TWO thieves were spotted by police trying to hide electrical goods they had just stolen from a school, Worcester magistrates heard yesterday. Simon Coopey and David Robinson stole the equipment from Elbury Mount Primary School in Brickfields after an
A HUSBAND and wife have launched a petition against a mobile phone mast due to be erected on a Worcester pub. Erik Petursson and his wife Agnes Ingvarsdottir have objected to plans for a 13ft flagpole-style mast on the Little Sauce Factory on London Road
THE fight for more funding for Worcestershire will continue, council chiefs have pledged. Worcestershire County Council challenged the Government decision not to award the county an area cost adjustment grant (ACA), which is supposed to compensate councils
A YOUNGSTER who had his bicycle stolen weeks after Christmas has been bought a new one by a businessman touched by the story. Ben Powell, who spent most of last year in hospital with a number of illnesses, had only ridden his bike once before it was stolen
A DUMPED washing machine, an abandoned mattress and bags full of litter are creating a "serious health hazard" in a Worcester block of flats, a resident claims. Stephen Williams said that he had complained to the council more than two weeks ago to have
NATURE lovers are being urged to become involved with looking after local wildlife. The Worcester City Ranger Service is inviting people to join in special "Have a Go"' days, when they can try their hands at hedge laying, woodland crafts, footpath improvements
BUDDING politicians of the future wanting to following in the footsteps of Tony Blair, Charles Kennedy, and Iain Duncan Smith, can take their first steps into politics this weekend. The UK Youth Parliament Elections takes place at County Hall, Spetchley
AN adventurous Worcester teenager is flying out to South Africa to teach children. Lynsey Dobbins will teach pre-school children in Durban, living in the country for six-and-a-half months. The 18-year-old former pupil of Worcester Sixth Form College and
POWICK Parish Council has complained to power supplier Aquila about the prolonged loss of power in Colletts Green during the October storms and the frequency of power cuts in the area. The company's reply, read out at this week's council meeting, was
PLANS for the 28th Cropthorne Walkabout on Sunday and Monday, May 4 and 5, are already well advanced. The weekend will include many small and large gardens open to the public, a flower festival based on the theme of a cross in the Norman church, stalls
FIXTURES WEST MIDLANDS REGIONAL LEAGUE Saturday, February 8 Premier Division: Malvern Town v Dudley Town (2.45). Saturday, February 15 Premier Division: Malvern Town v Wolverhampton United (2.45). Division One South: Chaddesley Corbett v Malvern Town
ANOTHER reminder of the Valentines Dance which will be held on Friday, February 14, at the village hall from 8.30pm to 12.30am. Dancing to Sapphire. Tickets £7 including supper. For further information telephone (01684) 293435. The annual general meeting
THE next production by the Colwall Players with the Young Colwall Players will be a musical entitled Dazzle. The first performance is Thursday, February 13 and the play runs until Saturday, February 15. Evening performances are at 7.30pm and the Saturday
ON Saturday, February 15 at Berrow Village Hall commencing at 2pm, Pendock School will be holding a jumble sale in aid of school funds. If you have any items eg. cakes, raffle prizes, clothes, toys etc please bring them along on the morning of the sale
NEXT Wednesday, February 12 members of the local group of the RSPB meet in Powick Parish Hall at 7.30pm. Paul Denning from Pontypridd will present Rocky Mountain Meander. A member of RPS, he has photographed birds of the Arctic as well as badgers, foxes
AFTER 25 years of dedicated service as local honorary secretary in Redmarley for the Children's Society, Mrs Sybil Pratt will be retiring in September. In that time her collecting boxes have raised hundreds if not thousands of pounds, a great and greatly
THE Upleadon Over 60s Club held their bi-monthly bingo evening on Monday, January 27 in the Village Hall. Mrs Hazel Berry was the caller. There was an excellent attendance and a good atmosphere. Ages of those present ranged from 10 years to well over
AN additional parish council meeting has been arranged for February 13 at 7.30pm to consider a planning application for the Scout camp at Warren Oak. Any member of the public is welcome to attend. Don't forget the ceilidh at 7.30pm this Saturday - get
YOUNG people have the chance to get involved in a celebration of youth and street culture at Malvern Theatres. Street Week explores the positive aspects of street life, through fun and educational workshops during school's half term week. Funky dancing
FORTY years of life in rural Herefordshire are remembered in a book narrating the exploits of a family who settled on a small fruit farm just outside Ledbury. Allen Leeds, who returned to England in 1958 after many years growing cocoa in Africa, narrates
THE Magic Bow Variety Show is back at the Great Malvern Club tonight (Friday). Acts include Caleb Clarke, the singer-songwriter best known for work with Nigel Kennedy, funk-soul trio Elongation and house band Avant-age-us. The show, which promises creative
A WEEK of events at Tewkesbury's Roses Theatre kicks off with Anglo-Iranian comedian Omid Djalili on Tuesday at 8pm. The comic will bring his award-winning blend of impressions, political satire and witty gags. At 8.15pm on Wednesday, The Rod Kelly Trio
WHILST the frost played havoc in some nearby areas the sun shone at Upton yet again, giving a perfect setting for Upton's sponsors and vice president's day with visits from three high ranking rugby officials. UPTON 45pts, FIVEWAYS OE 0 Upton looked an
COLWALL made the long trip to Bournemouth and deservedly earned a 3-3 draw. BOURNEMOUTH LADIES 3, COLWALL 1ST XI 3 An injury-hit Colwall made a solid start in an action packed first half and took the lead after a goal mouth scramble, Emma Twigg well placed
Whitbourne Amateur Dramatic Society's pantomime Jack and Jill is a successful take on the classic nursery rhyme, full of song, dance and tongue in cheek humour. Set in the blissful land of Arcadia, the story develops the events of the nursery rhyme into
UPTON Ladies hockey team played Harborne at the Girls' College in glorious sunshine, much to the surprise of Harborne whose pitch in Birmingham was covered in snow. UPTON 3, HARBORNE III 0 Upton started the match a player short but Harborne were unable
