Ron Fisher stood down after ten years as chairman of the West Malvern Village Hall Committee at the annual meeting on Tuesday. All who have used the hall owe a debt of gratitude to Ron, who as well as heading the committee has also filled the roles (among others) of bookings clerk, caretaker, general factotum - and organiser and treasurer of the fundraising 100 Club with its monthly draw.

In handing over to his successor as chairman, Dru Bentley, Ron made it clear that he would continue as an active member of the committee, which was re-elected en bloc, with Yvonne Clayton continuing as secretary and Edwin Helder as treasurer.

Edwin reported a 4.36 per cent fall in income from the hire of the hall last year, despite a small increase in charges. The good news on the financial front, however, was that the committee was successful in obtaining a grant of £4,500 from Awards for All last October. This has not only enabled it to take legal advice on renewal of the lease of the present hall (owned by Worcester Diocese) which runs out next year but also, following the recent survey of residents, to employ an architect to carry out a feasibility study on the exciting possibility of erecting a new hall for joint use by various village organisations. More news on this in due course.