FESTIVITIES to mark the Coronation continued in many villages around Bromsgrove and Droitwich. Teas accompanied by fancy dress competitions and races for adults and children appeared to be the most popular form of celebration. One of the main attractions, at a big party organised by residents at Norton and All Saint's Road in Bromsgrove, was the ladies' ankle competition. It was won by Mrs Biddle, who welcomed the prize of a pair of nylon stockings.

TENANTS at the new council estate at Charford had found a cheap way of making lawns. They were stealing turf from a field off Salwarpe Road. Bromsgrove Urban District Council took a dim view of this and notices ordering them to stop or face criminal charges were being sent to households.

BROMSGROVIAN Robert Bourne had been relieved of his job as chief trainer at Aston Villa because of his "advanced" age. He was 57. He began his career in football as a player for Bromsgrove Rovers in 1919 and transferred to the Villa in 1935. He had also taken charge of the England XI on several occasions.

A PARTY of people from Bromsgrove were involved in an unusual road accident while returning from a motor trip to London. The car, driven by Arthur Pepper, from College Road, ran under a load of tree trunks hanging over the back of a stationery lorry. The impact made a deep groove in the car roof, which was released with the aid of jacks placed under the timber. Mr Pepper and his wife were unhurt but their daughter Monica Parker suffered a cut head.