TWO Manor Park Squash Club juniors have helped the Worcestershire U15 squad to a promotion-winning season. Adam Oakley and Andrew Crawshaw travelled to Reading to play Berkshire and Wiltshire in Stage Two of the Inter County Tournament. They beat both
MALVERN Hills Gymnastic Competition Club held their annual club competition on Sunday at the Edinburgh Dome by kind permission of Malvern Girls College. Whilst waiting for the results to be computed, the chairman thanked the seven British Gymnastic Association
IN Division One of the Whatley Recordon sponsored Malvern Table Tennis League Grosvenor Eagles hold a five point lead at the top of the table. They consolidated their position with a 7-3 win over CSSC Ramblers, but were held to a draw for the second time
SATURDAY FOOTBALL WEST MIDLANDS LEAGUE Premier Division: Malvern Town v Dudley Town, Little Drayton Rangers v Bromyard Town. Division One South: Ledbury Town Reserves v Hinton, Mahal v Malvern Rangers. WORCESTER AND DISTRICT LEAGUE Premier Division: Bromyard
THE Old Bush entertained Perrywood Reserves at Callow End in a Sunday Division One League match. OLD BUSH 3, PERRYWOOD RESERVES 2 Bush took all three points with a 3-2 victory and extended their unbeaten run to four matches. The Bush defence soaked up
THE Mayor of Upton, Eric White, has ruled out the possibility of his calling a public meeting to discuss redevelopment of Upton Marina. Coun White has received requests to call a public meeting to give townspeople the opportunity to air their views on
GORDON Freer Minshull, for many years a well known dentist in Malvern, has died, aged 87. Mr Minshull, who lived at Hastings residential care home, died early yesterday morning (Thursday) at Malvern Community Hospital. Mr Minshull was born in August 1915
MALVERN car-maker Morgan Motor Company is set to launch a new model, priced at £22,000. The Morgan Runabout is based on the firm's classic 4/4 sports car, but is £2,000 cheaper. The firm will start taking orders this month. It is based on a standard 4
A MUCH improved second half performance saw Radar return from Martley with all three Worcester Sunday League Division Two points after trailing 1-0 at half time. MARTLEY SPURS RES 1, MALVERN RADAR 3 The home side had the wind in their favour in the first
PLANS for a £1.5 million upgrade and extension to Malvern Library were unveiled at a public meeting on Wednesday. Worcestershire County Council and Malvern Hills District Council are collaborating to open a contact centre or "one-stop shop" where members
CHILDREN at Upton Primary School are now reaping the rewards of a year of work and £10,000 of spending to improve the environment in their playground. Three days of construction work finished on Wednesday (February 5) providing new seating, games and
THE West opened in great style and for the first 30 minutes of this Worcester Saturday Division One game played Fernhill Heath off the park. FERNHILL HILL SPURS 3, WEST MALVERN 3 A superb move involving Graeme Maclennan resulted in Will Hardy chesting
PROPOSALS for a French market on Upton's waterfront have brought a mixed response from the chairman of the town's Tourism and Trade Association. Bill Dovey said the arrival of French traders could bring people into the town, but he felt the focus should
A SPIRITED performance from the home side saw Malvern Town Wanderers U14s gain a convincing win. MALVERN TOWN WANDERERS U14s 3, EVESHAM COLTS U14s 0 The defence of Kris Denslow, Matt Bayer and Michael Pearson kept keeper Ashley Bennett well protected.
A SWIMMING pool, a running track, schools, affordable housing and a hospital were among the proposals for the development of North Site discussed by councillors this week. Members of the Malvern Area Joint Councillor Forum met on Monday (February 3) to
A NIGHT of song, dance and humour courtesy of local talent comes to Upton Memorial Hall next month. Tickets for Cabaret for Two go on sale today (Friday) to raise money for young Hanley Castle actor Harry Arnold-Harris. Harry, aged 14, has been awarded
THE Upton branch of the Royal British Legion holds its February meeting on Wednesday at 7.30pm, at the town Social Club. The guest speaker for the evening will be the chairman of Malvern Hills District Council, Mary Wilkinson.
A PROPOSED new junction onto the M50 between Long Green and Sledge Green will be discussed at the Southern Area Joint Councillor Forum on Tuesday, February 11. The meeting will begin at 7pm at Upton Memorial Hall. The item has been placed on the agenda
COUNCILLORS from the Upton area will meet at the town's Memorial Hall on Tuesday, February 11. The meeting of the Southern Area Joint Forum is at 7pm and brings together parish, district and county councillors to discuss issues of importance to the local
Dorothy Valentine, a volunteer with the charity for many years, will make the draw for the St Richard's Hospice Valentines Raffle on Wednesday, February 12. Mrs Valentine said: "I am thrilled to be asked - Valentine is an unusual name but in this instance
TWO men who tried to save a Malvern teenager who drowned in Gullet Quarry on the Malvern Hills have been given bravery awards. Robert Jones and Richard Fletcher, both from Worcester, went to the assistance of Andrew Pedlingham, who got into difficulties
A FUNDRAISING disco for Upton woman Brenda Till, who is undertaking a charity trek along the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River in May, takes place at The King's Head, Upton, next weekend. Money raised will go to the Acorns Children's Hospice. The disco
A PLAYSCHEME for children is being run at the Hill Centre in Upton over half term week. Kids Kapers caters for children aged between four and 13 and offers activities including cooking, art, indoor and outdoor games, television and radio, computer games
IN all the debate about how to revive tatty Great Malvern, none of your correspondents, let alone those stolid local authority worthies who preside over the decline, have identified one of the great potential strengths of the town centre. It's simple,
ONCE again it appears the authorities in control of the Malvern Hills district are doing their utmost to kill off the town centre. We have, in recent years, seen the gradual demise of Great Malvern's central shopping area, which now basically caters only
Like many, I have enjoyed the fresh produce found at French markets, when in France. Surely Upton Town Council, if it is serious about having produce markets on the waterfront should look to encourage establishing a farmers' market, like those in Tewkesbury
I am surprised steps have not been taken to ensure that the nuisance of standing water in Church Walk has been abated. It is high time the walk was dug up and the surface relaid to proper falls with extra gulleys. OLIVER LEVER, Back Lane, Malvern.
