THE annual meeting of Belbroughton Women's Conservative Association was held in the church hall. Mrs BH Bate presided over a large audience, while the guest speaker was Mrs JCG Dance, wife of MP James Dance. She said that the attitude of some Conservatives towards the present measures introduced by the Government to check inflation was to be deplored.

LICKEY artist Miss Alice Barnwell gave a talk to Blackwell and Burcot WI, on her work and her views on art and nature. Miss Barnwell emphasised the realisation of the limitations imposed by the chosen medium and appreciation of the wonder of colour vision. An exhibition of her own paintings and engraved glass was much admired.

BROMSGROVE Olympique cyclists rode over to Halesowen to see the National Cyclo-Cross Championships. The event, which was a 14-mile course, was won by Londoner Alan Jackson, who retained the title with a time of one hour eight minutes and 20 seconds. Bromsgrove Olympique's Bob Evers was fourth with one hour, seven minutes and 56 seconds.

ALLENS Cross Community Association held its annual children's party. The party was organised by the social committee made up of chairman Mr AE Smith, secretary Mrs E Davies and treasurer Mr C Collins. There was a tea of jellies, blancmange, crab sandwiches, a fine assortment of cakes and cups of tea. This was followed by a 90-minute film show.

BROMSGROVE Rovers were thumped 5-1 by Walsall at Fellows Park. They were played off the park in what was described as their worst performance of the season.