100 Years Ago

August 19, 1905

The wet weather having marred the full success of the Old English Fair at Pershore on Bank Holiday, the committee determined to revert to the Abbey Grounds on the following Thursday, and give the remainder of the unfinished programme, as well as a repetition of the entertainments, Although threatening, the rain fortunately kept off, and in the evening a large number of people paid for attendance into the grounds. There was fair attendance at the first event at 5.30pm, the children's maypole dance, which was beautifully performed. The children entered most heartily into this work, and it is difficult to say who enjoyed themselves the most.

75 Years Ago

August 16, 1930

The annual club sports held by the Evesham Swimming and Water Polo Club took place at the Corporation swimming bath on Tuesday evening. There were not so many spectators as usual, but those present thoroughly enjoyed the amusing and entertaining programme provided. The plunging contest, a new feature, attracted much interest and the competitors acquitted themselves excellently. The comic events aroused much laughter. The prizes were distributed to the winners by the President Mr J Edwards. Evesham were to have played Malvern in a water polo match. But the visitors were unable to raise a team, and the programme therefore concluded with an impromptu game between the Evesham club members.

50 Years Ago

August 20, 1955

In the Vale of Evesham the plum harvest is just beginning, and is again late, later than last year in fact. Victorias appear to be the heaviest crop and, as with other varieties, are suffering from lack of moisture. In fact, it looks as if a large quantity of small fruit will soon ripen and growers may find difficulty in selling it. Egg plums are being picked in many parts of the Vale this week. The crop is moderate in quantity and the fruit is generally on the small side. Czars are very thin, purple eggs moderate, and Prolifics, which are nearly finished, have cropped well. It is difficult to say, at this stage, whether plums will pay their way this year.

25 Years Ago

August 21, 1980

Offenham will shortly need a new Maypole. It is at present missing from its traditional site at the end of Main Street, having been taken down for its periodic re-painting. At last week's parish council meeting, the chairman, Mr A L Cherry, said that members of the wake committee, which makes itself responsible for the upkeep of the Maypole, had reported that it was in rather a poor state. They asked whether the parish council would help to obtain a new pole in readiness for the next time it is taken down in about five years time, and the council agreed. The present pole was erected in 1922, the tree from which it was fashioned being obtained from Stanway Wood.