AN Evening News reporter has been shortlisted for Scoop of the Year award for being the first journalist to break the news of plans to open an asylum seekers hostel at Throckmorton. Alison Fraser is one of 12 reporters competing for the Birmingham Press
WORCESTERSHIRE County Cricket Club is celebrating after its plan to build two new spectator stands at the New Road ground won the support of Worcester City Council. The £450,000 development proposals for the Diglis end of the ground received a setback
COUNCIL chiefs in Worcestershire have been handed more than £15m to support pensioners and victims of domestic violence. The grant from the Government's new Supporting People funding pot will also be spent on people with mental illness and those at risk
COUNTY residents are holding their breath for huge council tax bills this April, after Worcestershire County Council unanimously backed an increase of almost 13 per cent. Precepts from the police, fire service, city council and county council, which make
ATTEMPTS by Clifton upon Teme Village Hall Committee to tap into money left over from the Malvern Millions scheme has received a dubious response from district councillors. The committee is currently planning a £250,000 refurbishment and wants to use
A PROPOSAL to funnel traffic away from homes in Areley Kings is one of several smaller schemes battling for a slice of this year's district road budget. Wyre Forest district councillor Jamie Shaw is pushing the plan to encourage through traffic to use
A state-of-the-art £2.5m residential care home for Pershore is on schedule for completion in the early part of spring. The 60-room Heathlands Care Home, in Station Road, opens its doors in April and is the first purpose-built residential home in the country
A THIRTEEN-year love affair with a Worcester estate has seen one sporty pensioner abandon ideas of gentle retirement to continue her active community work. Enthusiasm oozes out of Diana Morrison, who was the original community worker at Ronkswood Community
REAL ale drinkers are urged to visit their local watering holes after it was revealed more than a quarter of Worcestershire folk never visit pubs. CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, has announced the launch of its first ever National Pubs Week after market
HEAVY machinery has been moved in to carry on the demolition process of an historic Worcester building. Engineers moved into the Hylton Road building last week to begin removing the interior of the offices which once served the city's former sawmills.
SHORTAGE of cash is forcing the closure of three day centres in Herefordshire for Alzheimer's sufferers. The Herefordshire Branch of the Alzheimer's Society said it was both sad and angry at having to make the decision. Day Care now provided at Bromyard
THE parishes of Little Marcle, Aylton, Munsley and Pixley are about to plan their future. Every member of the four parishes has been invited to a meeting at Munsley WI Hall on Wednesday at 7pm to discuss the Parish Plan. Refreshments and creche will be
THE Colwall Players' production of Dazzle, a spoof based on Star Trek took place last weekend at Colwall Village Hall. Adults and children alike enjoyed four performances. Those taking part were: Sue and David Jago, Anne Bridgens, Angela Meredith, Dianne
ON Saturday, March 1, there is a quiz night being held at Powick Parish Hall, organised by Worcestershire Wildlife Trust Fund (Malvern Group). Teams of four are required, £12 a team and the competition runs from 7.30pm with a prompt start at 8pm. Cost
THIS year marks the 33rd annual spring show of Staunton & District WI and it speaks well of the enthusiasm of its members in keeping it fresh and attractive to exhibitors all those years, some of whom have been competing since its inception. Corse
FLAMENCO fever will hit Colwall when members of dance troop Alma visit the Village Hall. The group of dancers, guitarists and singers are all professional flamenco performers. Flamenco originated in Andalucia, southern Spain and is a dramatic and passionate
Hawks and owls from Newent's Birds of Prey Centre will be special guests at a lecture. The Royal National College's Great Hall in Hereford hosts the event tomorrow (Saturday) from 2.30pm. Representatives from the centre, which will relocate to America
The full programme has now been printed for the weekend of events planned by the Friends of the Dymock Poets on March 22-23. Secretary Catharine Luck said Saturday's events will start with a daffodil walk around Dymock, followed by an optional pub lunch
ELGAR and Birmingham is the talk being given to The Elgar Society at the Birthplace Museum, Lower Broadheath. The speaker tomorrow (Saturday) at 2.30pm is Lyndon Jenkins, a lecturer, writer and broadcaster on music, who is also special projects officer
FUTURISTIC horror, talented youngsters, physical comedy and cultured music will take turns to step into the limelight at The Courtyard next week. First up at the Hereford venue is Perrier Award-winning comic Dylan Moran, star of surreal Channel Four comedy
THE THREE Counties Showground will host a big bikes show in June. At Big Bikes on June 21 and 22, a range of motorcycling paraphernalia will be on display, as well as a Bike Live Biker Babes Stage Fashion Show displaying biker gear, live entertainment
THE origin of "a load of codswallop" is explained at Malvern Antiques and Collectors Fair on Sunday, March 2, at the Three Counties Showground. Stallholder Gary Higgins is bringing a selection of Cod's lemonade bottles from the Victorian period. The bottles
UPTON seconds took on Droitwich in a merit table match on Saturday. UPTON II 11 pts, DROITWICH II 3pts The pitch was fine, the weather was sunny, the internationals were on and Upton were forced to draw on four first team squad members and veteran Nigel
UPTON played at home in glorious sunshine to local rivals Pershore, the home side taking a week out from their league programme. UPTON LADIES 3, PERSHORE LADIES 0 Upton started strongly moving the ball round the pitch and producing some fine flowing hockey
RANGERS' recent run of improved results continued on Saturday against sixth-placed Ludlow Town Reserves but only just. MALVERN RANGERS 1, LUDLOW TOWN RES 1 The thawing of the overnight frost left the pitch very sticky especially down the middle and this
