Membership & Subscriptions:
We are pleased to report a continuing increase in membership numbers, which as I write now stand at 283. Some 66 new members have joined us over the past year and attendance levels at our talks and outings remain high.
Let us welcome the following new members, who have joined us since last April:
Robert & Jennie Baker
Mr & Mrs BGJ Browne
Dr Joan Burdon
Mrs E Dixon
Dr Janet Dunleavey
Keith & Barbara Fox
Des & Jean Gamlen
Valerie & James Gilmer
Mrs Cherry Gray
Linda Hart
Mrs Pauline Milnes
Mrs Patt Orr
Mr M & Mrs N Peach
Joan Prossor
Mrs Carole Taylor
Mr Michael Tiley
David & Megan Turner
Robert M Yolland
Subscription Renewals: We are again keeping the annual subscription at £7.50 per person for the coming financial year, which runs from 1st November, 2006 to 31st October 2007
Renewal Form & Gift Aid: Thank you to all those of you who have already paid your subscription fee for the 2006-07. If you have not yet paid, please send a cheque or complete the enclosed Banker's Mandate and return to the address shown as soon as possible.
It is important for you, if possible, to sign the 'Gift Aid Declaration' as we are in the process of registering the Civic Society as an approved charity. Among other advantages, this will enable us to make better use of our funds and help to avoid a rise in subscription levels. Thank you for your continuing support as we look forward to a full programme in the coming year.
Greville Megson, Hon Treasurer & Membership Secretary
STANBROOK ABBEY: It is reported that Andrew Grant, the agents handling the sale of Stanbrook Abbey have received several expressions of interest in the 19th century property at around £6m but at the time of writing 'it is not settled'. We are told that the Abbey will not be 'split-up' into flats.
The Society again took part in the Heritage Open Weekend promoted by the Civic Trust. Buildings all over the country which are normally closed to the public were open free of charge over the weekend of 7-10th September.
The slogan for this year was 'History Matters - pass it on'. A number of different heritage groups took part including the Civic Trust, the National Trust and English Heritage combining to raise public awareness of the importance of history.
In Malvern, three buildings were open to the public. The Council House in Priory Park is a fine example of a Victorian Gothic mansion built in 1874 for the wealthy businessman Alfred Speer and designed by Malvern architect George Haddon. Another of Malvern's finest houses to open its doors was Davenham, in Graham Road. It was built in 1880, designed by the London architect, E W Elmslie and enlarged in 1900 for Malvern benefactor C W Dyson-Perrins by William Henman of Birmingham. The superb grounds were also open.
As a special bonus for Heritage Weekend, Malvern Priory had opened up without charge the tower with its glorious views. In addition our town guides were also available to lead a heritage walk round the town.
About one hundred people took the opportunity to visit these buildings and it was a great pleasure to see them enjoying themselves on such a fine sunny day. The Society's grateful thanks goes to all the staff and volunteers who made it possible.
Our thanks are also due to you John. ED