A SPARKLING spell of 4-9 from bowler Tom Griffiths blasted out Vine for 90 in Worcestershire League Division Six. Fourth-placed Cleobury Mortimer then knocked off the runs to beat their lowly Worcester opponents by seven wickets. They are 46 points behind
BEWDLEY relied on two batsmen for many of their runs as they suffered a fourth Sunday league defeat of the season. The town batted first at Worcester and mainly totalled 187 all out thanks to 77 from Craig Allen and Mike Harris' 56. The city side, with
A "RAM raid" at a Hereford shop has prompted an appeal for witnesses to the late night burglary. Three men were involved in the incident, which saw an Audi estate crash into the shop front at Marie's General Store in Folly Lane around midnight on Wednesday
A DRIVER crashed into two parked cars and then a house after inhaling a toxic chemical stored in the boot of his vehicle. The man, who was driving a green Mitsubishi Shogun, veered off the road when he collapsed due to the effects of the substance, believed
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after an eight-year-old boy was in collision with a moped in Worcester. The boy was with his mother in Ripon Road, Ronkswood, at 4.20pm yesterday when the incident occurred. The driver of the moped, a Suzuki TS59, failed
YOUNGSTERS at a Worcester primary are simulating the responsibility of parenthood by adopting a "flour baby". Year 6 pupils at Gorse Hill Primary School, Hollymount Road, took on the challenges of caring for a "child" as part of their Personal and Social
THE inquest has opened into the death of an alcoholic Worcester man whose mum discovered him dead in a sitting position with his back against a chair. Mark Beddoes' body was discovered at his home in Dowland Gardens, in Dines Green, last Thursday. "His
A REVISED proposal for affordable housing in the village of Alfrick is being drawn up by Elgar Housing Association after an initial draft scheme was rejected by the parish council. The need for affordable homes in the village was first demonstrated by
REBEL councillors have won a key victory in the battle over a shake-up of Wyre Forest schools by getting the controversial decision put under the microscope of an education watchdog. County councillors - incensed by last week's rubber-stamping of plans
TENBURY and Teme Valley job seekers can get on a moped in their search for work. Under a pilot scheme, unemployed people can hire a 50cc machine for a year, at £2.50 a week, to help them hit the jobs road. Workwise, a Worcestershire County Council initiative
DAVE Hopkins became a punter and decorator when he took on one of his more unusual jobs - painting the exterior walls of Harvington Hall at Chaddesley Corbett. The 52-year-old was confronted with the problem of crossing a moat before he could get close
IN a blaze of glory, leading firefighter Graham James, from the Tenbury Brigade has been recognised for 30 years service to the community. One of the Tenbury James boys, the family of firefighters has served the community for three generations. Graham
A CALL from Australia to keep Tenbury Pump Rooms open for tourists at weekends has sparked a debate over public access. Malvern Hills District Council has offices in the building, the town's Register Office is also sited there and, as a result, access
TOURISM in Bewdley has been given a major shot in the arm after a long-awaited park and ride scheme was finally launched in the town. The bus service began on Saturday and will run until August 30 in an attempt to get more visitors into the town, which
IN Britain we have six species of native reptiles. Unfortunately, due to habitat loss and needless persecution all of these species are in decline and are in desperate need of conservation help if they are going to continue to survive. In the Wyre Forest
VISITORS to a Kidderminster health centre were in for a surprise this week as staff turned up to work in an array of odd-looking trousers - but it was all for a good cause. They were taking part in Wrong Trousers Day being run by the Wallace and Gromit's
A BID to ban traffic - especially bikers - from a picturesque Bewdley street during weekends has failed. A move to resolve the dispute between residents on Severnside North and visiting bikers was given the thumbs down by councillors. Members of Wyre
WEST Mercia police chiefs have pledged to lobby the government for more cash after the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) announced plans to limit how much the authority will charge council tax payers next year. Following a meeting of West Mercia
A 15-YEAR-OLD remains banned from areas of Stourport while awaiting the final hearing of his case before Kidderminster magistrates. However, his solicitor is seeking a Judicial Review after magistrates refused to allow witnesses to be cross- examined.
IT was the end of an era on a Kidderminster housing estate when a long-standing butchers shop got the chop. Peter Strange packed away his meat cleaver for the last time on Saturday after 43 years of serving his customers at Pharaoh Adams in Walter Nash
WORCESTERSHIRE County Council is - like all local authorities - meant to represent and act in the interests of the public. The county's proposed shake-up of special schools education for children with learning difficulties will affect a significant proportion
ATHLETICS: Discus thrower Shelley Newman missed out on August's Olympic Games in Greece following the weekend athletics trials in Manchester. Main rival Philippa Roles, of Sale Harriers, secured her place in the squad ahead of the Kidderminster-based
ATHLETICS: Runners from all over the country were attracted to Amazing Feet's fourth Runaround Wyre Forest Half Marathon on Sunday. Two hundred competitiors took to the forest paths and trails on a perfect morning and last year's runner-up Simon Link
ATHLETICS: There were double victories for Kidderminster and Stourport athletes in the first Heart of England League Division Two meet of the season. Emma Holder, Laura Baldwin, Samantha Cooper, Charlotte Berrington, Mark Roberts and Aiden Dourneen all
ATHLETICS: Three Kidderminster and Stourport athletes were well placed in the popular Action Heart charity 5km race at Himley Hall, near Kingswinford. Club senior man Tom Kenderdine was second overall in just 14 minutes 40 seconds, taking the two-lap
JUDO: Kate Walker was on target again with a bronze medal at the British Cadet Open Championships in London. Samurai Judo Club team-mate John Connor was close to a medal in fifth place and then Kelly Edwards stormed to a gold at the London Junior International
CYCLING: Howard Jones sped to a superb fourth place in the C category when Wyre Forest Cycle Racing Club promoted their third event of the season. The riders tackled Woodbury Hill four times over a tough 44 miles in the League of Veteran Racing Cyclists
SWIMMING: The boys picked up most of the nine first places for Wyre Forest swimmers in the Mercian League final at Worcester. But the team finished behind the pack in a competition which excluded swimmers with Midland district qualifying times. Those
BOWLS: Cookley A survived a slip-up to continue as Kidderminster and District Mid-week League Division Two leaders. They lost to mid-table Stourport D but stay top with Franche D moving into second with victory at Royal Mail A. In the battle at the bottom
GOLF: Judith Davies completed a double at Little Lakes by winning the Keith Boyce Trophy and Ladies' Mid-week Medal. Results, Keith Boyce Trophy: Davies 37 points, Alison Grove 33 (back nine), Sarah Laker-Smith 33. June Sunday Medal: Laker-Smith 109 gross
SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Wyre Forest members achieved great success for Worcestershire in a City of Birmingham athletics event. Katy Allen-Trew, Claire Andrews, Jamie Dancyger, Philip Woodyatt and David Swinbourne all scooped gold medals at the Alexander Stadium
CHESS: Wyre Forest players are mourning the death of Alan Copeman, an ambassador for county chess over many decades. Copeman, in his early 80s, was well respected throughout Worcestershire and proved a tough competitor to anyone who played him. He died
July (friendlies) Thurs 15 PERSHORE TN (H) SAT 17 HALESOWEN TOWN (H) TUES 20 COVENTRY CITY (H) TUES 27 HEREFORD UTD (H) WEDS 28 REDDITCH UTD (H) FRI 30 WORCESTER CITY (H) Sat 31 RC Warwick (a) August Mon 9 Pilkington (a) Southern League Division One West
NEWCOMER Alvin Bell landed 73lb 3oz to win Furnace Mill Fishery's Sunday Afternoon Open. Bell, fishing for Team Cronic, used meat and corn to catch mainly carp off peg 35 in a sunny day at the fishery. Stourport's Paul Cook, fishing for Mark's Tackle,
A LYTTLETON junior contest is to be fished at Wren's Nest pool on Saturday. The draw is to take place at noon with fishing from 1pm until 4pm.
