THE new open air rifle range built in the quarry in Marlbrook Lane was officially opened in a deluge. Drainage ditches had to be hastily dug to channel the flood water away. Work on the project, which could accommodate 36 marksmen, had been carried out by the Bromsgrove branch of the Worcestershire Regiment's Association.

BROMSGROVE Rovers were facing a strength-sapping five home games in eight days to kick off the new season. The squad, which had more new faces than at any time since the war, would entertain Banbury Spencer, who last season had scored 11 goals against them in the first game.

THE well-known Bromsgrove dentist, George Amess, from The Steps, St John Street, died suddenly after been taken ill while driving in Worcester. He was 54. He had been educated at the County High School and had played rugby for the town. He was Court Leet Bailiff in 1945-6 and had also held the post of Marshall.

A FUND set up to help the victims of the recent Catshill coach crash had reached the magnificent sum of £412. Two villagers died in the accident which happened while on Bible class trip to Switzerland.

A BRIEF look at the advertisement columns in the Messenger revealed Norman Vine, in Worcester Street, had large blankets on sale at 49/11 (£2.49.5) while afternoon tea could be enjoyed on the terrace at Caspidge House, off Pikes Pool Lane, for 2/6 (12.5p). Rock Hudson, playing Tarzan, was delighting audiences at the Regal Cinema in Bromsgrove while builders' merchants M E Smith, in Worcester Street, was giving a free all-night fire with every tiled fireplace over £16.