MR J Wright, from Sagebury Terrace, Stoke Works, received the sad news from two of his comrades that his son, Pt E Wright, had been shot and killed at Pampasfontein, in South Africa, on October 24.

100 years ago.

November 30, 1901

MR J Wright, from Sagebury Terrace, Stoke Works, received the sad news from two of his comrades that his son, Pt E Wright, had been shot and killed at Pampasfontein, in South Africa, on October 24. His body was found between two dead Boers following a six-hour battle. He was buried at a farmstead.

JANE Mumpford, from Sidemoor, appeared before Bromsgrove magistrates charged with beating Edwin Giles, also of Sidemoor, about the head during a row involving his daughter. She was bound over but when ordered to pay the 11/6 (57.5p) costs she declared she had no money and instead elected to go to Worcester Jail for seven days.

PAUPER inmates at Bromsgrove's Workhouse could look forward to their usual extra beer ration on Christmas Day. The guardians had received a letter from the National Temperance Council urging them not to because it would "reawaken their desire for drink" and lead to a breakdown in discipline. The guardians followed their usual practice and threw the letter on the fire.

AN inquest held at the Queen's Head pub, Stoke Pound, found that 13-year-old Gloucester boy Charles Williams died from accidental drowning when helping members of his family open a nearby lock while taking a barge to Birmingham. The boy's brother was criticised by the coroner for not jumping in and trying to save him.

DROITWICH Spa was to get a cricket team. The idea had come from the mayor, Alderman Jones, who had organised a public meeting to discuss the plan. They would share facilities with the town's hockey club.

50 years ago

December 1, 1951

BULLDOZERS moved in to St John Street, in Bromsgrove, to demolish houses and the old crockery shop between the Market Hall and the brook. A wall replacing the old wattle fence would be built alongside the Council House garden. A sweeping semi-circular brick entrance with gates made by the Bromsgrove Guild would be set back off the road.

THE majestic avenue of elm trees in the field opposite Grafton Manor, near Bromsgrove -- known as Monks' Walk -- was felled. The effect was said to be as dramatic as the fire which destroyed a large part of the building in 1710.

THE Midland Red bus company in Bromsgrove launched a recruitment drive for more drivers and conductors. "A regular job and an outdoor life," the advertisement ran, plus 18 days' holiday. Drivers' wages were £5/18/11 (£5.94p) for a 44-hour week while conductors earned £5/15/0 (£5.75).

RAIDERS who removed a large quantity of lead from the roof of Hanbury church recently had not actually stolen it, it had emerged. Braziers, the Bromsgrove building firm engaged to repair the roof, had weighed the rolls left by the gang in the churchyard and found it to be two tons 14 hundredweight. The exact amount stripped from the building.

EIGHT flowering trees were planted in the grounds of Watt Close School, in Bromsgrove, by representatives of the four houses to mark Festival of Britain year. Others were planted to represent the life of the school from its founding under headmaster Capt Bridge to the present day.

25 years ago

November 26, 1976

BROMSGROVE was to get a Christmas light display -- from International Stores to the precinct in High Street -- after all. There had been fears it would have to be dropped when the district council said it couldn't afford to foot the bill. Now the town's chamber of commerce and chamber of trade had got together to bring festive cheer to shoppers. Woolworths and Tesco had agreed that a collection could be made in the stores to boost the fund.

TORY shadow environment minister Michael Heseltine MP was the guest speaker at a function held at Hagley Hall, which was organised by Bromsgrove and Redditch Conservative Association. In his speech he blamed Labour for bringing Britain to the verge of bankruptcy.

EVERY patient at Bromsgrove's Lea Hospital had a visitor on Sunday as part of national One-to-One Day organised by a TV programme. Visitors from all over the Midlands were among the 300 who were given a warm welcome.

THE 1976 Ansells/Rex Williams Individual Pool Championship held in Birmingham was won by Hugh Williams representing the Toby Jug, in Rubery. His prize was a £50 cheque and a new cue.