A FEW pen-pictures from Christmases past are presented here from the Journal archives:

250 years ago: In 1751, Worcester gave a warm welcome to a child musical genius who gave a Christmas concert in the Guildhall. "On Tuesday came to this city, the much-celebrated Cassandra Frederica who performs upon the harpsichord (tho' but eight years of age) some of the most difficult of Mr Handel's and Mr Scarlatti's pieces with an exactness equal, if not superior, to most Masters in Europe.

''As the Lady intends to perform here in Publick at our Town Hall, it is to be hoped that every true lover of harmony will give all possible encouragement to so ingenious an artist. Tickets are available from both coffee houses and from Mr Wilson at The Cross, price two shillings and sixpence each.

200 years ago

1801: Our Mail Coach went out from this city on December 23 completely filled with Christmas presents, viz. turkeys, hares, woodcocks and fancy goods etc., to the entire exclusion of all live passengers. The coach was drawn by six horses.

''The prisoners in our City Gaol beg leave to return thanks to the Lady who donated a ton of coal to them. Mr Hyler's Christmas Concert and Ball at the Hop Pole Inn, Foregate Street, was attended by many genteel families of this city and neighbourhood, nearly 200 persons being present. The concert gave general satisfaction, and the dancing was kept up with great spirit till a late hour.

The Journal of December 28, 1801 also sang the praises of an adapted form of opium.

"It has long been the aim of the medical profession to free Opium from its deleterious qualities without injuring its powers. This has been effected with a Remedy advertised in this edition and labelled as 'The Geniune Quaker's Black Drop.' A chemical process renders it comparatively harmless while retaining, in the fullest extent, its desirable properties of relieving pain, soothing irritation and procuring sleep. The high opinion of it entertained by many is sufficient to place it in the most respectable point of view. Significantly, the Black Drop was only available in Worcester from J.Tymbs, Pharmacist, who also happened to be the proprietor of Berrow's Journal!

100 years ago

1901: The children of Worcester's Royal Albert Orphan Asylum" in Henwick Road and the inmates of the city's Workhouse at Shrub Hall had cause to be grateful to the generosity of well known local benefactor Mrs Amy Mary Wheeley Lea, widow of Charles Wheeley Lea of Lea and Perrins 'Worcestershire Sauce' fame. The children of the Royal Albert Orphan Asylum, numbering 88, were well catered for on Christmas Day. Mrs Wheeley Lea gave a sixpence for each boy and girl and was also among the friends who supplied the Master with funds to provide a nice tea, decorations and entertainment. The children retired to bed at nine o'clock, and their happy faces showed how grateful they were for their day's enjoyment.

The Workhouse Many Guardians showed interest in the comfort of the inmates by their presence at Tallow Hill on Christmas Day, and some helped carve the huge joints of roast beef. Mrs Wheeley Lea sent cake for the imbeciles, tea and sugar for the old women, and half-an-ounce of tobacco for each male inmate.

Another item recorded that Mrs Wheeley Lea had also sent sixpence each for the children of the Cottage Homes in Wyld's Lane.

50 years ago

1951: The Journal stated: The Mayor and Mayoress of Worcester, Alderman W.H Norton and his daughter Dr Margaret Norton visited 10 hospitals and other institutions at Christmas, but perhaps the most touching welcome they received was at the Dr Barnado's Home at Hallow Park where, standing round a beautiful little crib and lighted Christmas tree in the entrance hall, the children sang a carol for their visitors. The children's playroom was gay with paper chains and paper bells, and the small dining room tables were adorned with almond blossom.

''Christmas festivities at Powick Mental Hospital included a carol service with St John's Church Choir, a 20-table whist drive and a concert by the Gorse Hill Youth Group. Thanks to friends, every patient at the Knightwick Sanatorium (for TB sufferers) received a Christmas present. It is an old custom at Knightwick for every patient to decorate his or her cubicle or shelter in a scheme of their own, and there are always some ingenious and artistic results.