MP Jacqui Smith has called for extra help for some Redditch schools after the publication of primary school performance tables. The tables show Key Stage 2 figures for pupils attaining Level 4 and above for standards in English, maths and science. County
MORE than 80 children who were spoken to during a truancy sweep on Friday were out with their parents, it has been revealed. Six teams of education welfare officers together with police targeted the town centre and the three main supermarkets in Redditch
SWEET-toothed thieves stole 11 boxes of chocolates before detectives settled down for their annual Christmas party at a Worcester hotel. Kind-hearted coppers from Worcester's CID were going to raffle the chocolates to raise money for Acorns Children's
A PREGNANT woman and her young son had to be taken to hospital after they were in collision with a car outside a school. The incident has been described as "an accident waiting to happen" by a neighbour living opposite St Peter's First School, Droitwich
A WORCESTER pub at the centre of a battle for the right to serve metric drinks is set to receive an enforcement order from Trading Standards officers today. The Cardinal's Hat, an Austrian-theme pub in Friar Street, is to be visited by officers this afternoon
THE leader of Worcester City Council has urged residents to join the campaign to lobby Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott for more money. Earlier this month, the council found out that it was to receive the minimum central Government grant increase for
THE first race equality scheme designed to improve the quality of life for people from ethnic minorities has been launched in Malvern. Malvern Hills District Council is appealing for members of minority groups in the district to speak out about problems
ST PETER'S parish council has been asked to consider leading a scheme to open an ancient monument to the public. The site of Battenhall Manor estate is currently under discussion because Laing Homes wants to build 200 houses on the land. At a public inquiry
THE owner of an escaped owl is appealing to the public to help him find it before it meets a miserable end in the winter weather. The female barn owl, who answers to the name of Barny, went missing from a bird of prey rescue centre in Bransford on Sunday
PUPILS at a Worcester school turned their hall into an art gallery and sold their pictures to their parents. Youngsters at St George's RC Primary School made £200 for the school's coffers on Monday, when their framed pictures, produced throughout the
A MEMBER of the public called the police after seeing a Worcester man kissing and cuddling an 11-year-old girl. Kevin Austen, aged 34, appeared for sentence at Canterbury Crown Court after admitting one allegation of indecent assault and three charges
PEOPLE left high and dry in Worcester's waterless Diglis basin have been assured repair work to re-float their boats will begin in earnest today. British Waterways representatives met with around 20 concerned owners and dock workers yesterday after an
A FORMER friend to DJ Fatboy Slim is bringing an inspirational style of music to a Bromsgrove church. Paul Douglas is the new director of worship at New Song Community Church after leaving behind a life touring with celebrity chart toppers. The international
FESTIVE townsfolk can get into the Christmas spirit at a family carol concert this weekend. The Barnt Green Choral Society will be performing the show at South Bromsgrove High School on Saturday. The Charford Road school show will start at 7pm. For more
VOLUNTEER drivers are needed to help provide a lifeline to the elderly and infirm in the Malvern Hills area. The Community Car Service has been operating in the district since 1975, taking people over 70 who are unable to use public transport on medical
WORCESTER City Council's cabinet is to tell the county council it still opposes plans to move Christopher Whitehead School out of St John's. As part of the consultation process, the city council has been asked to comment on the plans to build a state-of-the-art
CABINET members at Worcester City Council have chosen the sites they would prefer for two new park-and-ride schemes. The council was asked to comment on the sites proposed by Worcestershire County Council, which will have the final say on where they are
ST PETER'S parish council has said it will have to "make the best of a bad job" over plans for a church, community centre and social housing development. But it will still challenge proposed changes to the Local Plan that would pave the way for a development
MEMBERS of a lunch club tucked into turkey and Christmas pudding when they met for their annual festive party. The Triangle Luncheon & Activity club is held at Worcester YMCA, St John's, each Tuesday from 11am till l.45pm. The club's name Triangle
ARTHRITIS RESEARCH CAMPAIGN: Pershore branch held their Christmas fair on Saturday, December 7 at Almonry Close, Abbey Road, Pershore. They had a surprise visit from Nick Barker, who is the recently elected area appeals manager. During his stay, Daphne
PARISH COUNCIL: The monthly meeting was held in King Georges Hall. Public Time: Mr B Lancaster spoke about a letter he had received from the School Trustees. He denied any knowledge of its content matter but it came to the notice of those present that
EVESHAM RAMBLERS: Mary Drake reports on a walk in the Clifton-on-Teme area: The weather at the start augured well - a typical November day, with frost on the ground, mist in the valleys and a hint of sun in the sky. We soon came to our first obstacle
PARISH COUNCIL: Neighbourhood Watch: PC Storr said volunteers were needed as Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators. There are no minimum/maximum numbers but one per street is ideal. Anyone wishing to become a co-ordinator should contact PC Storr on 01905
A FARMING all-rounder well known as a forward thinker within the industry has been elected new chairman of Worcestershire NFU. Andrew Goodman, who farms at Great Witley, in partnership with his brother and father, succeeded Michael Oakes at the annual
OUT AND ABOUT: The Christmas Fair at Bidford's new primary School on Saturday, December 7 was a great success, lots of produce to sell and games to play, including play your cards right, skittles, tombola and lots more. The highlight was being met at
LICKEY end players take a well-earned bow! Their hours of hard work, which began in September and culminated in four splendid performances of Jack and the Beanstalk, was well worth all the effort. Audiences spanning generations were thrilled as the large
DROITWICH Spa Hockey Club Men's First XI went to the bottom of the West Midlands Premier last Saturday after a 2-0 defeat at Evesham. Spa, who were trounced 9-4 by Wolverhampton in their previous game, have now won just two of the ten league fixtures
REDDITCH Council's decision to refuse a licence for the animal waste incinerator was good news for people in the Astwood Bank and Crabbs Cross areas. However, while all this has been going on, severe damage was being done to our environment within two
NOW the protesters in Astwood Bank have achieved some initial success in preventing the operation of the incinerator, may I ask you to focus the urgent attention of your readers on the increasingly desperate campaign of the Grangers Lane Action Group
DROITWICH Spa Hockey Club Ladies Second XI were held to a 1-1 home draw by Bromsgrove Seconds. Centre midfield Lorna Davidson, playing in goal, saved a good shot but Bromsgrove scored midway through the half. Kerry Venskus equalised for Droitwich three
WHILE his tone might lead you to think otherwise, Chris Habgood does not in fact speak for all Pagans in Redditch (Letters, December 11). Writing as an individual Pagan, I would like to say I consider it entirely unfair to blame Christianity for the commercialism
In reply to my good friend Mohammed Nasir's letter (Advertiser, December 11), I say this. Many have said wise words about many things in the past that have relevance today. The words are important to us, the speakers are gone or not with us and are no
December 20, 1902 THE death of Mr Robert S Bartleet means the severance of the few remaining local links uniting the early part of the 19th century with the early part of the 20th century. For the great part of the inhabitants of Redditch can only remember
December 16 1977. POLICE cordoned off a Redditch street because of the risk of an explosion as Green Goddess troops fought to put out a car blaze. Minutes earlier, motorist Mr Robin Cope had screeched to a halt and abandoned his Vauxhall Viva car in Littlewoods
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers' clash with promotion-chasing Bournemouth on Saturday, January 4, has been postponed due to the Cherries' FA Cup commitments. Bournemouth beat Southend 3-2 last night and will entertain Crewe in the third round on that date.
