The final curtain call

11:10am Monday 24th December 2007

THE men and women who governed Bromsgrove more than 30 years ago come briefly under the spotlight again in this historic photo.

It shows the members and key staff of Bromsgrove Urban District Council after its final meeting in 1974. In 1973, following considerable debate, the urban and rural district councils merged to form the present district council.

The urban authority continued in office until March 1974 to assist with the change over. The photo was taken outside the Council House in St John Street.

Our thanks to Peter Jarrett, from Lydiate Ash, for the loan of his picture.

Peter, who later became leader of the district council, is seen on the back row.

Back row, from the left, Councillor Michael Ashe (Con), E Stacey (housing manager), A Hooper (treasurer), J Sowden (surveyor), C Burford (chief public health inspector) and Cllr P Jarrett (C).

Centre: Cllr (now Lord Bruce Grocott, L), Cllr T Porter (L), Cllr F Franks (L), Cllr Rev Roy Crane (L), Cllr N Trotter (L), Cllr J Lock (L), Cllr Manson (L), Cllr W Adams (C).

Front: Medical officer of health (name unknown), Cllr June Longmuir (C), Cllr R Harvey (C), George Hall (council clerk), H Webley (L, chairman), Cllr J Mason (L, vice chairman), Cllr B Cranmore (C), Cllr J Nicholls (C) and Cllr Peggy Parks (C). Three members were not present for the photo shoot. They were Cllrs M Broomfield (C), Cllr Webb (L) and Cllr S Hood (L).

EDITORS CHOICE