Worcester News, Worcester Sport, Worcester Leisure - From The Worcester News

Worcestershire | Archive | 2002 | March

Stories for 15 March 2002

Leisure

WHEN The Archers actor Graham Seed comes to Malvern Theatres later this month in Thomas Middleton's A Chaste Maid In Cheapside, he will be portraying a character that has much in common with his radio alter ego. more...

Following in giant's footsteps

IT'S not every ten-year-old that can boast of having performed with one of the top theatre companies in the country. more...

It's a smash hit

SEAN Connery is about to bring the most successful play in Broadway history to Cheltenham's Everyman Theatre. more...

BBC presenter joins the regulars

COMEDY and mystery join together in the first production in the new Wellington Heath Village Hall next week. more...

A lesson in drama

AN eight-strong group of theatre studies pupils from The Chase perform their Dancing at Lughnasa show at the school's Drama Studio next week. more...

Back by popular demand

THE Oscar-nominated movie Gosford Park was such a success at Malvern Cinema last week that it's being brought back next month for a second week's run. more...

Dame Judy in acclaimed role

THE critically-acclaimed biopic Iris (PG) is showing for a week at Malvern Cinema starting tonight (Friday). more...

Cinemas

Malvern Cinema: Iris (PG) Fri & Sat 8pm, Sun-Thurs 7.30pm, Sat, Sun & Thurs matinees 3pm. more...

Rhesus bring in new blood

MALVERN melodic hardcore outfit Rhesus are taking their new sound to the stage in Worcester. more...

Broadway at its best

THE magic of the West End musicals will be cast on audiences at Tewkesbury this weekend. more...

Young musicians in action

YOUNG violinist Zhannat Shoinbekova and piano player David Kershaw are giving a recital at St James's School, West Malvern, on Wednesday, March 20. more...

Capital date for Vassily

A MALVERN-based opera singer is performing in two rarely-heard operas in London this weekend. Vassily Savenko is taking the lead roles in Rachmaninov's Miserly Knight and Francesca da Rimini at the Queen Elizabeth Hall tomorrow (Saturday, March 16). more...

Swan returns

CELEBRATED chamber orchestra, The Orchestra of the Swan, returns to the Courtyard Arts Centre in Hereford this week. more...

Join the show

AN A CAPPELLA mix taking in The Beatles, Bach, Curtis Mayfield, Pink Floyd and the James Bond theme will be belted out by vocal group Naked Voices when it appears at Gloucester's Guildhall tomorrow (Saturday). more...

ESO with Sergei Khachatryan n Malvern Theatres

THIS was an extraordinary concert, and an enormous privilege for those present, to hear. more...

Chandos Orchestra n Malvern Theatres

Ashley Holland (baritone) joined the Chandos (conductor: Michael Lloyd; leader: Edward Bale) for Mahler's Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen. This cycle of four emotionally evocative songs, words as well as the music written by Mahler, followed in the wake of a wretched love affair. more...

Oliver! n Malvern Light Operatic Society, Malvern Theatres

Oliver! as proffered by Malvern Light Operatic Society was a first class show in every way. more...

On the Piste n Swan Theatre, Worcester

A LIGHTHEARTED gem of a play, On the Piste mocks and celebrates Britishness abroad while exploring the dynamics of love in an Austrian ski resort. more...

Philip Dukes (viola) & Sophie Rahman (piano) n Malvern Concert Club, Malvern Theatres

IN this recital Sophie Rahman seemed to be the stronger and more perceptive musician of the pairing. more...

Palace points of view

ARTS organisations and people with an interest in Redditch's historic Palace Theatre have had their say on its proposed £1 million refurbishment. more...

Patricia weaves spell with wood and wool

THE unusual combination of wood carving and weaving is the craft of choice for a Malvern artist currently exhibiting at Malvern Library. more...

The flavour of Africa

A FLAVOUR of exotic customs, rituals and ways of life from thousands of miles away is to be brought to Malvern through the media of song, dance and rhythm. more...

Getting the town tapping

WHEN tap dancer Michelle Chelle moved to Tenbury Wells to marry, she started the whole town tapping. more...

News

Heading for top in event management

A TEAM of thirty-something entrepreneurs are hoping to set the event management world alight with their new company. more...

Pippa's off to work in Nepal

A FORMER King's School, Worcester, pupil is about to start an exciting adventure in Nepal, having spent the past three months working for a Worcester architect. more...

Venture is saving firms cash and space

A COMPANY has been set up near Worcester to help local businesses save valuable space and money by storing and managing important documents more effectively. more...

The wonder Walls

A STUDLEY couple who met at an HDA dance celebrate their golden wedding anniversary on Friday. more...

Kerri takes a 'special' prize

A SPECIAL Constable has been given a Probationer of the Year Award for her outstanding contribution to the community. more...

Stub it out and cut house fires

AS National No Smoking Day kicks off today, Redditch Fire Station is warning people of the dangers of smoking in the home. more...

Home fear for family

A REDDITCH farming family who were forced to sell their house and most of their land as a result of the foot and mouth crisis faced losing their current home again last night. more...

Jelly sweets in choking fear

CHILDREN in Redditch have been warned not to eat mini cup fruit jelly sweets containing konjac because of the risk of choking. more...

