STRANGERS visiting Catshill Church were not made welcome, the writer of a letter in the Messenger's correspondence columns claimed. "Disgusted", of Barley Mow Lane, said they were given neither hymn nor prayer books and were made to stand throughout services in which they could take very little part. That was until the collection was taken, then the plate was thrust into their faces!

THE free distribution of coal delivered to the poor living in the northern part of Bromsgrove this week came at an opportune time following the recent heavy snowfall. The gift was an annual event paid for by wealthy Mrs Unite, who lived at Blackwell Court, near Bromsgrove.

THE Burton Brewery Company applied to Bromsgrove magistrates for permission to rebuild and redesign the Dragoon Hotel at Aston Fields. The tenant had an arrangement with the railway company to supply cabs day or night for use by travellers and to also accommodate them. Police said the proposed new internal layout allowed them better supervision of the premises and the idea of a separate room for refreshment without alcohol was also welcomed.

A MEDICAL report into the health of people living in rural areas of Droitwich revealed last month there had been 21 births, eight deaths and ten cases of scarlet fever. An outbreak of measles had closed Rashwood School for a fortnight.