WORCESTERSHIRE County Council is being asked to increase Council Tax bills by an average of £94. The 12.97 per cent increase is being recommended by the council's ruling cabinet. The council blames the Government for changing the formula by which local
The Malvern Tourist Information Centre was delighted to be described as a "gem" by Mrs C Putley (Your Letters, January 31). We would, however, like to correct the part of her letter where she says we have steps. In fact, the TIC's offices at the top of
A SEMINAR is being held in Malvern for businesses which want to find out more about flexible and home working. Businesses will have to adopt more flexible working arrangements over the next few years, and this seminar, organised by Worcestershire County
MAY we convey our heartfelt thanks to all those individuals and organisations who have supported us through recent days following the tragic loss of our son Alex. The communities of which Alex was an integral part, specifically Powick village, the Chase
A NEW software prog-ramme devised by two Malvern companies will mean people with hearing difficulties can 'talk' using computers. The ChattertextTM programme was created by Malvern IT company Mowis Limited to help deaf people communicate. Messages can
I AM writing in response to the article "Performance is under fire" (Malvern Gazette, January 24). While the article was technically correct, it could have left your readers with a misleading impression. The district auditor reported that, if we had a
HOW refreshing it was to read Mr Shepherd's letter (Your Letters, January 17) reminding us of the terrorist origins of Israel and the double standards applied to Israel's behaviour (especially by the US) which appears to conflict with both the tenth commandment
THE prices of bus tickets in the Malvern area have been reduced. First Midlands has introduced new ticket machines on buses to offer passengers more flexibility. As a result, a FirstDay Malvern Ticket costs £1.50 a day and allows passengers to travel
I read with alarm your article "It's Playtime for Pigs" (Malvern Gazette, January 31) talking about the latest ruling coming from the EU. The ruling states quite clearly that all pigs "must have permanent access to a sufficient amount of material to enable
A LION was seen dancing in a Powick restaurant on Saturday and Sunday. The traditional lion dance was performed to banish bad spirits and bring good luck as part of Chinese New Year celebrations at the New Hing Tai restaurant, where customers and staff
THE Government has backed down over licensing proposals that could have put an end to concerts in churches and village halls. The Licensing Bill 2002 would have forced all venues staging musical events to buy entertainment licenses, costing up to £500
ADAM Wilde's sparkling form for Worcester City has earned him international recognition for his country. The winger has been selected for an England National Game XI to play in a friendly against Belgium in Ostend next Tuesday. Wilde becomes the first
A SERVICE of thanksgiving for the life of former Malvern College headmaster Donald Lindsay will be held at 2.30pm on Saturday, March 8, at the Malvern College Chapel. Mr Lindsay died, aged 92, at the Court House Nursing Home on Thursday, November 14.
WORCESTERSHIRE golfer John Bickerton withdrew from the ANZ Championship in Sydney today midway through his second round. Bickerton, who shot a 72 yesterday, was well on his way to missing the cut after going out in a six-over-par 42, including two double
FOUR members of the childrens' section of St John Ambulance in Malvern have received a top award. Dominic Harris, Luke Whitaker, Elizabeth Tizard, and Rebecca Winters all belong to the Malvern Beacon Badgers, the section of the brigade for children aged
GRAHAM Turner is sweating on the fitness of star performer Tony James ahead of Hereford United's Nationwide Conference clash with Nuneaton Borough at Edgar Street tomorrow (3pm). The Bulls ace picked up a kick on the calf during the midweek draw at Farnborough
NEW rural learning centres are to be set up in Ledbury and Colwall, but doubt already hovers over their future. The centres aim to make learning available to those affected by economic decline in isolated rural areas and are expected to be up and running
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers aim to step up their play-off challenge by beating bogey side Carlisle United for the first time in a Nationwide League Division Three match when they meet at Brunton Park tomorrow (3pm). Harriers have locked horns with The Cumbrians
ST Michael's Hospice lottery is hoping to raise its number of players to 6,000 by the end of March. To help raise money for the Bartestree-based hospice, people are being asked to join the weekly lottery, which offers 24 posted prizes of £1,000, £200,
DAVE Titterton has bolstered his Stourport Swifts squad ahead of their with Rugby United at Walshes Meadow tomorrow (3pm). He has snapped up central defender John Newell from Halesowen Town and has recruited young Kidderminster Harriers goalkeeper John
THE following each won a set of Birds of Prey stamps in the recent Shuttle/Times and News competition: Giles Angell, Franchise Street, Kidderminster; Hayley Belsham, Hempfield Place, Ely; Owen Benson, Buchanan Road, Carlisle; Irvin Bullock, Crowhall Towers
A SINGER known as the world's finest lyric soprano will be performing in the Forum Theatre, Malvern. Barbara Bonney is the first soloist to perform in the Malvern International Lieder Series, a festival of three concerts featuring singers famous across
ONE of Britain's top New Orleans-style jazz bands is coming to Ledbury's Market The-atre on Saturday, February 22. New Orleans Heat is well known to jazz fans as the band was originally led by the late great clarinettist, Chris Blount. Although Chris
AS the majority of young musicians will testify, practising your chosen instrument is rarely fun. In fact, a lot of the time it's downright boring. Sitting in the front room, parping out scales, arpeggios and Nelly the Elephant for hours on end is a long
THE visiting North Herefordians, if pre-match intelligence was anything to go by, were expecting a fairly easy ride, with Malvern going into the match as underdogs. MALVERN 17pts, LUCTONIANS 24pts These notions were dispelled at the start as Malvern,
FOLLOWING the postponement of last Saturday's visit to Brierley Hill, Malvern Town are keen to return to West Midlands League Premier Division action tomorrow (Saturday) when they entertain second from bottom Dudley Town (2.45pm). With the exception of
