BROMSGROVE and towns adjacent to their country seat at Hewell Grange, were busily drawing up plans to celebrate the coming of age of the Hon Other Robert Windsor-Clive, son of Lord Windsor, whose birthday was next month. When his father was 21, Bromsgrove had publicly collected the huge sum of £100 with which to buy gifts. Then, in addition to many other celebrations, two oxen had been roasted and distributed to 1,000 people in the town.

A SERIOUS accident befell young Thomas Corbett, aged 11, from Whitford, as he made his way to school. Walking close behind a flour wagon on its way from Stoke Mill his foot became entangled in a rear wheel causing it to be badly cut. Dr Hawkins was summoned and stitched the wounds before the hapless boy was dispatched to the Cottage Hospital for further treatment.

FOUNDATION stones for a new Baptist church and schoolroom were laid in a prominent position in Ombersley Street, Droitwich. The need for new buildings was long overdue as those at Hill End were now quite inadequate. The cost of the new buildings was being met by grants and gifts of cash.

A CORRESPONDENT from Nottinghamshire wrote to The Messenger complaining that while attending a service in St John's Parish Church, Bromsgrove, he was told the seat he was occupying 'belonged' to someone else and was made to vacate it. He said he had been dismayed, especially as there was a large notice in the church proclaiming all seats were free.