100 Years Ago July 1, 1905

Evesham Horse Show was held last Friday, and though it was most encouraging in some ways, it was quite disappointing in others. The entry was well up to that of recent years, and the quality of the animals exhibited generally very high, many of the horses being quite good enough to have found mention by the judges at a country show. While the show of horses was good, the attendance of spectators was very meagre, and this despite the glorious weather which prevailed. This is much to be regretted, but it must be borne in mind that the Vale of Evesham is not now so much a farming as a gardening district, and therefore the residents are not so keenly interested in the heavy shire horses as those round Moreton.

75 Years Ago

June 28, 1930

A successful fete was held at Beckford on Saturday in aid of the church funds. Although brilliant sunshine did not add itself to the attractions, the weather kept fine and dry, and the function was well patronised. The Vicar, the Rev W W Baker, who presided, said they were following the traditions of centuries of village people taking a pride in their parish church. The primary object of the fete was to provide funds for fitting the church with electric light. The House of God was worthy of the best illuminant, and it was hoped that funds would be available for more adequate heating of the church. It is anticipated that practically £100 will be raised as a result of the effort.

50 Years Ago

July 2, 1955

When the 4.10 pm local passenger train from Moreton-in-Marsh to Worcester crashed into a lorry laden with vegetables on an uncontrolled level crossing near Charlton sidings at about 5 pm last Friday, the lorry driver was killed almost instantly and his 15-year-old passenger was gravely injured. But though the engine hurtled along on its side, mangling metals and tearing up sleepers, and one of the four coaches was thrown off the track into a field and another was also derailed, the driver and firemen escaped with bruises and shock and none of the few passengers in the train was injured. They were in the rear two coaches which remained on the line.

25 Years Ago

July 3, 1980

The cost of refuse collection is likely to put an increasing burden on a council's finances, it has been revealed. The closure of Hampton tip is going to cost Wychavon Council at least an extra £7,000 in extra transport costs, councillors were told at a meeting of the public works committee. The increased expense is because now rubbish has to be transferred to a tip at Throckmorton. It is thought additional problems will arise for district councils as tips close and rubbish has to be transferred from one place to another. Mr Bill Booy, chief engineer, said: "We are refuse collectors and it is the county council's job to provide adequate tips convenient for our activities."