100 years ago

THOMAS Welsh, aged 11, of North Malvern, was summoned by P.S. Brown for using bad language on the 3rd inst. The sergeant stated that about 7.45pm he was near the North Malvern Chapel when he heard defendant using very bad language. Witness had told defendant's father about lad's behaviour previously and he had given him a good whipping. It however seemed to do the boy no good. The father was present and stated that he had no wife, and was left with two children, a girl aged 12 and the defendant. He was at work most of the day and could not therefore look after them. The Bench ordered the father to chastise the boy in a constable's presence. Malvern Gazette, March 15, 1901.

AN Irishman, who gave the name of Patrick Mells, and looked strong and able-bodied, was brought from the cells and charged with refusing to do his allotted task of breaking stone at the Ledbury Workhouse. He had not broken enough to fill a hat. The bench sentenced the defendant to seven days hard labour, remarking that he could not expect to live at the expense of the public without doing something for it. Ledbury Free Press, March 19, 1901.

50 years ago

THE future of our meat rations is at present very much in the hands - or maybe in the ready eloquence - of Mr John Edwards.

Mr Edwards, leader of the British delegation to the Anglo-Argentine meat negotiation in Buenos Aires told a press conference last Friday that all meetings had been "uniformly cordial". We shall hope to hear even more cheering reports of his talks with the meat "kings" of that country.

During the war Mr Edwards resided at Beech Lawn, Worcester Road. Malvern Gazette, March 16, 1951.

WHILE discussing the Ledbury Youth Club, it is interesting to know that youth clubs have now been established in Colwall and Wellington Heath. Mr Clay, who is leader of both these clubs, is highly gratified at the interest displayed by their progress. The Colwall Club is the largest in the area, rejoicing in no less than 100 members. Ledbury Reporter, March 16, 1951.

25 years ago

THE West Midlands Regional Health Authority in Birmingham yesterday approved a recommendation that St Wulstan's Hospital should be closed. If the Secretary of State agrees to the closure, the hospital will be phased out over a two-year period. Malvern Gazette, Match 18, 1976.

THE people of Ledbury gave an enthusiastic welcome last week to the plan to revitalise the historic Church Lane area of the town. Malvern Hills District Council's planning department staged a four-day exhibition in the Council Chamber at St Katherine's. Despite deplorable weather, more than 400 people turned out. Ledbury Reporter, March 20, 1976.