WHILST Express were grateful for the points and ninth win in a row, Prems must be wandering how the points slipped away after a dour game on Victoria Park pitch one, probably the worst playing surface in the Worcester League right now. EXPRESS 2, MALVERN
RADAR fought back from 2-0 and 3-2 down to grab an injury time equaliser in the 92nd minute in an entertaining game at Victoria Park last Sunday. MALVERN RADAR 3, THE BRIDGE 3 The Bridge started brightly and were passing the ball around with great confidence
SIX players from Malvern Town U18s have been selected for the Worcestershire youth squad to play Birmingham away in the Midlands Youth Championships match on Sunday. Mike Cole, Tom Drew, Sam Gwilliam, Dean Matthews, and James and Steve Thomas are in the
THE shirt logo wasn't the only thing new about Welland since these two teams last met at the start of the season as Welland have improved beyond recognition since then. WELLAND JUNIORS U14S 1, MALVERN TOWN WANDERERS 2 The home side dominated the opening
IN Dazzle, the Colwall Players and Young Colwall Players take an entertaining and comic cosmic adventure. The musical extravaganza follows Captain Sam Galactica and the crew of the starship Sunburster One as they travel through space to deliver Princess
ONE man's lust for power and success proves the downfall for him and his family in Ibsen's John Gabriel Borkman performed by the English Touring Theatre. The play looks into the lives of three characters in the winter of their lives, confronting each
WEST Mercia police have been criticised in a district-wide survey of youth opinion. At five Youthink meetings across the Malvern Hills district, 65 per cent of the 133 youngsters questioned said they did not think the police were accessible, 45 per cent
A VISIT from a bogus water board official led to the theft of £500 from the farm home of an elderly Upton resident. The visitor stated there was a water leak outside the house when he called at 2.30pm on Monday. Expecting a visit from his doctor, the
THE chief executive of South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust is to be quizzed by local councillors about plans for a new Malvern hospital. Mike Ridley is to appear at Malvern Hills District Council's overview and scrutiny committee on Tuesday. At a
a cup of tea, a chat and some cross-stitching are on offer at the next meeting of the Ripple Church Kneeler Group next week. The group meets at Ripple Parish Hall once a month and is inviting anyone interested to join their meeting on Wednesday, February
MALVERN people are being encouraged to speak their minds on new plans affecting health provision in the town. Brian Clifton, chairman of Worcester and District Community Health Council, is urging as many people as possible attend two meetings on March
THE Upton branch of the Arthritis Research Group is holding a coffee morning on Saturday, March 1, to celebrate its 19th anniversary. The event takes place at the Memorial Hall and visitors can enjoy coffee and birthday cake for 50p. There will also be
TAXI fares in the Malvern Hills district will be increasing from April 1. The move was requested by the taxi trade and approved by the district council's executive board this week. The fare for the first mile in normal hours will increase from £2.60 to
A MAN charged with the murder of a Malvern woman appeared before a judge at Worcester Crown Court on Tuesday. Alan Hill, aged 37, is accused of killing 25-year-old Kathryn Allen on February 9. She was found strangled. Mr Hill and the victim both lived
OVER 200 people from the Malvern area travelled to London on Saturday to protest against war with Iraq. Back in Malvern, 50 more people who had not been able to take part in the country's largest ever rally, began their own demonstration at Belle Vue
IN reply to Martin Cale's comments on the skating facilities at Victoria Park, Malvern Link (Malvern Gazette, January 31), the young people who use these facilities would like to make their points heard. We are not pleased with the fact Mr Cale refers
PLANS to pioneer e-voting in the Malvern Hills at this spring's local elections have been abandoned. Last month, the Government announced that Malvern Hills District Council was one of 18 authorities chosen to take part in the most extensive trials of
A KERBSIDE rubbish recycling service by Malvern Hills District Council moved a step closer this week. The council's executive committee recommended that full council approves the purchase of seven new refuse carriers with separate compartments to take
HOW sad to read (Your Letters, February 7) the description, by Mrs V Wallcroft, of Mathon, of 'jobsworth' applied to a MHDC employee actually doing what they get paid to do. The bye-laws for parking in Malvern car parks are clear and concise, as are the
THE congregation of St Matthias' church is rallying to save it from possible closure. The Malvern Link church needs more than £17,500 to repair Victorian stonework and additional money to cover running costs. In December, churchwarden John West said it
NORTHLEIGH School was home to displays of African and Indian culture as part of its performing arts week. Key Stage 1 and years five and six were given a taste of African drumming last Monday and Wednesday while on Tuesday the year five and six pupils
THE ACORNS appeal to build a new hospice for sick children in the Three Counties has raised £2.4 million to date. The new 10-bed hospice is expected to open on the outskirts of Worcester next year and will offer respite, emergency and terminal care for
IT seems beyond comprehension the council is not campaigning for the retention of the health centre in Malvern Link. There appears to be no reaction or concern about the implications that will result from this act of pure vandalism. The inconvenience
Out-of-date information typically leads to misunderstandings and consequently poor decision-making. For a considerable time, we in Upton have faced successive versions of a very large and expensive ten-year long plan to develop a holiday village as part
A FAMILY of hoteliers in Corse Lawn is celebrating 25 years in business. Despite the pressures of foot and mouth and serious family illness, the Hine family have kept the 19-bedroom Corse Lawn House Hotel going through thick and thin since 1978. At the
a public meeting at Welland was divided over its support for plans for cattle grids on roads around Castlemorton Common. Malvern Hills Conservators want to install the grids to help prevent livestock straying off common and into the village. This happens
