STOKE Prior Parish Council discussed a mixed bag of issues when it met for its monthly meeting in the village school. Topics included housing, letter-boxes, the weather, the state of local industry and the H-bomb. However, it was Bromsgrove Rural District Council's decision to increase council house rents by 5/- (25p) per week which prompted most discussion.

DROITWICH Estates committee had agreed to the construction of a new sports arena at a cost of some £3,500. It would include much needed football pitches and a running track. The scheme had been endorsed by the county council's playing fields association.

A PARTY, the first of its kind, for 150 older residents of Stoke Prior and district was held in the canteen at Harris Brushworks. To qualify men had to be aged 65 or over and women 60. After tea the guests were entertained by a conjurer.