THE blistering heat of the last month was the best haymaking weather that many local farmers could remember. The Messenger said it hoped the sunshine would last over the forthcoming bank holiday. But warned holidaymakers to be careful not to start fires as the countryside was tinder dry. The sun was also expected to bring out the largest number of motorist ever on Britain's roads, around four million.

A START had been made to rid Droitwich of its slums. But, despite the government urging councils to draw up five-year programmes, it was not prepared to help fund them. The Spa council was faced with a dilemma. If it footed the bill for the new homes, it would have to charge rents that were beyond the reach of most tenants.

RICHARD Burman, clerk to Alvechurch Parish Council, was in Birmingham Accident Hospital nursing a fractured skull caused when he was struck by the ball while batting for Barnt Green against Shirley at the weekend.

ON the eve of the new season, local footballers were warned to check their kit or risk being sent off under new Football Association rules. They related to the types of boot and the materials from which studs and grip-bars on the soles were made. The aim was to ensure players' safety.

THE future of the underused canal running through part of the Bromsgrove countryside was in doubt. Sir Reginald Kerr, the general manager of Inland Waterways, had visited Tardebigge to inspect the depot there for himself. His reassurance that it would not be abandoned was however contrary to a recent report suggesting some canals would close.