Event Description
Malvern Civic Society welcomes both members and visitors at its monthly talks, held at the Eden Centre.
The cost of admission is £3 and doors open an hour before the start of the talk to give time for tea, coffee, biscuits and chat.
Programme for 2025
Friday 11 April, 7.30pm
The History and Development of the Three Counties Showground
David Prescott (CEO, Three Counties Agricultural Society) will talk about the history and development of Malvern’s Three Counties Showground. He will relate factual stories from the past and will also share some of the plans for continuing success.
Friday 9 May, 7.30pm
Madresfield Estate
Jonathan Chenevix-Trench will explain how, as custodians not only of the splendid Madresfield Court itself and its long history, but also of the farmland, woods and meadows that make up the Madresfield Estate, the Trustees and their team on the ground adopt a long-term approach to all major decisions. Hear how both the Court and the Estate are cared for so that they will be enjoyed by visitors and walkers for decades to come.
Friday 13 June, 7.30pm
Butterflies of the Malvern Hills
Local expert Mel Mason will show how butterflies are indicators of biodiversity and the health of our environment. Sadly, we have lost seven local species over the last four decades, but the reintroduction of the pearl-bordered fritillary is an exciting project to buck this trend. Discover also how butterflies link with Sir Edward Elgar and his close friend the architect Arthur Troyte Griffith.
Friday 11 July, 7.30pm
Florence Nightingale in Malvern
Local historian Cora Weaver, who has written and lectured extensively on Florence Nightingale and the Malvern Water Cure, will detail how the founder of modern nursing regarded Malvern as her hospital town. When Nightingale required medical assistance she came to Malvern, visiting nine times. This talk provides a chance to find out the truth about the Lady with the Lamp, how ill she really was and why. There’s more to this story than you might imagine!
Friday 8 August, 7.30pm
The Police & Crime Commissioner for West Mercia
John Campion (PCC West Mercia) will outline his role in this position and what police do in the area.
Friday 12 September, 7.30pm
Malvern Rocks: The History of Quarrying in Malvern
Those members and visitors who have moved to the Malvern area since the ’70s and ’80s will have known little of the effect of quarrying on the town and the hills. This impacts included the dangers, the noise, the turmoil and the scarring of the hills. Elaine Tomlinson’s talk will be your chance to find out about the geology of the rocks, how they were exploited by industry and what it took to preserve the hills for future generations to enjoy.
Friday 10 October, 7.30pm
Needle Making in Worcestershire and Warwickshire
Richard Churchly will discuss the start of the local needle trade around 1640 and explain how it developed from a tiny cottage industry into a significant force in the Redditch area. By 1900, it employed tens of thousands of people, whose labour produced all types of needles for export all around the globe.
Friday 14 November, 7.30pm
The King’s Thirds
George Demidowicz will tell the story of how a cash-strapped King Charles I attempted to raise revenue by exploiting the rights he enjoyed over the Royal Forests or Chases such that found in and around Malvern. These he shared with the neighbouring lords. The arrangement was that he gave up his rights over the “venison and vert” across the Chase on the basis that he would be allowed to enclose a third of the area. This, the “King’s Thirds”, could then be leased or sold to raise revenue.
