THIS WEEK IN 1961:

CRIME is more prevalent nowadays partly because the police have to spend too much time at their desks dealing with the country’s “multifarious” laws rather than going out on the beat to do a far more important job.

So suggested the Mayor of Droitwich, Major RDN Fabricius at the annual dinner of the Worcester and Droitwich sub-divisions of the County Police.

He said: “You must remember that the police are not the architects or makers of the laws – it is their duty to enforce them. It is a tragedy that in this affluent society, crime is still increasing, particularly violence and burglary. This means that the lot of the policeman is more difficult than ever before and, in addition, the multifarious laws which Parliament and local government pass almost month by month, largely in respect of civil matters, cause the police infinitely more work and unfortunately more paperwork than ever before.”

THIS WEEK IN 1971:

SEX in the Seventies is one of the most popular topics for discussion these days. At the AGM of the women’s branch of Worcester Conservative Association, sex reared its ugly head more than once at the panel for an Any Questions session. “Is today’s permissive society being too permissive?” was one question. “And so it is,”

agreed the panel. “What about sex education programmes?” was another poser. “Highly dangerous,”

suggested Mrs Nancy Willis.

“If sex was more of a mystery it would be much more fun.”

What did the panel think of the new hot pants fashion? Dennis Green confessed: “When I see hot pants my breath comes in short pants.”

THIS WEEK IN 1981:

AN ideological ground swell over education posed a major threat to independent schools, claimed headmaster Andrew Milne at the annual King’s Day at the King’s School, Worcester.

He said: “Neil Kinnock made no pretence on his recent visit to Worcester that he was bent on the destruction of independent education in this country.

“He made no mention, however, of the fact that the independent sector is currently saving the state at least £325 million a year in daily running costs and £1,500 million a year in capital costs whilst, on top of this, parents who are using the independent system are further subsidising the maintained system via rates and taxes.”

THIS WEEK IN 1991:

YET more supplies to help orphans in Romania were bagged up and sent on their way this week, thanks to enthusiastic organisers in Malvern and Worcester.

Among those busy loading two large lorries for their trek through Belgium, Germany, Austria and Hungary were Father Nicolae Morasan, who brought news of the country’s plight to Worcestershire, and Romania Concern organiser Doreen Munn. The charity’s volunteers hope to adopt the village of Vama along with orphanages and a hospital to which they already deliver aid and, in the three trips so far, have taken out goods worth £6,000. General Accident has insured the lorries for the latest trip, saving the organisers £2,000, and BP has donated diesel fuel.