IT was announced that locomotive Big Bertha was to be sent away to Derby to be scrapped. Big Bertha had spent 36 years travelling up and down the Lickey incline, covering at total of 838,856 miles.

BROMSGROVE Young Farmers Club met for their sugar beet singling competition at Jeffries Farm in Lower Bentley. The judge, Mr J Perkins, awarded first prize to L Meacham, while E Gibbs took second place and J Jones was third. Refreshments were served afterwards, and a vote of thanks on behalf of the club was given by Mr A Pickering.

A FIRE broke out in the sewing room at Rubery Hill Hospital. The staff attacked the blaze with a hose reel and were joined by firemen, who were busy tackling the fire for some 20 minutes. A table, bed linen and a settee were severely damaged.

BROMSGROVE Olympique riders assembled in the High Street for their club run to Ludlow. They took a route through Bewdley and over the Clee Hills. After dinner they spent the rest of the afternoon by the river. They then pushed on to Tenbury for tea, and came home through Stourport.

A DISPLAY of tap and ballet dancing took place at Finstall Village Hall. Children from Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa combined with Fairfield youngsters to give an evening of entertainment. The dancers were under the direction of Miss Barbara Heath. The dances included Old Piano Rag, Love and Marriage, Pickin' A Chicken and a selection of nursery rhymes. Proceeds were donated to the church hall fund.