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

Worcestershire | Archive | 2003 | September

Stories for 26 September 2003

Leisure

Show brings book to life

AN acclaimed stage show based on an award-winning children's book is coming to Malvern Theatres. more...

Professionals give pupils help with Bard

PUPILS from local schools have been given the chance to perform Shakespeare on the professional stage. more...

Jim's after your vote

ONE of the UK's favourite funnymen brings his latest show to Malvern next month. more...

Please send your free What's On entries to Christine Meigh at Newsroom, Newsquest (Midlands) Limited, Berrows House, Hylton Road, Worcester WR2 5JX, telephone 01905 742262 or email to worcs.inputter@midlands.newsquest. co.uk more...

Theatre

Until Sept 27: Umoja, The Spirit of Togetherness. Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham. Box office: 0870 607 7533. more...

Win family ticket to watch Disney on Ice

ONCE upon a time in Hollywood, a young man sat down at his desk and pencilled a little drawing which changed the course of show business history. more...

Voices unite to benefit hospice

ST Michael's Hospice will benefit from the international Voices for Hospices initiative. more...

Tribute paid to Zepplin

LED Zeppelin tribute band Whole Lotta Led kick off the week at the Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury tomorrow (Saturday). more...

Nia helps church celebrate

CHRISTIAN singer Nia will be performing in Malvern to help celebrate a landmark anniversary for the Methodist Church. more...

Launch of new-look festival

ARTS representatives and civic dignitaries turned up to launch the eighth Stratford-upon-Avon Music Festival recently. more...

Singing treat

PERSHORE Abbey is to ring to the sounds of men in song on Saturday when the Worcester Male Voice Choir plays host to the Pontarddulais Male Choir from Wales. more...

A little less conversation as the King `returns'

ELVIS is entering the building in Tewkesbury next week when international performer Steve Ballard brings his version of the King of Rock `n' Roll to life. more...

Piano jazz classics

A NIGHT of classic jazz and ragtime is in store for Chipping Norton theatregoers on Sunday. more...

Enough books to last a lifetime

THE famous and popular Reduced Shakespeare Theatre Company comes to The Theatre, Chipping Norton, on Saturday, this time squeezing All The Great Books (Abridged!) into one show. more...

Packing in plenty of arts treats

THEATRE classics and musical treats are in store for audiences in the Huntingdon Arts autumn season. more...

Bazaar laughs in show

BAZAAR & Rummage, by Sue Townsend, is the latest production from the Hatherley Players running at the Playhouse Theatre, Cheltenham, until September 27 more...

Classical guitar at hall venue

ACCLAIMED classical guitarist Simon Dinnigan is playing at Worcester's Huntingdon Hall on Saturday. more...

Gore blimey, a bard bloodbath

HARRY Potter star David Bradley has taken on a new role which makes spiteful Hogwarts caretaker Filch seem a positive pussycat and the whimsical world of wizardry a million miles away. more...

Exhibits

Now: Come and see the exciting new Worcestershire Soldier Exhibition at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum (above the library in Foregate Street). Admission Free. For further details telephone 01905 25371. more...

Birthplace Appeal Inaugural Concert n Elgar Birthplace Museum

Sunday afternoon's recital was given by violinist Mark Messenger and pianist Charles Wiffen, lecturers and teachers at the Royal College of Music, London, and both outstanding performers. more...

The Play What I Wrote n Malvern Theatres

THE loafers of Morecambe and Wise are considerable shoes to fill. more...

David sees art as mirror to his soul

ONE of Malvern's most noted artists is about to unveil a new exhibition on his favourite subject. more...

Going for full exposure

THE Hereford photography festival Exposure 2003 opens on Friday, October 3. more...

Battling bots join classics at show

BATTLING robots make up one of the attractions for visitors to the Malvern Vintage and Classic Car Show at the Three Counties Showground. more...

£1,000 first prize helps draw artists to exhibition

ARTISTS from all over the country have submitted entries for a Malvern art competition with a £1,000 top prize. more...

Music

Until Sept 27: Umoja, The Spirit of Togetherness. Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham. Box office: 0870 607 7533. more...

Gigs

News

Yule just love this Christmas video!

A MOTHER-AND-SON team hopes to solve those Christmas decoration dilemmas with the launch of their do-it-yourself video. more...

Golf day pulls in pounds for good cause

ALMOST £500 was raised for the County Air Ambulance Appeal at the second annual Charity Golf Day organised by a Worcestershire accountancy firm. more...

The jaws of the credit trap are open

AS shoppers make their annual trips to buy Christmas presents for their loved ones, the temptation of spending that little bit more becomes irresistible when confronted with that friend called credit. more...

Posties gear up to deliver a million cards in a week

ONE of the great joys of Christmas is getting extra post, with messages of goodwill falling onto the mat alongside the regular clutch of credit card bills and junk mail. more...

Boffins who brought us the white sliced loaf

TUCKED away in a quiet corner of the Cotswolds is a remarkable research organisation that helps to safeguard the quality of our food and is one of the biggest employers in the area. more...

Children left in a maze after reading event

Fifty-four youngsters from the Pershore area turned over many new leaves to make sure they had an a-mazing summer holiday. more...

Hospice on cash course

A NEW hospice supporting sick children, including those from the Vale, took a major step forward this week. more...