I WELCOME N F Savage's comment (Your Letters, February 14) on my suggestions for the staging of a Shaw anniversary festival. Indeed I would encourage more readers to air their thoughts on the matter. One of my objectives in making my proposals through
A MALVERN charity, which helps families with young children, is looking for volunteers. Pat Borthwick, of the recently launched Home-Start Malvern Hills, said: "Those of us who are parents know that bringing up a young family is not easy no matter where
A MALVERN resident says she is so concerned for the safety of youngsters skating and riding bikes in the streets, that she has started a campaign to provide an indoor leisure facility. Della Appleby, of Leigh Sinton Road, fears youngsters on boards, blades
INJURY-jinxed Stewart Hadley is out of Worcester City's side to face Grantham Town tomorrow. The striker, only just back from nearly a year out with an Achilles problem, is suffering from a sore groin. Adam Webster, last week's hat-trick hero in the 6
DROITWICH golfer John Bickerton looked set to miss the cut at the Malaysian Open in Kuala Lumpur today. Bickerton shot a level-par round of 71 to follow yesterday's 73, but with a thunderstorm delaying the majority of the field, he looked set to miss
A NEW footpath and cycle path being built for children travelling to school will be an invasion of privacy, according to two Malvern residents. Hilda Forsyth and Janice Todd-Wood, of Pickersleigh Road, say Worcestershire County Council plans for paths
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have a chance to move into an automatic promotion place in the Nationwide League Third Division tomorrow if they beat Boston United at York Street (3pm). Harriers have stormed into fourth place in the table after securing three
A VISUALLY impaired Malvern pensioner has condemned new keypads ins-talled at Post Office counters as "impossible to use". The electronic pads are des-igned to cut down on fraud by replacing benefit books and Giro cheques, which are to be phased out.
MANAGER Dave Titterton is resigned to losing Stourport Swifts' striker Michael Moore for the rest of the season. The Walshes Meadow ace is currently sidelined with a back injury but has been hampered with fitness problems since arriving at the club in
PRIYA Mitchell, who is performing at Malvern Concert Club's next event, is one of the foremost violinists of her generation, according to critics. Priya has played worldwide and has joined Malvern-based Nigel Kennedy for performances of the Bach Concerto
THREE of Britain's most respected folk artists line up at Huntingdon Hall, Worcester over the next week. Tomorrow (Saturday) John Tams and Barry Coope perform together at 8pm. Tams is perhaps best known for his role as Daniel Hagman in ITV's Sharpe, for
ABBEY Jazz fortnightly sessions continue in the Three Horseshoes in Poolbrook on Monday. Double bassist Len Thwaites will be joined by Mike Turner on clarinet/soprano, Mel Hill on cornet and Jake Reeves on guitar for the occasion at 8.30pm. Admission
LOCAL flautists are encouraged to attend a masterclass at Malvern Girls' College on Wednesday. Renowned flautist Judith Hall will take the class from 4.30pm to 6.15pm. Her recording of Mozart's Flute Quartets is the fifth best selling classical record
A CONCERT at the Elgar Birth-place Museum, Lower Broad-heath gives a rare chance to hear music composed by Elgar's friend and biographer W H "Billy" Reed. Violinist Robert Gibbs, leader of the Royal Ballet Sinfonia and London Festival Orchestra, will
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have a chance to move into an automatic promotion place in the Nationwide League Third Division tomorrow if they beat Boston United at York Street (3pm). Harriers have stormed into fourth place in the table after securing three
MALVERN Town travel to an all important Express and Star West Midlands League Premier Division game at sixth-placed Tividale tomorrow (Saturday) disappointed that last Saturday's home clash against Wolverhampton United was postponed. Town general manager
WEST Malvern Cricket Club are busy preparing for their first tilt at Saturday league cricket after joining the Worcestershire County League for the first time. Club captain Richard Dudley said: "We can now look forward to league cricket on Saturdays throughout
THE Billy Clifford Memorial Trophy has attracted a good turnout from the town's squash clubs with players from the host club Manor Park and Malvern Squash Club competing in this popular event. Manor Park chairman John Oakley said: "Over 46 players entered
MANY reasons are being given for the desperate situation in this country's Health Service. I suggest there is only one - it has been grossly under-funded since the NHS began. Having put up with wartime utility hospitals until March 2002, with 515 beds
H Ray attacks Alun Michael (You Say, Saturday, February 1) for claiming that deer hunting and coursing are cruel than not producing evidence. It's perhaps unfortunate for Mr Ray that, in the Country News section of the same edition, there's a report of
I AGREE entirely with Mrs S Townsend (You Say, Thursday, February 13). Who in their right mind could possibly care one single iota about who has done what, where they did it, how they did it, and how often they did it, with Leonardo Di Caprio ? The sad
The picture was taken from a (French) Jodel aircraft piloted by John Scott out of Bidford airport on Wednesday, February 5. The photo was taken looking north with the cricket club in the foreground and Pershore Abbey in the centre. To order a copy, quote
TWO recent stories carried the headlines "Shoppers forced to seek refuge in store" and "Yobs run riot on city estate." A 15-year-old was banned from part of the city, yet the weak magistrates on this case refused to name him. Why? Even the Voice of Worcester
I WHOLEHEARTEDLY agree with A L Eastwood (You Say, Monday, February 10). In my 79 years on this earth, I have never read such a load of codswallop published by the Worcester Alliance. They are making more promises than Mr Blair - and we know what happens
AN author from Devon, who is working on a biography of a leading railway engineer, is looking for information about the man's daughter, who he thinks went to school in the Malvern area. Peter Grafton, of Paignton, is researching the life of Sir Vincent
