CHEEKY birds were reported to be nesting in a Lickey letter box. A wren and tit were sharing a nest and between them had laid more than 25 eggs.

100 years ago

July 15, 1899

CHEEKY birds were reported to be nesting in a Lickey letter box. A wren and tit were sharing a nest and between them had laid more than 25 eggs.

Unfortunately, a postal package was dropped in from the outside and the eggs were broken.

MORE than 100 members of a naturalist club paid a visit to Droitwich Spa, where they visited Impney Park, the residence of John Corbett.

The naturalists then went to Hewell Grange, the seat of Lord Windsor, before returning home to Cardiff.

THE Dean of Worcester, Dr Forreat, opened a garden fete at Linthurst House, Blackwell.

The event was organised by Bromsgrove Ladies' Association and was attended by more than 1,000 people.

Fun to be had included a tortoise race and a cigarette and umbrella run.

AN inquest was held by the county coroner at the Rifleman's Arms, in Droitwich Spa, into the death of 27-year-old Elizabeth Williams, who was found floating in the Spa's canal. The jury returned a verdict that she had committed suicide.

PUPILS from Alvechurch Ladies' School were taken to the Lickey Hills for their annual treat.

They had tea and indulged in a variety of games.

50 years ago

July 16, 1949

A BIG crowd attended Rubery Conservative fete which was held for the first time in many years. An 81-year-old woman created a sensation in the ladies' race when she sprinted into first place.

KEEN rivalry was evident in Finstall when scout troops from across the Bromsgrove district met at a camping competition. The competition was won by 4th Bromsgrove Scouts (Blackwell and Burcot).

LONG-AWAITED repairs were in progress at St Kenelm's Church, Romsley. Loose plaster was being removed from the walls and faint traces of old wall paintings were disturbed. Some historians claimed the paintings extended along three quarters of the length of the building.

WARM summer weather was keeping Bromsgrove firefighters busy attending to grass fires across the district. The brigade had its busiest day of the year when fire crews attended 33 calls.

25 years ago

July 12, 1974

PUPILS attended their last lessons at the village school in Clent, which was built in 1705.

A new school was set to be erected during the summer, ready for pupils to return in the autumn term.

TWO elated Bromsgrove women were among representatives from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution who attended the Queen's Garden Party at Buckingham Palace to mark the institute's 150th anniversary.

SPONSORED walks on county roads looked set to be banned by Hereford and Worcester County Council. Walkers, tired after trekking and less aware of surrounding traffic, were considered a hazard by a council sub-committee.