THE Guardians at Bromsgrove workhouse narrowly voted not to give paupers seeking outdoor relief an extra 6d (2.5p) at Christmas, even though it would have cost less than £10. At present the union had 700 poor on its books, 232 of whom regularly received an average of 2/4 (11.5p) per week from the Bromsgrove institution. Many were forced to seek help from the parish through no fault of their own, but the guardians were ever mindful of having to keep the rates down. Sixpence would buy half a hundredweight of coal.

COLONEL Spencer, the new tenant of Impney Hall - the magnificent former residence of the late 'Salt King' John Corbett, was to move into his new home next week. An auction of the contents, including furniture and priceless art collections, was being arranged. The hall, on the outskirts of Droitwich, was one of the grandest mansions in the Midlands and was surrounded by parkland containing herds of red and fallow deer.

THE unseasonably warm weather was more akin to Easter than Christmas and Bromsgrove was set for the most verdant of green Yuletides, the Messenger observed. This was disappointing for children and those who enjoyed an old fashioned Christmas and lovers of pursuits such as skating. But the poor, aged and infirm held a different view.