Modernising local government will be the theme of West Malvern's Annual Parish Meeting, to be held this Monday (April 30) in the village hall.

It will start at 7.30pm with a report on what the parish council has been doing for the past year and how taxpayers' money has been spent, with an opportunity for question and comment. The second part, beginning about 8pm, will focus on changes Government plans to make changes in the way local government works at parish, district and county levels with two guest speakers to lead the discussion. MHDC parish initiatives officer James Hassett will explain the new proposals for parish councils (including additional powers!) in the Government's recently published Rural White Paper. Kevin Douglas (district secretary, MHDC) will then outline the choices for reform to political decision-making at district and county levels and seek residents' views as part of a consultation process. Many people only take an interest in local government too late, when they feel something has gone wrong - as with Malvern Town Council's current problems - or when they don't like a neighbour's planning application to erect a skyscraper or a pig farm. This meeting will provide West Malvern people with a rare chance to make their views known - a case of 'Speak now or for ever hold your peace'?

Wat Tiler, the mythical character who is raising funds for the St James's Church Roof Restoration Fund, has reappeared in West Malvern! Wat's lighthearted approach to this project is clearly paying off. Launched last September with a two-year target of £5,000, it has already raised £3,500 in little more than six months. The draw for the promised 'Night on the Tiles' was made by chairman Lawrie Gregory at the Friends of St James's Church's St George's Day Dinner at the Thornbury Park Hotel. Winners were Mark and Brenda Wholey of West Malvern Road, who are now looking forward to a night out at the Cottage in the Wood. Remarkably, although several thousand numbers went into the draw, the winners were among the 28 people at the dinner, which featured readings of poetry from Shakes-peare to Noel Coward. We are also assured that there was even a dragon in attendance!