SIXTY members of Bromsgrove Conservative Women's' Luncheon Club enjoyed a trip to the Houses of Parliament as guests of town MP James Dance. After touring both chambers they went on a sight seeing trip around the capital and were thrilled to spot the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret in Whitehall. Later the party returned to Westminster for tea and a stroll on the riverside terrace before boarding the coaches for home.

POPPY Day receipts in Bromsgrove were expected to exceed £420 - a new record. And there was more good news for the Bromsgrove branch of the Royal British Legion, its membership had risen by 30 since last year.

THE Bromsgrove village of Finstall was noted for the longevity of its inhabitants, it had emerged. At present there were 14 inhabitants who were aged over 80, while one had attained the ripe old age of 93. However, the record was undoubtedly villager Dr Swinson many years ago, who died at the age of 103 after eating too many pork chops.