A CASE brought against Superdrug for allegedly supplying a sun tan cream deemed to be a dangerous product has been thrown out by a judge. Worcestershire Trading Standards had been working on the prosecution for more than two years. District Judge Graham
Bromsgrove III 1, Evesham III 0 FOLLOWING last week's 1-1 home draw to Kidderminster, Evesham travelled to bottom of the table Bromsgrove, a side searching for their first points of the season. Evesham were looking to further their unbeaten sequence and
Pershore II 5 Kynoch II 2 PERSHORE'S second string got back to winning ways after the boost of two early goals. Crowley and a penalty flick coolly despatched by Massingham gave them the advantage and further pressure on the Kynoch defence led to another
A COACH company has been criticised for risking schoolchildren's lives by driving them through floodwater. A coachload of children travelling on a Yarranton's bus was taken along Hylton Road in Worcester yesterday, despite the road still being closed
ENVIRONMENTALLY friendly people in Droitwich have an opportunity to recycle rubbish thanks to a shake-up on a household waste site in the town. Worcestershire County Council is due to open the newly-refurbished waste site at Hanbury Wharf in Droitwich
DECISION makers and business leaders in Droitwich are being urged to grab a "once in a lifetime opportunity" to put the Spa back on the map. The call comes from town Tory MP Peter Luff, who says action must be taken now to begin reviving Droitwich's fortunes
WORCESTER'S housing stock is in disrepair and tenants are becoming increasingly desperate thanks to Government policy, claims the chairman of the city council's housing board. Tory Francis Lankester told members the council's stock was in a "desperate
AN influential Spa society has leant its support to two controversial projects in Droitwich, which are designed to boost the number of visitors to the town. Droitwich Civic Society has thrown its weight behind the new Waitrose supermarket, set to be built
A WOMAN was repeatedly punched in the face outside a nightclub in Kidderminster by someone who thought she was jumping the queue, police said. The 24-year-old woman had to be treated for facial injuries after the attack outside Redwoods in Dixon Street
HEALTH bosses have defended a decision to allow pharmacists to give girls as young as 13 the morning after pill. In a scheme launched across Worcester five months ago, youngsters can obtain the emergency contraception over the counter from 12 chemists
ANGER over the recent hike in car parking charges in the Spa has sparked changes in the type of concessionary tickets available from Wychavon District Council. Following the official price hike announcement last month, elderly and disabled people who
TWO teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and graffiti in the Spa. Both have been released on police bail and are due to return to Worcester police station on Wednesday, March 6, 2002. West Mercia police officer, Sgt Paul Crumpton
PEOPLE converting the integral garages in their houses into an extra living room could create more parking problems in Warndon, parish council members have warned. Council members said changing the garages into rooms would increase on-street parking in
THE new county hospital at Ronkswood could have a knock-on effect in Warndon with visitors and staff parking in residential areas. Members of Warndon parish council expressed their concerns about the increased volume of traffic and parking in the area
NOT just content with the road to stardom, a popular Bromsgrove rock band has now joined the information super highway. Easy have launched their own website, www.easysound.org, offering fans up to date information on the group. Included on the site are
TUNEFUL Spa youngsters put their voices to the test when they performed in a concert. More than 200 children from four Spa schools gathered at Westlands First School, in Farmers Way, on Thursday January 31 to participate in a concert as part of the Ready
TOWN medics have received a bumper bag of goodies to help them improve health care for Droitwich Spa patients. Droitwich Locality Project Charitable Trust awarded £1,500 to staff at Droitwich Health Centre, in Ombersley Street East. Nurses and occupational
JEWELLERY was stolen when five Evesham premises were raided. The Coffee Pot, Happy Pets, The Model Shop, the offices of a firm of accountants and Tower Trophies, on Vine Mews, off Vine Street, were broken into between 6pm on Thursday, January 31 and 7am
A FIRST Midland Red bus driver was robbed in Worcester's Canterbury Road. The assault took place on Friday, February 1, in the Ronkswood area. Police said a man jumped on board the bus and assaulted the driver before making off with a money bag containing
MEMBERS of a Droitwich ladies group gathered at a prestigious Spa hotel to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Past and present members of Droitwich Spa Ladies Circle, travelled to the Chateau Impney Hotel, off Worcester Road, for a luncheon to celebrate
HOUSEHOLDERS in Droitwich are being urged to 'spring clean and be green' as a newly refurbished waste centre reopens today (Wednesday). The site at Hanbury Wharf has been designed to make it easier for people to recycle or throw away their waste. New
A PAIR of enthusiastic authors have received top prizes in a national writing competition organised by Hammick Bookshops. Online winner Steve Burford from Malvern and Kathy Barbour of Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, were presented with their Real Writers
CREATIVE youngsters at a Droitwich school are displaying their colourful textiles at the Spa's library. More than 50 pupils at Whitford Hall and Dodderhill Girls' School, in Crutch Lane, are exhibiting at Droitwich Library, in St Andrews Street. Pupils
SPA parents have taken a trip back to the classroom with the aim of helping their youngsters with homework. Parents of pupils at Chawson First School, in Wyche Road, have taken part in lessons to show them how their children are being taught and with
IN the Bromsgrove and Redditch Table Tennis League division one, SPSP had two games, losing one and drawing one. At home to league leaders Lickey Monarchs they went down 9-1. For Monarchs, Alan Colley and Sid Hodgetts both won their three games with Steve
