THE Bromsgrove Rousler, the history magazine, which is always eagerly awaited when it is published annually just before Christmas, has broken new ground.

This year's 16th edition with a print run of more than 1,000 copies, has colour on its front page for the first time.

The magazine is published by the Bromsgrove Society and is packed with interesting articles.

Town historian and author Dr Alan Richards has written a fascinating account of Bromsgrove's missionary Henry Nott's adventures in Tahiti.

Another history author, Jennie McGregor Smith, from Finstall, has contributed a painstakingly researched article on the Rev Dr Collis, one time headmaster of Bromsgrove School.

The great flood, which wreaked havoc in Bromsgrove in 1792 and which is remembered to this day by a high water mark in St John Street, has been written by the Rousler's editor, Jenny Townshend.

John Weston from Breakback, the chairman of the society's local history group, called us to say anyone wishing to learn more about J R Tolkein's local connections can do so by reading a back issue of the Rousler.

The work of the Tolkein, who lived in Rednal and whose mother is buried in Bromsgrove, is presently enjoying a popularity boost thanks to a recent TV documentary and next week's release of the film of his book, The Lord of the Rings.

Mr Weston said Tolkein featured in the December 1999 edition, copies of which are available from him, by calling (01527) 873483.

The current Rousler costs £2.30 and is available from bookshops, newsagents and post offices.