OUTRAGED campaigners are demanding the head of county education chief Julien Kramer, claiming they have been betrayed, ignored and lied to during the public consultation over Worcester's special schools. The call was due to be made by Thornton House Parents
LYTTELTON Canal, Wednesday: M Lewis 0-15-8dr, B Cumbers 0-12-8, M Wilde 0-11. Sunday: K Hyde 2-4-8, Wilde 1-9, M Haines 1-1. Draws for upcoming matches on Sunday and Wednesday will take place at 5pm on each day with fishing from 6pm until 9pm. To enter
TELEVISION funnyman impressionist Alistair McGowan is deadly serious when it comes to the environment. The Evesham celebrity came home to his native Worcestershire this week to highlight his concerns about how many of us are inadvertently contributing
A STOURPORT man has been remanded on bail to await trial accused of threatening to kill a neighbour. Clarence Graham, 47, of The Slad, Wilden, pleaded not guilty to the charge at Worcester Crown Court. He also denied an affray and having on offensive
MORE than 400 mourners poured into Wribbenhall Church yesterday to bid a fond farewell to a Bewdley teenager who died as he returned home from an end-of-school party. Floral tributes for 16-year-old Jamie Holden, a keen Manchester United supporter, included
RIVER Severn at Hallow: R Price 6-4, M Sztybel 5-1, G Owen 4-1, J Baylie 3-10. The next meet is on on August 1 at BAA Nordley Pool number three.
A DETERMINED mum has handed a petition to bus company First to demand more suitable buses for mothers and their young children. Caroline Markovic, of Dowland Gardens, Dines Green, Worcester, said she posted a 54-signature petition to First last Friday
UCKINGHALL Pool: C Brookes 1-8, S Garrington 1-6, P Garrington 1-5-5. There is a match on Saturday at Haye Farm with a 1.15pm draw and fishing from 2pm until 6pm.
A BREWERY in Worcestershire is celebrating after sealing a deal to sell its latest beer in Tesco supermarkets. Bottles of Hearth Warmer, the latest beer developed by Knightwick-based Teme Valley Brewery, are set to appear on shelves around the county.
THE former manager at Kidderminster Social Education Centre pleaded guilty to seven counts of theft when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court. Robert Thomas admitted stealing £1,650 from Worcestershire County Council between April and October, 2000. Judge
NINE "amazing" Droitwich children have been honoured for their outstanding achievements in a special ceremony. The youngsters, aged nine to16, were recognised in the first ever Young Achievers Awards in the town last night. The awards were set up by the
A WAR veteran from Worcestershire will revisit the scene of a famous Second World War battle, thanks to a Lottery-funded scheme. Frederick Hook will return to Arnhem, Holland, in September, on the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem. The battle,
SUGAR Lane: Craig Price 24-9-12 (including a 10lb 6.4oz carp), Carl Brown 15-15-8, Dennis Moles 15-0, Mick Swalwell 9-5-8. Points to date: Price 113, Swalwell 74, Ray Jordan 73, Geoff Wilkes and Brian Hayles 70, Moles 68. Doubles Knockout semi-finals:
A MAN admitted evasion of a liability by deception when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court. Job Clarke, 35, of Eddy Road, Kidderminster, admitted inducing an auctioneer to believe that a cheque for £7,461 came from an open account. Recorder Arthur Noble
A PARTY for the families of twins and triplets had a couple of star guests when famous Transylvanian twins the Cheeky Girls dropped in. Worcester mother-of-three Rachael Hodgetts, drafted in the pop twosome while organising the fun day. Mrs Hodgetts secretary
THE next match is at Furnace Mill Fishery on Saturday and will be drawn at 2pm with fishing from 3pm until 8pm.
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers Ladies suffered extra-time agony at the Worcestershire Female Football Festival. Harriers A team made the final against Headless Cross and had most of the play without finding a way past the keeper. And they conceded the only goal
AN adult five-a-side league starts again at Stourport Sports Centre on September 19. Games in the professionally-run league are played on Sunday evenings after 5pm and officiated by Football Association qualified referees. There are trophies for the winners
A GARDEN fete will be taking place at Avery Overall Christian Home, in Worcester on Saturday, July, 24. The event is due to kick off at the registered charity in Britannia Square, Sansome Walk, Worcester, from 2 to 4pm. Stalls will include cakes, plants
WE HAVE read with interest the media coverage of the Wyre Forest Educational Review and wonder if the full implications of keeping the three high schools have been fully understood by parents of pupils and potential pupils of those three high schools.
