PREPARATIONS were going ahead for the forthcoming General Election on May 28. The Prime Minister, Sir Anthony Eden, would give a speech in Bromsgrove's Crown Close next week. So far two candidates had been adopted in Bromsgrove, James Dance the Tory and Lester George, Labour. The Messenger said fewer public meetings were planned than in previous elections, Mr Dance was to address 40, his opponent 60. For the first time the count at Bromsgrove's Parish Church Hall would take place immediately after the close of poll, not the following day as had happened in the past.

TEACHER Miss Jennie Barker retired after 37 year at Stoke Works school, where she had taught infants. A collection raised £22 from which Miss Barker chose as a gift, an oak dressing table. The remainder was given to her in the form of a cheque and a bouquet.

MISS Annie Scott, aged 81, narrowly escaped serious injury when she toppled from a bedroom widow at her home in Perryfield Road, Bromsgrove. Her cries for help finally attracted the attention of her sister Mrs Bellamy who lived next door. Fortunately her injuries amounted to little more than abrasions and bruises.

CATSHILL Workmen's Club had trebled its size after enlarging the upper storey of the old nail warehouse which had been its home for many years. It could now seat 150 people.