The new leisure centre, to replace the previous Bloxwich baths, featured a seaside-style swimming pool. The photograph shows Sharon Parker and Claire Killian testing the new pool.

Malcolm presented the Council’s first certificate granting seal of approval following legislation aimed at curbing pollution, the 1990 Environmental Protection Act, to Salvesen Brick of Stubbers Green in Aldridge. HM Inspectorate of Pollution is mentioned

Malcolm visited Martha Walford and presented her with a portrait of the Queen Mother to mark the latter’s 90th birthday. The Henry Boys Charity Alms Houses and Walsall Manor Hospital are mentioned.

Students on a catering course at the town’s College of Technology baked a giant cake for Malcolm and his wife Joan’s ruby wedding anniversary. Kevin Moran is quoted. The photograph shows Julia Nelson (left) and Stephen Abbott with the Mayor and Mayoress.

As chair of the environmental health committe Malcolm was promoting a more environmentally friendly Christmas in conjunction with Walsall Health Authority, wearing a green Father Christmas outfit.

Local residents were being urged to enter the Walsall in Bloom competitions, and could pick up entry forms from the Civic Centre and Town Hall. The photograph shows Malcolm with Chuckery Junior School pupils Clare Buller (left) and Lisa Rennie.

George achieved his lifelong dream of becoming an engine driver when he took the controls of a Great Western Railway King Class steam locomotive as part of a surprise treat for his 79th birthday.

Bob had managed to secure a job at Extra Personnel in Hatherton Road, Walsall, after two years of unemployment thanks to support from Walsall Community Transport. The European Social Fund is mentioned. The photograph shows Bob in a van with Chantal Wade.

Safeway was stocking Black Country Gold, a wine grown at Halfpenny Green, in a drive to encourage shippers to move from French, German and New World Wines to local produce. Kath Johnson is quoted. The photograph shows Mark Wainwright with the wine.

The cash-and-carry warehouse was owned by Whittalls Wines, but only the name “Chateau Pleck” was recognised abroad, with Burgundies such as Bourgogne Rouge and Chambertin Grand Cru mentioned. The photograph shows Richard Vodden with some of the wines.