CORONATION Day was celebrated in Bromsgrove, Droitwich and elsewhere in the district. However, the festivities were less than would have taken place had the big event not been postponed some weeks ago because of the King's illness. In Bromsgrove bunting, flags, and pictures of the King and Queen, adorned the High Street, but the majority of shops did not close, Saturday being the busiest day. Among the highlights at a sports event in Bromsgrove was a ham cutting competition and a women's competition to catch a greasy pig, the porker being the prize. On Sunday Thanksgiving Services were held in most churches. At St John's, Bromsgrove, the church was packed for the evening service which was said to be the heartiest ever.

THE Crown Inn at Wychbold was sold by auction at the Raven Hotel in Droitwich by Bromsgrove auctioneers Cotton and Chappell. It was knocked down to brewers Hansons of Dudley for £1,650. A block of four and eight cottages nearby went for £325 and £390 respectively. The same firm later sold the 248-acre Hollowfields Estate at Hanbury for £7,150.

MR AUSTEN Chamberlain, 39, MP for East Worcestershire - which included Bromsgrove, was returned to the Commons unopposed after the by-election which followed his appointment to the cabinet as Postmaster General. He emerged from Bromsgrove Town Hall to loud cheers before addressing a large crowd from the balcony of the Golden Cross Hotel.

GEORGE Price from Worcester Street, Bromsgrove, appeared before Bromsgrove magistrates charged with owning a vicious dog. The court heard the animal had left nine teeth marks in seven- year-old Fred Banner's leg when he had stroked the animal. His father said he had treated the wound with caustic before taking him to a doctor. Price was fined 23/- (£1.15p) plus costs.