THE national steel strike over a 17 per cent wage demand was labelled a 'national disaster' by the managing director of Bromsgrove's biggest employer. Dr Don Reilly, from Garringtons, feared the strike would damage the company's trade and reputation, as it would be difficult to get hold of the type of steel they used.

FORMER Bromsgrove School pupil Michael Banner added an unusual first to his school's achievements, as he and identical twin Simon exchanged their school boaters for the mortar boards of Oxford University. Michael sat the Oxford entrance exam before his GCSE results had even been published or he had sat his A-levels. He went on to study a law degree, while Simon took the exam a year later.

THE man affectionately known as Mr Lickey passed away. Mr Herbert Quiney, aged 77, died at his home in High House Drive, The Lickey. Mr Quiney was one of the founder members of the Lickey Entertainments Committee. He previously worked as a stable lad at Barnt Green and spent 20 years as a chauffeur.