Archive

  • Tesco's mega site hope

    SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has unveiled its plans for a new Worcester superstore - and they include developing the same plot of land as rival Sainsbury's. Sainsbury's has already applied to build a 51,000sq ft store at Swanpool Walk in St John's, razing

  • Protesters set sights on tip site inspector

    MORE than 30 protesters greeted a planning inspector when he visited a household waste site as part of a public inquiry. The inspector, from Bristol, visited the site in Bilford Road, Worcester, following last week's inquiry into proposals for longer

  • 'Huge profit for hospital'

    THE private firm building Worcester's new hospital is to make in excess of £220m profit, new figures published today have revealed. A survey for the GMB union has suggested the total cost to the taxpayer will be £527m - a figure close to the one first

  • Asda store plan 'in wrong place'

    PLANNERS in Worcester have been defending the decision to refuse Asda a supermarket in the city centre, telling an inquiry they wished to protect St John's. An appeal is being heard in the Guildhall this week against the council's rejection of a supermarket

  • Skip plan to reduce fly-tipping

    SKIPS are to be provided in three Worcester streets despite fierce criticism that the scheme is politically-motivated. The city council's executive board has decided to press ahead with proposals to collect household rubbish in skips at Shap Drive in

  • Listen out for chance to help

    ARE you a good listener? If so, the Worcester branch of the Samaritans would like to hear from you. The group, which was started almost 50 years ago by the Rev Chad Varah, is looking for volunteers to help deal with the 15,500 calls it receives every

  • Crime line helps trap 137 crooks

    THOUSANDS of pounds of stolen goods have been recovered by police thanks to the help of people in Worcestershire and Herefordshire. West Mercia officers managed to locate £35,000 of goods last year after being given valuable information through the anonymous

  • Formerbowler to open charity party

    FORMER West Indies fast bowler Winston Davis is due to open a party to be held at Worcestershire County Cricket Club. Mr Davis, who is now a quadriplegic after falling from a tree while building a church on the Caribbean island of St Vincent, will be

  • Drugs helped me

    magistrates that smoking cannabis helped him overcome his clinical depression. Russell Watkins yesterday told Droitwich magistrates he used the class B drug to help with his depression. John Burnett, prosecuting, said the drugs were found by police after

  • New garden makes sense for school

    CHILDREN at a village school are regenerating their gardening areas as part of their environmental science project. Stoke Prior First School near Bromsgrove will start work on a sensory garden when the children return in September. It will feature plants

  • 1/8/01 - Joy for Harriers at new signing

    KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have snapped up trialist Ian Joy on a two-year contract. American-born Joy, aged 20, was signed by boss Jan Molby after impressing in pre-season friendlies. Molby said: "We have been looking for a young left-back for a while and

  • Fun in the sun

    ENERGETIC Wythall youngsters have been enjoying their holidays at a special sport summer camp. Activzone will run throughout the summer holidays from 8.45am-3pm at Woodrush Sports Centre. For details call 881315.

  • Rock caf plan fears

    THE plan to turn the old ABC cinema on Unicorn Hill into a Chicago Rock Caf has prompted two objections. One came from a business and the other from a resident. A representative of Hemmings estate agents, situated near the former cinema, told Redditch

  • New route is cyclists' dream

    TOWNSPEOPLE are being encouraged to get on their bikes following the opening of a new cycle route linking Redditch and Stratford. The 27-mile circular route incorporates options for shorter rides starting from 11 miles and is expected to be a big hit

  • Housing survey

    A housing needs survey will be carried out on public housing stock in Redditch. It will provide information for the council on the need for affordable housing and help target resources and plan spending priorities. Councillors on the housing committee

  • Shopping future's in melting pot

    NEWS that Tesco is applying for permission to build a 57,000 square feet store in St John's - three times the size of the Co-op Pioneer store - ups the ante in Worcester's supermarket wars. It may be confusing to the man in the street that Tesco has unveiled

  • More homes at Brockhill

    Seventy-five new homes may be built in Brockhill if planning permission is granted. The two to three storey houses would be built off Lily Green Lane and would have two, three, four or five bedrooms The application also includes the provision of 10 two-bedroom

  • Skating area on its way?

    REDDITCH councillors are looking into the possibility of a skating area in the town centre, writes Julian Seva. They are concerned about the number of children using the town centre for skating, especially in Church Green and Alcester Street. Ideas had

  • Be clear on footpaths

    After opening footpaths across Wythall, parish councillors are urging walkers to tell them which ones need clearing. Worcestershire County Council has only taken responsibility for one village footpath and all bridleways, leaving the countryside carers

  • Why such negativity?

    I wish to respond to all the negative press coverage concerning Women Empowering Women, the gifting system. Surely we live in a democratic society where people are allowed to invest or risk their money wherever they wish. No-one suggests the lottery or

  • Parishioners oppose plan

    WYTHALL residents want their new church in the middle of the village, a survey has revealed. Then Rev Peter Thomson said 75 per cent of villagers polled wanted a new church in the centre rather than the outskirts, writes Matt Smith. A staggering 350 of

  • Thanks for giving cash

    I WOULD like to thank everyone who gave so generously on Saturday, July 21, outside Sainsburys towards the Bromsgrove/Redditch branch of Diabetes UK Flag Day. We raised the magnificent total of £379.44, which will be put to good use at local level. To

  • Joining forces

    A BROMSGROVE public relations and design company has merged with an advertising firm. Tom C. Gough and Partners, in Worcester Road, has joined forces with Allen Stanley Advertising Ltd (ASA). The deal sees Gough and Partners acquiring the share capital

  • 1/8/01 - Hick's delight at great win

    WORCESTERSHIRE Royals are today still catching their breath after last night's amazing seven-wicket win over Durham Dynamos which swept them four points clear at the top of the Norwich Union League Division Two table. "It was a great game and we are absolutely

  • Fletcher's ton thumps sad Stone

    CUTNALL Green Cricket Club beat Stone by five wickets in Worcestershire County League Division Five on Saturday. Stone won the toss and batted first. They made steady progress through their innings, finishing on 183 for eight off 45 overs. Keith Harrington

  • Spinners star as Spa celebrate

    DROITWICH Cricket Club Seconds snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against Netherton on Saturday with stunning bowling performances from spinners Woodward and Ricky Haddock. On winning the toss Droitwich took the positive approach and chose to bat

  • Panto set to be a sell-out

    THE popularity of this year's Palace Theatre pantomime is soaring as tickets for some performances have already sold out. Jack and the Beanstalk was officially launched last month and organisers are hoping to once again break attendance records following

  • Joseph journeys to Malvern Theatres

    SMASH hit musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be exploding onto the stage at Malvern Theatres next week. The show retells the Biblical story of Joseph, his 11 brothers and the coat of many colours and features foot-tapping tunes

  • Hick's delight at great win

    WORCESTERSHIRE Royals are today still catching their breath after last night's amazing seven-wicket win over Durham Dynamos which swept them four points clear at the top of the Norwich Union League Division Two table. "It was a great game and we are absolutely

  • Kabir may be out for season

    Kabir Ali could miss the rest of the season after being injured in Worcestershire's floodlit Norwich Union League Division Two victory over Durham last night. The young paceman dislocated his collarbone while fielding and is expected to be sidelined for

  • Joy for Harriers at new signing

    KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have snapped up trialist Ian Joy on a two-year contract. American-born Joy, aged 20, was signed by boss Jan Molby after impressing in pre-season friendlies. Molby said: "We have been looking for a young left-back for a while and

  • Hick and Solanki clinch it

    WORCESTERSHIRE Royals opened up a four point gap at the top of the Norwich Union League Division Two table with a sparkling seven wicket win over promotion rivals Durham Dynamos at New Road last night. It was a superb advertisement for floodlit cricket

  • Injury woe for City in defeat

    A SUPERB strike from Sutton Coldfield Town's Mark Bellingham condemned Worcester City to their second consecutive away defeat last night. Manager, John Barton, will have been relieved this was just a friendly because City were below par and lacklustre

