Archive

  • Town 'honour' for child porn councillor

    A DISGRACED former school governor and town and district councillor, convicted of collecting child porn on his personal computer, has been offered honorary membership of a community association. Grandfather, Keith Rogers from Birch Coppice, Droitwich,

  • Assault victim's bid to storm the charts

    A WORCESTER man who has fought back from a vicious assault which left him with a blood clot on the brain, has secured a place at a top music college after winning a national competition, writes SUNDEEP KUMAR. Jason Clark's rock song, Carousels and Roundabouts

  • Petrol price rise unlikely to spark blockades

    A RISE in petrol prices is unlikely to spark a repeat of fuel blockades that crippled the two counties three years ago. Chancellor Gordon Brown announced last week that fuel prices would be rising by 1.28 pence a litre from today. The Treasury says the

  • Teddies are salon highlight

    IF you go down to the hairdressers today you're in for a big surprise. More than 150 multicoloured teddies, which have been knitted all over the country are waiting to be sent abroad for children living in eastern European war-torn countries. The teddies

  • Father of suicide victim 'happy' with health talks

    THE father of a woman who committed suicide said he was happy with the meeting he had with an independent commission to discuss the circumstances surrounding his daughter's death. Doug Meadows, father of Karen Meadows, yesterday spoke to representatives

  • City woman took own life

    A WORCESTER woman killed herself after taking an overdose of methadone and sleeping pills, an inquest has heard. Worcester coroner Victor Round told the inquest at Stourport-on-Severn yesterday that 40-year-old Tina Lowry was found by her brother Paul

  • Banking on top ranking

    EDUCATION in Worcestershire will receive a huge morale boost if national inspectors carry through plans to rank the LEA among the best in the country. LEAs are rated from one to seven - with "one" the best - and during the county council's last inspection

  • Police appeal as stretch limo is torched

    POLICE are appealing for witnesses after arsonists torched a stretch limousine outside a snooker centre in Worcester in the early hours of this morning. The incident happened at about 1.06am outside the Westside Snooker Centre, on the Hylton Road trading

  • Walking to court for cancer appeal

    A COURT usher made commuters look twice when he donned a red, white and blue hat for a sponsored walk to help those with cancer. John Baker, a senior usher at Worcester Magistrates Court, walked from his Droitwich home to his work place to drum up funds

  • WORCESTERSHIRE WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS:

    Voluntary Award SYLVIA DEY was born on Worcester Bridge on a New Year's Day and has lived all her life in the Faithful City! Sylvia has been involved in a number of charities, including being a member of the fund-raising committee of the National Cancer

  • Model college may provide blueprint

    UNIVERSITY College Worcester could learn from the experiences of a Hampshire college as it takes on the redevelopment of a rundown area of the Faithful City. The college has earmarked the former Royal Infirmary site, in Castle Street, for a second campus

  • Plant a daffodil and raise cash for cancer

    A NATIONAL cancer charity's plans to plant 5,000 daffodils in Worcester in memory of loved ones has got off to a flying start. More than 20 people have donated to Marie Curie Cancer Care's Field of Hope scheme, which involves people giving a sum of money

  • Woman sees burglar

    A SIXTY-five year old woman came face-to-face with a burglar who had broken into her home in Stourport-on-Severn. The woman was alone in her home when she heard noises, and presumed her husband had come home. She went downstairs and saw the burglar. He

  • He's come full circle

    ROCK-music fans who love Bon Jovi, Def Leppard and Guns n' Roses will not want to miss out on the latest release from a Bromsgrove musician. Talented Danny Trigger has released Full Circle, a CD packed with original, stadium-style rock music, inspired

  • September was the sunniest on record

    September was the sunniest month on record in the Midlands and the driest since 1997, it was revealed today. The sun shone brightly for an average of six hours a day - the best figure since records began in 1961, and an average of just 33mm of rain fell

  • 01/10/03 - Reserves stay top

    BROMSGROVE Rovers Reserves remain top of the Midland Combination Reserve Division despite losing only their second game in eight last Saturday. Steve Cotton's side were beaten 2-0 by Quorn at the Victoria Ground, leaving Rovers three points ahead of Rushall

  • Girls reach finals

    BROMSGROVE School's U16s girls hockey team (pictured) have seen off opposition from across the region to qualify for the midland finals. The Worcester Road team defeated Nunnery Wood 1-0, Malvern College 3-0, The Chase 2-0 and Chantry High School 2-0

  • Race delight for Tin Man

    ASTWOOD Bank's Andrew Tinsley is celebrating becoming British Superstock Champion 2003 after completing the final two rounds of the championship at Donnington Park on Sunday. His chances of taking the title took a boost when championship leader Steve

  • Striker set for cup start

    REDDITCH United's FA Cup hero Lee Ross looks like being rewarded with a place in the starting line-up for tonight's tricky replay at Shirebrook Town. The former Halesowen Town striker grabbed a second half equaliser to earn Reds a second chance against

  • Winning ways for boss Lee

    FECKENHAM manager Lee Adams admits eight straight wins has left him with something of a selection headache. The Millers stunned league leaders Romulus on Saturday by adding to their impressive list of scalps with a 2-1 win in Sutton Coldfield. Now Adams

  • Day bags a double as Cross march on

    Headless Cross made it four wins out of four with their 6-2 defeat of Coventry City Reserves - a win that keeps them top of the West Midlands Division One South table. Cross took the game to Coventry from the start taking the lead after five minutes when

  • Have a Last Night blast

    ANYONE who enjoyed watching the last night of the Proms on TV can experience a similar event for themselves on Sunday evening when Birmingham's Symphony Hall hosts Last Night of the Autumn Proms. The London Concert Orchestra, conducted by Robin Stapleton

  • Going down a stomp

    A UNIQUE show arrives at Birmingham's Hippodrome Theatre on Tuesday following a sell-out West End season. Described as: 'a completely new genre of entertainment' Stomp is a combination of theatre, dance, comedy and percussion, which has won many awards

  • Bollywood thrills!

    A NIGHT full of eastern promise lies in store at the Palace Theatre when Bollywood Nights comes to town. The versatile cast members are talented and modern Asian performers who express their individual and collective skills in this production, described

  • CD Iron Maiden Dance of Death

    Maiden make music that is just on the verge of tolerable. If you were king you might ban them in a fit of pique, but alas you're not. So all we can really hope for is that radio stations take the Radio 1/Status Quo course of action of a few years back

  • Fletcher hits ton

    NEIL Fletcher hit an unbeaten 112 as Cutnall Green Cricket Club defeated Kays by six wickets in a friendly match. Green won the toss last Sunday and chose to field with Matt Evans and Matt Harris restricting Kays to 60-1 off the first 16 overs. But Kays

  • 'Time Team' on trail of possible Roman barracks

    A possible Roman military barracks is being excavated at Hanley Castle. Two-metre square plots have been dug at the Severn End site and are being investigated by a group of local enthusiasts. The team is made up of members of the recently formed Hanleys

  • 25/9/03 Wood bags Swifts' first away win

    CINDERFORD 0, SWIFTS 1 A FIRST-HALF goal from Jamie Wood was enough to give Stourport their first away win of the season on Saturday. Swifts made all the running in the first period and Cinderford goalkeeper Andy Fisher made a tremendous save on 11 minutes

  • 1/10/03 - Highwaymen deliver

    The match of the round certainly lived up to its billing when New Castings took on Wednesday Division One rivals Highwaymen at the Herefordshire House in the Worcester Friendly Skittle League's Doris Styles Knockout preliminary round. Castings had the