100 years ago Sgt Brown, of the Malvern Police Force, is being transferred to Oldbury. His departure will be regretted both by his colleagues and all in the town who know him, and a great many do. He is a very courteous and obliging officer and has gained
INJURY-jinxed Stewart Hadley is out of Worcester City's side to face Grantham Town tomorrow. The striker, only just back from nearly a year out with an Achilles problem, is suffering from a sore groin. Adam Webster, last week's hat-trick hero in the 6
ASSISTANT manager Mick Tuohy has heaped praise on Worcester City's equivalent of a vintage wine - Paul Carty. The 36-year-old full-back returns from a two-match suspension for the trip to Grantham Town tomorrow (3pm) and his presence will be a huge bonus
ASSASSINATION, love and political intrigue form the basis for the latest operatic production at Malvern Theatres next week. Verdi's Un Ballo in Maschera (A Masked Ball) is the lavish work of Compagnia d'Opera Italiano di Milano, sung in the original Italian
BUSINESSES across Worcestershire are being urged to be more open and honest about their operations. In research conducted by Co-operative Insurance Society people from across the Midlands have outlined the resolutions they believe companies should make
A WORCESTER accountancy firm has been asked to take part in a pilot scheme aimed at giving everyone a better quality of working life. Rabjohns Business and Tax Advisers has been selected by the West Midlands Quality Centre to take part in the Work Life
FEMALE entrepreneurs are proving they are real live wires in a prestigious business awards programme. The local heats of the Shell LiveWire Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards are being dominated by women. All three finalists in the Herefordshire and
THIS weekend's local football fixtures include: SATURDAY WORCESTER AND DISTRICT LEAGUE Premier Division: Bromyard Town v Kempsey United (P Harding); Bretforton Old Boys v Droitwich Spa (N Canning); Inkberrow 'A' Res v Martley Spurs (K Waller); Powick
THE re-opening of Worcester's Swan Theatre faces being thrown in jeopardy by Labour party delaying tactics. The Evening News understands that opposition city councillors are considering "calling in" proposals to put Chris Jaeger, director of the Huntingdon
WORCESTERSHIRE'S health chiefs have been subjected to heavy criticism in recent months, from politicians, GPs and the media. Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust is heading for an overspend in excess of £6m this financial year, and auditors expressed
A FAMILY have quit their farm in Murcot, near Evesham, and moved to France, saying French farmers receive better treatment. Adrian Hackett, his partner Cate Henderson and their 15-month-old daughter Tilly have left a farm that had been worked by his family
EUROPE's largest fashion retailer, H&M Hennes, is to set up shop in Worcester High Street. The Swedish company, which has almost 850 branches worldwide, is to take up a 22,000 sq ft unit in the Lychgate Shopping Centre - scheduled to be renamed Cathedral
A DRUG addict who altered a doctor's prescription in a bid to acquire more tablets has appeared in court. John Gurney, aged 28, tricked a pharmacist into giving him 30 extra tablets of the tranquillising drug diazepam after visiting his GP at Evesham's
The Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust has occupied a high-profile position on the county's news agenda in recent weeks. Today, trust chairman Michael O'Riordan writes an open letter to the Evening News, responding to its coverage and to criticism
A FILMAKER is shooting a murder mystery movie in Worcester. City filmmaker Matt Muller announced plans to shoot Attraverso Gli Occhi Di Un Killer or Through the eyes of a Killer in November. Since then he has cast performing arts students from Worcester
A SPECIAL memorial concert is being planned in Evesham for the people who died in the M25 coach crash. Mike Butler, of Bretforton Silver Band, is organising the event, and is keen to invite all those who travelled on the fateful Spring's coach, especially
HEREFORDSHIRE can expect a record 17 per cent council tax rise next month. County treasurer Ian Hyson says an increase that puts the average (Band D) bill at around £950 is likely. But that sum won't bring better services - it will simply maintain last
A DIMINUTIVE nightclub doorman who claimed he usually deals with rowdy customers with diplomacy not force, has admitted attacking a man in the street with a baton. The assault, Hereford Crown Court was told, happened at 2am on February 24 last year outside
A WORCESTER man has been ordered to enrol in a drug treatment programme after admitting a string of thefts. Paul Raymond, aged 22, from Tolladine, was spotted stealing a car stereo, a pair of children's boots and some porcelain jugs on three separate
TWO sick children who became friends in a Worcester hospital never imagined they would end up marrying each other 18 years later. Four-year-old Geoffrey Palmer and 10-year-old Betty Freeman hit it off during the long days they spent cooped up in Newtown
A SNAKE found outside a Worcester nightclub, is about to be given a new home. The 12-inch American corn snake was discovered on a pavement outside Tramps nightclub, in Angel Street, Worcester, just before Christmas. Shocked passers-by called police, who
COMPAGNIA d'Opera Italiano di Milano returns to Malvern Theatres for the fourth successive year with its acclaimed production of Un Ballo in Maschera. Renowned for its superb soloists, full chorus, 36-piece orchestra, lavish costumes and sets, the Compagnia
FIXTURES WEST MIDLANDS REGIONAL LEAGUE Saturday, February 22 Premier Division: Tividale v Malvern Town (2.45). Division One South: Malvern Town Reserves v Bewdley Town (2.45). Saturday, March 1 TBA Tuesday, March 4 Premier Division: Malvern Town v Kington
Flicks in the Sticks on Friday, February 28, at 7pm at the parish hall, is an opportunity to see the Oscar-winning Gosford Park. A great evening's entertainment, no travelling involved and no parking problems. On Sunday, February 23, at 6.30pm at Holy
I KNOW I always say how good our dances are at Bushley Village Hall, and it's true. The Valentine's dance held on February 14 was no exception, approximately 130 guests attended. The hall was decorated appropriately with red hearts and balloons and even
TONIGHT (Friday) there is entertainment at the Blue Bell with singer Debbie Miles from 8.30pm. A service for the Women's World Day of Prayer takes place at St James's Church, Callow End on Friday, March 17 at 7.30pm.
