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Tuesday 4 January 1949 – witty commentary from a London newspaper concerning the dispute

Category Transfer of Blackminster from Offenham to Badsey
Publication
Daily News, London
Transcription of article

TO BE OR NOT TO BE IN THIS HAMLET

You might get black looks in Blackminster if you mention Offenham; in Offenham it’s a bit “off” to mention Badsey; and it’s just as bad in Badsey to speak of Offenham.

For the Worcestershire villages of Offenham and Badsey are at “war” over the adjoining hamlet of Blackminster.

The Blackminster folk have campaigned long to be removed from the auspices of Offenham.  They favour the social life of Badsey, with its main bus route and its street lighting.

Now the county council has issued an order for the transfer of most of Blackminster to Badsey – a move which has the support of Badsey and the disapproval of Offenham.

So Blackminster is satisfied; Badsey is gratified; Offenham is mortified.

The Offenham folk may appeal to the Minister of Health who will decide whether the change is to be or not to be …..