  • 30/9/03 - Monarchs reign again

    Monarchs and Misspins are joint leaders of Division Four in the Worcester and District Skittle League having both won their three games. In the latest round of matches Monarchs beat Ex-Busters on the Mayflower by 30 pins, D Nash and C Genever both scoring

  • Hadley decides to hang up boots

    STEWART Hadley has retired from football at just 29 after losing a battle with injury and fitness. The Worcester City striker has agreed to tear up his contract after amicable talks with manager John Barton. Hadley admitted that frustration at being unable

  • Harriers slide to another defeat

    STRUGGLING Kidderminster Harriers' desperate bid to get back to winning ways was dashed when they slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Huddersfield Town at the McAlpine Stadium last night. Their performance, however, was far more encouraging than last Saturday

  • Rovers face cup trip to Congleton

    BROMSGROVE Rovers face a trip to Congleton Town in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup on Saturday, October 11. Congleton from the North West Counties League Division One last night beat Hucknall Town who are second in the Unibond Premier Division

  • Crews shine at nationals

    THERE was a magnificent brace of second place finishes in their respective finals for Worcester Dragons and Dragonflies in the 500m British Dragon Boat Association National Cup competition in Nottingham. The first day of the two-day event brought the

  • Town show character

    BROMSGROVE RFC First XV eventually let their superiority shine through as they defeated Nuneaton Old Edwardians 27-19 at Finstall Park. Dean Ball's side made life difficult for themselves last Saturday, trailing until the latter stages, but showed great

  • Spa's record taken

    DROITWICH Spa RFC First XV saw victory, and ultimately their 100 per cent record, snatched from them as they went down 24-18 to Leamington at the Glyn Mitchell Memorial Ground. Julian Bailey's side fought valiantly to claw their way back from 17-6 behind

  • Don't rush Matt

    BROMSGROVE RFC First XV flyhalf Matt Birch will not be rushed back into action following a potentially horrific injury. Birch has been limited to light training since escaping with bruises after being trapped between two lorries in an accident at work

  • It's Congleton for Rovers

    CONGLETON Town defeated Hucknall Town 3-2 after extra time to set up an FA Cup Third Qualifying Round date with Bromsgrove Rovers. North West Conties division one Congleton and Hucknall, second in the Northern Premier, drew 1-1 last Saturday and were

  • Away day cup clash

    BROMSGROVE Rovers must produce yet another victory away from the Victoria Ground if they are to stand on the brink of the FA Cup proper. George Rooney's side has been handed a trip to either Hucknall Town or Congleton Town in the third qualifying round

  • Rovers unlock Pitmen

    BROMSGROVE Rovers seem to revel in FA Cup away days. In three consecutive fixtures - at Cradley, Studley and now Hednesford Town - George Rooney's side have scored seven goals and not conceded any. Last Saturday's surprise victory at Dr Martens Premier

  • Cup loss for Villa

    FAIRFIELD Villa were sent tumbling out of the Worcestershire FA Junior Cup at the first hurdle, losing 2-0 at Bewdley Town. Cliff Hughes' side dominated the early exchanges and controlled the play and after 20 minutes had a goal wiped out for a close

  • Reserves stay top

    BROMSGROVE Rovers Reserves remain top of the Midland Combination Reserve Division despite losing only their second game in eight last Saturday. Steve Cotton's side were beaten 2-0 by Quorn at the Victoria Ground, leaving Rovers three points ahead of Rushall

  • Angling round-up

    THE Northfield Starlets Veterans held their Tuesday contest on Woodland View's Deans pool where Bewdley matchman Stan James headed a strong line-up. Pole fishing casters and maggots up in the water at peg 61 he put together a mainly Carp catch of 82-10

  • Waters booked

    THE following waters have been booked for contests by the Birmingham Anglers' Association. Saturday, October 4. Avon - Manor Farm 2, Barton, Bidford L/B, R/B, Marlcliff 'A', Salford Priors, Wood Norton, Fladbury below bridge, Pershore L/B, Mythe Farm;

  • 1/10/03 - Worries piling up for Britton

    KIDDERMINSTER Harriers' manager Ian Britton is coming under increasing pressure after his struggling side slid into the Nationwide League Division Three relegation zone last night. They are now second from bottom in the table after suffering a 1-0 defeat

  • 50 years ago October 3, 1953

    'I HAVE no excuse' was the reason stated by Arthur Hobbis, of Gibb Lane, Catshill, when he was hauled before the bench for cycling at night without his lights on. Temporary sergeant Griffen in Meadow Lane, Catshill, caught the 30-year-old man on his bike

  • 100 years ago October 3, 1903

    A VERDICT of accidental death was returned at the inquest into the death of eight-year-old Ernest Hewlett. The youngster was in a fatal accident while transporting coal between Dunhampstead and Galton Arms in Himbleton. Ernest's father said he was in

  • 01/10/03 - Don't rush Matt

    BROMSGROVE RFC First XV flyhalf Matt Birch will not be rushed back into action following a potentially horrific injury. Birch has been limited to light training since escaping with bruises after being trapped between two lorries in an accident at work

  • Democracy?

    DEAR EDITOR -- So Big Brother party politics is alive and well in Bromsgrove. Councillor Dennis Norton should remember two things - Councillors Psirides, Doyle and Lammie were elected primarily to represent their constituents' views, not the views of

  • Pavements are not car parks

    DEAR EDITOR -- It is disappointing to see a petition circulating in shops in Barnt Green requesting the parish council and Bromsgrove District Council to find more parking before putting up bollards to prevent parking on pavements. How can these two issues

  • Parking restrictions

    DEAR EDITOR -- On October 13 Bromsgrove district and Worcestershire county councils will put into effect prohibition and restriction of waiting for vehicles orders in and around Aston Fields for reasons of road safety. The car park recently developed

  • Effort was well worth it

    DEAR EDITOR -- May I express my thanks to my dancers, family and friends who worked so hard to make the charity day at St Stephen's Church, Rednal, early last month such a successful one. Also many thanks to those who so generously donated to raise the

  • What do the benefits cost?

    DEAR EDITOR -- I see, regarding the Lickey End Parish Council saga, Mr Calloway is extolling the benefits of a parish council yet again. Could he possibly list what they are and the estimated cost? We are all aware that the only paid person on the parish

  • Game in memory of player who died

    Dudley K'winford Crusaders 15 Redditch Exiles 19 This regular fixture doubled as a memorial for the DK's second row Mike Marsh who died following a short illness at the end of last season. In a game more memorable for errors than skills, it was always

  • Huddersfield Town 1 Kidderminster Harriers 0

    Tuesday, September 30, 2003 STRUGGLING Kidderminster Harriers' desperate bid to get back to winning ways was dashed when they slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Huddersfield Town at the McAlpine Stadium last night. Their performance, however, was far more

  • Stourport Swifts FC - Fixtures and results - 2003/04

    Pre-season friendlies Sat July 19 Bromyard (a) 7-1 Ball 3, Robinson, Giddings, A Wright, Wood. Wed July 23 Studley (h) 1-3 Ball Tues July 29 Westfields (h) 1-1 Wood Sat Aug 2 Bilston (a) 6-1 Ball 4, Sayer, Wood Tues Aug 5 Stourbridge (h) 4-1 Robinson

  • Home win seals start

    Redditch 7 Upton 0 Redditch continued their excellent start to the season with another win in their opening home fixture. Upton have always proved tricky opponents in the past and this encounter was no different with just one score settling the tie. The

  • Derby defiance

    WOODRUSH attacked from the start of this North Midlands One derby clash but found the home defence in defiant mood. And it was the Hopwood side that opened the scoring after 16 minutes with the first of John Hefford's three tries following a back row