ON Wednesday, January 29, Longdon Churchwomen's Fellowship met in the Village Hall for their new year service and annual meeting. The vicar, the Reverend Chris Moss, led an informal act of worship, focusing on the theme of freedom from anxiety. Afterwards
At St John the Evangelist Church, Pauntley next Sunday, the service is the Book of Common Prayer evensong conducted by the rector Rev Patricia Phillips. Everyone welcome. Work is still continuing on Ketford Bridge and this means that Payford Bridge is
At St Mary the Virgin church, Upleadon next Sunday, the service is family service at 9.30am and will be conducted by Mrs Jessie Williams and Mrs Jill Bond, mandated members of the Lay Ministry Team. Upleadon Parochial Church Council will meet at Broadlands
"Wanted - large dragon. Good condition. To preside over St George's Day dinner, April 25. Contact Dru Bentley (tel 567881) or Rosemary Herbert (572497) (using asbestos telephone?)". The search is on for a replacement dragon for this year's St George's
MALVERN Writers Circle is launching its new anthology with a public reading next Saturday, March 1. The reading will be at the Lyttelton Well, in Church Street, Great Malvern, from 10.30am until 1.30pm. The anthology, Beginnings and Endings, is a mix
A LIFE-CHANGING experience is guaranteed for everyone who goes to see the master of mystical arts flexing his mental muscles in Malvern. Uri Geller is confident that at least 98 per cent of the people who come to his show at the Forum Theatre on Saturday
CHILDREN enjoyed the freedom of half-term holidays with loads of activities at Madresfield Early Years Centre . Between 25 and 35 children aged between three and 11, attended a half-term playscheme at the centre each day, mixing with under-threes who
FORGET the non-stop carnival currently touring South Africa, or Nasser Hussain's Yuletide battle to steer his hapless troops towards at least one Ashes victory. Despite the era of a rolling, all-year cricket merry-go-round, our normal anticipation of
LEDBURY Lions progressed into the quarter-finals of the Malvern Table Tennis League's main handicap competition beating league leaders Grosvenor Eagles by four points. Dave Saer played a substantial part in the Lions' victory when taking points off Ian
NOMADS were convincing winners against the Junior C team in the Whatley Recordon Malvern Table Tennis League Division Three with only one set needing a fourth game. Adrian Fray, Geoff Davies and Tony Hughes were the successful team. They have two matches
COLWALL remain in fourth place, three points behind third placed Clifton after their 2-2 draw in this West Women's Premier Division One fixture. CLIFTON LADIES II 2, COLWALL I 2 This was Colwall's second draw in succession and the slipping points are
A WHEELCHAIR basketball club for Worcestershire and Herefordshire is set to be launched tomorrow (Saturday) at University College Worc-ester from 10am to noon. The club will meet regularly at University College Worcester which is supporting the club from
THE Welsh Trail Riders Association Snowrun Enduro took place recently in the Crychan Forest, near Llandovery. The annual event attracts top riders from all over the UK who, this year, were blessed with good weather for a change. In a field of over 200
SATURDAY FOOTBALL WEST MIDLANDS LEAGUE Premier Division: Ledbury Town v Bromyard Town, Tividale v Malvern Town. Division One South: Malvern Town Reserves v Bewdley Town, Malvern Rangers v Hinton (2.15). WORCESTER AND DISTRICT LEAGUE Premier Division:
CLUB AC 30's Andy Parr had his shooting boots on last Sunday in The Soccer Site Malvern Football League grabbing a double hat-trick in his side's 7-0 defeat of the young Worcester Juniors team. Jason Peyton Smith was also on the scoresheet for the home
A FORMER player and long term referee has taken over the secretarial duties for The Soccer Site Malvern Football League. Joe Whitehouse, aged 55, from Giffard Drive, Welland, has become acting secretary for the league following a meeting on Monday night
IT was top versus bottom in the Worcester Saturday League Division One and Sports ran out rather easy winners. LANGLAND SPORTS 13, OAK APPLE 1 With Sports' defence of Chris Postans, Jason Howes, Ian Hill and Steve Hudson on top form Oak Apple only managed
WEST Malvern's home Martley Cup tie against Goodrest Sports was postponed last Saturday due to a frozen pitch. Tomorrow (Saturday) the West return to Worcester league Division One duty when they visit Pershore Manor. Players meet Bluebell, Guarlford Road
MALVERN Ladies FC travelled to Redditch for a league game on Sunday. REDDITCH UNITED LADIES 0, MALVERN LADIES FC 5 Malvern started brightly but failed to convert their early pressure into goals. The deadlock was broken in the 28th minute when Emma Hinchcliffe