Never mind the gap - we're raising money

TWO Evesham students intend to put their gap year to good use by raising money for orphans in Madagascar. more...

An adventurous 20 years for playground

THE Evesham Adventure Playground Association has had a rocky ride from its humble beginnings in a Scout hut with no electricity to the new £250,000 centre opened in Woodlands five years ago. more...

D-day survivor recalls behind-the-lines perils

A WAR veteran who left his family home in Pershore to fight for king and country has been dipping into his memories to help create an historical record. more...

Remembering the rambling

AROUND 40 past and present members of Evesham Rambling Club strolled down memory lane when they congregated in the town's newly created Waterside Gardens for a founder's day picnic. more...

`Flasher' told start behaving

A 23-year-old `flasher' with a mental age of 13 received a stern ticking off from a judge. more...

Pupils can vouch for store worth

VALE school children celebrated the handing over of thousands of pounds worth of computer equipment with their MP Peter Luff. more...

Hijack case men appeal

Eight of the nine men jailed for a total of 99 years for the hijack of a £171,000 lorryload of computers belonging to an Evesham firm have submitted appeals against either conviction or sentence. more...

Rosko bow wow wows 'em

A VALE man's best friend came up trumps at the national prison dog championships. more...

Chris blazes a trail for firefighting colleagues

PERSHORE firefighter Chris Parsons is celebrating a record 40 years service. more...

Cheers hall round at Lottery award

ACCESS for disabled people to a Vale village hall will be improved, thanks to a £5,000 Lottery grant. more...

Horse and pony problem

RESCUED horses and ponies are the theme of this year's open day at the Farm Animal Sanctuary in Middle Littleton. more...

Jet house plan doesn't take off

A PLANNING inspector has supported Wychavon District Council's refusal of permission for residential development on an Evesham brownfield site. more...

The new vicar plans to walk with God

BROADWAY and Wickham-ford's new vicar will be inducted on Monday enabling him to officially commence his duties in his new parish. more...

Manor works are essential

ONLY a few weeks remain to see the remarkable collection of curios at Snowshill Manor before it is closed until 2005. more...

Angels with attitude

FUN-LOVING divas were kept out of trouble with a host of exciting activities at the town's Ryland Centre. more...

Vet takes to the road for charity

AN Evesham vet is hoping to raise thousands of pounds for charity when he takes part in the Tour de Vets, a sponsored 420-mile cycle ride. more...

Report focuses on workers in fields

A "SIGNIFICANT number" of gangmasters providing casual labourers for crop picking and produce packing are involved in illegal activities, according to a damning Government report. more...

Don't forget to vote for new councillor

BOTH candidates competing for one seat on Bidford Parish Council are urging villagers to remember to vote. more...

Clamping down on sound

IF you've ever lain awake at night frustrated by the thumping bass line of your neighbour's music, you may have taken the traditional approach of banging a broomstick on the wall. more...

Basket thefts ire

THIEVES have snatched flower-filled hanging baskets from Bidford Fire Station - just weeks after they it won a gardening trophy. more...

Creature comforts - no, `creepy crawlies' - yes

NO electricity or running water will become a way of life for a Rednal headteacher who is bound for Uganda this summer. more...

Appeal to the better natures of residents

VILLAGE committee members are appealing to the better natures of residents in an effort to solve a litter problem. more...

`Let's have more litter wardens'

An Evesham woman is calling for litter wardens, extra bins and more regular emptying of bins. more...

Delight at hospital decision

PERSHORE Cottage Hospital League of Friends members have expressed delight at the go-ahead being given to the town's new hospital. more...

Woodland games help tots find their way

CHILDREN from Evesham's Happy Days pre and after-school playgroup were given a sense of direction when they learned about map reading during an activity day. more...

Staffing threat to U18 club expansion

PLANS to extend the Pershore Under18 Drop-in Centre are under threat following a dispute between the volunteers and Worcestershire County Council. more...

Chris honoured for 40 years' firefighting

THE Pershore man believed to be the country's longest serving firefighter has been honoured by the Hereford and Worcester brigade during its annual medal presentations ceremony. more...

Local goodies served up at Commons table

GOODIES from Garners Foods in Racecourse Road, Pershore, were on the menu at the House of Commons when regional produce from the West Midlands was sourced for the first time for Labour's Rural Policy Seminar. more...

Echoes from the Past

100 years ago more...

Visitor rushes to aid bobby

A PASSER-by who leapt to the aid of a beleaguered policeman was praised in the Malvern News a century ago. more...

Thousands due for two-day celebration

THIS weekend sees the Malvern Garden and Country Show in it's ninth year. more...

Four Freedoms still town's chief attraction

TONY Ditchfield, owner of the St Just guest house in Worcester Road, has brought in a guidebook of Malvern which is probably about 50 years old. more...

Food industry of Vale in spotlight

A SPECIAL panel set up to look into the impact of major changes in agriculture and food distribution in the Vale over recent years holds its first meeting today (Thursday). more...

Drugs-haul dad is jailed for 5 years

A man convicted of drug offences after being arrested on an Evesham car park with a £1,000 haul has been jailed for five years at Worcester Crown Court. more...

`If children come on bikes, there's nowhere to park - it's a farce...'