STRIKER Andy Bishop's loan has been extended for an extra month after two goals in his opening spell. Bishop has started two games and made two substitute appearances but was particularly impressive on his home debut in the last fixture with York. Despite
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers Ladies did well to hold on for three West Midlands League points on Sunday against a strong Fairfield team. Harriers got off to a great start when Emma Bowdler scored from 35 yards on just six minutes. They doubled their lead three
IT'S apt at Christmas time to pay tribute to City's Scrooge-like defence but nagging doubts persist at the other end of the pitch. John Barton's wheeling and dealing has forged the nucleus of a championship-winning team together - almost but not quite
MARKET traders have been granted a 20 per cent reduction in their December rent following crunch talks with Redditch Council chiefs on Thursday. The move came after traders slammed the new-purpose built market behind Debenhams, claiming sales had dropped
HEWELL Grange open prison near Redditch has been branded a 'transit camp' by its Board of Visitors - which is calling on the Home Secretary to rethink its role in the prison system. The board's annual report argues pressure on other jails and constant
Versatile Hinton began his career at right-back before reverting to a centre-half role during the Conference championship-winning season. The change of position proved the making of the former Birmingham City trainee who was once rated at £1 million and
A motorist lost five pints of blood and needed 39 stitches in a head wound after a banned driver lost control in Redditch. Antoni Bennett was "showing off" to his passengers and ignored a verbal warning to slow down for a bad bend. The Vauxhall Cavalier
A skip hire firm operator has been fined £4,500. John Sagar Adam Wood, who had been operating Lower Park Skip Hire at Weights Farm, Weights Lane, in Bordesley, pleaded guilty to nine charges of illegally treating, depositing and disposing of controlled
Rangy Ayres joined Harriers as a youth-team player from Walsall but progressed to the reserves after impressing at the heart of the defence. A big future is predicted for the youngster who signed a two-year deal and made his competitive debut in the tough
The third player signed by Ian Britton on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers this season, following Mark Clyde and John Melligan. Stocky six-foot defender Coleman, only just turned 20, has been a regular reserve teamer for Wolves but is yet to break into
After starting off as a trainee at Liverpool, Williams was released at the age of 19 to return to his native Wrexham. The Wales U-21 international played on-off for the Second Division club but made a good impression with many for his uncompromising style
Bennett was a then club record buy of £30,000 from rivals Bromsgrove Rovers in January 1999 and proved a goal-scoring menace to Conference opponents in the title-winning season. The ex-England semi-professional international signed a two-year deal at
Tall target-man who made an immediate impact with his aggression, spirit and goal-scoring on being signed for £50,000 from Peterborough in January 2001. Despite his disciplinary problems, Broughton is a first choice when fit and wins a lot of aerial challenges
REDDITCH town centre rota chemist is Carrington and Turner, Church Green West, open every day except Saturday and Sunday until 7pm. Knights Chemist, Evesham Road, Crabbs Cross, is open every Sunday between 10am-1pm and between 6-7pm. Also weekdays between
The Worcester-born teenager has worked his way through the youth set-up and reserves to get a handful of first-team chances. Showed enough with good movement and work-rate to earn a two-year deal at Harriers in the summer of 2001 but has had to patiently
A player with an impressive reputation in homeland Denmark, Henriksen signed a two-and-a-half year deal at Aggborough in February 2002. The flamboyant striker, who impressed in an initial three-month loan spell with an immaculate first touch, signed from
Has joined Harriers on loan for a month from Division One side Walsall to gain experience of first-team football. A prolific scorer in the youth teams at the Bescot Stadium, Bishop also found the net for the reserves this season but was yet to make his
REDDITCH Primary Care Trust (PCT) is still encouraging over-65s who have not had a flu jab to take up the free offer. Redditch GPs in will continue offering free jabs to over-65s until the end of December. Those with chronic heart, lung or kidney disease
HAIR and beauty students at Evesham College showed off their skills and talents when they competed in teams of three for the coveted annual award of Make Over of the Year. This year's theme, specially chosen by the students themselves, was Nursery Rhymes
TAX bills from Worcestershire County Council could go up by 15 per cent next year, putting £108 on a Band D property - to £835. The alternative in the light of the Government's new funding system is to slash plans to invest in services. The new grant
A NEW Mencap Home Support Scheme centre is opening in Redditch to offer people with learning disabilities the opportunity to live independent lives. Many people with severe learning difficulties are unable to cope with the everyday trials of life but
Neil Mason is included in the England Under 21 A squad to face their Welsh counterparts at Newbury today. Worcester Rugby Club's 20-year-old blindside flanker, a former Worcester Sixth Form College student, is the only non-Premiership player in the squad
WORCESTER City manager John Barton will be in talks with a Nationwide Conference club in the next week over a possible loan deal for a player. Barton remains hopeful of boosting his squad by Boxing Day for the trip to Newport County. The St George's Lane
Perdiswell Indoor Bowling Club's men bowed out of the Denny Cup, being beaten by Swindon Westlecot by 33 shots. Mike Griffiths was the pick of the Perdiswell skips making a 20-20 tie with Dave Snell, while Edric Vor-sterman went down by one shot (16-15
Commonwealth Games pole vault bronze medallist Irie Hill, from Hereford, finished her pre-season competitions with a win at an Interclub competition in Aberfeldie, Australia. She won from her training partner Cath Georgiou with 3.50m. Hill has been competing
RED Balloon Theatre Company is to perform The Colour Catcher at Arrow Vale Community High School this week. The Christmas family show, which takes place in the theatre, is the latest of the sell-out pantomime shows hosted by St Peter's Church, Ipsley.
