TWO nine-year-old Rubery youngsters had proved they had a thirst for collecting when they amassed a huge pile of 24,875 ring pulls to help fund the purchase of a kidney machine. The pair, Scott Webster, of Leasowe Road, and Duncan Mytton, of Segbourne Road, were pupils at Gannow School.

THERE were fewer bidders than in previous years at the first of Bromsgrove's three Christmas poultry sales in the market hall, possibly, The Messenger noted, because of the mild weather. The auctioneer was Alan Ball, who sportingly bought the first bird, a 28-pound turkey for 44p per pound.

BROMSGROVE girl Sally Pugh, aged 18, made the national papers and TV news when she broke the previously all male stronghold by becoming the first female porter at Bonham's - the famous London art antiques auction house. Miss Pugh, whose father John is a well-known solicitor and regular contributor to The Messenger and an authority on Alfred Housman, had started work at the firm as a receptionist in October. The job was expected to lead to a higher role in the world of antiques.

ANN Goodborn, from Bracken Grove, Catshill, Bromsgrove, had been selected to play the double bass in the National Youth Orchestra. The 14-year-old North Bromsgrove High School pupil was the only young musician in the area to be chosen.