Donors' date

Blood donors can pop along to Trinity High School on Easemore Road where two sessions are being held on Thursday, April 4 and Friday, April 5. more...

Still burning

Redditch and Bromsgrove fire crews were called to a barn fire at Old Farm, north of Beoley, on Saturday morning. more...

History to be unlocked

PEOPLE can unlock the history of Redditch's early metal and manufacturing industries and find the key to its success at a fascinating talk tonight. more...

Workers face axe

UP to 86 people will be at risk of losing their jobs when a Redditch business closes down, it was announced yesterday. more...

Museum's future in spotlight

THE option of closing Forge Mill Museum is to be looked at as part of a shake-up by Redditch Council. more...

Big gig to rock town

UP to 30,000 revellers and some of Britain's biggest chart-topping artists are set to fill Arrow Valley Park on August 24. more...

Bob blazes a trail

AFTER 26 years' service, Studley's chief firefighter retires this week. more...

Event set for rebirth

ONE of Feckenham's oldest events re-emerges this week after a year's shutdown due to the foot and mouth crisis. more...

Group hands bill to parish

ALVECHURCH Parish Council is being asked to find more than £1,500 towards the production of a parish plan costing at least £10,600. more...

Youngsters to tread boards

AFTER more than six months' hard work, a group of Wythall children is ready to display its theatrical talent in a two-night performance. more...

Patients show support

MORE than 600 concerned Wythall residents squeezed into the Park Hall community centre to discuss the future of the village health centre. more...

Shamrocking

MEMBERS of Redditch Irish Society will be taking part in a parade in Birmingham on Sunday to mark St Patrick's Day. more...

Knight fever

Feckenham Forest History Society's next event is being staged at the village hall. more...

Call-up for carnival crowns

ORGANISERS of this year's Astwood Bank Carnival are inviting potential queens, princes and princesses to put in writing reasons why they want to take on the prestigious titles. more...

Go for a song

An 'Old Tyme Music Hall' evening will be held at Bentley Village Hall at 7.45pm on Saturday and entry includes a fish and chip supper. more...

Party plans

Rowney Green villagers are being invited to attend a meeting to discuss ideas for celebrating the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations. more...

Wood AGM

The Peck Wood Centre near Rowney Green will hold its annual meeting on Saturday at 2.30pm. more...

Blooming fun

THE Feckenham flower show and spring fair will go ahead at the village hall on Saturday, starting at 2.30pm. more...

Missing man - police appeal

REDDITCH police are concerned for the health and safety of 71-year-old Eamon Dawson who went missing from his home in Mount Pleasant, Redditch yesterday, Thursday 14th March at about 10.30am. more...

DVD theft

A DVD player was stolen from a house in Hewell Road, Batchley, at 7.50pm last Tuesday. more...

Fire arrest

A man was arrested in Beoley Road in the early hours of Sunday on suspicion of arson. more...

Stab charge

An 18-year-old Redditch man has been charged with attempted murder in connection with a stabbing on a bus near Matchborough Centre on February 19. more...

Anti-social teen named

A REDDITCH teenager yesterday became the fourth person in the town to have an anti-social behaviour order placed on him. more...

Echoes from the Past

100 years ago more...

TV bid for hospital fails

A DISASTER for patients at St Wulstan's TB Hospital in Malvern was reported in the Malvern Gazette in 1952. more...

Jewel thief strikes

JEWELLERY worth £1,226 was stolen from a bedroom at the Abbey Hotel 50 years ago. more...

Disco has guardians in a spin

THE prospect of a disco being held in a quarry on the Malvern Hills at Midsummer Eve was preoccupying Malvern Hills Conservators 25 years ago. more...

Fruit farmer was twice buried alive

THE life of a remarkable man of Ledbury was recalled in an obituary in the Ledbury Reporter 25 years ago. more...

Firm unveils new product

A MALVERN firm is to launch a novel product next month to counteract the effect of a lull in its traditional Middle East markets. more...

Scouts in bid to boost numbers

A MALVERN Scout group is to launch a recruitment drive for the first time in its history because of dwindling numbers. more...

Bright spark John plugs into the past

PLANS to hold a 50th reunion of the first students at Malvern's School (later College) of Electronics was the starting point for an incredible piece of detective work. more...

Ken's beer proves up to the marque

DRINKERS at a Colwall pub can rest assured they are getting the perfect pint after its licensee received an industry award. more...

Farmer to get free advice on pollution

FREE advice on the best ways to save money and help the environment is being made available to farmers in the Malvern area. more...

Firm focus for TV show

A MALVERN firm and Powick school were the focus for a live television broadcast on Monday. more...

Clean-up starts on pool scum

A POND in Malvern that is regularly carpeted in a thick green scum is being given a new lease of life. more...

Gym club will have a home

NEWS that Malvern Girls' College will allow Malvern Hills Gymnastics Comp Club to use its premises for the foreseeable future will not stop the club from searching for a new home. more...

New hospital opens

The finishing touches are being put to Ledbury's new £4.3m hospital which opens on Thursday (March 21). more...

Woman assaulted

POLICE are hunting for a man who indecently assaulted a middle aged woman in Malvern on Wednesday. more...

