Civic Awareness
The Civic Trust is aware that the Civic Society movement does not reach out to the younger age groups. As a Society we are interested in trying to make contact with local schools to visit and explain what we do and why we believe keeping good standards in the local community is so important and how it will affect them.
Present or past teaching experience is not essential. We would like to hear from members who feel that they could help in this way. The commitment would be minor but your contribution could be very significant.
MHDC wants a new HQ
In view of the foregoing comments it seems appropriate to point out that Malvern Hills District Council wants to have a new Council Office because the current buildings are said to be unsuitable. In this case the Council would like to have a new building near Brunel House. The estimated cost is £6.5m.
The plan is to offset the cost by selling five Victorian buildings: Highlea, Rockcliffe, Milbourne Lodge, Whitbourne Lodge and Portland House. In addition further properties so far not disclosed would be sold that have a greater combined value. When looking at the larger picture of Malvern and its needs we feel that most of our members, if not all of you, will find it difficult to regard this matter as a high priority.
Civic Society Award 2006
We are pleased to report that we have received two nominations for our annual competition for rewarding the newly completed building that in the opinion of our judging panel has featured the best design features. It is too early to say whether or not an award will be made this year. If not the two nominations may be held over until next year.
FANCY A FLUTTER!
We have decided to try something different. Later in the year, probably in October, we plan to hold a raffle to raise funds for sponsorship of worthwhile enterprises in Malvern. Examples are our sponsorship of 'Autumn in Malvern Arts Festival' and 'Bands in the Park', but there are other projects and appeals that we can support. So please get ready to donate prizes. If you can help, please contact Cora Weaver, 01684 561215 who has kindly agreed to coordinate matters.
Owls Hole Pump & Engine
This event organised by 'Friends of Malvern Springs and Wells' will be held at 3 pm on Sunday, May 14th at 4 Hall Green in Malvern. Interested members of the Civic Society are invited to drop in and say 'hello'. There is no charge. A very entertaining afternoon is in prospect for in addition to the main attraction there will be a showing of the Charlie Chaplin Film, 'The Water Cure' in which Charlie visits a Spa with disastrous results, as you can imagine. Cora and Bruce are also arranging to show another film in which the entertainment features the eccentric Dr Kellogg's Spa in the USA. Bruce says, be prepared to 'laugh your socks off!'
William Tyndale
Our coach trips are again full of interest and the trip to Westonbirt and Tetbury on October 21st will be no exception. As we approach Tetbury we shall see the monument to William Tyndale, the translator of the New Testament into English, who suffered martyrdom for his pains.
ROGER CASS 1928-2006
We were all greatly saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Roger Cass. He was in his 78th year. Born in Sheffield he soon moved to Worcester where he attended Worcester Grammar School. On leaving school he joined a local architectural practice to start a lifetime's interest in architecture.
He then worked for Worcestershire and Hampshire County Councils. It was while living in Winchester that he met his great friend Les Dann. They both moved to London and worked for the Greater London Council up to its abolition. Sadly Les, who also moved to Malvern, died earlier this year
Roger met his wife Irene fairly late in life and they came to live in Malvern only 10 years ago. Roger joined the Civic and Architectural Societies becoming chairman of the latter at one stage. It was at this time that I met Roger and there was a good bit of friendly rivalry between the two societies.
He was a great enthusiast for good quality modern architecture, good music and fine food. We shall miss his expertise, and his outspoken comments, invariably delivered with good humour. Katharine Barber