100 YEARS AGO:

ONE of the events to which all musicians are looking forward with the greatest interest is the production of Sir Edward’s Violin Concerto. This will take place next week at the first concert of the Philharmonic Society’s 99th season, to be given in the Queen’s Hall, London with Herr Fritz Kreisler as soloist and Sir Edward conducting. It is eminently satisfactory that the work should be given to the world under the auspices of this Society which, by that means, will maintain its character as the medium for the presentation of famous composition. It is very satisfactory to learn that there was decidedly keen competition between the most prominent musical bodies in England to secure the honour of giving the first performance of this Elgar concerto. The work is in three movements of the usual character and is in the key of B minor. The evening of the first performance will be a milestone of rare historic importance in modern British music.

150 YEARS AGO:

A FIRE was discovered in the farmyard of Mr Badger at The Hollings, Martley, near Worcester, on Tuesday night last between nine and 10 o’clock and, before it could be subdued, it unfortunately proved of a very destructive nature. It originated in a barn, and the flames speedily ignited another barn, cow shed and stable, and the whole was consumed, including the contents of the barns, namely peas and wheat.

Two wagon loads of wheat which had been drawn into one of the barns were also consumed. The Norwich Union Fire Engine was soon in attendance, closely followed by the Phoenix engine and, after a short interval, by the Birmingham engine. Labour and water were plentiful but all that could be done was to prevent the further spread of the flames. The premises belong to the Earl of Dudley, and the stock was insured with the Birmingham Fire Office. The cause of the fire is supposed to have arisen from two harvest men, who were allowed to sleep in a building adjoining the barn, smoking, as two short pipes were found therein after the extinction of the fire.

200 YEARS AGO:

AT the County Quarter Sessions in Worcester this week, Elizabeth Townsend was sentenced to seven years’ transportation for stealing various articles out of the dwelling house of T Meeks of Claines. Adam Owen, for stealing ducks, the property of Mr Bateman of The Hill, was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment and Anne Pratt for stealing an iron pot, the property of Mr Whitaker of Pershore, was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment.

250 YEARS AGO:

LAST Tuesday night, some pitiful hungry rogues broke in into the house of Mr King at Hallow, who, after regaling themselves with some victuals and drink, carried off only a lantern and a man’s hat. The same house was broke into about six weeks ago, supposedly by the same rogues, who then contented themselves with taking away only part of a cheese.

● Yesterday, John Joseph Boulton and William Hamilton were committed to the Northgate Goal at Chester on suspicion of stealing several watches from a person in Worcester, and also on suspicion of breaking open the houses of the Rev Barnston and John Kelsal in this city.