PAUPER inmates at Droitwich Spa workhouse were to be trained in firefighting techniques when the ruling guardians got round to buying a hose. The cost-conscious guardians, who were forever looking for ways of saving money, were considering the plan after receiving a bill for £12/13/6 (£12.67.5p) from the town's fire brigade, who were called to deal with a blaze in the laundry. To make matters worse they didn't get their money's worth as it was out on their arrival

100 years ago

August 10, 1901

PAUPER inmates at Droitwich Spa workhouse were to be trained in firefighting techniques when the ruling guardians got round to buying a hose. The cost-conscious guardians, who were forever looking for ways of saving money, were considering the plan after receiving a bill for £12/13/6 (£12.67.5p) from the town's fire brigade, who were called to deal with a blaze in the laundry. To make matters worse they didn't get their money's worth as it was out on their arrival.

BROMSGROVE police enjoyed their annual day out, this year the destination was Tewksbury. Superintendent Jeffrey, two sergeants and 12 constables travelled by brake to Worcester from where they took a steamer down river to their destination.

DROITWICH Spa's annual horticultural show held in the Brine Baths Park, courtesy of Dr Corbett, attracted more than 3,000 visitors. Large flower displays were entered by, among other well to do families, Dr Corbett of Impney, and Dowager Lady Hindlip of Hadzor.

THE harvest was in full swing in the district, but the drought, which had been followed by cold winds, had taken its toll of crops. It meant farm stock would go hungry this winter especially as the bean crop was practically non-existent and hay was in short supply.

EMMA Hancox of Bournheath, Bromsgrove, appeared before town magistrates charged with assaulting Alice Field. Magistrates heard how Hancox had called the witness's daughter a "nasty stinking cat," and had struck her in the face. Hancox was fined 5s (25p), 11s (55p costs) or in default 14 days' hard labour.

50 years ago

August 11, 1951

AMPHLETT Memorial Hall in Crown Close, was officially opened and handed over to Bromsgrove Urban District Council. A memorial to his mother Emily, it was opened by Donald Amphlett with a golden key. The Messenger observed it was the only centre of its kind and one of only a handful in Britain to be built specially to cater for the needs of elderly people.

THE unseasonable weather of the past weeks had given rise to talk in Bromsgrove of climate changes and the effects of atom bomb testing. But, the Messenger in its editorial, declared there was no need to worry. The true to form downpour on Bank Holiday Monday proved it was simply the traditional uncertainty of an English summer asserting itself.

VISITORS to Tardebigge's annual fete in Hewell Park gave a rousing welcome to VIP visitors the Earl and Countess of Plymouth. The event raised a record £500 which would pay off the remainder of the £3,000 it was costing to repair the fabric of the 174-year-old church. Hewell was the former country seat of the Earl's ancestors.

THE Messenger carried a notice advertising a new service available to the public at the town's police station, a rather gruesome-sounding "destruction chamber." Run by the RSPCA it was where owners of unwanted or sick pets could have them humanely put to sleep.

A BRIEF look at some prices realised at Bromsgrove's Tuesday market showed hens made 13/- (65p) each, two spaniel pups five and a half guineas (£5.77.5p), gladioli spikes 11d (4.5p) each and lettuces 2/3 (11p) per dozen.

25 years ago

August 6, 1976

JOHN Wood became Belbroughton's only cricketer in living memory to score 1,000 runs in a season when he hit 44 against Penn on Sunday. His tally included one century and nine half centuries.

THERE was turmoil at the Victoria Ground on the eve of the new soccer season as Bromsgrove Rovers began searching for their third manager in just 12 months. Four key players including captain John Chambers had walked out and the club's financial situation was in a precarious position.

BIG cuts in public spending meant there could be a three year delay in building the Bromsgrove section of the controversial M42 motorway. Campaigners who had fought the proposal from day one were hoping the whole scheme would now be scrapped.

FACILITIES at Bromsgrove's Barnsley Hall Mental Hospital were of such a high standard that in a report by the Royal College of Psychiatrists it was recommended that it should become a training centre.

RECORD buyers in Bromsgrove had put EltonJohn and Kiki Dee's Don't Go Breaking My Heart in the number one spot in the town's top ten. In from nowhere at number ten was Here Comes The Sun by Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel. The Beach Boys were still riding high at the top of the album charts with their 20 Golden Greats.