Malvern Town Council are thrilled to announce that the refurbishment and extension of Victoria Park Playground will start from 19 May and run for approximately 6 weeks.

The Victoria Park playground refurbishment will see the removal of the current 20-year-old climbing frame and equipment to be replaces with a wide variety of play apparatus with over 30 new pieces of equipment including a bespoke large uniplay with slide, an inclusive seesaw, titan, whizzer, big trampoline, play panels and sensory tokens. The play area is also being extended to include balance beams, ninja step, monkey bars, rope swing and rope balance as part of a trim trail.  Alongside the new equipment seating will be added to playground with new picnic benches.

The toddler play area, swings, basketball courts, green space/football pitches along with Bilberry Café will all remain open and unaffected for the duration of the 6 weeks of works.

Cllr Anne Cherry, Malvern Link Town Councillor says “Over the past couple of years, Malvern Town Council’s operations team has been working hard to ensure that Victoria Park facilities are kept up-to-date and in good condition and we have seen the arrival of new gym equipment, tennis nets, and benches, along with the new skatepark coming in late 2026. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to now upgrade and extend this popular playground thanks to a grant from Malvern Hills District Council. Due to funding conditions, these works need to start as soon as possible but will only take 6 weeks to complete, allowing the playground to be operational in time for the 6-week summer holidays. I appreciate that people that use the playground regularly will be disappointed, and I apologise for the inconvenience the closure brings, but we look forward to welcoming park users back to the playground with a much-needed refresh, upgrade and extension from early July.”

Cllr David Watkins, Malvern Link Town Councillor says, “Having been a Link Councillor for many years, I have seen over the years how the development and improvement of Victoria Park has positively impacted Malvern residents. The new playground will breathe new life into the park but is also necessary in ensuring the safety of the public, as the current equipment was installed around 20 years ago. I appreciate that there is never an ideal time for this type of refurbishment, but we are hoping this new and extended playground will allow inclusive playtimes for all our park visitors while providing a benefit to the Malvern and Malvern Link residents further”

Cllr Helen Clements, Malvern Link Town Councillor says “I am very excited about the new project for the Victoria Playground, after speaking with local parents that use the park, they are thrilled to see the improved facilities and inclusive design. Whilst it isn’t ideal that playground needs to be closed for 6 weeks, we are glad that the toddler area, basketball courts, swings, and open space will all remain open during the works. I am pleased to see that Bilberry café will also be unaffected by the works so please do support this wonderful local business during this time.”

For further information and updates regarding the refurbishment of the Victoria Park playground please keep an eye out on the Malvern Town Council website and social media channels or contact us on 01684 566667.

Malvern Town Council is honouring Mental Health Awareness Week from 11 – 17 May 2026.

This year’s theme for the week is TAKE ACTION in supporting good mental health. Even small actions can help us feel hopeful and less powerless, and while our individual actions matter, when we are together, we are even more powerful.

As stated on the Mental Health Foundation website, “Our mental health is shaped by the environments and circumstances in which we live. While there are some things we have little control over, we still have the power to take action to boost our wellbeing. Even small actions can have a big impact throughout Mental Health Awareness Week.”

We encourage everyone to take advantage of this week to take steps towards your mental health.

Resources for those wishing to improve mental health in Worcestershire:

If you believe that you are in crisis or immediate danger, please dial 999

This April Malvern Town Council are pleased to bring an all-new blossom tour at the Three Counties Showground in aid of Malvern Special Families.

On 22 April from 14:00 to 15:30 Helen Williams from the Three Counties Agricultural Society will be leading a tour around the vast orchards at the Three Counties Showground as they come into full bloom and blossom.

The tour will cover a variety of topics, including but not limited to the national collection of perry pear trees, discovering the origin story of Stinking Bishop cheese and its link with the Three Counties Showground, while participants will also hearing about other unusual names, sayings and local legends whilst we touring the trees in blossom against the stunning backdrop of the Malvern Hills.

