A NEW venture for Bromsgrove, a two-day arts festival organised by Avoncroft College, at Stoke Heath, was a great success. The packed programme included plays, opera, folk dancing, art, craft and various exhibitions. It was hoped it would become an annual event.

ST Michael's Church, Upton Warren, looked set to be linked to Dodford church due to the present shortage of clergymen. Dodford's Rev Frank Marks would officiate at both. Upton Warren had been without a vicar since the departure of the Rev E Clement Prior, who had been priest for 35 years.

BROMSGROVE'S MP, Michael Higgs, had supported the proposal to give MPs a £500 a year salary increase. But he was the only Tory Midland MP to oppose the idea of introducing expenses allowances of up to £500 per annum.

THE Chalet at Rednal was about to come on the market. Agents for the owners had approached Cofton Hackett Parish Council, which had expressed an interest in acquiring the property, to convert into a village hall. A decision would be made when the asking price was known.

THE layout for the new 100-home private estate at Valley Farm, Rubery, was published by Birmingham Corporation. The properties would be let on 75-year leases or built and sold by the city itself. A spokesman said the development would allow men in white collar jobs to buy their own homes close to the city.

CAUSEWAY Meadows Farm, at Stoke Works, Bromsgrove, with a house, range of outbuildings and 92 acres of land, was sold to S Lacey, the late owners son, for £7,900.