Have-a-go heroes halt `van' thieves

THIEVES bit off more than they could chew when they tried to steal a £15,000 caravan. more...

Council to step up dialogue

THE way Malvern Hills District Council engages with its taxpayers is to be reviewed in an attempt to increase public participation in local government. more...

Housing plan for organ firm's site

A RENOWNED pipe organ maker is looking for larger premises in the Malvern area after submitting plans to turn its current Quest Hills Road base into housing. more...

Belsen survivor talks to pupils

Pupils at The Chase, in Malvern, were this week confronted with the reality of one of the greatest crimes of the 20th Century. more...

Park grandstand to go before fete

VICTORIA Park's concrete grandstand is to be torn down within the next two-and-a-half months by a private contractor. more...

Headteacher may use metal detectors to check park

MALVERN Town Council said yesterday (Thursday) that letters were in the post to Langland FC and Great Malvern Primary School assuring them that it is safe to use the pitches at Duke's Meadow. more...

Gold Cup racegoers bring mini boom to hotel trade

HOTELIERS in the Malvern area are toasting the return of the Cheltenham Gold Cup festival, which has seen their premises fill with racegoers this week. more...

Love and marriage

ROMANCE blossomed when tiny tots held a pretend wedding ceremony as part of a school project. more...

Area's crime rate among the lowest

THE Malvern Hills area is one of the most crime free in the UK, according to a new crime and disorder audit more...

£14m euro cash boost

MALVERN Hills Science Park is set to benefit from a £14.2 million cash boost from Europe announced this week. more...

Sea life on dry land

YOUNGSTERS at a Spa school will be playing on a new feature in the summer after live willow was planted in the shape of a boat. more...

Decision leaves Malvern with one dentist to treat NHS patients

THE last dental surgery currently able to offer NHS treatment to new adult patients in Malvern has announced it is to stop the service. more...

Health food firm is facing closure

A SUCCESSFUL health food firm is facing a £5 million bill that could put it out of business after the European Union passed new safety guidelines for the products it manufactures. more...

Orient express

YOUNG starlets from Frankley have been wowing audiences with their Aladdin stage show. more...

Where east meets west

Students at Bromsgrove NEW college will give their audience a cultural experience this week in a forthcoming show. more...

A brush with history

INQUISITIVE children from a Bromsgrove village have been investigating the history of Blackwell. more...

A cultural day

YOUNGSTERS at a Bromsgrove school had much more than a day of culture - they went all the way with a day of multiculture. more...

For the best mum in the world

Hello, mum - look what I've got for you. more...

Why EU should do less and do it better

TWO years ago at Lisbon, EU leaders set themselves a new strategic goal - to make the EU the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world by 2010. more...

It's easy does it

ON Saturday, I made a conscious decision to try park-and-ride instead of driving to Worcester city centre. more...

A global threat to democracy

"FREE-trade" is currently the predominant metaphor for globalisation. Far from protecting the freedom of citizens and countries, "free-trade" negotiations and treaties are being used to coerce and force adverse conditions on us all, against the will of most. more...

House sales and rise in allowances

SADLY, I have to agree with G W Goode (You Say, March 8).The council houses in Worcester are being sold in line with New Labour Government policies supported by the majority of the city's Labour councillors, but opposed by all four Independent councillors. more...

Stadium will cause problems

DOES anyone really believe that the proposed 6,000-seat stadium will only be used for one half-day per week? more...

More On Way?

WE have been receiving immigrants for years. Why do we now need more centres to house them? Are we expecting a huge influx? more...

Engineering a future

Redditch Manufacturing Association has vowed to continue work started by a charity. more...

Re-re-warding

POST-16 students at Kingsley College in Woodrow have been getting mixed up recently as part of an exciting music technology course. more...

Thrown out!

CONTROVERSIAL proposals to put Redditch schools through another education review were scrapped during a meeting on Thursday. more...

Work on labs set to start

MORE than £500,000 will be spent on refurbishing two science laboratories at a Redditch school. more...

School scheme

Plans are in the pipeline to extend Mappleborough Green School. more...

Shop swap for business pupils

CUSTOMER services at the Kingfisher Centre were examined by sixth form students from Trinity High School. more...

School given one last week

AN outraged Wythall mother has called the decision to put her daughter's former school on the market a 'disgrace', writes Matt Smith. more...

Pubs CAN be tonic for health

MEN over 40 were recently persuaded to have a medical check-up in an informal setting - at a Studley pub. more...

Green light given to new £1m unit

A STATE-of-the art sterilisation unit costing more than £1 million will be developed at the Alexandra Hospital by the end of the year. more...

Agencies to be given push

SOME fully qualified nurses at the Alexandra Hospital are getting paid less than health care assistants provided by commercial agencies with just two days instruction, it has been revealed. more...

CHC uneasy after visit

A HEALTH watchdog fears treatment for female cancer patients at the Alexandra Hospital is being delayed because of a lack of beds, writes Becky Procter. more...

On the box

Central Television recently visited St Augustine's RC High School to film a news item on school transport. more...

Autumn date for eye news

NOTHING has been ruled in and nothing has been ruled out, writes Julian Seva. more...

