More highlights from the past few years

Leighton, a baker at Asda’s town centre store, was taken by ambulance on 13th April 2019 to the Alexandra Hospital. He was diagnosed with the virus and his lungs had exploded. He spent 59 days in intensive care and while he was being given oxygen through his throat following a tracheostomy his wife Emma received a phone call at 3.30am to say she had permission to go to the hospital to say her goodbyes.

Seventy-nine days after being admitted, he defied all the odds by walking out of the hospital. While he is still very weak, he is certainly a fighter and is loving being back home with his family.

In issue 39 we highlighted the fact the nation was mourning the death of the Duke of Edinburgh. Staff and students of South Bromsgrove High School reflected on his impact within the community of the School.

In 1956, Prince Phillip introduced the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which is a voluntary non-competitive programme of activities, chosen by the participant, at one of three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold.

The award has been a central part of the extra-curricular provision at South Bromsgrove High since the early 1990s. It grew substantially under the leadership of Paul Copeland, who went on to become the headteacher, and Will Thomas, who still volunteers as an expedition assessor, despite leaving the school in 2002.

Issue 40 contained the sad story of the end of the popular 144 route. Bus users were rocked by the decision by operator First Worcester to terminate the iconic 144 service at Catshill from the start of May 2022.

Issue 42 featured a pullout special that showcased the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a host of photos from the local celebrations on that grand occasion.

Finally Issue 45 we reported on Her Majesty The Queen’s life between April 1926 and September 2022 with a pullout souvenir special.