CHOCOLATE QUEUES AGAIN - "When we were issued with personal ration books, we thought we had done with queuing for chocolate and sweets.

But here we are in Christmas week with half the confectioners' shops in Worcester closed to all comers, and the other half opening for short periods and dealing with queues of customers.

"Everyone knows by now that if you do not cash up your chocolate coupons within the allotted period they cease to be valid, and you then lose your chance of a few ounces of good and attractive food. We are half-way through a ration period of four weeks, and it is natural enough that everyone, especially women with children, wants some chocolate in the house for Christmas. After all, there are not so many little treats available nowadays, and sugar is essential for children."

TOYS TOO COSTLY

"Christmas toys proved so expensive this year that many people bought books of instruction, hunted through ragbags and generally tried their hand at making presents for children. Happily, many of these home-made treasures proved effective and successful.

"When Christmas is over, perhaps these amateur toy makers may be able to turn their newly acquired talent to the service of the country."

CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR TODDLERS

"There are children growing up who have never known a real Christmas. They have no idea what a party is, so the Worcester Women's Voluntary Service with the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmens Families Association had the happy thought of arranging a magnificent affair for servicemen's children living in Worcester.

"This took place on Tuesday afternoon when 500 youngsters between the ages of three and six years attended at the Guildhall, which presented a gay scene. There were party games, magicians and entertainers, and a show by the Abberley Marionettes, made and presented by boys of the Royal Grammar School.

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS APPEAL FOR FEEDING THE PIGS

"The City Surveyor's Department warns that there is a shortage of Pig Food. We have 600 pig food bins in the streets of the city, and all citizens are urged to place their kitchen food scraps in them. Your co-operation will be much appreciated and helps with the war effort."

SCRAP PAPER COLLECTION

"Worcester school children and cubs and scouts are giving invaluable help in the collection of salvage for the war effort and will continue earnestly with their endeavours when the schools return after the Christmas holiday. Paper, tins and metal caps from bottles have already being collected in large quantities by the youngsters."

FOR WAR WORKERS

"A film show by the Ministry of Information is to be screened at the Northwick Cinema on Sunday, December 27, at 3 p.m. The programme of films will be: Listen to Britain, Soviet Schoolchild and Battle of Supplies. Admission free."

THEATRE ROYAL

Frank Fortescue presents Dick Whittington.

FEWER BUS SERVICES

"From the start of January, cuts in Midland Red bus services have been ordered by the Ministry of War Transport Department to conserve fuel."

WORKERS' PLAYTIME

"An entertainment under the title of the popular radio programme was presented at the Eltex factory in Worcester with Bobby Howse and his Band providing the accompaniment for the singing. The event underlined again the wealth of talent that exists among the nation's workers."