SOME 65 veteran members of Bromsgrove Labour Club sat down to their annual supper. Most of them had supported the club since its formation in 1927. A capital meal had been prepared by Mrs Dyer, Mrs H Webley, wife of the secretary, and Mrs Troth the stewardess.

MICHAEL Higgs, from Hagley, who had been Bromsgrove's MP since the division had been created in 1950, announced he would not stand again because of the heavy demands made on members.

TENDERS for the next phase of 70 houses at Bromsgrove's new Charford Estate were too high the district council decided, prompting contractors, Mackee and Rodway to submit a revised estimate of £70/5/7 (£70.28p) each. This was achieved by them trimming their profit, reducing the size of the rooms and cupboards and modifying plumbing systems.

THE practice by some schools in Bromsgrove of taking parties of pupils to watch proceedings at the town's courts at "Catchems End," had been criticised by magistrates. They believed that while children should be aware of the legal system, some cases portrayed the seamier side of life.

A QUICK look at some of the January sale adverts in the Messenger showed Norman Vine in Worcester Street, had women's coats on offer at just 60/- (£3) Thomas Woolf's High Street store was selling quality walnut bedroom suites for £89/19/6 (£89.95.5p) and Leeway prams for 15 guinneas (£15. 75p). Fields also in High Street had Wilton stair carpet at 10/- (50p) a yard.