IT'S been a successful time on the football field for pupils of Badsey First School. After emerging victorious from the Pershore College Mini Soccer Tour-nament, organised by the Pershore College Academy in conjunction with the Worcestershire FA, all
THERE will be a club match on Sunday on the KDAA Winterdyne stretch, drawn at 8am in Bewdley Country Park car park. It is a five-hour match and Lyttleton subscriptions are due on the day.
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers paraded a side made up mainly of trialists when they lost 2-1 in a friendly at Dr Martens League Western Division outfit Cinderford Town last night. Their starting line-up contained just three players who ended last season's campaign
AS the Conservative group on Wyre Forest District Council, we would like to respond to criticisms in last week's letters pages on the subjects of education, health and this authority's leader Stephen Clee. Opposition parties intended the schools review
NORTH Midlands Three champions Chaddesley Corbett are already preparing for the new season. They are seeking to build on their success and pre-season training is every Tuesday at the village sports club in Fox Lane from 7.30pm. The club runs two sides
WORCESTERSHIRE Royals will be at home in the quarter-final of the Twenty20 Cup on Monday night if they beat Glamorgan Dragons in their final group match at New Road this evening (5.40). Glamorgan moved to the top of the Midlands/ West/Wales Division last
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers paraded a side made up mainly of trialists when they lost 2-1 in a friendly at Dr Martens League Western Division outfit Cinderford Town last night. Their starting line-up contained just three players who ended last season's campaign
MALVERN and Aston OEs, last season's North Midlands Cup finalists, are on course to meet again in the preliminary round of the Powergen Cup. Aston, who retained the county cup in May, have been given an away qualifying round tie at Coventry-based Broadstreet
MR 'X' was again the star tipster at Worcester Racecourse last night, tipping three out of five Pitchcroft winners. The Evening News' mystery man saw Easy Squeezy, Manoram and Smile Pleeze first past the post at the evening meeting to keep up his winning
WORCESTER Warriors' Zurich 'A' fixtures will begin at Sale in September. The fixtures, for reserve team matches, were announced yesterday with Worcester facing a trip to the Sharks in their opener on September 6. Full fixture list with all home games
TOM Green rode his luck to plunder 121 for Bromsgrove seconds and lift the batsman of the week award. The 16-year-old was dropped no less than six times during his side's encounter with Ombersley but there was an element of fortune about the whole innings
ARELEY Kings was the overall winner of the Challenge Shield at the Flood Flower and Craft Day. The group won four classes, also gaining a second and two thirds, plus three "highly commended (HC)". Habberley also won a class and a third place, while Wribbenhall
ON Saturday, the Birch Farm Butterfly Count will take place, led by Sylvia Sheldon. The event, at Birch Farm, Severn Lodge Lane, Button Bridge, will begin at 11am.
AN elderly woman walking to a hospital appointment was knocked to the ground by a mugger who made off with her handbag. Police are appealing for information about the attack on the 81-year-old, which took place near Evesham Community Hospital on Monday
MEMBERS were welcomed to the annual summer supper with a new menu. The meal was prepared by president Mrs Sue Stone with help from the committee. Entertainment was by Paul McGuire, whose talk was entitled "life as a redcoat". Beryl Adams made and donated
AT the 46th annual meeting it was decided to continue with St Andrew's and Burns' Nights, as the society is thriving. Monthly meetings will cover a wide range of topics, including music, dance, literature, photography and the Burns family trees and history
EVESHAM Foods, one of the Vale's largest employers, has announced 25 workers will lose their current positions as part of a 'restructuring' programme. An increasingly competitive market is being blamed for the move, which will see losses mainly at supervisory
VALE-based agricultural machinery manufacturers Bomford Turner Ltd celebrated its 100th birthday in style by being named overall winner of the RASE New Equipment awards at the Royal Show and then having a Royal visit. The Salford Priors factory was the
THE quarterly meeting will be held on Monday at Kidderminster Town Hall, when Mike Vincent will talk on "A Patient's Perspective of Cancer Care - The Road to Acceptance". The doors will open at 7pm. At the meeting there will be the chance for men of 50
A motorist from Honeybourne who killed a grandmother by dangerously overtaking a convoy of cars on a winding road, has been jailed. Project manager Andrew Lewis was sentenced to two years after a jury convicted him of causing the death of Ann Oakey by
WORCESTERSHIRE County Council education chiefs have assured Vale parents there will be full consultation in a review of middle schools. The announcement follows a decision to introduce a two-tier system in the Wyre Forest area. June Longmuir, county councillor
JOHN Snape is going all out to win his first match in sole charge of Worcester City. The St George's Lane club entertain Coca Cola League Two side Swansea City on Saturday (3pm). Player/coach Snape will pick City's side in manager John Barton's absence
CINDERFORD 2, HARRIERS 1 A TEAM packed full of trialists was cut down in the Forest of Dean by former Kidderminster Harriers boss Phil Mullen's Cinderford. With only three familiar faces in John Danby, Wayne Hatswell and Jesper Christiansen, it was not
AN army of attacking signings are expected at Kidderminster Harriers as the pre-season action kicks in. Director of football Jan Molby has been locked in transfer talks and intends to make five new additions by the end of this week. Molby is close to
ANDY Bishop, a past Harriers loan signing, is set to refuse a new contract at Walsall and play regular first-team football in the Conference with York.
THERE was an unexpected twist when Kidderminster Harriers revealed their long-awaited new home and away shirts. The delay was caused by Harriers chiefs opting to change kit manufacturer following a disagreement with leisure giant Nike and their distributor
EX-Harrier Mark Yates, appointed coach at Championship team Burnley, scored in their first friendly, a 2-1 win over Accrington.
