100 years ago. July 25, 1914.

AT Bromsgrove Petty Session, George Troth of Santridge Lane, was charged with cruelty to two young birds by neglecting to provide proper care and attention.

He was also charged with having the birds in his possession, contravening the Wild Birds Protection Act.

Inspector Lewis, from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said when he visited the defendant’s premises and found the birds in a cage, in a filthy state.

Defendant said the birds were his son's who had cleaned them out days before, but heavy rain had caused the cage to be dirty.

Troth was fined 7s 6d costs.

A HEALTH report had been presented to Bromsgrove Rural District Council.

Dr Coaker, the medical officer of health, reported that in June 1914 there had been 24 births and 15 deaths in the district.

Two deaths were due to tuberculosis while there had been one infantile death from bronchitis.

The tuberculosis death had been in Alvechurch and was being investigated, with wells being analysed and a special report being written.

50 years ago. July 24, 1964.

THE first tower crane ever to be used in Bromsgrove had appeared at a site in School Drive, off Stafford Road.

The crane, being used by local contracting firm A.Brazier, was at the site where new swimming baths for the urban district were being constructed.

It was hoped the work would be completed in 14 months and that the tower crane, which the Messenger had carried a picture of, would be a definite factor in speeding up progress. MR James Dance, Bromsgrove's MP, was continuing his campaign to clean up television. Mr Dance was supporting a plan for a viewers’ council to take over the “ineffective” BBC.

He suggest that as the public was paying £37 million a year for the upkeep of the BBC, there should be a viewers’ council, democratically elected, acting as a censorship body tasked with improving the moral tone of programmes.

A NEW assembly hall had been built at the rear of a preparatory school on Rose Hill, Rednal.

Lickey Preparatory School‘s new hall had already been in use since February, but an official opening had been held.

The hall was declared open by Dr C E Stuart, assistant Bishop of Worcester.

ABOUT 35 veterans of the First World War had been entertained at Bromsgrove School. The boys gave a diving demonstration and staged a water polo match.

A fine performance was also put on by the Cadet Band.

25 years ago. July 27, 1989.

AS temperatures continued to soar, and people struggled to cope, one Bromsgrove firm has come up with a solution.

Nearly 300 workers at Harris brushworks in Stoke Prior, were making the most of a sunny afternoon after being told they could leave work at 2pm.

Managing director Andrew Harris had said there had been complaints about heat in the factory so they had put it to the vote as to whether people would prefer to start earlier and finish at 2pm. The firm was looking into whether they should continue the early finishes into the autumn.

CUSTOMERS at a Stoke Heath pub had a lucky escape when part of the ceiling collapsed.

Regulars at the Grasshopper pub were playing pool when the ceiling above the table caved and sending dust flying everywhere.

The licensee claimed it had been caused by traffic vibrations.

BROMSGROVE sportsmen and women were being forced to wait at least another three month to use the town’s new £30,000 sports hall.

The scheme, being built at the back of the Dolphin Centre, had been delayed and was scheduled for completion in September.

Chief architect Keith Richardson commented that when a contract starts "you always expect a delay" but added it would be "worth it in the long run".

FUNDRAISING footballers had raised £530 for the family of Andrew Brookes, who had died in the Hillsborough disaster.

Employees from Harris brushworks, including three of Andrew’s close friends, had paid £1 to play in the game and forfeited any extra money for foul play.