Let me begin at the end, for at the conclusion of the concert, in Five Viennese Operetta Songs, soprano Barbara Bonney displayed her supreme musicality, radiant soprano voice and power of presentation. From the sparkling vitality of Ich bin die Christel
THE meanest man in Baghdad has finally received his comeuppance. No Tony, not him. Back off George. It was in fact the most boo-worthy baddy in Mesopotamia, Kasim Baba, brother of Ali and alter ego of the even wickeder El Scorpio. El Scorpio and his forty
success after less than 18 months in business has led to plans for a £70,000 extension to an Upton nursery and the creation of six new jobs. The owners of Little Blossoms Nursery have applied to Malvern Hills District Council for permission to add a classroom
UPTON could be without Christmas trees this year unless the organisation that has put them up for the past decade receives more help. Members of Upton Tourism and Trade Association warned that the work involved annually in setting up Christmas trees outside
NEIGHBOURHOOD Warden Norman Barrow has become a hero to residents for fighting vandalism on the Langland estate. Mr Barrow hid behind a hedge to take photographs of a group of vandals who were attacking a house before chasing the gang away. "The photos
THERE were sticky fingers at Upton's Hill Centre this week as children enjoyed a variety of activities during their half-term holiday. The Kids Kapers playscheme, which finishes today (Friday), occupied children from as far afield as Ledbury and Malvern
A BINGO night held to raise money for Upton Youth band last week has pulled in more than £50. Between 40 and 50 people, both adults and children, turned out at Upton Memorial Hall for the event on Saturday afternoon. "It was quite well supported," said
The average Malvern householder could be looking at a Council Tax bill of almost £1,150 next month. Worcestershire County Council this week agreed a rise of 12.97 per cent in its levy, the largest single element of the overall bill West Mercia Police
A MALVERN Wells woman is urging walkers, pet owners and parents to be on their guard after she found an animal trap. Margaret Stott found the device by the side of Old Wyche Road, just above Malvern Wells Common, during a walk on Sunday afternoon. "It
FOLLOWING the success of our recent News Writing Competition for local secondary schools, there will be another chance for writers to see their work in print in the Malvern Gazette & Ledbury Reporter. To coincide with Local Newspaper Week, The Newspaper
UPTON Baptist Church has announced that celebrations for its 350th anniversary will take place over two weeks in the summer. The festivities will begin with the Flower Festival over the weekend beginning June 27 and an official opening reception will
THE chairman of the Three Choirs Festival and Worcestershire's Magistrates' Assoc-iation has told the House of Lords about his "continuing misgivings" about a new Licensing Bill. The bill currently going through Parlia-ment has raised fears that it will
THE North Upton Deanery Mothers' Union will meet at Upton Church Room next week. The Reverend Patricia Allsopp will speak at the meeting, which is on Thursday, February 27, at 2.15pm.
GARDEN expert Dr Alan Tompsett will be talking to members and guests of Upton Garden Club next week. Dr Tompsett will be at Upton Memorial Hall on Thursday, February 27 where he will talk about Gardens to Linger In at 7.30pm. For more information, call
THE mayor of Malvern has defended her actions following the resignation of a town councillor last week. Coun Frances Victory expressed disappointment that former Malvern Town Action Group councillor Alistair Macmillan had decided to resign, following
WINE tasting and an auction of promises next week will bring in funds towards Ripple Parish Hall's refurbishment. Proceeds from next Friday's event (February 28) at the hall will go towards the £9,000 needed to complete phase two of the refurbishment
HANLEY Swan Village Hall is the location for a game of Call My Antiques Bluff next week. St Richard's Hospice has organised the fundraising event, which takes place on Friday, February 28, at 7.30pm. Anyone interested in antiques is encouraged to attend
WORK on the installation of Malvern Priory's new £375,000 organ is due to begin in September. Brigadier Mike Selby, chairman of the fundraising committee, said the work would take a year to complete. The announcement comes after several years of fundraising
WHAT on earth are we, the people of Kidderminster, coming to? Isn't there anyone on our council who has the guts to stand up and say we must retain some of our heritage? Please leave the Piano Building alone. With all the modern methods of building, I