SPECTATORS were treated to a stunning second half performance from Town Reserves who refused to give up the fight although they were 3-0 down to the West Midland Division One (South) leaders at half-time. MALVERN TOWN RESERVES 4, HINTON 3 Hinton took
THE third UK Grand Prix event took place on Sunday when the North of England Indoor Rowing Championships (Man-chester Grand Prix) were held at the Velodrome, Manchester's National Cycling Centre. World champion Anna Bailey (Old Wrecks) of Hanley Swan
NOW is the time to plant flowering bulbs for a fantastic display in the summer. The Shuttle/Times and News has joined forces with The Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Centre to give readers the chance to win a variety of bulbs from. With bulbs it's
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers aim to step up their play-off challenge by beating bogey side Carlisle United for the first time in a Nationwide League Division Three match when they meet at Brunton Park tomorrow (3pm). Harriers have locked horns with The Cumbrians
"WRECKING spree in play centre" (Evening News, Thursday, January 30). This was the headline over a story about how vandals wrecked a children's community centre in Droitwich causing more than £1,000 damage. Vandals who are caught receive a tap on the
WATCHING Martin Bashir's interview with Michael Jackson, it seemed in the US and Germany at least, having millions in your bank account protects you from the law and personal responsibility. The very rich are called eccentric, while we ordinary folk are
REGARDING to the proposed closure of The Museum of Local Life in Worcester, I visited the museum after a number of years. I believe that, in many ways, it would be an even greater disaster for the present and future populace of our lovely city of Worcester
THE news report and your comment regarding Mike Foster's visit to the Worcestershire Royal Hospital leaves us no wiser. The only thing that does surprise me was the reference to the staff taking exception to the criticism of the hospital. What would Mr
THREE players from the Malvern RFC Youth Development Section have been selected to join the prestigious England Player Development Centre based at Sixways, the HQ of Worcester RFC. Liam Moloney, Chris Prosser and Will Bowen will join 17 other elite players
MALVERN RFC Saturday, February 8 1st XV v Leicester Lions (Away). Meet bus Spring Lane 11am, Ketch Hotel Worcester 11.15am. Kick off 2.15pm. No. 1 dress code. Navy blue shorts & socks. J Daniel, D Irish, S Lancett (capt), S Ironside, C Smith, N Smith
TOWN leaders have publicly answered concerns about the Lido Pool and the future Spa health provision. Burrish Street resident Mark Heel lodged a round of questions with Wychavon District Council's overview and scrutiny committee, which met at Droitwich
THE people of Malvern responded quickly in the face of one of the biggest natural disasters which Britain has ever faced, fifty years ago. The night of January 31/February 1, 1953, saw "the great flood" which claimed hundreds of lives, mainly on the country's
SEVERAL readers have contacted Malvern Memories about the Royal British Legion picture published on Friday, January 24. Sylvia Brain writes from Storer Court, and says the man sitting on the floor on the right is Roy Brain and behind him is Bill Wiggett
MALVERN really had to pull the stops out in this game, trailing by 15 points with just over 10 minutes left they looked dead and buried, but they dug in and ground out a good draw and quite possibly should have won this game. MALVERN II (DT DOGS) 30pts
THE Malvern U14 Pirates played host to Tamworth U14s from Staffordshire for the match-day curtain-raiser ahead of the Malvern versus Luctonians league match. MALVERN U14s 17pts, TAMWORTH U14s 10pts From the off, it was clear that the Pirates were still
n Tomorrow - Jim Onslow. Sketchley's Sports & Social Club, Worcester. Mike Sallis. Barbourne Ex-Servicemens Club, Worcester. n Sunday, February 9 - Leanne Lees. Barbourne Ex-Servicemens Club, Worcester. Kevin Brown, The Marr's Bar, Worcester. n Thursday
n City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Symphony Hall, Birmingham on Wednesday, February 12 and Friday, February 14. Tickets available from the box office on 0121 780 3333 or book on-line at www.cbso.co.uk n City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Symphony
ADAM Wilde's sparkling form for Worcester City has earned him international recognition for his country. The winger has been selected for an England National Game XI to play in a friendly against Belgium in Ostend next Tuesday. Wilde becomes the first
THE stout crew of the Colwall Players will boldly go where they have never gone before next week, when they launch their new production. Dazzle, which also features the Young Colwall Players, follows the adventures of Captain Sam Galactica and the crew
Theatre February Until 8-Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte at the Festival Theatre, Malvern Theatres. 2.30pm & 8pm. £10-£16. Box Office (01684) 892277. 8-Still Marilyn by the Badapple Theatre Company at the Market Theatre, Ledbury. 8pm. £7, students £4
MALVERN Cricket Club juniors will be having winter net practice at Dyson Perrins School, Yates Hay Road again this year. These will start this Sunday (February 9) and run every Sunday until Easter. Practice for those in the U11s age group and below will
A CARIBBEAN garden will feature at this year's Chelsea Flower Show, thanks to a Hereford company. Wyevale Garden Centres, the national garden centre chain with its head office in Kings Acre Road, is entering the "Wyevale Caribbean Garden" into the show
THE region's development agency has earmarked £1.7m for a manufacturing "think tank" to help put the West Midlands firmly on the manufacturing map. Advantage West Midlands (AWM) will provide the funding to build on the development of the Manufacturing
PLANS for implementing Regional Assemblies are being discussed by politicians before they have even outlined how the assemblies would work. Regional Assemblies (RAs) are a new tier of Government, designed to take over some central Government functions
MORE than 100 homeowners and shopkeepers face being forced out of their premises as the St John's supermarket war hots up. Worcester City Council is helping supermarket giant Sainsbury's move ahead in the battle with Tesco to build a store in the area
