REVELLERS in Droitwich were to be denied extra drinking time in the Spa's pubs during the forthcoming Coronation celebrations magistrates decided, following a plea by the local licensed victuallers' association for an extra hour on June 26 and 27. The bench said 6 to 11pm was long enough. But in Bromsgrove pubs would be open until midnight for four days next week but that was also in consideration of the town's annual midsummer fair.

n

WALTER Cotton, aged 25, would live to regret stealing ten hen eggs, the property of Mr Sherwood Suffield, a resident of Stoke Prior. Having already spent two months in prison awaiting trial he was given a similar sentence, only this time with hard labour, when he appeared before the judge at the county Quarter Sessions in Worcester.

n

SHOPS in Bromsgrove and Droitwich took large adverts in the Messenger to advertise their Coronation wares. The Messenger office shop had a wide range of patriotic goods on offer including large red, white and blue rosettes at 6d (2.5p) each, Union Flags at 1d and copies of the words of the National Anthem at 1/6 (7.5p) per 100. The Consumer Tea Company, with outlets in both towns, was offering a doll, ball or a whip with each quarter pound sold.

n

THE superb craftsmanship associated with the work of the Bromsgrove Guild was gaining a reputation both at home and abroad. Recently the firm had made the trowel with which the King had laid the foundation stone for the Dartmouth Royal Naval College and other similar commissions had been received. Seven statuettes made by the firm for Paisley Abbey had also been widely acclaimed.

n

BROMSGROVE police enjoyed their annual half-day outing. Superintendent Jeffrey accompanied by two sergeants and 12 constables travelling on board horse drawn brakes, visited Clent, Hagley, Halesowen and Romsley before enjoying a dinner at the new Rose and Crown pub in Rubery.