THE official opening of the much-needed new parish hall at St Andrew's Church, Pool-brook, was heralded in the Malvern Gazette 25 years ago.

The Archdeacon of Worcester, The Venerable J C Williams, was due to declare the building open after performing a service of dedication.

The parishioners had raised the money for the building, reckoned at just over £40,000, in two years. It was designed and built by local firms, architects J C Brock Ltd and builders Charles Davis Ltd.

The hall was described as "a practical symbol of the continued spiritual vigour and growth in the area since the effort that made possible the creation of the parish out of what has previously been part of the parish of Christ Church".

The vicar, The Rev. Jeremy Wordsworth, said: "I hope the hall will help build up community spirit and fellowship within the parish of St Andrew and the residential parish."

He found the generosity "very encouraging" especially as the parish was not regarded as one of Malvern's wealthier ones.

The money for the hall had been raised from a variety of sources, including private donations, sponsored events, coffee mornings, concerts, a Christmas bazaar, and an antiques sale, which raised £1,000 by itself.

There was also a grant of £1,300 from the Worcester Diocese.

Further generosity helped to furnish the hall, as 120 chairs and eight tables had already been sponsored at £5 and £20 respectively.