A FORMER SAS trooper who murdered his ex-girlfriend with an assault rifle is appealing against his life sentence. Thomas Shanks, who worked as a senior house officer at Worcester Royal Infirmary, killed Vicky Fletcher after seeing her in a Yorkshire pub
WORCESTERSHIRE taxpayers are facing a 13 per cent rise in council tax, rather than the 15 per cent originally feared. The county council has made some reductions in what it was proposing to spend in 2003/04 in order to bring the figure down without cutting
TWO hotel guests made a grim discovery when they found a dead woman in a Droitwich car park. A post-mortem examination showed that 56-year-old Margot Churchill had died from hypothermia. The body of Mrs Churchill, who lived in Chequers Lane, Wychbold,
A FATHER-to-be has been jailed after faking a prescription, stealing groceries and threatening security staff with a police-style baton. A doctor refused Jonathan Morgan a prescription for Diazepam, instead giving him one for a different medication. Morgan
FEARS over the safety of children walking to a new Christopher Whitehead High School on the Earl's Court Farm site have prompted nearby residents and parents to object to the proposals. They say they want the school to stay where it is in St John's. To
HUNDREDS of people paid tribute at the funeral of a "fun-loving" youngster who was found dead beneath a Worcester pumping station on the banks of the River Severn. An estimated 200 mourners turned up to pay their last respects to Aidan Botfield, aged
There are many good walks around Tenbury Wells, but this is one of the best. It includes panoramic views from peaceful Haws Hill, to the south of Tenbury, and Kyre Park Garden, which has lots to offer the visitor. The garden was laid out in 1754 and has
FOSTERED children in Worcestershire get a worse deal than those elsewhere in the West Midlands, a survey has revealed. But national charity Fostering Network, which carried out the survey, praised county social services for paying a fostering fee on top
LAY minister Malcolm Thompson, a captain in the Church Army, is the new chaplain of Malvern Sea Cadets, following the retirement of the Rev Brian Stowe. Mr Thompson was commissioned by the district chaplain of the Sea Cadets, the Rev John Holder of St
CARE home bosses in Worcester have been promised inc-reased fees in a bid to tackle "bed blocking". In recent years, homeowners have been forced out of business or sold their premises to property developers, which has led to a shortage of care home places
A STUDENT with a love of sport has used her expertise to give hundreds of youngsters hours of free outdoor fun. Debbie Danby started up the Sunday Sport club while studying for a Sport and Business degree at University College Worcester. The club provides
TWO Evesham men have teamed up to represent their employers' branch office in the London Marathon. Barry Goddard and Kevin Gregory are two of the runners signed up for the marathon by building society Bradford & Bingley. They both work at the Evesham
CITY MP Mike Foster has put an end to drop-in surgeries on the advice of security bosses. Advice has been given to all MPs urging them to shift to an appointment-only system. Mr Foster said he was not responding to a specific security threat, simply acting
AN "optional" mobile recycling scheme could be imposed on Powick if parish councillors do not make up their minds where to put it, members heard. "If we don't make a decision tonight with regard to suitable sites, it will be made for us," said the clerk
AN Evesham food firm will have to stop using an agricultural house in Middle Littleton, near Evesham, as hostel accommodation after Wychavon District Council issued an enforcement order. Kanes Foods was using Two Ways, on Cleeve Road, to house employees
BOSBURY School is holding an open morning for parents on Wednesday, February 12, from 9.30am until noon. There will be an opportunity for parents to see the classes in action. This will include: Interactive whiteboard in action (Class 5), laptops in use
NEXT Sunday, February 9, the regular book fair is being held at Callow End Village Hall from 10.30am to 4.30pm. A wide variety of books are for sale, plus some excellent refreshments. Following many years of loyal service Mrs Barbara Carter is retiring
THE parish church of St Mary's Hartpury was filled with family and relatives and friends for the funeral of Mr Derek Harry Goodwin (69) of Bayliss Farm, Corse who died in Gloucester Royal Hospital after a long illness borne with great courage. There was
TOMORROW (Saturday), a Traidcraft coffee morning will be held at 12 Penny Lane (the house of Rosemary Williams). Goods from the developing world that are fairly traded will be on sale. Free tea and coffee available. All welcome to support Fair Trade.
A BEAST roams the forest; two strangers are up to no good; a wizard has trouble spelling and Belle wants to go to the ball but the Prince has vanished. Come to the village hall to see The Wells Players present the original pantomime Ding-Dong Belle written
FOR the Queen's Golden Jubilee last year a coffee morning was held in April. The last remaining £40 from that fundraising has been used to purchase an acer, Crimson King. This has been planted at Pauntley Memorial Hall, a few yards away from the seat
THE service on Sunday, February 9 at St Anne's Parish Church in Oxenhall will be family communion at 11am. On Saturday, March 8 the spring jumble sale will be held in aid of St Anne's Church. Further details in due course. Don't forget the daffodil teas
EVERYONE was deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Mrs Marjorie Kathleen Jones who died at her home in Staunton. She had been in failing health but was always cheerful and welcomed all her many friends as she had, some of them on the day
I have a few requests for 'Wellanders' this week from different organisations. The first one is from the fete organisers. This year the fete is on July 5 and the committee needs your help and support. They need any new ideas for fundraising or entertainments
DOGS and boats are the focus of events at the Three Counties Showground over weekends in February. Gloucester Canine Society holds its show on Sunday, February 16 in the Avon Hall, followed by the Mid-Western Gundogs on February 22. The following day,
A CHORAL workshop is being hosted at the Elgar Birthplace Museum on Saturday, February 15. Dr Donald Hunt will look at The Black Knight from 10.30am to 5pm. To find out more call 01905 333224 or visit www.elgarmuseum.org.
