DESPITE some public qualms, "a parachute descent" was approved by city councillors 100 years ago as a spectacular feature for Worcester's pending celebrations of the Coronation of Edward VII.

The Journal explained: "The City Council has met to consider, in view of recent letters to the newspapers, whether the parachute descent shall be carried out, as advertised and arranged, at the Coronation Sports on Pitchcroft.

After some correspondence with the pilot, Lieutenant Lempriere, councillors have resolved to proceed with the event as announced. They think some misunderstanding as to what is to take place has caused needless anxiety.

The young lady who is to make the descent is a sister of the young lady who was killed at Sheffield, but she has made the descent several times while her sister had only made the descent once before. Moreover, the unfortunate young lady who met her death, ascended in a collapsible balloon, whereas her sister will go up with Lieutenant Lempriere and will have his assistance in preparing for her descent, after which he will continue his voyage.

Councillors are assured that there is no danger whatsoever in the parachute descent when carried out in this manner.

However, Worcester's magistrates did not take the same relaxed attitude to the proposed festivities for King Edward VII's Coronation and rejected an application from city publicans for an extension of hours on three nights during the Coronation week.

The Journal reported the hearing in the City Police Court. "Mr Beauchamp applied on behalf of the Licensed Victuallers' Association for an extension of one hour on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday of Coronation week.

Mr Urwick JP asked what the Chief Constable had to say, and Mr Byrne said he understood there would be two holidays which would give people ample time to drink. However, Mr Beauchamp pointed out that the Bench had granted extensions on other occasions not nearly so important. Many people would be occupied during the day time in amusing others and would only have the opportunity to drink in the evening.

The Chief Constable said he did not object so strongly to the first night when many people would be out looking at the decorations, but he strongly objected to extension of hours on the following nights.

The Bench granted an hour extension on the Thursday night only. Mr Urwick stated that he was himself opposed to any extension whatever.