A LANDMARK that had stood in Bromsgrove for 97 years looked set to be bulldozed. It was the old, unmodernised cemetery lodge that had been built along with the lych gate near Crabtree Lane by an Evesham firm for £989. At the time, the design of the cemetery, which cost £378 to plan and construct, came in for heavy criticism from an influential body of civil engineers who said it was too formal.

HOUSEHOLDERS who had their bread delivered by members of Bromsgrove Master Bakers Association were told they faced a 3d (1p) delivery charge in future. The charge had been okayed by the Ministry of Food in the wake of mounting transport costs and low profit margins. Association president, local baker Norman Owen, said he felt the charge was reasonable.

THE soft sandstone with which St John's parish church, in Bromsgrove, was built was crumbling due to exposure to the weather and as a result needed at least £3,000 spent on its repair. There was, however, one piece of good news, the number of worshippers was continuing to grow.

ONE of Bromsgrove's grandest social events of the year, the annual ball at Barnsley Hall Hospital, was a huge success. The guests, who included some of the county's leading figures, were welcomed by Superintendent Andrew Shepherd and his wife to what was the 47th such event of its kind.