Pre-season friendlies Sat July 24 Bromyard (a) Thurs July 29 Causeway (h) Sat July 31 Westfields (h) Tues Aug 3 Stourbridge (h) Tues Aug 10 Shrewsbury (h) Southern League Division One West Sat Aug 14 Egham (a) Tues Aug 17 Yate (h) Sat Aug 21 Thame (h)
THERE are two approaches to the horror genre - a bloody gore fest or a psychological horror. Forbidden Siren fits into the latter category and bears many similarities to the popular film, The Ring. Graphics are gritty, using wobbly camera angles and distorted
One of the few redeeming features of this benighted town were the trees in High Street. Now they have been felled and main so-called pedestrian precinct is just an arid desert. When is the Cathedral due to be demolished in order to make way for a car
HAVING just returned from the Salters Shopping Centre, in Droitwich, I was amazed at with the money that was spent to build this. What a mess it has been allowed to become. On the square beside Safeway - which was said to have been for performers and
SUNDAY afternoon I popped into town to buy my son's birthday present and was, for the second time, confronted by the stark expanse of tarmac, concrete and paving stones that now makes up Worcester's High Street. Anyone will tell you how dreadful it looks
TERENCE Ambler and E F Showell took an exception to the Home Secretary for wanting to suspend the Chief Constable of the Humberside Police Force (You Say, July 2 and 5 respectively). Judging by Messrs Ambler and Showell's letters, they clearly are no
I HAVE received many letters recently about the shortage of NHS dentists. This is part of a nationwide shortage largely brought about by the new dental contract. The Government assures us that this contract was worked out with the agreement and support
WORCESTERSHIRE crashed to a surprise 34-run victory at Taunton last night - against a Somerset side without a win going into this eventful Twenty20 Cup tie. But the New Road outfit are still sitting pretty at the top of the table ahead of tomorrow's final
CHAMPION sheep keeping teachers Steve and Chris Higgins have learned enough lessons to come top of the class in their hobby. During the day, the couple both work in education. But out of school, Steve and Chris spend their time looking after a flock of
TWO women were taken to hospital following a road accident in which two cars collided in Walter Nash Road, Kidderminster. The women - both drivers of the cars involved - had to be released by firefighters after being trapped in their vehicles, a BMW and
OFFICERS of Worcestershire County Council may be ordered to turn up to a meeting to discuss Stourport's long awaited relief road - if district councillors have their way. Wyre Forest district councillors are furious that county highways officers have
Ludlow 186-8 Newport 147-9 THE NEWPORT last wicket pair survived the final three overs to deny Ludlow victory at the Burway in the Proactive Shropshire Premier League. The game appeared to be boiling up for a tight finish when left-arm spinner Dave Bottoms
VIOLENT bouncers will be vetted under a new scheme - five years after similar plans for Wyre Forest were thrown out. From October, all "door supervisors" will need a special licence, which will only be granted after background checks to weed out criminal
A CLEOBURY woman is celebrating after her pony scooped prizes at two prestigious shows. Heather Baylis's highland pony Charlie came fourth in its class at the Royal Show at Stoneleigh. The accolade came hot on the hooves of Charlie's excellent win at
AN alarming increase in the number of teenage drivers injured in collisions has prompted police to encourage them to improve their skills behind the wheel. Lack of experience and poor driving ability are being blamed by West Mercia Constabulary for the
RESURFACING work to make a smoother, quieter 1.4km stretch of the A449 between Low Hill and Hoobrook, south of Kidderminster, started on Monday, at a cost of £180,000. The work is expected to be finished by Saturday, July 24 and will be carried out between
Pre-season friendlies Wed July 14 Cinderford (a) 1-2 Gleeson Sat July 17 Gloucester (a) (3pm) Wed July 21 Bristol City (h) (7.45pm) Sat July 24 Walsall (h) (3pm) Mon July 26 Worcester (a) (7.45pm) Wed July 28 Wolves (h) (7.45pm) Sat July 31 Redditch (
A SENSE of humour is one of the top qualities needed by people fostering teenagers, according to a survey of foster carers in Kidderminster. In a drive to recruit more foster carers in the town, Worcestershire County Council's fostering and adoption team
BUTTERFLY conservation efforts will take wing during a day dedicated to saving one species and its habitat. The charity, Butterfly Conservation, is organising the event, tomorrow, in the Wyre Forest. The butterfly at the centre of the event is the silver-washed
ELKIE Brooks, The Reduced Shakespeare Company and the face behind The Blue Planet TV series are among the stars of this year's Bewdley Festival, set to kick off in October. A total of 20 events will take place over eight days, with talks, music and drama
A SEVERELY disabled teacher from Kidderminster who says painting has given her an "impetus to keep on going" is displaying her work at Bewdley Library. Broadwaters resident, Jo Lees, suffers from ME and a painful condition called fibromyalgia, which affects
ONE of Britain's first rock 'n' roll bands, which had a string of top 10 hits throughout the swinging 60s, will take Wyre Forest music lovers down memory lane with a performance at a Kidderminster school fair. The Bruvvers, who reached number one in the
BEWDLEY'S dismal display matched the weather as they were thrashed by leaders Pershore in Worcestershire League Division One. After a delayed start due to rain, Bewdley won the toss and decided to bat first in a game reduced to 35 overs. A positive start
A STRONG all-round display elevated Kidderminster Victoria thirds out of the Worcestershire League Division Two relegation zone. KVCC's 24-point victory over Pedmore moved them up to seventh, above Wyre Forest rivals Cookley and Malvern who have been
SIX batsmen failed to trouble the scorer as Cookley were comprehensively beaten at Worcester Nomads in Worcestershire League Division Two. Fielding a side weakened by injury, the villagers had no answer to Nomads' bowling attack. Ex-Worcestershire paceman
MIKE Brazier's 71 runs could not guide Stone to victory at Claverley as they lost Sunday's friendly by 24 runs. Batting first, the hosts struggled against accurate Stone bowling but reached 64-1 off 20 overs. With wickets in hand, Claverley then scored
BRINTONS' Ian Waldron was man-of-the-match but could not prevent Stourport winning the Stainweld League Wednesday Junior Plate. Waldron took 4-17 as Stourport were dismissed for 76 in a low-scoring match but Adam Sellick (3-12) kept Brintons' batting
BATTING TOP 10 200 Paul Thomas (KVCC 2nds Sun) June 20 142no Will Gifford (KVCC) June 26 141no Neil Fletcher (Cutnall Green) June 12 138 Lee Stuart (Chainwire) June 19 134no Andrew Kimberlin (KVCC 4ths) May 22 131no Matt Boden (Chaddesley 2nds) July 3