  • Bromsgrove 27 Nuneaton OE 19

    Saturday, September 27, 2003 BROMSGROVE RFC First XV eventually let their superiority shine through as they defeated Nuneaton Old Edwardians 27-19 at Finstall Park. Dean Ball's side made life difficult for themselves last Saturday, trailing until the

  • Shaping up to a new concept

    ONE of the first nail bars in the area has opened in Studley. The Nail Boutique is the brainchild of Rose Hanlon and Denise Curnin who, having both worked freelance for some time, recognised a niche for this increasingly popular beauty treatment in the

  • Firm stuck on patriotism

    followers of England's rugby and football squads can now get England flag stickers for their car bodywork thanks to an Astwood Bank company. Stikaflag Ltd has just gained FA approval for the designs and is now in discussions with the RFU. The company

  • How to make a gain in Spain

    THOSE who feel the need to run for the sun in Spain can now get a helping hand from a new Alvechurch company. Casa Overseas, based in The Square, has been set up to help buyers overcome the daunting prospect of investing in Spanish property. The business

  • A better image

    IT is pleasing to see at long last a regulation of cabs in the city. For too long cabs have had it all their way with a virtual monopoly on the public. It is hoped this improvement in image will leave tourists a favourable impression of our city encouraging

  • Stroll along

    A GENTLE stroll around the picturesque Romsley countryside is on the cards for the Fairfield Ramblers this Saturday (October 4). The group will meet at the Swallows Nest Vintage Inn on Bromsgrove Road at 10.15am and all are welcome. The walk will take

  • The alarm bells are sounding

    IT is disappointing to hear David Blunkett seeming to succumb to an attack of Blairitis and it is to be hoped that it does not become chronic. He says he is "determined" to get through Parliament the Identity Card Bill when it would have been encouraging

  • A vision of a Europe that's free from war

    IN reply to my good friend David Barlow, ex-leader of Worcester City Council, ex-ruling Labour Councillor and a committed europhile (You Say, Thursday September 18), with geography being just one of my weaknesses, I did foolishly think that Germany was

  • Seal our borders

    FINALLY, our Home Secretary has to admit that he has no idea how many illegal immigrants are in this country. Surprise, surprise. I could tell him that there are millions, all sponging off this great country of ours. It's about time we sealed our borders

  • Redditch and Bromsgrove Soroptimists

    Members met at the Perry Hall Hotel for their September meeting following the summer break. Our guest speaker was Valerie Evans, CBE, who has been a very active Soroptimist since 1977. Her career in education and soroptimism have worked closely together

  • Why we DO want Chrissies to relocate

    WE are becoming a little annoyed with the recent comments made in the local Press by Paul Sanders, regarding the relocation of Christopher Whitehead School. In his last letter (You Say, Wednesday, September 24) he says "the community does not want the

  • Fair is something to crow about

    HE was said to be lonely in Madrid, while she partied the night away in London but the Advertiser/Messenger can exclusively reveal that Posh and Becks were together in Belbroughton. The Beckhams, Bob Marley and the cast of the Calendar Girls were just

  • Fun for all the family

    A DESIGNER 'do' by a Bromsgrove hairdresser, a mouth-watering meal for two and sensational smellies are just some of the prizes on offer at an autumn fair this weekend. St John's Middle School is hosting its seasonal fair this Saturday and visitors are

  • Fifty happy years

    A HONEYMOON spent in Blackpool is just one of many happy memories shared by a Rubery couple who celebrated their golden wedding anniversary last Friday. Arthur and Kath Harris, of Windmill Avenue, marked 50 years of wedded bliss by exchanging cards and

  • Shaping up to the future

    by Pete Lammas BROMSGROVE people will be asked to come up with ideas to revitalise the town centre and boost its trading economy to lure shoppers away from big retail centres such as the new Birmingham Bullring. Independent consultants are to be appointed

  • Worcester Wolves fixtures & results - 2003/2004 season

    MEN'S FIXTURES SEPTEMBER 27 A Tamar Valley NL 127-76 OCTOBER 4 A Coventry PC 11 A City of Sheffield NC 18 A Hackney NL 25 H Second round NC NOVEMBER 1 H Coventry PC 2 A Liverpool PC 9 A Liverpool NL 15 H Northampton NL 22 H Liverpool PC 29 H Hull NL 30

  • DVD The Life of David Gale (15)

    A MAN who is a leading opponent of the death penalty sits on Death Row awaiting his doom in the form of a lethal injection. He invites a journalist in to hear his story just hours before he is supposed to be killed. What develops thereafter is as perfect

  • A September to remember

    A TALENTED athlete from Bromsgrove has scooped an amazing 17 medals in one month. Richard Murphy, aged 14, won the medals for Special Olympics Worcestershire (SOW) at five athletics and swimming events during September. His latest success came last Saturday

  • Vandals to force move

    VANDALS have forced ex-servicemen in Bromsgrove to move a memorial plaque and tree to a more secure place in Sanders Park. Bromsgrove Rotary Club wants to plant a new oak tree next to the Millennium stone in memory of the fallen who died fighting for

  • Celebrating 100 not out

    TIME has been kind to Gladys Balderson, who is celebrating her 100th birthday. The centenarian, who lives in Burcot, was born on September 24, 1903, and has seen some amazing changes in her life. Space travel, mobile phones, computers, even the motorcar

  • Old vehicle amnesty

    BROMSGROVE residents who want to get rid of their old cars and other vehicles will be able to do so for free during a week-long vehicle amnesty. The amnesty, which starts on Monday, October 13, will form part of the multi-agency Operation Firesafe partnership

  • OFFENDER'S HONORARY MEMBER OFFER

    A FORMER school governor and councillor convicted of collecting child porn, has since been offered honorary membership of a Spa community association. Grandfather, Keith Rogers from Birch Coppice, Droitwich, was fined £5,000 by Worcester Magistrates a

  • Cat plan in appeal

    A BROMSGROVE woman is asking the planning inspector to step in and help her fulfil her dream of opening a boarding house for cats. Sandra Cupples-Taylor has had her application turned down by the district council on highways grounds. Their reason is that

  • Get a loaf of this

    SHARING, caring youngsters from a Wychbold school were in their element when they held a service to celebrate the Harvest Festival. Pupils at Wychbold First and Nursery School took part in a play and sung hymns to parents to celebrate the occasion at

  • Pub is awash with awards

    HARD working staff is the secret behind running a successful pub, says an award winning Clent landlord. The Fountain Inn off the A491 in Clent swept the board at the recent Union Pub Company awards, scooping no less than four top titles and three runners-up

  • Parking price hike slammed

    By LISA HERITAGE A TOWN leader has slammed a suggestion to increase car-parking charges in Droitwich. The criticism came after Wychavon's car park scrutiny report was unveiled last week. Spa car parks were said to be of a high standard. But to enhance

  • One-stop early birds told to take a lie-in

    EARLY doors at Droitwich Spa's One Stop Shop are set to close due to lack of interest from residents. A pilot scheme launched in June saw Wychavon District Council's Spa shop opening from 8am on Mondays and Fridays instead of the usual 9am. This was to

  • Business asked to replace benches

    By LISA HERITAGE A SPA councillor is calling for funding to replace the town centre benches that have fallen into a "disgusting" state of disrepair. Councillor Kate Spencer (Con-East) is calling for local businesses to come forward and donate some cash

  • CD Jeff Buckley Live at Sin-

    Jeff Buckley was a singer/songwriter of unparalleled talent in the mid-nineties yet strangely he never seemed to gain the full recognition he deserved. Now six years after his death a growing audience is learning what they missed and pondering what might