AN EVESHAM mum says her daughter's school is not doing enough to encourage pupils to cycle there and back. Sue Grinnell, whose daughter Roxanne, aged eight, attends St Richard's CE First School, Evesham, said the school ought to provide more storage facilities for bicycles during the daytime. more...

Charlotte's dream holiday

A VALE schoolgirl is looking forward to a holiday of a lifetime in Florida after spending the last year fighting a rare form of bone cancer. more...

Police bid to rein in tack gangs

POLICE are warning farmers and horse riders to be on their guard following a spate of raids on stables and outbuildings. more...

Smart move for poppy appeal

A FASHION show for a very worthy cause is being planned by the women's section of the Royal British Legion. The event takes place at Abbey Park Middle School in Pershore next Thursday to raise funds for this year's Pershore Poppy Appeal Fund. more...

Walkway happiness

PERSHORE town councillors are celebrating after the new town hall has been awarded the Wychavon Distinction in Building Award 2003. more...

£22k pay out for operation burn

A VALE man has spoken to the Journal of his anger after winning £22,000 in compensation from the NHS. more...

How will UKIP solve Britain's problems?

MAY I thank Richard Chamings for highlighting some of his own party's aspirations (You Say, Saturday, August 30). more...

Lebensmittelpunkt ... it's really simple

PETER Alcock asks on whose authority 1.7 million citizens of other EU countries will be able to vote in the UK. more...

Fears for the future of foxhounds and jobs

SO, New Labour will ban foxhunting. That seems a certainty. more...

Bed-blocking and taxpayer

REFERRING to your article (Evening News, September 17) I would like to comment on behalf of Care Homeowners who are members of this association. more...

Money where the mouth is

SO there's a group called Motorists Against Detection (Evening News, September 19). more...

Dark and gloomy

n WE are living in a dark and gloomy world. Yes, we may be at the "cutting edge" of technology and have all the latest gadgets and equipment, but are we happy? Violence, crime, lack of respect and inhumanity are increasing by leaps and bounds. more...

Children left in a maze after reading event

Fifty-four youngsters from the Pershore area turned over many new leaves to make sure they had an a-mazing summer holiday. more...

Hospice on cash course

A NEW hospice supporting sick children, including those from the Vale, took a major step forward this week. more...

Never mind the gap - we're raising money

TWO Evesham students intend to put their gap year to good use by raising money for orphans in Madagascar. more...

Remembering the rambling

AROUND 40 past and present members of Evesham Rambling Club strolled down memory lane when they congregated in the town's newly created Waterside Gardens for a founder's day picnic. more...

`Flasher' told start behaving

A 23-year-old `flasher' with a mental age of 13 received a stern ticking off from a judge. more...

Pupils can vouch for store worth

VALE school children celebrated the handing over of thousands of pounds worth of computer equipment with their MP Peter Luff. more...

Hijack case men appeal

Rosko bow wow wows 'em

A VALE man's best friend came up trumps at the national prison dog championships. more...

Cheers hall round at Lottery award

ACCESS for disabled people to a Vale village hall will be improved, thanks to a £5,000 Lottery grant. more...

Horse and pony problem

RESCUED horses and ponies are the theme of this year's open day at the Farm Animal Sanctuary in Middle Littleton. more...

Jet house plan doesn't take off

A PLANNING inspector has supported Wychavon District Council's refusal of permission for residential development on an Evesham brownfield site. more...

The new vicar plans to walk with God

BROADWAY and Wickham-ford's new vicar will be inducted on Monday enabling him to officially commence his duties in his new parish. more...

Manor works are essential

ONLY a few weeks remain to see the remarkable collection of curios at Snowshill Manor before it is closed until 2005. more...

Vet takes to the road for charity

AN Evesham vet is hoping to raise thousands of pounds for charity when he takes part in the Tour de Vets, a sponsored 420-mile cycle ride. more...

Report focuses on workers in fields

A "SIGNIFICANT number" of gangmasters providing casual labourers for crop picking and produce packing are involved in illegal activities, according to a damning Government report. more...

Don't forget to vote for new councillor

BOTH candidates competing for one seat on Bidford Parish Council are urging villagers to remember to vote. more...

Basket thefts ire

THIEVES have snatched flower-filled hanging baskets from Bidford Fire Station - just weeks after they it won a gardening trophy. more...

Appeal to the better natures of residents

VILLAGE committee members are appealing to the better natures of residents in an effort to solve a litter problem. more...

`Let's have more litter wardens'

An Evesham woman is calling for litter wardens, extra bins and more regular emptying of bins. more...

Delight at hospital decision

PERSHORE Cottage Hospital League of Friends members have expressed delight at the go-ahead being given to the town's new hospital. more...

Woodland games help tots find their way

CHILDREN from Evesham's Happy Days pre and after-school playgroup were given a sense of direction when they learned about map reading during an activity day. more...

Staffing threat to U18 club expansion

PLANS to extend the Pershore Under18 Drop-in Centre are under threat following a dispute between the volunteers and Worcestershire County Council. more...

Chris honoured for 40 years' firefighting

THE Pershore man believed to be the country's longest serving firefighter has been honoured by the Hereford and Worcester brigade during its annual medal presentations ceremony. more...

