THIS WEEK IN 1990:

NOT so neighbourly behaviour by Worcester council tenants could soon be dealt with under a formal complaints procedure.

Councillors have heard that complaints are on the increase. Rows concerning noise, especially during long holidays, are one of the most common causes of antagonism, followed by untidy gardens, inconsiderate car parking and the repair of vehicles on shared driveways. City housing chiefs are recommending a softly, softly, mediating approach with both sides encouraged to talk it through.

Neighbourhood officers may assist in discussions but, where necessary, court action and the threat of eviction as a last resort will be pursued.

THIS WEEK IN 1980:

IT was school as normal yesterday for the 50 fifthform girls who were sent home last Friday from the Christopher Whitehead Girls’ School at Worcester after the headmistress decided she had had enough of their St Trinian’s-style pranks. A county council spokesman said: “All the girls have returned to the school as arranged at Monday’s meeting between the school governors, education authority representatives and the headmistress, Miss Helen Olds.” The girls had been given letters of dismissal after repeated warnings about unruly behaviour which included some pupils being involved in a flour and eggs battle. It is understood the girls have signed a good behaviour pledge.

THIS WEEK IN 1970:

TV is killing talk. In Worcestershire, as elsewhere, speech therapists are facing mounting cases for treatment among children because conversation between parents and youngsters is dying in this television age. Speech therapists are finding themselves providing “social contact” for more and more children who are backward in talking because of depressing trends in society. Dr John Roberts, Worcester’s deputy medical officer, said it was a national problem, particularly prevalent in bigger cities and among poorer families.

He said: “With mothers out to work and so much television viewing, children are not talking to one another so much or to their parents.”

THIS WEEK IN 1960:

UNDER a grey sky, 350 officers and men of the 1st Battalion, the Worcestershire Regiment, took part on Saturday in what was for them probably one of the most significant parades of the past 47 years.

The occasion was the presentation at Norton Barracks by the Colonel of the Worcestershire Regiment, General Sir Richard Gale of new colours to replace those presented to the regiment at Alexandria, Egypt, in 1913. Watched by thousands sitting in stands around the Regimental Green, the parade began with the arrival of General Gale, who is deputy supreme commander of Allied Forces in Europe. Then followed the full pomp and ceremony of the trooping of the old colours, under which thousands of men had served. The new colours were later unfurled and then draped over the piled silver drums which were a gift to the regiment from the citizens of Worcester in 1950.