The Churches Conservation TrustThe Trust looks after eight churches in Worcestershire: St Lawrence in Evesham, St Michael in Churchill, St Mary Magdalene in Croome d’Abitot, St Bartholomew Old Church in Lower Sapey, Old Church in Pendock, All Saints in Spetchley, St John the Baptist in Strensham and St Swithun’s in Worcester.
We’ve visited the last two as a Branch. Pendock Church was once looked after by William Symonds, who wrote two historical novels. Malvern Chase is about the battle of Tewkesbury and Hanley Castle is about the civil war. He is buried in the churchyard and the west window is a memorial to him and his family.
For £30 you can become a Trust supporter. You’ll receive a Christmas welcome information pack, and an invitation sometime during next year to a behind-the-scenes day alongside conservation experts at a church in this area.
To join before Christmas ring 0207 213 0673 or email sbrown@tcct.org.uk before December 11.
The Illumination of St Werstan the Martyr is a book about the legendary founder of Malvern by local historian Cora Weaver and spa expert Bruce Osborne. It’s available from Malvern Priory Church bookshop or by post from Ms Weaver at 4 Hall Green, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 3QX. Send a cheque for £9.99 payable to Cora Weaver to cover the cost of the book and postage, and don’t forget to include your own address. I’m saving my copy for Christmas.
Thursday October 19 PM Programme Radio 4
Judith Sealey alerted me to a report on the archaeological research at the Bosworth Battlefield Centre to try to find the site of the battle. A marsh has been found at the foot of Ambion Hill and material has been sent away for radio carbon dating.