Stories for 29 July 2004

Leisure

Valentines, Kidderminster Arts Festival, Town Hall

A CUDDLY baboon stole the show on Saturday night, having been taken along by Mary Baulk, who runs the Butterfly Puppet Theatre.   more...

Rock `n' roll years revived

THE best musical acts the world has seen over the past 50 years are being brought to life next month at the Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury.   more...

What's On

County Museum, Hartlebury - Lifting the Lid, to September 30.   more...

What's On

Theatre   more...

What's On

Music   more...

Coup as jazz band swings in

ONE of the country's top young jazz bands - which has performed all over the world and is eight times winner of the BBC's prestigious national big band competition - is due to swing into Wyre Forest.   more...

Memories at concert

A SUMMER charity concert commemorating the memories of the First World War is being held at Kidderminster Town Hall on Wednesday.   more...

King of discos set for return

A LIVING legend, famed for playing the first and last records at a classic northern soul club, is set to bring his magic back to Kidderminster.   more...

Acts paying tribute to star singers

A HOST of tribute acts will sing their hearts out at Gainsborough House Hotel on Wednesday in the hope of being signed up by a Kidderminster entertainment agency.   more...

Artist Gerald shares love of locomotives

A PROMINENT railway artist is sharing his love of trains with visitors to Severn Valley Railway this summer.   more...

Georgia reflects on Dunkirk as paintings are put on show

A FORMER Kidderminster High School pupil who moved from Bewdley to Falmouth is set to hold her first art exhibition outside of her new home county.   more...

Sammy Jo seeing stars in her eyes

A TEENAGER from Kidderminster is a step closer to achieving her dream of becoming a West End star after wowing judges to achieve a musical theatre scholarship worth more than £25,000.   more...

Passionate and fiery Hamlet

Shakespeare's comedy and tragedy are as closely interwoven as they are in the lives of people today but never more so than in the RSC'S Hamlet directed by Michael Boyd.   more...

Bands in the forest

BANDS are set to perform in gardens and parks around Wyre Forest this Sunday.   more...

Pig racing to boost sport pavilion fund

PIGS will be racing in a Wyre Forest village next weekend to raise cash for a new community sports pavilion.   more...

Horsing around

MORE than 30 rare heavy horses will be on show in a Wyre Forest village when a Bewdley farmer and his daughter hold the second Trimpley Horse Power Festival.   more...

Go down to woods for craft celebration

A MAN who has worked in the Wyre Forest all his life is among a host of district craftsmen showing off their skills in an action-packed week of activities.   more...

Second arts festival pulls in big crowds

HUNDREDS of children have been painting the town red in the second annual Kidderminster Arts Festival.   more...

SMASH COURT TENNIS: PRO TOURNAMENT 2

SUMMER is upon us, so expect beach holidays, ice-creams, and many an opportunity to play tennis.   more...

Royal Family puts Queen on the stage

FANS of the cult band Queen could be in for a treat when The Royal Family takes to the stage at Ragley Hall on Friday August 6.   more...

Cheers to beer festival

POSTLIP Hall near Winchcombe will be the venue for the Cotswold Beer Festival this weekend. For more information about the event, which runs from tomorrow, July 30, until the Sunday, call 01242 295027.   more...

All the World's a stage for Sir Peter

SIR Peter Hall, the founder of Stratford's Royal Shakespeare Company, is looking for amateur actors to join his company at Malvern Theatres.   more...

Contest winners

THE following each won a pair of tickets to the Hole in the Wall Concert at Hopton Wafers, on Saturday, July 17 or Sunday, July 18 in a competition run by the Shuttle/Times & News:   more...

Group takes to water to bring theatre to everyone

THE Mikron Theatre Company's narrowboat arrives on the River Avon today for a week of performances around the Vale of Evesham.   more...

Romantic setting for play

THE gardens of Barnsley House, near Cirencester, will be the romantic venue for a performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream on Sunday, August 1.   more...

Puppets become heroes in fairytale

SEALEGS Puppet Theatre is at the Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, today with a presentation of The Musicians of Bremen.   more...

Embarking on the biggest adventures of their lives

SUMMER school holidays are great for the kids, but it can be quite a challenging time for some parents, as they attempt to keep the youngsters interested and prevent them from becoming bored and getting into mischief.   more...

News

The many changes I have seen in town

IN the early 1970s I drove through Evesham, at 2am in the morning, en-route from Leicester to Cornwall for a holiday.   more...

Matt uses computer skills to help charity

A VALE teenager has put his computer skills to the test by developing a website to help promote the work of a charitable organisation.   more...

Builders have schools work down to fine art

WHILE school pupils enjoy the long, lazy days of their summer holidays, an army of workers are busy improving their places of study.   more...

* Have-a-go heroes in gun scare * Number of sex offenders rising * Crash leaves village cut off * To

  more...

Pop along

Children will be able to learn how to make pop-up books with artist, Alison Ogle, at Kidderminster Library tomorrow. More information is available on 01562 824500.   more...

Cooking up success

THERE was a culinary theme to the re-launch of the Kidderminster branch of a shop selling Aga cookers.   more...

Workers rewarded

THE joint managing directors of Kidderminster-based Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicle distributor, Mudie-Bond, hosted a dinner to recognise employees who had each notched up at least 10 years of service.   more...

Eye tests help net guide dog cash

STAFF at Kidderminster's Specsavers Opticians have been raising money to help buy guide dogs.   more...

New face joins board at Victoria Carpets

VICTORIA Carpets has a new board member, with Neil Glover joining as operations director.   more...

Katie's banking on Qatar

A GLOBETROTTING former Hartlebury woman has landed a top job with a British bank in the Middle East.   more...

Timely boost for holiday football courses

YOUNGSTERS will be able to sharpen their soccer skills with the help of Kidderminster Harriers following a dual cash injection amounting to £8,000.   more...

