ONE of the most prominent landmarks in the Malvern Hills area was being restored 25 years ago, reported the Malvern Gazette.

Scaffolding was erected around the Eastnor obelisk at the start of a £15,000 restoration programme that was expected to take several month to complete.

"Repairs are necessary on the south-west face, which is most exposed to the elements, and on which the stone is flaking off and some of the inscription lettering has disappeared.

"Erected in the early part of the 19th Century, by John, the First Earl Somers, as a memorial to his eldest son who was killed in battle, it was built at about the same time as Eastnor Castle, and was last repaired nearly 50 years ago.

"The present owner and descendent of the Earl, the Hon Mrs Elizabeth Hervey-Bathurst, has already been promised a grant of £100 from Hereford-Worcester County Council, and is hoping for further aid from the Department of the Environment to have the work carried out.

"She said local contractors Ben Davies, of Worcester, were expected to take about 12 weeks once the work started."

25 years previously, in 1956, it was an even more ancient monument -- Great Malvern Priory -- that was the source of concern.

The Gazette reported that the church grounds were "transformed into a setting for a country fair".

"This event is becoming an annual institution and serves a double purpose -- it reminds people that the church was once the setting for trading and social activities in the community, and it raises money for church needs.

"On this occasion, £180 was raised to help the Fabric Appeal Fund, and on Sunday, the vicar (the Rev R B Lunt) expressed thanks to all those who had helped to make it such a success."