STAGE two of a three-week project to improve sewers in Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove, was well underway. Workmen had already laid two concrete pipes and an access tunnel in an effort to renew the brickwork, which was put down 200 years ago. Severn Trent Water Authority was funding the work, which was set to take another week.

WILLIAM Wilson retired from his post as caretaker of Meadows School, which he had held for ten years. He was presented with a digital watch and a pair of silver cufflinks. The watch was to mark his excellent time keeping, as he has not once been late for work. The Catshill man also worked at Garringtons in Aston Fields and North Bromsgrove High School.

THE Bromsgrove band Fairfield Folk was invited to play at Snobs nightclub in the centre of Birmingham. It was the first time the band had been booked to play at a nightclub and as a result there may be a subsequent booking on New Year's Eve. The band said they were very nervous before the gig, which took place at 11.30pm but they had the support of 30 Bromsgrovians who called in to see their favourite band.

WOMEN'S writer Shirley Jones recommended a couple of tummy warming recipes, which featured warm colours reminiscent of the season. These included savoury crumble, which suggested the use of meat left over from a Sunday roast, and then some Garibaldi biscuits.

BROMSGROVE District Council refused applications from two town fish bars, which requested permission to install gaming machines in their premises. The fish bars were in Charford and Aston Fields.

ENTHUSIASTIC youngster Ian Morrey, of Beeches Close, broke a St Chad's Cub pack record by receiving his 17th activities badge. Leader Akela Julie Flowers presented the Rubery boy with his award.