Eggstravagant prize on offer

VOLUNTEERS from the Alexandra Hospital's League of Friends are egging on patients and visitors to take part in a raffle. more...

Galleries form new alliance

FIVE Malvern galleries have formed a new alliance to help promote arts and crafts in the area. more...

Success founded on pride

A WORLD-beating business quietly operating from the heart of Malvern with staggering success has shrugged off all comers to claim the title of Business of the Year. more...

Future is in their hands

THE highest accolade to be awarded to any organisation from the Malvern area after Malvern Instruments went to Welcome To Our Future, a Church Street-based environmental organisation. more...

Firms share awards at gala presentation

SPECTACULAR innovation, vision, intelligence and bravery on the part of several businesses in the Malvern area have all been honoured by the Chamber of Commerce and Business Link Herefordshire and Worcestershire. more...

Opinion

FROM our point of view, one of the most gratifying findings to emerge from the Community Safety Partnership's crime audit of the Malvern Hills was that the issue which was of least importance to people was for `the media to stop making people frightened'. Hurrah! more...

Overdue action

I READ with amusement your lead article in the Ledbury Reporter of March 8 relating to traffic wardens. more...

Job well done

JOHN Nash has received two parking tickets for parking in a limited parking area (Ledbury Reporter, March 8). more...

Easy solution

A RECENT article which indicated the current bus service operated by Newbury Coaches between Ledbury and Great Malvern may be discontinued this September has caused much protest. more...

Exhilarating!

I HAVE always used public transport, namely the train service in order to get to college, university or my place of work. more...

Rise predicted

COUN Paul Cumming (Malvern Gazette, March 8) stated the MHDC deficit was not £400,000 but actually £188,000. more...

Illogical set up

IT has recently been brought to my attention that we, the precept payers of Malvern, are having increases in costs imposed upon us through the Malvern Hills Conservators, by people who do not live in the precept paying area and who do not contribute to the Worcestershire County Council by way of Council Tax and as a consequence are not affected by their actions. more...

Hills sanctuary

IN your article about the Malvern Hills Conservators flock of sheep (Malvern Gazette & Ledbury Reporter, March 1) I notice no mention was made to the final outcome for the lambs. more...

Wildlife-friendly

I understand the concerns that have been expressed in letters to the Gazette about the effect of proposed cycle paths on wildlife. more...

Erosion of democracy

You are right to point out the increasingly arbitrary use of power by our local authorities, whose policies appear to take no account of public opinion (Opinion, March 8). more...

Good skate parks are away from residential areas

WITH reference your report "Residents turn out in force in ramp protest" (Ledbury Reporter, March 8) concerning Bromyard Town Council's meeting on March 4. more...

Does anyone care about Ledbury's heritage?

Ledbury town councillors are currently debating the possibility of installing a transparent lift in the middle of Ledbury's Market House. This because it is a public building and must soon have disabled access. more...

Music of the hills

I WAS interested to read Ian Beresford-Greaves letter regarding the Malvern Hills and surrounding area as inspiration for Elgar's music (Your Letters, March 1). more...

Electoral lottery

WHAT'S all this hysteria about voter apathy? To anybody with an ounce (sorry, 28,000,000 micro-grammes) of intelligence the reason should be apparent. more...

Simple choice

Sadly Mr Regimbeau (Your Letters, March 1), like so many, doesn't seem to understand why joining the euro would be an irrevocable one-way journey to disaster for Britain - and that includes Wales. more...

Policeman's lot has been happy

Since the recent announcement of my retirement in the local media, I have received a large number of cards and goodwill messages. more...

Ten minute rule

I WAS interested to read Mr Ashcroft's letter (Your Letters, March 1) regarding parking fines at Priory Road Car Park. The similarity between his experience and my own last December is striking. more...

Not before time!

I HEAR on Channel 4 News this evening that we are having a new "patient-orientated" National Health Service. This rather disgusts me. What has it been up to now then? more...

Blaze crew tackles car

FIREFIGHTERS from Upton were called to a burning car outside the Post Office in Hanley Swan at 6.50pm on Saturday, March 9. The white Fiat Uno, thought to have been abandoned, had a fire in the engine compartment which was soon extinguished. more...

Matters arising

I WOULD be grateful to any of your readers who could clarify some points of interest arising from your article concerning Ledbury Cottage Hospital (Ledbury Reporter, March 1). more...

Beechwood fundraiser

A COFFEE morning is being held at Beechwood, Holly Green, Upton, on Saturday, March 23, from 10.45am to noon. Proceeds will go towards helping residents and day care clients. A raffle, tombola and cake stall will be available. more...

Put an end to brutality

A PLEA to all animal lovers out there. Under current Home Office procedures, an offence committed under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 is not considered important enough to be notified to the Home Office for the purpose of recorded crime statistics. The Act only provides badgers with `legislative protection'. more...

WI hosts fayre

AN Easter fayre and coffee morning is being held by St Gabriel's WI tomorrow (Saturday), from 10.30an to 12.30pm, at Hanley Swan Village Hall. It will include an Easter raffle, cakes, plants, books and bric-a-brac. more...

The young have rights too

I READ the Your Letters section regularly and have realised there is a common theme running throughout it; complaints about children and where they play or skate. more...

