THE new headmaster at South Bromsgrove High School to replace Dennis Matthews, who had retired, was his deputy Alan Baker. He said his task would be to promote academic achievement and good behaviour.

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THE Bishop of Worcester, the Rt Rev Robin Woods, was at Christ Church, Catshill, on Maundy Thursday to confirm before a congregation of 200, 13 parishioners whose ages ranged from teens to sexagenarians.

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HEALTH bosses in Bromsgrove were at odds with the town's community health council over a proposal to convert Romsley Hill Hospital into a geriatric unit. They claimed the 65-year-old building, which Birmingham Health Authority was keen to close, was "too isolated."

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BROMSGROVE residents were becoming more stressed and depressed, according to a report compiled by Dr Fullerton, the medical director at the town's Barnsley Hall Mental Hospital. Housewives were bored and factory workers were fearful for their jobs in the present economic crisis despite the district having a reputation for being prosperous.