BROMSGROVE RFC First XV make the long journey to County Durham-based Horden this Saturday for the Powergen Intermediate Cup fifth round looking to turn their season around. The Finstall Park side, who were beaten 61-6 at Luctonians last week, have only
A SPECIALLY designed flying magic carpet features in Birmingham Hippodrome's Christmas pantomime Aladdin, which opens on Saturday. The production also features an all-star cast, including Bobby Davro in the title role, Melinda Messenger as the Princess
Three star THE students either shine or have been completely outshone on the reality TV show and their album makes it all the more clear why. Even having followed the series, I would be hard pushed to remember the names of half the students if they weren't
Thursday, December 19 Dick Whittington, Festival Theatre, Malvern. Until January 12. Tickets from 01684 892277. Oasis, Birmingham NIA. Tickets from 0870 909 4144. City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra: Christmas Crackers, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, 7.30pm
THE English Symphony Orchestra is staging its Handel's Messiah by Candlelight concert at Malvern Theatres on Saturday. Featuring the Saint Michael's Singers of Coventry Cathedral, the concert begins at 7.30pm in the theatre's Forum. Singers include soprano
FANS of swing jazz will be treated to the sounds of their favourite music when Sticky Wicket and his Swingin' Little Band take the stage at Worcester's Huntingdon Hall tomorrow. The inspiration for numbers played by the band can be traced back to the
FESTIVE Frolics - a family concert in keeping with the season - is being presented by Malvern Hills District Brass Band at Huntingdon Hall, Worcester on Saturday. It is all in aid of a good cause too, with proceeds going to the County Air Ambulance. Guest
A CHRISTMAS concert by candlelight is being held at the Subscription Rooms, Stroud on Saturday. The Emerald Ensemble will perform festive music, including Handel's newly discovered Gloria, Vivaldi's Sopranino Concerto, with Imogen Triner, and Piazolla's
THE Ross Mitchell Band and Singers will provide the music and songs for a Christmas ball at Cheltenham Town Hall on Saturday. Tickets for the ball, which begins at 8pm, can be purchased on 01242 227979.
A CONCERT of Christmas music will be presented by this year's conductor of the Three Choirs Festival at Huntingdon Hall, Worcester tonight. Adrian Lucas, with the Worcester Cathedral Choir, appears in the Worcester Concert Club event. He is master of
THE threat to farmers of an increase in the price of red diesel fuel has been lifted. After a meeting in Brussels to discuss a new EU directive on the quality of petrol and diesel fuels, Dr Caroline Jackson, a Gloucestershire Conservative MEP, said: "
ORGANISERS of the Royal Show, Europe's largest agricultural exhibition, have signalled their continuation of the show's 160 years of support for innovation and quality in farm machinery by confirming the Machinery Awards will feature at next year's show
A MAJOR new organisation has been set up to combat financial, emotional and practical problems faced by people living in rural areas. The West Midlands Rural Stress Support Network will develop a co-ordinated approach between the different county rural
In the top of the table clash in Wednesday Division One of the E & E Worcester Friendly Skittle League, second-placed Morganite beat leaders New Raiders by 27 pins at the Saracen's Head. Star skittler of the night Dave Evans of Morganite opened the
DROITWICH Spa were beaten 3-2 with the last kick of the game at home to Fernhill County Sports. Kevin Blaber's side clawed their way back from 2-0 down at half time, dominated the second half but fell to Sports' last gasp free-kick in the Midland Combination
IT may have taken until the third minute of injury time for Nathan Jukes to rifle home his 25-yard winner but Bromsgrove Rovers can have few complaints at defeat. Gary Hackett and Jon Ford's side had the two best chances but were otherwise distinctly
FAIRFIELD Villa goalkeeper Malcolm Barnes pulled off two outstanding saves to help his side earn a 0-0 draw at Pilkington XXX. The Kings Norton-based side did all the early attacking but found Villa's defence in an uncompromising mood. Villa stopper Barnes
CHAWSON Old Boys thrashed a depleted Waseley United 8-2 in the Advertiser/Messenger Football League division one basement battle. Hat-tricks for Clive Wagstaff and Ian Bowman inflicted the damage while there was more hat-trick glory for both Andy Weatherall
FAIRFIELD Villa Ladies narrowly lost 2-1 at unbeaten Kidderminster Harriers Ladies. The hosts had much of the early play and went ahead after just seven minutes when a speculative shot from the half way line caught the Fairfield goalkeeper off her line
ASHLEY Read is confident after a successful one-week trial with West Bromwich Albion. The Bromsgrove Rovers striker spent last week training at The Hawthorns with youth coach Craig Shakespeare. Read, being monitored by the Premiership side, had to cut
Bromsgrove Town U7s 1 Holy Name U7s 2 (After Extra Time) Town crashed out of the Central Warwickshire Cup quarter-final on the golden goal rule. Man of the match Paddy Longden cleared off the line to keep it 0-0 at the break. Town, who also lost to Holy
THE coldest day of the year so far, Tuesday, December 10, did not deter 30 members of the Northfield Starlets Veterans braving the conditions to fish their latest event. The contest was held on Moorlands Farm's Bank, Meadow, Middle and Moors pools. Gordon
DEAR EDITOR - How correct was A.Reader (Dec 4 Letters) on the proposed increase in pensions next year. It will, as they stated, again be taken away by virtue of increased council tax. When will the Government really get to grips with the real world and
DEAR EDITOR - With regard to the recent story, 'Tough on temps' - Euro-MP and Michele Maries, of Wand Direct Recruitment services are against a new European Directive enhancing the conditions of temporary workers. It really has been tough on temps, considering
Sat July 20 Halesowen Harriers (a) 3-1 Mulders, Stanier, Dobson Sat July 27 Boldmere St Michaels (a) 1-4 Giddings Mon July 29 Stourbridge (h) 3-2 Giddings, Stanier, Fletcher Thurs Aug 1 Rushall Olympic (h) 2-3 Bailey, A Nicholls Sat Aug 3 Telford United
STRIKER Michael Moore will be back in training with Stourport Swifts tonight but boss Dave Titterton has ruled out a quick return to action. Titterton has a strong squad to select from for Saturday's game at home to Gloucester City and can afford to give
ANOTHER battle in the campaign to stop the M42 was lost this week. A High Court ruling in London removed one of the last obstacles to the proposed motorway. Protestors from Bromsgrove were dismayed to hear judge Sir Douglas Frank say: "There must come
WONDERFUL slides of alpine plants graced the screen at the meeting. Ian Nex was a lively speaker and surprised members with the diversity of alpines and how, unknowingly, we grow so many already. The programme for 2003 was read out and details of an outing
THE garden society was treated to a most entertaining evening at its November meeting, with a quiz and talk given by Pamela Smith - director of the University of Birmingham botanic garden at Winterbourne. Her talk entitled "The Gardeners' Arms - A Pub
WYCHBOLD horticultural society's annual meeting was held on Tuesday October 15 in Wychbold village hall. Dr Elizabeth, chairman, soon got business under way, secretary Evelyn Phillips read the minutes of last year's meeting, and treasurer David Rea presented
