A large congregation of family and friends gathered at St James's Church for the funeral of Lorna Dudley.

Lorna, who had lived in the village since 1977, was, with her husband Richard, one of the founders and main energisers of West Malvern Cricket Club. While Richard was regularly knocking up centuries with the bat, Lorna was busy serving teas (her rock cakes were famous) and indefatigably fundraising for the club.

The pavilion and facilities at the Mathon Court owe much to her efforts over many years and she played a large part in running the club's winter quiz evenings. Regular attenders grew used to the sight of Lorna bearing down on them inviting (well, no, gently ordering!) them to buy raffle tickets.

West Malvern Road will not be the same without tiny Lorna ("Little Granny" to her family) driving sedately up and down in her J-reg Mini. She was much loved in the village and will be greatly missed - not least at the cricket club's mini-market, which will take place at the Brewers Arms on Saturday week, October 8, from 10am-3pm. The club are seeking books, CDs and videos, home produce and plants, cast-off and outgrown clothes and tombola prizes for this event. Donations can be collected, phone 564893.

To follow up the sell-out success of their two-night production of Daisy Pulls It Off earlier this year, the revived West Malvern Players are planning a three-night run for their next production at the Village Hall. Web of Murder, by Jonathan Troy, described as a comedy with lots of dead bodies, will be presented at 7.30pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, October 13-15. Seats can be reserved by ringing 567328 - or take your chance on the door. But remember that some people missed out last time!

West Malvern Royal British Legion will be holding a free disco, buffet and bar at the club in Lower Road from 8pm tomorrow (Saturday), to thank all those who have helped with the playing fields car boot sales through the summer and especially at the successful West Malvern Festival on August Bank Holiday. Details from Richard Hammond on 893951.

Looking ahead, plans are taking shape for the West Malvern-organised Trafalgar Day dinner at the Feathers Hotel, Ledbury, on October 21, which promises to be a notable nautical occasion. For more information and bookings, ring 892380.