THE vicar of Bromsgrove, the Rev John Mushen, in the latest edition of his parish magazine answered his critics who wanted to know why he had closed the church doors 15 minutes before the start of the Christmas Eve service. He said it was to stop the drunks from disturbing the service, although some - including one in drag - had got in. "It's not an ideal practice, but we don't live in an ideal world," he said.

A YOUNG couple's dream of investing the £35,000 small fortune they had won in a Daily Mail competition was short lived when they discovered thousands of others were also making a claim. David and Heather Wixey, from Birmingham Road, both employed at Barnsley Hall hospital, heard the devastating news on TV after they had spent a day trying to contact the newspaper on the telephone.

SHOCK figures revealed Bromsgrove patients were having to wait for up to two years for ear, nose and throat treatments at the town's general hospital. It was the longest delay anywhere in the county. This contrasted with an average wait of three weeks for people in Redditch.

AFTER a six months delay, work had been scheduled to start on building a new general hospital to serve Bromsgrove and Redditch at Woodrow. It was set to open in September 1986.

SIXTY years of trading ended in Bromsgrove when Bon Marche shut up its shop in Chapel Street for the last time. Increased rent and rates was said to be the reason. Originally a Mr J Smith opened a shop in High Street in 1921.