  • DVD Evelyn (PG)

    THIS heartwarming tale is based on the true story of Desmond Doyle, who made Irish legal history when he fought and won to keep his children after his wife deserted him. Pierce Brosnan takes a break from Bond to play the leading man, who was chosen after

  • Golf team takes third

    BROMSGROVE Golf Club's Alliance team has secured third place for the season despite having been bottom after three matches. In the last round of the Birmingham Alliance League, the Stratford Road centre's side, who have to handicaps under 16, secured

  • Late goal saves day for Reds

    Redditch United 1 Shirebrook Town 1 Substitute Lee Ross saved Redditch United's blushes with a late equaliser against Derbyshire cup minnows Shirebrook. But it was a disappointing testimony to the home side's dismal display that, in the end, they were

  • Free golf lessons

    FREE golf coaching for beginners will be available in Bromsgrove later this month. Bromsgrove Golf Centre, off the Slideslow Island, will open its doors to offer newcomers one-hour sessions on Saturday and Sunday, October 18 and 19. Golf balls and clubs

  • 1/10/03 - Early chance to avenge cup loss

    FA CUP defeats hurt at the best of times but at least we can ease the pain with swift revenge against Nuneaton on Saturday. The players were bitterly disappointed to get knocked out of the cup but there's no time to sit feeling sorry for ourselves because

  • Up the garden path

    HANBURY Hall is set in 400 acres of parkland and garden. Nothing remains of the formal Dutch garden laid out and designed by George London, apart from one long path, the original orangery, and the icehouse. The original gardens were wiped away during

  • Redi, steady,save our centre

    THE REDI Centre is a unique, central community facility for everyone to obtain or enhance their qualifications in, for example, IT and other work-related courses. We fear that should the council's proposal to withdraw funding be approved, Redditch would

  • We earn 15% less!

    RESIDENTS earn 15 per cent less than the average British worker and more than 20 per cent of people living in Redditch are income-deprived, a recent report has revealed. The findings, which were discussed at a Redditch Council overview and scrutiny committee

  • Hit-run driver comes forward

    A driver who failed to stop after hitting and severely injuring a 12-year-old Redditch boy has come forward following an appeal in the Advertiser. The Redditch man, who has not been named, contacted police after the mother of Todd Morgan made an emotional

  • Bouncers may help night cops

    DOOR staff working at town centre nightspots may have to undergo proper training to enable them to provide support to the police. The introduction of a door staff registration scheme has been listed as one of several things Redditch Town Centre Partnership

  • Clarification on bus fares

    THERE are some misconceptions about the concessionary bus fares scheme and the changes proposed which I'd like to clarify. Some people believe bus passes encourage bus operators to maintain particular services. It doesn't. Our scheme is intended to reimburse

  • Don't knock the Wilsons

    THE wording of the letter from Brian Tegg (Advertiser, September 24) was regrettable. The Wilson family are Redditch folk whose winter quarters and permanent base are in Redditch and have been for very many years. In the late 1920s, the Redditch Carnival

  • School run will run and run...

    I CANNOT help but agree with the concerned parent who voiced their opinion with regard to bus travel to and from school in Redditch (Advertiser, September 24). I have heard a lot in the last few days about the Government's financial proposals to reduce

  • Council is havin' a larf

    UNDER the heading in the advertisement feature on behalf of Redditch Council, entitled Making A Difference (Advertiser, September 17)...and I quote, 'Redditch Borough Council and its partners are working hard to make a real difference to Redditch'...blah

  • Astwood Bank Flower Club

    MEMBERS met on September 9 following the summer break. The planned demonstrator was unable to attend due to illness so Frances Hales stepped in and did six beautiful arrangements depicting pantomime characters. On August 5, a number of members travelled

  • Sponges on fire

    REDDITCH firefighters got themselves into a bit of a lather at the weekend when they held a charity car wash. More than £400 was raised through donations and the money will be split between Birmingham Children's Hospital, the County Air Ambulance and

  • Inner Wheel Club of Redditch

    THE September meeting saw president Irene Gardner welcome many members and guests. Letters have been received from Edwards Trust and Acorn Children's Hospice Appeal, thanking the club for its support. Irene welcomed Gladys Weedall to the club. Gladys

  • Help on the house

    REDDITCH YMCA is joining forces with housing associations across the Midlands to champion its work in the community. It is backing a national campaign 'In Business for Neighbourhoods', launched at the National Housing Federation's conference. Redditch

  • Solihull & District Orchid Society

    THE AGM was held on September 6. Two members resigned and two new members were elected to the committee. The rest were re-elected en-bloc. This was followed by a plant auction. Members enjoyed a day trip to Mansell & Hatchers in August and also put

  • Is that all right Mama?

    IT was a dream come true for a lifelong Elvis devotee who was all shook up when her family whisked her away for a surprise birthday trip to the king's Graceland home. Ann Hodges, of Myrtle Avenue, Mayfields, recently celebrated her 60th birthday but it

  • Wythall Gardening Club

    GUEST speaker at the September meeting was old friend Mike Hinton, of Kings Heath Park. His topic for the evening was Ideas for Gardening Re-planning. He explained in great detail the various aspects to consider when planning a new garden or updating

  • Homes could go on DIY site

    A FORMER DIY superstore in Greenlands could finally be redeveloped as housing if Redditch councillors agree to it later this month. The old Texas Homecare store, off Greenlands Drive, has been derelict for years and the target of vandalism and travellers

  • Cadets were flying high

    CADETS from 216 (Redditch) Squadron ATC have recently returned from a camp at one of Britain's largest and most active air bases - RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. The cadets had a chance to fly in air to air tankers, trainers and gliders in an action-packed

  • Waste scheme spreads

    THE town's new kerbside recycling scheme is to be rolled out to other districts this month. The collection scheme has already been running in some parts but is now due to start in Matchborough West and Woodrow North, taking in another 2,000 homes. Residents

  • Gloves off for centre fight

    ANGRY users of the threatened Redi Centre in Smallwood are to lobby the council hard to stop job cuts and save services. The South Street centre, which provides adult education and employment training, has been threatened for the second time in a year

  • Novel festival planned

    ALCESTRIANS will have their pens poised for the first town writers' festival this month. The event, organised by producers of The Bear Flag magazine, will start on Thursday, October 16, with the Teddy Awards Party. This will be at the town hall at 7.30pm

  • Pearl of a choir due

    A FAMOUS African children's choir will be entertaining guests at Alcester Grammar School next week. The 18-strong Pearl of Africa Children's Choir from Uganda - made famous a few years ago because of 'monkey boy' John Ssebunnya - will be performing at

  • Woman in fear of road

    A WOMAN is appealing to Redditch Council to carry out landscaping work on St George's Road as she fears someone may be killed. Last Saturday, Jarmaine Pinkerton was crossing the road outside her home in St George's when she was hit by a car. The driver

  • Diamond looks to a glittering future

    HOME design programmes are scaring more people than they are helping, according to an interior designer who has launched her own consultancy. Jules Dodd has launched Diamond Interior Designs to guide homeowners through the "maze of styles and minefield

  • Cider, cheese, meat... you name it and they've got it

    LOCAL producers exhibiting at the Eastnor Castle Festival of Food and Drink this Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5 are: Herefordshire The Cake Company, Ocle Pychard, Hereford; Frome Valley Vineyard, Bishops Frome; Gwatkin Cider, Abbey Dore. Jus

  • New strife over church

    ALVECHURCH Parish Councillors will be asked next Monday to consider holding a referendum over a controversial village development. Clerk Gill Lungley said the council had been approached by a resident to carry out the referendum to find out whether people

