From the archives

A wet Sunday, followed by a threatening Monday morning, was fortunately succeeded by a fine afternoon, and though there have been thunderstorms in various parts the weather for the holidays was for the most part satisfactory, and the town dwellers had an opportunity of getting into the country and enjoying a few hours pure air and brilliant sunshine. Seldom have we seen so many people in Evesham and the neighbourhood at the Whitsun holiday as we did this year. It is also very satisfactory to record that there was no scene of serious disorder necessitating the interference of the police, although it is possible that on one or two occasions the presence of the man in blue had the effect of nipping in the bud what might have been an unpleasant melee.

75 Years Ago

June 14, 1930

The growing popularity of Evesham as a pleasure resort was made increasingly evident by the enormous crowds of people who attended the Regatta. It is doubtful if there is another town in England which is so exceptionally favoured by the possession of so fine a stretch of water as Evesham, and full advantage of this was taken on Monday. Unfortunately, however, progress north is impossible by reason of the sadly dilapidated condition of Evesham lock and the journey south is barred by the putting out of action of the lock at Chadbury.

50 Years Ago

June 18, 1955

Their unusual behaviour prompted Mr Fred Trotman, of Beckford, to investigate the anxious twitterings of two fully grown blackbirds in the railway station coalyard at Beckford on Saturday. The birds were obviously distressed but refused to move from near their nest despite Mr Trotman's efforts to drive them away. Upon peering into the hedgerow, where the nest was built, Mr Trotman discovered the root of the trouble. A stoat was curled up in the nest and had obviously devoured the young fledglings and then settled down to an afternoon nap. Mr Trotman roused the stoat who did not seem in the least perturbed and quietly stretched, ambled out of the nest and disappeared.

25 Years Ago

June 19. 1980

Strict spending cuts being imposed by Hereford and Worcester County Council could mean that Evesham will not get its promised new library. A new building was scheduled within the next few years because the present buildings in the Market Square are bursting at the seams. Mr H Purcell, chairman of the county amenities committee, has described the position as "disturbing." Mrs J Hadley told the committee that the only way to pay for the project was to raise the money by selling surplus property in the area. Criteria adopted automatically excluded from the capital programme any proposals, such as new libraries, which did not have "absolute" or "essential" policy status.