SATURDAY (1.30pm unless stated) BIRMINGHAM LEAGUE DIVISION ONE Dorridge v KVCC (1pm) SECONDS PREMIER DIVISION KVCC 2nds v Old Hill WORCESTERSHIRE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE BEWDLEY v Stourbridge (2nds away) Eastnor v CHADDESLEY (2nds home) DIVISION TWO Astwood
THANKS to Evening News readers, a Royal Sunbeam bicycle has been found to double for the one ridden by Sir Edward Elgar as a young man. Pat Rogers, who is planning a display for a Flower Festival at Worcester Cathedral next month, appealed last week for
REBEL councillors have won a key victory in the battle over a shake-up of Wyre Forest schools by getting the controversial decision put under the microscope of an education watchdog. County councillors - incensed by last week's rubber-stamping of plans
AN inquest has opened and been adjourned into the death of a man who died after discharging himself from a Worcester hospital. Married carpenter Steven Rollings, aged 45, of St David's Close, Kidderminster, was admitted to Worcestershire Royal Hospital
CHILDHOOD sweethearts, who were separated for two years by the Second World War, will celebrate 65 years of marriage today. D-Day veteran and former Evening News sports editor Jack Godfrey and wife Betty met in 1930 at his father's shop in Evesham. At
TOWN councillor Phil Grove has put his own money where his mouth is and paid for outline plans for improving the facilities at Palmer's Meadow. Cleared by the town council last June last year to look at the future of the Palmer's Meadow, Councillor Grove
TENBURY'S Royal Seal and Charter goes on show at a coffee morning in the Pump Rooms this weekend. Identified as that of Henry III, it was discovered last year in a tin box containing documents relating to the Baylie Trust, custodians of the Round Market
A MAJOR makeover at Tenbury Swimming Pool gets under way on Monday July 26, thanks to a £60,000 cash injection from Malvern Hills District Council. Essential maintenance work on the pool tank is needed and the pool will be closed until September. The
A WELL-known and respected former Stourport businessman has died after a short illness in Cornwall at the age of 76. Patrick Dwyer ran Dwyers Newsagents in Bridge Street from 1962 to 1983 when he and his wife Pat retired. The shop still carries the Dwyer
A TENBURY good Samaritan was punched to the ground by a man whom he thought was unwell and was trying to help. Left bleeding from serious facial injuries, the 55 year-old grandfather suffered the unprovoked attack in Church Street about 11.40pm on Saturday
MORE than 400 mourners poured into Wribbenhall Church yesterday to bid a fond farewell to a Bewdley teenager who died as he returned home from an end-of-school party. Floral tributes for 16-year-old Jamie Holden, a keen Manchester United supporter, included
RESIDENTS are claiming a victory for people power after their campaign saved a popular Kidderminster post office. Foley Park Post Office in Stourport Road faced closure when supermarket chain Tesco announced it was to take over its home - the One Stop
CHILDREN face being turned away from two Wyre Forest nurseries because of changes to admission numbers, staff have claimed. Pupils could be denied entry to the nurseries at St Oswald's and Sutton Park First schools because of the cuts by education chiefs
PARENTS fighting to save an under-threat special school are to come face to face with the man who could finally shut it down. An independent adjudicator brought in to decide on the future of Alexander Patterson School in Wolverley will meet parents on
A GALA fun day will mark the opening of a new park in Kidderminster on Saturday. Children were involved in the design process for Borrington Road Park and families will take centre stage at the culmination of two years' work to create the state-of-the-art
HARDWORKING rangers in Wyre Forest are "over the moon" after receiving a prestigious award for managing three sites of special scientific interest in the district. Wyre Forest Ranger Service was awarded the English Nature SSSI Award 2003 at the Royal
THE chairman of a vandal-plagued and theft-hit football club is set to blow the final whistle unless attacks on the club's ground end. Derrick Senior, who has been Mostyn Rangers' chairman for 11 years, felt that four recent break-ins within a month were
WORCESTER Warriors' Zurich 'A' fixtures will begin at Sale in September. The fixtures, for reserve team matches, were announced yesterday with Worcester facing a trip to the Sharks in their opener on September 6. Full fixture list with all home games
ROWING: A good display at Henley upped the stakes for a Bewdley Rowing Club duo in their preparation for the World Veteran Championships. Teresa Roberts and Jo Atkinson head to Hamburg this September in a confident mood after a promising few days at Henley
ROWING: Bewdley rowers were successful at the West Midlands' inaugural Project Oarsome Regatta in the town. More than 60 youngsters, aged between nine and 13, took to the River Severn on Sunday in single, double and coxed sculling boats. Gemma Boland,
A FEW unusual sports were on the agenda as youngsters enjoyed an activity day at King Charles I High School. The TOP Link festival, organised by four sixth-form students, was put on in Kidderminster for pupils from their main feeder schools, Comberton
GOLF: Wyre Forest Golf Club are celebrating their 10th anniversary with an Invitation Open and a number of changes at their Zortech Avenue base. They have fought off financial problems and are looking ahead under director of golf Chris Botterill who was
GOLF: The battle for the Kidderminster Golf Club Championship crown has been won by James Toman. He carded 144 gross to lift the Eric Knight Cup which is over 36 holes for golfers playing off a handicap of between three and 12. Teenager Luke Rogers was
GOLF: Mitch Humphries and Alan Hurst were clear winners in Habberley's Men's Alliance Medal. Medal results: Humphries and Hurst 59 nett, Mick Hannon and Harry Taylor 62, Keith Nicolls and Chris Patrick 63. Keir Cup Alliance Stableford: Alan Harrison and
GOLF: A Bewdley amateur golfer has netted a place in the prestigious Audi Quatro Cup UK final. Malcolm Bradley won a regional final at the St Pierre Golf Club in Chepstow last Thursday with his golf partner James Ward who is based near Taunton. They had
A WELL-known and respected former Stourport businessman has died after a short illness in Cornwall at the age of 76. Patrick Dwyer ran Dwyers Newsagents in Bridge Street from 1962 to 1983 when he and his wife Pat retired. The shop still carries the Dwyer
GOLF: Mark Sprason topped Wyre Forest men's medal competition with a convincing score of 62 nett. Results, Medal Div One: Sprason 78 gross 16 handicap 62 nett, John Greg 78-11-67, Terry Soley 78-8-70; Div Two: Ben Kenyon 94-28-66, David Crookson 92-26
POLICE think the vandalism and break-ins at Mostyn Rangers FC might be linked to a similar incident at Stourport's Burlish Park First School. A PE shed on the school's grounds, in Windermere Way, was broken into between 4.30pm and 6pm on Monday, June
AWARDS: Nominations are being collected for Shropshire Sports Partnership's Coach of the Year accolades for this year. There will be an award for coach of the year and for contribution to sport which could be handed to an official, volunteer or coach.