  • 100 years ago

    October 3, 1903 THE annual Studley Mop was held on Monday. There was a large attendance of pleasure seekers who patronised the various shows, switchbacks etc which were more numerous than in former years. About eight o'clock, rain commenced to fall heavily

  • Skate park wins police approval

    A CONTROVERSIAL skate park once branded "too noisy" by neighbours celebrates a successful first year this weekend, with police giving it a glowing endorsement. RampAge in Orchard Street, Worcester, has attracted more than 2,500 skateboarders in the last

  • Accidental death

    A PENSIONER died in Worcestershire Royal Hospital only a couple of days after falling near to his home, an inquest heard. Retired builder Barry Stimpson, aged 76, fell over not far from his home, on St George's Crescent in Droitwich, while out on a walk

  • 'Elderly will suffer most'

    ELDERLY patients will suffer most from changes that will see orthopaedic patients in Worcestershire having to travel to Gloucestershire to receive treatment, says a county MP. South Worcestershire's health chiefs have announced that GP practices in Evesham

  • Man found dead after 'minor' injury to chest

    A MAN who suffered a chest injury in a minor car accident was found dead at his home two days later, an inquest heard. Anthony Kramer, aged 55, of Woodcote Farm, Dodford, near Bromsgrove, attended the minor injuries unit at Kidderminster General Hospital

  • Paul's gruelling mountain challenge

    A MALVERN athlete was "gutted" after his gruelling performance in one of the world's toughest endurance competitions left him just short of the final. Paul Morton, from Broadlands Drive, was second placed UK athlete in a series of tests to select the

  • Support for High Street project

    PLANS to boost Evesham High Street will take another step forward with a walk down the road to look at potential improvements. A series of "walking audits" are being held for town residents to give their views on what should be done on the street. Three

  • 'Care home children assaulted'

    THE principal of a Worcestershire children's home raped youngsters in his care during a catalogue of sex crimes committed over 20 years ago, a jury was told. Brian Gillam, who ran The Uplands in Blackwell, near Bromsgrove, attacked girls aged between

  • Coroner records open verdict

    A WORCESTER woman died from a cancer of the lining of the lungs, usually associated with exposure to asbestos, an inquest has heard. Sixty-five-year-old Kay Barnsley, of St Dunstan's Close, Cherry Orchard, Worcester, died on Sunday, August 3, at Worcestershire

  • Boots in charity drive

    WOMEN in Worcester have the chance to treat themselves to a new look while helping to raise cash to fight breast cancer. Boots, the chemist store, in High Street, will be holding two fun days where women can donate at least £2 and receive a ''mini-makeover

  • Ex-addict who stole stereo skipped tests

    A MAN who failed a court order imposed for handling stolen goods has been spared a prison sentence. Joseph Stephens, a former addict, failed to keep appointments with the probation service to be tested for heroin. Judge Michael Mott revoked a drug testing

  • Sales back in full swing at charity shop

    THERE was plenty of animal magic when a charity shop re-opened its doors to the public. The RSPCA shop in St John's, Worcester, had been closed for a month while staff searched for a manager to run it. But now, new manager Lisa Bonomini has taken over

  • Hednesford Town 0 Bromsgrove Rovers 2

    Saturday, September 27, 2003 BROMSGROVE Rovers seem to revel in FA Cup away days. In three consecutive fixtures - at Cradley, Studley and now Hednesford Town - George Rooney's side have scored seven goals and not conceded any. Last Saturday's surprise

  • Crimestoppers

    PC Kate Massey from central sector is appealing for information following the theft of a mobile phone from the Vodaphone shop in Evesham Walk. Two men walked into the store between 2.45-3pm on Saturday, May 31 and asked the manager for a demonstration

  • 01/10/03 - Double Dutch

    A DUTCH television company is trying to trace two former Bromsgrove Rovers players to take part in a documentary. David Kettle and Jimmy Watton, who played for Rovers during the late 1950s, are believed to be two of the first English players to transfer

  • Men from Treorchy prove they're tops

    Review - The Treorchy Male Voice Choir at the Forum Theatre, Malvern FRIDAY night was indeed music night for a one-off performance that peaked to the perfection only the men from the Rhondda can provide. Interspersing their traditional repertoire, including

  • And this is 'what' it's all about

    Review - The Play What I Wrote at the Festival Theatre, Malvern. THIS celebration of possibly Britain's greatest comedy duo, Morecambe and Wise, was a festival of fast-fire shoot-from-the-hip gags and one-liners what had the audience laughing almost from

  • Season starts

    DROITWICH Spa and Bromsgrove hockey clubs both begin their campaigns this Saturday. Spa, under new captain Barry Williams, start with a home match against Evesham while Bromsgrove entertain Stone. Both sides are competing in West Midlands division one

  • Lora in Midlands squad

    A YOUNG Bromsgrove hockey star has taken a major step towards the international game after being selected to represent the Midlands. Lora Symonds, a pupil at Bromgrove School, in Worcester Road, has been named in the Midland Hockey Association's U15s

  • Drab draw

    BROMSGROVE Hockey Club Ladies second disappointingly drew 1-1 at Sutton Ladies in their warm-up fixture. Although missing regular forward Amanda Johnson, Bromsgrove kept possession throughout the first half with the majority of play within the attacking

  • Cut the rhetoric, give us the cash!

    THE frustration of parents and educationalists that has been building up regarding the Worcestershire schools funding settlement is unlikely to have been defused by the half-hearted "sorry" from Charles Clarke yesterday. More likely it will fuel the resentment

  • Masters date for Studley

    The British Rope Skipping Association is to hold the next British Masters and World Masters Qualifier at Studley Leisure Centre on Saturday October 11. Top skippers from the UK will be competing for a top three place to qualify for next year's World Masters

  • Fight for hospice unit now

    READERS are being asked for help in the fight by the Primrose Hospice and Redditch and Bromsgrove Primary Care Trust (PCT) to get a palliative care unit at Bromsgrove's Princess of Wales Hospital. Funding has been confirmed for the unit but the Primrose

  • Hygiene wins hands down

    ALEXANDRA Hospital staff had plenty of hands-on experience during a hand hygiene awareness week recently. The week, run by the Infection Control Team at the hospital, asked patients, staff and visitors how clean their hands were and quizzed them on how

  • Gift boosts Alex

    THERE were pennies from heaven at the Alexandra Hospital after a generous donation left it just hundreds of pounds away from its multi-faith centre building target. Fund-raising efforts received a major boost in the form of a £5,000 gift from former members

  • 1/10/03 - Hadley admits time is right

    STEWART Hadley admitted quitting football was one of he toughest decisions of his life but the right one. The 29-year-old striker arrived at St George's Lane in December 2001 and during a scintillating two-month spell was outstanding for City alongside

  • Bees aim to extend run

    STUDLEY manager Mark Chambers will take his side to Oldbury United on Saturday hoping for a fourth straight win for the Bees. And he is hoping to call to striker Andy Grubb as the player looks for a way back after overcoming his injury nightmare. The

  • Society season to take flight

    REDDITCH Music Society's 42nd season of classical concerts opens on Saturday at the Ecumenical Centre with On Wings of Song, a programme originally devised for the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. The work will be performed by soprano Glenys Groves and

  • Are you free?

