Archive

  • Social hold firm

    FRUSTRATED Cleobury Mortimer could not bowl out Stourbridge Social in Worcestershire Saturday League Division Six but are still top of the table. Ben Griffiths (79), D Timmins (75) and R Evans (41) were all in fine form as Cleobury totalled a challenging

  • Beggar Robs schoolboys

    A BEGGAR robbed two schoolboys in Worcester city centre after asking them whether they wanted to buy drugs. The 15-year-olds, who were in uniform, had already given Ian Kendrick 90p, but he followed them and blocked their escape route, Worcester Crown

  • Go West, church urges Teme Valley visitors

    LOVERS of the countryside in Worcestershire are being encouraged to discover beautiful walks and Norman churches as part of a church initiative. The Go West initiative, which has been launched by the Bishops of Worcester and Hereford, is to encourage

  • No 10 'hampered' use of Army

    DOWNING Street has been accused of hampering efforts to bring in the Army at the onset of last year's foot-and-mouth crisis which devastated parts of Worcestershire and Herefordshire. Several inquiries have found that using the Army earlier would have

  • ICT bug grabs school pupils

    KEEN pupils will be given their marks the same night they submit their homework, thanks to a revolutionary new computer system at a Worcester school. Teachers at Christopher Whitehead High School in St John's will also be registering pupils electronically

  • Pupils who helped change their school for the better

    TWENTY pupils at a Worcester school have been rewarded for their community spirit at West Mercia police's Good Citizen Awards. The Elgar Technology College pupils were honoured for their school council work as well as helping a city charity. Eleven pupils

  • Union anger at plans for civil courts

    UNION leaders have visited Westminster to protest against the downgrading of civil courts across Worcestershire and Herefordshire. The Public and Commercial Services Union wants the Court Service to reverse cost-cutting plans that will slash the services

  • Pensioner's fury at selfish drivers

    A DISABLED Worcester pensioner has fired a broadside at "selfish" drivers who hinder her and many others from going about their daily lives. Betty Davis is calling on motorists to show a little more consideration when parking. The 71-year-old has spoken

  • Unemployment ended in suicide

    A FAILED relationship and job loss led a man to commit suicide by gassing himself in his car, an inquest has heard. Worcestershire coroner Victor Round said Dean Wrigglesworth, of Dorset Road, Wollaston, Stourbridge, had not sought medical advice for

  • BTCV has the activity for you

    ANYONE who wants to help the environment should look at the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers' new activities and training programme. The programme for July, August and September features more than 30 opportunities to get out into Worcestershire's

  • Mayor wants carnival back

    DROITWICH Spa's carnival, which folded in the mid-1990s, looks set to be resurrected. There are plans to form a new carnival committee, which could see the colourful event back on the town's streets by next year for the first time in six years. "Not The

  • Woman died of natural causes

    A MALVERN woman found dead by her husband died of natural causes, an inquest has heard. Worcestershire coroner Victor Round returned the verdict on Thelma Beardsley who was found by her husband on their bedroom floor on Sunday, May 26. He added the 67

  • Girl, 19, grabbed cash to feed cat

    A teenage girl robbed a pensioner at a bank cashpoint because she needed money to feed her cat, Worcester Crown Court heard. Kim Hardwick targeted 72-year-old Joan Dowty as she collected £200, pushing her into a wall during a purse snatch. She only got

  • Ruth defies all odds to dance

    A DANCER who overcame pneumonia and suffers from epilepsy is preparing for the biggest performance of her life. Ruth Scott, aged 27, is taking part in a show called Big Leaps In House at Birmingham Hippodrome this month - despite spending much of the

  • 4/7/02 - Hick and Weston revive County

    WORCESTERSHIRE'S Phil Weston and Graeme Hick both completed half-centuries in the County Championship Division Two clash with Middlesex at Lord's today. The pair stretched their second wicket partnership towards the 100 mark as they continued to prosper

  • He may have lived without ambulance delay...

    A MAN who died at his Kidderminster home while an ambulance was on its way from Worcester could still be alive if help had arrived sooner, it has been claimed. The ambulance took 18 minutes to reach Wesley Billingham from Worcestershire Royal Hospital

  • Axe falls on traffic calming

    TOWN leaders have completed a major U-turn and sounded the final death knell for a controversial proposed traffic-calming scheme. As revealed in last week's Shuttle/Times and News, Worcestershire County Council - which was handling the project in Bewdley

  • Missing girl is found safe

    THE family of a 15-year-old girl who went missing with a divorced man nearly twice her age has breathed a sigh of relief following her return. Police found Stacey Dixon safe and well at a Kidderminster address almost two weeks after she disappeared. The

  • Family mourns 'caring' father

    A SON has paid tribute to his devoted father whose death in a tragic accident has "robbed" his young family. Trevor Dyke, 61, was hit by a motorbike while letting his young son out of the car for a toilet break on a Malvern road last week. Toolmaker Trevor

  • Willersey

    SONGS OF PRAISE MASTER CLASS: As a part of the Village Jubilee Celebrations David Griffiths conducted a Master Class in St. Peter's Church. In a most amusing but very professional way he encouraged the many present to sing hymns with greater enthusiasm

  • 'Lavender hill mob' ready for first crop

    LAVENDER fields are coming into bloom on the Cotswolds and the first harvest is about to start. The first lavender plants were planted by hand at Snowshill Lavender, at the family Hill Barn Farm, by partners Charles Byrd and Victoria Handcock in May 2000

  • Departing Noble directs his last play for the RSC

    DEPARTING Royal Shakespeare Company artistic director Adrian Noble directs his last Shakespeare play for the company during the new season of the Bard's late plays. Noble, who leaves the RSC early next year, is directing Pericles, one of the three late

  • Enjoying the quiet life?

    I live on Main Road Wyre Piddle and would gladly offer a night in my house to any Fladbury resident who is upset about the road closure. My bed literally shakes when a lorry goes past. OK so the large vehicles will use the bypass but I also have to wait

  • The bells, the bells

    THE Bell Ringer of Notre Dame, Victor Hugo's classic tale about the lives and loves of people around the Cathedral of Notre Dame, will be brought to life by Oddsocks in a new adaptation by Andy Barrow, in Berrington Hall gardens, Leominster, on Saturday

  • What's On

    THURSDAY: Stourport: The Angel - Jazz Night. Kidderminster: Ye Olde Seven Stars - Spankboy. Town Hall - Tim Morris Lunchtime Organ Recital. Birmingham: Alexandra Theatre - Flaming Lips. Symphony Hall - Tribute Concert to Glenn Miller's Army Air Force

  • Fourth place league finish

    SWIMMING: Wyre Forest Swimming Club finished fourth in the Ross Diddy League top final at Worcester. The nine to 13-year-olds racing were given speeding tickets for exceeding set times which meant no points scored. Two were issued to Ben Barnaby in the

  • Samurai win the Bushido

    JUDO: Samurai Judo Club proved to be the top club in the Midlands at the Bushido Open Championships with 15 medals. All 37 clubs involved fielded their best squad but Samurai finished four medals ahead of the second-placed opposition. They started the

  • More success for runner Tom

    ATHLETICS: In-form Tom Kenderdine completed another victory for Kidderminster and Stourport Athletic Club with success in the second midweek 10km road race series. Kenderdine completed the Bromsgrove event in 32 minutes 58 seconds. Kevin Green was second

  • Men's C challenging at top

    TENNIS: The men's C team at Stourport are continuing their push for promotion for the second successive season. Nick Lathe and Andy Southall led the way with two wins over Bewdley as Stourport won 5-2. Graham Ashmore with Nick Mantle and Gareth Williams

  • Rowing reward for town crews

    ROWING: Bewdley Rowing Club racked up 12 wins at Ironbridge Regatta, including four on the longer 1,000-metre course. John and Chris Hinton won the veteran B pairs convincingly on Saturday to start the victory charge off. Their success was followed by

  • £100,000 alley work

    WORK starts on Monday on a Stourport alleyway to make it safer for children travelling to school. Pupils from St Wulstan's RC Primary School and Lickhill Lodge First School completed questionnaires to highlight any problems walking to and from school.