Psychic session

MYSTICAL predictions will abound at Upton's Talbot Head Hotel during a fortune-telling evening on Thursday (March 21). Clairvoyants Jean of Worcester and Maria will be on hand to read palms and cards from 6pm. more...

Pub brawl man hit and kicked landlord

AN Upton man has been ordered to do 240 hours' community service and pay £300 costs following a brawl in a Worcester pub. more...

Summer of music

AN extravaganza of music and dance is being planned by the Pepperpot Players this summer. Details of what and when have not been finalised but recruitment of enthusiastic youngsters aged eight and 18 has started. For further details, contact Porla Hickman on 01684 591392. more...

Choral gig

A PERFORMANCE of J H Maunders' Olivet to Cavalry takes place in St Gabriel's Church, Hanley Swan, on Sunday (March 17). The concert, will be repeated at the Church of the Ascension in Malvern Link on March 24, starts at 3pm. There will be retiring collection. more...

Garden open

AN open garden event is being held from 2pm to 5pm at Gubberhill Farm, Ripple, on Sunday (March 17) to raise funds for the refurbishment of Ripple Parish Hall. Admission is £2 and tea and cakes will be served. more...

Passion talk

A TALK on Oberammergau and its Passion Play will be given to Mothers' Union members at Upton Church Room on Thursday (March 21), at 2.15pm. It will be given by Liesel Lavers. more...

Prayer call

A DROP-in prayer session will be held at Earl's Croome church on Friday, March 22, when anyone is welcome go along and pray between 7.30pm and 9pm. more...

Stately opportunity

AN opportunity to sample English food and drink in the stately surroundings of Welland Court is being offered by Upton's Tourism and Trade Association. more...

Sheina reaches out

christian outreach sessions are taking place in Upton next week. more...

Atlantic adventure recalled

AN expert yachtsman who sailed 3,000 miles across the Atlantic in just three-and-a-half weeks is to give a talk to raise money for Upton RNLI. more...

Sale is success for Scouts

Fears that a table-top sale organised by 1st Upton Land and Sea Scouts might be a flop were soon dispelled when visitors poured in last weekend. more...

Les touts for tourist business

IT has been a busy fortnight for Studley Parish Councillor and Stratford Council chairman Les Topham after returning from a worthwhile trip to New York before going to Japan. more...

Tower on way?

BT Cellnet is planning to build a 15m tower for mobile telephone dishes in Arrow Road North, Lakeside. more...

Pub objectors remove bar

A BATCHLEY pub has been granted a revised public entertainment licence to provide music, singing and dancing from 7-11pm all week. more...

Safety first at council

HEALTH and safety in the workplace was the theme for the day when Redditch Council managers were brought together for a four-day course. more...

End could be in sight

CONTROVERSIAL plans for a housing estate on Winyates Green Triangle finally look set to be thrown out by Stratford Council tomorrow after years of toing and froing, writes Julian Seva. more...

Olympian to appear

OLYMPIC swimmer Helen Slatter will officially open Studley's new state-of-the-art leisure centre on Saturday, March 23. more...

Dot's kind of place

REDDITCH Mayor Dot Dudley rocked with it on Friday evening when she officially opened a new £1.4 million American-style late-night venue in the town centre. more...

End of a tortuous journey in sight

TONY Blair's right when he says that the opening of the city's new Worcestershire Royal Hospital is a great weekend for Worcester. more...

WELLINGTON HEATH Correspondent: Mrs P Wilkin Tel: 01531 633853

Wellington Heath Parish Council will be holding its next meeting on Tuesday, March 26, at the Memorial Hall Committee Room starting at 7.30pm. more...

West Malvern Correspondent: Colin Jackson Tel: 01684 577604

NO need to head for the Malvern Theatres next Wednesday (March 20) for a choice of entertainments. There is an attractive choice right here in West Malvern! Gwyn Klee's eagerly awaited Egyptian Evening, In the Steps of Alexander, organised by the the Friends of St James's Church will take place at the Orange Grove (next the Village Stores). Tickets (£6, concessions £4) are available in advance from the Orange Grove, the Village Stores, Gwyn Kee (tel: 562114) or the Rev. Rosemary Herbert (572497). Gwyn's previous 'travelogue' on her pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, as well as being hugely entertaining, was a near sell-out so advance booking could be a wise precaution. more...

STAUNTON Correspondent: Mrs U Groves-Smith Tel: 01452 840273

DON'T forget Staunton & District WI is holding its Spring Show at the village hall on Saturday, March 16, at 2pm when there will be stalls, plants, a tombola and raffle and during the afternoon a demonstration of making buttonholes by Pat Lewis, when you can also try your hand at making one. Teas will be available. more...

POWICK Correspondent: Mrs M Allsopp Tel: 01905 830746

THE service for Mother's Day held at St Peter's Church was led by Rosemary Wells, with readings by Lyn Nichol, Meg Allsopp and Julia Davis and prayers by Jo Walker. more...

MAISEMORE Correspondent: Mrs U Groves-Smith Tel: 01452 840273

THERE will be many people, especially former pupils and members of choral societies who will have many memories of Miss Zoe Nelmes who died peacefully at her home in Maisemore last week. more...

