Continuing our series of stories about our archive of historical newspapers, Beverly Abbs speaks to Elizabeth Hill, of Broadwas, about what 1949 means to her, while Glenn Burrow, of Worcester, talks about the significance of September 1991 and March 1969

Elizabeth Hill wanted the bound volume of the month in which she was born for two main reasons: to see if her birth had been announced in the Evening News and Times and to see what news was around at the time.

She wasn't disappointed. Her father had rushed to the paper after her birth on May 4, 1949, and it was duly announced in the columns on May 5.

Mrs Hill was also interested in the main news story of that week which was about ministers' meeting over the Berlin Blockade, one of the first major crises of the Cold War.

She also enjoyed a laugh at some of the old adverts: Bile Beans, used as a laxative or tonic, retailing at one-and-a-half-old pence, eight pence (8d), one shilling and six pence (1s 6d), three shilling and seven pence (3s7d) and in pennyworths!

Glenn Burrow, of Field Road, Worcester

September 1991 and March 1969

GLENN Burrow and his wife, Sharon, wanted the September 1991 edition as that was the month they were married.

There was an announcement in the paper on September 6 of their wedding the following day.

There was also mention of Mr Burrow's best man, Mark Ridlinton, who played for Evesham United, and the fact that he couldn't play on the Saturday because he was at the wedding.

The March 1969 edition was requested because that was the year of Mrs Burrow's birth.

"We looked at house prices around our area in those days – only £4,000 for a three-bed semi," said Mr Burrow.

"They are about £180,000 now!"