DROITWICH Men's Hockey Club Firsts produced on of their worst performances of the season on Saturday, going down 1-0 at promotion rivals Rugeley. The hosts scored early on in the first half from a short corner and Droitwich never looked like getting back
THE dream of a state-of-the-art soccer stadium for Worcester City Football Club has divided the Faithful City. Planning officers have received a number of objections to the stadium and "enabling" B&Q development proposed for land at Nunnery Way. Complainants
WOODRUSH could be set to switch venues at the weekend in a bid to continue their fight to beat the drop. The pitch at Old Icknield Street was declared unplayable on Friday, condemning the home league fixture against Berkswell and Balsall. Under league
REDDITCH have a break from league action on Saturday when they visit higher league Old Salts in the North Midlands Cup. The Kingfishers' promising league run suffered a frustrating, if predictable, halt at the weekend with skipper Mark Rose describing
Manor Park 18 Alcester 8 Alcester, having already beaten their opponents earlier in the season, started down the slope and with the wind, but despite the advantages, they failed to make the best of the conditions. The visitors were restricted to a solitary
Evesham Colts U-13 4, Salford Rvrs 2 AFTER the sides shared six goals at Salford, Sunday's cup quarter-final return was eagerly anticipated. First blood went to Evesham who scored courtesy of Will Gayton's superb shot. However, Rovers soon levelled when
Bishampton Utd 1, Powick 1 IN DIFFICULT conditions, a strong wind and heavy under foot, both teams came out of the game with credit as they both tried to pass the ball around and at the end the draw was a fair result. Powick, as in the previous two Worcester
WORCESTER City players will be hit in the pocket as part of a tough disciplinary code being introduced next season. Manager John Barton is aiming to clamp down on wayward behaviour as his team mounts a serious bid for promotion to the Nationwide Conference
Worcester Rugby Club prop forward Alejandro Moreno has been selected for Italy's Six Nations match against Scotland in Rome on February 16. Moreno was a replacement in Italy's match against France at Stade de France on Saturday and came on in the 59th
Evesham United went down to a shock 3-1 defeat at crisis club Bilston Town in last night's Dr Martens League Western Division clash. Bilston, who lost their management team and all but two of their players a few weeks ago, were forced to field a side
TAMWORTH visit St George's Lane on Saturday and it has all the ingredients to be an absolute cracker. Gary Mills's side are chasing hard on the heels of Crawley at the top of the Dr Martens Premier Division and will be looking to do the double over us
WITH strikers Stewart Hadley and Adam Webster occupying pole position in John Barton's attacking plans, Mark Shepherd could be forgiven for feeling disheartened or even disillusioned at his prospects. But the only feeling Shepherd is displaying is a real
DROITWICH RFC Firsts strengthened their Midlands Division Four West (South) mid table position on Saturday after beating Kings Norton 25-7 in appalling conditions. The game, at Droitwich's Glyn Mitchell Memorial Ground, was fortunate even to go ahead
Bilston Town 3, Evesham Utd 1 THE only consistent aspect of Evesham's topsy-turvy season has been its inconsistency, writes Mervyn Collins. Tuesday night's sorry show at troubled Bilston amply illustrated Phil Mullen's problems while also handing the
Evesham Utd 3 Bedworth Utd 2 EVESHAM United returned to winning ways with a convincing performance in the Common Road mud on Saturday, writes Mick Clewes. Robins' boss Phil Mullen included new signing Paul Webb from Kidderminster Harriers in midfield
BROMSGROVE Rovers have strengthened their squad as the business end of the season approaches with the signing of Neil Cartwright. The right sided midfielder joins the Greens from Redditch United and goes straight into Gary Hackett and Jon Ford's squad
IT was two in one out at Redditch with the departure of former Halesowen Town midfielder Neil Cartwright swiftly followed by the capture of the versatile Quentin Townsend. There was a Bromsgrove connection with both moves as Cartwright linked up with
FORWARD Stuart Grosvenor is expected to put pen to paper for Redditch in time to travel to Weston on Saturday. The former Lye, Oldbury and Willenhall striker was at the club to discuss a move last night and plans to join training tomorrow. Reds assistant
BROMSGROVE Hockey Club Ladies' Thirds put in an excellent performance despite losing 4-0 to Upton after only starting with nine players. The hosts' teamwork and accurate passing made up for the lack of numbers but inevitably Upton were too strong. Although
DEAR EDITOR - May we just say thank you to all the friends and colleagues of Brian Hetherington who supported the dance at Garrington's Social Club on Saturday, January 26. We would particularly like to mention our main sponsors - FTB Communications,
DEAR EDITOR - Through the Advertiser/Messenger can I thank the doctors, surgeons and all the staff on ward 16 at the Alexandra Hospital, Redditch, where I had a complete hip operation on January 2. The care that I received after the operation was amazing
DEAR EDITOR - A great many pensioners greatly appreciate your photo story - featuring Councillor Peter MacDonald and his fellow councillors taking to the street to petition for the return of our free bus passes. It was heartless of the Tories to nick
DEAR EDITOR - Recently Councillor Richard Morris wrote asking Droitwich voters not to fight current development schemes. To debate, improve and back them. I have no political or financial motives to query these plans - just unease when blanket approval
DEAR EDITOR - I refer to the comments by Councillor Bill Newnes calling on Bromsgrove District Council to consider the inclusion of a cinema as part of the new proposed arts centre complex. I totally support his view as it would provide an excellent additional
DEAR EDITOR - Like Councillor Bill Newnes, I am outraged that Bromsgrove District Council can plan to build a Dome - sorry bandstand - that no-one wants, and that no-one except vandals will visit. The only purpose this edifice will serve will be to give
DEAR EDITOR - When is someone going to take a look at the pedestrianised area in Bromsgrove town centre. It is actually a danger to pedestrians with its uneven surfaces, and the recent rain has left pools of water! Disgusted, Bromsgrove.