ON behalf of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association I would like to appeal to your readers to support our fireworks campaign, which calls for an end to the disruption and distress caused to dogs and their owners by fireworks. Every year guide dogs and
A man charged with a sex attack on a nine-year-old girl is facing trial by jury. Paul Atherton, aged 45, of Church Road, Malvern, denied indecent assault when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Tuesday. The charge alleges that he touched the victim
I WAS so glad to hear that one of the hill paths had been re-surfaced for the Duke of York (Malvern Gazette, February 7). Please can we have all the hills covered in tarmac as when I walk on them I always get a bit of soil on my shoes. My next walk is
bidders at a charity auction could have a strapping Malvern firefighter painting their property. Four firefighters have donated their DIY skills to be auctioned at a charity evening at Malvern's RSRE Club in Pickersleigh Road at 7.30pm on Friday, February
I am pleased to see that Coun Tom Wells is to look carefully at our budget (Malvern Gazette, February 7). I look forward to him fulfilling his promise of December 5 to the county council cabinet, of which he is a member, to table an alternative budget
LOVELY Malvern but which Malvern? The signposts, the directories and the maps all differ: Great Malvern, the Malverns and sometimes just Malvern. However beautiful the surroundings may be the topography counts for little when it comes to the judgement
POLICE are warning householders in Mal-vern and Powick to be vigilant after a recent spate of burglaries in the area. In the past three months opportunist thieves stole contents from ten homes which had doors and windows open. As a result officers are
WORK has started on the New 'Link 2 ... Malvern Hills College' Centre in Worcester Road Malvern Link. The centre will house the Malvern Open Access Centre, including Ukonline and Vale Training to offer training opportunities to local people. Courses on
IN the Ledbury Reporter (January 31) the Mayor of Ledbury Coun Noel Roberts says, concerning non-collection of recycling in the rural areas: "It's a point of principle, why should we pay for a service which we are not going to get?" May I say many, many
I see from your article 'Emperor's life in town is recalled in BBC film' (Malvern Gazette, February 14) that you describe Clarendon School as being in West Malvern. In fact, it was situated in Cowleigh Road, near the corner of Hornyold Road. The terrace
I WAS delighted to hear that the HIC campaigners have had a fifth successful pub evening (Ledbury Reporter, February 7). What a shame that the same level of enthusiasm was not given to supporting The Horseshoe Inn while it was open. If it had been the
Newtown Road, Link Top, was re-opened this week after part of the road had been closed for sewerage work. But shopkeepers say they have lost trade because the road-closed signs placed while Severn Trent carried out the work, which started on February
Coun Linda Townsend (Your Letters, February 14) says Leadon Bank, in Ledbury, is "a home, a real home. The staff are like family and we don't want to lose this". I couldn't agree more. For eight years my mother Nelly received loving care at the hands
A ZEBRA crossing is to be designed to help people cross Malvern's Newtown Road after a pelican crossing was ruled out. Worcestershire County Council wanted to put in a traffic light-controlled crossing as part of a Safer Routes to School scheme. The initiative
I SHOULD be grateful if someone could put me in touch with any present day members of the Mason or Collett Mason family. They were connected with the Malvern Priory and owned the Abbey Gateway in the 1920s and lived in that area. The reason I would like
Twenty-one road signs have been stolen since Severn Trent started sewerage work on Malvern's roads in January. Alister Foye, spokesman for Severn Trent said that signs were usually stolen but this number was unprecedented. "We won't be holding a signs
The letter from N F Savage (Your Letters, February 14) in which he encapsulated the views of both contributors to your News Writing Competition and correspondents to the letters page was a wake up call to anyone who purports to care about Malvern and
A MALVERN-based environmental charity is encouraging householders to cut down on the amount of junk mail they receive. Sue Fyleman, of Welcome To Our Future, says people can register their names with the Mailing Preference Service to cut down on unwanted
A PRESENTATION of young people's opinions was made to members of Malvern Hills District Council, the police and youth service last week. Statistics garnered as part of a Youthink survey showed youngsters' views as to how their lives could be improved.