    REDDITCH Amateur Theatre Society (RATS) has called upon the services of one of the town's oldest established companies to assist them in their latest production, the stage version of the TV comedy Are You Being Served? Based around the exploits of the

  • Fixtures

    Saturday, October 4 FOOTBALL FA Trophy Preliminary Round - Bromsgrove Rovers v Sutton Coldfield Town (3pm). Midland Football Combination President's Cup Second Round - Fairfield Villa v Handsaker (2.45pm). Division One - Barnt Green Spartak v Knowle (

  • Mike's off Down Under

    DROITWICH Spa cricketer Mike Rogers (pictured) is preparing to test his skills with a trip of a lifetime Down Under. Rogers, aged 22, jets off for Adelaide this week after securing himself a place with local side Golden Grove for six months. Rogers, of

  • What's On Guide

    Thursday, October 2 Redditch Amateur Theatre Society: Are You Being Served? Palace Theatre, until October 4. Tickets from 65203. Talon - The Best of The Eagles, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester. Tickets from 01905 611427. Jim Davidson, Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

  • 27/9/03 - Wolves target winning start

    WORCESTER Wolves are confident of getting their competitive basketball season off to a winning start tonight. They travel to Plymouth to take on Tamar Valley in their opening game in the renamed National League Division Two (7.30), hoping to build on

  • Bar plans at college attacked

    PLANS for a licensed bar at the Abbey College, Malvern Wells, have come under fire from the parish council. The college, in Wells Road, has applied for to the licensing authorities for permission to sell alcohol, but Malvern Wells Parish Council has lodged

  • Is neglected site worst in the UK?

    A PIECE of land in Malvern Link has been nominated as one of the country's worst wasted spaces in a national campaign. The land, next to Lower Howsell Road, was nominated by local residents for the Wasted Space? Campaign, being run by CABE Space, a branch

  • 25/9/03 Old boy Sutton is match winner

    SWIFTS 1, BROMSGROVE 2 SWIFTS old boy Peter Sutton had a point to prove after an unhappy spell at Walshes Meadow last season and the former Redditch United ace undid the hosts with a lively first half performance on Tuesday night. The home fans might

  • 29/9/03 - Latest league scorelines

    LATEST results in the Monday divisions of the E & E Engineering Worcester Friendly Skittle League: Division One Transporters 364 (15) C.Sier, A. Sier, P.Cooper, C.Lane 35, Thunderbirds 355 (5) N.Hardman 38; Travellers 421 (16) E.Hill, P. Humphries

  • 25/9/03 - Flintstones on top form

    FLINTSTONES were the week's leading scorers in the Worcester and District Ladies Skittle League with 433, enough win their Division One clash against High Flyers by 56 pins. Division One Nomads 385 (9) K Spink 42(13) S Woodward 40, Red Foxes 372 (2) P

  • Worries piling up for Britton

    KIDDERMINSTER Harriers' manager Ian Britton is coming under increasing pressure after his struggling side slid into the Nationwide League Division Three relegation zone last night. They are now second from bottom in the table after suffering a 1-0 defeat

  • Early chance to avenge cup loss

    The John Barton column FA CUP defeats hurt at the best of times but at least we can ease the pain with swift revenge against Nuneaton on Saturday. The players were bitterly disappointed to get knocked out of the cup but there's no time to sit feeling

  • Hadley admits time is right

    Down the Lane with Nat Sylvester STEWART Hadley admitted quitting football was one of he toughest decisions of his life but the right one. The 29-year-old striker arrived at St George's Lane in December 2001 and during a scintillating two-month spell

  • Cup final setback for Birlingham

    Alcester and Ragley won the Griffiths Cup with a 36-run victory over Birlingham. Alcester won the toss and batted but soon lost two wickets to Martin Downes (2-27), before Mathew Greenway (117) put Birlingham to the sword, taking the total to 244-8. Andy

  • Past to put right on F A Trophy trail

    EVESHAM United will travel down the M5 on Saturday intent on salvaging respect from a couple of previous embarrassing results. The Robins visit Gloucester City in the FA Trophy and they will be keen to make progress on at least one knockout front after

  • Youngsters learn the ropes

    YOUNGSTERS from a Bromsgrove school have embarked on a ten-week rugby taster course. Twenty-seven pupils from St Peter's First School, in Rock Hill, will spend an hour each Thursday being put through their paces in the safe environment of tag rugby by

  • Flynn fires in a fab finish

    Evesham Utd 1, Solihull Boro 0 ASSISTED twice, won twice! An enviable record in 2003 for Journal Series sports editor Mervyn Collins when it comes to deputising for limping linesmen. The Robins, though, didn't need any inside help! Manager Phil Mullen

  • 1/10/03 - Just one point divides top four

    IN the Nationwide Doors and Windows Worcester Billiards League, it's tight at the top with GWR and St Johns B leading the way. They are followed by St Stephens B and St Stephens A who are a point behind. ST JOHNS A 2 SUZY Q 2 (E James 95, M Morris 100

  • Double Dutch

    A DUTCH television company is trying to trace two former Bromsgrove Rovers players to take part in a documentary. David Kettle and Jimmy Watton, who played for Rovers during the late 1950s, are believed to be two of the first English players to transfer

  • Spartak bag six in cup

    BARNT Green Spartak showed their class to destroy Malvern Rangers 6-0 in the first round of the Worcestershire County FA Cup. GJ Singh made eight changes to the side from last week's penalty shoot-out defeat to Littleton and saw them put on a very good

  • Spa crash out of cup

    DROITWICH Spa Football Club's season went from bad to worse last Saturday when they were beaten 2-1 at Archdale '73 in the Worcestershire FA Junior Cup First Round. Kevin Blaber's side led at one stage but ultimately slipped to yet another defeat. The

  • Celtic hit eight

    ADVERTISER/Messenger Football League results for Sunday, September 28, 2003. Division One Victoria Barnt Green 3 New Olympic 2; Hollihans 3 Bromsgrove Town 3. Division Two Victoria Athletic 0 Alvechurch Darts Reserves 5; Blackwell 1 Turks Head 4; Rubery

  • Latest results

    LATEST action from the Redditch and South Warwickshire Combination. Central Sports Terry Cup First Round Access Security 4 (A Macken, R Bills) Cofton Harriers 1 (R Chapman); Lasercomb 5 (Williams, Middleston, Madge) Real Sirocco 1; Mount FC 0 Duck Pond

  • Junior football round-up

    TR 2000 U12s 2 Callowbrook Swifts U12s 1 Swifts were two down after ten minutes. Then, in a remarkable sequence, Kurt Spence smashed a shot against the bar and Reeves and Chambers both hit the woodwork in the following scramble during which a penalty

  • Bromsgrove 27 Nuneaton OE 19

    Saturday, September 27, 2003 BROMSGROVE RFC First XV eventually let their superiority shine through as they defeated Nuneaton Old Edwardians 27-19 at Finstall Park. Dean Ball's side made life difficult for themselves last Saturday, trailing until the

  • 25 years ago September 29, 1978

    BROMSGROVE police were puzzling over the identity of an elderly man killed in a road accident on the A38, just 500 yards from Lydiate Ash. They believed the man to have come over to England from Northern Ireland 25 years ago. They were planning to fly

  • 04/09/03 - Birch lucky

    MATT Birch is lucky to be alive after being crushed between two lorries. The Bromsgrove RFC First XV star was trapped by the vehicles at work. Fly half Birch was walking across a yard when one lorry started to turn, pinning him against the side of a stationery

  • 04/09/03 - Ready to rock!