  • Cash taken

    EIGHT thousand pounds in cash was stolen from a Stourport house after thieves broke a ground floor window to gain access. The money, in £50 and £20 notes, was taken between 6.40am and 4.45pm on Tuesday from the property in Steatite Way. It had been intended

  • Dudley drive

    GOLF: Mark Dudley won the Gents' Division One Medal at Habberley off a handicap of three. Dudley grossed 68 for a final 65-nett victory. In second place was Dave Preece with 80 gross 11 handicap 69 nett. Division Two: Bruce Wright 93-25-68, Mike Emson

  • Runner-up spot

    CHESS: Kidderminster clinched runners-up spot in the Wolverhampton Chess League Division One with a 4-2 victory at Walsall Kipping. Results (Kidderminster names first): Brian Sharp 0.5, D Anderton 0.5; Maurice Bissell 0.5, D Pritchard 0.5; John Wrench

  • Classic display by Wayne

    WAYNE Mellinge was the winner of the Angling Plus Classic event at Moorlands Farm Fishery. Mellinge won with two points and 100lb 6oz of fish caught in the event which featured two four-hour matches. The top four anglers each had two points but Mellinge

  • Car wash man's theft shock

    A MAN had his top-of-the-range car stolen when a thief sped off in it while he emptied a bucket of dirty water nearby. Harvey Tear, of Bliss Gate, Rock, was washing his silver BMW 528 SE - worth more than £20,000 and with registration number H7 EAR -

  • Success of crime crackdown

    THE number of people being arrested and prosecuted for buying stolen goods has rocketed since the introduction of a new police initiative. We Don't Buy Crime - which targets counterfeit trading - started in April and was only publicly launched in May.

  • MARKS TACKLE

    THE Larford Open will be held on Sunday, draw 2.30pm, fishing 3.30pm until 8.30pm. Tickets can be purchased from 01299 871735.

  • One-year order for wife attack

    COMPANY director Paul Harrison had been put under the supervision of the probation service after he admitted a Christmas Day assault on his partner. Margaret Foreman had been punched and kicked and turned out of their home in Severnside South, Bewdley

  • OLD BEAR AC

    KNOWLE Sands: G Birch 37-13, S Rowe 21-7, E Rowe 16-7. A juniors contest is on Saturday on the Three Crowns water, meeting at the pub car park at 9am. On Sunday, a seniors contest will be at Kings Nordley with cars leaving at 6.30am.

  • Shoplifter's appeal against jail sentence is denied

    A MAN who tried to walk out of a store without paying for more than £550 worth of goods has failed in an appeal against his four-month jail sentence. Kenneth Leach-Smith, 42, of Dowles Road, Kidderminster, had received the sentence from Cheltenham magistrates

  • WOODWARD GROSVENORS AC

    DOWLES: R Passey 12-6, T Cooke 7-4, D Saunders 6-0, N Hill 3-2, M Brown 1-8. A contest will be held on Sunday at Monkhall. Those wishing to participate should meet at Green Street car park at 6am. Breakfast is at 6.45am.

  • Seven-year ban for boss

    A former director of a Kidderminster-based company which went into liquidation with debts of more than £500,000 has agreed to a seven-year ban from company management. William Blanco, of Solihull, was a director of Envoy Design and Manufacturing at the

  • Getting on with job

    FROM time to time you publish contributions from Stourport's perpetual candidate for elective office - James Millington. The latest one (Letters, June 27) is critical of Health Concern. It lists his own largely inaccurate presumptions, and issues a lecture

  • HETA AC

    DUCK Pool: D Mould 23-5, P Reynolds 15-2, B Oliver 12-0. There will be a match on Sunday on HETA Pool, draw 7am. Members' subscriptions are now due and must be paid prior to any fishing.

  • Independent way?

    COUNCILLORS elected under the Save Kidderminster Hospital banner all describe themselves as independent but this seems to be contradicted by your front page story of June 27 "A calming influence". The dominant member of the controlling independent group

  • Carnival success

    I WOULD like to thank all those who made Kidderminster Carnival a great success this year. Although the number of floats in the parade was down on last year, the hard work that went into building the entries was very evident. Thank-you to all who entered

  • GOLDEN MAGGOT

    AT WOODSTON Manor, Stourport teenager Warren Jennings easily won the 10th match of the season with 55lb of carp. Jennings fed caster and chopped worm with worm hookbait to take carp to 8lb. New member Richard Billingham fished well for second place, taking

  • Ugly leftover of industrial age

    I HAVE read with some amusement the various contributions to the Shuttle/Times and News letters pages on the need to preserve the ex-Brintons Piano Building. While agreeing that planners and developers have committed some heinous crimes locally, I can

  • Museum set to celebrate

    BEWDLEY Museum will celebrate its 30th birthday on Saturday, July 13 and I hope that everyone in Wyre Forest will come to Bewdley to celebrate this great achievement. I am inviting all of the town to support the event in any way that they can. Traders

  • Call to 'root' out vandals

    EVESHAM'S bid for a Britain in Bloom award was almost wrecked by vandals who destroyed floral troughs along Workman Bridge, just hours before the judges arrived. They struck last Sunday night, damaging seven troughs of Surfinias lining the bridge. Some

  • Campaigners plan mass protest over asylum plan

    HUNDREDS of villagers will tie ribbons to the perimeter fence of the former Throckmorton airfield to protest at Government plans to build a "super camp" for asylum seekers there. Angry residents will carry placards and attach billboards to the fencing

  • Champions elect

    ROGER le Moore were crowned Division Two champions of the Kidderminster Six-a-Side League with a convincing 7-1 win over All Whites. Runners-up were Swan FC who emphatically beat Harriers United 9-2. The cup games are next week and all teams should arrive

  • Jackie swaps horse shoes for horse sense

    AN RSPCA inspector from Evesham has received one of the society's top awards for her commitment and service to animal welfare. Inspector Jackie Hickman was one of three inspectors to receive the Anderson-Plumbe Award for special merit and ability at the

  • MP calls for assurances on unit closure

    THE future of Pershore's minor injuries unit has been called into question by Vale MP Sir Michael Spicer. Sir Michael is concerned that the temporary closure of the unit last week because of staff sickness may be the death knell for the service at Pershore

  • Fifth arrest in computer theft case

    POLICE have arrested a fifth man in connection with the disappearance of computer equipment worth £250,000 and the abduction of a lorry driver. The man was arrested in Olerton Lane, Telford, at about 4.20pm on Wednesday on suspicion of armed robbery,

  • Ferndale lift title

    FERNDALE U-16s girls romped to take the title at a Pershore competition last Sunday. They were unbeaten and did not concede a goal with Nikki Palmer, Sam Rogers, Vicki Roberts and Nicole Allison all finding the net at the other end.

  • One stop to court closing

    THE fate of the magistrates court in Evesham looks set to be sealed. A consultation document is being circulated by the West Mercia Magistrates' Court Service on the proposed closure of Evesham Court. It follows the completion of the new courthouse in

  • Sad move on happy hour!

    A PLAN by Eurocrats to ban Happy Hour has left a bitter taste around Evesham pubs. South West MEP, Neil Parish, has hit out at the proposed regulation on drinks because he fears it could hit hundreds of venues, particularly in tourist areas. "Pubs and

  • Step into past with guided history walks

    A NEW series of guided walks through history puts its best foot forward at the weekend with Bretforton and Cow Honeybourne. Walkpast 2002 runs from July to October and features guided countryside walks through Worcestershire's architectural heritage.

