SNIPPETS from the Worcester Journal, the world's oldest surviving newspaper, give a colourful insight into what was happening in the city and county this week:

250 Years Ago (1754)

We hear from Stratford-upon-Avon that on Saturday last there was very great rejoicings in that town at the receipt of news of the Repeal of the Act for naturalising the Jews. In the evening there were bonfires and illuminations throughout that ancient and loyal town. There was also a numerous meeting of the inhabitants where many loyal toasts went round, particularly those for "the everlasting establishment of the Christian Church" and "To all True Patriots."

On Monday last, the Rev Mr Knight, who lived near this city of Worcester, being disordered in his mind, cut himself across his ham with a razor, whilst in bed, and bled to death.

200 Years Ago (1804)

The Royal Assent was given this week to the Bill for enabling the Company of Proprietors of the Worcester and Birmingham Canal Navigation to raise money for completing the said navigation and for other purposes.

On Monday last died in The Tything, adjoining this city, at the age of 89 years, Mr James Strickland, formerly an eminent butcher in this city.

To the Ladies - E. Baskerville, milliner of No. 67 High Street, Worcester respectfully informs them that she has just received from London a great variety of fashionable new articles in the above business which she shall be ever happy to submit to their inspection.

At the Theatre, Worcester, next week will be presented the tragedy of Macbeth and a variety of entertainments including the farce The Children in the Wood.

150 Years Ago (1854)

A man was last week killed at Hereford while wrestling. The deceased and his antagonist were merely engaged in a friendly trial of strength. The deceased threw his antagonist on his back and, his leg doubling under him, his knee came in contact with the deceased's abdomen and so severely injured him that he died after lingering five days.

An inquest was held at the Crown Inn, Hallow, on Tuesday on the body of labourer John Mailes who, while cutting hay from a rick at Mr Milton's, Heath Farm, Hallow, accidentally fell off and received such severe injuries that he died two days later. The jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

100 Years Ago (1904)

Barbados - For the past two weeks, bad feeling has existed between the men of the 4th Battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment and the men of the 1st and 2nd West India Regiments. Rough words and blows were occasionally exchanged, and matters came to a crisis on Sunday when a man of the Worcesters was set upon and badly beaten by some of the West Indian soldiers. The Worcesters then broke barracks and proceeded to a quarter frequented by the West Indians where a general melee ensued and a Worcestershire soldier shot and wounded a West Indian. The bugle alert was sounded, and guards rushed to the scene to quell the fighting. The military and civil authorities have since been taking all measures to prevent a recurrence of the troubles.

50 Years Ago (1954)

More than 500 members of the Home Guard and the British Legion took part in a Cathedral service and March Past along High Street in connection with the Home Guard recruiting campaign. They were led by the Band of the Worcestershire Regiment (TA), and the salute outside the Guildhall was taken by the Mayor, Alderman Dr F.L. Spalding.

The Air Ministry has announced that routine low flying exercises will be carried out by RAF pilots over Worcestershire this weekend. The Ministry points out that in an emergency, the RAF will be called upon to operate at all heights from just above ground level, and its pilots must have the necessary training. The exercises will also provide training for the Royal Observer Corps.

The Archdeacon of Worcester, the Venerable T. Bowstead Wilson, has warned in his annual report to clergy that the churches of the Diocese are "hopelessly under-insured when present-day values are taken into consideration". Furnishings and contents too, need urgent re-valuing, he says.