DEAR EDITOR - May I say through your newspaper that the Westlands Pensioners Club in Droitwich has plenty of room for new members. So if you qualify, come along to the Westland Hall any Tuesday at 2.00pm and meet a good friendly crowd. Thomas Jones, chairman
DEAR EDITOR - I was interested in the story of Ethel, the pet hen belonging to the Pearson children of Victoria Road. It was a hazardous journey for any creature to undertake across the Birmingham Road with today's traffic flows and I am glad she found
DEAR EDITOR - Droitwich has already got a brine bath complex, saunas, various massage and therapies. Do we need another? Why not cover the lido outdoor pool and heat it? It was renovated a few years ago at considerable cost. But due to the present cold
DEAR EDITOR - I would like to convey my thanks to the kind people of Bromsgrove who helped me when I had a fall in the High Street on January 3. Thank you to each of you. G. Parsons, Bromsgrove.
DEAR EDITOR - I see that the Government spin machine is going full blast to offload to local councils the blame for the expected substantial council tax increases in the pipeline. Nick Raynsford claims the credit for giving local authorities bigger grants
DEAR EDITOR - With all the extra revenue coming from the council tax - where is our money going? Over the years we have lost six hospitals, one police station, have no bingo or cinema. Local baths are not kept up to standard. Why should people have to
DEAR EDITOR - At last a councillor with a bit of 'gumph' for the wider population of Bromsgrove. The letter from Councillor Bill Newnes, of Catshill, calling for a cinema in Bromsgrove to be included in the arts project surely must be met with approval
DEAR EDITOR - It's good to know that rumours concerning the closure of Rubery Youth and Community Centre are unfounded. I'm sure the community in Rubery wish all the best for the youth services using these facilities. Fortunately, intentional or not,
DEAR EDITOR - I write in response to Councillor Bill Newnes' letter in the Advertiser/Messenger. Obviously Cllr Newnes and his bright ideas don't live anywhere near the A38 and the college. If he did he wouldn't be putting forward more marvellous ideas
DEAR EDITOR - In reply to Councillor Nick Psirides comments regarding the article 'Call to re-instate free bus pass scheme' in last week's Advertiser/Messenger. At the full council meeting on January 22, Cllr Psirides was very smug in telling us all that
THE Studley Blue n' White Rope Skippers enjoyed another successful weekend of European action in a Belgian qualifying competition. In a 15-17yrs B competition, Studley came seventh with the club's underage 12-14yrs squad bagging third. With 30 teams competing
ROUNDS Six and seven of the Winter League have taken place at Broadway when near gale force winds hampered the players. Seasoned pairing of Tony Reeve and Bob Smith easily mastered the tricky conditions in the first contest but a countback was required
Old Leamingtonians 31pts, Evesham 10 WIND dominated the match for the second successive week but it was Old Leams who used the conditions to the greatest effect. Evesham opened well and quick thinking and good vision resulted in Evesham's scrum-half Gary
FOLLOWING the success of Baz Luhrmann's modern interpretation of Romeo and Juliet in 1996, a Bromsgrove High School is set to do the same in a presentation of another Shakespeare classic. South Bromsgrove High School is staging Twelfth Night, which will
THE pantomime season at Birmingham's Hippodrome theatre is drawing to a close. What has been billed as Britain's biggest panto, Dick Whittington, starring Brian Conley, will finish its run on February 24. Two days later - on February 26 - there is a brand
DAZZLING dancers from a Bromsgrove academy will wow the judges at a festival in March. Students from the Stage Door Dance Academy have been busy rehearsing for a gala event, which will take place in Coventry throughout the whole of March. Around 30 youngsters
Evesham Jubilee Society MEMBERS enjoyed an excellent match at The Parks, Worcester where perch and roach were mostly in evidence. It's the fourth leg of the EDAA Winter League on Sunday and team captains are asked to ensure they have a full squad available
SALWARPE WI welcomed some members' husbands at their open meeting in January at which Dr and Mrs Williams gave a talk accompanied by slides entitled Pol Pot's Potholes. Business was brisk and brief, thus allowing plenty of time for us to share in their
CREATIVE townsfolk can pick up a few handy hints at an art demonstration later this month. Brian Fletcher will be giving his expert advice on portrait painting to Bromsgrove Art Club on Tuesday February 19 at the Red Cross Hall in Barnsley Hall Drive,
REGARDING letters from the Rev D G Griffin about refugees in this country deserving help from the rich West, I agree - first priority should be given to our homeless and people living in poverty. England is a small country and we cannot keep allowing
Thursday February 7 Show: Merchant of Venice, Palace Theatre, Alcester Street, Redditch. Until February 9. Jazz: Tony Hill and the Straitjackets, Fiddle and Bone, Sheepcote Street, Birmingham, 8pm. Music: Jan Akkerman, Robin RnB Club 1, Merryhill. Friday
ANYONE unemployed, looking for a change in occupation or considering starting up in business where rewards are ensured, should look at the job of being a terrorist. This offers extremely good prospects. No need to worry about cash flow, the DSS will supply
I WORK in a car factory and my wife is a nurse. We're a couple you would expect to be staunch Labour supporters. However, the antics, incompetence and disregard for the ordinary working family have tainted our opinion of this champagne Charlie party.
