FROM the early days of radio and television, Malvern was often "on the air".

In December, 1950, the Geraldine Staff Club was the venue for the 56th edition of the popular Midland Region Concert Party, Radio Ruffles.

An invited audience enjoyed a programme of songs, sketches and gags put together by producer Philip Garston-Jones, who brought a number of his shows to Malvern.

Among the cast were Courtney Hope, who had taken the part of Mrs Freeman in early editions of Mrs Dale's Diary; Lind Joyce and Clarence Wright, from Itma; vivacious singer Billie Baker; Malvern singer Raymond Newell; Will Kings, well-known for his concert party work in the Midlands; impressionist Jack Watson, the son of a famous man of stage and radio Vernon Watson, better known as Nosmo King; and, of course the effects man complete with the famous BBC 'door'.