TUESDAY, Bank (10 fished): Mark Jones (VDR) 57-14, Dave Highfield (Moorlands) 44-2, Ken Hall (Moorlands) 43-9. Wednesday, Meadow (21): Shaun McCarthy (Mosella Welsh Wizards) 133-6, Pete Wellington (Moorlands) 105-15, Eric Banner (Moorlands) 104-2. Wednesday
A BIRMINGHAM angler bagged a 5lb 8oz rainbow trout with a yellow and white fritz on the Masters Lake which also produced two to 9lb 8oz for a viva. Dry fly was the order of the day on the Wyre Dell and three rainbows to 1lb 8oz fell to a cat's whisker
WEDNESDAY Open, Heron Pool: Tim Rogers 51-13, Harry Taylor 38-11, Ivan Laight 28-5. Sunday Open, Heron: Ray Arnold 60-8, Mark Lloyd 56-4, Alan Esbury 15-12. WLP West Midlands contest, Heron: Darren Rainden 68-2, Dean Sheldon 42-3, Steve Harris 37-14.
A BURGLAR who stole £10,000 worth of musical instruments has been ordered to undergo treatment for his drug habit and freed from custody. David Russell, 31, spent eight months in prison on remand after pleading guilty to carrying out the raid in Kingsford
TIM Rogers, of the Gunmakers AC, broke the Whispers Pool silver fish record with his 43lb catch on Sunday morning, using sweetcorn and maggot baits. Tuesday afternoon, Jim Greenaway AC, Dragonfly: Jim Greenaway 74-2, Mac Cox 42-15, Steve Hayward 35-12
PUBLICANS, who fear under-age drinkers are putting people off visiting Kidderminster, have welcomed increased police spot-checks on pubs and have renewed their call for an alcohol-free zone. Chairman of Kidderminster Licensees Association, Sam Thombs,
CLINICIANS will be paid extra cash to carry out more operations at a Worcestershire treatment centre in a pilot scheme aimed at slashing patient waiting times. Hundreds of NHS patients should have their operations more quickly under the radical new scheme
FRANCHE pool: Steve Sault 16-10, Tony Plowright 11-12, Al Griffiths 11-10, Ian Stokes 6-5. There is a contest on Sunday at the Danery with a 7am draw.
WORCESTER-based theatre company Collar and TIE still has places available for its summer drama and arts activity week. The company's Jump and Shockwave programme will allow youngsters to enjoy entertainment in a safe environment. Jump is for five to seven
A 20-YEAR-OLD drug addict who used a Worcester man as her supplier died after inhaling vomit, a judge heard. Stephen Taylor, who now lives in Hartlebury, claimed police unfairly told him he was "at the centre" of their investigation into Gemma Page's
POLICE in Worcestershire are appealing for information about a burglary in which around £3,000 worth of cigarettes were stolen. Two concrete slabs were thrown through the window of Hoobrook Stores, Chester Road South, Kidderminster, between midnight and
SEVERN Lyttelton pegs 60 to 79: Richard Broadhurst 4-18, Pete White 4-0, John Gale 3-8-8. The next contest is on Sunday on the River Severn in Bewdley at KDAA Winterdyne pegs 73 to 98. Members are asked to call for details on 01562 824651.
SEVERAL counterfeit notes have been seized in the Habberley area of Kidderminster by police who believe more fraudulent currency is in circulation. A spokeswoman for West Mercia Constabulary said five fake £20 notes had been seized but it was believed
POLICE have welcomed new powers to enable them to further crack down on alcohol consumption in Worcester city centre. The Government announced in September it was introducing a raft of changes to close a loophole in the law which meant police were only
MORE than £1,500 of garden furniture was stolen from a garden centre in Kidderminster - despite being chained to a patio. Eight tables, each with two benches and chairs, were stolen from Wyre Forest Golf Club in Zortech Avenue between 11.30pm on June
A TEN-month-old baby from Warndon died of sudden infant death syndrome, a Worcester coroner has concluded. Little Kyle Wilcox and his mum Hannah were staying with friend Sue Haddrell, in Selsey Close when the baby died, said coroner Victor Round on Tuesday
WILLOW Marsh Fishery: C Price 29-11, R Jordan 18-6, G Lee 16-4. There will be a juniors contest on the Stackpool this Saturday, meeting for a 9am draw.
GIPSIES should be encouraged to buy their own land as part of a "less expensive" way of managing the travelling community, a Government Minister has said. Housing and planning minister Keith Hill rejected calls for a statutory duty to be placed on local
Wonderful pupils Blessed Edward Oldcorne RC High School has strongly defended its reputation and the behaviour of its pupils following teacher Thomas Kelly's allegations that the school was facing "anarchy". Chairman of the governors Ian Imray pointed
RARE white tigers have a new enclosure at the West Midlands Safari Park. Harlem, Queens and Tikfa and Tahaas needed more space at the park in Bewdley, the only things holding them back were two wooden electricity poles situated in the middle of the planned
WREN'S Nest pools: J Hall 49-10, K Beard 29-8, P. Beard 18- 12. The next contest is on Sunday, July 25, at the Strawberry Pool and will be drawn at 8am.
THE PURPOSE of me writing this letter is quite simply to say thank-you to the people who matter the most to me. In 18 months of campaigning to save our wonderful school, Lea Street, a few determined individuals have bonded together to attempt to do the
THIS Sunday's contest is on the river, pegs 65 to 79, and the draw will be at 10.30am on the bank.