Two hurt in crash

A TWO-car collision blocked the A442 Kidderminster to Bridgnorth road at Shatterford for an hour.   more...

£3,000 boost for village teenagers

BIDFORD teenagers got a massive boost this week after parish councillors voted unanimously to donate £3,000 to the village youth club.   more...

Donation sessions

The National Blood Service is holding donation sessions in Kidderminster and Stourport tomorrow and Monday respectively.   more...

Ex-Shuttle scribe Eddie dies at 91

FORMER Kidderminster Shuttle chief reporter, Eddie Pollock, has died suddenly, aged 91, in his native Scotland.   more...

Scouts say hello to boys from Brazil

THE boys from Brazil have been in Kidderminster on an exchange visit by Scouts following a similar trip to the Latin American country by their Wyre Forest opposite numbers.   more...

Finding a minder is now child's play

A CHILDMINDING network covering Kidderminster and Stourport is now operational, offering parents and their children a wider range of services.   more...

Black car driven along path

WITNESSES are being sought after a car mounted a kerb in Kidderminster and just missed a woman walking her dogs.   more...

Flagging up boat boost

A total of more than £1,700 was raised for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution following collections in Kidderminster and Bewdley.   more...

Playing for a new team

Walking into the Tindall's home, it is impossible not to feel awe-struck by the black and white pictures of Mike's footballing days which line the hallway.   more...

Nifty Nev gears up for latest challenge

WHEN Neville Dewson decides to get on his bike and take a hike, he goes all the way.   more...

`Organic' family in crucial study

A STOURPORT family is taking part in a groundbreaking study into the effects on people of chemicals from everyday items.   more...

The pain of divorce

GETTING over a broken heart can seem like an impossible task when you are stuck in the grief of a divorce, writes Kate Hughes.   more...

From Africa to the Arctic

Mountainous waves, extreme climates and the taste of death might sound like key elements of an action film but for one town resident it was the harsh reality on board the destroyer HMS Beagle during the Second World War.   more...

New panel set to give residents a bigger say

NEW life is set to be breathed into a body that gives residents a say on what Wyre Forest District Council does.   more...

Men with a head for heights

CALL me a wimp if you like but heights have always held a terror for me, that's why I'm more than happy living in a bungalow, writes Pete Lammas.   more...

Health chief in the hot seat

Q: What do you feel the role is for the PCT in Bromsgrove?   more...

Two hurt in crash

TWO people were injured after a van ran out of control and hit a tree.   more...

Gentleman John

John Tidmarsh was born in the Vale of Evesham in 1925, the age of gentlemen, and during my visit to his home it became clear he retains the charm and dignity of that era.   more...

Running for cash

A TEAM of 10 employees from Kidderminster's Victoria Carpets put on their running shoes to raise over £1,000 for cancer research.   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...

Parish visit

A GROUP of visitors from a Lutheran parish in Germany are to visit Kidderminster - as they have done religiously every four years since 1992.   more...

Giving kids a new hope

The Taylor family has been fostering children for nine years.   more...

Slight drop in sale of carpets

SALES of carpets produced by Kidderminster's Victoria Carpets for the home have fallen slightly, the firm's chairman told shareholders.   more...

From the D-Day beaches to the heart of Germany

Warm smiles and waving hands greet Droitwich Spa D-Day veteran Ricky Recardo when he strolls around town.   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...

Greyhound lovers stage protest

HUNDREDS of greyhound protection campaigners held remembrance ceremonies outside dog tracks throughout Britain on Sunday as part of a national campaign organised by a Kidderminster-based action group.   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...

Arresting sight to help research fund

STAFF in a Kidderminster takeaway will dress up as "naughty police women" this week to raise cash for research into the disease that killed their boss's son.   more...

Facing up to breast cancer

AN ASTONISHING one in nine women in the United Kingdom will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, writes Emily Bridgewater.   more...

As safe as houses? - think again

It's the dead of night and you're asleep upstairs.   more...

Rocket man

AN EXHILARATING new hobby is taking the West Midlands by storm. It's the adrenaline, the buzz, the sheer satisfaction that makes The Black Knights Rocket Club take to the air strip to launch their home made rockets. Reporter, Lisa Heritage spoke to founder of the club, Spa resident Mark Perman to find out more about this breathtaking new craze...   more...

Theatre of dreams

The Droitwich Theatre and Arts Club Ltd was set up in 1962 to combine various dramatic societies and to run an amateur theatre in the town.   more...

It's child's play

WHEN I think back to my summer holidays I can vividly remember the awful feeling of utter boredom, writes Kate Hughes. It's raining, your mates are on holiday, and you keep getting under your mum's feet. All in all I couldn't wait to get back to school.   more...

Rovers - battle lines are drawn

THE Victoria Ground has staged many memorable battles since Bromsgrove Rovers trotted out for their first game in 1910 after moving there from Well Lane.   more...

Samaritans are just a call away for the distressed and depressed

SUMMERTIME, just like Christmas is a great time of joy for most people, but it's also a time of great expectations.   more...

Stepping out with a smile

ASTON Fields youngster Deklan Vines looks like any normal, happy nine-year-old boy, but what many people do not know is he suffers from a debilitating and incurable disease.   more...

Michael recalls own battle on historic site

Mr Barnard turned the clock back some 60 years to recall that Prince Henry's Grammar School cross country final was one of tremendous excitement. The route was very seldom changed and the whole school turned out to see the runners off.   more...

Support group takes heart

BRITAIN has one of the worst rates of heart disease in the European Union.   more...

Fancy a holiday in Bosbury?

FALARAKI, Ayia Napa and Majorca may be today's "hip hop" holiday destinations but in years gone by a fortnight in rural Bosbury was as far as many Bromsgrovians got.   more...