LONGDON Correspondent: Mrs Eileen Moss Tel: 01684 833256

AFTER the February meeting of Longdon Churchwomen's Fellowship many of the members will be taking a closer look at the weather I READ with amusement your lead article in the Ledbury Reporter of March 8 relating to traffic wardens. more...

HOLLYBUSH Correspondent: Mrs R Bolton Tel: 01684 833287

HOLLYBUSH Church was filled to capacity for the Mothering Sunday Service. The address was given by Sue Cosker. Children sang and everyone was given a small posy of flowers. Refreshments were enjoyed by all afterwards. more...

CORSE Correspondent: Mrs U Groves-Smith Tel: 01452 840273

ST Margaret's Church, Corse, was filled with families and Staunton & Corse Rainbows for a Mothering Sunday service, conducted by the Rev Canon John Evans. more...

COLWALL Correspondent: Mrs P Hockett Tel: 01684 564872

THIRTEEN tables took part in the Colwall Players Quiz held last Friday evening at Colwall Village Hall. In first place was the team S & P, second place Over the Hill and third were Clueless. The quiz master was Steve Hockett who also set the questions. more...

CASTLEMORTON COMMON Correspondent: Mrs B Lebbon Tel: 01684 562503

THE Castlemorton Common Association held its Spring Social Supper at the Parish Hall on Saturday, March 2. The event was very well attended and members and friends enjoyed an evening of music and entertainment supplied by Med Snookes and friends. The supper was much enjoyed with second and even third helpings available to the hungry hoards! The raffle consisted of excellent prizes donated by members and supporters of the association to whom the CCA extends their grateful thanks. Thanks to go to the volunteers who prepared the venue, those who served supper and drinks and did all the clearing up afterwards. A healthy profit was made which will go towards the Jubilee celebrations on June 1. more...

CASTLEMORTON Correspondent: Mrs R Bolton Tel: 01684 833287

CASTLEMORTON Gardening Club will be holding its monthly meeting on Thursday, March 21, at 7.45pm at Castlemorton Parish Hall. more...

BUSHLEY Correspondent: Ms M Wilkes Tel: 01684 293435

IT is with unbelievable sadness we report the death of Mrs Lynda Hale. Although she latterly lived in Apperley, Linda was a Bushley girl, born and bred. She went to school in Tewkesbury and on leaving she went to Hartpury College. Lynda worked at Hill House, Bushley with her father Fred for over 25 years. She loved animals but could turn her hand to practically anything. She married Clive in 1980 and their son Matthew was born in 1984. Lynda suffered ill health for the last few years of her life and died at aged only 44 years. Her funeral was held at St Peters Church, Bushley, the church was full to capacity. Our sincere sympathy goes to Clive and Matthew, Lynda's parents, Fred and Pam and her twin sisters Mandy and Joanne. more...

BIRTSMORTON Correspondent: Mrs R Bolton Tel: 01684 833287

DON'T forget our fashion show next week on March 21 at 7.30pm at the Old Motor House, Birtsmorton Court. This promises to be a super evening. Direction signs will be out on the day. We still have a few tickets left so give us a call on (01684) 833287. more...

BERROW Correspondent: Mrs R Bolton Tel: 01684 833287

CONGRATULATIONS to Janet Charles and her team of helpers on raising over £456 for the County Air Ambulance. What a marvellous result. Thank you to everyone who donated items (even down to paying for the hire of the hall for the afternoon's proceedings) and helped in any way in making the event so successful. more...

Plenty of fun aboard Jolly Roger

un playing games and reading fairy stories as part of World Book Day. more...

Let's face the music and dance

CUBAN rumba, loads of Latin and the chance to become your favourite pop star are just some of the classes on offer to budding dancers in the county this spring. more...

Jealous man hit, kicked woman

A "JEALOUS and obsessive" Droitwich man flew into a rage after drinking and attacked his girlfriend at their home. more...

Security man stole

A SECURITY van driver for a Droitwich firm stole more than £1,000 worth of computer consoles and games he had been instructed to deliver to Curry's. more...

Confidence at medical plan

THE architect of a proposed community medical centre at Upton-upon-Severn is confident it will not be scuppered by new guidelines on development in flood plains. more...

Winning donation

FANTASTIC fundraiser Reg Box has come up with another winning amount to present to the County Air Ambulance. more...

£1m available to help stamp out drug abuse

A CHUNK of a £1m grant is up for grabs to people throughout Worcestershire who want to stamp out drug use. more...

Enjoy countryside and help the brigade

LOVERS of the countryside are being urged to get on their bike and raise money for St John Ambulance. more...

Drugs will save lives

PATIENTS will soon be able to be given revolutionary clot-busting drugs by paramedics before they reach hospital. more...

Revamped plan for £3m marina scheme

A MODEL of the revised £3m development scheme for Upton Marina has gone on public display at Walton Marine in Upton-on-Severn. more...

`Stop flats' campaign is success

THEATRE-goers who put on a show of strength against plans to develop a Droitwich car park have been successful. more...

Children's home plan

A CHILDREN'S home is to be replaced with a new building under a new scheme aimed at upgrading council property. more...