VIC Colts suffered a rare defeat in the Cleobury Mortimer Sports Centre Adult Five-a-side League Division One. Colts slipped 2-0 to third-placed The Stanton after scoring four goals past Brazilians in their previous fixture. They are still 10 points ahead
I HAVE been the headteacher of Sion Hill Middle School in Kidderminster for just over five years. When I arrived, the school had been without a permanent headteacher for a considerable time and the school was run down, in difficulty and needed a lot of
THE Mercian Festival Junior League has now closed the books for next season's boys leagues. But the deadline for girls teams has been extended until Saturday, July 31, with vacancies for all age groups. These are U-10s, U-11s, U-12s, U-13s and U-14s with
SION Farm: Carl Carter 34-9, Steve Wilson 21-4, Mark Pearce 19-11, Barry Chesson 19-10. The next match is on August 22, meeting at 7am at the Larford Specimen Pool.
I WRITE as the Director of Education for the Diocese of Worcester, which is proud of the excellent and longstanding service of our 16 Church of England schools to the people in Wyre Forest. As regards the proposals agreed by the county council cabinet
I WAS pleased, but also saddened, to see that new foliage on the trees along Birmingham Road, Kidder-minster, had been trimmed this year on June 22. My husband, Frank Legierski, died after being struck by a car while trying to cross this busy road to
JOHN Snape is going all out to win his first match in sole charge of Worcester City. The St George's Lane club entertain Coca Cola League Two side Swansea City on Saturday (3pm). Player/coach Snape will pick City's side in manager John Barton's absence
MALVERN Town's pre-season preparations have been rocked by the resignation of general manager Richard Anson. Anson has been a key figure in the Langland Stadium club's progress in recent years, which culminated in last season's promotion to the Travel
THE Wyre Forest group has organised a trip to Weston-super-Mare on Sunday, July 25, when members will walk about four miles, to Jill Dando's Garden and Kewstoke Woods. Anyone wishing to go on this trip should book with Whittle Coaches. The following Thursday
SETSUKO Watanabe was the guest demonstrator on June 28, with a presentation entitled "Kaleidoscope of Flowers". Her arrangements included one around a multi-coloured glass vase, a wire basket which was transformed with palm leaves, lilies and gerbera,
EVESHAM'S top TV comic, Alistair McGowan was back on home ground extolling the virtues of unspoilt Vale countryside. Vale Landscape Heritage Trust had invited the conservation-keen mimic to view its new acquisition - Fish and Anchor Bank near Offenham
ON Sunday, an A ride will start at 9am, to explore Shobdon Church and Arches. A B ride, starting at 9.30am, will head to Wordsworths Stone, near Leysters. Both rides will start from The Green, Blakebrook, Kidderminster. All cyclists will be welcome, and
A BROADWAY pensioner who tripped on a pavement outside Barn Close Surgery in the village has won her three-year battle for compensation. Sylvia Sharp, of Leamington Road, Broadway, who sustained injuries to her face in the fall on May 15, 2001, was awarded
GEORGE Hook was the guest speaker at the July meeting. His talk entitled "Mother of Pearl" demonstrated his skills in the art of jewellery and button making. His family business started in the 1800's and he is the only remaining member of that family
EVESHAM town councillors have given the green light to a scheme aimed at improving pedestrian access along Waterside. The Worcestershire County Council initiative includes the installation of a pelican crossing and relocating the bus stop opposite the
MEMBERS and friends marked the 150th anniversary of the society with an evening at Bodenham Arboretum, hosted by society president David Binnian and his wife, Jennifer. Highley Colliery Band provided the entertainment. Chairman Ken Williams outlined the
EVESHAM'S river festival, which attracted thousands of people to the town over the weekend, has been declared an outstanding success. Highlights of the festival included the illuminated boat parade, the biggest in Britain, and a spectacular firework finale
DONATIONS for the Journal's St Richard's New Hospice Appeal have topped £1,600 in just two weeks. Organisers have been thrilled with the generous support Vale residents have given to the campaign to raise £5.25m for the state of the art development. The
A burglar who raided two homes on the same night 16 days after being released from a prison sentence has been jailed for three and a half years. Timothy Alston broke into a house and a cottage in Broadway and stole a wallet, credit cards, mobile phone
STOURPORT Swifts are trying to forge closer links with professional neighbours Kidderminster Harriers. They want to play their first pre-season friendly with Harriers for four years on Monday, August 2. Swifts boss Dave Titterton believes the two clubs
AGGBOROUGH will host more West Brom reserve team games this season, including the visit of Man Utd on Monday, November 1. Games with Aston Villa, Everton, Leeds, Newcastle, Liverpool, Sunderland, Birmingham and Nottingham Forest will follow through the
SEEING that shiny nugget appear from my mum's pocket every week was a bit like winning a Willy Wonka golden ticket. In the 80s, my £1 pocket money meant a couple of packets of Back to the Future stickers accompanied by enough penny sweets to make you
THANK you for your comprehensive coverage of the F4J protest. It's very clear to all who've come through the Family Courts, in an effort to secure a relationship with their children after divorce, that the current courts don't work, and fail to implement
PETER Luff is spot on when he says our children and schools are being mugged by the Ministers. The Government say that we receive less cash because in Worcestershire, there are statistically fewer children from deprived backgrounds, fewer with learning
STOURPORT Swifts are trying to forge closer links with professional neighbours Kidderminster Harriers. They want to play their first pre-season friendly with Harriers for four years on Monday, August 2. Swifts boss Dave Titterton believes the two clubs
SATURDAY morning coaching sessions at Offenham Cricket Club have proved extremely popular with local children. More than a dozen have made use of the excellent facilities and all have become junior members of the ambitious village club that has received
WORCESTERSHIRE Royals will be at home in the quarter-final of the Twenty20 Cup on Monday night if they beat Glamorgan Dragons in their final group match at New Road this evening (5.40). Glamorgan moved to the top of the Midlands/ West/Wales Division last
THE death of an 89-year-old man who died at a nursing home in Cookley was an accident, Worcestershire coroner Victor Round has said. Stanley Hill died at the Westley Court Nursing Home, Ostcliffe Lane, Cookley on June 22. The inquest in Stourport heard