  • Go Solo at Goodwood

    Amanda Perrett may regret not entering Solo Mio for the Gold Cup but the regenerated seven-year-old entire can prove himself king of the stayers with victory in the JP Morgan Private Bank Goodwood Cup tomorrow. The son of star stallion Sadler's Wells

  • Hat-trick aim for Studley

    STUDLEY are gunning for a treble scalp on Saturday when they go head to head with league leaders at Attock. Despite languishing third from bottom Studley have already shocked Kings Heath and Highway among the leading sides. And Mark Lewis' side want to

  • Bank ready

    WORCESTER Two top dogs Astwood Bank are set for three tough fixtures which could see them crowned champions. The leaders are 41 points clear of second placed rivals Feckenham and have five games to go including the top of the table clash. Sambourne Lane

  • Church on song

    ALVECHURCH'S dramatic reversal of fortunes continued at the weekend with their third win on the bounce. Amblecote and Wollaston were the latest victims of the resurgence, bowled out for 144 before their opponents knocked them off for one. After a dreadful

  • Exhall ready

    EXHALL and Wixford prepared for Saturday's derby at Bidford by thrashing Kineton. And 15 year club stalwart John Park broke the club record for wickets with one victim on Saturday to take his tally to 915. Leon Gates weighed in with a handful as Kineton

  • Massive fall in heart deaths

    THE number of deaths from coronary heart disease and strokes in Redditch has fallen dramatically in the last 12 months according to the latest figures. Last year, figures from Worcestershire Health Authority's annual report showed the town had the highest

  • Alcester profit as Bards slip

    ALCESTER closed the gap on Cotswold One leaders Stratford Bards at the weekend with a win over Claverdon. And victory was sweet for Alcester captain Mark Fawthrop at his old club. With Claverdon only bringing ten men, Fawthrop chose to bat and his side

  • Opening the lido will help prevent vandal problems

    I READ with disgust the report in the Advertiser/Messenger regarding the vandalism at the Lido Park in Droitwich. There is a mindless minority who hold no respect for other people's properties and seem hell-bent on causing as much destruction as possible

  • Women urged to shun caesarians

    AN education programme is being launched to try to cut the high number of emergency caesarean sections at the Alexandra Hospital. Members of Redditch and Bromsgrove Maternity Liaison Committee, together with town GPs, consultants and midwives, want to

  • Alcester thrash sad Dons

    Clevedon, arriving with 10 men, forfeited the toss and, with a hard wicket and baking hot conditions, skipper Mark Fawthrop opted to bat. Alcester got off to a sound start, Shaun Quirke and Nick Chadbourne putting on nearly 100 for the first wicket, before

  • It's five alive as Rovers impress

    Bromsgrove Rovers (2) 5 Brierley Hill Town (0) 0 Pre-season friendly, Saturday July 28 SO when did Rovers last record a 5-0 home win? Who cares. A victory is a victory, and this one against the Banks Brewery Premier Division outfit was well deserved.

  • Spartak fail to maintain start

    Atherstone United FC (0) 8 Barnt Green Spartak FC (1) 2 Pre-season friendly, Thursday July 26 SPARTAK'S first friendly of the season ended in defeat against their Dr Martens League Western Division opponents. Green had the better of the opening 45 minutes

  • Stan's the man for reserves

    Barley Mow FC (3) 3 Barley Mow Reserves FC (1) 4 Pre-season friendly, Droitwich THE annual Barley Mow clash took place in searing heat on Sunday morning. It seems first team manager Alan Gandy was not prepared to suffer any more humiliation after last

  • Get on the ball with top soccer courses

    FOOTBALL coaching courses come to Rubery this month when Colmers Farm Community Leisure Centre stage two five-day sessions. Starting on August 6 and August 13, the Strikes soccer coaching courses are aimed at boys and girls aged between four and 13, and

  • New players are needed

    BROMSGROVE Athletic FC under-13s need two more players to complete their small team squad for the forthcoming season. Anyone interested should phone Philip Hill on (01527) 871733or 07751 484460. l HANBURY under-9s are looking for players for the forthcoming

  • What's on guide

    Thursday August 2 l Robot Wars, National Indoor Arena, Birmingham. Various show times. l Play: Fuse - Somehow I Feel Dirty, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, 8pm. l Art: Fleeting Arcadias exhibition, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, until Sunday. l

  • Dead patients names forged

    BROMSGROVE businessman Michael Hampton, has admitted to obtaining £37,000 from the NHS through false claims. Hampton, a director of Hampton Optical, Crwon Lane, Bromsgrove, pleaded guilty to 29 offences of false accounting when he appeared before Kidderminster

  • Sufferers told not to expect too much from wonderdrugs

    A WARNING against patient expectations from new "breakthrough" drugs was issued by Prof McCloskey during the meeting. He believes many new drugs and treatments for conditions such as multiple sclerosis and dementia are not always proven. He said: "When

  • Views called for in writing

    HOUSEHOLDERS in Lickey End who want to raise an issue with the newly-formed parish council, made up of members of the anti-parish council group, are being asked to put their queries in writing. Lickey End Parish Council is holding a meeting at the end

  • Scheme to keep residents safe

    HOUSEHOLDERS in Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa are being urged to register for the chance to take back control of their streets from traffic. Worcestershire County Council has been invited to bid for up to three home zones, which are streets where the needs

  • Public inquiry over plans for 71 homes

    PLANNING chiefs will investigate the proposals to build 71 homes in a medieval hamlet near Droitwich Spa. A public inquiry has been launched into the multi-million pound development at Hadzor Hall. Wychavon District Council's planning committee approved

  • Fire alarm delight at arson-hit flats

    NEARLY 50 smoke detectors are to be fitted at a block of Westlands flats which were targeted by arsonists. The alarms will be installed at Charland Court next week. Spa Housing Association has stumped up cash for the equipment. Town firefighters have

  • Youth club keeping children off streets

    YOUNGSTERS in Droitwich Spa are celebrating thanks to a mobile youth club which rolls into town every Wednesday. The Angels in Exile double-decker bus is packed with games consoles, filming equipment, arts and crafts, a non-alcoholic cocktail bar and

  • Drug addict's jail sentence

    A JUDGE decided that prison was the only option for Droitwich Spa drug addict Wayne Lyes. The 28-year-old was sentenced to a total of 13 months in jail for the latest offences in a criminal lifestyle that began in 1986. Lyes received three months in jail

  • Ace Wilshaw wins Series

    CALLOW Hill ace Jason Wilshaw was crowned champion of the Classics Club Post Classics Series after a dramatic weekend at Lydden. Superbikes star Wilshaw headed into the penultimate meet of the season with a slender five point championship lead over arch

  • Bridge bags Abbey Open

    ABBEY golfers took the top three positions in the Johnsons Volvo Abbey Golf Club Open at the weekend. Kevin Bridge took the trophy, sponsored by the Redditch Advertiser, after an 11 under 61. Defending champion Andy Davill set a new course and championship

  • A step forward for campaign

    PROBLEMS in Chawson are a step closer to being sorted out after residents took town officials on a walk around the Droitwich Spa estate. Members of Chawson Residents' Association want the area tidied up, weeded and graffiti free. They have tried to get

  • Gone Fishin'

    The Dulux Decorating Centre Fishing Contest 2000 was won by A Simmons with a 13lb 11oz catch. The 32nd annual contest was held at Maver Severn Sports and Leisure Centre on Larford Lakes, near Stouport. P Leek took second with 12lb 2oz and G Blewitt third

  • Ollie leads for Redditch

    Redditch Road and Path Cycling Club joined Shirley Roads CC to run an evening 25 mile time trial. Some excellent times resulted, with Scott Povey getting under the hour, recording 58Mins-59Secs for Shirley. Ollie Braithwaite came home in 1Hour-4Secs for

