School children from Sandwell and Walsall had created banners to show off the Aldridge beauty spot, which were on display at the Art Gallery. Liz Stuffins is mentioned, and the photograph shows Francesca Wagstaff with some of the banners.

The gallery mounted an exhibition of pastel landscapes by the Manchester-born artist. Martin Senior is quoted. The photograph shows Stephen Read of Great Barr with one of the works.

Special events as part of the exhibition (which featured a suit from the wardrobe of Gary Glitter) included a rock star look-alike competition and karaoke sessions. The photograph shows Jenny Wilkes with sisters Grace and Samantha Kendall.

Former Round Oak steel workers from Brierley Hill were retraining on an EEC-sponsored woodwork course, including building a mini bungalow in the workshops. Jim Goode is quoted and City and Guilds is mentioned. The photograph shows Colin Fellows and Joe

Two new Melrose Bobcat skid steer loaders had been presented to the Fire Service to help them move piles of burning rubbish. The photograph shows Councillor John Edwards (left) with Bill Combes and John Raymond of Warwickshire Plant Sales Limited.

A group of women successfully completed a new “Women into Business” course. The photograph shows (back left) May Adams, Zanttanniqua, Kerry Skett, Eve Lissemore, Barbara Long; (front left) Baljinder Mahal, Lesley Donnelly, Donna Eden and Donna Bissell.

The Green Watch from Oldbury Fire Station won the major pump competition and was runner-up to a team from Dudley in the light, portable pump competition. The photograph shows (front, left) Steve Watkins and Roy Pinder; (back left) Graham Rathbone, Mark No

Rebecca Yates of Kings Avenue in Tividale was set to become the first girl ever invested in the group, joining her twin brother, Stuart. Deborah Yates is quoted.

Lindsey took joint first prize with the Willenhall pop group, The Convertibles, in a Midlands talent competition at the Imps Sport and Social Club in Dudley Port, sacrificing a school trip to Salsbury with Churchfields High School. Her stage name Lindsey

The Prince turned up wearing a tie featuring a gold whale motif, a play on words of his title as Prince of Wales. GQ Magazine is mentioned. The photograph shows Prince Charles with Maria Norton and Karen Solly (right) from Big Bright Blooms hand-made flow