THE president, Mrs Audrey Bright, welcomed members. Those who attended enjoyed the group meeting at Hanbury. The one next March will be at Stoke Prior. The secretary, Mrs Betty Gibbs, read a letter about two scams in the area and warned members not to
MAUREEN Smith, the president, welcomed members to the meeting, including our visitor Jenny and Greta Mitchell, a WI adviser who had come to supervise the AGM. Notice was given of the carol service in the United Reformed Church. Invitations for two members
The club held its AGM last week. There was also a photographic competition to round off the evening, together with members' slides. As a club, it has been another very successful year, with some excellent speakers, as well as some super days out in the
President Sue Kirby welcomed members and visitors to the AGM. The minutes of the last meeting and notices were read by Secretary Marge Colvin. Sue gave her report telling how some members attended the group meeting at Catshill. The invitation from the
A VERY happy group met at the Ladybird Inn for their Christmas party. The party spirit took over with the exchange and delivering of Christmas cards - business matters were ignored as being of secondary importance on party night! Games were played, prizes
PEOPLE often refer to the fact that Britain is the world's fourth largest economy. Some seem to be bragging about this. However, the UK's elevated position in the world economic league is largely due to financial services, retail and tourism. Manufacturing
THE society welcomed Joyce Pinfield, whose demonstration was entitled Friends at Christmas, in which she demonstrated six beautiful arrangements with a Christmas theme and gave everyone plenty of good ideas for their own Christmas designs. The next meeting
THE chairman and members of Powick and Callow End Branch of Royal British Legion wish to express their sincere thanks to the residents of the local communities for their continued generosity and kind support for this year's Poppy Appeal. Collections in
MARY Fairbairn, the President, welcomed members who joined together in the singing Jerusalem. Lyn Jones read the minutes of the last meeting and they were duly approved and signed. The new committee has had its first meeting and Mary confirmed officers
I DO not agree that the county game is to blame for England's failure in Australia. The players appear to lack the desire to play well for England. I don't see how the Australians can be any more difficult than the West Indies were in their prime. We
A CHEERFUL group met in the Ladybird Inn and enjoyed a tasty meal of ham with parsley sauce followed by treacle pudding and custard! After a few announcements had been made and the loyal toast drunk, the speaker was introduced - Mrs Doreen Bishop - on
DOCTORS in Bromsgrove fear patients face a bleak New Year as health chiefs wrestle with having to pay off mounting debts while struggling to provide services, it emerged this week. Bromsgrove's MP, Julie Kirkbride, says a few days ago she met representatives
PUPILS at Tardebigge First School, Church Lane, have been decorating a Christmas tree with food for birds. The children have been making and decorating the food at home and bringing them in to hang on the tree as part of a competition. The decorations
A GIANT oak tree is casting a dark shadow over a family's dream home. The 60ft tall tree towers over Michael Logan's £200,000 Soranto Road house, on new Bromsgrove estate, Oakalls. He fears it poses a threat in bad weather and strong winds. And the insurance
ANGRY townsfolk are mounting a demonstration against moves to shut a cash-strapped care home for the elderly. Armed with banners and placards, relatives of Blackmore House residents will march by torchlight through the streets of Bromsgrove on Friday
A BROMSGROVE hairdresser has been chosen to style the hair of up and coming stars by a top recording company. Alberto Policarpo, of Alberto's Hair Salon, Worcester Road, Bromsgrove has styled the hair of Natalie Clarke, a finalist in 'Pop Stars: The Rivals
NOTHING could be finer for a couple from Carolina than to be in Bromsgrove. Youth workers David and Kris Loomis have arrived at the NewSong Community Church in Broad Street after a survey showed activities for young people were a priority in the town.
BROMSGROVE folk aged over 65 or in vulnerable risk groups are reminded this week that it's still not too late to get a free flu jab. They will help protect against an illness that can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, or even kill. "So far
Bromsgrove couple Nora and Frank Minett celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary last week. The couple, who live in Maund Close, Charford, were married in 1942 but were unable to enjoy married life together until 1945, when Frank completed his three
A BROMSGROVE Bobby has won a prestigious award recognising his outstanding work for the force. PC Greg Moorman, who pounds the Charford beat, has been in the West Mercia Constabulary for two years. On Friday at the force's annual awards ceremony, Greg
WHEN Meriel Hayes moved house she made an incredible discovery. At the back of a cupboard, covered in dust and untouched for years she found a battered box containing more than 150 letters written in the latter years of the 1800s to her future grandmother
MUSICALLY minded tots in Bromsgrove were put to the test in a pop quiz, which was played on a morning radio show. Youngsters at Finstall First School enjoyed a visit from Heart FM breakfast DJ Tushar, who quizzed them on all the latest chart music for
GREEN-thinking civic leaders are rolling out new recycling and rubbish collection services that could be too good to 'refuse'. Droitwich Spa residents are being urged to help Wychavon District Council cut down on waste by supporting the 2003 initiatives
THE mastermind of a plot to swindle insurance companies was jailed and his girlfriend ordered to pay over £22,000 compensation when they appeared at Worcester Crown Court. Alan Wood, a former British Leyland worker with detailed knowledge of the motor
A BRAVE Hampton Lovett woman went to new heights to conquer her worst fear when she visited a sick relative. Jennifer Fletcher is petrified of flying and until this year had never travelled out of the country by air. But when her older sister Rosemary
BROMSGROVE Swimming Club finished fourth among strong opposition in the third and final round of the Speedo League. With many swimmers achieving third place and some photo finishes, Bromsgrove came home 18 points behind third place Leighton Buzzard last
VILLAGERS have rallied round an Eckington woman who was held at knifepoint while criminals stole her children's Christmas presents. Victoria Cheney was threatened and forced to watch her children's gifts and various electrical goods being stolen after
THE Christmas and New Year period is not only one of the most hectic of the football calendar but also the most important. It can shape the rest of your season depending on how well you do so while everyone can relax and enjoy themselves we have to keep
A BIDFORD resident has gone Christmas light crazy this year. Juan Adie, of Saxon Fields, has spent about £700 on his light collection this year and hopes to do it for charity in the future. The amazing display includes a life-size snowman and animated
SCALLYWAGS pre-school children have got in the Christmas spirit with a traditional nativity play. After weeks of rehearsing, the tots were ready for their first show at the Baptist Church.
ALCESTER Infants School children have been in the Christmas party mood. The pupils put on an 'It's a Party' show for other town youngsters and their parents.
