THE temperature in Bromsgrove reached a sweltering 79 degrees Farenheit on Tuesday, the third consecutive day the temperature had hit the 70s mark. It was the warmest May day since 1970. The hottest May temperature on record was in 1822 and 1944 when the mercury reached 90F. However, this week in 1879 drifting snow caused havoc on the roads.

MOTHERS of youngsters attending Meadows and Parkside schools in Bromsgrove, who had to cross the new Western Relief Road at the busy junction in the Strand, were fearful for their children's safety and were proposing to protest by forming a human chain across the road. They were supported by the heads of the two schools and Meadows were considering stopping its pupils walking to the baths for their weekly lessons rather than cross the road.

WHAT'S in a name, The Messenger asked. It appeared there were 23 Halfpennys listed in the South West Midlands telephone directory and 21 lived in Bromsgrove. The name had first been recorded in the 13th century and may have been connected with the nail making industry as a tool of that name was used in the cottage industry which for centuries had been Bromsgrove's staple trade.

FOR the first time in the six-year history of Bromsgrove District Council, Labour had not nominated a councillor for the role of chairman. And the group was also left out in the cold when it came to voting for members to represent the authority on outside bodies. The Conservatives, with their huge majority of 35, chose Hagley councillor Geof Bache as the new chairman.

THE Messenger looked back on what had been a dismal season for Bromsgrove Rovers. Their season had been dogged by internal disputes, financial problems, the loss of two managers and three top players - Bobby Hope, John Dyer and Graham Selby. At one stage they went 17 games without a win and ended the season third from bottom of the Southern League Division I.