A WEEK of Battle of Britain activities were concluded with the customary parade and service to commend 'the devotion and heroism of those members of the Royal Air Force who gave their lives for our sakes', according to the speaker Rev C Hand. A procession from Market Street through the town centre to St John's Church included members of Bromsgrove and Stourbridge branches of the Royal Air Force Association, the Bromsgrove and Lickey End British Legion and other groups from the district. Rev Hand, a former priest-in-charge at Fairfield gave an address. He said the younger generation easily forgets the great sacrifices that were made in the war. "Our memories are very, very short," said Rev Hand, "That's why it is important that this service should be held annually to remind people of the sacrifices that were made." The church collection amounted to £11 6s 6d (£11.32)

THE Messenger carried an artist's impression of the town's new college of further education. Seven months ago, the original plan had been featured in the newspaper but there were some objections to the college being sited on Alcester Hill. A new compromise had been drawn up which changed the site to land between Blackmore Lane and Well Lane. Deputy Director of Education, Mr Brooke, said it was a pity the alterations had to be made but there had been no alternative. The arguments on the matter had been among the longest and most bitter he had come across. The architect believed the firmst stage could be built within the £106,000 provisionally agreed.