SOME of opera's top names gather at Hereford Cathedral in aid of the Acorns Three Counties Appeal for a new children's hospice. The concert, which is on Wednesday, February 19, features Ian Storey, Johannes Von Duisberg, Janice Cairns and Helen Ray, who
A BOOK exploring the history of Tewkesbury has been reprinted after many years thanks to a Malvern publisher and a Tewkesbury bookshop. James Bennett wrote the book about the town's past in 1835, but it has been out of print for around 15 years. Ian Nicholson
IT should come as no surprise that Martin Bashir's disturbing Michael Jackson documentary should still be provoking so much reaction, four days on, or that the interviewer is being attacked from some quarters for what it revealed. The New York Times described
IN translating Charlotte Bront's classic novel Jane Eyre onto the stage, the Good Company are faithful to both facts and pace. If anything, the criticism in the presentation of the love story at Malvern Theatres would be that its pace is so well-measured
TO celebrate its centenary year, the members and supporters of Malvern Concert Club were given a quite exceptional music treat by Zephyr Winds last Thursday evening at the Forum Theatre. It was exceptional because the entire programme consisted of piece
MATHON, Cradley & Storridge Men's A team earned a 3-1 away victory at Hallow Tennis Club. The MCS pair of Steve Meredith and Duncan Hannaford won the opening match 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. Steve and Duncan also won their second rubber 4-6, 6-3, 6-0. The second
LEDBURY and District Swimming Club had an illness depleted 'B' team at Droitwich in the first round of the PGL Junior League in what proved to be an exciting fixture with Cheltenham and Droitwich. Building on the success of the unbeaten nine year old
RANGERS secured only their second West Midlands League Division One (South) win of the season against fellow strugglers Leominster Town on Saturday at Victoria Park playing fields. MALVERN RANGERS 2, LEOMINSTER TOWN 0 The game itself, played on a very
TWO more GP practices in Malvern are set to move to a site on the edge of Malvern Link. The proposal was announced at this week's meeting of South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust. The idea is to move the existing Malvern Health Centre, at Victoria Park
THREE games were postponed in the Soccer Site Malvern Football League Division One on Sunday and both games in the U18 Youth Division were also called off. Dynamo Ledbury extended their winning league run to four games after an impressive victory over
IMPROVEMENTS to a path used by the Duke of York during his visit to the Malvern Hills last week have been criticised by a local resident. Linda Hart, of Lower Wyche Road, Malvern, said she was appalled money had been spent on a path to Jubilee Hill so
A NEW zebra crossing outside a Malvern school was officially opened this week. The crossing, in Geraldine Road, links the main campus of the Chase Technology College with its subsidiary site over the road. It was built as part of Worcestershire County
WINDY conditions and a poor playing surface at Victoria Park really made this a game of two halves as Express started by playing uphill and into a strong wind. EXPRESS 5, ST JOHNS 2 It was obvious several had over indulged in the previous evening's fund
South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust has been challenged to come to Malvern and tell people the facts about plans for a new hospital. The proposed hospital, at Seaford Court in Malvern Link, was on the agenda at the trust's meeting on Wednesday. Members
LANGLAND Sports visited Worcester League Division One leaders The Albion on Sunday and had to work hard to gain a valuable point with a late goal. THE ALBION 3, LANGLAND SPORTS 3 Langland were indebted to Dean Drinkwater, one of the club's leading goalscorers
AS local derby matches go, this will go down as one of the most action packed with one player sent off, four players booked, two penalties and five goals. ANCHOR FALCONS 3, INTERMILOKAL 2 Intermilokal were looking to gain revenge for their defeat in the
POWICK extended their unbeaten run with a well earned point in this home Worcester Saturday Division One game. Powick entertained top of the table Pinvin and had most of the first half play with the wind in their favour. POWICK 1, PINVIN UNITED 1 In the
MALVERN Rangers Football Club has attracted football 'anoraks' from around the country who are requesting copies of match day programmes and visiting the ground. Brian Burge, treasurer and secretary of the club, said he has received phone calls from collectors
A MALVERN woman taking supplies to the poor in Gambia is seeking Babygrows and matinee jackets. Margaret Loader, and her husband Joe, is heading to Africa for three weeks on March 7 after a year of fundraising. They will visit a hospital where they will
THE size of Upton Memorial Hall's stage doesn't quite allow the full forty thieves, but that hasn't stopped Upton's Pepperpot Players from staging the tale of Ali Baba later this month. The Players' pantomime, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, runs from
A MALVERN congregation is trying to buy its own church. Worshippers at the Malvern Link United Reform Church will try to raise £200,000 to buy both the Worcester Road church and its hall next door. Church secretary Terry Blake said the buy-out was prompted
THE problem of birds disrupting electricity supplies around Upton by flying into overhead lines should be a thing of the past thanks to work due to be carried out this week. Power supplier Aquila Networks were scheduled to install bird scarers on lines
A NEW zebra crossing for schoolchildren on Newtown Road will be discussed by Malvern Town councillors next week. The crossing, between Somers Park Avenue and Belmont Road, has been proposed by Worcester-shire County Council as part of its Safer Routes
A PRIZE bingo evening takes place at Upton Memorial next weekend to raise funds for Upton Youth Band. The fun starts at 2pm on Saturday, February 15.
