West Malvern lost one of its oldest and best-loved residents this week in Jim Tudge. He died on Monday at the age of nearly 91 after a year of deteriorating health.

Born nearby in the Wyche, Jim had lived in West Malvern for 63 years. A gentle and kindly man held in high regard and affection by everyone who knew him, his great passion was gardening.

For many years he wrote a monthly gardening column for the Malvern Gazette and he was in demand as a judge at flower and produce shows until he had to give up due to failing eyesight.

He also kept the official rainfall for records for the village for many years. Just a year ago, in a lively speech when he accepted the invitation to dedicate the Golden Jubilee commemorative tree at the playing fields, he declared that West Malvern was the best possible place for anyone to live. West Malvern will be a poorer place without him.

Our village school, St James' CE Primary, has a new acting head. Sally Davies has been seconded to the post for the rest of the school year, pending a permanent appointment. She takes over from Martin Speakman, who stepped in temporarily last term following the resignation of Christine Campbell. Born and educated in the Cardiff area, Miss Davies now lives in Worcester and for the past seven years has been deputy head of Madresfield CE Primary and was acting head during its Ofsted inspection term.

The first cricket club quiz of the new year, complete with question master Andy Dakin and all the usual trimmings, will take place next Saturday, January 22 in the village hall, starting at 7.30pm. Tables for teams of four cost £10. To book, ring Lorna Dudley (in good time please!) on 565422.

Advance dates to note for events planned by the Friends of St James's Church. On March 12, Richard Chew and his wife Cheryl Pickering will give another recital of songs in the church, something that those who heard their previous one will not want to miss. On October 21, for the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, a dinner is planned at the Feathers Hotel, Ledbury. This special event is likely to include many nautical features, though we are assured that the menu will offer more than salt beef, hard tack biscuit and purser's rum!

The AGM of the Friends, dedicated to raising funds for the maintenance of the building and grounds of St James's, is scheduled of April 27. More details of all these events nearer the respective dates.