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Mrs F. Lane (née Clarke)
This little town holds many memories for me, both happy and sad. Some of my earliest are of school days at the old National and the teachers. The Governess was Miss Thackley, a dear old soul, but somewhat lame. Then there was Miss Reading, quick tempered, who rapped our knuckles with a ruler.
Prize Day was a great occasion and the winners were allowed to choose a book of their choice. This was held in the old Corn Exchange which is now no more.
Another date was the old Flower Show, held in August in Doctor Spencer's field. A procession was held through the town, headed by the Brass Band. Various competitions were held - bicycle races and many others.
There was a railway station which was kept in good order and planted with flowers. It was used by local folk travelling to work in Redditch and Birmingham. The station master was Mr. Watkins, who had a pretty daughter - Violet. She was idolised by the passengers; sadly she died, aged 8, when Diptheria was around - everyone was saddened by this. An engine called 'The Coffee Pot' and one carriage used this station to get to Great Alne and back. Both station and train are now out of use.
Other memories are of the elephant tree and waterwheel spring - the wheel is still there in a private garden at Arrow. A new road has now been built, so altering the view.
The town itself has not changed a great deal, being improved at each end, in particular, Kinwarton Road where there is a new shopping area and many small factories.
A cattle market was held in the town and kids used to take anything red, thinking they would be attacked.
Travelling shows often visited the town. Wadbrooks was a moving picture show held in a field. It was very amateurish, compared with today's films, but the kids enjoyed it all - especially when three old ladies were being chased by a bull.
Peter and Clarks roundabouts and sideshows are dying out - some of the simpler things of life.