Heart of England in Bloom
Author: LWall
Happy to Chat
Three “Happy to Chat” benches have been installed by Malvern Town Council, following an idea championed by Cllr Julie MacLusky and then supported by other town councillors at a meeting of Council.
A new initiative within Malvern, “Happy to Chat” benches have been introduced in Rose Bank Gardens, Victoria Park and in Station Gardens and follow an idea adopted not only across Britain but also in the United States, Canada, Australia, Switzerland and Ukraine.
The benches are identified by a colourful plaque which says, “Sit here if you don’t mind someone stopping to say hello”. How often do you see someone sat on their own in a park? Do they want to chat? Do they want to be left alone? Have they spoken to anyone else on that particular day? “Happy to Chat” benches provide a simple way of letting other people know that you are open to a chat and if the idea proves successful then the Council will consider adding benches on other town council land.
Cllr Julie Maclusky proposer of the motion said, “Councillors will be aware of publicity about the health risks of loneliness, and I believe that our “Happy to Chat” benches could play a small but very significant role in alleviating loneliness, and improving social connection and interaction, amongst the residents of Malvern, I believe that many people could benefit from a random hello and chat.
Victoria Park news – Community Hub now Open!
Malvern Town Council is pleased to announce that works to build the new community hub are now complete and we have a fabulous new building at Victoria Park. Thank you to everyone for bearing with us through the disruption, but we hope you agree it was worth waiting for. The public toilet in the foyer is available for use during office hours, and soon the café will be open, serving a variety of food and drink, (and will have a further toilet available).
The Park View Community Room is now also for hire for only £15+VAT per hour, 7 days a week from 8:30am – 9pm. This a community space suitable for parties, meetings, conferences, training sessions, low level exercise classes plus much more with a stunning view of the hills with space comes with free onsite parking, air conditioning, toilets and hot drink making facilities. For more information, simply call 01684 566667.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Why have there been changes to the play area?
The rearrangement of certain play equipment was required to allow the building works to take place safely. However, a new toddler swing set with an accessible seat has been installed and a full scale refurbishment of this key play area is planned for 2025/26.
What about the skateboard park?
Due to the positioning of the new building, the old skateboard park ramps were removed. Plans to refurbish and upgrade the skateboard park facilities are ongoing following a public consultation earlier this year. We will keep you updated with news on this via our social media platforms.
Is the new building just for the Town Council offices?
No, the Town Council offices occupy only a small part of the new building. We are currently trialling having someone on reception during the mornings every weekday but you are very welcome to call in and see us any time during office hours when we will try to help with any queries you have.