FIFTY students who worked hard through the winter learning French and shorthand were put to the test during end of term exams.

100 years ago

May 19, 1900

FIFTY students who worked hard through the winter learning French and shorthand were put to the test during end of term exams. Bromsgrove Commercial School principal Frank Parry was delighted the majority of pupils passed with flying colours.

HORSE grooms were warned of the perils of careless ownership which could result in their equestrian companion being struck down by influenza. Horse lovers were reminded that even though winter was long gone, May nights were still chilly. The Messenger's farming notes gave owners tips on protecting their mounts from flu and listed symptoms to look out for. It added 'half of the cure was good nursing.'

A BRAVE Stoke Heath man fighting in the Boer War wrote to his family to tell them he was preparing for a huge battle the next day. Pioneer S Carpenter of the 1st Worcestershire Regiment was stationed in Reddersburg, South Africa. He said: "We are having an awful time here as there is so much rain." Carpenter added that his regiment had caught 20 Boer prisoners and spoke of the death among his comrades. "I shall need a new set of teeth when I get home -- if I make it -- as the biscuits are so hard," he joked, despite the appalling conditions.

TOO much liqueur cost James Sparkes, of Shaw Lane, Stoke Prior, a visit to Bromsgrove Petty Sessions. Constable Meade had spotted Sparkes at midday 'drunk and staggering about.' Being his first offence the defendant was fined 2s 6d plus 7s (47.5p) costs.

INNOVATIVE residents were given the opportunity to build their own cottages on land in Bromsgrove. Plots at Warwick Hall Estate, advertised as a five minute walk from Bromsgrove town centre and near the railway station, were up for grabs. Auctioneers Smith and Russon promised land at low prices.

50 years ago

May 19, 1950

AFTER six months without a rector, Belbroughton and Fairfield parishioners welcomed Rev J Twigg, formally the vicar of Chard, in Somerset. A crowd congregated at Belbroughton's Holy Trinity Church to see him instituted and inducted.

YOUNG farmers held a rally at Barnsley Hall Farm, Bromsgrove, attracting a 4,000-strong crowd. The County Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs hosted the annual show. Radio impersonator Peter Cavanagh opened the event. District farmers scooped many firsts in competitions which included sheep shearing and sheepdog displays.

A WORLD renowned medical superintendent at Rubery Hill Hospital announced his retirement.

Dr Thomas Graves, aged 67, had worked at the institution since 1920. His treatment methods for the mentally ill earned him worldwide recognition.

A FOUR-year-old Catshill boy broke both legs in a road accident in Golden Cross Lane. Donald Wilson, of Oak Road, was playing with a ball and was hit by a Co-operative van as he crossed the road.

Unlucky Donald was taken to Birmingham Accident Hospital.

A FIRE broke out at Pepper Wood, in Fairfield, and destroyed three acres of trees, only 300 yards from the road.

Although smoke and flames were first noticed at 6.30pm, the alarm was not raised until 9.30pm. The fire was finally put out at midnight by Bromsgrove firefighters. Many young birds nesting in the wood were believed to have perished.

25 years ago

May 16, 1975

THE Messenger apologised to readers and advertisers for a reduction in its normal news coverage and features. The restriction had been imposed by the National Graphical Association in support of a national pay claim.

BROMSGROVE Rovers, top of the Border Counties League for so long, were reduced to the runners-up position when Oswestry Town won their last match. The cup holders beat Bath City 2-1 at home to win the trophy, which had seemed destined for the Victoria Ground.

Rovers' manager Wilf Grant was already busy recruiting new players for the coming season. He was reportedly in talks with Birmingham City player Johnny Vincent.

THE total number of applicants on Bromsgrove District Council's housing waiting list was 1,649. New applications totalled 50, ten of which were pensioners.

SPORTING pupils from Gannow Middle School, Rubery, held a sponsored marathon football match to raise money for a home for the mentally handicapped. The game lasted 12 hours and raised £50.