  • Ben hungry for Sixways glory

    BEN Hinshelwood has sensed a new hunger at Worcester Rugby Club with the influx of new, younger players. The centre, who enjoyed an outstanding debut season at Sixways last year, has recently returned from winning his first Test cap for Scotland on tour

  • Hick and Weston revive County

    WORCESTERSHIRE'S Phil Weston and Graeme Hick both completed half-centuries in the County Championship Division Two clash with Middlesex at Lord's today. The pair stretched their second wicket partnership towards the 100 mark as they continued to prosper

  • Worcester quartet in cup bid

    WORCESTER Rowing Club's fantastic four take on Upper Thames tomorrow hoping to turn around the county's fortune at Henley Royal Regatta. Chris Chilton, Chris Farr, Jeremy Richardson and Peter Crozier lifted the Wyfold Cup two years ago and they go in

  • Shepherd on form

    FOSSILS' evergreen opener John Shepherd hit an unbeaten 100 to take his side to their fourth win of the season against the Law Society. The 65-year-old's effort allowed Fossils to finish on 200-3 before getting stuck into the Law Society's reply. John

  • Suzman is gem of all-star cast

    THEATREGOERS in Stratford are in for a rare treat later this month when award-winning actress Janet Suzman leads a stellar cast in John Barton's production of The Hollow Crown at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Ms Suzman, who started her career in Stratford

  • 'Green man' is new resident

    A RESIDENTIAL home for the elderly now has a garden to be proud of - and it could come up trumps in a competition. Areley House staff and residents - and Stourport Scouts - have crafted colourful creations outside the home in Areley Lane, Stourport. Areley

  • Death of village stalwart

    A POPULAR pub landlady known for her gentle manner has died. Peggy Guise, who ran the Mare and Colt pub, Kidderminster, with husband Charles for 28 years, died from a heart attack, aged 84. Mrs Guise, of Sebright Road, Wolverley, was a popular figure

  • Man cleared of kidnap charges

    A KIDDERMINSTER man has been cleared of seven charges after the prosecution offered no evidence at Worcester Crown Court. Mark Addleton, 33, of Witley Close, pleaded not guilty to robbery, kidnap, theft, assault with intent to rob and two assaults causing

  • Summer fun on the cards

    MAJOR improvements have been promised in Wyre Forest District Council's summer play programme. The six weeks of fun will include half-price and free places to children from families on housing or unemployment benefit. The authority also vowed the most

  • 4/7/02 A new man in Parrish

    TRIPLE promotion winner Sean Parrish will fill the midfield hole in the Kidderminster Harriers squad. Harriers boss Ian Britton confirmed the two-year signing of Parrish on Monday and admitted it was a "pleasant surprise". The addition of the experienced

  • Railway goes back to 1940s

    THOUSANDS of people - many dressed from the period - stepped back to the wartime era for Severn Valley Railway's 1940s extravaganza at the weekend. The annual event has become so popular over the years organisers now lay on an extra weekend to accommodate

  • Alex scoops a national award

    SWIFTER than a weaver's shuttle and just as accurate, Shuttle/ Times and News reporter Alex Day has beaten off competition from hundreds of trainees across the UK to land a prestigious prize. Alex, 21, of Quinton, Birmingham, who joined Newsquest Midlands

  • KIDDERMINSTER CYCLING CLUB

    There are two rides on Sunday. The A ride will start at 9am and go to Robin Hood Butts, Long Mynd. The half-day C ride to the Clent Hills starts at 9.30am. Both rides leave from The Green, Blakebrook, opposite Kidderminster Hospital. All cyclists will

  • Anonymity for battered wives

    WOMEN throughout the county who are beaten up by their husbands could be granted anonymity in court under new Government proposals to stamp out domestic violence. Victims, who often feel shame and embarrassment, would be more likely to testify against

  • July 4, 2002

    CHILTERN Railways plan to start the through-train service from Kidderminster to Marylebone at the end of September. Initially, trains will run to London in the early morning, returning in the evening, but from June next year they hope to extend the service

  • Celebration of countryside

    THE Three Counties Showground has been chosen for the inaugural "Game and Country Fair" aimed at celebrating the vibrant life and work in the countryside. Organised by Outdoor Events Ltd and endorsed by the Country Land and Business Association, the NFU

  • Youngster Lucy is riding high

    A SHETLAND pony owned by a Wickhamford woman is on its way to Olympia. Claylands Captain, a 12-year-old, qualified for the pre-Christmas show at the London venue by winning the Shetland Grand National at the recent Three Counties Countryside Show. The

  • Birthday hope for museum

    A PLEA has been issued for people to back under-threat Bewdley Museum as it prepares to celebrate its 30th birthday. Wyre Forest District Council needs to make £3 million budget cuts over two years and will withdraw funding next April. A working group

  • Blooming time for town's mobile homes

    THERE is still time for green-fingered gardeners planning to wow judges at this year's Bewdley in Bloom competition to get their entries in. Judges will be assessing hopefuls in 16 categories on Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 13. The official closing

  • Full-time fire station hope

    NEW volunteer firefighters look set to rescue a fire station's full-time cover. Bewdley fire station - which currently has only enough crew to respond to emergencies on weekday evenings and at weekends - could soon offer a 24 hour-a-day, seven day-a-week

  • Wickhamford

    GARDENING CLUB: The June meeting of the Gardening Club encompassed a very successful visit to the gardens at Luggers Hall, Springfield Lane, Broadway. The owners Kay and Red Haslam were on hand and the club members marvelled at their enterprise that has

  • Juniors in semis

    OLD Hill's openers put on 94 before Tina Ridings struck to put Pershore Under-15s on the way to a Sun Life Cup semi-final date at Old Swinford. A final total of 131 from 20 overs set a stiff task for a side that, due to school commitments and injuries

  • Howzat for openers! Run feast as Exhall duo star

    FOUR points separate the top three sides in the Premier Division of the Cotswold Hills League after leaders Kineton lost to a buoyed up Shipston outfit. Exhall and Wixford lie third after smashing 287-4 in a 63-run defeat of gallant Stratford Bards but

  • Bottoms up and down!

    IT PROVED a topsy-turvy two days at The Bottoms where Pershore were twice handed tough run chases. Saturday's Worcestershire County League clash with old foes Droitwich saw them fall 37 runs short in pursuit of the visiting side's 240-9 but, Bromsgrove's

  • From the archives

    100 years ago July 5 1902 IN consequence of the King being pronounced to be out of immediate danger on Sunday, Lord Cranbourne, the Chairman of the Bonfires Committee, issued through the press an appeal for all bonfires which had been constructed for

  • Steady stuff in Murphy's

    JEREMY Robinson's late call-up to the Murphy's Irish Open brought the Evesham golfer a welcome cheque for £3,000. The European Tour player finished one-under for the Fota Island event but was left to regret three consecutive bogeys on the back nine last

  • Green's record

    SIMON Green smashed the course record at The Vale Golf and Country Club with an amazing round of 71. The three-handicapper, playing in the 36-hole championships, bettered the previous record held by Garry Downie by three shots. The new record, combined

  • Roy is the champion

    THE Pershore Golf Society didn't have to travel far to contest Captain's Day. The delightful setting of Tew-kesbury Park was in good condition and, with the prospect of fine weather, captain Neil Sheppard gave a warm welcome to members and guests. The

  • Theatre

    Alexandra, Birmingham - A Night at the Musicals Saturday. Repertory, Birmingham - Wallop Mrs Cox until July 13. Transmissions until July 13. Old Rep, Birmingham - When the Wind Blows until Saturday. Crescent, Birmingham - The Herbal Bed until Saturday

  • Pershore's sea success

    PERSHORE-based Accura Geneva, part of the outsourcing manufacturing group Accura, marked the first anniversary of its relationship with Ocean Yacht Systems with the announcement of additional business. One of the leading suppliers to the superyacht and

  • Trudy gives dad a disco surprise

    WYCHAVON District Council chairman John Smith, had a special presentation to make at the Jubilee Disco in Pershore organised by fellow councillor Trudy Burge for the chairman's charity. For weeks Trudy had fooled her father, Ted Annis, into believing

  • Praise for volunteers

    I WOULD like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who assisted in the recent celebration for National Volunteers Week. VOW (Voluntary Organisations of Worcester) organised a number of events during the week and would especially like to thank: The

  • Redistribute the world's wealth

    MATTHEW Clarke argues that "monarchy, aristocracy and democracy is the most Biblical form of government" and suggests that Christianity teaches that not all men and women are equal to each other. I would ask Mr Clarke to look at documents such as the

  • Manners count, but 'mate' is fine by me

    "MANNERS maketh Man?" Yes, manners do count. If possible, the front seats of public service vehicles should be left for use by the elderly. Furthermore, young people should always be prepared to surrender their seats to the old. Also, smiles from people

  • 4/7/02 Swifts v Reds?

