POSTAL RUSH - "With many postmen away at the war, a lot of temporary delivery personnel have had to be hurriedly recruited, including 26 women and 59 schoolboys, primarily from the King's School, Royal Grammar School and the Technical School.

About 48 soldiers from Norton Barracks have also been detailed for collection and transport duties.

"In the sorting department, 74 women are employed and have the assistance of five pupils from the Worcester Secondary School and three women university students."

CATHEDRAL CHRISTMAS TREE

"The giant Christmas tree is now installed in its usual place near the Tower stairway. It has been given by Alderman J. Basil Edwards and is much superior to the last in both size and shape. It makes a dazzling sight with a myriad of coloured fairy lights and is already weighed down and surrounded by many gifts of toys, clothing and food being kindly donated by Worcester people. These gifts will, in due course, be distributed by the Women's Voluntary Service to the families of soldiers, sailors and airmen who might otherwise expect little of the seasonal cheer on the Services allowance."

XMAS AND NEW YEAR DANCES

"At Stew's Academy in Silver Street; in St Martin's Hall with Jack Fenn and his Band; at the Catholic Hall with Norman Peachey and his Band; and at the Co-op Hall with Bobby Howse and his Band."

THEATRE ROYAL

"Frank Fortescue's pantomime this year is Cinderella and includes ponies, mules, dogs and a goat from Gandy's Circus."

A QUIET CHRISTMAS

"During the holiday it was impossible not to be impressed by the quietness of Worcester. The usual stream of traffic simply did not exist. Cars laden with holly, mistletoe and luggage were few. Those who last year saved their basic ration of petrol for the holiday decided this year to stay at home.

"Trains at Shrub Hill arrived and departed full but everyone had a seat.

"The general impression was that a high percentage of those who usually go away for Christmas refrained from doing so this year, and few members of HM Forces had leave this Christmastime.

"It is gratifying that this year the travelling public proved unselfish and regarded their staying at home as a contribution to the war effort."