  • Arrows lose edge

    Birmingham Bulls 48 Redditch Arrows 0 In a disappointing end to an encouraging first year in Division One Redditch were well beaten by a strong Birmingham Bulls side in their first ever meeting. Birmingham controlled the game from the start and the Arrows

  • Rockets set to go Swiss

    Redditch Rockets head for Switzerland next week for an international tournament. The Rockets are jetting out after finishing fifth in the league in their domestic season at Sheffield. Joel Millerchip, Daniel Page and James Cross were nominated for the

  • Forward funding

    REDDITCH youngsters could benefit as Worcestershire receives hundreds of thousands of pounds towards early years education. Under the Neighbourhood Nurseries Initiative Allocation, the county is to receive £849,382 and under the New Opportunities Fund

  • Warning to stay off school sites

    POLICE are urging parents to make sure children stay away from Redditch school sites in the summer break, writes Becky Procter. The plea follows concerns about building work at a number of schools. Beat manager for north east Redditch, Pc Stan Baker,said

  • Cross adds two new signings

    REDS boss Nicky Cross has added two signings to the capture of Neil Cartwright and is preparing more. Former Worcester City defender Andy Bradley has joined with Bromsgrove Rovers defender Mark Creighton. Bradley worked with United assistant manager Gary

  • Bring back Matrons

    MARGARET, a lady I know, says hospitals should bring back matrons, employ more cleaners, and cut down on managers and office staff, who are so expensive. GEORGE COWLEY, Worcester.

  • George's letters

    "I WONDER if the few readers who have in the past said how they enjoy reading George Cowley's letters would now like to comment on the one to which I am referring," writes F Thomas (You Say, July 23). Happy to oblige, Sir. I consider this is a very fine

  • Honesty about the artificial earths

    IT is most unusual for the bloodsports brigade to be so honest about their sport as J Wood, who admits to the widespread use of artificial earths and the feeding of foxes, (You Say, July 21). His excuse that artificial earths keep foxes away from "sensitive

  • Bromsgrove District Sports Personality Awards 2001

    CAROLINE is a member of the Worceste-rshire Special Olympics club and has won the award before. She specialises in athletics and swimming and was nominated for the award by her club. Caroline has been a member of Worcester-shire Special Olympics for the

  • Promotion bid suffers a set-back

    STOKE Prior Bowling Club's promotion challenge in Premier Division Seven of the Warwickshire and Worcester-shire League suffered a set back as they lost away at Central Edgbaston by just three shots. Stoke trailed for the majority of the game, but Adrian

  • New members wanted for Bromsgrove Croquet Club

    BROMSGROVE Croquet Club are on the lookout for new members to join their thriving set-up. The club, based at Bromsgrove Cricket, Tennis and Hockey Club, in St Godwalds Road, Aston Fields, already boasts 26 members since establishing two years ago -- but

  • Butler shows his ambition

    BROMSGROVE Golf Club member Neil Butler teed off last week in the regional finals of a national competition organised by Marie Curie Cancer Care. Neil, from Dudley, competed against 16 men in the regional final of the Marie Curie Queen Mother's Golf Cup

  • Town teams

    BROMSGROVE CC teams for this weekend. Saturday August 4. First XI v Himley, home, 1pm start, meet at 11.30pm: P Duffy, J Campbell, N Davies, M Evenson, K Patel, J Connor, S Keyte, J Court, N Ingram, N Husbands, J Duffy. Second XI v Ombersley, away, 1.30pm

  • CCTV delayed until autumn

    THE town's £310,000 CCTV system will not be operational until autumn. Redditch Community Safety Partnership had been hoping the town centre system would go live this month. But a spokesman said: "We're recruiting people for the CCTV control centre at

  • New face on village beat

    STUDLEY'S new beat bobby takes to the streets in a fortnight, writes Julian Seva. Pc Alan Forsyth will be covering the Studley and Great Alne beat, along with colleague Pc Kirsti Jackson, and he says he is raring to go. It is the first time Pc Forsyth

  • Sneaky thief off with £20

    A sneak-in thief stole £20 from an 80-year-old Wythall woman. A man knocked on the door of the woman's home in Alcester Road asking for change for a £20 note. The incident happened at about 6.30pm on Wednesday. The woman allowed the man in and he watched

  • Plea for help to net the baddies

    STUDLEY people are being encouraged to use a new police internet system to report minor crimes, writes Julian Seva. Studley neighbourhood and business watches and Warwickshire Police have pledged their support for the new national system, launched earlier

  • Road closures

    There will be road closures until Friday, August 31, for carriageway reconstruction. Church Bank, Binton, will be shut 90 metres from its junction with the main road for 450 metres in an easterly direction. Windmill Hill, Temple Grafton, will be closed

  • Pair arrested

    TWO people from Alcester were arrested and have been charged with drink driving after two cars colllided on School Road in Great Alne, at the weekend. The incident took place on Sunday, July 29 at about 9.40pm. Julia Ferguson, 32, of Crooks Lane, Alcester

  • Centre boss goes

    KINGFISHER Centre Director Brian Walker has left his post, it was announced this week, writes Helen Clarke. Mr Walker, 58, had been at the helm of the shopping centre for 16 years. In a statement, centre owners Thornfield said Mr Walker, also chairman

  • Draw for mystery Church side

    ADAM Ryder was the two-goal hero for a new-look Alvechurch side last night. The hosts held Dr Martens Western outfit Solihull Borough 2-2 after goals from Ryder in the 35th and 82nd minutes. 16 new signings and trialists made debuts for new managers Andy

  • Halfords warm up

    Halfords began the build-up to their debut Midland Combination Three season with a 1-0 win. Division Two side Earlswood Town were the victims after a goal from former Studley BKL star Wayne Hawkins. The club, who groundshare with Birmingham RFC at the

  • 100 years ago

    August 3, 1901 Tardebigge - A public meeting was held on Monday to consider the question of repairing the spire and the tower of the parish church. The chair was taken by the Vicar (Rev Canon Dickins) who stated the spire had been in an unsafe condition

  • 31/07/01 - All lit up

    THERE were fireworks at New Road, Worcester, last night, as the county cricket team sparkled in a floodlit match. But sparks also flew off the pitch as people complained about a barrage of firecrackers. The Worcestershire Royals took on the Durham Dynamos

  • Over-crowding is threatening children's future

    AFTER reading the report on 'Crowded Classes', and 'Schools miss out on cash', may I say that I am disgusted with the reported comments from Cllr Nick Psirides regarding payments from developers in the past, saying he did not want to open up old wounds

  • Police praise

    I WOULD like to thank the officers of West Mercia Police who responded so promptly and professionally to the calls by Beacon Hill residents during the early hours of July 14. It's hoped this will discourage those who engage in vandalism and hooliganism

  • Body is found after fortnight

    THE body of a man lay undiscovered in his home for two weeks until Friday. The decomposing remains of Robert Harman were found by Redditch police at the home in Foregate Street, Astwood Bank. Officers were responding to calls from worried neighbours who

  • Event in Danielle's memory

    THE family of Church Hill meningitis victim Danielle Senior will hold a charity disco in her memory. Danielle, six, a pupil at Moons Moat First School, died while on holiday in June. Her grandfather, Derek Senior, is hoping people will dig deep at the

  • Continuing the fight to control dog fouling

    THANKS to a vigorous publicity campaign, we are experiencing considerable success in the public's awareness of the anti-social aspects of dog fouling. It is an all-embracing campaign and the support of the Press is much appreciated. With six million dogs

  • Traffic calming

    A RECENT letter commented on the required traffic calming in Santridge Lane. The Bromsgrove district councillors for the Sidemoor Ward have constantly been fighting for this essential measure for well over eighteen months with numerous meetings having

  • Driver escapes injury

    A skip lorry overturned on a busy Redditch bypass on Thursday. Police and fire crews were called to the scene between the Bromsgrove and Warwick Highways, known as the Cloverleaf, at 2pm. One lane of the bypass was closed for more than three hours after