MORE than 120 firefighters battled for almost five hours with a massive blaze at a Redditch oil processing plant. It was the biggest fire the brigade has dealt with since the town's Tesco blaze in August 2001. Flames and smoke erupted from Claymore Lubricants
WORCESTER Rugby Club have swooped to sign Wasps' Will Wigram after learning that David Officer could be out until February. The centre, who is comfortable at inside or outside, was released from the Premiership side last week and jumped at the chance
POLICE and social services are becoming increasingly concerned for the health and safety of six missing Redditch children. Worcestershire Social Services applied for an emergency protection order for Matthew, 14, Stacey, 11, Ashley, eight, Jasmine, two
THE oldest woman in Redditch has died peacefully in a nursing home at the age of 106. Ellen Duggins was a resident at The Cedars Nursing Home at the time of her death but had lived at St David's House, in Batchley, for 36 years. She was born in September
Formed: 1886 Chairman: Colin Youngjohns. Vice-Chairman: Barry Norgrove. Company Secretary: Richard Painter. Associate director: John Baldwin. Chief Executive: Neil Morris. Football Secretary/Stadium Manager: Roger Barlow. Matchday Secretary: Dave Colwell
WORCESTER City manager John Barton will be in talks with a Nationwide Conference club in the next week over a possible loan deal for a player. Barton remains hopeful of boosting his squad by Boxing Day for the trip to Newport County. The St George's Lane
NOVEMBER 26 saw the society's annual slide competition. First was Ray Davis, with Len Stockall second and Jim Farquhar third. Best nature slide was won by Ray Davis, best portrait Jason Lycett and best landscape Robin Jeffs. On December 3, there was a
BY way of a change and as an aid to raising funds, a Biblical bring-and buy-was held during the meeting on November 25. This concept originated in the Home and Family, the Mothers' Union quarterly publication. Each member chose a text from the Bible and
BIG-hearted Brownies have saved up their pocket money to buy gifts for homeless people. Studley 2nd Brownies bought items, including thermal socks, hats, gloves and scarves, toiletries, chocolates, toothbrushes, hairbrushes and biscuits, which were presented
AT the meeting on November 29, Ron Swift, a professional photographer, told how the development of Bromsgrove could be traced through the history of roads and railways in the area. He spoke about the road network in England from Roman times until the
ALVECHURCH Parish Council is calling for telecommunications giant BT to review the provision of public payphones in the village. Parish Council clerk Gill Lungley said there were now no payphones left in Alvechurch after one was removed by BT because
A SOFT furnishings retailer is donating hundreds of pounds worth of products to a Worcester hospice. The recently refurbished Rosebys, on Blackpole Retail Park, Worcester, is giving St Richard's Hospice home furnishings to celebrate the reopening of the
WORCESTER Co-op shoppers are in for a cracking Christmas this year thanks to a bumper £180,000 payout to Dividend cardholders. Community projects will also benefit by more than £5,000 thanks to the gifts of generous cardholders who have shopped at stores
STAFF at a Worcestershire company have been elevated to dizzy heights with the firm's latest contract. Glass Fibres UK, based in Pinvin, near Pershore, has secured a contract to install fan covers in the extraction tunnels which service the Blackwall
REDDITCH'S 'Wurlitzer wonder' has proved his world-class abilities on the theatre organ by winning the ultimate international award. Adam Evans, 16, has just returned from San Francisco, where he was awarded the top title in the International Young Theatre
SCORES of shoppers popped in for a peek at Redditch's first adult shop when it opened its doors on Unicorn Hill on Friday. Bosses at Lovejoys were pleased with the reception from customers.
MANY homes in Cookhill and Astwood Bank were left without electricity for several hours as temperatures dropped last week. Aquila, formerly GPU, told residents in 89 houses their electricity would be off from first thing in the morning last Wednesday.
Well, Mr Powell (Evesham United Football Club's EUFC Agent), has finally acknowledged facts in his letter Evesham Journal 5th December 2002. He admits EUFC did not have the support of Prince Henrys High School, as claimed - they did not have the support
YOUNGSTERS at Feckenham First School entertained packed audiences last week with their Christmas productions. Younger children performed a musical called Christmas Rhyme while the older children performed the Hans Christian Andersen classic Little Match
MAY I please, through the columns of your newspaper, thank the 326 people who on Thursday last stopped in Bridge Street to sign our petition in protest against the possible demolition of our Shakespeare Memorial Theatre. Considering the atrocious weather
CAMPAIGNERS battling to stop an animal carcass incinerator going ahead in Astwood Bank have been given a boost after plans to revamp the site were withdrawn. An application to build a refrigeration unit and improved staff facilities on the site were set
THE first students to take part in a pioneering scheme aimed at providing comprehensive retail training to unemployed residents have almost completed their courses. Redditch is one of five places in the UK to pilot the Government funded project Ambition
SOUND proofing problems are threatening to close a Worcester skate park, bankrupting the owners and turning hundreds of skaters back on to the streets. Two months after opening RampAge in a converted Orchard Street warehouse, Chris and Gabrielle Buckland
A SERVING soldier has been cleared of four sex offences on the day he was due to stand trial at Worcester Crown Court. Judge David McEvoy QC ruled that video evidence, which the prosecution wanted to put before a jury, was inadmissible. Ashley Davis,
A DISTRAUGHT owner whose tortoiseshell cat was whisked off to Cats Protection after being mistaken for a stray was horrified to find she has gone missing from her foster home. Steve Bury says he has been on a wild goose chase since Missy's disappearance
CHRISTMAS treats were the order of the day at the annual Evening News film show for senior citizens. This year, senior citizens saw the 2002 film version of Oscar Wilde classic The Importance of Being Earnest, with an all-star cast including Dame Judi
AN Aladdin's' Cave of £10,000 worth of stolen items seized after arrests will be on display today at Malvern police station. The haul of stolen property from the Malvern area includes jewellery, televisions, playStations, electrical items and other games
WORCESTERSHIRE has bucked a national trend and increased its level of manufacturing industry employment, according to a new survey published this week. And the county is the fourth most expensive area for average house prices in the West Midlands region
A PROMISING Bromsgrove musician will take to the stage in Stourbridge tomorrow night. Twenty-one year old Will Hunt will appear alongside his cousin Miles Hunt, formerly of The Wonderstuff at the Rock Caf 2000. Will has enjoyed a busy year, apart from
A MUCH-loved wife and mother has died after a collision with a car in Kidderminster. Police believe Shirley Royle was attempting to cross the A451 Stourport Road, close to the Foley Fish Bar, when she was in collision with a Renault Megane Scenic. The
STREET lights are going green after a council switched parts of its power supply to renewable sources. Since the beginning of November, 10 per cent of electricity used to power Hereford's street lights has come from renewable sources. The target was set
THE Royal British Legion could fall apart if membership does not improve, the secretary of the Barnards Green branch has warned. Noel Daw is appealing for new members to join the Malvern group, which meets at the Langland Stadium on the second Tuesday
