DISTINGUISHED Old Bromsgrovian Sir Basil Embrey was promoted to Air Chief Marshall. He was the hero of four escapes from the hands of the Germans during the war. He became head of Allied Air Forces Central Europe.

THERE was a huge response when a mobile mass X-ray unit arrived in Bromsgrove. In one six-hour period 850 people had their chests photographed, which worked out at 150 per hour. Ninety five per cent would be found to be clear when the 25mm films were examined. Those who were not, would be recalled for further examination.

IN order to save time the Midland Bank in Bromsgrove installed a highly sensitive set of scales for counting one pound notes by weight. The device was pioneered in the Bromsgrove branch, which was the third oldest in the country. Under the old method it would take a cashier one hour to count 1,000 notes, a task which now takes seconds.

TARDEBIGGE said its farewells to Major and Mrs Ryland, who were about to leave the village to live in Sidmouth. The major, whose name would always be synonymous with the BYO in Bromsgrove, was presented with gifts by the many other organisations with which he was associated, notably the Royal British Legion.

BROMSGROVE Cricket Club was given a gift of £50 by Worcestershire County Cricket Club Supporters' Association to encourage young players to take up the sport. At the club's annual dinner, held at the Golden Cross Hotel, the 80 diners heard that the club was still suffering from financial difficulties brought about by last winter's gales.