A lesser-known side of composer Sir Edward Elgar was divulged by Gazette columnist Ariel 100 years ago.

It seems that at one time, the great man was known for flying "experimental kites".

"Probably many Malvern residents remember seeing the kites flying occasionally on the 'banky meadow' - that piece of ground at the end of the Alexandra Road, the appearance of which had greatly altered in the last year or two.

"Sir Edward was probably engaged at the time in the composition of some of his most famous works. He had a tent in which he used to work and a system of flag-signalling above the tent told friends whether he was in or out."