Local goodies served up at Commons table

Thousands due for two-day celebration

THIS weekend sees the Malvern Garden and Country Show in it's ninth year. more...

Food industry of Vale in spotlight

A SPECIAL panel set up to look into the impact of major changes in agriculture and food distribution in the Vale over recent years holds its first meeting today (Thursday). more...

Drugs-haul dad is jailed for 5 years

A man convicted of drug offences after being arrested on an Evesham car park with a £1,000 haul has been jailed for five years at Worcester Crown Court. more...

`If children come on bikes, there's nowhere to park - it's a farce...'

Charlotte's dream holiday

A VALE schoolgirl is looking forward to a holiday of a lifetime in Florida after spending the last year fighting a rare form of bone cancer. more...

Police bid to rein in tack gangs

POLICE are warning farmers and horse riders to be on their guard following a spate of raids on stables and outbuildings. more...

Smart move for poppy appeal

Walkway happiness

PERSHORE town councillors are celebrating after the new town hall has been awarded the Wychavon Distinction in Building Award 2003. more...

Falling prices force farmer to give up

A MATHON dairy farmer will close his business this week after giving up the fight against falling milk prices. more...

£22k pay out for operation burn

A VALE man has spoken to the Journal of his anger after winning £22,000 in compensation from the NHS. more...

Support is key to work of hospice

MORE than 1,100 patients and their families have been supported by St Richard's Hospice this year, according to the group's annual report. more...

Pubs share in national awards

THREE local pubs have won awards in a national competition. more...

Hills users to be asked to pay

GROUPS wishing to use the Malvern Hills for parties or organised events will be asked to pay towards their upkeep. more...

Night bus to enter service

A NIGHT bus service to transport people from Ledbury to Malvern and back, with stops at villages en route, will start on October 30. more...

Cadet in line for top award

AN Army Cadet has been shortlisted for a Good Citizen Award after his outstanding effort for the Poppy Appeal. more...

Opinion

THE efforts of young people in Cradley to influence the debate on facilities they feel are needed in their village is to be applauded. more...

Future is bright for joint project

A MALVERN company is hoping to launch its latest product into the European market, after a positive response in Australia. more...

Reg makes a major gift

MALVERN fundraiser Reg Box is distributing £3,756 to local charities. more...

Priory service to mark school's 50th birthday

A THANKSGIVING service will take place at Malvern Priory to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Chase high school. more...

Hoaxes cut by campaign

HOAX 999 calls to Hereford and Worcester Fire Bridgade have been reduced by 22 per cent. more...

Firework night proves stressful for our pets

BONFIRE Night may seem a long way off, but while people enjoy fireworks and sparklers their pets may not be quite so happy. more...

Video is used to press for change

CRADLEY youngsters lobbied for more youth facilities in the village through the presentation of a series of videos. more...

Castle hosts fine food fair

Delicious local food is the theme of a festival at Eastnor Castle on October 4-5 where visitors can taste wine or learn how to prepare a Michaelmas goose. more...

Super vintage ahead

Superb summer weather means that the Three Choirs Vineyard near Newent is looking at a 20 per cent increase in the amount of wine bottled this year. more...

Protesters hurl abuse

REPRESENTATIVES from some of the country's leading defence firms were greeted by protesters when they attended a conference at Malvern Theatres. more...

Getting priorities right

HAVING read the Malvern Gazette (September 19), two items were mentioned (one above the other) concerning road crossings in Malvern areas. more...

Signs on the Hills could proliferate

More warning signs could be put on the Malvern Hills under plans being considered by Conservators. more...

Chance to enter the debate

I WOULD like to draw your readers' attentions to the public meeting on genetic modification that Malvern Hills District Council is hosting on October 8 at 7.30pm at The Forum, Malvern Theatres. more...

No decision yet on tyre building

A DECISION on whether to allow replacement buildings at a Great Malvern tyre depot has been delayed. more...

Way forward

As an Elder of Holly Mount Church, it was with shocked surprise and great distress that I read the article about its future on the front of last week's Gazette. more...

Couple share calling to serve church

LEDBURY will be in the unusual position of having husband and wife curates who were ordained within a year of each other. more...

Faithful service

I should like to add to your tribute to the late Mrs Beryl Bomphrey by putting on record another aspect of her service to the community - that of chair of governors at The Chase High School. more...

Rector to head `Down Under'

The Rector of Ledbury, Rev Dr Colin Beevers, is set to miss the English winter this year as he takes up a new temporary position as the vicar of One Tree Hill, in Auckland, New Zealand. more...

Support for life

AS a committed supporter of the Meningitis Trust and one of many thousands in the UK who suffers the after effects of this appalling disease, I am writing to ask your readers' support in raising awareness of the hidden consequences of meningitis. more...

Glory of Peru

ON October 3, 2002, I visited Ledbury. Near to the swimming baths I saw a gentleman tending the sunny garden of his bungalow. I paused to admire the profusion of red and yellow bell-shaped flowers. The gentleman told me their name was Glory of Peru. He gave a handful of seeds to me and told me how to treat them. more...

Will town win bloom award?

The chairman of Ledbury in Bloom, Tom Deane, is hoping the town will triumph in the national finals of Britain in Bloom - even going on to represent the UK in Europe next year. more...

