100 Years Ago

August 13. 1904

Presenting the annual report of the Public Library Committee to Evesham Town Council, the chairman, Councillor William Smith, said since the committee's last report 59 volumes had been added to the library by purchase and 25 by gift. The total stock in the library now comprises 7,510 works, A number of the duplicate and worn out books have been taken out of stock this year. There are now 913 borrowers on the register in the Lending Department, and the number of volumes issued during the year was 8813.

75 Years Ago

August 10, 1929

Though the weather did not seem to be particularly promising to start with, Evesham was visited by an even larger crowd than usual this Bank Holiday. The town was packed with holiday makers, many of whom took advantage of the fine weather on Monday to picnic on the river bank and attend the River Gala. In spite of the rain a fair number of visitors arrived on Saturday, and on Monday 4,000 arrived by the L.M. and S. from Birmingham and 5,000 on the G.W.R. mainly from the Black Country. All the trains, including the specials, were packed to the doors, and on Monday night there were more people on the stations than the trains could hold.

50 years Ago

August 14, 1954

Two "fantastic" pulpits of Italian design are to be replaced in Rous Lench Parish Church by Jacobean carved oak pulpits more in keeping with a 12th century church. This was decided in the church on Monday evening by the first Consistory Court to be held in the diocese for many years, in spite of the "strong sentimental feeling" in the parish that the present pulpits, made 70 years ago by village craftsmen, should not be disturbed. The court, attended by about 40 parishioners, was convened to hear a petition for a faculty by Mr T.G. Burn, of Rous Lench Court, to enable the alterations to take place.

25 Years Ago

August 9, 1979

Avonside Hospital maternity unit, Evesham, is "suggested for closure" within ten years, according to the draft Regional Strategy Document produced by the West Midlands Regional Health Authority. The unit, which has 29 beds, is one of five general practitioner maternity units in Hereford and Worcester county, with a total of 132 beds, which are scheduled for closure. The Document says: "It is anticipated that some units in isolated or unsuitable locations or poor buildings will close to achieve our objectives. Closures will be dealt with in accordance with DHSS consultation procedures."