  • Plea starts for mosque money

    A CAMPAIGN to raise millions to finance a mosque and learning centre in Redditch has been launched, wrires Becky Procter. The Redditch Pakistani Community Forum has announced plans to build the separate venues after striking a £300,000 deal to buy three

  • Work under way in the new year

    WORK on the new 150,000 sq ft B&Q warehouse on the old Alcad site will start in January with the aim ofopening next summer. Leeds-based CNP Ltd will manage the project on behalf of Parkridge Developments. B&Q has decided to expand after 8.9 per

  • Now begins the task of attempting to retrieve the facts

    I WOULD like to thank the kind lady who found some partly ripped and burned pages from my stolen filofax and kindly telephoned one of my friends, on Sunday, July 22 to find out how to return them to me. They were subsequntly returned to my home in Bromsgrove

  • Man dies in crash

    Police believe a man died after losing control of his Suzuki motorbike on the slip road joining the Warwick and Alcester Highways. No other vehicles are believed to have been involved. Andrew Vandrill, 27, of Stratford, died in the crash, at about 10.10am

  • Skip caught fire

    SMOKE billowed out into Redditch town centre on Monday as a skip caught fire. Two fire crews attended the blaze in William Street, next to Apollo 2000, at 3pm. It took the crews, from Redditch and Bromsgrove, 25 minutes to put out the flames. An Apollo

  • Hen night feathers theatre's coffers

    A SOUTHCREST woman due to get married next month opted for a hen night with a difference when she trawled round Studley pubs fundraising for charity. Elizabeth Eagle and her friends raised more than £100 for Break-a-Leg Theatre Company for able-bodied

  • FAVOURITE PLACE

    ALL of us, at some time, will recall with fond memories a particular place, somewhere that is extra special to you. That place might be special to you for no other reason than it is somewhere to go and shut the world away for a few minutes or more of

  • Club founder member dies

    MEMBERS of the Windmillions over 50s Club have paid respects to a founder member who died on Thursday. Thomas Causer, 84, from Austcliffe Close, Crabbs Cross, played a major part in the club throughout the years as chairman, treasurer and secretary. Mr

  • Firm peddles bikes

    A REDDITCH firm is handing over recycled bikes to anybody who wants to take part in a Stroke Association fundraiser. Redditch Community Transport will lend them to participants in the Around the World in 80 Ways charity event. The bikes will be on free

  • Village carnival capers

    CARNIVAL organisers in Wythall have planned a classic car show in place of the annual street procession. It will jump start on Sunday, August 12, in Wythall Park, Silver Street at 2pm. More than 100 painstakingly restored classic cars are expected to

  • Late-duty chemists

    REDDITCH town centre rota chemist is Carrington and Turner, Church Green West, open every day except Saturday and Sunday until 7pm. Foxlydiate Chemist, Batchley Road, Batchley, is open on Sunday from 10-11am. Knights Chemist, Evesham Road, Crabbs Cross

  • Millennium idea is thriving

    MANY projects created to commemorate the millennium have long been forgotten, but not in Inkberrow, writes Helen Clarke. Two and a half years ago, a group of villagers decided to create a Millennium Green. Six of eight bird boxes built by volunteers are

  • What's on guide

    Thursday, August 2 Antiques For Everyone, Birmingham NEC. Until August 5. Tickets from 0870 909 4133. Robot Wars - The Live Event, Birmingham NIA. Tickets from 0870 909 4144. Fallen Angels, The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry. Until August 4. Tickets from

  • Fantastic fireworks

    FOUR-piece band Hooper will be performing a range of popular numbers at Ragley Hall's Firework and Light Extravaganza on Saturday. The group's repertoire includes popular covers from the sixties to the present, including music from Van Morrison, The Beatles

  • Go delving into Elgar

    PARENTS looking for new ways to entertain their children this summer can check out a week-long programme of activities at The Elgar Birthplace Museum. The sessions are from Monday to Friday, August 10, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Activities

  • Line up for classes

    ALCESTER line dancing classes are being injected with a Latin American flavour. They run from 8.30-9.30pm on Wednesdays at Alcester Town Hall, with Latin American dancing workshops at the Greig Centre from 8-9.30pm on August 14 and August 21. For details

  • Anne's delight at £3m cash boost

    A TALENTED Blackwell woman who plays with members of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) has spoken of her delight at the news of a grant of nearly £3m. The CBSO has been awarded £2,465,000 by the Arts Council of England to go with an earlier

  • Time to rock with musical

    IT'S finally time for a talented Rubery dad-of-two to rock you because his musical is entertaining crowds at a Birmingham theatre this week. Giovanni Esposito, with the help of the Advertiser/Messenger, is staging his Black Country Rock show at Birmingham's

  • 100 years ago August 3, 1901

    THE topsy-turvy nature of the seasons this year was highlighted by Mr Read, from Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove, who said he had been picking mushrooms from his garden for the past six weeks. 100 years ago August 3, 1901 THE topsy-turvy nature of the seasons

  • Action-packed activities down at Rubery library

    YOUNGSTERS in Rubery can keep busy during the summer holidays with a packed programme of activities at the village library. The centre, in Library Way, off New Road, will be a hive of activity thanks to Worcestershire County Council's cultural services

  • Cool Clarke punishes Stour

    BARNT Green Cricket Club Second XI continued their fine run of form to record their fifth victory in six games at home to bottom club Stourbridge. And the victory sees them move up to second place in the Second XI Birmingham and District Premier League

  • Mac is back in ten-mile trials

    THE last fortnight has seen some notable successes for Bromsgrove Olympique Cycling Club riders. In the club's ten-mile time trials, Chris MacDonald's rapid improvements in time suffered a setback two week's ago when he rode nearly a minute slower than

  • Lido Park stage musical treats with top bands

    THE sound of summer will be ringing in your ears later this month. Droitwich Spa Lido Park hosts the Malvern Hills Brass Band in an afternoon of music on Sunday August 12, from 2.30 pm. Then the Shirley band will be bringing the Lido Park, in Worcester

  • Special family carriages

    IT will be full steam ahead for families this summer, with a special train carriage for families. Train operator First Great Western has revamped its family carriage this year to include even better games and puzzles. There are also baby-changing facilities

  • Welcome for the women

    THREE women from Worcestershire have been appointed to head up sales by the Welcombe hotel and golf course, in Stratford-upon-Avon. Forty-year-old Louise Hill, from Droitwich, has been appointed conference sales manager. She will be responsible for looking

  • Overhaul of company law could be on cards

    A RADICAL overhaul of company law could be on the cards for businesses. Promises to cut costs and red tape have come from Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt following the publication of the Company Law Review's final report. The report, commissioned

  • Skate park plea from schoolboys

    FED-up skateboarding schoolboys claim they have been chased away by security guards and shop staff while trying to find a place to practise their sport. The six boys, who say they want a skateboarding park of their own, claim they have been moved on from

  • Chance to cash in on funds for services

    COUNCIL bosses in Worcestershire have been offered the chance to try and improve services and win millions of pounds in extra funding. Ministers want top-tier authorities to sign up to Local Public Service Agreements. Any council with responsibility for

  • Drive ban after crash

    A WORCESTER man who hit another car as he drove home to try and salvage his marriage has been banned from the road for two years. Mark Phillips ploughed into the blue Peugeot as he drove along the city's Tolladine Road on Sunday, July 22, after a drinking

  • And finally... Sparks flying at New Road game

    THERE were fireworks at New Road, Worcester, last night, as the county cricket team sparkled in a floodlit match. But sparks also flew off the pitch as people complained about a barrage of firecrackers. The Worcestershire Royals took on the Durham Dynamos

  • Taxpayers face big rise in bills

    Redditch householders face an above average council tax rise next year to combat a county funding shortfall, writes melina Cannon. Government funding for Worcestershire will stay frozen at £30 million less than the average shire authority until at least