CHILDREN are being encouraged to take more interest in their surrounding environment and be more community-minded with the setting up of a new club. The Neighbourhood Wardens of Wyre Forest Community Housing are inviting youngsters to join the Junior
A STOURPORT woman who thought she was opting for the quiet life when she switched careers to run a tea room has claimed her stress levels are now sky high because of council red tape. Vicky Bayliss, of Britannia Gardens, has been ordered to apply for
A LONG-established Kidderminster coach and bus company, which was sold earlier this year, has a new boss in the driving seat. New owners of Whittle's, EYMS, have appointed David Shurden as managing director, taking over from Ron Whittle, who stayed on
Cae Glas 103 ao Bishop's Castle 104-3 BISHOP'S Castle recorded a comfortable seven-wicket win at home to Cae Glas in Division 2 of the Shropshire County League after bowling the visitors out for 103. Extras were top-score with 28 as the Glas were bowled
Amblecote and Wollaston 107 ao Tenbury 91 ao CHASING a modest target of 108, Tenbury recovered from a disastrous start to their innings and appeared to be coasting home at 78-4. A second collapse saw them slide to 91 all out and a 16 run defeat at Penlu
A ROCK music fan who lost his precious locks for charity has given a big thank you to Wyre Forest residents for helping him raise £700. Richard Meeking, 30, had kept his hair more than halfway down his back for 16 long years of head-banging fury when
A MASSIVE programme of summer activities kicks off in Wyre Forest next week with everything from adventure training to barbecues promised to keep youngsters entertained. Events run until the end of August and have been organised by Wyre Forest District
STUDENTS from the UKCBA Kick Boxing Club in Pershore were in action in their first competitive bouts at Bristol. Nick Stevens won his contest to give the club its first national title after a hard-fought tussle. Fellow Full Contact members Gavin Keay
SPORTY Wyre Forest residents dug out their training shoes and broke into a sweat to take part in a nationwide run to raise charity cash. Keen fundraisers took up the mile-long challenge - part of TV extravaganza Sport Relief - in all guises at Stourport
COMMUNITY-spirited young people from Wyre Forest and Cleobury Mortimer were recognised in an awards scheme run by police. West Mercia Constabulary Good Citizen awards were presented to the youngsters - aged 18 and under - for a range of selfless acts
THOUSANDS of revellers turned up to make Broadwaters Fair a success - despite organisers' hopes for sunshine being dashed by heavy rain. Around 2,000 visitors took part in the soggy event which featured performances by children's crowd-pleaser Dippy The
A HORSE trailer worth £1,500 was stolen from a farmyard in Cleobury Mortimer. The Ifor Williams box was taken from outside a farmhouse within the past three weeks. The registration number of the trailer was R472 PTY. Diesel worth £250 was also stolen
MORE than a quarter of a century of campaigning to help diabetics earned a Kidderminster man a special award. Fred Holland, chairman of the Wyre Forest branch of Diabetes UK, received a commemorative certificate to mark 33 years of service to the district
FIREFIGHTERS used a bucket of water from the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal to extinguish a blazing moped. The vehicle, in Springfield Park, Kidderminster, was "burnt out" when the crew received a call at 10.30pm on Monday.
TWO weeks of treats are in store for art lovers from Monday, courtesy of Kidderminster Arts Festival. The second annual spectacular kicks off with painting the pavement outside Kidderminster Town Hall, which will be followed by a graffiti workshop. Other
HISTORY is to repeat itself in a Kidderminster pub which hosted the first concert by top Wyre Forest tribute act, Crooked House. After performing to a packed Boars Head Taphouse when they reformed after a two year break last March, the Crowded House sound-a-likes
A BRAZILIAN Scout leader will open an exhibition of holiday photos of his homeland next week - in Bewdley. Well-known Kidderminster photographer, Colin Hill, has spent more than 30 years taking photographs in his spare time and is set to hold his first
MORE than 30 rare heavy horses will be on show in a Wyre Forest village next month when a Bewdley farmer and his daughter hold the second Trimpley Horse Power Festival. Mike Clarke and his daughter, Alison, have been breeding Suffolk Punch Heavy Horses
STUDENTS from the UKCBA Kick Boxing Club in Pershore were in action in their first competitive bouts at Bristol. Nick Stevens won his contest to give the club its first national title after a hard-fought tussle. Fellow Full Contact members Gavin Keay
Shares in Marks & Spencer fell 6 per cent today after retail entrepreneur Philip Green walked away from the battle to land the struggling high street group. Despite the 20.5p decline to 343.5p, the blue-chip stock remained well above the 290p price
UNEMPLOYMENT has edged up for the first time in almost a year but the number of people claiming jobless benefits has fallen to the lowest level since 1975, new figures have revealed. The number of people out of work between March and May rose by 6,000
WORKERS who find themselves flagging at their desks can now pop into one of Worcester's newest watering holes for a Midday Rush! The Boost Bar is a new smoothie and juice bar selling power-packed drinks such as the Power Surge, Midday Rush and Razzmatazz
THE lead at the top was cut to six points after Kidderminster Victoria failed to shine in a rain-affected game on Saturday. KVCC gained just four points from a losing draw with Smethwick in Birmingham League Division One. For once, Jonathan Wright's men
A SEVENTH Birmingham League Challenge Cup success is the aim for Kidderminster Victoria after 22 years of trying. They visit Division One title rivals Leamington in the first leg of the final on Wednesday after knocking out lower-ranked Penkridge at the
A TREMENDOUS individual display from Ian Chambers helped Chaddesley Corbett brush aside struggling Stourbridge on Saturday. The villagers are close on the tails of leaders Pershore after moving up to second place, 28 points behind the side who beat rivals
A WINNING draw at fellow strugglers Romsley and Hunnington provided much-needed encouragement for Stourport. They made up ground at the bottom of the Worcestershire League Division Two table and are now 26 points behind Saturday's opponents. Although
A WELCOME 24 points against rivals Brintons lifted Stone out of the Division Five bottom two. The villagers won a low-scoring game by 34 runs after being asked to bat first on a wicket affected by early morning rain on Saturday. Stone struggled against
CHAINWIRE missed the chance to overtake Knighton-on-Teme in the table on Saturday. They were dismissed for just 108 in Worcestershire League Division Five and could not protect the total. Seven wickets fell in Knighton's reply but a six earned them victory