Hectic year for brave little Lauren

A TODDLER who has spent six weeks at home since she was born nearly two years ago is back with her family after a hectic year in and out of hospital. more...

Children lending a hand for Lent

A THOUSAND schoolchildren from across Worcestershire sung their hearts out last night at Worcester Cathedral for the Lent spectacular Lift High The Cross. more...

Fate hangs in balance

A TAXI driver convicted of beating a teenager will find out on Monday if his licence has been renewed. more...

Patients moved tomorrow

HOSPITAL staff and patients were gearing up for the historic move to Worcestershire's new hospital today - 50 years after people started campaigning for it. more...

New GM trial site revealed

A GM crop trial is to take place in Tibberton, near Worcester. more...

Husband in wife attack

A WORCESTER man grabbed his wife by the ponytail and bashed her head against a pub wall after finding her having lunch with another man. more...

Challenging The Queen's birds

RACING pigeons from Droitwich will be competing against The Queen's own birds in a Jubilee competition. more...

Call for Lockerbie inquiry

THE fathers of Worcestershire's Lockerbie victims have warned they will still press for an inquiry into airport security, despite yesterday's rejection of a bomber`s appeal against conviction. more...

Teenagers at risk of death charges

TEENAGERS who endanger motorists by playing the daredevil prank "chicken" on Worcestershire's roads could face manslaughter charges. more...

Happy Blair's WRH note of caution

PRIME Minister Tony Blair has warned patients to expect "teething problems" at the new £95m Worcestershire Royal Hospital. more...

A GOLDEN DAY FOR BEST MATE

JUBILANT owner Jim Lewis brought racing's famous Gold Cup back to Worcestershire today after his horse Best Mate stormed to glory. more...

Sport

15/3/02 - Weekend county football fixtures

SATURDAY more...

15/3/02 - Bird and Shilton to face Hatters

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have been ravaged by a crippling injury crisis ahead of tomorrow's Nationwide League Division Three clash against second-placed Luton Town at Kenilworth Road (3pm). more...

New rider for Legs

Redditch superbikes outfit Legs 11 have announced exciting plans for the new season, see the sport general section for more details. more...

Five-a-side

THE new Leisure Leagues season at Trinity High School on Wednesday started this week and Muts Nuts smashed Maypole Magpies 14-3. more...

Brazilian style

FOUR talented Redditch youngsters starred for the West Midlands Football de Salao squad against Derby. more...

Results

Redditch & South Wark Combination; Premier Division: Bromsgrove Gen 1 Black Horse 3; Sherwood Rangers 1 Hymatic/Allendale 5; Mayfly 5 Bromsgrove Ath 0; Westbury Celtic 1 Fordrough 0; Austin Ex Apps 2 HDA 0; Fairfield Sunday 2 Garringtons Sunday 2. more...

Football

ARROW Vale u16 boys football squad are celebrating after reaching the semi-finals of a national competition. more...

Reds frustrated

Knowle Ladies 0 Redditch United Women 1 more...

Cross in touch

Headless Cross Ladies 2 Southam Town 0 more...

Hill hopes to lift Headless Cross

HEADLESS Cross Ladies manager Rob Auld hopes to have right midfielder Amanda Hill back for Sunday's testing trip to Birmingham University. more...

More misery for 'Church

ALVECHURCH manager Andy Hibbert is set to turn to Redditch United manager Rod Brown for help after losing top scorer Gary Hay. more...

12/3/02 - Keogh's side 'rob' Reds

Sutton Coldfield Town 2 Redditch United 1 more...

Kings win low-key derby

KINGS Heath manager Sean Lawless has told his side a win against visiting Alveston on Saturday will end the Kingsmen's lingering relegation fears. more...

Millers lose captain

FECKENHAM have lost sweeper Mark Davis for their Worcestershire Senior Urn semi against Worcester City Reserves. more...

BKL drop 'Chilavert'

GOALSCORING keeper Matt Pugh missed out in Studley's stormy draw with Stratford. more...

BKL make a stormy point

Studley BKL 1 Stratford Town 1 more...

9/3/02 - Wes Joyce hits two as Town complete double

MALVERN Town completed a double over third-placed Wolverhampton Casuals in the Express and Star West Midlands League Premier Division on Saturday. more...

12/3/02 - Town bow out on penalties

IT took extra time and penalties, to separate Malvern Town and Westfields in this Bob Biggart Trophy First Round replay at the Langland Stadium on Tuesday night. more...

Swimming

WYTHALL ace Matthew Wilkes added to his bulging medal collection with another four podium finishes at the BT National Junior Championships at Darlington. more...

Showjumping

BEOLEY rider Michael Eilberg is the latest borough junior to qualify for the BSJA Blue Chip Championships at Solihull Riding Club from Tuesday, April 9-Sunday 14. more...

Hockey

ST Bede's Catholic School recorded a historic double with the year 7 and year 8 hockey teams crowned district champions. more...

Fencing

REDDITCH fencers entered three teams in the County Fencing Union's Redditch Cup: two teams from Redditch Young Fencers and one team from the senior club Redditch Fencing Club. more...

Bowls

The Big Crown Bowling Association have expanded their organisation with the launch of a new Monday morning section. more...