A CHEQUE for £600 was presented to Upton Community Care volunteers last week by the organisers of a New Year's dance. David Vale, on behalf of the team that put together the event at Upton Memorial Hall, presented the cheque to Joan Pearson at a ceremony
proposals for the re-design of Duke of Edin-burgh Way estate are nearing completion, with residents urged to play their part. The Malvern Link estate is to be transformed under a £600,000 "home zone" scheme intended to slow traffic and put children, pedestrians
A PERSON with a basic knowledge of trees is being sought by Ripple Parish Council to be a volunteer tree warden. From April, a volunteer footpath officer will also be needed to keep an eye on the condition of paths, arrange for any necessary works to
RUNNERS keen on entering races are invited to attend an open day at the Runaround running shop, Worcester Road, Malvern Link tomorrow (Saturday). Owner Oli Davey has organised the day for people interested in running the London Marathon, the Great North
AS its lengthy history confirms, Walton Marine's current outline planning application to extend their Upton Marina has been somewhat controversial. The decision that will eventually be made has important implications for the present and future of the
PEOPLE in David Beckham masks will be joining a protest in Malvern tomorrow (Saturday) as part of an animal rights campaign. Members of the Worcestershire Animal Rights Coalition will be meeting at 10am at Belle Vue Terrace to protest about the use of
Once again we are confronted by an unsubstantiated rise in Council Tax. Of course, officials will contend that Government has let them down with grossly inadequate central funding - as indeed happened with our school budgets - year on year. But what effective
PLANS to revitalize one of the most popular spots on the Malvern Hills are to be put before the public. The Malvern Hills Conservators, the body which manages the Hills, wants to landscape the area around the St Ann's Well caf. Last week, members of the
A MILITARY fire crew and retained fire fighters from Worcester were called out to a fire at Malvern Theatres. The fire happened in the bar cellar early on Monday morning and investigators believe it was triggered by a fault in an ice-making machine. Smoke
THE Malvern Singers would like to thank everyone who helped to make the annual Christmas concert such a great success, raising over £1,000. Performing to a capacity audience at The Chase, the Singers and their special guests, Dave Bradley, from BBC Hereford
COMPUTERS are not scary was the message given to Alfrick residents who attended a class in a mobile IT bus parked outside Alfrick Village Hall. The 'introduction to computers' course is free and is run by Worcestershire County Council's adult lifelong
I would like to make a comment about the proposed kerbside recycling initiative reported by the Ledbury Reporter ("It's not fair, says mayor", January 31). Councillor Roberts should realise that it is privilege to live in the countryside, and that in
GENEROUS donations from as far afield as Birmingham look to have saved a village church from collapse. An emergency appeal was launched when large cracks were found in the west wing of Hollybush Church in November. The parochial church council could not
TEN new jobs have been created as part of a staff restructure at Malvern Hills District Council. As the third phase of modernisation within the council, eighty staff received "at risk" notices before Christmas. A subsequent consultation was carried out
A LONGDON choirboy has been appointed head chorister of Worcester Cathedral Voluntary Choir. Alex Thompson, a 13-year-old student at Hanley Castle High School, has been given the prestigious title after nearly six years' membership of the choir, which
I READ with dismay of our Market House's troubles (Ledbury Reporter, January 24). Surely there must be a way that will enable it to go on standing as it has for 400 years; because, for goodness sake, it is the heart of our town and I cannot believe that
A CASH grant of nearly £1 million to improve bus services around the Malvern Hills has been welcomed by district councillors. The Department of Transport has given Worcestershire County Council £992,000 to fund the bus scheme. The need for better rural
What a pity Mr Sheppherd (Your Letters, January 17) chose to use our right to free speech to launch a tirade in response to my letter. To seek to justify UN inaction in Iraq by citing the Israel/Palestine situation must be the final bastion of the unthinking
SPEEDING drivers in the Malvern area could receive a few discreet reminders to slow down in future. Local authorities have been asked to consider more regular use of vehicle-activated speed readers in areas where speeding is a problem. The devices, which
A group of Malvern youngsters has collected £100 for seriously ill children. Members of the Newland, Madresfield and Guarlford Junior Church Group, who are all aged between four- and nine-years-old, raised the money over a year by donating it during weekly
I am researching my next Malvern Voices book on wartime in Malvern. I should be interested to hear from anyone who was in Malvern between 1939 and 1945 and remembers the blackout, rationing, evacuees, billeting, digging for victory, refugees, servicemen
OLYMPIC cyclist Ceris Gilfillan has decided to get off her bike and take a break from top-class sport. The 23-year-old, who was competing in international triathlons at the age of 15, has said she wants to take her life in another direction, starting
I HAVE some sympathy with the views of Mrs Maiden (Your Letters, January 24). I must confess, however, to having equal concern for inconsiderate dog owners who appear determined to resurface the paths on the Malvern Hills with what is now sanitizingly
TWO pupils from Hanley Castle High School did well in an unusual science competition. The "Physics in Phifty" contest, organised by the local branch of the Institute of Physics, challenged secondary pupils across the Three Counties to write on a topic
HI-TECH sounds from a range of brand new keyboards now fill the classrooms and corridors of Great Malvern Primary School, thanks to electricity company npower. Governor Ian Londesbrough, who works for npower, secured a £500 grant as part of a community
COLWALL church is the venue for a service in celebration of marriage on Sunday, February 16, at 10.15am. The service, to coincide with National Marriage Week, is for anyone who wants to say "thank you" for their relationship. "At a time when we are told
MALVERN dog owners will be able to clean up with ease thanks to a generous donation by a local business. Automated Packaging has donated 100,000 biodegradable poop scoop bags to Malvern Hills District Council. The council ran out of the bags in October
land to the west of the Malvern Hills could be opened to limited public access. The Malvern Hills Conservators have recently bought The Hacketts, part of the prominent ridge between Brockhill Road and Mathon Road, north of Colwall. Members have now approved
RUNNING a kerbside recycling collection service would cost taxpayers £180,000 a year. Colin Davis, strategic director of operational services at MHDC, told a meeting of the Malvern Area Joint Councillor Forum this would represent a sizeable increase on
