The 'General Election' for West Malvern Parish Council will take place (along with a few other local elections!) on Thursday May 1. It would be a healthy sign for our local democracy if there were more candidates than the seven places available to ensure a contested election and so a choice for residents. It is by no means certain that all the current councillors will stand again, so there is a real opportunity for fresh blood! Time is short, as nominations have to be lodged by April 1. For details, ring parish clerk David Sharp on 01684 573213.

The Oakdene Centre at St James's School was almost full last Friday for what was a farewell recital by two people who have graced the West Malvern musical scene. Eighteen-year-old violinist Zhannat Shoinbekova from Kazakhstan, a student at St James's for the past four years, will soon be moving on to the Guildhall School of Music to continue her studies. She was accompanied by Dr David Kershaw, who has played on numerous occasions during his wife Stephanie's headship of St James's. Zhannat's precocious brilliance was well displayed in sonatas by Mozart and Brahms and a concerto by Glazunov, which enabled her to show her astonishing technical mastery of complex and sophisticated pieces.

Solos from Dr Kershaw included two charming short pieces by the little-known 20th Century French composer Germaine Tailleferre, whose music he is championing, and two dark and atmospheric Chopin Nocturnes, in which the warm tones of the 'Lawnswood' piano, on which Elgar played, were heard to effect.

Both performers will leave with good wishes for the future and our gratitude for the superb quality of the live music they have brought to tiny West Malvern.

A well-attended funeral took place at St James's Church last Friday for one of the village's oldest residents, 92-year-old Mrs Rene Pitt. She had known West Malvern for more than 50 years and following her husband's early death moved from London to live in what had been his family home, appropriately (though coincidentally) named 'Pittville', in Ebrington Road, since the 1970s. Linguist, musician, stalwart of the church and WI and noted animal lover, until not so long ago Mrs Pitt was a familiar figure on the Hills walking her Yorkshire Terriers. She will be much missed.

Don't forget this weekend's events: Social Club quiz tonight (Friday), Cricket Club Quiz at the village hall tomorrow night; and the churchyard working party from 2pm-5pm tomorrow afternoon.