    A GRUDGE FA Trophy first round tie awaits Stourport Swifts if they can win their preliminary round clash at Mangotsfield. Swifts can line up a home date with big county rivals Redditch United if they dispose of their fellow Dr Martens League Western Division

  • Dance the night away

    MAKE it a date at Number 8 when the Pershore community arts and social centre holds a fund-raising disco on Saturday, July 6. Anyone aged between seven and twelve is invited to dance to the sounds of DJ Paul Pritchard from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. The aim is

  • Italian move will broaden horizons

    A GIFTED teenager from a Cleobury Mortimer school is off to Italy after winning a place at one of the internationally renowned United World Colleges. Stevie Ratcliff, 16, who attends Lacon Childe School, will attend the UWC in Trieste for two years from

  • Learning sign language

    DEAF or hard of hearing toddlers at a Kidderminster nursery will be well catered for after five staff members started learning sign language. The eight-week course which is run by Worcestershire County Council finishes this week. Holy Trinity School Nursery

  • Hungry Leon eats into runs record

    BIG hitting Leon Botha has proved the scourge of Worcestershire League bowlers during a run-packed first half of the season, writes Mervyn Collins. The popular Springbok, returning to the club he served so well three summers ago, is just a couple of hundred

  • Back to school for new officer

    BIDFORD's new police officer could be based at the village's new primary school and library or possibly the fire station. Chief Inspector Mike Slemensek, head of Stratford sector, told Stratford District Council's Avon Area Community Committee on Monday

  • Auction aid for school

    AN auction of promises in aid of a new computer suite for Chaddesley Corbett Endowed First School is being held next week. The event takes place at the village hall and among the items donated so far are a DVD player; a microwave oven; two tickets to

  • Bottoms up and down!

    IT PROVED a topsy-turvy two days at The Bottoms where Pershore were twice handed tough run chases. Saturday's Worcestershire County League clash with old foes Droitwich saw them fall 37 runs short in pursuit of the visiting side's 240-9 but, Bromsgrove's

  • Juniors in semis

    OLD Hill's openers put on 94 before Tina Ridings struck to put Pershore Under-15s on the way to a Sun Life Cup semi-final date at Old Swinford. A final total of 131 from 20 overs set a stiff task for a side that, due to school commitments and injuries

  • Hill climb season hots-up

    A SIZZLING weekend of hill climb action is lined-up at Shelsley Walsh, on both two and four wheels. Saturday and Sunday will see further action as the Midland Automobile Club reaches the half-way point of the season at the historic venue. The meeting

  • The Island Princess, The Swan, Stratford

    THE Royal Shakespeare Company seems to have struck a rich vein of gold in its current Jacobethan season at The Swan in Stratford. After the critical successes of the Eastward Ho! and The Roman Actor, and to a lesser extent Edward III, the company has

  • Workshop to mark environment boost

    CHILDREN'S drama, creative art and drum workshops will feature in an event arranged to celebrate improvements in Worcestershire's environment. The Worcestershire Jubilee Earth Summit will also mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee by looking at quality of life

  • Top acts headline open air concert at court

    MUSIC from five decades will be belted out when Tom the Frop line up alongside a highly-rated Eagles tribute band for an open air concert later this month. The band, who started life in the mid-1970s, will be sharing the bill with Talon - The Best of

  • Puzzling swap-shop

    Jigsaw enthusiasts looking for a new challenge can swap an old puzzle for another one on the first Thursday of the month at Kidderminster Library between 9.30am and noon. Those wanting to swap should bring a sealed puzzle with no pieces missing and choose

  • Reading is a mystery for club

    Bibliophiles are being invited to dip in to a mystery box at this month's meeting of Kidderminster Library readers group. Those taking part can choose from a range of genres with every title different. The group meets at the library at 7.30pm on July

  • Prize art on show

    A new exhibition, the Kidderminster paintings of Colin Simmonds, winner of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists Winsor and Newton Prize, goes on show at Kidderminster Library on Saturday. The exhibition continues until August 3 on the top floor.

  • Author McCarthy continues quest for all things Irish

    AUTHOR Pete McCarthy has written his own version of Treasure Ireland... He was desperate to unearth his Irish roots when he penned the best-selling McCarthy's Bar which tells of his odyssey around the Emerald Isle. It's full of wonderful anecdotes, incidents

  • Back to golden era of steam

    THE 1950s are often hailed as one of the golden eras for Britain's railways as steam trains huffed and puffed their way across the country. Through the 1960s and 1970s Britain's railway network went into decline with many stations and lines closing down

  • Family day to bring in fans

    STRATFORD Racecourse is gearing up for the fourth Family Raceday on Sunday July 14. Following the phenomenal success of the annual even, which last year saw a post-war attendance record for Stratford Racecourse of over 9,000, a similar bumper crowd is

  • Twinning trip a triumph

    PERSHORE Tennis Centre's links with their counterparts in Germany from the Grnweiss Reichswalde Tennisverein were strengthened when five members from the club, situated in Worcester's twin-town of Kleve, spent a long weekend in Pershore. In addition,

  • McCoy records hat-trick after early mounts woe

    TONY McCoy rattled up a late treble at Stratford last Friday evening after suffering a couple of early setbacks. The champion jockey, handed five rides by trainer Martin Pipe at George Pragnell Gold Cup night, saw favourites Peter's Two Fun and Rosencrantz

  • Company sets tiller on successful course

    A PERSHORE-based company has cause for celebration after a year of success with a leading yachting company. Accura Geneva has hailed as a great success its partnership with Ocean Yacht Systems, which manufactures rigging and hydraulic systems for super-yachts

  • Stock Exchange jitters as another day dawns

    THE London Stock Exchange had a nervous opening today after yesterday's slump left the market at its lowest close for more than five years. Around £37bn was wiped from the value of shares as another slide on Wall Street sent shudders through investors

  • Phone firm's gift of cash

    GROUPS using Evesham Leisure Centre will reap the benefits after staff at Wychavon Leisure Community Association won a national mobile phone competition. Centre manager Kay McBride picked up a cheque for £2,002 after buying a Sony Z7 mobile phone for

  • New chapter for health centre

    FUNDS raised by caring pupils at Bidford Primary School have gone towards creating a new children's reading area at the village health centre. The High Street health centre has just taken delivery of a new wooden table and chairs for children, the money

  • 4/7/02 - Ben hungry for Sixways glory

    BEN Hinshelwood has sensed a new hunger at Worcester Rugby Club with the influx of new, younger players. The centre, who enjoyed an outstanding debut season at Sixways last year, has recently returned from winning his first Test cap for Scotland on tour

  • Singh run feast is not enough

    A LATE slog from overseas star Mandeep Singh failed to rescue a victory for Kidderminster at Kenilworth Wardens in Birmingham League Division One. They had to be content with a losing draw despite Singh crashing three sixes and two fours from the final

  • Discovering treasure of the open road...

    I am amazed Dan Lewis does not enjoy a daily cycle between Sedgeberrow and Evesham? I myself, cycle from Wyre Piddle to work in Hallow, a few miles the other side of Worcester, every day, and have to say it is the most wonderful experience. Firstly, I

  • Is it a lack of loyalty at the village level?

    THE anger and disappointment felt by Fladbury Parish Council concerning their County Councillor Liz Eyre is easy to understand. Sadly there seems to be a lack of loyalty, at county and district level, to the villages which they are meant to represent.