IT was a very cold evening on January 8 when members of Sandhills WI gathered for their first meeting of 2002. President, Valerie Adams, opened the meeting and welcomed those who had ventured out and apologies were taken for absent members. Peggy Bennett
I REFER to the letter of Joy Turner (You Say, January 21), specifically, the notion of "hard-working MPs toiling away day and night, knocking on doors and dealing with problems from major to minor". Well, in 10 years of writing to MPs and Government offices
THE Birmingham and District group of the Alpine Garden Society holds its next meeting on February 15 at 7.30pm at King Edward's School, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham. The guest speaker will be Adrian Young, who will give an illustrated talk on Saxifrage
I SEE that the Government spin machine is going full blast to offload to local councils the blame for the expected substantial council tax increases in the pipeline. Nick Raynsford claims the credit for giving local authorities bigger grants than his
HANBURY WI welcomed their first speaker of the New Year.Mr Hans Mierees told us the story of six Royal Palaces of Bavaria and the achievements of King Ludwig II during his brief two year reign.These exceptionally beautiful and lavishly designed buildings
PUPILS have kept the doctor at bay thanks to initiatives adopted by Bromsgrove schools. The scheme aimed to promote high standards of physical and mental health among town pupils, staff and the community. Worcestershire County Council and Worcestershire
A KIND-HEARTED Bromsgrove woman is planning to sell a cherished thank-you letter, which was sent to her by a legendary World War II general, in order to help sick children. Sprightly Wyn Hudson received the letter from Bernard, later Field Marshall Viscount
ROADWORKS in a village near Bromsgrove are creating a traffic "nightmare" for residents and motorists. The Highways Agency is enlarging a busy roundabout in Wychbold, but the work has led to daily traffic queues in Worcester Road. Drivers travelling along
SEPTEMBER 29 A Hull NT 104-95 OCTOBER 06 H Liverpool NT 69-68 07 H Manchester NT 100-89 14 A Liverpool NT 66-75 20 H Teeside NT 82-115 27 A Manchester NT 103-117 28 A Teeside NT 82-110 NOVEMBER 03 H Hull NT 87-94 10 A Mansfield NL 79-61 17 A Westminster
THE safety of Rubery schoolchildren is under threat because they can't find a lollipop lady. That's the message of county councillor Peter McDonald (Lab, Rubery) who is concerned about the lack of a crossing patrol at Holywell Primary and Nursery School
THE grandmother of a boy who narrowly missed being knocked over by a car outside a Catshill school is calling for action to make the crossing safer. Judith Sturgess, of Bourne Avenue, is stepping up the campaign to install a pelican crossing outside the
A POPULAR parish nursery, which has been hit by a financial crisis, looks set to close its doors by Easter if it does not receive an urgent cash boost. Lickey Pre-school could soon close down after continually struggling with mounting running costs and
AN enterprising town teenager looks set to rival Microsoft mogul Bill Gates, after setting up his own computer company. Fourteen-year-old David Mitten, of Old Birmingham Road, Lickey End, has launched Vidsystems, a web-based company offering a range of
TAMWORTH visit St George's Lane on Saturday and it has all the ingredients to be an absolute cracker. Gary Mills's side are chasing hard on the heels of Crawley at the top of the Dr Martens Premier Division and will be looking to do the double over us
A DREAM day out at Twickenham was blown away last Thursday when a gallant Prince Henry's Under-15s side lost out in the quarter-finals of the Daily Mail Schools Cup, writes Mervyn Collins. It was always going to be the proverbial "game of two halves"
A 12-YEAR-OLD Rubery trampolinist is jumping for joy after reaching the British Schools' Championships for the third successive year. Stuart Lightfoot, of Waseley Road, finished first in the top level of the Midlands Zonal Championships last month and
HIGH winds were the dominant feature this week, which made bait presentation almost impossible for most anglers who ventured out. The Startlets Veterans Tuesday Contest at Woodlands View was no exception with winner Stan James (Bewdley) needing just three
BROMSGROVE RFC Second XV and Fourth XV both recorded victories over respective teams from Luctonians. The teams were fortunate to play on Saturday amid appalling weather conditions but still won 10-5 and 18-0 respectively. The Firsts fixture at Wolverhampton
BROMSGROVE RFC U15s earned a share of the spoils as they drew 19-19 at Birmingham and Solihull. Suprisingly, an entertaining match was given an added edge by the sticky conditions underfoot. Both sides set about the task by employing attaking rugby as
STUDLEY chief Dave Robinson is hoping to learn this week whether his bid to buy the Beehive ground will be successful. The Bees chairman wants to buy the ground from troubled firm BKL and submitted a bid to receivers KPMG last Wednesday. The Midland Alliance
ALVECHURCH are set to entertain Premier Division basement boys Southam in a rearranged fixture at the weekend. But Church manager Andy Hibbert said he would be surprised if the Lye Meadow pitch survived the predicted stormy weather this week. Church's
REDDITCH United Women manager Steve Tayler says he is prepared to sacrifice league fixtures if his side enjoy a good run in the Divisional Cup. Under women's football rules, teams have a certain date by which to finish their league fixtures or the points
TRAMP William Meysey found himself in front of Bromsgrove magistrates charged with sleeping rough in Mr Banner's hay barn at Lickey Square and having no means of subsistence, not even a pipe, tobacco or matches. He told the bench he was walking from Birmingham
Studley BKL are anxiously waiting to hear the results of their bid to buy the Beehive ground from stricken company BKL
The third leg of the Concept Two Indoor rowing Grand Prix Series was held at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester last Saturday and local indoor club, Old Wrecks, again had members competing for the coveted title of North of England Champion. First
THE rain again played havoc with last weekend's football programme with the Midland Alliance being wiped out for a second successive Saturday. It wasn't much better in the Midland Combination with Pershore's game at Nuneaton the sole Premier Division
MATCHES have been played in both the A and C groups. St Davids qualified for the play-offs in style with a 10-0 win over Blockley. Josh Newbould scored five goals with Liam Cantwell and Alec Henderson each adding two and Ed Dale one. Blockley then played
AFTER a couple of heavy defeats, Evesham's ladies recorded a welcome 3-2 win in their latest Worcestershire League outing against Barnt Green. Karen Campbell, Sarah Bent and Mary Boyle all registered comfortable wins but Lorna Robinson and Karen Ferris
EVESHAM swam their first junior gala of the year at Oldbury. It was an opportunity to give first time experience to new members competing for the club at the tender age of nine. Two girls, Joanna Train and Jessica Grove, swam to second place in the breaststroke