County win

WORCESTERSHIRE chalked up their first victory of the season, beating leaders Cleveland. more...

Hoop dreams

ALCESTER High girls under 15s basketballers retained their district title at Stratford on the back of a mean defence. more...

High profile Legs recruit new rider

REDDITCH superbikes outfit Team Legs 11 are set for an assault on the British Superstocks Series with two riders next season. more...

15/3/02 - Hooper signs contract

TEENAGE striker Lee Hooper has now signed a contract with West Midlands League Premier Division side Malvern Town. more...

15/3/02 - Injuries to Town pair

MALVERN Town entertain lowly Walsall Wood at the Langland Stadium tomorrow (Saturday) 2.45pm kick-off. more...

15/3/02 - Pirates lacking power

THE journey by a 15-strong "Pirates" squad to Dorking was the latest of many such visits that have sealed a special bond between Malvern and the Surrey-based club. more...

12/3/02 - Reds down to the bare bones

REDDITCH United could be shorn of seven players for tonight's trip to Sutton Coldfield Town. more...

15/3/02 - Swann and Byrne freed by Reds

ROD Brown's trimming of the Redditch United squad continued yesterday with the release of forward Mark Swann. more...

The way forward - Sports Editor Max Hall puts the questions to Reds manager Rod Brown

How many more games will there be like the 0-0 draw against Warwick? more...

15/3/02 - Casey brings the sunshine back

REDDITCH United manager Rod Brown's chase for Kim Casey looked set to be concluded before tomorrow's trip to Bedworth. more...

Same again for Malvern

MALVERN Rugby Club field an unchanged side for the visit of Dunstablians tomorrow. more...

Sam's the man after Brockamin beauty

Bredon's Sam Glyde cruised to a comfortable victory when he headed a good turnout to win the latest Alans Tackle open, held on the bottom pool at Brockamin. more...

Lee may be another winner

AFTER backing three winners on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival, Evesham United manager Phil Mullen is hoping he is on to another with the capture of striker Lee Ross from Halesowen Town. more...

Bird and Shilton to face Hatters

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have been ravaged by a crippling injury crisis ahead of tomorrow's Nationwide League Division Three clash against second-placed Luton Town at Kenilworth Road (3pm). more...

Bulls need more points away to basement boys

HEREFORD United aim to rub some sea salt into the wounds of Dover Athletic who sacked manager Neville Southall this week. more...

Newport will test City form on road

PAUL Carty's first goal of the season in midweek at Stafford preserved Worcester City's impressive away record and sends them to Newport County tomorrow (3pm) looking to stretch their run to eight games unbeaten. more...

15/3/02 - Fixtures ...

SATURDAY more...

15/3/02 - Lacrosse success for MGC

MALVERN Girls' College senior lacrosse team enjoyed considerable success when they travelled to Berkhamstead to take part in the National Schools' Lacrosse tournament. more...

15/3/02 - Malvern in doubles win

MALVERN Squash Club's home doubles match against Worcester's Boughton Park brought them the narrowest of victories. more...

15/3/02 - Chess team triumphs

MALVERN Chess Club played away at Kidderminster in the County League Division One and had a good win 4-2. more...

15/3/02 - Mini tennis trail

THANKS to funding received for Sport England through the Awards for All scheme, the tennis coaches from Malvern & County Indoor Tennis Centre were due to visit nine Malvern Primary Schools this week to introduce mini tennis to more young players. more...

15/3/02 - Thomas Stokes is county champion

LEDBURY & District ASC swimmer Thomas Stokes became the Worcester County Champion in the 9yrs 200m individual medley when he swam a fantastic 16 second pb at the County Championships held at Wolverhampton. more...

15/3/02 - Colwall hit six

COLWALL women's hockey team were always expecting to win this West Premier League Division One (Ladies) game versus bottom of the table opposition. more...

15/3/02 - Fletcher wins pool knockout

THE second Strikes Open Pool Competition attracted over 50 entrants from as far away as Birmingham. more...

15/3/02 - Trojans battle bravely to hold Ramblers to the draw

IN this Whatley Recordon Malvern League Division One table tennis match CSSC Ramblers entertained CSSC Trojans with Ramblers favourites to win as Trojans were without Jon Gaskell and had to call upon the services of Dave Backhurst from Division Two. more...

15/3/02 - Eagles soar into semi-finals

MALVERN Juniors C gained a narrow four point victory over YMCA Vulcans in the quarter-final of the Malvern Table Tennis League Secondary Handicap Competition. more...

15/3/02 - Malvern Hills are out of top two

THE last two weeks have seen the Malvern Hills Inter Club Bowls League find at least the overall winners. more...

15/3/02 - New pool format for summer

MALVERN & District Pool League has taken on a new concept for the summer. more...

15/3/02 - Bowen to miss vital title clash

SUSPENSION rules Sam Bowen out of Bromsgrove Rovers' home clash with Oadby Town tomorrow (3pm) as they bid to keep in touch with Midland Alliance leaders Stourbridge. more...

15/3/02 - College boy in French junior XI

MALVERN College pupil Charlie Daffern, aged 16, was selected for the French junior cricket team and played in a triangular indoor competition last week against the French senior side and a Kent County cricket side at St Omer in northern France. more...