Breakfast at Tricia's

WHETHER you are an advocate of the Atkin's Diet, the F-Plan, or simply believe a little of what you fancy does you good, one thing remains true - breakfast is the most important meal of the day.   more...

Up the garden path

HANBURY Hall is set in 400 acres of parkland and garden.   more...

All change at historic homes

WELL known Bromsgrove solicitor Matthew Horton has retired after 25 years as clerk to the town's Thomas White Cottage Homes.   more...

Book goes back to the old world

THE day-to-day happenings in a rural village, in the days when it was possible for it to hide itself away from the big wide world outside its parish boundaries, are captured in words and pictures in a new book.   more...

Terrible tragedy's tenth anniversary

A SPECIAL service to mark ten years since the tragic minibus crash which claimed the lives of 12 Hagley school children and their teacher, will take place tomorrow (Thursday).   more...

Were your relatives sent Down Under?

HAVE you ever wondered how those distant relatives Down Under, who you only ever hear from at Christmas, got to settle in Australia? writes Pete Lammas.   more...

Walking their way back to health

PIPING hot coffee and good conversation were the perfect way to end a brisk winter's walk around Bromsgrove's Sanders Park on Monday.   more...

Turn the bad to good with a spot of hypnotherapy

REVEALING your innermost secrets or making an utter fool of yourself by imitating a chicken is what we are often led to believe happens when you go under hypnosis, writes Emily Bridgewater.   more...

Skills make the difference between life and death

HOW many people have said they wished they could have done something when faced with a crisis?   more...

Reaching for new standards

TWO explosions and the deaths of three railways workers in Bromsgrove sparked off a train of thought which led a young engineer to form the worldwide Institution of Mechanical Engineers.   more...

Rocking all over the world

WILLIAM Butterworth's Nan doesn't mind that her grandson uses the stairs in her house to practice his pull-ups.   more...

Quitting pays off for Steven

STEVEN Pugh loves nothing more than kicking a football around on the Lickey Hills with his two young children, Cassandra and Curtis, writes Emily Bridgewater.   more...

My two year nightmare

AN EVESHAM mum is desperate to get out of her living hell two years after she was attacked when she was six months pregnant.   more...

Breakfast - the most important meal of the day

IT is very important to eat a good breakfast, to literally break the overnight fast and to help you concentrate at work, writes Kate Hughes.   more...

Fond farewell to the stores that really did care

ON Crabtree Lane, in Sidemoor, the Pleck Stores was a general store and newsagent and a hub of the community until it closed more than a year ago.   more...

Swallowing a bitter pensions pill

AFTER many years of hard graft, press operator Dave Waldron was looking forward to the luxury of early retirement.   more...

Building a home for the arts

A FAMOUS face linked to Bromsgrove is being lined up to open the new £2.6 million town art centre when it is unveiled this autumn, writes Emily Bridgewater.   more...

"I did love being read stories..."

Father-of-four Tony, of Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove, had worked in advertising and as an art director for a greeting card company for many years.   more...

Set fair for tough yacht challenge

CAPTAIN Cook, Sir Francis Drake, Ellen MacArthur, Admiral Nelson.   more...

Holly's is a haven

YOUNG entrepreneur Claire Hale has a growing future in childcare since the Prince's Trust helped her take those crucial first steps.   more...

Glaucoma gives no warning...

GLAUCOMA is the leading cause of preventable blindness, yet if detected and treated early there is very little risk to sight.   more...

Painting the town red

There was a time in Bromsgrove when a Midland Red bus would leave every few minutes packed with passengers heading off to work in the big smoke of Birmingham.   more...

You have three whole minutes starting now!

IF you are happy being single, I wouldn't bother to read the rest of this article. If not, read on because this might just be for you.   more...

Conference call's just the job for club

A SPONSORSHIP deal from a Broadway firm promises to be just the ticket for local cricket.   more...

July 29, 2004

YET again the Prime Minister has escaped unscathed for his handling of the Iraq situation.   more...

Car boot people do not disturb wildlife

IN response to your story headlined "Don't boot us out of Country Park", how can the county council's band of merry men say that the boot sales are overwhelming the park and stopping the wildlife lovers enjoying the area?   more...

Councillors should listen to us

AS a result of a decision made at County Hall (Thursday, July 15), children with moderate learning difficulties, behavioural problems and social and communication problems will be taught alongside those children considered to be academically able and those who shine in the classroom.   more...

Why you are wrong, Mr Kramer

THE Evening News featured a story about my son on Thursday, February 5 headlined "Don't let my son regress." This was about the closure of his special school, Rigby Hall.   more...

Stink closes bank

FUMES closed Barclays Bank in Pershore, inconveniencing customers for six days.   more...

Deplorable state of the High Street

AS we are all aware, the state of our High Street is deplorable.   more...

Fresh beginning

Five senior employees have secured £1.87 million funding to lead a management buyout at Pershore-based G & C Engineering.   more...

Heroes and taxpayers fearing for the future

REGARDING the closure of Oaklands, as relatives of a resident, we would like to acknowledge the superb level of care shown to our parents over the last years including those without professional status, who are equally essential, all of whom are now redundant.   more...

Mobile unit in sight for Pershore

A PIONEERING mobile unit stocked with the latest aids, equipment and information for blind and partially sighted people will be calling at High Street car park in Pershore next Wednesday from 10am to 12noon.   more...

Fridge

COULD your lady readers rest assured that if they vote UKIP at the next election they will, if they are of child bearing age, have plenty of time to stay at home to clean behind the fridge and get their husbands' dinners on the table.   more...

Jean is a model learner for year

A PERSHORE woman has been awarded the prestigious Learner of the Year title from the town's Learn Direct Centre.   more...

What's done is done

IT appears to me that Tony Blair was acting on evidence presented to him about going to war with Iraq.   more...

Disastrous

I SEE that the mock gas attack in Birmingham was apparently nothing short of a disaster. It hardly surprises me, as I have four friends who are all firefighters.   more...