ALCESTER High School dominated the annual Stratford District Guild basketball tournament staged at King Edward VI School on Tuesday. Both trophies made their way back to Alcester with the Under-15 and Under-13 squad proving unstoppable. The Under-15s
Stratford League DESPITE their disappointing league form, Alcester A showed that they are in no mood to give up the Knockout Cup with a devastating first round victory over third division side Alcester Trades. Having won the competition for the last six
BUTCHERS around the county are celebrating their success in the British Meat Awards. The Awards for Excellence in Meat Products were held at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern. Dozens of butchers and makers of speciality meat products from Worcestershire
HEADTEACHERS have suffered a blow in their legal crusade against the Government's "unfair" funding of Worcestershire's cash-strapped schools. Legal experts Eversheds have warned that any court action taken against Ministers would have a "less than 30
Pershore 1, Redditch 2 REDDITCH were Pershore's latest opposition in the DTZ West Midlands Division One played at Nunnery Wood Leisure Centre. After a delayed start Pershore began strongly playing some of their best hockey of the season to date and were
AN annual service held at Worcester Cathedral for the servicemen of the counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire was particularly poignant as the congregation's thoughts went back to September 11. Last night's service was to pay tribute
Camp Hill 0, Badsey Ladies 2 BADSEY dominated Saturday's Worcester-shire League match against the current leaders but they had to wait patiently for the first goal. The breakthrough came midway through the first half when Jo Cassey's shot allowed Wendy
AN alcoholic who was arrested for being drunk and disorderly on the day of his release from prison has been given another jail sentence. William Jones was released from Dartmoor Prison on Wednesday, January 16 and was in Worcester by the evening. Police
Bretforton 2, Devizes 0 AN EAGER Bretforton side started this home fixture determined that the points would not slip away. The home team provided constant pressure in the first half with Deb Slatter's skill and speed creating the first chance that flew
THE aliens landed at a Worcester school as youngsters learnt about the stars and the planets inside an inflatable planetarium. Year Six pupils at Warndon Junior School spent yesterday investigating the planets in the domed planetarium, which was brought
THE dream of a state-of-the-art soccer stadium for Worcester City Football Club has divided the Faithful City. Planning officers have received a number of objections to the stadium and "enabling" B&Q development proposed for land at Nunnery Way. Complainants
A MALVERN dog lover feared a pit bull terrier worth nearly £1,000 was being stolen from her house to be used for fighting, Worcester Crown Court heard. Dorothy Philpott said she was looking after Molly, a pedigree English pit bull, for a friend. She had
A "HOMEWORK" centre for pupils at a Worcestershire school will be opened as part of its successful bid to become a technology college. The headteacher of Pershore High School says pupils without computers at home will still be able to have access through
A WORCESTER school could provide an additional arts venue for the city after it was given specialist status. Bishop Perowne CE High School was named as the county's first arts school by the Government, yesterday. It will also mean that musicians will
UNIVERSITY College Worcester has been highlighted for its excellence in attracting students from challenging backgrounds. The university (UCW) has been named as one of the elite institutions which offers wider access to undergraduates. It came in the
CONTROVERSY surrounds the rejection of a proposed multi-million pound health complex for the Spa. The plans, put forward by Life of Leisure, would have seen a health and fitness club built on the Berry Hill Industrial Estate. But the proposals were rejected
FRIENDS and family will pay tribute at the funeral of a well-known Droitwich Spa man tomorrow. The funeral of Witton resident Benjamin Hawkes will be held at St Nicholas Church, in Ombersley Street, Droitwich, at noon tomorrow. The 84-year-old died at
FIXTURES MIDLANDS ONE Saturday, February 9. Malvern v Walsall. Saturday, February 16. Saturday, February 23. Luctonians v Malvern. Saturday, March 2. Malvern v Leicester Lions. Saturday, March 9. Hereford v Malvern. Saturday, March 16. Malvern v Dunstablians
A DROITWICH businessmen has hit out at Spa dignitaries after a "disgusting" response to his call for action on town graffiti artists. Richard Gould, the managing director of Dedicated, based at North Street Industrial Estate, has hit out at Droitwich's
WORCESTER'S Three Choirs Festival could play a leading role in moves to see the region named the European Capital of Culture. In spring, next year, the Prime Minister will nominate one British city to become the European Capital of Culture in 2008. Bids
A BROMSGROVE songwriter and his makeshift band have taken second place in the final of the Worcester Young Songwriters Competition. Charlie Taylor, aged 20, and songwriting partner Joe Grove picked up £150 in last Saturday's final at Huntingdon Hall but
A CARE worker launched a "cat-fight" attack on another woman as a drinks party turned to violence. Lisa Jane Wilde scratched, punched and kicked Audrey Price-Daniels, aged 53, after an argument over a cup of coffee, Worcester Crown Court was told. Perry
A FLU-TYPE virus which struck scores of Droitwich pupils appears to be easing its grip this week. Schools in Droitwich have been hit with both students and teachers taking time off . But health experts said the situation could get worse because a stomach
A MAN who was caught driving at 100 miles per hour while under the influence of drugs has been given a two-year rehabilitation order. Barry Connor, aged 36, was spotted by police driving erratically on the M5 near Droitwich more than two years ago. After
COMPANIES must have procedures in place for dealing with an escape of any material that could cause pollution, the Environment Agency has warned. It follows the successful prosecution of Worcester company for polluting a tributary of the Barbourne Brook
FESTIVAL will be the name of a new housing group finding homes for people in Droitwich Spa. Spa Housing Association, based in Queen Street, and Elgar Housing Association, in Malvern, are joining forces. Bosses chose the new name from dozens of suggestions
Worcester Rugby Club prop forward Alejandro Moreno has been selected for Italy's Six Nations match against Scotland in Rome on February 16. Moreno was a replacement in Italy's match against France at Stade de France on Saturday and came on in the 59th
SPORT across the region was hit hard over the weekend as rain and high winds forced many fixtures to be called off. Bromsgrove Rovers' visit to Cradley Town on Saturday was one of the first games to fall victim to the weather, being called off at 9am.
