100 Years Ago

When a tramp refuses to perform the allotted task of stone-breaking at the Tramp Ward, in return for a night's food and lodgings, the matter is not allowed to pass with his refusal. He is brought before the magistrates and is invariably sent on to Her Majesty's Penitentiary in Worcester, where objection to work is not considered, but where the performance of daily duties are imperatively required. This week a sturdy fellow, evidently a hop picker, entered the ward, but wanted to leave in the morning without discharging the little debt due to the Upton Board of Guardians. The result is that he is now "doing time" in the County Prison, as a lesson to others.

Malvern Gazette, September 7, 1900.

Alfred Matthews and Samuel Norman, of Pixley, were charged with coming from land at night with five rabbit nets in their possession. PC Leonard Lewis stated that whilst on duty at 4.30am, he saw a lurcher dog belonging to Matthews in pursuit of a rabbit. Matthews said: "I'm a rabbit catcher. I'm catching rabbits for Mr Pudge." The chairman said that Mr Matthews was a professional rabbit catcher but he should not trespass on other people's land.

Ledbury Free Press, September 11. 1900.

50 Years Ago

The first British soldier to come under fire in Korea was a Colwall man, Lt John Hind, whose father farmed Netherpaths, Colwall, until about 18 months ago, when the family left for Taunton. Lt Hind, of the Royal Ulster Rifles, was one of a small party of British officers sent out from Britain by air to spend a fortnight in the field with the Americans. Malvern Gazette, September 8, 1950.

What a bright and cheerful personality was Tom Chadd, of Victoria Road, whose death was announced this week. For many years one saw his slight but active figure as he delivered bread in the district and thus became so well known to hundreds of local people. A man who, in these days, continues his daily work until he is 80 must have been happy in doing it; and it must appear that his work kept him going, for his retirement was a short one.

Ledbury Reporter, September 8, 1950.

25 Years Ago

Sir - The council's housing policy of mixing senior citizens and young married couples with children is not always satisfactory. While I agree that the people with children need the three and four-bedroom houses, the older people who have brought up their own children deserve a bit of people in the years remaining to them.

Malvern Gazette, September 11, 1975,

The girls at Ledbury Preserves swooned last week when they heard that Elvis Presley had joined the workforce. But it was back to jam making when they found out it was not the hip-swinging Elvis. Sixteen- year-old Elvis Presley lives in Bosbury, and he can't sing.

Ledbury Reporter, September 11, 1975.