people.

Its four acres of grounds, with trees and shrubs, lie behind impressive gates at the junction of Graham Road and Malvern Common.

The grounds will be open to the public on Saturday, May 17, from 2pm to 4.30pm. The £1 admission charge (children free) will go to Friends of the Elderly. Drivers should be aware that parking is only available on the site to disabled badge holders. Cream teas and a plant stall will be available.

Friends of the Elderly is a support group which arranges day trips for residents of the home. As well as theatre outings, the group holds an annual daffodil run. The next trip will be a bluebell run, where the elderly will enjoy a sightseeing drive followed by lunch.

Thanks to the funds raised by the group, patients only have to pay £3 for a normal outing, or £5 with lunch.

l Gardener Geoffrey Holloway prepares for the open day at Davenham and Perrins House in Malvern. Picture: Jay Watson. 18162801