A GRANNY'S attic sale in aid of the Hanley Swan Village Hall Management Committee will be held at the venue on Saturday, February 15. Table hire is £5 by calling 01684 310861 and the event starts at 10am. Small scale sellers are invited to bring their
DURING a meeting in Worcester on Wednesday, members of South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust were challenged to come to a public meeting in Malvern and tell people the truth about plans for a new Malvern Hospital. We would like to think that PCT chairman
AS I write this, the dark storm clouds of war are gathering over the Middle East, with aircraft, warships and nearly a quarter of a million troops poised for action. Following their report to the Security Council, the United Nations Weapons Inspectors
A man was threatened with a knife as he tried to enter the Londis supermarket in Malvern's Yates Hay Road. After being refused cigarettes, a group of youths stood in the doorway blocking the entrance. A male customer tried to enter the store and brushed
BROMSGROVE Rovers have made a double addition to their squad ahead of their title showdown at leaders Merthyr Tydfil tomorrow (3pm). Striker Marvin Blake has returned to the club from Moor Green while Halesowen Town midfielder Ross Collins has also been
IN an attempt to cater for a younger generation of churchgoers, Malvern Baptist Church has initiated a new event called Middle Age Spread. A regular supper evening, the event is for congregation members in their 30's and 40's who can take turns to host
EVESHAM United boss Phil Mullen has dubbed striker Wes Joyce "Action Man". The Robins handed him the former Worcester striker a new nickname in recognition of his energetic exploits on the field. "He's all over the shop so I call him Action Man," said
THIRD-placed Malvern Town play relegation threatened Dudley Town in the West Midlands Premier Division at Langland Stadium tomorrow (2.45). Manager Neil Hunt has a full squad to choose from bar Billy Davis and Dave Cannon, who injured his back at work
A LEDBURY blues and rock singer guitarist will be performing in Ledbury Town Football Club at 8.30pm tomorrow (Saturday). The Fletch, aka Roger Fletcher, will perform tunes from his CD Sunset over the Nile as well as covers. Admission is £1 on the door
ABBEY Jazz will be performing on Monday at The Three Horseshoes, Poolbrook at 8.30pm. Regular Len Thwaites will be joined by Mike Turner on clarinet, Mel Hill on cornet and Jake Reeves on guitar. On Sunday, February 16, a special Trombone Summit will
THE Marrs Bar in Worcester is hosting its third Northern Soul all-nighter tomorrow (Saturday) from 10.30pm until 8am. On Sunday, the Pierpoint Street venue welcomes steel guitarist Kevin Brown for an evening of acoustic music while on Thursday, Gabrielle
MALVERN Town suffered their first defeat in nearly three months when they slipped out of the West Midlands League premier division cup at a frost bound Ledbury on Wednesday night. LEDBURY TOWN 2, MALVERN TOWN 0 In difficult conditions, it was the home
CHASE school pupil Daniel Hartmann has been selected to represent England at an International Orienteering Championship to be held in Holland next month. Daniel, aged 13, of Eaton Road, Malvern Wells, was surprised and thrilled to be chosen as he had
Messy motorists clean-up easier with new Armor All Wipes and the Shuttle/Times and News has 10 sets of Armor All Wipes - Extra-tough Armor All Glass Wipes, Armor All Clean-up Wipes and triple-action Armor All Dashboard Wipes - worth more than £100 to
THE biggest annual celebration of books and reading takes place soon. Thursday, March 6, is World Book Day 2003 and it will be celebratedwith a range of activities. The Shuttle/Times & News will mark the event with an easy to enter competition with
I READ with disbelief the Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael's letter (You Say, Saturday, January 25). He claims the Government has no intention of meddling in any shooting sport. This is false, as there are already legislative changes being quietly
PETER Nielsen (You Say, Tuesday, January 28) conveniently compares the European Union as it is today - a union of countries with multi-party democracies - with the old Soviet Union. He seems to forget that the aim of the EU in the future is for the nation
HERE we go again, claimed Droitwich Spa's Tory MP when it was revealed county policing funds fell at the bottom of league tables. Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff has condemned the Government for not investing enough cash into West Mercia Constabulary
A CHAWSON church leader has taken the unusual step of making a personal plea to vandals and thieves to stop attacking a community centre. Hundreds of people use Blake Avenue hall every week but frequent damage and break-ins are putting its future in doubt
THE standard of driving in Malvern during a snowfall 25 years ago provoked a furious letter to the Gazette from an "amazed, sickened and disgusted" writer. "I had to brake repeatedly as fools drove out of side roads right in front of me," he said, accusing
100 years ago Mr Hayes brought to the attention of the district council the annoyance, yea, even danger, to the inhabitants of North Malvern by the blasting operation at the quarry. A soon as day dawns, the residents are awakened by a noise like a "bolt
A FILM by Malcolm Victory, of Malvern, is being shown as part of An Evening of Bomb Cinema, organised by the Friends of E P Thompson. E P Thompson, who lived at Rushwick, was a famous historian and peace campaigner, who co-founded CND. Mr Victory's short
REECE Witherspoon stars in Sweet Home Alabama (12) this week in Malvern Cinema. She plays a New York fashion designer, engaged to the city's most eligible bachelor, whose Southern past holds many secrets. Sweet Home Alabama is showing at 7pm Friday to
n Ballroom and Sequence Dance with Brian's Supersounds (in aid of St Richards Hospice) at St John's Sports Centre, Worcester, tomorrow. For more details, contact Brian or Philomena on 01905 454338. n Northern Soul All Nighter at The Marr's Bar, Worcester
(Worcestershire Wetlands Wildlife). February 1-28. The Gallery, at Droitwich library, Victoria Square, Droitwich Spa. Telephone 01905 77392/779970. n Bitparts: Paul Sermon and Gair Dunlop. A programme of new media exhibitions taking place across the West
n The UK's biggest & brightest pantomime, Aladdin starring Bobby Davro and Amanda Barrie. Runs until Sunday, February 9 at the Birmingham Hippodrome. For booking information telepho ne 0870 730 1234. n Jane Eyre at Malvern Festival Theatre, until
A SERIES of five lessons will start next Thursday, February 13, at the six-rink village venue. Sessions will last for 90 minutes and the cost for the handful of tries is just £5. Contact C Woolhead on 01789 268772 for more details. Welford enjoyed two
AN OFFICE supplies superstore is due to open its doors to the public tomorrow on a recently completed Worcester retail park. Staples will throw open its doors at 9am on the Tallow Hill retail park, near Shrub Hill station. The £16m development, which
THIS weekend's county football fixtures include: SATURDAY WORCESTER & DISTRICT LEAGUE Premier Division: Bromyard Town v Powick (R Fisher); Inkberrow 'A' Res v Bretforton Old Boys (D Roberts); Kempsey United v Upton Town (S Bellotti); Perrywood v Martley