  • Themed markets on hold

    REDDITCH market traders have welcomed a move to suspend themed markets they claim were sapping trade, writes Julian Seva. The periodic French, medieval and farmers' markets have been stopped by Redditch Council because they were not pulling enough trade

  • Areas come under review

    AN electoral review in Bromsgrove could affect Wythall, Alvechurch and Tardebigge. Bromsgrove Council wards will undergo a boundary review to ensure each councillor represents the same number of people. The Local Government Commission for England also

  • Complaints about noise on the rise

    A CLAMPDOWN on noisy neighbours has been launched after complaints from frustrated residents soared, writes Becky Procter. Redditch Council's environmental health officers received 10 times the complaints they would normally receive at the weekend. And

  • Carports to houses falls flat

    AN idea to turn 80 flats with carports into houses has been rejected by Redditch councillors, writes Melina Cannon. The feasibility of the scheme in Church Hill was discussed at a housing committee meeting on Monday. The flats are in Acton Close, Cleeve

  • Doggie area is a great success

    A BIG drop in the level of dog mess has led to a temporary dog walking area in Church Hill being made a permanent fixture. Redditch Council's housing committee approved the recommendation at a meeting on Monday. There was an alternative recommendation

  • What about parental responsibility?

    I WAS horrified to read the letter "Kill speed, not a child" (July 25). Whatever happened to parental responsibility? The road is a dangerous place. You have back gardens in Smallwood and if children are old enough to be let out by themselves, then they

  • Beware this wickedness

    THOUGH I am a computer enthusiast, the explosion of memory size (hard disk) in computer technology has increased the ability of small home-based businesses to start up. They use data bases purchased from marketing services companies, with virtually no

  • Waste not want not...

    STUDLEY residents will have the chance to make a greater contribution to the environment when a new service aimed at recycling more domestic waste is launched. Over the next three months, Stratford Council will start collections of bottles, jars, food

  • Investment paying off

    THE millions of pounds being spent on Redditch town centre is attracting interest from potential investors. Town Centre manager Jane Muckle reported to councillors on the town centre sub-committee the amount of inquiries she had has soared in recent weeks

  • Is education top of plans?

    IT is surprising that Jacqui Smith MP has the nerve to become involved in the Redditch Review, ("MP calls for new school", Redditch Advertiser, July 18). Having been so quiet on the subject, most people thought she had emigrated. Perhaps some facts would

  • Trip made a splendid end

    TO mark the closing of St Peter's C of E Middle School, closed under the Redditch Review, the whole school community spent its final day together at The American Adventure in Derbyshire. There were 415 pupils and 57 adults and I was privileged to be among

  • Do you need Home Zone

    COMMUNITIES in Redditch are being asked by Worcestershire County Council to suggest where they think Home Zones should be set up. They are streets where motorists are encouraged to drive with more care at lower speeds Measures include the introduction

  • Praise must go to service

    I WOULD like to endorse the recent letters regarding the Alexandra Hospital. Having recently been a patient, I would like to thank all the staff on Ward 11 for their extreme kindness and care. Grateful thanks also to those involved in my operation. We

  • Letter from Westminster

    As people get older, they understandably worry about how they will be looked after if they have to move into a nursing home. Free nursing care for those currently paying for it themselves in nursing homes is set to be introduced from October this year

  • Bright response

    We refer to your letter 'Bright Colours Lower the Tone' (Chronicle, July 11). It is essential when people only have a very short period of time in which to register their existence, that they make themselves noticeable immediately. We believe that the

  • DRAMA AND MUSIC

    Bands Archdale Big Band: Allen Cook (01384 296541). Rubery Youth Marching Band: Mrs Susan Maybury, 17 Great Stone Road, Northfield (0121 608 0934). The VIPs: Andy Findon (01527 871197). Choirs Barnt Green Choral Society: Brian Jones, 104 New Road, Aston

  • Redditch in North Mids

    REDDITCH are preparing for life back in the North Midlands League after their relegation was finally confirmed. The Birmingham Road club were axed from the Midlands West Four South one season after going up as runners-up in North Midlands One. Mark Rose

  • Recession warning for industry bosses

    A BROMSGROVE insolvency expert has warned there may be trouble ahead for the British manufacturing industry. Alan Haden says UK manufacturing production has been in decline for some time and a recession could be imminent. Mr Haden, of Haden Insolvency

  • Aiming high

    AN 18-year-old woman is aiming to hit the heights with a career as one of Britain's few female scaffolders. Debbie Scullion is the only woman in the country currently studying for NVQ part II in scaffolding. She got a taste for heights when working for

  • Work starts at huge site

    DEVELOPERS are moving onto land at a new business park near Droitwich with big ideas. More than 90,000 square feet of production and distribution floorspace is to be created at the 77-acre Stonebridge Cross Business Park, in Hampton Lovett. Landowner

  • 1/8/01 - Kabir may be out for season

    Kabir Ali could miss the rest of the season after being injured in Worcestershire's floodlit Norwich Union League Division Two victory over Durham last night. The young paceman dislocated his collarbone while fielding and is expected to be sidelined for

  • Poor town hit rock bottom - Khan hurts Bromsgrove

    BROMSGROVE Cricket Club returned to the bottom of the Birmingham and District Premier League Division One after a four wicket defeat by runaway leaders Moseley. A battling performance in the field led by fast bowler Nick Husbands was not enough to stave

  • Mortlock's six snatches late victory for seconds

    BROMSGROVE Seconds reasserted themselves as true promotion candidates with an excellent team effort against Wheaton Aston Seconds on Saturday. A rare victory with the toss on a dry and hard wicket created doubt of the decision to field. Town immediately

  • Late show redeems 'Croft

    AVONCROFT Seconds produced a poor showing at Old Halesonians on Saturday, but a late fightback ensured that defeat was avoided. 'Croft lost an important toss and were forced to endure three hours in the blistering heat as Old Halesonians punished some

  • Irresistible Iqbal destroys Halesonians

    AVONCROFT Cricket Club's First XI got back to winning ways with a hard fought victory over Old Halesonians in their latest Worcestershire County League Division Four fixture. Despite losing the toss 'Croft were grateful for the visitors decision to put

  • Show boat comes in

    A FLOATING theatre company will be mooring its narrowboat in Inkberrow on Monday to perform at the village hall. Mikron Theatre Company's four-strong cast will be performing Warehouse Hill as part of its national waterways tour, supported by Wychavon

  • Show set to be heavenly

    A production inspired by Cain and Abel and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein will be performed as part of a Summer Festival of events, writes Melina Cannon. Fallen Angels is a devised piece exploring issues surrounding isolation, presented by The Shysters,

  • Views plea over plans

    CONSULTATION on the Royal Shakespeare Company's plans for the redevelopment of its Stratford theatres began last month. The RSC appointed specialist advisers to conduct the exercise, which will be submitted to the Arts Council of England as part of the

  • College move for McLaren

    ROY McLaren, who retired yesterday after 18 years as Worcestershire's head groundsman, is to take up a post at Malvern College. He is to become their ground manager from September 3. The 59-year-old said: "I'm going to help prepare young cricketers now

  • Stant on trial with City

    FORMER Hereford United frontman Phil Stant and Kidderminster Harriers trialist, Darren Middleton, were both given run-outs by Worcester City in their 1-0 defeat away at Sutton Coldfield Town last night. The experienced Stant, who had a spell as Lincoln

  • Redditch in trouble

    REDDITCH Cricket Club stayed rooted in the relegation picture after a crucial winning draw against fellow strugglers Penkridge. Guy Muspratt's team had to graft hard for the 11 points and fell short of the captain's target of 'at least 20 points.' Teenage

  • Hewell are anti-Social

    HEWELL continued their march to the Worcester Six title with another one-sided win over Stourbridge Social. Hewell posted 222 for 8 with Keith Panell knocking 86 and Allen Smith taking 6-35 and Billy Gill 4-26 as the Black Country side were mown down

