"A SOMEWHAT extraordinary and exciting incident occurred shortly before seven o'clock on Wednesday morning, when one of the Midland locomotives crashed through the shed at the Malvern siding," reported the Gazette 100 years ago.

"The engine left the metals, and the fore part became embedded in the outside porter's garden patch, by the side of the line, where potatoes and rhubarb were growing. It is learned that the engine was ready to work out the 8.55 train to Birmingham, and that the occurence is attributable to the mistake of a relief cleaner form Worcester.

"A breakdown gang was quickly on the spot, abd the difficult task of righting the engine was commenced. Another engine was telegraphed for and the 8.55 train was only delayed two minutes."

Elsewhere in the same paper, columnist Ariel noted: "I see the worthy parishioners of Guarlford have been making merry again after their peculiarly unrestrained fashion.

"So much I gather from the Parish Magazine, wherein the Rector mentions that the Easter social was a very enjoyable gathering, as broken chairs fully testified.

" 'We think.' he adds, 'of starting a Musical Chair Fund to provide seating accommodation for those desirous of playing this edifying game. Very soon there will be only the floor to sit on.'

"I sincerely hope it won't come to that, for although it might be more economical, I fear that it would not be anything like so comfortable, and it might be necessary to add an ambulance class to the other useful organisations of the parish."

"I have the impression that the blithe-hearted Guarlford folk do not consider they have enjoyed themselves at their social evenings unless they have splintered a chair or two in the musical game. I feel an admiration for our Guarlford neighbours; they take their wholesome pleasures with such a fine old English heartiness."