How to lose money on your property...

NOT so long ago, laminate flooring was considered the next best thing to Victorian floorboards, and eager first time buyers, veteran property investors and habitual DIY-ers lapped up the cheap alternative like a frenzied swarm of jigsaw buffs.   more...

100 years ago January 9, 1904

INMATES at Bromsgrove Workhouse had enjoyed the many gifts given them over the Christmas holidays. Lord Windsor from Hewell had donated evergreens to decorate the institution as well as six rabbits for patients in the Infirmary. The Messenger Company had kindly promised to supply four free copies of the newspaper every week for a year.   more...

50 years ago January 9, 1954

IN its review of the local property market in Bromsgrove in 1953 the Messenger quoted town estate agent A Victor Powell. He said the year had got off to a slow start with prospective purchasers believing prices would continue to fall. This had not happened and the market later recovered seeing some better houses selling for more than in the post war boom year of 1951. Demand for building land in Bromsgrove continued to rise some making as much as 30/- (£1.50) a square yard.   more...

25 years ago January 5, 1979

AROUND 40 people living on Beacon Hill, Rubery, staged a New Year's day protest to complain about the smell from Halal Meat Company's slaughterhouse. A spokesman for the firm said steps would be taken to solve the problem.   more...

100 years ago January 16, 1904

THE body of a newly born boy was discovered in the alley off Ednall Lane. Annie Nowell, aged 13, was the first witness. She said she was coming home from Sunday School at about 3.30pm and discovered the body, wrapped in a brown paper bag tied up with string. A doctor examined the body and said there were no signs of violence and no bones were broken. In the doctor's opinion the baby was still born. The mother of the child could not be found.   more...

50 years ago January 16, 1954

A MEETING was to be held to decide whether Bromsgrove should become a borough. There were opposing views on the situation. On one hand it was thought that a mayoralty would bring dignity to the town but on the other hand it was thought to be "municipal snobbery and social climbing".   more...

25 years ago January 12, 1979

DUE to a severe cold spell, schools had been notified that they were to close if they had less than a week's worth of fuel left. Parkside Middle, Gannow Middle, Catshill Middle and Bromsgrove CofE School were all closed. The authorities were watching the situation closely and were trying to work out how long they must allow for frost precautions without closing the schools.   more...

100 years ago January 23, 1904

MAGISTRATES at Droitwich looked kindly on the rather pathetic figure of widow-woman Alice Harris, from Fox Alley, when she appeared before them charged with stealing 34 pounds of coal from the Great Western Railway depot in the town. Constable Rivers told the bench he had caught her with the coals hidden beneath her cape. The court heard she was in dire distress and bound her over in the sum of £5 to be of good behaviour for six months.   more...

50 years ago January 23, 1954

FOR the third year in succession Bromsgrove was to have an entrant in the Monte Carlo Rally. Mr E Marsland, from the Oakalls, planned to make his debut in the arduous event driving a Jowett Javelin. Bromsgrove pharmacist Terence Hall had taken part in the last two but this year was in the Tulip Rally.   more...

25 years ago January 19, 1979

MEMBERS of Bromsgrove District Council were to take a close look at the town brook with a view to cleaning it out to prevent flooding.   more...

100 years ago January 30, 1904

ANNIE Hughes, aged 26, a domestic servant, was brought up at Bromsgrove Petty Sessions charged with attempting to conceal the body of her newborn infant son by placing it in a parcel in an alley off Ednall Lane. Annie Nowel, 13, of Beech Tree House, The Strand, Bromsgrove, had discovered it. Hughes was bailed in the sum of £20 and a surety of a further £20 until the next assizes at Worcester.   more...

50 years ago January 30, 1954

WALTER Webb was celebrating the early arrival of twin lambs Nina and Shaggy, at his Townsend Farm in Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove. He said last season's first happy event had not taken place until February.   more...

25 years ago January 26, 1979

TEN voluntary organisations shared varying sized grants from the £5,150 profits accumulated from the Bromsgrove District Council-run lottery. They ranged from £2,000 to £100. So far the scheme had shown a profit of £27,479. The £3,000 skateboard surface in Sanders Park had been paid for from the proceeds.   more...

100 years ago February 6, 1904

THERE was good news for residents living in Sandhills Road, Barnt Green. Bromsgrove Rural District Council agreed to pay the cost of connecting the road to mains water supplies at a fee of £1/17/3 (£1.86). However, the authority refused to pay for the drawing up of any agreement with the water supply company.   more...

50 years ago February 6, 1954

THE provision of a town swimming pool and development of Sanders Park should come before gold chains and ermine robes, declared leading Tory councillor Edgar Longney in a speech to 200 guests at Catshill Conservative Association. He was referring to the leading topic under discussion in Bromsgrove of whether the town should appoint a mayor. The initial cost of such a move was likely to be around £3,000.   more...

25 years ago February 2, 1979

SALES of tickets on council owned car parks in Bromsgrove had risen by 43 per cent since the authority started getting tough with fee dodgers.   more...

100 years ago February 13, 1904

WET weather was contributing to the sad plight of many men in Droitwich who were out of work. The mayor had called a public meeting to discuss means of bringing relief to them and their families. Dr Corbett had opened a soup kitchen twice a week and bread was also being distributed. The borough surveyor was to order loads of unbroken stone in order that jobless men might be given work smashing it for road repairs.   more...

50 years ago February 13, 1954

ALBERT Thatcher, aged 25, a railway worker, was hailed a hero after he saved a bull mastiff belonging to Mrs Fraser, from Winnetts Lane, Droitwich, from a cold and watery grave. While in the signal box, he saw the dog was in difficulties in the middle of the ice covered canal. He dashed outside and stripping off smashed the ice and swam 100 yards to drag the animal to the safety of the bank. Once on dry land the dog shook itself and calmly trotted off, none the worse for its ordeal.   more...