  • Millers wobble

    FECKENHAM captain Andrew Fletcher has admitted his side are not good enough to go up after their shaky form continued with a losing draw to Evesham. The Mill Lane side have been the strongest challengers to leaders and neighbours Astwood Bank in Worcester

  • Alne in the mire

    ANOTHER defeat for Great Alne on Saturday kept them firmly in the Cotswold Two relegation picture. But with fellow strugglers Harvington and Catherine de Barnes both losing and picking up less points the damage to the Henley Road side was limited. The

  • Hill Cookin' on gas

    COOKHILL climbed away from the foot of the Worcester Six with a comprehensive win over Alvechurch and Hopwood Seconds. The Nevill Arms side, humiliated the previous week against Knighton, turned the tables to rack up 224 for seven on Saturday before blitzing

  • Ward End Wythall run

    WYTHALL'S resurgent form came to an end at the hands of Warwickshire Four Central leaders Ward End Unity on Saturday. The Silver Street side went into the game on the back of five successive wins, form which has hoisted them to mid-table after a traditional

  • Women smokers are high priority

    WOMEN smokers in Redditch are to be targeted after the health authority's annual report revealed the town had the highest number of lung cancer sufferers in the county. Figures showed the town has a significantly higher incidence of the smoking-related

  • Church battered

    Batting first Cookhill openers got off to a great start. Richard Mc-Cracken with a stylish 77 supported by a sensible and determined 45 from Nick Charles. Total after 45 overs 224 for 7. Cookhill bowling attack was on top form with a steady procession

  • What's on at your local cinema

    POKEMON: SPELL OF THE UNKNOWN (U) Heroes of the children's game return to the big screen Odeon, Worcester 12.00, 2.45. UCI Merry Hill 11.45 (2.00 not Tues) Warner Village 10.30. SHREK (U) An ugly ogre is hero of the day in the greatest fairy-tale never

  • 1/8/01 - Stant on trial with City

    FORMER Hereford United frontman Phil Stant and Kidderminster Harriers trialist, Darren Middleton, were both given run-outs by Worcester City in their 1-0 defeat away at Sutton Coldfield Town last night. The experienced Stant, who had a spell as Lincoln

  • Railway come to the rescue for Spa Boys

    A DROITWICH publican made sure a local boy's football team were dressed to impress after providing them with training jackets and trousers for their Danish tour. Andy Chard, manager of the Railway Inn, provided the kit with the new club design for Droitwich

  • Ken you believe it? Ex-national ace Giles wins

    FORMER England international Ken Giles (Alvechurch) was the winner of the Starlets Veterans Tuesday contest held on Woodlands Views Arles Pool. Ken pole fished casters and worms at peg 35 for a 56-8-0 mixed catch, second place went to Mike Millinchip

  • Club avoids a stumping!

    FEARS that a popular village cricket club, which puts special emphasis on coaching youngsters, may have been forced to fold over a long and bitter dispute with the giant Severn Trent Water company, evaporated suddenly yesterday. But club officials who

  • Shoppers urged to buy local

    BUSINESSES in and around Bromsgrove which have been left reeling by the foot and mouth epidemic have had a visit from the town's MP Julie Kirkbride. The visits were aimed at promoting local farmers and growers which although may not have been directly

  • Measles could pose deadly risk to children

    A MEASLES epidemic which could kill is on the verge of breaking out in Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa, claims the author of a new health report. Professor Brian McCloskey has warned Worcestershire is at risk but assures parents the controversial MMR vaccine

  • Dog scheme is defended

    THE information contained in "doggie dossiers" being handed out to pet owners is playing a major part in the fight to clean up dog faeces from paths and public areas in Bromsgrove, it was claimed this week. David Williams, Bromsgrove district council's

  • Street theatre will be for all

    THE fun of Bromsgrove's annual street theatre can now be enjoyed by everyone thanks to a new family-friendly idea. To make the event more accessible to families a free and fully supervised crche will be available, so parents can also enjoy the activities

  • Police search for attack knife

    OFFICERS investigating the attempted murder of a 17-year-old Bromsgrove youth, the weekend before last, have renewed their call for the public to be on the look-out for a knife which may have been discarded in the area. Police are warning people in Austin

  • Farewell to local hero Tippy

    WEST TIP -- the local horse who gained his place in steeplechasing's hall of fame with his Grand National victory in 1986 -- has died at the grand old age of 24. Fifteen years ago he was a household name as Richard Dunwoody was on board for this famous

  • Don't you dare drop one!

    LITTER louts in Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa who throw rubbish out of their car windows will be targeted throughout Worcestershire this summer. The Tidy Britain Group is introducing a car sticker asking, "Have you dropped one?" which can be stuck to car

  • Put 'unity' in community...

    CONCERNED Hagley residents are calling on the district council to unite their community which is divided by an old fashioned tradition. Hagley Parish Council is calling on Bromsgrove District Council to carry out a review of the parish boundaries between

  • Action urged over town's scruffiness

    BROMSGROVE is scruffy, untidy and is desperately in need of a good clean-up, a Sidemoor resident claimed this week. And according to Fred Stanley who made the statement, the county council should start in his neighbourhood by cutting back a hedge bordering

  • Protect your valuables on those rambles

    ACTIVE Bromsgrove residents hoping to enjoy the views from a beauty spot near Bromsgrove are being warned to be on the lookout for thieves. Following the recent re-opening of The Clent Hills following the relaxation of some of the foot and mouth controls

  • Playing safe this summer

    YOUNGSTERS in Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa are being encouraged to Play Safe, Stay Safe this summer and not risk their lives by tampering with electrical equipment. GPU Power UK, formerly Midlands Electricity, has launched a campaign aimed at youngsters

  • Cream of the crop...

    WHAT had been farmland until the mid-1990s, cultivating a variety of crops on the outskirts of Droitwich Spa, is now being used to cultivate the skills of a group of youngsters. The land, near Hadzor, is now home to the Gaudet Luce Golf Club, which not

  • It could have been so different for Phil

    CROWDS at top football matches could have been chanting the name of Phil Cundy had life not changed dramatically for him in the 1970s when he swapped studs for spikes. As a young boy, the club professional at the Gaudet Luce Golf Club had always dreamed

  • Urgent ops delayed because of targets

    PATIENTS with serious illnesses in Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa have had their operations delayed in favour of less urgent cases so hospitals can meet Government waiting lists, a report says. The NHS is under fire after a report by the National Audit

  • Anne's delight at £3m cash boost

    A TALENTED Blackwell woman who plays with members of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) has spoken of her delight at the news of a grant of nearly £3m. The CBSO has been awarded £2,465,000 by the Arts Council of England to go with an earlier

  • Fishing ban could be next, warns MP

    FISHING could be made illegal if politicians agree to ban hunting with dogs, Droitwich Spa's MP has warned. Mid-Worcestershire Tory MP Peter Luff believes a campaign by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) for a ban on fishing could have

  • Bangers and cash

    RAVENOUS residents who are prepared to take on a meaty challenge are invited to enter a sausage eating contest for charity. The sponsored event at the Red Lion pub, in Worcester Road, begins at 8pm today. Proceeds will go to the National Society for the

  • Lock gates delay as lorry breaks down

    NEW lock gates are due to be delivered to Droitwich Junction Canal tomorrow morning. British Waterways staff are set to lower the pair near Hanbury Wharf. The work was planned last week but the delivery lorry broke down and could not make the journey.