HEADS in Worcestershire have been told to think again about how they can put right what every teacher, parent and politician in the county knows is wrong - the funding of our children's education. The legal view that a court challenge using human rights
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WITH strikers Stewart Hadley and Adam Webster occupying pole position in John Barton's attacking plans, Mark Shepherd could be forgiven for feeling disheartened or even disillusioned at his prospects. But the only feeling Shepherd is displaying is a real
WORCESTER City players will be hit in the pocket as part of a tough disciplinary code being introduced next season. Manager John Barton is aiming to clamp down on wayward behaviour as his team mounts a serious bid for promotion to the Nationwide Conference
KINGS Norton captain Mark Waudby says his side have improved despite Saturday's loss to Droitwich extending their losing streak to four matches. A 25-7 defeat leaves Kings just one point above the Midlands West Four South drop zone. Having played one
ALCESTER skipper Alan Williams says the winter break put a premature end to his side's season after the weekend loss to Manor Park continued the Kings Coughton side's barren run in 2002. The Warwickshire One side have slumped to mid-table since the festive
FIVE Ways Old Edwardians' miserable run stretched to nine consecutive defeats at the weekend. The latest loss, a 22-8 capitulation to lowly Tenbury, leaves the Masshouse side just two points above the North Midlands One drop zone. After a bright start
ONE of the crucial games which could decide the fate of Bromsgrove Rovers' season has been set amid a mad end of season rush to complete the Midland Alliance games. Rovers travel to fellow promotion challengers Stourbridge next Tuesday in the first of
AVONCROFT Cricket Club has announced its team captains for the new season. The Saturday First 11 will be skippered by Ian Athey with Rich Sinclair as vice captain. Guy Weston is captain of the second 11 with Rob Holden as vice captain. The Sunday team
Mostyn Reds Devils U13s 0 Droitwich Spa Girls U13s 1 Spa produced an outstanding performance to reach the league cup final in their first season of competitive football. Tanya Hill's spectacular first half goal secured the hosts a 2-1 semi-final aggregate
Latest results from a weather affected Redditch and South Warwickshire Combination. Division Two: Waseley United 1 (D Conray) Rubery RBL 3 (D Knight, M Magley). Division Three: Hewell Grange 2 (E Harris, S Webb) Rubery Reserves 6 (M Craddock, G Kilbourne
DETERMINED supporters of Bromsgrove Rovers braved floods on Saturday as threw caution to the wind to complete a sponsored walk to their team's away game at Cradley Town. The 11 fans and two dogs left the club's Victoria Ground at 9am and were only a quarter
Bilston Town 3, Evesham Utd 1 THE only consistent aspect of Evesham's topsy-turvy season has been its inconsistency, writes Mervyn Collins. Tuesday night's sorry show at troubled Bilston amply illustrated Phil Mullen's problems while also handing the
Evesham Utd 3 Bedworth Utd 2 EVESHAM United returned to winning ways with a convincing performance in the Common Road mud on Saturday, writes Mick Clewes. Robins' boss Phil Mullen included new signing Paul Webb from Kidderminster Harriers in midfield
Nuneaton Griff 2, Pershore Tn 1 A LAST-MINUTE goal sentenced Town to defeat in the sole top-flight match to beat the weather in the Midland Combination. Pershore must have wished the rain had put paid to Saturday's clash but they looked like they had
Birdseye Sports Evesham Sunday League EIGHT games survived the weather and produced a flood of goals with a total of 76 finding the net! Leading the way were third division Salford Rovers who hit 15 against Blockley Sports with Green (5) and Taylor (4
TWO-GOAL margins of victory were enough to ensure safe Nurs-ing Home Cup progress for Camp-den Town and Redditch Boro on another weather-ruined Saturday in the Stratford Alliance. Only two matches survived Friday's drenching and a flood of goals was expected
HEREFORD United 'keeper Scott Cooksey may be forced to quit the game after being told he could need further surgery on his injured wrist. The England semi-professional international has been out all season after blood poisoning destroyed the ligaments
WORCESTER Wolves Basketball Club's head coach Rick Solvason has turned down an offer to join National League Division One rivals Hull. Solvason had been approached by Hull chief Kevin Penny, who played with him at Coventry, to head their coaching and
ANCHORMAN Ray Gandy was the hero for Morganite as they pipped Windshields in Wednesday Division One of the E & E Engineering/Banks's Brewery Worcester Friendly Skittle League. Needing a 13 spare to win, he floored 16 to seal a four-pin victory. Division
WORCESTER Wolves Basketball Club's head coach Rick Solvason has turned down an offer to join National League Division One rivals Hull. Solvason had been approached by Hull chief Kevin Penny, who played with him at Coventry, to head their coaching and
ASTWOOD Bank Cricket Club begin pre-season training at St Augustine's School on Sunday, February 17 at 5.40pm. The Worcestershire League Division 1 club want players of all standards. Anyone interested can ring Alex Robinson on 894863.
