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Original poster

Moving to Malvern

55 replies

Blackduck · 03/03/2009 13:49

We currently live in Brum, but have taken a liking to Malvern. We are seriously considering a move, but I'd like some views as to the pluses and minuses.
I have read OFSTED reports on the Infant/primary schools - anyone got first hand experience?
Any recommendations on good places to live and places to avoid. Really need to be close to train station and actually would liek to be central....
Warts and all views please!

OP posts:
theITgirl · 03/03/2009 14:02

Hi. My parents live there, we only visit so cannot help with schools.

My overall impression is that this is a town people go to to retire! There must be some young families but I don't notice them. When we go to the play parks they appear deserted.
There used to be a very nice softplay place but it has recently closed down - probably because it was rarely very busy, one of the things I liked about it.

Huge positive is having the hills and the commons within a few minutes drive, I do usually see families on the hills (unless they all came from Brum for the day).

It is a lovely town, and a nice size.
The theatre is supposed to be very good and you get lots of plays (before they hit the west end) and good concerts. Nigel Kennedy lives locally if you like him.

There is also a cinema, nice swimming pool, 10 pin bowling.

The shops are good especially on the Springfield? estate. Huge waitrose in town. Also if you join the Malvern Hills conservators you get free parking everywhere. Cannot remember how much it was but know it is (or at least was) very cheap.

Original poster
Blackduck · 03/03/2009 14:11

I know what you mean about going to retire! But the number of schools would belie that, as would Malvern Splash on a Sat!!
Thanks thou for the views....

OP posts:
theITgirl · 03/03/2009 14:16

Hope you find somewhere nice, as I said it is a lovely place to live.

Sorrento · 03/03/2009 14:56

It's very Hilly.
I went out with somebody who lived their, I think Malvern is the place to be not Malvern Hills and it seemed pleasant enough and plenty to do.
The local club everyone seemed to have known each other since primary school, all a bit insular for me but might be just what you're after.
I like Bromsgrove or Stratford personally.

Original poster
Blackduck · 03/03/2009 15:16

I know its hilly . Don't want to be somewhere like Bromsgrove - want to be near/in a town....
The insular thing is interesting thou'

OP posts:
CMOTDibbler · 03/03/2009 15:27

Theres a few MNetters who live there - might be worth a post on the Worcester meetup thread to poke people over to this thread.

I live near, but only go to Malvern to shop

OrmIrian · 03/03/2009 15:32

It's very pretty. I have fond memories of the town and area as a child. Have to admit that it was because my granny lived there In Poolbrook. I remember the pool, the cinema, walking on the Hills, St Anns well and the Copper Kettle tea rooms. The common around Poolbrook was good fun too - some friends and I used to slide down the banks on old fertiliser sacks.

igrewupinmalvern · 03/03/2009 16:00

hi - just testing name change as although only post ever few days don't want to out myself

I grew up in Malvern and totally love it. LOADS of families around, much more than old people IMO.

Will post more later when ds lets me!

what sort of price bracket??

sarah293 · 03/03/2009 16:12

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OrmIrian · 03/03/2009 16:14

Ah that was it riven. Barnards Green. Poolbrook was the estate she lived on I think. Very nice.

Original poster
Blackduck · 03/03/2009 16:17

I want to live ON the hill.....actually seen a place on St Annes road......
Keep the info coming!

OP posts:
NorbertDentressangle · 03/03/2009 16:20

Blackduck -just popped on briefly but have to go out in a min. Will be back on this evening though.

If you can CAT me I can give you some info via email (would rather do this than on here as I don't want to post about specific schools, roads etc , also don't want to "out" myself)

Thanks

sarah293 · 03/03/2009 16:21

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sarah293 · 03/03/2009 16:24

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igrewupinmalvern · 03/03/2009 16:34

oooo my friend lived on st annes road - gorgeous house, views to die for close to town centre, and the hills were her garden. (don't think they had problems as riven suggested - lived there for over 20 years)

if i hadn't grown up there would def consider going back.

the hills are out of this world. stunning.

areas - around town centre and on hills
also big victorian houses just south of town centre, around splash/malvern college - priory road, avenue road, court road

also malvern wells, west and north malvern lovely

malvern link less nice and avoid anywhere near estates (eg elgar ave, pound bank)

schools don't know much about primary schools but think northleigh, great malvern, west malvern north malvern are all good

secondary - i was at the chase. it was excellent - excelled as well in music sport etc. ended up at oxbridge along with about 4/5 of my year. dysons was less good but that may have changed. and of course there are 5 thousand nice private schools.

igrewupinmalvern · 03/03/2009 16:40

can you link me to the house for sale on st annes road??

oh i am dead jealous. don't believe in moving backwards and would be weird living where i went to school, but its a great place to grow up. all those hills parties...

also think the detached houses in the centre are v reasonable when you compare to other parts of south west

sarah293 · 03/03/2009 16:49

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sarah293 · 03/03/2009 16:55

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igrewupinmalvern · 03/03/2009 19:11

riven are you sure you can't afford it???

aren't you in bristol?? i think you can get reasonable comparables... also the drive to worcester hospital is only about 10 mins so about the same from suburb of brsitol to another.

i agree though - summer is glorious in malvern (and windter isn't grim unlike the country)

in fact its the best of both worlds - a town with decent amenities and a nice feel about, good schools, good pubs (great gastro pub - the nags head - yes its a gastro pub now) but you can be on top of the hills in minutes and feel like you're in the middel of the countryside.

there are loads of young families there

oh i love it (i bet we end up there too)

Original poster
Blackduck · 03/03/2009 19:25

ladies you are really selling it to me..
House on St Annes road is SSTC - damn - that was quick - only been on 2 weeks... but location was just spot on...
www.homesonview.co.uk/Scripts/ShowProperty.asp?css=hov&CompanyID=ALLAMALV&AgencyID=ALL AMALV&ID=AMP00384

OP posts:
NorbertDentressangle · 03/03/2009 19:27

blackduck -I've received the CAT so will reply now.

I'm doing a job application form this evening (oh joy of joys ) so will keep checking on here and my emails in case you have any specific questions.

sarah293 · 03/03/2009 19:29

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floaty · 03/03/2009 19:29

I went to school in Malvern for 6 years and have fond memories of it,although it was once called "the only cememtary with a railway station"!Is Warwick house dept store still there?Also there used to be a couple of really nice sweet shops with the sweetsin jars and a lovely old fashioned chemist!I remember Barnards Green being nice and also had a friend whos granny lived in malvern wells.

Original poster
Blackduck · 03/03/2009 19:33

There is a Dept store called Brays full of guys with pomadored hair....
Also old chemist where they only take cash or cheques

OP posts:
igrewupinmalvern · 03/03/2009 19:33

AMALV&ID=AMP00384 this is very central in similar price bracket