  • A 'brine' day for it

    HISTORIC brine equipment based at Droitwich Spa High School is being returned to its original site - forming part of a new tourist attraction. The equipment had been moved from Tower Hill to the Briar Mill school in the 1970s. Cranes moved in on Friday

  • First poll for nine years

    RESIDENTS are being given a rare opportunity to have their say on the future of Droitwich Spa. There will be a parish poll on Thursday August 9 about the future of land in Kidderminster Road. The request for a public vote was made by the Action for Droitwich

  • Actors barge into town

    A BAND of actors are sailing into Droitwich Spa to entertain families. Mikron Theatre Company will moor its narrowboat in the Spa to perform as part of its national waterways tour. This Sunday residents can watch Warehouse Hill, a fast moving production

  • Exel-lent scheme to help Africans

    BIG-HEARTED Droitwich Spa workers are sending much-needed computer equipment to impoverished African schoolchildren. Exel for Safeway wants to build a partnership between villagers from Burfut, in Gambia, and residents in the Spa. Villagers in the African

  • Survey to help war on crime

    DROITWICH Spa residents are being urged to join the fight against crime and disorder. Safety-minded folk are needed to take part in a Wychavon District Council survey which will be posted through letter boxes in the coming weeks. The questionnaire asks

  • Bulls ground Arrows

    REDDITCH Arrows' play-off dreams were shattered by arch rivals Birmingham Bulls at the weekend. After an up and down season, the Arrows were grounded 48-0 in a one-sided encounter. Needing to beat the Birmingham side to stand any chance of reaching the

  • Raybould crashes out of rally

    STUDLEY rally star Pablo Raybould is planning for next year's Safari Rally after another disappointing outing in Kenya. Raybould crashed out of the World Rally Championship event at the first stage for the second year running. And the borrowed Mini Cooper

  • Thanks and goodbye

    A BIG-HEARTED chip show owner was rewarded for his charitable work before he left Droitwich Spa for sunny Cyprus. Pany Panyiotous, of Neptune's Corner, in Colman Road, was given a clock by NY Taxis. The firm wanted to thank Pany for supporting its NY

  • Silver for Skippers

    STUDLEY Blue and White Rope Skippers rounded off a successful trip to Loughborough when the juniors took silver in the British Open. It was a best ever finish for the 12-14-year age group after the under 18s came fourth in the European Championships last

  • Evans above rivals

    Graham Evans won the Astwood Bank Darts League summer individuals. Evans, who used to be one of the top players in the country, had not played serious darts for several years. He beat Mark Bayliss 2-0 who had hit 164 game shot to reach the final. Last

  • Inkberrow secure first PRS title

    Inkberrow Tennis Club claimed their first ever PRS South Warwickshire Championship with an emphatic 4-0 defeat of 1999 Champions Tanworth. Alcester secured the runners-up spot with a 4-0 win over fourth placed Littleton. Nearest challengers Stratford

  • Cup shock for Alcester

    Alcester were dumped out of the Heart of England Cup at the quarter final stage by a Stoke Prior side propping up Division One. Despite the home four winning by 26 shots with Dave Hovell starring 21-2, the away four could not cope with Stoke's tricky

  • Class answer to job puzzle

    A BEOLEY headteacher has developed a pilot multimedia scheme to help pupils with learning difficulties get jobs, writes Melina Cannon. Diane Gray took time out from Beoley First School to embark on a one-year programme to combat a lack of resources to

  • Teaching post for battling Suzie

    A STUDENT who endured more than 10 operations after a horrific car crash has fought back to start afresh as a PE and dance teacher in Redditch. Suzie Hartiss, 25, was in hospital for a month after suffering appalling injuries when her car crashed on the

  • 1/8/01 - Hick and Solanki clinch it

    WORCESTERSHIRE Royals opened up a four point gap at the top of the Norwich Union League Division Two table with a sparkling seven wicket win over promotion rivals Durham Dynamos at New Road last night. It was a superb advertisement for floodlit cricket

  • Parish Council

    I WRITE regarding the Evening News article, on Thursday, July 26, entitled "Parish Council to restrict giving to local charities". I note, with concern, that St Peters Council gives property tax payers' money away to charities - something I knew nothing

  • Wrong people making decisions

    IT was with a sense of surprise that I read that our county council has given a nod and a wink to Tesco's St John's planning application. I suspect the "20 pieces of silver" offered for the redevelopment and relocation of Christopher Whitehead School,

  • And talking of voting patterns...

    AT a meeting on July 24 at the Guildhall, Worcester, Councillor Geoff Williams went to great lengths to suggest that elected councillors should follow the proposals of the city officers on subjects of planning, which are based upon their professionalism

  • Who will stand up to bullies in our society?

    I CAN'T remember the last edition of the Evening News that did not include reports of street violence in our city. No doubt these days, any correspondent from anywhere in the nation could comment similarly of his/her own locality. Perhaps it is important

  • Bromsgrove District Sports Personality Awards 2001

    THERE is no doubt that Olympian, Richard White, deserves this award following a glittering athletics career to date. The Catshill-based sprinter won bronze medals in the 100 and 200 metres at the Paralympics in Sydney, Australia, last year -- just two

  • Bromsgrove District Sports Personality Awards 2001

    EMILE is one of a number of athletes at Chadsgrove School in Catshill to have excelled in athletics. Having won the Burma Star before, the 17-year-old has gone from strength to strength since his success at the Disability Sport England National Championships

  • Hospital chapel hit by theft

    THE chaplain based at the Alexandra Hospital has been saddened by the theft of a crucifix from the chapel wall. The metal cross, measuring 8ins by 6ins, depicted a robed Jesus and was snatched between midnight on Monday, July 16, and 11.15am on Thursday

  • Appeal after double crash

    POLICE are seeking witnesses to two collisions involving a red Ford Fiesta later abandoned in Church Hill. A woman was driving a Mitsubishi Shogun along Paper Mill Drive and stopped to turn right into Stoke Lane when the two cars collided at about 9.50pm

  • False alarm led to haul of cannabis

    Police discovered a cannabis farm of more than 300 plants in the loft of a first- floor maisonette in Redditch, Worcester Crown Court heard. They were alerted by a fireman who smelled the drug when called to a false alarm at the premises, said Antonie

  • War on theft hotting up

    REDDITCH Neighbourhood Watch warned residents to make sure they take security measures in the summer. There have been a string of caravan thefts, thefts from garages and items taken from houses when windows have been left open in the hot weather.

  • Coach driver's glass injuries

    A STUDLEY coach driver had to have glass removed from his neck after a plank of wood smashed through his windscreen. A Johnsons of Henley coach was involved in an accident with a pick-up which then sped off, shedding the plank from its roof. Police are

  • Security scheme is a success

    A SECURITY scheme which offers comfort to crime and domestic violence victims has almost doubled its rate of referrals per week in a year. The successful Home Security Project enables victims or vulnerable people to once again feel safe in their own homes

  • Village site for scheme

    YOUTHS permanently excluded from school are to be helped by a new unit in Great Alne, writes Helen Clarke. Warwickshire County Council has unveiled plans to launch a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) in the village. The facility ensures education is provided

  • History goes on sale

    A GREAT Alne factory built during the Second World War to deter Hitler's bombers is up for sale. The 333,000 sq ft premises sits in 83 hectares of mature parkland in the village and was built in 1941 to produce commercial and fighting vehicles and aircraft

  • Shop for a good cause

    THE thriving retail industry in Alcester nearly deprived a town charity of one of its biggest money-making events. Every year, the Alcester branch of Macmillan Cancer Relief sets up a series of temporary charity shops to give its funds a much-needed boost

  • Bride to be on the beeb

    MOST couples are used to cameras going off during their marriage ceremony but few can say their weddings were filmed by a professional crew for a TV programme, writes helen Clarke. This is exactly what Clare and Stuart Scragg can boast after they tied

  • A host of hamsters

    THERE will be a whole host of cute and furry friends on show at the Greig Hall on Saturday, courtesy of the National Hamster Council. There will be classes for show hamsters and also a pet hamster show for Alcester folk to enter and enjoy. The main hamster

  • Town's flower power triumph

    DESPITE heavy disappointment when the town had to withdraw from the annual Britain in Bloom competition, Alcester has once again been made to look as pretty as a picture. Last Sunday, the town held its own competition with outside judges deciding whose