CHRISTMAS is here once again and local country music fans can look forward to an extra special end of season show. The End of the Trail Country Music Club in Droitwich Spa has invited George Moody and The Country Squires to perform at their last show
RECORDS of Worcestershire's history are in demand around the world, according to figures released by the Government-backed Access to Archives website. The website has compiled a top 40 of its most searched catalogues during October and November, and those
OPERATIC SOCIETY: Christmas Concert - Bring us some figgy pudding -- was the happy finale of the Stratford Operatic Christmas Concert at the Town Hall on December 11. Wine and mince pies during the interval, set the scene for a wonderful start to the
BROMSGROVE Rovers go into their hectic Christmas schedule top of the Dr Martens Western on goal difference - thanks to an unlikely early Christmas gift from bitter enemies Redditch United. Rovers' 1-0 loss in the 93rd minute at Evesham United last Saturday
PARISH COUNCIL: The chairman will be retiring on May 1, the date of the local elections. The clerk will be retiring at the annual meeting. At a meeting of the parish council the contract for the new clerk was agreed. Mr Guy Heitmann will take over on
PERSHORE ABBEY: On Saturday there will be an afternoon concert starting at 2.30pm and an evening concert at 7.30pm. There will be audience participation during a seasonal programme with Cambrian Brass and also the Ceremony of Carols (Benjamin Britten)
As Chairman of Wyre Piddle Parish Council, I must correct the errors in Sue Taylor's note of last week. A considerable majority of the village is in favour of closure of the Eastern bridge, that is with access for emergency vehicles and public transport
The town's Sure Start service, which provides support to families with young children, is organising a trip to the Severn Valley Railway tomorrow. The service is also planning many more activities in the new year. Anyone expecting a child or who has children
WHEN the outdoor market moved into Church Green, the atmosphere as we approached the Kingfisher Centre was lifted almost beyond belief. It was a pleasure to walk past the stalls, looking at the variety of goods on display and sometimes making a purchase
THE Rev D Vaughan may be interested to learn of the reply I received from the Kingfisher Centre management regarding the lack of a nativity scene in the town (Letters, December 4): "We (the management) are usually approached by the local church regarding
l I WAS so pleased to see the letter from the Rev Vaughan explaining why we celebrate Christmas. I was beginning to wonder if anyone knew as while I was sitting in the Kingfisher Centre, it seemed that Thornfield thinks it is either something to do with
AFTER some weeks being closed with a notice on the door saying a maintenance engineer had been sent for, male passengers using the bus station will be RELIEVED to know the gents' toilet is now open at last. Alan Bradley Southcrest Road Lodge Park
MAY I take this opportunity to thank the staff and governors of Trinity High School for arranging the presentation of my woodwork prize last week (Advertiser, December 11). Although 42 years late, the magnificent inscribed silver cup was well worth waiting
I JUST had to write regarding members of the public not having any thought for people using mobility scooters. I have recently had a hernia operation and consequently I am having difficulty walking too far without suffering a great deal of pain. So, because
A REAL dilemma is facing the environmental health watchdogs at Worcester City Council. They have received complaints about the noise generated at the RampAge skate park, opened two months ago in a converted warehouse in Orchard Street. Anyone who has
WHERE are all the Wythall people on Saturday evenings? In November, a group of actors put invitations in letter boxes and advertised their murder mystery play, to be held in the Village Institute. Wonderful, we thought, no buses or trains to get and most
December 19, 1952 ABOUT £660 has now been raised by parishioners of Ipsley towards the £1,500 needed for the restoration of the tower of St Peter's Church. Last week's Christmas fair and social held in the church hall on Wednesday realised £25 for the
ONE of Kidderminster Harriers' Conference-winning heroes has switched clubs. Former Harriers skipper Ian Clarkson has moved into the Dr Martens League to join Stafford Rangers from Nuneaton Borough. The 32-year-old right-back, who started his career at
AN employee called out after a firm's alarm sounded was shocked to see the company's recovery truck being driven towards him by a stranger. Derek Glover, who worked at Motor Services in Hewell Road, Redditch, followed the truck in his car to the M42 motorway
A NUMBER of elderly residents in Greenlands have been given security advice by police to try to prevent them becoming the victims of distraction burglaries. The news comes after a handbag containing a large sum of money was stolen from a 77-year-old woman
A REDDITCH woman who was stuck in a queue of traffic at a busy island on the A46 near Warwick was killed when another car drove into the back of hers at up to 80mph. But the other driver escaped going to jail after a judge at Warwick Crown Court heard
Another Mr Versatile, long-serving Smith signed for Harriers in 1997 for £19,000 from non-league rivals Bromsgrove Rovers. Smith's performances in non-league earned him three caps for the England semi-professional team as well as a Nationwide Conference
A family is devastated after thieves stole £600 worth of decorations from their front garden. The home, in Peterbrook Close, Oakenshaw, was targeted between 11.30pm last Monday and 6.30am the next day. An 8ft Father Christmas, a reindeer with a sleigh
The son of former England goalkeeping legend Peter spent two seasons at Hartlepool before his free transfer move to Third Division opposition Harriers. An attacking midfielder who also filled in at wing-back, he moved from Plymouth Argyle to Coventry
Dubliner Doyle began his career back in his native Ireland with Cherry Orchard before being snapped up by Premiership Coventry City for a nominal fee in 1998. However, he was mainly confined to academy football and a trial spell with Harriers earned him
Summer signing Parrish has enjoyed three promotions before from Division Three, twice with Northampton Town and once with Chesterfield. The competitive left-footed midfielder with an eye for goal turned down a one-year deal with Chesterfield to sign for
Vastly-experienced Flynn took over the captaincy in Mark Blake's absence after putting pen to paper on a year's deal before the first league game with Lincoln. The influential central or right-sided midfielder is known for his tough tackling and will
Signed on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, the creative Dublin-born playmaker has made a good impression and extended his deal for a second month. Restricted to reserve appearances at the Division One club, his manager Dave Jones wanted Melligan to
The youngest player to earn a professional deal at Aggborough and the reason was 52 goals with Coventry-based non-leaguers Marconi in 2000/01. A player with the potential to become the next Lee Hughes, Lewis signed a three-year contract, scoring goals
DROITWICH Spa-based England cricketer Ashley Giles has been ruled out of a return Down Under for the remainder of England's disastrous Ashes tour. It was hoped that Giles, who suffered a broken wrist before the Second Test, would be ready for the Fourth
Redditch people are being asked to give the perfect Christmas present - by giving blood and saving a life. The National Blood Service said Christmas and the new year were crucial collection times. The next session will be on Friday at St Luke's Memorial
PATIENTS and staff at the Primrose Hospice are celebrating after being chosen as Debenhams first Charity of the Year. Redditch's Debenhams store will form its own charity committee, which will organise fund-raising events and activities throughout the
