BLACKMINSTER'S REQUEST – DESIRE TO LEAVE OFFENHAM FOR BADSEY – COUNTY COUNCIL INQUIRY HELD 

A public enquiry was held at Blackminster County Modern School on Friday evening last by the Worcestershire County Council to hear a plea by Blackminster residents who wish to change their allegiance from the parish of Offenham to the parish of Badsey. 

The enquiry was conducted by County Councillors J W Hughes and H Ashwin on behalf of Worcestershire County Council.  Mr Hodgetts represented Offenham Parish Council.  

OFFENHAM SAYS “NO” – Parish Meeting describes Blackminster Petition as premature

By 37 votes to one, a parish meeting at Offenham Village Hall on Wednesday evening opposed any alterations to the village boundaries, a resolution passed to this effect, describing the petition of residents at Blackminster to the County Council for the transfer of that part of the Offenham Parish to Badsey as premature in view of the general review of parish boundaries to take place in due course.

BLACKMINSTER PETITION – Request for Transfer to Badsey

The residents of Blackminster are asking the Worcestershire County Council to authorise the transfer of their administration from the parish of Offenham (in which they are at present situated) to the parish of Badsey.

For some weeks a petition has been in course of active preparation and on Wednesday a “Standard” reporter was officially informed that the petition has this week been despatched to the County Council.

£1,066 AND ALL THAT – Offenham Cannot Afford to Lose Blackminster

That the transfer of the district of Blackminster from the parish of Offenham to the parish of Badsey would mean the former village sustaining a big drop in rateable value was disclosed at a meeting of Offenham Parish Council on Thursday evening last week when the matter was further considered.

ACTION NECESSARY FOR THE TRANSFER OF BLACKMINSTER – QUESTION LEFT IN ABEYANCE FOR TIME BEING  

Mr. C. A. Binyon presided at a meeting of the Badsey Parish Council held at the Council Schools on Monday evening, when also present were Messrs P. A. R. Butler. F. E. Jones, G. A. King, G. Phillips , G. H. Stewart, A. W. E. Wheatley and D. A. Jelfs (Clerk). 

BLACKMINSTER’S RIFT WITH OFFENHAM – DESIRE TO SEEK UNITY WITH ANOTHER PARISH 

That the people of Blackminster were desirous of breaking away from the parish of Offenham, of which at the moment they form a part, and joining in unity with the parish of Badsey was revealed at a meeting of Offenham Parish Council held at the School on Friday evening last week, when the matter came in for considerable discussion.  

Fire destroyed a builder’s workshop, two sheds and part of adjoining garage at Blackminster on Friday.

The workshop was the property of Mr F Cockerill of Seaholm [sic]*, Blackminster, and the outbreak was seen at 3 am by Mrs Robinson, who lives in a nearby bungalow with Mr & Mrs J Wheatley.  But for Mr Wheatley’s prompt action in rousing neighbours, more damage would have resulted.  Brigades and fire tenders from Evesham and Stratford-on-Avon were soon on the scene and prevented the flames from spreading to bungalows.
 

OLD BLACKMINSTER RESIDENT

Miss Edith Williams and Mr F G Smith

The marriage took place at Malvern Baptist Church on Wednesday of Miss Edith Williams, second daughter of Mrs E R Williams and the late Mr Evan Williams of Birtley, Manby Road, Great Malvern and Mr Frederick George Smith, youngest son of Mr A W Smith of Blackminster, Evesham.

The bride, who was given away by her brother, Mr Peter Scott Williams, wore a picture gown of deep cream shadow lace with matching coloured poke bonnet trimmed with a tuile veil to tone and carried a bouquet of red roses.