AN hsitoric part of Malvern's water heritage was officially brought back to life a quarter of a century ago.

Work on restoring the Holy Well, in Malvern Wells, from its "slum-like dere- liction" had taken seven years.

"Mr John Parkes and his wife Thelma have poured their life-time savings into the restoration work after Canadian-born Mr Parkes paid a chance visit to the well from Cardiff one day and the seedy, run-down area captured his interest and fired his imagination," reported the Gazette.

The opening ceremony was carried out by the Parkes' 22-year-old daughter Hilary. Also in attendance were Coun John Guise, chairman of Malvern Hills District Council, the Vicar of Malvern Wells, the Rev Peter Milne, and Miss Mabel Varley, of Malvern Civic society.

The Parkes' efforts covered not only the well-building itself but nearby Rock House and a bungalow that the couple used as their own home.

The history of the well dates back to the 16th Century, when it was given by Queen Elizabeth to John Hornyold, in whose family it remained until 1919.

It was once visited by Queen Victoria and was used as a commercial bottling plant for 30 years, before falling into disuse and dilapidation, with the well water running out of the front door and down the hillside.