GODFEY Baseley, the editor of the popular radio farming serial The Archers tantalised his audience when he opened Dodford church fete. Without giving too much away, he told visitors to be sure to tune in to the programme on September 21 as the date was very significant. Mr Basely lived in Bromsgrove and it was generally, although wrongly, assumed Ambridge was based on Hanbury.

LAND near the Austin car plant at Longbridge was to be turned into a giant showground when the company celebrated its 50th anniversary. Some 20,000 visitors, many to be flown in specially from all over the world, were expected. Among the attractions which would be laid on was a veteran car display and a gymkhana.

THE Rev Dicker, a former curate at All Saints' Church, in Bromsgrove, was inducted as the new vicar at St Godwald's, Finstall by the deputy Bishop of Worcester, the Rev Stuart.

A DISPLAY depicting Belbroughton's scythe-making industry staged by boys from Stourbridge Road Schools in Bromsgrove was a popular attraction at the Three Counties Show, held at Hindlip, near Worcester. A total of 45,210 people had attended the three days, 4,000 up on last year.

THE death occurred of well-known Bromsgrovian, the Rev William Leadbetter, at his home, The Coppice, Lickey. He was 85. He was well known as a poet and author and his best selling History of Bromsgrove which he wrote and published had been the first to document the town's ancient history. A keen sportsman and a district councillor for 21 years, it was said of him he 'loved everything to do with Bromsgrove.'