  • Why I proposed the no confidence vote

    As the Fladbury Parish Councillor who proposed the vote of no confidence in Councillor Eyre which you reported last week, perhaps you would allow me to clarify some points which may not have been clear from the comments you printed. Mrs Eyre was very

  • Orchid news

    One of these pleasures of this time of the year is the sight of the few remaining fragments of wildflower meadows in the county. You may have seen the recent report by Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, which highlighted the dramatic loss of our meadows -

  • Minor point on unit

    REGARDING the Minor Injuries Unit at Pershore Cottage Hospital. On this occasion I have sympathy with the Primary Care Trust in as much as they have got a large number of long term sickness vacancies which they have struggled to fill, even paying Locum

  • Cracking the code

    Re: Dress Codes. On Friday evening I made a most enjoyable journey from one side of the county to the other. The weather was warm and the views superb. I was joining my husband for supper after his round of golf in the shadow of the Malvern's. Over the

  • Stone bounce back in Division Five derby

    RELIEVED Stone registered a first win in seven games in their Saturday League Division Five visit to local rivals Brintons. The visitors invited Brintons to bat but Andy Jones (84 not out) and Alan Lockwood (45) had put on 109 before Pete Glover struck

  • Cutnall go Green as Chainwire battle on

    CHAINWIRE held up Cutnall Green's Saturday League Division Five promotion charge by claiming a losing draw. Green are still only nine points away from leaders Cape Hill Victoria in fourth place though. But they could not dismiss second-from-bottom Chainwire

  • League into semi

    A WORCESTERSHIRE Saturday League representative team defeated Staffordshire in the Midland Club Cricket Conference Inter League Knockout quarter-finals. Worcestershire totalled 228-8 from 45 overs and then bowled out their opponents for 153, helped by

  • Chaddesley slip

    CHADDESLEY Corbett were knocked off the Worcestershire Sunday League summit by weekend opponents Worcester. The villagers lost by six wickets after their 255-9 proved too little as Worcester's Taibu scored 110 runs. Chaddesley 255-9, Worcester 259-4.

  • Smith's century steers Spennells

    DEREK Smith's 102 not out guided Spennells B to a big 194-run win over Cookley in Stainweld Sunday League Division A. Another century-maker was Old Tumbling Sailors/Fire's prolific Lee Shewry in a winning draw against Spennells A in the Premier Division

  • Lion's share will scare the moggies

    A LION is protecting the gardens of a Worcester primary school - or so the cats in the area have been led to believe. Two pupils at Lyppard Grange Primary School decided to try out an unusual form of pest control after local moggies damaged their plants

  • Handrail fear in OAP's death

    A CITY woman has told an inquest that she feared a handrail at a city nursing home could have contributed to her mother's death. Worcestershire coroner Victor Round, heard the family of Ruth Williams say they were worried that a 15in gap in a handrail

  • U-17s' run treat

    KIDDERMINSTER hammered an amazing 289 runs off 20 overs in the U-17s Trophy at Chester Road on Friday. A strong side punished their young opponents with England youth prospect Steve Davies hitting a 35-ball century of outstanding shot-making. It was followed

  • Driver faces charges after man's death

    A MOTORIST is to face charges of causing death by dangerous driving after a man was killed during a head-on collision, weeks before he was due to retire. Mervyn Walker,who lived in Whitbourne, near Worcester, died after his red Reliant Robin was involved

  • Season's spoils are handed out

    LAST Wednesday evening, Bretforton's players enjoyed a friendly warm-up game among themselves. Playing 12-a-side, there were goals from each team by Sue Harper, Jane Wheeler, Lisa Workman and Deb Slatter in a game that ended 4-4. On Saturday evening,

  • It's not just poor kids, says Luff

    TORY MP Peter Luff has said bad behaviour on Worcestershire's streets is not confined to poorer children. The Government has targeted a host of initiatives at breaking the link between poverty and anti-social behaviour. But, in a Commons debate, Mr Luff

  • Sisters pulled elderly man from rail track

    TWO sisters who helped save the life of a man lying on a railway track have received Good Citizen Awards. The honour is the latest received by Tamie and Charlene Kellard, pupils at Pershore High School, for their action two years ago. The sisters, who

  • Asbestos inquests

    TWO pensioners from Worcestershire could have died from asbestos poisoning, an inquest heard. Worcestershire coroner Victor Round told yesterday's hearing concerning Ivor Rennison and Wilfred Rollason that both of the men's deaths, which were unrelated

  • Worcester up for sale

    AN 18th Century watercolour of Worcester by Thomas Rowlandson is expected to fetch up to £6,000 at auction today. The picture, entitled Worcester, is a riverside scene, with sailing boats clustered at the quay and the Cathedral in the background. Measuring

  • Make a noise for the world

    WORCESTER Friends of the Earth will be inviting people to make a noise at the Earth Summit 2002 on Saturday. An event at County Hall will launch an international campaign calling for global rules for big businesses. Members of the public will be asked

  • Bishop receives new priests into the fold

    THE Bishop of Worcester has welcomed several new deacons and priests to the diocese at a service at Worcester Cathedral. The Rt Rev Dr Peter Selby ordained the six deacons and six priests at the Cathedral on Sunday. The service began at 10.30am and brought

  • Queen award for police IT scheme

    TWO staff from West Mercia Constabulary have been honoured by the Queen for their work in developing police training. Mary Vaughan and Ann Bicknell are among the first winners of the Queen's Awards for Innovation in Police Training and Development. The

  • School fete marks 150th anniversary

    A WORCESTERSHIRE village made famous by the long-running radio serial The Archers is confident bumper celebrations will attract a host of visitors. Inkberrow First School is 150 years old this year, and organisers of a fete this Saturday are determined

  • Man denies assault

    A KIDDERMINSTER computer engineer told a jury that he was "stunned" when police arrested him for child abuse allegedly committed more than 20 years ago. "It's hard to explain. There was a sense of disbelief. I was absolutely gobsmacked," said Geoffrey

  • MP calls for assurances on unit closure

    THE future of Pershore's minor injuries unit has been called into question by Vale MP Sir Michael Spicer. Sir Michael is concerned that the temporary closure of the unit last week because of staff sickness may be the death knell for the service at Pershore

  • Car park slots to be chopped

    CAR parking woe is set to return to Kidderminster with the axing of more spaces. The town will lose 275 slots when work starts on the remainder of the £60 million Weavers' Wharf development on July 21. The loss of 250 spaces on Pitts Lane surface car

  • Pupils banned in drugs probe

    A "SMALL number" of Bewdley High School pupils have been temporarily excluded following a probe into lunchtime drug-taking. Head David Derbyshire launched an investigation following an incident on Friday - but stressed not all of those punished had been

  • Blind porn man freed

    A BLIND man who downloaded 20,000 child porn images from the internet has been spared a jail sentence at Worcester Crown Court. Paul Hawkesford, 39, who has been registered blind for six years, was arrested after police swooped on his former home in Sebright

  • Working to beat floods

    WORK has started on a Kidderminster flood-prevention scheme to protect 129 properties. The flood-defence project on the River Stour will involve a storage reservoir upstream of Crossley Retail Park. Serious flooding occurred in Kidderminster town centre

  • £5,500 for man caught in roller

    MAGISTRATES have awarded £5,500 compensation to a Kidderminster carpet worker hurt in a factory accident. His union is also seeking damages in a civil action. Carpets of Worth was fined £3,000 by the Kidderminster court and ordered to pay £1,400 costs

  • Defford

    DEFFORD AND BESFORD PARISH COUNCIL: The Chairman Roger Price and Vice Chairman R Brookes and M Pegg were re-elected as was the planning committee. Following the decision not to adopt the new Code of Practice as a matter of protest the code would be effective

  • Evesham

    WOMEN IN BUSINESS CLUB: An interesting meeting took place on June 26 at the Pershore Civic Centre where we heard a presentation from Roy Bayliss. Roy has launched five businesses in the past 11 years and has worked with hundreds of people involved in

  • Harvington

    GARDEN CLUB: Twenty seven members of the Garden Club paid a visit last Wednesday to 'Woodpeckers', a private garden at Marlcliffe, an evening visit which was greatly enjoyed by all. There are a few seats still available (at £10 per head) on the coach

  • Fladbury

    THE MAIN EVENT: For the first time, Pershore was the venue for this year's Main Regatta for England organised by Fladbury Paddle Club. More than 350 competitors took part in the regatta last Saturday, the idea for which was originated by local canoeing