We're very lucky!

HOME again after an operation at Worcester Royal Infirmary, I feel I must write to say how grateful I am for all the care and attention I received from surgeons, doctors, nurses and staff. more...

Crew in visit to say thanks

A DATE has been set for a visit by the crew of HMS Ledbury to the town and hunt that gave the ship its name. more...

Helpful staff

AS a recent visitor to Malvern, I needed to buy some tools urgently to repair a minor breakage on my car. I was astounded by the level of helpful advice, and courteous service I received when I visited Halfords at the new shopping centre near Malvern Link. As a helpless female I very much appreciated the help from the staff there, which was not in the least condescending. Thank you Halfords. more...

Firm wins taste prize

LOCAL businesses shared the honours in this year's Flavours of Herefordshire competition. more...

An old problem

IN the August 22 issue of the Malvern Gazette, an article about the Malvern Hills Conservators mentioned the possibility of alleviating the problems of parking at The Kettle Sings café. more...

Big plans for high schools

Queen Elizabeth High School in Bromyard could be completely rebuilt or massively refurbished within seven years. more...

Expanded estate to create 100 jobs

AROUND 100 jobs could be created within 18 months when expansion begins at a Bromyard trading estate. more...

That's democracy

REFERRING to the correspondent complaining about, as he sees it, the absence of democracy in the election of Malvern Hills Conservators, the district councillors nominated by MHDC are elected representatives and part of that representational responsibility includes Malvern Hills Conservators. more...

Shops move in shake-up

SHOPS in Barnards Green will undergo a dramatic shake-up in the coming months. more...

Who could do it better?

AS a "directly elected" Malvern Hills Conservator (Chase Ward) and Malvern born and bred, I find Mr Macmillan's remarks (Your Letters, September 12) regarding the accusation of appointed members "dictating decisions that are not necessarily in the best interests of the precept payers" as completely out of touch with reality. more...

Hay meadow plan for disputed field

A FIELD that was the centre of a controversial dispute will be reseeded over the next few weeks. more...

Courageous and far-sighted

I would like to say how proud I am of the efforts being made by Malvern Hills District Council in trying to find premises for the Substance Misuse Action Team. more...

Tom inspires foster carers

FOSTER carers from across the country gathered at the Abbey Hotel in Malvern for a conference last weekend. more...

Firefighters in TV show

MALVERN firefighters were being filmed on Wednesday to help educate children about the dangers of fire. more...

Bishop makes centenary visit

MEMBERS of a Malvern church will celebrate its centenary with an exciting series of events, including a visit by the Bishop of Worcester. more...

Pig courses could help to save breed

A DAY learning how to raise pigs could be the perfect Christmas present, according to a Hanley Swan couple. more...

Warwick House objections upheld by inspector

AN appeal against refusal of planning permission for the building of two additional townhouses at the Warwick House development has been dismissed. more...

Seasonal show

HARVEST flower arrangements will be on show at St Nicholas' Church, Earls Croome, on Saturday and Sunday, October 4 and 5, from 1pm to 5pm. more...

Future is bright, thanks to grant

THE Malvern-based English Symphony Orchestra has received a £65,000 grant that will cement its future. more...

Group holds AGM

UPTON Arts Music Group will be holding its annual general meeting at the Memorial Hall on Saturday, October 4. The 7.30pm meeting will be followed by a compilation of photography, music and poetry. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. more...

Footpath aim for viaduct

A viaduct at Alfrick could be made accessible to the public in the next few months. more...

Over-50s plan fayre

THERE will be a chance for some early Christmas shopping in Upton when the over-50s club holds its autumn fayre. Dolls, knitwear, handmade household goods, plants and jam will be on sale at the Memorial Hall from 10am to noon on Saturday, October 4. Admission is 20p. more...

Church may host first phone mast

A MOBILE phone company is considering installing a mast at a Malvern church tower. more...

Chance to step into role

RIPPLE Parish Council is looking for people to act as voluntary footpath officers. No experience is necessary but candidates should be willing to inspect, clear and repair footpaths within the parish and report regularly to councillors. Anyone interested in the vacancy is asked to contact the parish clerk on 01531 635103 or the chairman on 01684 592288. more...

Blaze wrecks VW

FIREFIGHTERS were called to put out a blazing camper van at a Volkswagen festival at the Three Counties Showground. more...

Seeking sufferers

PEOPLE with long-term health problems are invited to attend a free course in managing their condition. Five more people are needed for the Expert Patient Programme, aimed at sufferers of asthma, heart disease, arthritis, MS, ME, Parkinsons or similar. Topics include coping with stress, recognising and acting on symptoms, diet, exercise and getting the most out of the health service. The six-week course runs from 10.30am to 1pm at Upton Baptist Church Hall every Thursday from October 2. For more information call 01905 733144. more...

Help save community centre, neighbourhood residents urged

RESIDENTS in Poolbrook, Malvern, are being urged to help save Brookfarm Community Centre from closure. more...

Inspectors visit school

UPTON CE Primary School has welcomed inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education. more...

Family mourns loss of rally driver dad

TRIBUTES have been paid to a Malvern man who "lived for rallying", following his death in a car accident. more...

£700 for Acorns

UPTON'S Rotary Club has raised £700 for the Acorns Children's Hospice. more...

