100 Years Ago July 30, 1904

A charming ground, delightful weather and a large and distinguished company combined to make the first Broadway Gymkhana a decided success. Friday was specially selected for the fixture because on that date the co-operation of the Stratford-on-Avon Polo Club could be secured. The Church meadow lent by Mr Archibald Flower formed an ideal sports arena surrounded by over-shadowing trees and with the picturesque old church and Middle Hill Lodge as a background. The company included most of the titled and landed families of the neighbourhood as well as distinguished visitors from a greater distance, and the general population, who always welcome a well catered for holiday, so swelled the numbers that a very satisfactory gate resulted.

75 Years Ago

July 27, 1929

Novel attractions are included in the programme for Pershore's annual river gala, to be held in Mr Wood's meadow, on Tuesday, August 6, the day following the flower show. Beside the usual diving and swimming competitions for men and ladies, with the big race for the challenge cup, given by the Avon Navigation Co, there are obstacle races and the slippery struggle on the greasy pole for a leg of mutton. On this occasion also the announcement is made of the first visit of that classical deity of the deep, Father Neptune, who will not lower his dignity to take part in the mop fight which is to be another feature of the event.

50 Years Ago

July 31, 1954

At a meeting of the Borough of Evesham Civil Defence Committee last week it was reported that of an authorised establishment of 352 only 100 volunteers have enrolled in the Civil Defence Corps and that there are 53 streets in the borough without a single representative in the corps. The committee decided to make every effort to bring civil defence before the public, pointing out that with the hydrogen bomb it is more necessary than ever for a large percentage of the population to be trained to meet the menace.

25 Years Ago

July 26, 1979

The remarkable success story of Fladbury Canoe and Kayak Club continues with the selection of five of its members for the junior world championships being held in Finland next week. It is the best news so far for the club, which has achieved spectacular successes all over the country since it was formed only six years ago, and hopes are now running high at Fladbury that some of their youngsters will be chosen for the Olympics in Moscow next year.