  • Closer chance to learn

    ADULTS with learning disabilities will no longer have to travel to Stratford for help, thanks to the setting up of a new centre in the town. The change is due to a district-wide shake-up in services which will see the setting up of four smaller units

  • Church defiant

    ALVECHURCH's new management duo have signed half a dozen new recruits. Andy Hibbert and Neil Brian have added Oldbury keeper atty Ford, former Northfield Town teammates Matty Johal and John Slater, Burmans forward Lloyd Dawkins, stopper Gary Bradley from

  • Dean to join Bees

    STUDLEY manager Mark Chambers returned from his holidays to sign Alvechurch striker Dean Meyrick. Despite statements from his club Alvechurch he was staying put, Chambers persuade Meyrick, who was also attracting interest from his old boss Mick Preece

  • 'One Martyn West, There's only one Martin West'

    FECKENHAM fans could be in for a confusing time next season after signing another Martin West. The Millers already have a Martyn West as an established first-teamer but player-manager Clive Campion has swooped for former Evesham youth West. And the Feckenham

  • Winners

    THE three lucky readers who have won a place on the Villa Soccer School are Elliot Rapson from Studley, Christian Fletcher from Alvechurch and Adrian Hadley from Bromsgrove. Places are still available on the school which runs from Monday, August 13 to

  • 50 years ago

    August 4, 1951 THE announcement by Warwickshire Education Committee on their intention to erect a new county school in Studley, providing places for about 340 pupils between the ages of 11 and 16 years, was welcomed at Tuesday's meeting of Studley Parish

  • 25 years ago

    July 30, 1976 AN old, unroadworthy fire engine has found a new home - and a new purpose. The Redditch Fire Brigade's obsolete 1950 Dennis engine has been bought by a Worcestershire farmer to take on a new lease of life irrigating agricultural land. Redditch

  • Dreaming spire

    THIS old black and white postcard shows St Stephen's Church in Redditch around the turn of the last century. The only noticeable difference from the view today is the iron railings around the church. St Stephen's was built in 1855. The postcard, along

  • Undemocratic ways of the council

    I WOULD like to add to your recent report on Cllr Peters decision to act as an independent because of the undemocratic way Bromsgrove District Council is run. I suppose I should take comfort from the article, in that it is not just the Labour group that

  • Worry shared

    WE WOULD like to say how sorry we feel for the family you recently reported on who were suffering harassment in their home. The report referred to the Spa Housing Association not taking action and moving them after they were threatened with physical violence

  • It's a model opportunity

    IT could be the start of a long and illustrious catwalk career if a Redditch teenager impresses judges with her modelling skills. Bethany Podmore, 13, of Webheath, has been picked as a regional finalist in a national modelling competition for clothes

  • A fitting tribute paid to Stuart

    THANK YOU - seems too little to say to all involved in the first football tournament in aid of the fund for the late Stuart Thompson. It was a superb tribute, one Stuart would have been very proud of. May we as a family say thank you to Mark, Dana and

  • Banking on volunteers

    Redditch Volunteer Bureau is helping to inspire a new generation of workers in a high-profile national campaign. The town branch is a TimePartner with TimeBank, a project promoting volunteering. The BBC is also supporting TimeBank Day on Wednesday, August

  • Will support stay?

    I AGREE with a recent letter about the Bannisters involvement with Bromsgrove Rovers FC and am sure that 1,000 or so voters against the Bannisters are now all rejoicing at the decision for them to go. I have spent many nights getting my prayer mat out

  • Causing more harm than good?

    IT was with some disquiet that I read the comments of Step Out Drop In Ltd (Registered Charity No. 1070687) in the Advertiser/Messenger recently. They say they became aware of the vandalism problem two weeks ago. It beggars belief that they did not notice

  • Access to surgery must be fair

    I WAS very sorry to read about poor Mr Hickie who has to wait 18 months for his knee replacement at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital. The wait for the operation is a consequence of restrictions placed on the admissions to the hospital by the Local Health

  • Great support for the marathon

    RUBERY'S half-marathon day has put the name of Rubery on the sporting map and helped support our neighbours, the Bournville Village Trust, to celebrate their centenary. We would like to thank the many who supported the event, the sponsors, our local traders

  • No jobs lost at car firm

    MORE than 50 workers at a Redditch firm have been assured of their jobs when the town's MG Rover franchise changes hands from Startin Rover to Clarks Motor Services. Clarks, which takes the franchise on Friday, said all 52 staff would be offered continued

  • Shootout for TA Sid

    A CHURCH Hill man who visited Wild Bill Hickok's town never dreamed he would take part in an authentic shoot-out. In 1995, Sid Atkinson, of Fairford Close, Church Hill North, befriended a group of cowboys at Irma's Saloon, named after Wild Bill's daughter

  • Party hope for charity

    A TOWN charity for the elderly hopes to hold its Christmas party this year after suspending it for two because of the cost. Age Concern, based at Community House, Easemore Road, has already started fund-raising so the event, which attracted more than

  • Village's facelift plan step nearer

    Ambitious plans to revamp Alvechurch village centre at a cost of up to £20,000 could be close to reality, writes melina Cannon. The proposals for Alvechurch precinct, which will be known as The Courtyard, have been in the pipeline for about a year and

  • Kim rises through probation ranks

    A ONE-TIME receptionist from the Worcestershire Probation Office has stepped up to the rank of probation service officer. After only two years, Kim Bromwell, 33, now works in the report centre at the Redditch Office of the West Mercia Probation Service

  • A sum not to Pooh Pooh

    REDDITCH children were amazed when Winnie the Pooh, Tigger and the Tweenies visited the Kingfisher Centre branch of Argos on Saturday. There was also face painting at the store and a raffle with prizes from Argos, Colorama, Cornish Connection and Druckers

  • Jobs safe after firm's sell-off

    WORKERS at Redditch-based Halfords have been assured no jobs will be lost in an AA buy-out, writes Julian Seva. The Boots-owned firm, with its headquarters on Icknield Street Drive, has sold 129 Halfords service centres for £5.75 million in a deal announced

  • CLUB LIQUIDATED IN HISTORIC DAY

    BROMSGROVE Rovers Football Club's 116-year history will be consigned to the record books today when Tom Herbert takes control of the Victoria Ground outfit. Mayfields Insolvency Practitioners administrator Andy Withers confirmed he had accepted the businessman's

  • Men charged with theft

    THIEVES made off with cash when they broke into gaming machines at an Evesham pub. Police were called to the Trumpet Inn in Merstow Green after reports that the front panels had been forcibly removed at about 9pm on Tuesday. Four men were later arrested

  • Deakin: 'Time and again facts weren't provided'

    THE chairman of Bromsgrove District Sports Council has launched a damning attack on the administrator running Rovers, writes CHRIS VAUGHAN. Athol Deakin broke his silence over the running of the club after attending an emergency meeting called by administrator

  • Husbands: We have to fight for everything

    BROMSGROVE Cricket Club captain Nick Husbands has told the town first team: fight to the bitter end. The St Godwald's Park quickie was speaking after his side went down to a four-wicket defeat at Birmingham and District Premier League Division One leaders

  • Winning streak is Hall about Rich

    A SUPERB second wicket stand of 178 between Richard Hall and Nick Boulton helped Barnt Green Cricket Club's First XI continue their fine form in a six wicket win over high flying Old Hill. Without a single Birmingham and District Premier League Premier

  • Write about magic place

    BUDDING poets from Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa who have wonderful memories of a magical place are being urged to put pen to paper. Publishers Poetry Now are searching for poems about places people have visited or hope to visit, which bring a sharp intake

  • Sutton Coldfield Town 1, Worcester City 0

    Tuesday, July 31, 2001 A SUPERB strike from Sutton Coldfield Town's Mark Bellingham condemned Worcester City to their second consecutive away defeat last night. Manager, John Barton, will have been relieved this was just a friendly because City were below