Prize day for pupils

PUPILS and parents at Hanley Castle High School attended the first major prize-giving event at the school for a number of years. more...

New bus service is launched

A NEW community bus bus service is being launched today in Upton. more...

Researching rider

A LANCASHIRE author is hoping someone in Hanley Castle will remember a motorbike-racing woman from yesteryear. more...

Alex heads for NY marathon

AN Upton man is preparing for the run of his life through the streets of New York. more...

Andrew plans to reopen tearoom

THE Old Bell House Tearooms in Upton could reopen a year after its closure if a planning application is granted. more...

Wyre Piddle

PARISH COUNCIL: Mr Billingham, of "The Nait", would ask his gardener to trim the hedge along the footpath. more...

Ramblers

STRATFORD GROUP PROGRAMME: Sunday: Stratford/Welford/Dorsington: 20Km,12 miles. Easy walk with some stiles. Details: 01789 205322. more...

Pershore

AN EVENING WITH THE BADGER POETS: St Andrews Hall, 7.30pm, October 17. Light and funny entertainment that should appeal to a wide variety. more...

Moreton-in-Marsh

INTEREST AND LEISURE CLUB: Outing to Ragley Hall: On arrival at the hall home of the Marquess and Marchioness of Hertford, members were met by a guide. The house itself is magnificent and has been in existence since 1680. more...

Mickleton

GARDENING CLUB FLOWER, PRODUCE AND HANDICRAFT SHOW: Held on September 13, inspired by Ann Wall, club show secretary, members displayed their exhibits which made a wonderful sight. more...

Moreton (Afternoon)

Members welcomed Alex and Jan who gave a most interesting and thought-provoking talk on the work of the Samaritans. more...

Hospices Lottery

1st (£1,000) 15008, Pershore; 2nd (£100) 14820, Bretforton; 3rd (£50) 12349, Droitwich. more...

Harvington

PLAYING FIELD: The committee met recently and was delighted to welcome a number of interested parents and some 10 youngsters, whose good behaviour was warmly commented on. The chairman, Roger Beard, said how gratifying it had been to receive encouragement of this kind, to listen to new ideas and to witness the enthusiasm of the young people for the whole project. more...

Evesham

CSRF: The chairman, Mrs Anne Innes, led members in a minute's silence in remembrance of Dorothy Shepherd who died recently and will be greatly missed. more...

Eckington

RAFT RACE: Many villagers supported this event and made it a great success, not only for its fund-raising ability but also for the fantastic community spirit that was prevalent during the lead-up. more...

Chipping Campden

DEBATING SOCIETY: At Saturday's meeting, the motion will be This House believes the Elgin Marbles should be returned to the Parthenon. more...

Broadway

GARDEN CLUB: At the July meeting, Brenda Jones gave an instructive lecture on Scented Plants. She is an organic gardener with an old cottage garden in which she grows vegetables as well as cultivated plants which require good returns and, equally, labour. more...

Bredon

LECTURES: Ursula Gill, of Birmingham University will once again come to Bredon's Norton. This year her subject is The Most Triumphant City, painting in Venice 1400-1600. Lectures will take place in Bredon's Norton Village Hall on Tuesdays, from 2pm to 4pm, starting on September 30. more...

Bourton-on-the-Hill

BRIDGE: The new season of charity bridge events has started successfully, with £210 being raised for Shipston Home Nursing. more...

Badsey

BADSEY SOCIETY: The society enjoyed a highly successful day at the Guildhall, in Worcester, at the Local History Day, organised by Worcestershire County Council and BBC Hereford and Worcester. more...

Parents deserve all our support

TEN days ago we reported on the financial crisis facing some Worcestershire schools. more...

Who'll come a cropper from GM?

"CAUTIOUS, suspicious or outright hostile" - that's what the public thinks of GM crops. more...

Defying authority?

May I join with Mrs Hockaday and Mr Icke in their further comments 'Spirit and principles of the Local Plan' and 'What has prompted the change in policy?' more...

Purple rage after a rubbish bag mistake

AFTER 76 years of undetected crime (22 of them in the Regular army - how's that for skill?) I have finally been nobbled, not, I hasten to add, by the strong arm of the law but by the weaker arm of the local refuse collector! more...

Sorry to dredge this one up again but...

Now that the river levels are low (well a little low) no one thinks about flooding. but has anyone looked at the rubbish in the rivers? Surely dredging would provide a much larger capacity when (or if) the rains do come? more...

Missing the point about new housing

RECENT correspondence in your admirable newspaper about the allocation of land for about 500-700 new houses at Shottery has missed two significant points. more...

Rare sighting of the two-wheeled variety

ON Wednesday I saw a cyclist using the new cycle path. more...

Consider it money that's well spent

IN reply to M Parker's letter Why cycle track on the new bypass. more...

Safe place to take my son on our bikes

I would like to write of my appreciation for the Sedgeberrow / Evesham cycle path. more...

Expensive project paid for by taxes

I TOTALLY agree with Mr Michael Parker's views about the cycle track at Sedgeberrow. more...

New route is a real benefit to the town

IN April last year my girlfriend moved from Birmingham to Evesham; we both love it but find it a very difficult town to cycle out of to explore surrounding countryside. more...

