Visitors to the playing fields this week may have wondered if West Malvern is developing some kind of new hybrid game, something between football and cricket. A mown wicket strip has appeared across the centre circle of the soccer pitch, which still has its goalposts in position!

But no, it is only in preparation for a one-off cricket match tomorrow (Saturday) between a Lamb Inn XI, captained by Andrew Judd, and a visiting side from Hampshire. Close inspection of the pitch in mid-week suggested that 'variable bounce' can be expected, although any major molehills and rabbit scrapes have been levelled.

The Lamb side will be drawn from a squad of pub regulars (with a few reinforcements from the other side of the hill). The visitors' matching handicap will be that they plan to drive from Hampshire in the morning and enjoy a barbecue-style lunch at the Lamb before moving down to the playing fields for the commencement of the match at 3pm. Not exactly the Ashes, but sounds like fun - spectators welcome!

Still on cricket, a reminder of West Malvern (proper!) Cricket Club's Midsummer Jazz Evening at Mathon Court gardens at 7.30pm on Saturday, June 25. Tickets £10 per person from Lorna Dudley (01684 565422), Valerie Blackbourn (564893) or at the Brewers Arms.

The surface of Ebrington Road is breaking up and is positively dangerous, it was reported at Monday's parish council meeting. The clerk was asked to inform the Highways Partnership and seek early attention to the problem.

Access to Ebrington Road has also been complicated in the past week by BT's activities in opening a trench across the junction with West Malvern Road, containing cabling to the phone box by the Village Hall - now replaced and back to normal.