BROMSGROVE'S ancient fair day and street market activities were marred by the absence of two key attractions - the pleasure fair and town crier Kevin Ward.

Many, especially older residents with fond memories of fairdays of their youth, bemoaned the absence of amusements on the Recreation Ground, as did the young. Kevin was also sadly missed at last Saturday's event through illness.

Another change was the processional route taken by the Court Leet.

Led by the Rubery Youth Marching Band, the procession included representatives from several town organisations

It set off from Bromsgrove School in a slight drizzle. But at the moment it reached the Housman Statue, for the assize of ale, bread and leather, the sun came out.

According to tradition, Bailiff Jeremy Sharp proclaimed the 1199 charter granting the town a fair.

Bromsgrove Cobbler Martin Connellan, the searcher and sealer of leather, caused amusement when he produced a multi-functional leather bag and a black leather teddy undergarment. He said that the two could be used separately or together as a hanging basket.

Breadweigher Simon Cupitt had obtained some fine examples of the baker's art courtesy of Maureen from the Village Bakery at Catshill.

And Aletaster Chris Firminger declared the beers on sale in the town's hostelries to be good quality. The court later toured the 38 stalls in the Elizabethan street market. The cup awarded to the most imaginative stall went to Bromsgrove Rovers Supporters' Club, which just pipped the Princess of Wales hospital. Third was the NSPCC.