Helen Williams, Orchard Tour Guide, Three Counties Showground said, “I’m really looking forward to giving visitors a rare glimpse of our National Collection of perry pear trees. The tour offers a wonderful opportunity to step into the living history of the Three Counties and discover the fascinating names and folklore behind our perry pear varieties. Our collection brings together rare and unique trees, some found only in single villages, and there’s no better time to experience them than in blossom, set against the stunning backdrop of the Malvern Hills.”

Linda Blake, Malvern Town Council, said, “We are delighted to be working with the Three Counties Showground to bring this new and innovative tour to the residents of Malvern whilst still raising money for the mayor’s chosen charity, Malvern Special Families.”

Tickets are available now for £5 per person from the Malvern Town Council website via https://www.malverntowncouncil.org/event/blossom-trail/, with all funds going to support Malvern Special Families.

Malvern Town Council is thrilled to announce that the Mayor’s Peaks Challenge sponsored by Vertu Motors and ZXLidars is returning for 2026 in aid of the Mayor’s chosen charity, Malvern Special Families.

Enjoy the magnificent beauty of the Malvern Hills on 2 May as part of the Mayor’s Peaks Challenge. This challenge will see participants take on either the long walk from Bromsberrow of 18km (approximately 12 miles) or the shorter walk from the car park at British Camp of 9km (approximately 6 miles) across the Malvern Hills, with both walks finishing in Rose Bank Gardens. All walkers will receive a sustainable medal, t-shirt and free transport to the start of each of the walks.

Walkers and their dog friends are both welcomed to the hills, with all registered dogs receiving a dog treat bag and rosette for completing the walk, proudly sponsored by Austin & Co.

Mayor of Malvern Marilyn Birks commented “I’m thrilled to be launching the Mayor’s Peaks Challenge for 2026 with all monies raised going to Malvern Special Families my chosen charity this year. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to take the challenge of walking either the long or short walk, it’s going to be such fun and don’t forget that your dog is also welcome to come and walk with you. I want to extend my thanks to Vertu Motors and ZXLidars for sponsoring our t-shirts and medals as well as to Austin & Co for supplying the doggy rewards. The support of our wonderful sponsors means that all the money raised will go to Malvern Special Families.”  

If walking isn’t your thing, then join Malvern Town Council and Malvern Special Families for an afternoon in Rose Bank Gardens to welcome the walkers back with live entertainment along with fun family friendly activities.

Tickets for both walks are available now from the Malvern Town Council website, with the long walk costing £22 and the short walk costing £17. Travel is provided to the start of both walks, as well as an event t-shirt to walk in.

Tickets can be booked via https://www.malverntowncouncil.org/event/mayors-peaks-challenge-2026-in-aid-of-malvern-special-families/  (Early bird tickets end Midnight, 28 April 2026)

Malvern LGBTQ+ Life Stories is a short film made by Mobilise Arts in partnership with Malvern Pride for LGBTQ+ History Month in memory of Nick Houghton former Mayor of Malvern and Founder of Pride who passed away in December 2024.

This project has been led by Malvern-based queer writer, director and producer, Dr Hannah Phillips alongside local queer photographer and videographer Rachel Jones.

We thank our partners and allies Malvern District Council, Severn ArtsMalvern Theatres and Malvern Town Council for funding and supporting this community project.

Phillips said “Diverse forms of love, identity and family have always existed but LGBTQ+ stories are often left out of history or rewritten. Malvern LGBTQIA+ locals have shared their own queer life stories and journeys that began or brought them to the hills. Stories characterised by resilience, a quest for authenticity and love. We celebrate our community in Malvern this LGBT History Month.”

“We have made the bold decision to be visible all year round over the next couple of years. Further engagement and meaningful cultural projects with our LGBTQIA+ community here in Malvern working in partnership with Malvern Theatres, Malvern Town Council and Malvern District Council. Partnership working is key in this difficult climate. This also gives us time to fundraise. Pride is a free event and so we are always looking for sponsors.”