On the right track - albeit a cycle one!

IN response to your Evesham Michael Parker's question in the Journal, (September 18 "Why a cycle track on the new by-pass?") the reasons and source of the money were fully given in Graham Martin's letter of August 14 and then graphically illustrated by the Journal's own picture and article on August 28. more...

West Malvern Correspondent: Colin Jackson Tel: 01684 577604

West Malvern Village Stores will close at 6.30pm next Wednesday, October 1, with no apparent likelihood of its re-opening in the near future. This follows the decision of Julie Ford, after running the shop seven days a week for the past three years, to move back to her home area in the Forest of Dean to be near her family. Julie thanks her customers for their support and friendship during her time in West Malvern. It is understood that the shop is available for rent, but that so far nobody has come forward to take it on. Owners Ron and Shelagh Mason, who have been travelling abroad since their retirement in 2000, are expected to remain overseas for some time yet. more...

Welland Correpondent Mr S Try Tel: 01684 310068

The first item for this week is a reminder and concerns the World's Biggest Coffee Morning. This is in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief and takes place today (Friday), from 10am to midday at Welland Village Hall. Coffee, tea and cakes will be available plus the Teddy Bears Playgroup will be doing a sponsored toddle around the playing field. Sponsor forms for this event can be obtained from Louise Hughes (playgroup leader) on 01684 593838. more...

WELLINGTON HEATH Correspondent: Pat Jacobs Tel: 01531 634941

THE Garden Club meets on Wednesday, October 15, at 7.30pm, when Daphne Everett of the Bannut Garden at Bringsty will talk about the history of the English country garden. Daphne is well known for her talks and gardening enthusiasm, so it will be an informative evening. more...

UPLEADON Correspondent: Sheila Martin Tel: 01684 562714

A VERY enjoyable bingo evening was held in Upleadon Village Hall by members of Upleadon Over 60s Club. It was a friendly evening with Mrs Jessie Williams as caller. more...

LONGDON Correspondent: Eileen Moss Tel 01684 833256

ON Saturday, September 13, St Mary's Church Choir enjoyed a special social evening with a barbecue in the vicarage gardens. More than 30 people attended this event, which was held as a `thank you' to them for their tremendous support for the Longdon Choir. On Monday, September 22, the children rehearsed in church from 6.30pm and the adults from 7pm. Enquiries about membership of this rapidly growing choir should be made to the choir mistress, Wendy Thompson via Longdon Vicarage (833256). more...

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

On Sunday, September 28, the service of Holy Communion will be from the Book of Common Prayer at Staunton Parish Church at 8.30am, and the service of Evensong will be held at 6.30pm at St Mary's Church, Hartpury. more...

HARTPURY Correspondent: Mrs U Groves-Smith Tel: 01452 840273A

Morning service and Sunday school is held at 10.30am at Hartpury Methodist Church, if you would like further details regarding this service ring Mr Stuart Freeman on 840334. more...

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

more...

COLWALL Correspondent: Patricia Hockett Tel: 01684 833287

TICKETS are now available for the harvest supper and ceilidh with Roger Wilkins and Marion Percy to be held at the village hall on Friday, October 10, beginning at 7pm. Tickets are £5 and £2.50 children under 12. These are obtainable from John Goodwin Estate Agent or Trish Hockett on 564872. more...

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

A WARM sunny afternoon encouraged a good attendance at Bromsberrow Show and vintage tractor road run, which took the tractors via British Camp to the village hall show ground. more...

Light duties

YOUNGSTERS have been working towards a national award by learning about energy-saving measures at their city school. more...

High-profile launch for top show

MALVERN'S Autumn Garden and Country Show at the weekend was due to put on a high-profile launch tonight as it took centre stage on BBC2's Gardeners' World. more...

Schools crisis to be subject of TV programme

THE financial plight of Worcestershire's schools will be broadcast to the nation in a four-part documentary series being shown on television in October, it was announced at the meeting last night. more...

Bright futures for footballers with new lights

LIFE has become a lot brighter for a young football team since it was awarded cash to buy new floodlights. more...

From pets to the pedals

AN Evesham vet is hoping to raise thousands of pounds for charity when he takes part in the Tour de Vets, a sponsored 420-mile cycle ride. more...

Scheme is only a walk away...

A GROUNDBREAKING scheme to get patients back on their feet after illness has been launched at University College, Worcester. more...

Pershore youth plans hit trouble

PLANS to extend Pershore's Under 18 Drop-in Centre are under threat following difficulties between the volunteers and Worcestershire County Council. more...

Youngsters put through paces

PRIMARY school children have found themselves caught up in potentially life-threatening situations as part of a special week-long safety learning exercise. more...

Forty years in 999 crew

ARTHUR Willoughby may be retiring from the Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Service after 41 years, but he's not going to stop working. more...

`Sniper shot at me on the bus'

A 69-YEAR-OLD man is recovering at home after being shot at with a ball-bearing gun while travelling on a bus. more...

Hospice continues the good work with cancer patients

THE annual review for Worcester's St Richard's Hospice has shown their good work has continued. more...

n WORCESTER: Restaurant recruitment Police plan to curry favour

A RECRUITMENT drive to entice more people from ethnic minority backgrounds to join Worcester's police force is being held at an Indian restaurant. more...