  • School sets the high-tech standard

    WORCESTER'S Christopher Whitehead High School may face an uncertain future about whether it stays in St John's or is rebuilt on the outskirts of the city but, in one respect, it's full of confidence and moving into a brave new world. The school's intention

  • Smashing time at Wimbledon

    TENNIS: Lewis Barnes was among a group of Britain's most promising young players who took to the show courts at the famous Wimbledon Tennis Championships. The up-and-coming Kidderminster ace, who has represented Great Britain U-12s, and his fellow prospects

  • Trinity team in national glory

    SWIMMING: A Holy Trinity School team took third place at the Bazuka National Swimming Championships for Primary Schools. Heather Keen, Caroline Park, Aimee Cook and Iskra Lawrence achieved the accolade in the mixed stroke relay and were joint sixth in

  • Brakes on for title challenge

    MOTORSPORT: Brake trouble put Wyre Forest kart racer Nathan Freke out of the British Long Circuit 125 Superkart Championship's final race at the weekend. After a disastrous last championship meeting four weeks earlier, Freke was hoping for better at the

  • Athletes swap league places

    ATHLETICS: There were big changes after race six of Amazing Feet's inter-club league due to the absence of the three leading runners. Six members tackled the Sting In The Tail multi-terrain event at Telford. Leader Chris Miles dropped to third in the

  • Dorrell aims for gold at Henley

    ROWING: Stourport Boat Club star Tim Dorrell begins his pursuit of glory at the famous Henley Royal Regatta in Oxfordshire today. Dorrell, competing for the Silver Goblets and Nickalls' Challenge Cup in the coxswainless pairs, teams up with Upper Thames

  • Battle is on to save hall

    AN urgent attempt to save a 100-year-old building from demolition has been launched. Worcestershire County Council Archaeological Service has applied to English Heritage to have Stourport's Drill Hall spot listed. Last week the Shuttle/Times and News

  • Anxious wait for Clarke

    GOLF: Aspiring golf professional Steven Clarke hopes to gain a place in Daily Telegraph and Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Junior Golf Championships finals. The 17-year-old shot 74 to win his qualifying round at home club Kidderminster and must now wait until

  • Cycling record

    CYCLING: A strong Wyre Forest Cycling Club contingent saw a record haul of personal best times in the Beacon RCC 10 mile Time Trial at Wythall. Steve Burns was fastest home in 21 minutes 17 seconds for third place overall but his team-mates all performed

  • Richards takes trophy

    GOLF: The CMS Cup at Wharton Park was won by David Richards with 43 points off a handicap of 18. Second was 12-handicap Steve Owen who scored 40 points. Men's May Stableford Division One: Lars Jacobsen 12-43, Kevin Lane 10-42; Div Two: Norman Salmon 16

  • Wards in charge

    HOCKEY: Wards kept up their position at the top of the Cleobury Mortimer Sports Centre Mixed Indoor Hockey League. They beat Old Hyltonians 4-0 and Where's Willy 3-1 but dropped 1-0 to second-placed Team Fat Chance. Cleobury Socials held onto third position

  • Window firm's bid rejected

    PLANNERS have given the thumbs down to a bid by a Stourport window firm to build a new showroom. A report to Wyre Forest District Council's planning (development control) committee had recommended the bid be approved - but councillors blocked the proposed

  • Barry best of 104

    GOLF: There were 104 entries for the Captain's Cup at Cleobury Mortimer which was won by Barry Farr with a nett 67. Full result: Farr 15 handicap 67 nett, Ian Duncan 17-69, Ian Loftus 12-69, Mark Riley 13-70, Andy Greenhalgh 4-70, Pete Munslow 14-70.

  • Mobile library trial

    Stourport mobile library is starting a six-month trial of evening visits to Kidderminster. From Tuesday it will be at the Franche Co-op car park between 5pm and 6.30pm on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month. Books, videos, spoken word tapes

  • Lady Day success

    GOLF: Wyre Forest Golf Club's Ros Hayward organised the annual Lady Captain's Day fun Texas scramble. Winners were Dawn Gregg, Doreen Hart and Colleen Massey with 19 points. Second were Val Bow, Pat Bowater and Sheila Smyth on 17 followed by Sue Bradley

  • POOLE HALL

    THERE has been good fishing on all coarse waters with weights recorded varying from 27lb to 68lb. One bag of 59lb of mixed fish was landed, containing an 11.5lb common carp, and other weights were from 3.265lb to 7.5lb. The bag came from peg 22 on Heron

  • SHATTERFORD FISHERY

    A MONTANA was used to catch seven trout to 3lb, while a buzzer landed seven to 2.5lb. Another angler caught six trout to 3lb with a montana. On the coarse lakes, squid were used on the Erics to catch two catfish, while nuggets were used to land a 26lb

  • Spate of car thefts

    TWO cars were stolen last Thursday in Kidderminster. A white Peugeot 309, registration number D958 BHP, was taken from a car park by St Mary's Church in the morning. And a white Rover Maestro, registration number G297 NNX, disappeared from its owner's

  • WILLOW MARSH FISHERY

    FRIDAY Evening Open, Dragonfly: Kevin Bennett 24-14, Keith Parsons 24-10, Richard Billingham 23-8. Sunday Morning, Dragonfly Pool, Rowley and Blackheath Labour Club: Keith Tolley 32-6, G Tolley 11-10, J Harte 6-6. Wordsley Conservatives AC, Dragonfly

  • WOLVERLEY AC

    GRIMLEY: M Pitt 2-15, R Billingham 2-4, M Reece 2-1.5. The next contest is at Walcot Lake A section on Sunday, July 14. The next meeting will be on Wednesday.

  • Cruelty charge

    A MOTHER from Kidderminster is due to appear before town magistrates tomorrow on a cruelty charge. The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with an offence of cruelty to a child under 16 years of age.

  • TOMKINSONS AC

    NORDLEY Pool 2: J Moon 9-11, Trevor Wills 8-14, M Weston 8-2, M Carey 8-1. The next contest will be on Sunday, July 14 on the BAA Staffordshire/Worcestershire Canal, 36-37.

  • Pensioner duped by fraudster

    A FRAUDSTER who obtained a cheque from an 89-year-old victim for promised work altered it and paid it into a bank account, registering a £4,000 credit. The cash was withdrawn within a few days, prosecutor Owen Beale told Kiddermin-ster magistrates. Roody

  • BANKSIDERS AC

    THERE will be a contest on Sunday at the Jam Factory. Those fishing should meet at the Horsefair at 6.45am or at the venue at 7.30am. The club has sole fishing rights to Hurcott Pool. Further information is available on 0775 916 5381.

  • Cider leads to car ban

    PETER Wilson drove to Kidderminster police station to complain about an assault and was arrested when police smelled alcohol and breath-tested him. Wilson, 43, of Elm Place, Cookley, was banned from driving for a year and fined £67, with £55 costs, after

  • REGENT AC

    SUNDAY'S contest, the annual six-hour contest, will be on Garringtons. The draw will take place at 7.30am at the venue. There will be limited places so to book a place call 822320 by Saturday. Members are reminded card money is now due.

  • A and E decision is ray of hope

    I HAVE some little part in the double-barrelled scrap in Wyre Forest seeking to restore vitally important emergency services at Kidderminster's fine and acclaimed hospital while simultaneously reminding politicians both national and local of who put them

  • WREN'S NEST AC

    STRAWBERRY Pool is the venue for Sunday's contest to be drawn at 8am. There is a 15-peg limit so names should be submitted prior to the event. Result of Wren's Top Pool match: K Woodhead 20-15, P Butler 10-6, J Moon 9-12.