25 years ago February 9, 1979

BRITAIN was on the verge of "industrial anarchy" the vicar of Stoke Prior, the Rev Harold Goddard, declared in a scathing article in his parish magazine. He was referring to the seemingly never-ending strikes that were disrupting the country. Workers at Longbridge and ambulance men were the latest to join a long list of workers who were either on strike or who had been. Soiled laundry from hospitals in and around Bromsgrove, which was piling up because of a strike by public service employees, was to be destroyed.   more...

100 years ago February 20, 1904

JOHN Sankey, a saltmaker from Hill End, Droitwich, appeared before Spa magistrates charged with being drunk in Bromsgrove Road. He told the bench a policeman had just past him when another appeared and arrested him. He said the officer had been mistaken, he was not drunk simply ill from a kidney complaint which prevented him from drinking beer. All he had was two nips of gin. Magistrates gave him the benefit of the doubt and dismissed the case.   more...

50 years ago February 20, 1954

PLANS for what was expected to become Bromsgrove's Education Centre were published in The Messenger. A college of further education and four schools were earmarked for the 60-acre plot of land between Well Lane and Alcester Road. Final details were still to be finalised but work on a three form entry grammar school to accommodate 600 pupils, to replace the school at Parkside, was expected to begin this year.   more...

25 years ago February 16, 1979

THE latest round of strikes, which were crippling industry and bringing misery to millions, was condemned as "virtual anarchy" by Bromsgrove Trades Council secretary Alex Irvine. He declared the disputes "were an open invitation for Margartet Thatcher to romp home" in the forthcoming General Election.   more...

100 years ago February 27, 1904

BROMSGROVE had got a new town centre meeting place. The Victoria Hall, in Alcester Road, opened with a minstrel show. It was a large room with a gallery. The whole building was heated by stoves and capable of accommodating 300 people.   more...

50 years ago February 27, 1954

LADY Barnett, who had recently shot to fame following her numerous TV appearances, was the guest speaker at a dinner organised by the Womens' Advisory Council of the local Conservative Association.   more...

25 years ago February 23, 1979

ATTRACTIVE Rebecca May was voted Bromsgrove's new Dairy Maid at a contest held at Perry Hall Hotel in the town. She lived at Sheltwood Farm, Tardebigge, and was studying housekeeping and catering at Worcester Technical College.   more...

100 years ago March 5, 1904

STRANGERS visiting Catshill Church were not made welcome, the writer of a letter in the Messenger's correspondence columns claimed. "Disgusted", of Barley Mow Lane, said they were given neither hymn nor prayer books and were made to stand throughout services in which they could take very little part. That was until the collection was taken, then the plate was thrust into their faces!   more...

50 years go March 6, 1954

WORCESTERSHIRE FA officials ordered that a county junior cup match, in which Bromsgrove team Chadstone had beaten Grimley 7-6, should be replayed because the pitch oat Catshill Junior School was too short. A sharp-eyed Grimley fan had spotted one side was three yards short of the minimum 100 yards, the other a yard.   more...

25 years ago March 2, 1979

KATHLEEN Edwards, aged 68, and her sister Janet, 65, were dismayed to learn that the were to be turned out of the bungalow they had shared at Lickey End for close on 50 years. They were given the grim news that the land was needed for the M42 slip road by two men from the ministry who visited them.   more...

100 years ago March 12, 1904

A CANARY owned by Mr Sandles, of Stoney Hill, which had attained the incredible age of 22 had died. His family had acquired it when it was 12 months old.   more...

50 years ago March 13, 1954

FOLOWING a two-hour hearing, Bromsgrove Licensing Justices decided not to grant the Victoria pub in Barnt Green permission to open on Sundays.   more...

25 years ago March 9, 1979

A MOVE to put the twinning agreement between Bromsgrove and Gronau onto a firmer footing took a step forward when a delegation led by David Megan from Barnt Green visited the west German town where they were met by the mayor. A return visit was set to take place in June.   more...

100 years ago March 19, 1904

WHAT was it that gave longevity to so many Bromsgrove residents? During the past fortnight eight people, buried in the town's churchyard, had an aggregate age of 621, which averaged out at more than 77.5 years each.   more...

50 years ago March 20, 1954

A NEW car hailed as a potentially huge dollar earner for Britain was unveiled to 200 pressmen at Longbridge. The Nash Metropolitan, made at the Austin works for the USA market, had an A40 engine, was capable of 40mpg and had a top speed of 75mph. During its trials around Marlbrook, its rainbow hues had attracted much attention. It came in two versions, the convertible at £524 and the hardtop at £516.   more...

25 years ago March 2, 1979

BROMSGROVE Rovers were facing yet another financial crisis this time after Littlewoods Lotteries decided to pull out of the scheme because not enough tickets were being sold. So far some £8,000 had been raised for the Greens, which had kept the team afloat as gates continued to dwindle. Club director Evelyn Lacey said without the extra cash the future looked bleak.   more...

100 years ago March 26, 1904

THE triennial Bromsgrove Urban District Council elections were to be held on March 28 and the front page of the Messenger was taken up with calls from the current council for re-election and letters from other residents canvassing support for themselves.   more...

50 years ago March 27, 1954

A GRAND dance at Harris Brushworks was being held in the evening.   more...

25 years ago March 23, 1979

THE town was shaken by the news of three smash-and-grab raids overnight.   more...

100 years ago April 2, 1904

THOMAS Bullock, an engine driver from Gloucester, appeared before Bromsgrove magistrates charged with allowing his traction engine to blow off steam on the highway at the Whetty in Rubery. He told magistrates he was filling the boiler with water from a stream at the time. He was fined 5/- (25p) with 9/6 (47.5p) costs.   more...

