When is Lunchbox not Lunchbox?

’Oh goodness’ was the exclamation as the curtains were opened in one Malvern household. ‘It’s snowing!’

And snowed it had. The roads were white, schools were closing one after the other and there was that special enfolding silence that comes with snowfall, broken only by the creak of footsteps as dog walkers and their charges walked oh-so-carefully up the road.

It was soon apparent that the planned Priory Lunchbox concert, from the talented pupils of Malvern St James, would have to be cancelled, as drivers were being advised not to attempt to travel unless absolutely necessary.

The website was updated ‘cancelled due to weather conditions’.

But what if…

…what if those without a computer arrived at 12.30?

Lunchbox Plan B was swiftly put in place. No-one would be turned away and hot drinks in the warm Priory building would be available. The Church Manager turned on the trusty Priory urn, tables were set out, and two tea volunteers braved the slippery slopes of Church Street, armed with cake.

And what a special ‘Lunchbox’ it turned out to be. Around 20 people, two of whom had travelled by bus from Worcester, shared hot drinks, cake and good cheer and the most amazing ad hoc entertainment.

Rob (Deputy Custos and Actor) and Jenny (Actor, Singer) saved the day with impromptu poetry readings including ‘The Lamb’ and ‘Tiger, tiger’ (Blake, read by Jenny) and ‘Dust of Snow’ (Frost) and ‘The Tay Bridge Disaster’ (McGonagall) read by Rob.

All agreed it was a very special Priory experience.

Sometimes small is special.