100 years ago

THE many friends of Mr George Wilesmith, Malvern Link, will regret to learn that he met with an accident while rabbit shooting in the neighbourhood of Mr Meek's, Buckman's Farm, on Wednesday. Mr Wilesmith was accompanied by his uncle, Mr Wilesmith of Worcester, and while shooting by the side of a hedge, the contents of the latter's gun lodged in the lower part of the body and legs of his nephew. The latter was conveyed to his home, Highfield, Highfield Road, Malvern Link, where he was medically attended by Dr Weir. On enquiry we ascertained that the injuries were not considered serious, and that Mr Wilesmith was progressing favourably. Malvern Gazette, November 2, 1900.

THERE was something distressing surrounding the charge preferred against Albert Edward Evans, aged 16, by his parents who live at Little-hill on the borders of Much Marcle and Woolhope. When brought up from the cells, the prisoner presented a downcast appearance, his eyes being much swollen through crying. He was charged with stealing two five shilling pieces and two couple of fowls, valued at 10s, belonging to his parents. Ledbury Free Press, November 6, 1900.

50 years ago

HALLOWEEN, that most fantastic and eerie of occasions, is nowhere celebrated with more regard for tradition than at Lawnside School. Or, to be more strictly accurate, by Lawnside girls at the Winter Gardens, because these annual revels, which are a happy feature of the year, are planned at, and start from Lawnside but reach their climax in a dimly lighted, gaily decorated Winter Gardens ballroom.

On Tuesday the girls of Lawnside made a charming picture as they wound their way in procession carrying lighted candles and illuminated turnips...Once in the hall supper was eaten informally on the floor with candle illuminations and two huge owls to lend picturesque atmosphere. Malvern Gazette, November 3, 1950.

HUNDREDS of people attended the three-day sale by Messrs Russell, Baldwin and Bright Ltd, of furnishings and effects, which started on Wednesday last week at the fine old Elizabethan Mansion, Ledbury Park, formerly the residence of the late Lord Biddulph which, in August, was put up for public auction and withdrawn after bidding had reached £13,500. Ledbury Reporter, November 3, 1950.

25 years ago

BRITAIN could be facing a total collapse of the economy next year with inflation raging up to 70 per cent or even higher, South Worcestershire MP, Mr Michael Spicer, has warned (Inflation at the time stood at 26 per cent). Malvern Gazette, November 6, 1975.

LEDBURY Chamber of Commerce suggests that there were no shops in the town in the reign of Elizabeth I. This seems unbelievable since it is known that there was a sizeable population and several inns which supplied meals and overnight accommodation, indicating that even in those days there was some sort of tourist trade. Ledbury Reporter, November 6, 1975.