Birth centre closure trauma

THE Worcestershire Royal Hospital's midwives can cope with the sudden closure of Kidderminster's Birth Centre, expectant mums have been told. more...

Council chief is stepping out for cancer girl

A COUNCIL chief is "stepping" out on an 18-mile walk in the name of charity - with a pair of stepladders. more...

Ambulance crews hit their targets

SWELTERING summer temperatures contributed to the busiest time ever for Worcester and Hereford ambulance crews, but emergency response times were still hit. more...

Guilty plea means man faces jail sentence

A MAN has admitted causing the death of a pensioner in a four-car crash on a road near Cheltenham last November. more...

Warm welcome for city campus

CITY folk have given a resounding thumbs-up to news that University College Worcester is to expand into the city centre. more...

Council fails to warm to chill-out room idea

PLANS to build a "chill out" room at a nightclub in Worcester received a cool reception from city councillors. more...

Man admits indecency with babysitter aged 14

A man indulged in sexual behaviour with a 14-year-old schoolgirl after calling at a house where she was babysitting, Worcester Crown Court heard. more...

Chocs away for schoolgirls

CHOCOHOLICS at a Malvern school have baked 200 chocolate brownies as part of the world's biggest coffee morning. more...

Firebugs bother brigade

FIRE chiefs are "bugged" by the massive rise in false automatic fire alarm calls. more...

St John's dentist calls it a day after 33 years

A DENTIST from Worcester's longest-established practice has hung up his drill for the last time. more...

Northwick boss told to pay up for repairs

THE owner of Worcester's controversial Northwick Cinema has been ordered to carry out up to £60,000 worth of improvements to the building. more...

Lorry blaze causes traffic chaos

WORCESTER was brought to a standstill as an articulated lorry exploded into flames, igniting a 100 square yard stretch of embankment and causing traffic chaos. more...

PARENT POWER ON THE MARCH

FIVE hundred parents will travel to Westminster next month to lobby the Government for a fair deal for Worcestershire's cash-strapped schools. more...

Sport

26/9/03 - Weekend county football fixtures

SATURDAY more...

26/9/03 - Pleass-ing end for West Malvern

A PLEASS-ING season finale for West Malvern Cricket Club at Mathon Court on Saturday. more...

26/9/03 - Green win last match

BARNARDS Green Sunday Casuals played their last game of the season last weekend against a touring team from Dalton in Lancashire and came out victorious in the final over of an excellent game. more...

26/9/03 - Malvern in unlikely victory

MALVERN entertained local rivals Barnards Green in the annual Autobag Trophy and emerged victorious by one wicket after an amazing fightback. more...

26/9/03 - Town U18s in FA Youth Cup

MALVERN Town U18s have made an outstanding start to their season. more...

26/9/03 - Barton backs City success

JOHN Barton is confident his Worcester City side can conquer a hostile crowd and deliver FA Cup success at Nuneaton Borough tomorrow. more...

26/9/03 - Carty bids to make best man suffer

PAUL Carty is plotting to give close pal and best man Gary Fitzpatrick a dose of the FA Cup blues on his return to former club Nuneaton Borough tomorrow. more...

26/9/03 - Junior club growing

THE new local junior fishing club Team Hooked met for the first time on recently and the numbers of keen youngsters continues to grow. more...

26/9/03 - Goddard wins cup

THE latest Malvern United Angling Association's cup contests held on the club's stretch of the River Severn at Hanley Castle coincided with the first signs of autumn, traditionally a productive time of year on running water. more...

26/9/03 - Promote your club for free

MALVERN Hills District Council are urging sports groups in the district to get in touch in order that they can encourage youngsters to take part. more...

26/9/03 - Bridewell keeps hopes alive

TOMMY Bridewell kept his 125cc Championship hopes of a top three alive after an excellent fourth position at Brands Hatch at the penultimate round of the British Motorcycle Championship. more...

26/9/03 - Big guns at Spring Lane

MALVERN RFC return to league business tomorrow (Saturday) against a Kenilworth side that is likely to be one of the stiffest tests for them this season. more...

26/9/03 - Roberts close to return for Town

SECOND-placed Malvern Town visit Tividale tomorrow (Saturday), in what is already a a `six-pointer' in the Express and Star West Midlands League Premier Division (2.45). more...

26/9/03 - Kabir on shortlist for tour

WORCESTERSHIRE'S Kabir Ali will be in contention for an England place when the selectors decide which type of bowler should be sent to Bang-ladesh after James Anderson was ruled out because of injury. more...

26/9/03 - Hereford tie for County

WORCESTERSHIRE have been drawn away to Herefordshire in the second round of next season's Cheltenham & Glou-cester Trophy. more...

26/9/03 - Britton hopes for big lift at high-flyers

UNDER-fire manager Ian Britton is hoping his players can give struggling Kidderminster Harriers a `tremendous lift' by pulling off a shock win at high-riding Hull City tomorrow. more...

26/9/03 - Malvern U14s drawn away in cup

MALVERN RFC's U14 squad have been drawn away against Bourneville U14s in the preliminary round of the North Midlands Cup on October, 5 with a home tie against Whitchurch U14s in the first round proper on October 19 if the Birmingham sides are beaten. more...

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