Tickets can be found here – https://malvern-theatres.co.uk/event/malvern-lgbtq-lifestories/

Links to other resources relating to LGBTQ+ History Month:
Stonewall – https://www.stonewall.org.uk/resources/lgbtq-hubs/lgbt-history-month
LGBTQ+ History Month (Schools Out) – https://lgbtplushistorymonth.co.uk/
Malvern Pride – https://www.instagram.com/prideinmalvern/?hl=en
Unison – https://www.unison.org.uk/about/what-we-do/fairness-equality/lgbt/lgbt-history/

Malvern Town Council has been given the declaration of result from the recent Link Ward Elections.

We very much look forward to welcoming Helen Clement as the new Link Ward Councillor.

For more information regarding this please head over the following website – https://www.malverntowncouncil.org/elections-within-malvern-town-council/ or call the Town Council on 01684 566667.

Malvern Town Council successfully marked White Ribbon Day on Tuesday 25 November 2025 with a number of online talks, panel discussions and presentations.  

Malvern Town Council agreed to become a White Ribbon Supporter Organisation in March 2025, and later in the year, plans were made to hold an event to mark White Ribbon Day. White Ribbon Day is an annual international day that encourages men to speak out against violence against women and girls. The aim is to address the root causes of men’s violence against women, to encourage them to set a better example and to create a world where everyone is safe equal and respected.

Throughout the day a variety of videos from different organisations were shared virtually for people to view. This included a special two part discussion panel video hosted by Deputy Mayor Cllr Josephine Leibrandt. The panel included representatives from local charities who all have experience in dealing with aspects of violence against women and girls.  Panel members included Jo Rae, Worcestershire Community Trust JOY project lead – representing Worcestershire Community Trust DAWN project, Hannah Cooper, Early Intervention and Prevention Services Manager at WMRSASC, Helen Richardson, Head of Client Services West Mercia Women’s Aid, Billie Chacksfield, Domestic Abuse Champions Project and Community Engagement Lead and they were joined by Councillor Marilyn Birks, Mayor of Malvern and Cllr Emma Green, Malvern Town Councillor and lead for the White Ribbon Day event. The panel explored a variety of pertinent issues and looked at the involvement of local charities in support of this initiative.

Cllr Emma Green says, “I am very proud that Malvern Town Council has decided to mark White Ribbon Day this year. This online event was a new initiative for the Council, and I really hope that the resources that were shared during the day will help and support the people within Malvern. It has been fantastic to see how many views these videos have already had, and I would encourage everyone to join us retrospectively as the videos can still be viewed online.”

All the White Ribbon Day videos can still be viewed on the Malvern Town Council’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwU5krJ-qXnMcieybjOIawgVWoRpYVWu_

The Town Council is currently advertising a Councillor Vacancy within the Link Ward.

Should electors in Link ward wish to request an election, then a request in writing, supported by ten electors needs to be made to the Returning Officer within 14 working days, otherwise the Town Council will fill this vacancy by co-option.

Should anyone wish to enquire further about the process or the role of being a town councillor, please contact the Town Clerk on lblake@malvern-tc.org.uk

Malvern Town Council attended The Heart of England in Bloom Awards at the Three Counties Showground on Tuesday 21 October, with seven representatives from the Malvern Team attending.

After the judging took place in July 2025, Malvern Town Council are delighted to announce not only were we awarded the Gold Award, but Malvern also took the large town category win of the Heart of England in Bloom 2025, which seemed fitting with the awards taking place in the shadow of the Malvern Hills.

The award was collected by the Mayor of Malvern, Cllr Marilyn Birks, along with Lyndsey Davies and Grahame Gibbons, who have been spearheading the Town’s entry for many years. This is a huge accolade and very well deserved for the hard-working team behind the scenes.

The Mayor, Cllr Marilyn Birks, was absolutely delighted to be able to pick up the award and extended her thanks to the hard-working team behind the success. Hopefully, the people of Malvern will be able to enjoy the benefits of all of the work that goes into making this a winning entry.  

The Town Clerk, Linda Blake, said, ‘This category win is very well deserved by the team of hard-working staff at Malvern Town Council, alongside the excellent team of volunteers and staff from partnership organisations. This award represents far more than just a one-day judging visit; it is a year of planning, many years of project and asset development and a year of maintaining Malvern to the highest standards.’

Malvern will now go forward and represent the region in the Britain of Bloom Awards.