How grand to be able to visit my friend, Dr Brad Wells, in his own home town and to visit his school, Malvern College. A slight delay on the train from London meant that I missed my connection. I had to get a later train from a different station that saw me wandering through Birmingham. Thank goodness for Apple Maps. I lost an hour in there somewhere but we had a great day in any case.
Like sensible ex-Melbournians we began with coffee and then I had an opportunity to wander through this beautiful town, much time spend in the Priory church (see separate post).
Malvern was home to Edward Elgar, seen here at the Enigma fountain, which celebrates the composer, his ‘Enigma Variations, and Malvern spring water – preferred by HM the Queen. The fountain has no pump and is naturally fed by three pure springs from the hills above the town.
Above, the Priory gate (the Priory itself was destroyed as one of the many scandalous acts during the English reformations), but fortunately the Priory and its grounds were acquired by a local for £20 and the church was retained.
A seriously beautiful Worcestershire town. And a hilly one – glad I have one leg longer than the other. We journied to The Chase Inn at nearby Upper Colwall for lunch. Great views over Herefordshire towards the distant hills in Wales. I did my best to make an indent into their Ploughman’s lunch.
Then on to the Herefordshire Beacon, more commonly known as British Camp, or as I prefer ‘Mount Everest’. We walked to the summit of this Iron Age fort earthwork rising 338 meters.
Following this adventure we visited Malvern College (it was a school day) in its sumptuous bucolic setting. So English.
and chapel with its spectacular reredos which includes St George among the saints.
A tour of the Cunard family estate, now part of the College.
After a visit to Brad’s home (see separate post) we set out for dinner at ‘The Jockey’ in nearby Baughton. A gin aperitif followed by a great meal.
And then on to Brad’s local, convenient walking distance – The Nag’s Head, before my return train trip where I was the only person in first class (as it should be).
Father M 
Love love love. Two of my favourite people reunited in a truly beautiful place
I had just finished watching Father Brown, allowing me to click on to Fr Ian and enjoy all the beautiful shots you
took – that expensive camera certainly paid off. I particularly liked the statue of Elgar, my favourite composer
and his beloved Malvern Hills. And of course you and your friend, Brad, and his beautiful home. I am now up
early as Simon has to have more tuition from Paule, as a server, It is very cold, we envy you your summer,
I so enjoyed the tour! Malvern looks to be a beautiful English area, and so different from Malvern Vic. The wander through the Priory was wonderful. I’m ever pleased to see that so many of the churches, priories, are still testimonies to the faith of the people, given the reformation and second war destruction that might have happened. Glad to see St George represented.