50 years ago April 3, 1954

TWO freak eggs, one shaped like a banana the other smaller than a sixpence, had been laid by a pullet belonging to Mr W Heath, of High Elms Farm, Lower Bentley, near Bromsgrove.   more...

25 years ago March 30, 1979

A FUNERAL service for the late Ottilie Hild, aged 83, took place at St Peter's RC Church, Rock Hill. An Austrian by birth, Ottilie Hild came to England in 1936 to work as a governess. She later established a kindergarten in a single room overlooking Crown Close before acquiring larger premises in College Road in which to set up a private school for local children.   more...

100 years ago April 9, 1904

EVEN the oldest Bromsgrove Rovers fans could not recall a bank holiday programme when the team had fared so badly.   more...

50 years ago April 10, 1954

BROMSGROVE Rover's first friendly game against Southern league outfit Bath City, under the Victoria Ground's new floodlights in front of a crowd of 1,400, was marred by rain and a heavy snowstorm.   more...

25 years ago April 6, 1979

ALL eyes would be on Bromsgrove and Redditch constituency, the largest in Britain, in the forthcoming General Election next month. The shifting population of the two towns make forecasting the result difficult.   more...

100 years ago April 16, 1904

"SUNDAY -- how shall we keep it?" was the subject of the latest special service for working men at St John's Church, Bromsgrove. The vicar, in his sermon, pinpointed three areas for consideration. They were rest of the body and soul, not simply lying in bed all day, he said, but by such things as quiet strolls in the country. The second was spending the day with one's family, and of course worship, which he advocated for every man, woman and child.   more...

50 years ago April 17, 1954

THE district council was considering three designs that had been submitted for the layout of the new Sanders Park off Kidderminster Road. Meanwhile, the four-acre former tip nearby was to be leased at a peppercorn rent as a playing field for Watt Close School. The King George playing field at Sidemoor was to have £8,000 spent on it to construct two tennis courts, as well as a bowling green and gardens.   more...

25 years ago April 13, 1979

THERE had been reports of several thefts from hospitals in Bromsgrove, which included vital medical equipment. An x-ray machine, which had been bought with a £500 donation from Rubery Round Table has been stolen from the General, even before it had been unpacked. A television set and chairs had also gone missing from the doctors' lounge.   more...

April 23, 1904 100 years ago

A LARGE gathering of people, who turned up to watch the netting of fish in the vastly overstocked Big Bittell Reservoir at Cofton Hackett, were treated to some comic capers. Despite the efforts of the onlookers and two strong horses, the 100-yard sea net could not be budged, the rope eventually snapped. It was feared the net was fouling the submerged yacht Mermaid which had sunk some years before in a storm. About 3,000 fish were caught and transferred in four water carts to a pool in Birmingham.   more...

April 24, 1954 50 years ago

THE wooden church hall built at a cost of £300 in a corner of a strawberry field alongside Middle Road, Wildmoor, was used for Holy Communion for the first time on Easter Sunday. It would be used for the spiritual and secular needs of the community. The land had been donated by Walter Webb, of Townsend Farm, Bromsgrove.   more...

April 20, 1979 25 years ago

THREE families were lucky to escape with their lives when their Bromsgrove homes were severely damaged by fire and a freak flash of lightning over the Easter holidays. Two upstairs rooms at farmer Philip Powell's home in Timberhonger Lane were destroyed when a bolt from the blue hit the premises. And fire caused damage put at £2,000 to Graham Hawkin's home in Shaw Lane, Stoke Prior, while a house in School Lane, Upton Warren, has also been damaged in a blaze.   more...

April 30, 1904 100 years ago

A SUCCESSFUL fancy dress ball was held at Salters' Hall, in Droitwich, where 100 revellers took to the floor, watched by an audience of around 200 from the galleries. The first part of the evening was given over to juniors interspersed with Highland flings.   more...

May 1, 1954 50 years ago

A FULL-SCALE mock up of a railway accident was staged in Bromsgrove by the county police force on Sunday to test the emergency services' responses. To make it as lifelike as possible to represent wreckage, eight tons of timber had been put into a "crashed" carriage which had to be cleared to get at the 40 "casualties," half of whom were presumed dead. Town GP Dr Kenchington was the token medic on duty.   more...

April 27, 1979 25 years ago

THE Messenger commented on the number of empty shops in Bromsgrove. Rental firm British Relay was the latest to close, following hard on the heels of Burton's men shop, Gilboys Leather in Church Street and Currys. District council leader Cllr Henry Chattin, however, forecast the opening of Fine Fare supermarket would attract more shoppers to the town and other shops would follow as a result.   more...

May 7, 1904 100 years ago

VISCOUNT and Viscountess Cobham, from Hagley Hall, were renting a house in London for the season, during which time their second daughter the Hon Frances Lyttleton was to come out. She would be presented at one of the May courts.   more...

May 8, 1954 50 years ago

LEO Antosiewicz, 46, had been recaptured in Worcester on Saturday after escaping from Barnsley Hall Mental Hospital, in Bromsgrove, the previous day. He had been spotted by a hospital worker who recognised him. Antosiewicz had been sent to Bromsgrove from Broadmoor, where he had been since 1943. He had been committed there after he shot Lionel Taylor, the landlord of the Golden Cross Hotel, in Bromsgrove, in the stomach while burgling the premises.   more...

May 4, 1979 25 years ago

POLLING stations in Bromsgrove were busy from the word go on Thursday, as residents went to vote in the General Election and local elections. A team of over 100 at North Bromsgrove High School would work through the night to count the votes. The Conservative Hal Miller was defending a majority of 2,000 for the parliamentary seat.   more...

May 14, 1904 100 years ago

THE farming enterprise at Bromsgrove Workhouse showed a profit of £89, according to the accounts drawn up last Michaelmas and at Lady Day. The master had also been given the go-ahead to purchase a large tub for scalding pigs and to buy two new mole traps.   more...