WORCESTER Rugby Club have swooped to sign Wasps' Will Wigram after learning that David Officer could be out until February. The centre, who is comfortable at inside or outside, was released from the Premiership side last week and jumped at the chance
THE Rugby Football Union have announced what the Evening News told you exclusively last Thursday - that they will be holding an independent inquiry into the Premier Rugby scandal. Worcester Rugby Club chairman Cecil Duckworth last week handed in information
Striker Andy Bishop has had his loan spell with Kidderminster Harriers extended for a further month. The 20-year-old has notched two goals during his first month for Harriers which ended on Saturday when he scored in a 2-1 home defeat against York City
Mountinneers moved five points clear at the top of division three of the Birdseye Sports Evesham Sunday League with victory in their top-of-the-table clash at Defford and Besford United. The Mount led at the interval with goals from Page and Reid and
REDDITCH'S MP visited Royal Mail's Redditch delivery office on Monday to greet the people who are delivering Christmas cheer to the town. Jacqui Smith had an early start in order to meet delivery office manager Paul Jones and some of the 158 postmen and
DROITWICH Spa RFC First XV made it six wins in seven Midlands Four West (South) games with a 29-8 victory at basement side Coventry Welsh. Spa put in another impressive performance last Saturday to end 2002 on a winning note before the next league fixture
BROMSGROVE RFC First XV conceded 11 tries in slumping to their heaviest defeat of the season with a 61-6 defeat at rivals Luctonians. Bromsgrove expected a difficult afternoon last Saturday and within ten minutes of the start and 12 points adrift, their
THE Christmas spirit is set to continue well into the new year at the Malvern Theatres when Wynward Browne's The Holly and the Ivy opens the new season on Tuesday, January 14 for a five-night run. This beautiful winter drama features Tony Britton, who
Stourbridge U9s 0 Droitwich Spa U9s 25 Sam Grove and Josh Skinner got two tries each and Dan Mara scored his first try of the season in an excellent Spa performance. Man of the match was Zoe Selvey. Stourbridge U9s 20 Droitwich Spa U9s 5 James Squire
THE English Symphony Orchestra is set to mark the 70th anniversary of Worcestershire composer Sir Edward Elgar's death by staging a festival in 2004. HRH the Prince of Wales has agreed to be patron and Birmingham International Airport will be the title
Vandalism and anti-social behaviour has failed to stop travel companies battling it out to take over a number of routes due to be axed by the town's main bus firm in January. Last month, bosses at First announced they were withdrawing scores of routes
THE festive mood will be prolonged at Malvern Theatres with The Holly and the Ivy starring Tony Britton. The winter drama is set in a climate ripe for family squabbles and revelations and is the first production in the new season, which runs until April
AN antiques fair is being held at Westonbirt School, Tetbury on Saturday and Sunday. There will be a festive flavour to the event, which takes place between 11am and 5pm on both days. There is an admission charge. An estimated 50 exhibitors are set to
Three star IT would be far too easy to dismiss a band of ten-strong teenage types as another teen fad lacking any musical merit or talent. But, despite doing little to push back the boundaries of music, they are at least more talented than S Club Juniors
Three star FUNNY man and part time singer Jack Black plays Hal, a man who spends most of his time looking for a perfect partner. Living up to his dad's dying wishes Hal only tries to pull beautiful women and those far beyond his short, stubby reach. Until
Five star NINETY minutes of pure escapism would probably be the best way to describe this excellent film. Hugh Grant plays Will, the Peter Pan of the modern day. A complete inability to grow up, form any kind of serious relationship and an obsession with
Three star YOU can chose your friends but you can't chose your family. No film has perhaps put this point across better than The Royal Tenenbaums. Three children, Chas, Richie and Margot seem to have it all in their early years. The one son is a junior
Three star WITH an A-list cast and taken from the bestselling book by Annie Proulx, this has all the ingredients of being a top-rate film. Sadly, because of a meandering plot which goes a little too slowly for today's audiences with attention spans the
A PALM court Christmas party puts a different spin on the festive season at the CBSO Centre in Birmingham tomorrow. The 1920s-style event is the Berkley Salon Ensemble's third annual extravaganza and will include seasonal favourites, memorable melodies
JOHNNY Coppin presents his Country Christmas show at Cheltenham Town Hall tonight. The singer-songwriter includes a mix of traditional carols, new songs and funny stories among his repertoire. The show begins at 8pm and tickets are available on 01242
WORCESTER Cathedral stages Christmas events from Saturday to Monday. There will be carol services with the Cathedral choir at 7.30pm on Saturday and Monday, with a presentation of Christmas in words and music, with the Cathedral voluntary choir at 6.30pm
At the halfway stage of the season each of the four divisions of the Worcester and District Skittle League have clear leaders. Budgies lead Division One by two points from Warlords. In Division Two Scaplehorns are three points clear, while Robins and
BROMSGROVE Rovers go into their hectic Christmas schedule top of the Dr Martens Western on goal difference - thanks to an unlikely early Christmas gift from bitter enemies Redditch United. Rovers' 1-0 loss in the 93rd minute at Evesham United last Saturday
BARNT Green Spartak missed the strike power of Reckey Carter as they drew 1-1 at West Hagley. Carter, top scorer this season with 19 goals, was missing with a knee injury. The former Bromsgrove Rovers striker will have treatment on his knee this week
REDDITCH and South Warwickshire Combination results. Central Sports Terry Cup Second Round - Wychbold RBL 4 (Hains, Maycroft, Clemance, Talbot) D and K Europe 2 (Stanford two); Hymatic/Allendale 4 (Bartlett, Webber, Rowell, Sanders) Studley Sporting 2
CSRF: The Christmas lunch held on December 10 at the Round of Gras at Badsey was a great success and a happy occasion for the 34 members present. Plenty of time for drinks before enjoying the excellent meal served in festive surroundings. After coffee
DEAR EDITOR - I have to reply to A Reader of Pennine Road, who has unfortunately been very misguided over the firefighters dispute. We joined the service knowing the conditions and wages, however very few look at it as a job, many see it as a career of
DEAR EDITOR - I feel it is important to make the residents of Bromsgrove aware - particularly at this time of the year - of the existence of Bromsgrove and District Credit Union. Anyone can join the Credit Union, the important fact is that when you have
DEAR EDITOR - Responding to the recent story - 'Call for wildlife survey' - I moved from a part of the Black Country three years ago and now live in Bromsgrove. At my previous address I felt privileged to have the River Stour at the bottom of the garden
A FIREMAN had to be lowered down the face of a cliff in Leach Green Lane, Rednal, to rescue a dog trapped on a ledge. The animal, which was none the worse for its ordeal, belonged to Mr Johnson from Leach Heath Lane. THE death occurred of well-known Bromsgrove
FIGURES obtained from last year's census revealed that far from being dead the handmade nailing trade in Bromsgrove still employed 964, people split equally between men and women. However, these figures served to highlight the industry was in decline
THE Christmas meeting on Tuesday December, 3 began with a hearty rendition of Jerusalem. The male voices of the evening's entertainers Dentith and Price, gave added depth to the occasion. Members donated a lovely selection of gifts for the Women's Refuge
