JOHN Shrimpton Cooke, the well known Bromsgrove printer, shopkeeper, sportsman and long time member of the Baptist church, died aged 68 in the room in his premises in Market Place in which he had been born. He had run a printing works there and his aunt Miss Shrimpton and his sister Margery managed the sub post office.

THE rich variety of flora on the Lickey Hills was highlighted when a group from Birmingham University enjoyed taking part in a fungi foray and managed to find 80 different types. Several others were found but could not be identified. This was despite the very wet summer which had not suited them.

THE deadly myxomatosis virus that was beginning to devastate the rabbit population in some parts of the country had reached Worcestershire where an outbreak near Ombersley had been noted.

FARMERS trying to catch up on harvesting because of the very wet summer still found time to visit Bromsgrove and District Farmers' 46th annual Show held at Jack Gibbs' farm at Stoke Prior. There were strong entries in all classes and J Beckett from Brockill, Tardebigge took the silver challenge cup for the most points gained in the show.

NEW Farm at Timberhonger, between Bromsgrove and Wychbold was withdrawn at £11,040 when it came under the hammer, but it was sold privately immediately afterwards to Frederick Bridden of Stoke Prior for an undisclosed sum.