A MALVERN performance club which has entertained townsfolk with many a tale over the years is heading for a sad ending.

Unless it attracts new blood Malvern Storytelling Club could find itself down to just one committee member by next summer and will be forced to close the book on a short but successful chapter.

Chairman Grenville Shering-ham started the club, which meets monthly at the Nags Head in Bank Street and invites members to tell tales about virtually anything in a dramatic and interesting way, five-and-a-half years ago but has seen committee members come and go.

Ex-officio member Robin Sharples, who has been looking after the club's publicity, will be the latest to go when he leaves Malvern for New York next year.

"I think it's time for me to move on and I would like to pass it on. I'm really saying if people want the club to continue we need some volunteers coming forward," said Mr Sheringham.

"This is the third time that committee people have left leaving me holding the baby, so to speak."

The club has received Lottery grants so needs to keep detailed accounts and the role of publicity is also a demanding one.

With a database of about 80 enthusiastic club visitors who travel from as far as Hereford, Stroud and Birmingham it is a very successful group.

"A lot of the problem is not many people come from Malvern and its difficult to have a committee of people who live outside the area," said Mr Sheringham, who can be contacted on 01684 565157.