Memory Lane

IN the Worcestershire and the War section, letters from soldiers in action were printed.

In one Private Philip Holmes, a Sidemoor man, wrote about a narrow escape and reported they were having a rough time but he hoped it would not be long before he was home.

It was hoped that the Messenger would soon be able to publish a complete list of men from Bromsgrove and Droitwich who were now serving in the navy and army, including the Territorial force.

THE Messenger reported that 10904 Private Purvis, from Stoke Prior, of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers, who had been reported missing, was now - it appeared - a prisoner in Germany.

PARADES were being organised on the Town Cricket Ground and the New Drill Hall in Market Street.

Men wishing to join were asked to attend either drill.

THE latest war telegrams reported that HMS Hawke, a light cruiser, had been sunk in the North Sea after, it was believed, being struck by a torpedo.

It was believed 350 people had lost their lives.

It was also reported that a gigantic battle on the Russian front was underway, between Warsaw and the Dniester.

AFTER the fall of Antwerb and other parts, thousands of Belgiums were flocking to Britain who had lost everything.

It was suggested Bromsgrove residents could offer a home to the refugees.

A plan to open a home for them was also being put into action, with townsfolk encouraged to donate items including furniture.

50 years ago. October 16, 1964.

JAMES Dance retained his Bromsgrove seat in the General Election which was held on October 15.

But on a day his party had not done well in other constituencies, the Conservative candidate held by a reduced majority of 6,943.

Labour’s vote had also fallen, by 760 in comparison with the 1959 election.

Mr Dance said he would be carrying on with the job and hoped to finish off the local projects in which he was interested including solving the threat to local railways stations.

The Labour candidate, Mr Lister, said he did not regard it as a loss and in wishing Mr Dance the best of luck, he said he would need something more than luck to be elected MP next time.

THERE was speculation that Bromsgrove’s former railway repair shop, that had closed the previous month, was set to become a unit of the West Midlands Gas Board.

Although the proposal was being considered, the Messenger reported Bromsgrove Urban District Council had not yet given up their own idea of acquiring the premises, to control the future use.

BROMSGROVE Rural District Council declined to give help beyond £400 promised to help meet the heavy loss on that year’s Bromsgrove Festival of Music.

The money was being donated to help make culture pay in Bromsgrove.

25 years ago. October 19, 1989.

DOZEN of animals faced being destroyed unless new premises were found.

The Birmingham Horse Rescue Society was based at Lydiate Ash after forming in 1987.

But new owners of the land, Walsall-based Leigh entertainment, had ordered them to quit.

The group had until the end of November to find new homes for the horses.

THE Government had given the go-ahead for the Alexandra Hospital to opt out, and becoming self-governing.

The hospital was one of 150 across the country that wrote to the Department of Health asking for more information.

It had been called a suitable candidate – but the majority of doctors, nurses and other hospital staff had to agree before finalising the plans.

LECTURERS at North East Worcestershire College had gone on strike over a pay claim.

Teachers picketed in protest against a 5.3 per cent pay offer and worsening conditions of employment.

A rally had also been held at Bromsgrove Labour Club.

CHICKEN George, a national chain well established in other areas, had opened its first outlet in the West Midlands in Bromsgrove High Street.

The America Style fast food restaurant was promising to serve the majority of orders “within two minutes”.

Memory Lane is compiled from the papers dating back to the Messenger's first edition in 1860. The papers are free to view at Bromsgrove Library, in Stratford Road.

For more information call the library on 01905 822722.