AT this time a century ago, Worcester was giving a triumphant welcome home to its local volunteers, returning from active service against the Boers in the South African War.

The Journal devoted many columns to the heroes' welcomes accorded to the 135 officers and men of the Worcestershire Volunteers and to members of the Worcester Imperial Yeomanry. Crowds gathered at Shrub Hill Station on the two days these local soldiers arrived back after 18 months in the war zones.

"There were scenes of equally wild excitement as the Volunteers marched down to the Guildhall for a civic reception and hearty lunch, followed by a thanksgiving service at the Cathedral."

On a serious note, however, the Journal emphasised the pleas of civic leaders for Worcester employers to give back jobs to the volunteer soldiers who had been away in South Africa for far longer than had been expected. Some of their jobs had been filled in their absence.

There was also a special reception at the Shirehall to celebrate the return of an individual - Mr S. Thornely, Clerk to Worcestershire County Council.

"He has returned to his duties at the Shirehall, much sun-browned and apparently fit and well after serving in South Africa for 18 months as Captain of the Cheshire Volunteer Service Company. At various times he was in charge of up to 750 men involved in bridge building and also in action against the Boers."

Parishes failed to pay the dues

THE Worcester Diocese was in "great anxiety over paying its way" in 1951, according to the Journal report of the annual Diocesan Conference.

"Mr H. S Williams-Thomas, Chairman of the Diocesan Board of Finance said the deficit for 1950 was £1,750 which increased the adverse balances to £2,300, the greatest ever incurred. No fewer than 142 parishes had not paid any of their quota for the year."