THE guest speaker had to cancel her visit at the last moment. However, with so many interesting and well qualified members of so many different professions in the club, one member, Miss Diana Fletcher, immediately volunteered to speak about her work and
THE speaker at this meeting was Miss Dickens, who spoke about her 30 years as a magistrate. She gave an extremely informative and interesting account, with keen sense of humour. The programme of dinner/speaker meetings is all arranged for next year, due
Members were entertained to an evening of music, singing and sketches by fellow members. The evening began with president Barbara Maskell welcoming everyone and announcing forthcoming events, which included a visiting tutor Pam Harrison - an expert on
Wednesday December 18 Show: Clever Polly and the Stupid Wolf Again, Belgrade Theatre, Belgrade Square, Coventry. Until Saturday December 21. Rock: Quill, The Hunters Moon, Coleshill Road, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham. Rock: Three Blind Mice, Robin RnB
THE president welcomed VCO Christine Hickman Smith to conduct our AGM. The minutes were read and the usual business matters dealt with. The visit to Birmingham Hippodrome was greatly enjoyed. Members were reminded about Christmas lunch at Droitwich Golf
I WRITE in response to the letter headed "We're the laughing stock of the world" by Des Bradley (You Say, December 5). Mr Bradley gives a very false impression of asylum seekers and their plight. The benefit they receive is fixed at around 70 per cent
WE are often told that English is a living language. This is understandable and I'm sure we can all accept that, like other living things, it is bound to grow. However, I believe we should encourage it to grow straight and true, as we would a child, and
A CHEERFUL group met in the Ladybird Inn and enjoyed a tasty meal of ham with parsley sauce followed by treacle pudding and custard! After a few announcements had been made and the loyal toast drunk, the speaker was introduced - Mrs Doreen Bishop - on
WHEN I was a young, keen member of the Labour Party, one of its central tenets was the notion of a more equitable distribution of wealth income. When taxed at the 2001 General Election concerning the widening gap between rich and poor, Tony Blair opined
A CHEERFUL group met in the Ladybird Inn and enjoyed a tasty meal of ham with parsley sauce followed by treacle pudding and custard! After a few announcements had been made and the loyal toast drunk, the speaker was introduced - Mrs Doreen Bishop - on
A TEENAGE girl found all her Christmases came at once when she won a competition to meet Pop Idol, Gareth Gates, in London. Laura Jones, of Fallowfields Close, Sidemoor, won the competition to design a Christmas card for Gareth Gates on the BBC's The
BROMSGROVE firefighters were called out to help tackle a blaze at an oil storage depot in Redditch on Monday morning. Firecrews from Bromsgrove and Redditch were among firefighters from three counties called to an oil storage depot in Heming Road, Matchborough
SCHOOLS in Bromsgrove are being targeted as fire chiefs aim to stamp out arson attacks. Almost half of the blazes in the Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade area were started deliberately, a report to a meeting of the Combined Fire Authority says. The
ASYLUM seekers in the Bromsgrove area have been given a new manager to deal with any social care problems. Sue Dale has been appointed as one of three locality managers by Worcestershire County Council's social services department in a bid to strengthen
THE relationship between Britain and Africa over the course of six generations is traced in a landmark exhibition - Encounters with Africa - at Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum until February 16. Among exhibits will be carved wooden figures and baskets
A HI-TECH scalpel has put Alexandra Hospital at the cutting edge of health care thanks to a donation from the League of Friends. The theatre department was given a £22,000 donation to buy a state-of-the-art UltraCision Harmonic Scalpel, which can be used
A RETIRED Bromsgrove GP has put pen to paper finally telling his story of the Lockerbie disaster, which happened 14 years ago on Saturday. Dr Jim Swire has written a compelling new book about the bombing. Aeroplane Pan Am 103 was bombed over the Scottish
KEEN readers from the Spa barely lifted their noses between chapters during a money-spinning sponsored book read. Bookworms at St Joseph's RC Primary School, in Ombersley Way, were inspired to take on the chapter challenge when Dr Barrie Wade paid a visit
Striker Andy Bishop has had his loan spell with Kidderminster Harriers extended for a further month. The 20-year-old has notched two goals during his first month for Harriers which ended on Saturday when he scored in a 2-1 home defeat against York City
RESIDENTS with strong opinions about future developments in Droitwich Spa are being given new rights to speak out. The silence has been lifted at Wychavon District Council's development control and licensing committee meetings. A change to rules means
BARNT Green A and West Midlands Phones B fought out the closest game of the week in division one of the Bromsgrove and Redditch Table Tennis League. Green scraped home 6-4 with Jason McFaul and Ian Scott both winning twice. McFaul and Scott then teamed
THERE is more trouble ahead for Alcester in Bloom after Stratford Council announced plans to trim back on cutting grass verges across the whole district. In yet another blow for In Bloom, the district council is reducing its 13 annual cuts to just nine
THE action group campaigning for a new campus for Alcester High School is still hopeful of success, despite a warning about lack of funding from the county council. Warwickshire County Council said it would be unable to fund a project the size of Alcester
ALCESTER'S branch of the Royal British Legion has broken its own record by raising more than £10,000 for this year's Poppy Appeal. This year, the Alcester branch organised trips, lunches, displays and a slide show which was attended by more than a hundred
THE Rugby Football Union have announced what the Evening News told you exclusively last Thursday - that they will be holding an independent inquiry into the Premier Rugby scandal. Worcester Rugby Club chairman Cecil Duckworth last week handed in information
Neil Mason is included in the England Under 21 A squad to face their Welsh counterparts at Newbury today. Worcester Rugby Club's 20-year-old blindside flanker, a former Worcester Sixth Form College student, is the only non-Premiership player in the squad
Sat July 13 Stratford Town (a) 1-1 Lewis Mon July 15 Evesham United (a) 4-0 Ducros, Broughton, Corbett, Shilton Fri July 19 Reading (h) 2-4 Broughton, Henriksen Sun July 21 Solihull Borough (a) 3-4 Shilton, Foster (pen), Corbett Wed July 24 Wolverhampton
SECURITY guards have had to be drafted in following serious vandalism at Studley Leisure Centre since it closed for repairs. Vandals have left graffiti, damaged windows, ripped out a lightning conductor and even used tools to try to remove doors. The
STOKE Pound quad bike racer Murray Boss has been crowned a British champion at his first attempt. Boss, of Copyholt Lane, has won the Over 40s class of the British Quad Enduro Championships in his debut year, ahead of nearly 50 other riders from across
Bromsgrove Town U7s 1 Holy Name U7s 2 (After Extra Time) Town crashed out of the Central Warwickshire Cup quarter-final on the golden goal rule. Man of the match Paddy Longden cleared off the line to keep it 0-0 at the break. Town, who also lost to Holy
AT the November meeting, Joyce Pinfield gave a demonstration entitled Friends at Christmas. Joyce demonstrated six beautiful arrangements and gave members plenty of good ideas for festive designs. For details of the society, including forthcoming demonstrations
A GOOD time was had by all at The Bulls Head, Inkberrow, the venue for the annual Christmas meal. On Tuesday, January 7, at 8pm there will be a special event to celebrate the move to a new venue - The Swan Hotel, Alcester. Merry Wives will be joined by