    WHO could forget the passion and drama that brought the curtain down on the last rugby season? Bromsgrove First XV's nail-biting 25-24 victory against Malvern to apparently keep them safe, an achievement cruelly taken away when they became one of five

  • Come and help

    DEAR EDITOR -- With regard to the recent letter concerning St Nicholas' churchyard in Droitwich Spa, I would like to point out that the people who tend and care for the churchyard are made up entirely of volunteers, who give up their own time to make

  • Needs to atone

    DEAR EDITOR -- The current inquiry into the death of Dr David Kelly, is proving to be with every day that passes an ever more dispiriting and unedifying spectacle. What a poor, self-serving lot, our governing classes have become. Sad as it undoubtedly

  • Losing our local heritage

    DEAR EDITOR -- In recent years Droitwich residents defeated despicable plans by developers, to cut down a wonderful avenue of horse chestnuts trees that greets visitors entering our town along Hanbury Road. The tradition of Spa youngsters collecting conkers

  • Honesty has also been lost

    DEAR EDITOR - What has happened to honesty? On Wednesday, September 17, at approximately 4.10pm I was in Forbuoys on Bromsrove High Street and after a purchase I made sure my handbag was securely fastened having had my pension payment stolen in the High

  • Presidents' men come under attack from Welsh

    Alcester 8 Coventry Welsh 18 A disjointed and lethargic Alcester failed to mark their Presidents' Day with a win and were beaten by a Welsh side who were relegated from Midlands Four West last year. Alcester were forced into a number of changes in key

  • Office sale spurs jobs

    THE sale of a prestigious new flagship office building in Redditch is set to bring 40 jobs to the area. Alpha Healthcare has paid close to the £1.2 million asking price for Croft House, a 8,253 sq ft, two storey office building on Moons Moat Drive, North

  • Brokers' triple

    FAST-growing insurance brokers Martin and Pethard have made their third acquisition in a year. The Church Green East company, the first insurance brokers to trade in Redditch, has acquired family firm David Vaughan Insurance Brokers, based in Knowle.

  • Teenagers get going

    TAE Kwon Do, Trampolining and table tennis are just some of the energetic activities on offer at a Ryland Centre open day later this month. Energetic youngsters, aged between 13 and 19, are invited to the New Road centre to try out a range of sporting

  • What's on guide

    Wednesday October 1 Ballet: Giselle, Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst Street, Birmingham. Until Saturday Disco: Noise Pollution Disco, Rock Caf 200, Mill Race Lane, Stourbridge. Film: Confidence, Cinemac, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, 6pm. Show: Under Milk

  • Pheasant cruelty

    PHEASANT shoots have now become a very lucrative business. Young birds are bought in large numbers to be raised in local spinneys. Fed by a gamekeeper, they become tame. The owner then arranges shoots for big money to foreign businessmen and the like.

  • Search on

    TONS of hidden treasure is just waiting to be unearthed at Hartlebury Castle later this month. Families are invited to the county museum on October 12 for a day full of discovery and excitement. The fun will run from 2 -5pm.

  • Women's Morris

    Nancy Butterfly Women's Morris are holding a recruitment drive and if anyone thinks that exercising is boring should come and give Morris dancing a try. We dance in the style of North West Clog and are having two open evenings and would welcome any newcomers

  • Barnt Green Garden Society

    The speaker at our September meeting was Tony Hughes and his subject was British wild orchids. I suspect that Mr Hughes must have spent a lot of time on his knees in order to bring us these superb slides which showed so clearly why these amazing plants

  • The Northwick is an asset to Worcester

    CERTAIN narrow-minded people of the Northwick Road area of Worcester should remember that the Northwick Theatre was built in 1938 well before half of the surrounding houses had even gone to the planning stage. When Ian Perks bought the Northwick in 1991

  • Bromsgrove Railway Club

    The October meeting of the club sees a change of speaker, owing to commitments Peter Thorn cannot attend, so we now have a slide presentation with Solihull-based Chris Kenyon. Chris' presentation is entitled Over The Water to the 5ft 3in Gauge Ireland

  • Blackwell and Burcot WI

    President Mrs Prior welcomed us all, including two new members for their second time, and thanked Beattie Denning who had, as usual, made a pretty flower arrangement. We were reminded that photos of farms in Worcestershire were still required for the

  • Call for civic shake-up

    THE new man at the helm is urging Bromsgrove District Council to spend £45,000 and take "immediate" action to set up a management structure. Acting chief executive Graham Essex-Crosby is backing a set-up with three men at the top - a chief executive paid

  • Urgent help plea

    POPPY-SELLERS are urgently needed to help out ex-servicemen who have grown too old to go out and ask for donations in Bromsgrove. The Royal British Legion relies on the sale of poppies each November to carry on its work with the families of people in

  • Suspended trio remain defiant

    THREE experienced Tory district councillors, suspended for daring to defy group rules, were defiant this week as they received support from campaigners opposed to development of the Victoria Ground. The trio, former Tory leader Councillor Nick Psirides

  • Home principal is accused of rape

    The principal of a children's home raped youngsters in his care during a catalogue of sex crimes committed over 20 years ago, a jury was told. Brian Gillam, who ran The Uplands in Blackwell, near Bromsgrove, attacked girls aged between 13 and 15 and even

  • Rail tragedy

    SPA fire crews were called out to release the body of a man tragically struck by a train on Monday afternoon. The tragedy occurred around 4pm at Kidderminster railway station when an Asian man was struck about 100 yards from the platform by a train travelling

  • Catching up on a bit of culture

    A FUN-FUELLED fun run set young hearts pumping at Cutnall Green Church of England First School on Friday. The sponsored fancy dress run, at School Road, was held to raise funds for a multi-cultural Arts Term after Christmas. It is hoped the youngsters

  • World's biggest brew up

    TASTE buds were tingling when students from a Droitwich school took part in Macmillan's world's biggest coffee morning. Pupils from Whitford Hall and Dodderhill School took part in the charity event in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief on Friday. To raise

  • CD Limp Bizkit Results May Vary

    IT'S been more than three years since Bizkit's last and very successful album and what do Limp fans get at the end - varying results. After pulling out of headlining Download Festival this year the Bizkit boys have gone down in many UK skater rock fan's

  • CD MUSE Absolution

    Three albums in and Muse just get better and better. This band, surely the most exciting thing to come out of sleepy Teignmouth for many a year, have seen their following grow in line with their collective bank balances. And it is no wonder as Muse really

  • Eleven under for John

    JOHN Bickerton (pictured) turned in an excellent 11 under par performance to land nearly £28,000 at the Dunhill Links Championships last weekend. The Droitwich Spa golf ace fired three consecutive two under par rounds of 70 before going out in style with

  • £2m to beat skills crisis

    A REVOLUTIONARY training project in Redditch is this week set to get £2 million Government backing. Redditch Council has joined forces with other agencies, including Community Services Volunteers, to set up the scheme which aims to address the skills

  • 1/10/03 - Hadley decides to hang up boots

    STEWART Hadley has retired from football at just 29 after losing a battle with injury and fitness. The Worcester City striker has agreed to tear up his contract after amicable talks with manager John Barton. Hadley admitted that frustration at being unable

  • Rare bats may scupper homes plan

    CAMPAIGNERS are hoping rare wildlife may save the day in the fight to stop a housing development near their homes. Planning permission has already been granted by Redditch Council to Redditch Co-operative Homes to build 30 houses on green land at the

  • Police seize drugs goods

    POLICE seized the largest drugs bong they have ever seen during a high profile operation in Redditch at the weekend. The large water cooler container, found in most offices, was recovered from youngsters who had gathered at the wooded area behind Astwood

  • Building jobs in spotlight

    MOVES to fill a skills shortage within the construction industry in Redditch are being stepped up with a week-long event at Church Hill Community Centre. School pupils will be able to try their hand at bricklaying, carpentry and plumbing as part of National

