Memory Lane

IN the Worcestershire and the War section it was reported that a recruiting meeting was held at Bromsgrove’s Drill Hall, as part of a special effort to obtain new recruits.

After speeches, the local company of the National Reserve, the Voluntary Training Corps, and the Bromsgrove Boy Scouts, assembled and headed through the streets of the town.

Their torchlight procession marched to the sounds of Bromsgrove town band, before returning to the Drill Hall.

A recruiting meeting was also held in Lickey End.

IN the war telegrams it was reported that German first class cruiser Freidrich Karl had been sunk by the Russians, while two British destroyers had been sunk by the Germans.

AT Bromsgrove Petty Sessions Harry Bourne, of Stoke Works, was charged with stealing 19lbs of potatoes.

PC Rolinson said he saw the defendant with two other men go into a field, in Tutnall and Cobley.

Afterwards PC Rolinson found the defendant carrying potatoes that had been produced. He then dropped them and ran away, but after 100 yards he stumbled and fell.

Bourne had broken his leg and had to be taken to Cottage Hospital.

The defendant said he had been severely punished for doing nothing at all.

The chairman said the fact the defendant suffered heavily from the fall had weighed with the bench so he was fined 10s, including costs.

50 years ago. December 18, 1964.

IN his Christmas message to the people of Worcestershire, Chief Constable Mr Willison emphasised the need for motorists to curtail their drinking over the festive season.

In November, 17 people had been killed on the county’s roads, while during the whole of 1964 fatalities were almost two every week.

The hotspot for accidents resulting in serious injuries was Bromsgrove.

The Chief said: “The fatalities on Worcestershire roads this year were the worst we have ever experienced, and this is the background which must diminish the joy of any festival."

THERE had been official approval given by the Minister of Housing and Local Government, Richard Crossman, to a new town map for Droitwich.

The map provided for a population increase from 8,000 to 30,000 in 1981.

The Mayor of Droitwich, Councillor Roberts, expressed his pleasure at the news saying the overspill scheme was vital to the life of the borough.

THE Bailiff of Bromsgrove, Mr Overton, and his wife welcomed over 180 guests to the Court Leet Ball.

The event was held at The Tardebigge and representatives from a number of organisations attended including Bromsgrove Urban and Rural District Council, the Rotary Club, and the police.

25 years ago. December 21, 1989.

A YEAR after the Lockerbie air disaster Bromsgrove doctor Jim Swire had vowed to carry on his fight for justice.

Dr Swire’s daughter, Flora, was among 270 people killed when the Pam Am jet crashed on the Scottish village.

In the year after the tragedy Dr Swire and wife Jane had been at the forefront of a campaign to find out how the disaster happened, and to try and get improved security at airports.

Scottish Lord Advocate had announced a fatal accident inquiry would go ahead - but Dr Swire said as this would not take place until the late 1990s it was a "delay in getting to the truth".

FATHER Christmas had to clear his name after a reported accident outside the Swan pub in Bromsgrove.

Police rushed to the scene after hearing a report of a man trapped under a car, and were told a man dressed in all red had been in an argument with a motorist.

But Santa had written to the Advertiser to say he was in fact freeing the man whose car had run out of petrol, and who got stuck underneath it when he tried to push the vehicle.

A letter send to the paper said: “It has taken me many centuries to build up my reputation, I don’t want any youngsters to get the wrong impression.”

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.