TRANSPORT was the main bone of contention for more than one young person who took part in the Youthink survey. Eighteen-year-old Kirsty Fraser, from Knightwick, said transport was a crucial issue for young people in rural areas, who often miss out on
YOUTHS who lobbied councillors for a Malvern skatepark in 1998 say they no longer have faith in the consultative process. Skaters, skateboarders and BMX riders met with officials from Malvern Town and Malvern Hills District councils and gave several presentations
MARTIN Hudson, former chairman of Malvern Hills District Council and the president of Upton Rotary Club, has died at the age of 74. Mr Hudson passed away at his home in Newbridge Green on Wednesday, February 12 of coronary artery thrombosis. He leaves
THE computer learning centre at Malvern Library has been singled out for praise in a Government report. The centre, called Online@ Malvern, was highlighted in Framework for the Future, published by arts minister Tessa Blackstone. The document sets out
PERHAPS it is no great surprise that only 16 per cent of the 133 young people who took part in Malvern Hills District Council's Youthink survey said they had confidence in the police. But it should set alarm bells ringing for the future. If 20 years ago
MALVERN Hills Conservators is set to publishing a booklet about local bird life. Birds of the Malvern Hills and Surrounding Areas, due out in the next fortnight, brings together records of all the bird species seen during 2002 by 32 local birdwatchers
THE anti-war demonstration showed clearly that a high proportion of the population of Britain are opposed to war with Iraq. How should Christians pray about this? I suggest they pray for the removal from power of the most dangerous man in the world today
WELLAND and Hanley Swan may never get a mains gas supply unless the Government provides a source of funding. Tom Wells, who represents the area on the county and district councils, has spent eight months investigating the issue. He said he has drawn a
CHILDREN from Great Malvern Primary School were given a taste of the world of web development last week. A group of year six pupils visited Serco Consultancy at Malvern Hills Science Park to take part a workshop on web development on Thursday. Colin Banks
TOMORROW sees the opening of the local point-to-point season when the North Herefordshire Hunt hold their fixture at Whitwick Manor. One of the highlights for racegoers on the nine-race card which starts at 12 noon, will be the Ladies Open -- a qualifier
THE latest instalment of the Graham Westley and Stevenage Borough saga will unfurl when he brings his side to face Hereford United at Edgar Street tomorrow (3pm). Stevenage manager Westley has been under the non-league media spotlight since his abrupt
A DISTINCTIVE sign outside a Church Street restaurant has come under fire from Malvern Town Council. Coun Robert Dowler condemned the sign outside Caf ZamZam as too big and brash for the Conservation Area. The Priory member told a meeting of Malvern Town
GARY Barnett continues to defy his age as evidenced by a string of impressive displays in the Evesham United midfield. The ex-Kidderminster Harriers assistant manager is now in his late 30s but his appetite for the game remains undimmed, and Robins boss
MALVERN Welsh Society holds its annual St David's Day Dinner next month at the Foley Arms Hotel, Malvern. A traditional Welsh menu awaits diners at the event, on Saturday, March 1, at 7pm. Guest speaker Gareth Hughes, a retired bank manager from Worcester
DARREN Bullock has recovered from a back injury and is in line for a recall for Bromsgrove Rovers' clash with Taunton Town at the Victoria Ground tomorrow (3pm). It's a must-win game for Rovers who have lost ground in the Dr Martens Western Division to
MARK Thomas, one of the most controversial TV comedians on the current scene, is appearing at the Swan Theatre, Stratford on Monday. Host of his own Channel 4 comedy show, the Mark Thomas Comedy Product, he will launch the frantic week-long close-up of
THE musical past of St James' Church, West Malvern, is being resurrected to keep the church in good shape. Tapes made of a visit by a Czech ensemble from the Frederic Chopin Academy of Music to Malvern in 1990 are being sold to raise money for the church's
JUNGLE Flava is in store at the Great Malvern Club, Church Street, on Friday, February 28. Presented by Foundation, it includes DJs Chosen Crew, Des-troy, Nerka, Exodus and Warner, plus MCs Luca, Fez, Blast, Rakka, Rolento, Fulla and Smoothy.
A TASTE of the two-tone craze that swept the nation in the 1980s will be given by a group of ska veterans at the Marr's Bar tomorrow night (Saturday). The Selecter is a collective of musicians from right across the ska scene headed by vocalist Pauline
CUP holders Malvern RFC entertain neighbours Ledbury in a North Midlands Cup quarter-final fixture tomorrow (Saturday) at Spring Lane. Malvern won the cup for the first time in their history last season while Ledbury were winners of the inaugural North
THIS Midlands One fixture at Spring Lane on Saturday was a crucial game for both sides. MALVERN 15pts, BROMSGROVE 7pts With the Finstall Park side deep in the relegation zone and Malvern on the fringe, the two teams were both needy of the points on offer
OPENING bat Tom Wolfendale has taken over the captain's role at Colwall Cricket Club. At Monday's annual general meeting Wolfendale was elected to take over from David Sutton, who steps down after a five year stint. Also newly appointed is Adrian Berry
I WONDER if the readers of the Evening News have noticed the changes in Tony Blair's justification for supporting George Bush. First, it was a war to rid Iraq of weapons of mass destruction in case they fell into the hands of terrorists. This became untenable
A daredevil challenge in Austria awaits a town woman who is planning to raise money for the charity SCOPE. Emma Murphy, who is studying management with Spanish at the University of Lancaster, is planning to do the 'White Peak Challenge' which means she
WYCHAVON is a godly district with its headcount of Christians topping the national average by nearly 10 per cent. Some 80.5 per cent of the area's population declared themselves Christian compared to 71.6 per cent across the rest of the UK. Muslims make
THE roll-call of lost pubs in last week's Malvern Memories has garnered quite a response. Tom Jones, of Orchard Road, says the Oddfellows Arms was on the corner of Lower Howsell Road and is now an antique shop, and the North Malvern Hotel building is
MALVERN'S form on the road this season had been abysmal - until Saturday at Westleigh Park, where England skipper Martin Johnson learned to ply his rugby trade. LEICESTER LIONS 18pts, MALVERN 29pts Acting skipper Shaun Lancett had fired up his troops
Theatre February Until 22-Street Week workshops, dance & film at Malvern Theatres. Until 22-Ali Baba & the Forty Thieves by David Swan at Upton Memorial Hall. 7.30pm, Sat mat 2.30pm. £4, £4.50 from PS Presents (01684) 594317. Presented by Pepperpot
TOURISM businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire will come under the spotlight during the next few weeks. The hunt for the best hotels, B&Bs and tourist attractions in the two counties is on following the launch of the Heart of England Excellence
MORE than 1,000 people flocked to the grand opening of an office supplies superstore. The new Staples store, on Shrub Hill Retail Park, in Worcester, celebrated in style with a day of record sales. The opening followed a successful business preview day