May 15, 1954 50 years ago

RECENTLY-introduced car parking charges and waiting restrictions on many roads in Bromsgrove town centre had upset members of the Chamber of Trade. Shopkeepers said the 3d (1p) fee was driving potential shoppers away. This week the urban district council refused to meet a delegation of angry chamber members who wanted to hand in a 500-name petition calling for a rethink on charges. The car parks had made a profit of £11 during April.   more...

May 11, 1979 25 years ago

GRAHAM Reddie, 53, from East Road, Bromsgrove, had landed the job of chief architect with Redditch Development Corporation. He had already been responsible for the overall planning of Redditch town centre and the refurbishment of the Palace Theatre.   more...

May 21, 1904 100 years ago

A PAIR of starlings had built a truly mobile home. It was in a coal wagon in a Midland Railway Wagon in sidings at Blackwell station.   more...

May 22, 1954 50 years ago

LABOUR group leader, Councillor Henry Webley's name, had been put forward to be the next chairman of Bromsgrove Urban District Council. Cllr Webley, from Perryfields, would be the council's 21st chairman and the first Labour man to hold the highest civic office. He had been a district councillor since 1946 and had served on the county council too. He had been a leading figure in the rebuilding of the Labour party in Bromsgrove after the war.   more...

May 18, 1979 25 years ago

THE temperature in Bromsgrove reached a sweltering 79 degrees Farenheit on Tuesday, the third consecutive day the temperature had hit the 70s mark. It was the warmest May day since 1970. The hottest May temperature on record was in 1822 and 1944 when the mercury reached 90F. However, this week in 1879 drifting snow caused havoc on the roads.   more...

May 28, 1904 100 years ago

ONE of the most disastrous fires in the memory of man destroyed a large part of the carriage works belonging to Daniel Giles. in Station Street, Bromsgrove. The blaze, which was thought to have been started deliberately, was spotted just after midnight by the lamplighter while on his rounds extinguishing the lights. The cost of the damage is colossal at more than £1,000. Production was, however, to continue in another part of the works.   more...

May 29, 1954 50 years ago

A NEW venture for Bromsgrove, a two-day arts festival organised by Avoncroft College, at Stoke Heath, was a great success. The packed programme included plays, opera, folk dancing, art, craft and various exhibitions. It was hoped it would become an annual event.   more...

May 25, 1979 25 years ago

RUBERY was a "forgotten village" as far as Bromsgrove District Council was concerned, Jack Troth, chairman of the Chamber of Trade, complained. Rubery always had to make do with second best regarding amenities, cash allocation, transport and even Christmas lights, he said.   more...

June 4, 1904 100 years ago

BAKER and confectioner, William Ward, of High Street, was charged with having a violent dog, on the information of Walter Parry, a nail manufacturer of The Crescent. Mr Parry said he had cause to suspect Mr Ward's dog was violent because it had attacked his daughter's dog around the neck. Mr Horton, for the complainant, said it was obvious the dog was dangerous from its behaviour. But Mr Ward said he had sent the dog away and it would no longer cause a problem. The magistrates' clerk said the Bromsgrove bench could do many things but it could not do the impossible and if Mr Ward no longer had the dog then he could not order him to keep control of it.   more...

June 5, 1954 50 years ago

CHILDREN of Hanbury school entertained parents and friends with a special afternoon. Two percussion bands performed two musical items, the junior children sang in song groups and the infants performed a play written by Miss Mason called A Day in May. Tea and cakes had been provided by the parents and were served by the older children.   more...

June 8, 1979 25 years ago

TOWNSFOLK were warned by churchmen that Bromsgrove could be in danger of losing a £250,000 church centre. Methodist leaders were concerned that unless they made progress in the negotiations for a town centre site, the multi-purpose community project may have to be scrapped. Church leaders wanted to put a community centre on the old Almhouses site in Stratford Road but the council wanted to turn it into a car park. A spokesman for the church said there was nothing for young people to do in Bromsgrove so a community centre would be more useful.   more...

June 11, 1904 100 years ago

JOSEPH Davis, 28, of Stoke Works, suffered a serious injury while working at the Stoke Prior mill. He became caught up in the machinery and was thrust against a pillar, crushing a shoulder. He was taken to the Cottage Hospital where he was attended to by Dr Coaker.   more...

June 12, 1954 50 years ago

AT a ceremony thought to be unique in Britain an outdoor alter was dedicated at the scouts camping ground at Cofton Hackett by the Rector of Northfield. It was in memory of William Middleton, a scoutmaster, who died in 1952, and had been associated with the movement for 30 years.   more...

June 8, 1979 25 years ago

RETIRING bus driver Eddie Lindup was ceremoniously towed the last few yards of his final journey into the Bromsgrove depot by his colleagues. Eddie, from West Way, Droitwich Spa, had originally only planned to work on the buses for a week, but stayed on for 40 years.   more...

June 18, 1904 100 years ago

CHEEKY Birmingham carpenter, William Yeates, appeared before Droitwich police court charged with trying to exchange a jug he had just stolen from the Swan pub, Upton Warren, for a pint of beer at the same hostelry. He had failed to note the jug had the pub's name on it. Appealing for leniency he told the bench he had left home because his wife nagged him and he was on his way to Malvern in search of work. He was bound over in the sum of £5 not to offend again.   more...

