100 Years Ago January 7, 1905

On Wednesday and Thursday in last week the children of Drakes Broughton schools gave two performances of a very charming musical play in three acts, entitled "Beauty and the beast," the clever production of Mr. Everard Digby, of Broughton, who also wrote a children's play last year. The performances took place in the schools and were an unqualified success. The room was quite inadequate for all who "clamoured" for admittance, and so Mr. Digby responded to an urgent and general request to give a repetition of the play and this took place on Tuesday evening last, and again met with much deserving appreciation.

75 Years Ago

January 4, 1930

A very enjoyable entertainment took place at Evesham Hospital on Monday afternoon, when the Matron (Miss Terrill) was at home to a number of guests, including the members of the medical staff, subscribers and friends. After tea the company adjourned to one of the large wards, which had been admirably converted into a miniature theatre, and here a clever and humorous variety programme was given by members of the nursing staff, which was evidently greatly appreciated by the audience. A similar performance had been given on the previous Saturday to the patients, and greatly enjoyed.

50 Years Ago

January 1, 1955

The Christmas of 1954 was as green as an English Christmas can be; and it was dry and mild - an unusual combination this winter. In Abbey Park the grass was as green as in early May. The flower beds bordering the walks from Bridge-street were still displaying summer flowers. A bed of cream roses was in full bloom for the third time in the year and a few red-hot pokers and lupins were trying to rival the fresh brightness of the winter jasmine. Nineteen swans were motionless on the river moving peacefully after weeks of flooding. Except for a solitary park attendant, conscientiously making a round of inspection on a bicycle, the riverside was deserted.

25 Years Ago

January 3, 1980

Temperatures down to 20 degrees F have caused treacherous road conditions in the Four Shires, brought land work practically to a standstill, and turned huge areas of flooded riverside meadows into a playground for winter sports. On New Year's Day, the temperature in Evesham dropped to 24 degrees F and never went above freezing point. On Tuesday night, 12 degrees of frost were recorded, making it the coldest night so far this winter. The situation on the roads has been aggravated by a shortage of salt and county council cutbacks on road maintenance.