MALVERN consolidated their Midlands One position of safety against a plucky Camp Hill side at a sodden and windy Spring Lane on Saturday. MALVERN 21pts, CAMP HILL 0 The pitch had drained well, but with the going soft to heavy it was always going to be
HIGH winds were the dominant feature this week, which made bait presentation almost impossible for most anglers who ventured out. The Startlets Veterans Tuesday Contest at Woodlands View was no exception with winner Stan James (Bewdley) needing just three
AFTER scoring a mere two runs off the opening over, Over-bury really rattled along to set Casuals a daunting target of 156 in the latest round of action in the Evesham Indoor Lea-gue. The final four overs saw 77 runs added to the score as Paul Gillett
England are set to grace the Valley on Wednesday night when the national ladies under 19s team take on a Birmingham City Ladies team who are Women's Premier League Cup finalists (ko 7.30pm).
BROMSGROVE Hockey Club Ladies' Seconds dominated from the start of their match with Malvern to win 3-1. Despite having to make positional changes, the hosts soon found their rhythm when a through pass by Helen Hartiss found Lindsay Hyde who shot and followed
BROMSGROVE Hockey Club Men's Thirds did their survival chances the world of good on Saturday by beating fellow relegation rivals Evesham at home 1-0. The result, Bromsgrove's first clean sheet of the season, leaves them second bottom of the DTZ West Midlands
BROMSGROVE Hockey Club Ladies' Firsts were made to pay for conceding two goals in the first four minutes as they lost 4-2 at home to rivals Droitwich Spa. The hosts tried to battle back from their early deficit but still trailed 2-0 at the break. Things
DEAR EDITOR - It appears I touched a raw nerve with Droitwich Spa town councillor, Glenise Noyes, in my concern over bus passengers in Droitwich. Rightly so, and I am pleased she responded. However I wish to pick up some points in her replying letter.
DEAR EDITOR -- I was interested to read Councillor Richard Morris would like the views of the wider public on the future of Droitwich. We recently moved here, in November of last year, from Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield. When we looked around for a new
DEAR EDITOR - Before the General Election of 1997, we had Helena Kennedy and Dr Tony Wright on a weekly basis talking to the media about "how New Labour was going to give us a Bill of Rights". After almost five years in power, it has been proved that
DEAR EDITOR - Has any reader ever seen a tornado, waterspout or other whirlwind in Britain? I am collecting records for the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation, which was founded in 1974 to monitor the occurrence of whirlwinds in Britain and to investigate
DEAR EDITOR - For how much longer must the health of children at Reaside Junior School, Frankley be at risk? Their school playing field on the opposite side of New Inns Lane is being used by people to walk dogs! The low wooden fence inherited from the
ANCHORMAN Ray Gandy was the hero for Morganite as they pipped Windshields in Wednesday Division One of the E & E Engineering/Banks's Brewery Worcester Friendly Skittle League. Needing a 13 spare to win, he floored 16 to seal a four-pin victory. Division
August 18 Shepshed (h) 2-0 Booth 2 21 RC Warwick (a) 1-0 (og) 25 Clevedon (a) 0-2 27 Evesham (h) 2-3 (og), Cowley September 1 Rugby Utd (h) (FA Cup preliminary round) 5-1 Marsh 2, Charlton, Booth 2 8 Gresley (h) 2-0 Booth 2 11 Redditch (a) 2-1 Langford
SKIPPER Mark Blake will make his comeback from an Achilles injury in tonight's Avon Insurance Reserve League Cup home clash with Tranmere Rovers (7pm). Blake joins fellow regular first-teamers Drewe Broughton, Ian Foster and Adie Smith in the team to
A SPA-born man's search for his natural family ended in tears of joy and happiness when he met his mother for the first time in more than 20 years -- thanks to the Droitwich Advertiser. Geoff Barber, who turned to the paper last week in a bid to track
Old Silhillians 15pts, Pershore 3 PERSHORE could have won this match if they had used the elements intelligently. They played against a howling gale in the first half, and heroic defending at times, restricted the home team to only one converted try,
FOLLOWING the outstanding success last year of The Caretaker, the English Touring Theatre returns to the Malvern Theatres with Henrik Ibsen's Ghosts. Directed by Stephen Unwin, it is a specially commissioned new translation by Stephen Mulrine and an inspired
THE first meeting of 2002 was held on January 14 when members were treated to a talk by Brian Draper on the theme "What is a river?" This was an absorbing journey from the source of a river to its final destination in the company of an inspiring instructor
THIRTY-NINE members and guests attended the annual presentation evening of the Evesham and District Disabled Club and Partner-ships at Badsey Sports and Recreational Club. On hand to present the poils of a successful season were president, Ray Woods,
THE president, Maureen Smith, gave a warm welcome to the members on the first meeting of 2002. She gave special greetings to Vi Cooper, returning to the fold after her operation. It was agreed how much the Christmas meeting had been enjoyed and a social
WHAT a wonderful start to the New Year at our January meeting. Colour, form and interest lightened up the hall with the beautiful slides shown by John Hill from the Alpine Garden, at Pershore College. A little hard to take in so many botanical names but
OUR year finished with a Christmas match against Pershore Ringcraft Club. Ken Cartwright, from Stourbridge, judged 53 dogs during the evening, beginning with the baby puppies under six months old. Bromsgrove member Ingrid Pinfield was the winner with
THE February meeting of the club sees one of the many highlights of the year, Preserved Steam on video with Karl Jauncey and David Richards. This show is on a large screen with sound included and is not to be missed. Karl and David are the top video entertainers