  • Youth denies blaze charge

    A teenager denied setting a car ablaze when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court. John Webb, 19, of Barnfield Road, Stourport, pleaded not guilty to destroying by fire a Vauxhall Cavalier and perverting the course of justice by making a false complaint

  • Drunken fan stole watch

    A drunken football fan stole a wristwatch while he was celebrating England's victory over Denmark, his solicitor told Kidderminster magistrates. A woman store detective challenged him outside TJ Hughes in the Bull Ring, and struggled with him until police

  • RED LION AC

    WOODLAND View, 21 fished: R Zinzan 53-10, P Harvey 24-0, A Pitt 23-10, B Carwood 23-10,A Humphries 23-7. There will be a meeting on Tuesday at the Red Lion, Cookley, which all members are asked to attend.

  • Brazil tops again! Courses on offer

    FUTEBOL de Salao, Brazilian Soccer Skills, are currently organising local summer courses. Futebol de Salao is well known for coaching the girls off the blockbuster film 'Bend it like Beckham' and also introducing a unique style of coaching to the British

  • Academy's aim to help youngsters rise to top

    EVESHAM College Academy staged its trials for the forthcoming season. Many players from all around the region attended. The Academy's main aim is to improve players so they can go on and play football at semi professional level. The Academy had many links

  • Play area rethink

    THE problem with play areas (Rethink ordered on play areas, Shuttle/Times and News, June 27) is that the new Wyre Forest District Council administration has simply not used the time allowed - and very deliberately built into the budget strategy - to find

  • Lest we forget

    THE wartime rations basket publicising Severn Valley Railway's 40s event (Shuttle/Times and News, June 27) contained a bunch of bananas. As any wartime child would tell you, bananas disappeared from British shops in late 1939 and were not seen again for

  • Awards for their bravery

    HEROIC Peopleton schoolgirl Stephanie Deane has won a police award for saving a young woman who threatened to jump off a bridge. The 15-year-old grabbed the woman's hand and pulled her to safety just before she was about to throw herself into the river

  • Shock at travel token changes

    I AM 75 years old and live on a Kidderminster road which has no bus service. I have not got a car, but regularly walk into Kidderminster, one and a half miles away. I went to collect my travel tokens from the district council (which only take me half

  • We need calming too

    I HAVE been following with interest the debate, and the tit for tat on your letters pages, involving Councillor Frank Baillie relating to the traffic calming in Bewdley. Could I remind Mr Baillie that the electorate of Aggborough elected him to Wyre Forest

  • Pershore's sea success

    PERSHORE-based Accura Geneva, part of the outsourcing manufacturing group Accura, marked the first anniversary of its relationship with Ocean Yacht Systems with the announcement of additional business. One of the leading suppliers to the superyacht and

  • MP calls for idea to be floated for asylum

    VALE MP Peter Luff is calling on the Government to trial floating accommodation centres for asylum seekers. Mr Luff spent a day visiting the floating centre in Holland and believes it would offer a much speedier solution to the problems of housing asylum

  • United make triple swoop

    HEREFORD United have taken their tally of summer signings to five by recruiting three more players on free transfers. Director of Football Graham Turner has snapped up Andy Tretton, a 26-year-old central defender previously with Shrewsbury Town, ex-Crewe

  • Robins given stiff cup tests

    PRESTIGIOUS knockout action will be absent from Common Road next season unless Eve-sham United can conjure up favourable results on the road. The preliminary round of the FA Cup has handed Phil Mullen's men a visit to Brislington on Saturday, August 31

  • All-round heroics from Adil

    A SPARKLING all-round display from Adil Mohammed has earned him our Evening News/Duncan Fearnley Cricket Sales Ltd. Cricketer of the Week award. He took 4-45 with the ball and then hit a superb 145no with the bat to steer Worcester-based Dominies and

  • Old rivals relishing New Road contest

    IT'S the highlight of the schools' cricketing calendar in Worcester on Saturday, when old rivals King's School and the Royal Grammar School lock horns. Worcestershire County Cricket Club's New Road ground will again stage the game, starting at 11am, and

  • Thrills and spills for Grant

    KIDDERMINSTER'S Grant Burgess experienced the thrills and spills of a seaside helter-skelter as England edged closer to retaining the Home International bowls title in Worthing last night. The Gilt Edge ace, operating at number three to four times English

  • 'Hub plan' for town's sugar site

    A FORMER industrial site could be turned into a transport hub to provide a more integrated network, a councillor has suggested. The redundant 65-acre British Sugar site on Stourport road, Kidderminster, is zoned for retaining industrial use. This could

  • Marshland flora

    THE woods at Hurcott Pools and Wood nature reserve have a wonderful appeal. Even now, with the bluebells just a fading memory and the views of the magnificent marshland flora obscured by the dense growth, the wood is still a pleasant place to take an

  • Store planned on pub site to create 40 jobs

    A proposed new Co-op supermarket on the site of a historic pub will benefit residents, the company has claimed. However, the plan has been slammed as a "disaster" and an "abomination" by town leaders. The Waggon and Horses, on Bewdley's Kidderminster

  • The champion Hospital problem? Tammie will fix it

    MORE help is at hand for people with complaints or queries about their treatment at Kidderminster Hospital. A new "patient's champion" has been dealing with problems from food to parking, providing a concrete demonstration of "patient-centred services

  • Home on site of ex-nursery gets go ahead

    THREE disused buildings of a former Broadway nursery school are to be demolished to make way for a house despite opposition from its ward members. Last Thursday planners at Wychavon District Council approved the building of a four-bedroom property on

  • HABBERLEY WI

    The June meeting took the form of a jubilee dinner, at Gainsborough House Hotel, when business matters were kept to a minimum. Delia Loney was presented with a silver picture frame in recognition of her 25 years as treasurer. A successful visit to Wolverley

  • 'Inkblot' on the landscape

    A NEW piece of sculpture has been unveiled in the grounds of a 19th century stately ruin. Universal Object, by Benedict Carpenter, is the latest to go on display at Jerwood Sculpture Park, Witley Court. Witley Court custodian Lin Breakwell with the new

  • Cottoning on to a new idea

    A "BUDDING" business has been set up in Bewdley by a woman who cottoned on to a novel idea. Displays based around cotton flowers are the mainstay of the new "cOTTOnATIOn" shop which has been set up in Welch Gate by Sally Tomlinson. In fact, you could

  • STOURBRIDGE AND KIDDERMINSTER CAGE BIRD SOCIETY

    At the June meeting G Tilson gave a talk on Budgies, showing how he prepares birds for shows. The most practical method is to take hold of the bird firmly, but gently and work a lather of warm, soapy water into the plumage with a small brush. This will

  • CLASSICAL MUSIC SOCIETY

    Mike Dunn presented Michael's Music Miscellany number 2 on June 21 and began his programme of recorded music with Karelia Suite by Sibelius, played by the Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Eugene Ormandy. Next came Elgar's Sea Pictures, sung by Linda

  • Festival of flowers

    A WORLD-CLASS festival of flowers is set to bloom around Coughton Court in Alcester from Tuesday, July 9 to Sunday, July 14. More than 70 arrangers, including medallists from the World Flower Show and Chelsea, will create classic and modern displays using

  • KIDDERMINSTER NHS RETIREMENT FELLOWSHIP

    The next meeting is on Tuesday, when George Wilkes will give a talk entitled A Tour of South Africa in 1996. The meeting will be at the Health Centre, Bromsgrove Street, from 2pm until 4pm.

  • AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY

    The annual direction finding competition took place on June 11. The hidden station G4GXP/M managed to evade the direction finding teams, remaining undiscovered at its location near Lye Head, Bewdley. The society held an on-air night at the Sutton Arms

  • KIDDERMINSTER HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

    Following the disappointment of cancellation last year, 12 or 13 gardens will open this year, on July 14, for the annual Gardens Open Day. Four of these gardens have never opened to the public before, and others have been changed since the last time they

  • WOLVERLEY WI

    Plans for a rummage sale, a visit to the Swan Theatre, Worcester, and ribbon-weaving in August were made at the June meeting. Reports were given on the spring food, flowers and craft day. The garden design day and plant fair raised £97.80 for Marie Curie

  • It's songs of praise

    THAMES Voyces chamber choir is to perform a concert in All Saints Church, Evesham, on Saturday, July 13. Faire is the Heaven starts at 7.30pm and celebrates the English church anthem. The English Church anthem, together with the settings of the canticles

  • VEGETARIAN SOCIETY, WYRE FOREST

    As part of the National Vegetarian Week, July 8-14, vegetarians and non-vegetarians are welcome to join a 90-minute riverboat trip organised by the society, sailing from Stourport at 2pm on Sunday, July 14. National Vegetarian Week is a nationwide campaign

  • WYRE FOREST BRANCH BRITISH SUGARCRAFT GUILD

    The monthly meeting will be held on Thursday, July 11 at 7.30pm in Stourport Community Centre, Lickhill Road. Wendy Downton will demonstrate the use of pastillage as an alternative medium in the decoration of cakes. Visitors are always welcome at meetings

  • Book aims to get the farming facts right

    FARMERS have planted over 87 million trees over the last 10 years, helping ensure that woodlands now cover twice the area of Britain than in 1920, and at the same time planted or renovated 40,000 kilometres of hedgerow. At the end of the 1990s there were

  • Pint and pension plan thrown out

    A VALE village pub's plans to give out pensions with its pints have been shelved after post office officials refused to grant a licence. Licensee of the Gardeners' Arms in Charlton, Hilary Dixon, and her husband, Peter, had hoped to convert a storeroom

  • Defences 'are on target'

    BEWDLEY'S multi-million pound flood defence scheme is making progress - and the first phase is on target to finish this month. Bewdley Residents' Flood Committee was due to hold a meeting last night for members of bodies such as the town council, the

  • Badsey take useful advantage into second leg of play-off tie

    IN the first leg of the Cotswold Hills Junior League Under-12 final, Badsey have a lead of 27 runs. A couple of early run outs put North Cotswolds Young Crick-eters Club on the back foot. But the revival was led by Tim Williams-Ellis (13) and an aggressive

  • Collins rolls back years as century aids leaders

    NICK Collins chose the halfway stage of the Worcestershire League second division campaign to post his highest ever score in Evesham colours as the Avon Street side moved 19 points clear at the summit. The former Halesowen batsman, who returned to the

  • Striding back to good health

    HEALTHIER times await those taking part in a new walking scheme designed to get unhealthy or convalescing people out and about. Weekly walks in the Wyre Forest are being staged by the Forestry Commission, which is taking part in "Walking the way to health

  • Jonathon roars to Centenary Cup win

    AFTER a net 74 in the first round of the Centenary Cup at Broadway, Jonathon Lyon-Smith, playing off a 17 handicap, romped through the field with a magnificent net 62 (gross 79) to win by four shots from club president Albert Powers with Shaun Thornhill

  • Back in training

    A SECOND training session in preparation for the forthcoming campaign takes place at Evesham Sports Club tonight from 7pm. The club's rugby players were back in earnest on Tuesday night and sessions will continue until the start of the new season. New

  • Barrow loads of cash boost hospice appeal

    A WHEELBARROW race has proved an inventive way of raising cash for the Kemp Hospice appeal. Students from Kidderminster College careered along pushing specially decorated wheelbarrows on Friday and are putting sponsorship money towards the campaign to

  • Hospice booster

    A SALE of bric-a-brac, cakes and toys is being held in aid of Kemp Hospice. The event will take place at The Great Western Hotel, Kidderminster Road, Bewdley, from 10am on July 13.

  • Tactics work a treat as Johns takes up pole position!

    Evesham Jubilee Society FISHING the River Arrow at Broom, Phil Johns won the Jubilee Cup using pole tactics with a net containing ten bream and a chub. Unfortunately, the Dobbins Cup wasn't contested due to a lack of numbers. Members are asked to note

  • Competition?

    BECAUSE I do not live in that area, I have no complaint about the all-night opening of Tesco at St Peter's, Worcester. However, city councillors have ignored the objections of more than 200 residents who do live in the area. I wonder why there are only

  • Who's paying who?

    COUNTY Councillor Stephen Clee (You Say, Jun 27) says it cost the British taxpayer £15.3m to buy the Throckmorton site. Earlier this year, (Evening News, January 28) he told us the land belonged to the Ministry of Defence. Chapter and verse please, Mr

  • Back to the Stone Age

    A KNIGHTHOOD for Mick Jagger. What next? Sir David and Dame Victoria Beckham? I personally feel a great honour should be bestowed on David Seaman because he saved the country millions of pounds in lost production. JOHN NORWOOD, Kidderminster.

  • Support for cautious approach over Europe

    I COMPLETELY agree with R G Spencer in his masterly exposition of the English and Napoleonic concepts of justice and support his call for caution in European dealings (You Say, June 19). However, he fails to make quite clear that the basic right in English

  • Dealer's antiques go under the hammer

    PART of a massive antique collection built up by veteran dealer Peter Keil is to be auctioned in a two day sale in Cheltenham, Glos, following his death in a road accident last year. Auctioneers from Sotheby's are preparing for their first ever auction

  • Grave theft stuns grieving family

    A DISTRAUGHT widow has made a heartfelt plea for the return of four stone animals taken from her husband's grave. Susan Knight was stunned to find thieves had taken the statues when she went to water flowers on her husband Brian's grave at Hampton Cemetery

  • Hungry Leon eats into runs record

    BIG hitting Leon Botha has proved the scourge of Worcestershire League bowlers during a run-packed first half of the season, writes Mervyn Collins. The popular Springbok, returning to the club he served so well three summers ago, is just a couple of hundred

  • GB call to Mexico

    DEDICATION has been rewarded with a place in the Age Group World Triathlon Championships for Dave Granger. The 45-year-old from Norton will be jetting out to Cancun in Mexico in November after securing a spot in the British team at a qualifying event.

  • Open week finale

    FREE taster sessions for courses at Kidderminster College ahead of the new term end tomorrow. The sessions, part of the college's open week, will finish with a performing arts showcase day tomorrow, featuring music, music technology, drama, dance and

  • Howey a huge hit at Pinvin

    PUPILS at St Nicholas CE Middle School in Pinvin were treated to a visit from distinguished international judo exponent, Kate Howey. Kate, who won a gold medal at the World Champion-ships prior to competing in the Syd- ney Olympics, where she won silver

  • Golden Jubilee booster

    PUPILS at a Kidderminster school celebrated a golden day to raise money for school funds. Head teacher Carol Hine pulled out the first ticket as Foley Park First School staged its own golden jubilee raffle. Pupils donated 50 prizes and there was a £50

  • Roy is the champion

    THE Pershore Golf Society didn't have to travel far to contest Captain's Day. The delightful setting of Tew-kesbury Park was in good condition and, with the prospect of fine weather, captain Neil Sheppard gave a warm welcome to members and guests. The

  • Chance to enter IT world

    Adults feeling bypassed by the computer age can attend a free session at Wolverley High School next month. The school is hosting a taster session for adult education courses which start in September. Those needing basic computer skills and wanting to

  • Final pub-lic show

    THE work of a Kidderminster artist with a chequered professional career has gone on show - for the last time - at a Chaddesley Corbett pub. Robin Watts, 76, of Westminster Road, worked as a gunner in the Royal Navy, a restorer of cars, a window cleaner

  • Party boasts top pop star line-up

    SOME of the biggest names in the pop music world have been lined up for an extravaganza in Birmingham. Chart-topping Irish acts Westlife and the man who championed them, former Boyzone star Ronan Keating, top the bill at this year's Party in the Park.

  • International feel to concert line-up

    A MULTINATIONAL musical extravaganza is coming to Kidderminster Town Hall this weekend. Four Germans will line-up alongside a Danish cellist, who will perform Sir William Walton's cello concerto - at the request of his widow - this weekend. And Troels

  • Double date for church

    THE splendid Baroque church of Great Witley will be hosting two musical events later this month. On Sunday, July 14, Great Witley Operatic Society will be performing, followed on July 21 by the 18th Century Concert Orchestra. Both concerts will begin

  • Farce tells tale of riverside town folk

    AUTHOR Nigel Knowles, after losing seats on county, district and Bewdley town councils, is now a man with time on his hands. The former chairman of Worcestershire County Council prefers to say the electorate has given him "time off for good behaviour"