THE rumour mill surrounding possible changes to the 675 bus service through West Malvern when the contract is re-tendered later this year seems to have been working overtime again.

Fears have been expressed among regular passengers to the effect that the service to West Malvern will be significantly reduced, with more buses running direct from the Wyche Cutting to Great Malvern and not serving West Malvern. Also that those buses that do come though the village will no longer stop on request opposite the St James's old peoples' bungalows, the Lamb, but will only use the official stops.

I understand that the contract to operate the service, run jointly by Herefordshire and Worcestershire county councils, is currently out to tender, and that the proposal is to terminate the service in Malvern Town and not continue to Malvern Wells and the Wyche.

However, I have been assured that West Malvern's present frequency of service should not be affected, other than by possible minor changes in the timing of daytime services to achieve a more regular pattern - eg at the same time past the hour. Also that the operator of the new contract will be able to ask its drivers to stop on request, provided it is not at a dangerous point on the road.

So it would appear that current worries are unfounded, or at worst exaggerated.

Congratulations to West Malvern's amateur players WAMDRAM, whose well-supported production of Outside Edge provided an excellent evening's entertainment for three nights last week.

The cast maintained a high standard throughout, with few promptings needed, and many hilarious moments. The set, sound and lighting effects were also first-rate given the limitations of the venue.

Outstanding on stage were Sue Matthews as the harassed wife of the cricket club captain, concerned only with getting her famous teas ready and served on time, and her husband David as the lecherous Mr Fixit wide-boy Dennis.

But perhaps the highlight was the performance of Lisa Westmacott, who entered joyously into the role of Maggie, the nymphomaniac, bricklaying wife of one of the cricketers, whose private lives became more and more entangled as the play - and the match - progressed. A lot of fun.

The next car boot sale on West Malvern Playing Fields will be on Monday week, May 7. Arrangements follow the usual pattern: 10am-1pm, admission free, booters can set up from 9.30am, £5 per car, contact: Richard Hammond on 07951 608907.

9:27am Friday 27th April 2007

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