100 years ago

THE Rev C E Freeman, who, from 1856 down to a few months ago was vicar of West Malvern, on Thursday last received from his late parishioners a piece of silver plate and a purse of gold. The presentation took place at the schoolroom. The chairman (Mr W Salter) said they had lost Mr Freeman as vicar, but they were glad to still have him as a resident.

Mr Salter paid high tribute to Mr Freeman's work in the parish during the long period of 47 years; of the affection he had inspired and of the gratitude due both to him and Mrs Freeman for their labours in the parish. Malvern News, December 12, 1903.

John Bevan, dairyman of Ledbury, was summoned by Supt. Phillips for selling skimmed milk with 23 per cent of added water at Ledbury. Defendant applied for the case to be adjoined for a fortnight, as his solicitor, Gilbert Davies, had an important engagement elsewhere that day. Ledbury Free Press, December 15, 1903.

50 years ago

ST Mary's Church, Hanley Castle, and St Gabriel's Church, Hanley Swan, will benefit jointly as the result of a most successful Christmas bazaar, held at St Gabriel's schoolroom on Saturday.

Organised by Mrs R D Tenant and a committee, the event, for which the schoolroom had been gaily decorated, was well supported, brisk business being reported by the various stallholders. Malvern Gazette, December 11, 1953.

The Christmas show of fat stock at Ledbury Market on Tuesday last proved a great success.

When it is considered that, at the time of year, the prices of fat stock are practically at their lowest, the support given by producers can be appreciated. The champion beast was a three-year-old steer, weighing 15 and a quarter cwts. The classes for strong steers were of an exceptional quality. Ledbury Reporter, December 18, 1953.

25 years ago

A major study of the Malvern Hills is to be launched early in the New Year to reassess their "successes and shortcomings" as an officially-designated area of outstanding natural beauty. This research project is to be carried out by expert consultants on behalf of the Countryside Commission, who will foot the bill. Malvern Gazette, December 14, 1978.

Ledbury Rural Parish has agreed to levy no rate in the coming year and to instead use existing balances to meet estimated expenditure of £1,224. Coun Arthur Morris said it would be wrong to keep balances that had accrued because the council had estimated for a concessionary fares scheme that had not been introduced. Ledbury Reporter, December 12, 1978.