BLACKWELL and Burcot WI held a shawl parade at the garden of president Mrs Stanley Smith. Mrs Smith was among a group of models parading the shawls, which ranged from a timeless Paisley pattern to an embroidered pattern from the east. Brisk trade was then done at a bring and buy sale, while Mrs E Warner won the monthly competition for a lavender sachet.

AROUND 100 bunches of flowers were bought by the children of St Chad's Sunday School, Rubery, for a special flower service. The flowers were placed on tables in the sanctuary and used to decorate the church for the evening service. The following day they were made into 40 larger bunches and taken by children to the sick and elderly in the parish.

BROMSGROVE Olympique Cycling Club held a presentation evening in its new headquarters at the Labour Club. The evening began with a dance, before President of the club, Mr Walter Bird, rose to make the presentations. The Club Cup was handed to men's champion Bob Evers, who also won the WCA Pursuit Championship. An oak clock was presented to Mrs Millingham for all the work she had done for the club when it was based at the Dog and Pheasant.

THE 20th Catshill Music Festival was held. The event began with sad news that Mr GE Fullelove, a lifelong member of the festival, had died the previous evening. The 11-hour programme kicked off with the traditional festival procession. Awards were handed out for best piano, vocal and violin solos, and best choir performances.