THE dance hall at the Harris Brush Works in Stoke Prior was severely damaged by fire. A dance in aid of the firm's cricket club had been held in the room the previous night and around 300 people were present. When personnel manager Mr LR Eveson made an inspection at midnight everything seemed to be in order, but two hours later the stage was a mass of flames and over £3,000 worth of damage was done. The cause of the fire was unknown.

A MEETING of Sidemoor WI at St George's Hall heard Mrs Barton give a talk and a practical demonstration of basketry. The popular wall holders for plants were of particular interest. A floral competition was then held and Mrs Barton chose Mrs H Wheeler as the winning entry.

BROMSGROVE School came seventh in the Ashburton Shield shooting competition at Bisley. They scored 508 out of 540 points, seven less than eventual winners, Blundells School from Devon. Bromsgrove also came 16th in the snap shooting competition, scoring a total of 420 out of 600.

THE AGM of the Bromsgrove branch of the Burma Star Association was held at its headquarters, the Red Lion. Mr G Brookes was elected president and chairman, while Mr F Mole was made honourary treasurer and Mr J Woodward social secretary.

A HALF-century from Eric Mottram could not save Bromsgrove Cricket Club from a comprehensive defeat to Evesham at New Road. After Mottram gave them a solid start, a collapse followed and Bromsgrove were all-out for 122. Despite a brave bowling effort by Hedges, who took five for 38, Evesham reached their total with three wickets and five minutes to spare.