100 years ago

The Malvern battery was less successful this year than last in the gun drill and firing competition. Twelve months ago they had secured the handsome silver sword which they had previously held, but on this occasion they were beaten by the Worcester battery, and had to be content with second place. Malvern Gazette, August 16, 1901.

DR Jones reported as to the outbreak of a second case of diphtheria at a house at Castle Froome, and said this showed that the diphtheria germs lay dormant in the house for two months, the longest period he had ever known. It showed how careful people had to be who were affected, not to go out in under two months. There had also been a slight case of scarlet fever at Much Marcle, and two cases at Colwall. Ledbury Free Press, August 20, 1901.

50 years ago

Kempsey Cottage, in Evendine Lane, Colwall, was on Tuesday sold by auction at the Market House, Ledbury, for £3,275 to Captain Bruce Bairnsfather, celebrated cartoonist and creator of "Old Bill", the legendary British soldier in the first world war with walrus moustache and balaclava. Malvern Gazette, August 17, 1951.

Ledbury will be on the air on Friday next week, when Miss Charlotte Ballard of Abbey House, the Homend, will broadcast her impressions and memories of the Ledbury district on the Midlands Region wavelength. Miss Ballard is well qualified for this undertaking. Her family has been established in the district for generations. Ledbury Reporter, August 17, 1951.

25 years ago

Hundreds of gallons of water ran to waste in Colwall on Tuesday morning while houses nearby had no cold water at their taps. Local residents were furious as they watched water spouting through the cover of a meter at the junction of Walwyn Road and Martin's Orchard and running down the road to form a sizeable pool near the Horse and Jockey Hotel. Malvern Gazette, August 19, 1976.

A massed choir, expected to be about 200-strong, is being formed to take part in Songs of Praise, which will be televised from Ledbury Parish Church next month. The choir will be conducted by the Bosbury Church organist, Mr Herbert Baber of Colwall, and the organ accompaniment will be provided by Ledbury organist, Mrs Jane Brooks.

Ledbury Reporter, August 19, 1976.