THE members of Rosehill Flower Club very much appreciated Mrs Joan Peck's interpretation of her title After the Glitter - most appropriate for the first flower demonstration after Christmas and for the start of 2002. Her artistry reminded us that spring
THE recent spate of letters from L Spiteri surely warrants a reply. On December 17, he told us that the state of the public services is all the fault of the Conservatives. This indicates that someone is so worried that after five years of Socialist rule
A STATE-OF-THE-ART private hospital is set to open in Bromsgrove later this year. The former Bromsgrove Private Hospital is undergoing a £3m revamp and will create between 100 and 150 jobs. The Stoney Lane site, in Broad Green, is owned by the Edgbaston
TRAFFIC chaos is in the pipeline for motorists as work begins to re-line Bromsgrove's Victorian sewer system. Severn Trent Water is investing more than £200,000 on upgrading the sewer system in Stourbridge Road, which will see around 200 homes benefit
A WHEELCHAIR bound woman has hit out at the lack of facilities for disabled people in Bromsgrove, compared to neighbouring towns. Pippa Spalding of The Flats, off Providence Road, Sidemoor, claims disabled people in Bromsgrove get a raw deal compared
RUBERY residents could benefit from a £125,000 cash boost if plans to build on a former school are successful. Bromford Housing Group wants to construct 30 homes off Barrington Road, where Callowbrook First School's once stood. Worcestershire County Council
THE leader of the town's Labour group has hit out at the Tory controlled Bromsgrove District Council over new rent rises. Cllr Peter McDonald criticised the proposed nine per cent rent increase, after Redditch Borough Council announced it is proposing
BROMSGROVE'S Ambulance Service has been given a pat on the back by the town's MP for showing a big improvement in its 999 response times. Over the past year crews from the station in Barnsley Hall Drive off Birmingham Road have succeeded in reaching an
ONE of the crucial games which could decide the fate of Bromsgrove Rovers' season has been set amid a mad end of season rush to complete the Midland Alliance games. Rovers travel to fellow promotion challengers Stourbridge next Tuesday in the first of
DROITWICH Men's Hockey Club Firsts produced one of their worst performances of the season on Saturday, going down 1-0 at promotion rivals Rugeley. The hosts scored early on in the first half from a short corner and Droitwich never looked like getting
FOUR Droitwich Spa boxers have continued their fine run of form to reach the quarter finals of the National Schools' Boxing Championships. Brothers Anthony and Marc Bonehill, Michael Pardoe and Glen Hodgkins all secured titles in their respective categories
A PERMANENT and loan signing are still being targeted by Swifts boss Tim Langford before Saturday. Langford is hopeful of making additions for the home game with promotion-chasing Chippenham Town. He has so far had to make do with snapping up promising
Birmingham and Solihull U8s 25 Bromsgrove U8s 40 Bromsgrove once again proved too good for their opposition as their impressive run of only two league defeats continued. Positive tackling and some excellent all round teamwork gave the visitors a well
Studley manager Mark Chambers has been rocked by the loss of striker Andy Grubb after an unfavourable diagnosis of a knee injury which has plagued him all season. The forward is set to go under the knife next week to have part of his hamstring grafted
KINGS Heath hope to be at full strength for the derby clash at Feckenham on Saturday (ko 2.45pm). But the continuing wet weather could mean another postponement after the weekend game against lowly Alveston fell by the wayside in a washed out Midland
FECKENHAM'S hopes of reaching the Midland Alliance have been given a major boost by new Redditch United chairman Neil Pagett. The new man in charge of the Millers' Valley landlords said the club would do everything to help their tenants. Feckenham manager
Redditch & South Wark Combination, Division 2: Waseley Utd 1 Rubery RBL 3. Division 3: Hewell Grange 2 Rubery Red Star 6. Worcester County Cup: Westbury Celtic 1 Grange Utd 1 (AET) Grange won 3-0 penalties. Bromsgrove Charity Cup Minor Semi-final:
Scott Williams scored seven in Norton Rangers U14s' 11-0 win over Worcester Rangers. Other goalscorers for Rangers were Peter Steadman, James Muddiman, Dale Attwood and Ashley Knight.
LEE Garry, of Margesson Drive, Barnt Green, was fast making a name for himself in the under 14s world of badminton. Having won almost all the local and county tournaments, he recently had added the Sussex Open Junior Trophy to his tally. DRINK driving
THERE was an upset at a land sale held at the Golden Cross Hotel in Bromsgrove when town auctioneer A Victor Powell was suddenly forced to withdraw a 16 acre plot at Broad Street Sidemoor, belonging to Mr Rencher at the last minute. The district council
PLANS have been mooted for a second railway station in Redditch to serve the ambitious £40 million scheme for a sports, leisure and entertainment complex on the site of Abbey Stadium. The idea comes just days after Redditch Council announced it had dropped
Evesham & District Association LITTLETON Loopers played their first Division Two league match since Christmas and had new signing Mark Dudley in their line up in a 7-3 victory over Bengeworth 49ers. Dudley, who last played in the Evesham Association
Evesham and District Airgun League EVESHAM SMC played host to Wickhamford SC and, after a close match, it was the visitors who took both points with a narrow two-point victory with Frazer Wilks high scoring for the home team and Andy Beadle for the visitors
A SEMINAR exploring the "pros and cons" of transferring property into a tax-busting pension fund is being organised by a group of Worcestershire professionals. The seminar is being held jointly by Harrison Clark solicitors, Harris Lamb chartered surveyors
MG ROVER chairman John Towers said he was "extremely proud" of the transformation of the Longbridge plant "from a factory site to an international headquarters". Mr Towers was speaking following the official opening last week of the newly refurbished