  • Kidderminster Harriers FC - Fixtures and results - 2003/04

    Pre-season friendlies Sat July 12 Evesham (a) 3-1 Lewis, J Williams, Paschalis Sun July 13 Stratford (a) 1-0 Ward Sat July 19 Boldmere (a) 6-1 (og), J Williams 2, Lightbourne, Wilding, Danks Mon July 21 Leicester (h) 1-1 Shilton Sat July 26 West Brom

  • Services extended for youth

    REDDITCH YMCA is set to extend its support to vulnerable young people. The Church Hill organisation has been allocated grants from Worcestershire Supporting People to recruit a new team of staff. The team, which will be headed by support manager John

  • Dial-a-Ride has its drawbacks

    WITH regard to the bus pass dispute, Gavin Smithers obviously has little knowledge of the Dial-a-Ride system and its inherent drawbacks. Forty-eight hours notice is required when wishing to use the service. For a return journey, a separate booking is

  • Five questions, no answers

    THANK you to Councillor Jim Uphill for the update on Sainsbury's roundabout (Letters, September 17). However, before we park things at the Government's door, let's ask some basic questions: - Do councils instigate to carry out all Government guidelines

  • Letter from Westminster

    I RECENTLY attended the opening of the newly refurbished magistrates courts in Grove Street. I was delighted to see such a good example of Government investment in our justice system right here in Redditch. Now there are much better facilities for victims

  • Averil is honoured by YMCA

    A WOMAN who has 'given her life' to Redditch YMCA for the past 25 years has been honoured. Averil Hughes initially worked as a youth activities volunteer just a few months after the YMCA first opened its doors in 1978. Mrs Hughes, who has five children

  • Call for closure of unit

    FRUSTRATED Webheath residents are calling for an emergency accommodation unit for youngsters to be closed down, claiming it is making their lives a misery. Residents claim children staying at the Downsell Road unit are continually noisy, threatening,

  • Broom WI

    AT the September meeting, members met up again after the summer break and president Helen Powell welcomed friends from Arrow WI. Arrangements were finalised for the group meeting, hosted by Broom WI to take place in Salford Priors Village Hall as Broom

  • Bromsgrove Rovers fixtures and results 2003/2004

    HOME, away (Dr Martens Western fixtures unless stated) JULY Sat 19 WALSALL (Friendly) 5-1 (Sutton, Banner, Dyson, Bowen, Scheppel) Tue 22 WOODFORD UNITED (Friendly) 3-1 (Sutton, Stephenson, Scheppel) Sat 26 STOCKPORT COUNTY (Friendly) 0-0 Wed 30 ASTON

  • Merry Wives of Alcester

    On Tuesday, September 23, at the Swan Hotel Alcester, Sue Summerton - who has been belly dancing for two years - came to talk and demonstrate this ancient form of dance. Linking women to Mother Earth and Nature, its reason was for calling on the spirits

  • Redditch Photographic Society

    ON September 16, two members gave lectures. First, Chris Lane talked about Ethiopia. She was sent there by Save the Children Fund, for whom she was working, to look over their various projects, which range from the supply of water to health clinics and

  • Rise in fares halted

    A SIGNIFICANT rise in the cost of a taxi journey in Redditch has been blocked by Redditch councillors. Instead, fares are likely to rise by about the cost of inflation, with the minimum charge for a journey rising from £2.14 to £2.20 plus 10p per 160

  • Soroptimists International

    MEMBERS of the Redditch and Bromsgrove branch met at the Perry Hall Hotel for the September meeting following the summer break. Guest speaker was Miss Valerie Evans CBE, who has been a very active Soroptimist since 1977. Her career in education and Soroptimism

  • Studley Daytime WI

    AT the September 3 meeting, members heard a talk by George Hook, the only remaining manufacturer of Mother of Pearl in Birmingham. He told of the popularity of this product in earlier times for buttons, cutlery handles, inlaid work and jewellery. He brought

  • The Redditch Society

    ON September 19, Harold Taylor gave a recital-lecture entitled At the Piano with Schubert. He is the author of a book on the composer so his lecture was very well researched. He set the scene by describing the minute apartment in Vienna where Franz Schubert

  • Studley Women's Country Club

    ON September 18, members enjoyed a talk and demonstration by Steve, who specialises in carpentry at B&Q Warehouse in Redditch. He told of how the first B&Q opened in 1969, started by a Mr Block and a Mr Quale. At present, there are 320 stores

  • Rank rumpus over

    ON-GOING 'impracticalities' with the taxi rank inside the town centre's bus station are finally being addressed after months of problems. Taxi drivers and Redditch Council chiefs met Kingfisher Centre owners Thornfield at the bus station on Thursday.

  • Spreading joy is child's play

    STUDLEY youngsters can now reap the benefits of a new playground thanks to a huge investment by the parish council. The new equipment has been installed on the recreation ground near Crooks Lane and High Street and cost about £50,000. The South Warwickshire

  • Ban success

    A TWO-day event which saw a busy Redditch road closed off to traffic for two days has been hailed a success. Redditch was one of 1,031 cities across the world to take part in In Town Without My Car. The event was set up to promote public transport, walking

  • 'We can't be everywhere at once'

    PEOPLE who witness vandalism or antisocial behaviour have been urged to intervene by Warwickshire's police chief. Chief Constable John Burbeck told a meeting of parish council chairmen: "We can't be everywhere at once." And he said members of the public

  • Schools out for learning

    A SUCCESSFUL scheme to set youngsters learning outside school hours has just been started at Alcester Infants School. The Children's University scheme, run in conjunction with Warwick University, has been organised by Warwickshire LEA to get youngsters

  • New ministry in the pipeline

    A NEW rector has been appointed for the Ipsley Team Ministry. The Rev Canon Wallace Brown, 59, succeeds the Rev Canon Ray Adams, who died in office. Mr Brown originally comes from Newcastle and before ordination was a chartered engineer working as a gas

  • Conman used tale of death

    AN elderly woman was conned out of £65 on her doorstep by a man who said his mother had just died and was desperately trying to get to Scotland. Alcester police are now investigating the deception, which happened at Croft Lane, Temple Grafton, on Monday

  • Licensed to fulfil

    ST Matthew's Church in Salford Priors had three new Readers licensed at Coventry Cathedral on September 20. After two years training in biblical, theological and ethical studies, Dorothy Ayling, Mick Cocker and Anne Potter will now work alongside the

  • Glorious food!

    FOOD and drink products grown or produced in Herefordshire and Worcestershire will take centre stage at a festival celebrating local produce. A record 41 producers will be offering everything from Herefordshire meats to Worcestershire farmhouse cheese

  • Village braced for a murder

    ALVECHURCH Sports and Social Club is hosting a murder mystery night on Friday. The event, entitled Murder at the Club, will be performed by Alvechurch Dramatic Society and has been written and directed by Chris Davies. Tickets cost £4 and proceeds will

  • Coach house plan

    PLANS are afoot to develop a small housing estate on the site of Tanners Croft garage in Evesham Road, Headless Cross. The two-acre site, currently occupied by Hardings Coaches, could be used to build 41 houses. Meanwhile Hardings is moving elsewhere

  • 25 years ago

    September 29, 1978. Redditch Youth Band will be making their first appearance on BBC Radio Birmingham tomorrow conducted by the well known local band leader Fred Mercer. He has arranged the spicy song Quando, Quando for brass and it will be one of the

  • 50 years ago

    October 2, 1953 Forty-six crippled children from the outpatients department of the Birmingham Orthopaedic Hospital were taken to Astwood Bank for an outing on the day of Redditch Carnival by members of the Birmingham 1914-1918 and Overseas Club, were