Badsey

FLOWER SHOW RESULTS: FLOWERS AND POT PLANTS: Rose section: Bush large flowered, 5 blooms: 1 Maggia Cain; bush large flowered one bloom: 1 Maggia Cain, 2 Judith Cowles, 3 Harold Acaster; rambler or climbing: 1 John Waterhouse, 2 Judith Cowles, 3 Maggie Cain; bush cluster flowered: 1 Judith Cowles; rose button-hole: 1 Marlene Atkinson, 2 Judith Cowles, 3 Maggie Cain. Sweet Pea section: A bowl judged for quality: 1 John Waterhouse, 2 Marlene Atkinson, 3 Cindy Price; 9 stems, distinct: 1 John Waterhouse, 2 Harold Acaster, 3 Cindy Price; 9 stems, mixed: 1 John Waterhouse, 2 Harold Acaster, 3 Cindy Price. Pot Plant section: plant in flower: 1 Lizzie Noyes, 2 Lucy Insley, 3 Robert Winkett; plant foliage: 1 Lucy Insley, 2 Michael Burford, 3 Maggie Cain; fuchsia in flower: 1 Michael Burford, 2 Robert Winkett; standard fuchsia: 1 Michael Burford, 2 Mrs J M Heritage; cactus: 1 Robert Winkett, 2 Lynn Gibson; succulent: 1 John Waterhouse, 2 Maggie Cain, 3 Robert Winkett. Cut Flower section: Three vases, cut flowers: 1 Mrs B Aldren; two vases, annuals: 1 Mrs B Aldren; single flower button-hole: 1 Marlene Atkinson, 2 Vivienne Stephens; one vase, garden flowers: 1 Brenda Aldren, 2 Lizzie Noyes; dahlias: 1 Alan Eames, 2 Marlene Atkinson; flower varieties: 1 Lynn Gibson, 2 Brenda Aldren; floating in a bowl of water: 1 L Llywarch, 2 Elaine Major, 3 Elizabeth Bolland.   more...

Army thanks

A street collection in Bewdley by the Salvation Army raised £268.25 last Saturday.   more...

Local rivals take glory at regatta

DESPITE not being blessed with the greatest weather, Bewdley Regatta attracted an estimated 1,000 people into the town over the weekend.   more...

Patter of tiger feet as cubs unveiled

THE first white Bengal tiger cubs to be born in this country are set to be a roaring success as they make their debut at the West Midland Safari Park.   more...

Park's tiger home can stay

THE dispute over a tiger compound built without planning permission just five metres away from residents' homes reached a dramatic close this week when it got the green light to stay, by the narrowest of margins.   more...

Night combining danger to nesting birds

ON the eve of the combining season, The Game Conservancy Trust has issued a plea to farmers to try and protect their ground nesting birds.   more...

Areley Kings WI

A FRAMED picture from Kenya, presented to the group by the Nandi Hills branch of the East African Women's League, was displayed at the July meeting. It will hang in the village hall.   more...

Astley Horticultural Society

THE final summer visit was to Orleton House, Stanford Bridge as guests of John and Jenny Hughes.   more...

Cleobury Mortimer WI

THERE were three speakers from the ambulance service's first response team at the July meeting. After receiving a 999 call, this team will give emergency care until the ambulance arrives.   more...

Doddington

THE church/village fete will be held on Saturday, August 7 at 18 Doddington, facing the church, commencing at 2.30pm.   more...

Kidderminster District Probus Club

MEMBERS and their wives had lunch in Shrewsbury before a look around the house and gardens at Attingham Park.   more...

Kidderminster Cycling Club

ON Sunday, two rides will leave The Green, Blakebrook, Kidderminster, The A ride at 9am and the C ride at 9.30am.   more...

Franche WI

A QUIZ, organised by Terry and Jill Jackson, was held at the July meeting, contested by teams of four.   more...

Mamble Cum Bayton WI

DURING June members visited Holme Lacey and Highgrove House.   more...

Burlish Park TG

EILEEN Tasker was the guest speaker in July, when she described the work and history of Wyre Forest Talking Newspaper, which is run entirely by volunteers.   more...

Parents Experiencing Adult Loss

A COLLECTION at Tesco Stores, Lombard Street, Stourport on Friday/Saturday, July 25/26, raised £53.13.   more...

Stourport Horticultural Society

MEMBERS were guests of John and Mavis Drew, at Little Witley, where they were shown around the extensive greenhouses by the couple's son, Paul, who manages the tomato enterprise.   more...

Ramblers Association

THE Wyre Forest group has organised a 10-mile walk at Mickleton on Sunday.   more...

New forum rule unfair - councillor

A BROADWAY parish councillor is urging his fellow members to rethink a controversial new rule, which he feels limits a villager's opportunity to be heard.   more...

Worcestershire County WIs

SATURDAY is the final date to apply for a ticket to the "Literary Lunch" with Jackie Tevlin on Tuesday, October 19 at The Hundred House Hotel, Great Witley.   more...

From the archives

100 Years Ago July 30, 1904   more...

Bumper crowd at the Badsey Flower Show

A BUMPER crowd on a par with that at the centenary show three years ago helped make Badsey Flower Show a huge success.   more...

Twist with paper row

THE row over the storage of paper in a former agricultural building in Bretforton took a new turn when Wychavon District Council issued an enforcement notice to Betta Bedding to leave the site in Offenham within 60 days.   more...

Game in store for the Hospice Appeal

VALE fundraising efforts for St Richard's New Hospice Appeal are being promoted to the premier league thanks to a group of supermarket sweepers.   more...

Vandals in cars attack

VALE police are warning motorists to be extra vigilant following a spate of vandalism and thefts from cars in Honeybourne.   more...

Royal visitor

THE Duke of Edinburgh called on the Bomford stand when he visited the Royal Welsh Show where British agricultural manufacturing was his top priority.   more...

OAPs lobby pensions MP

MEMBERS of the Evesham and District Older Peoples Forum had the chance to lobby the Minister of Pensions, Malcolm Wicks when he visited the county.   more...

Man tried to strangle his girlfriend

AN Evesham man tried to strangle his girlfriend with her handbag straps when she refused to have sex, magistrates at Worcester were told.   more...

Residents want clear path

WHEN the Highways Forum met on Friday, July 8, I understand councillors decided against pedestrianisation of Severnside North, Bewdley, as they have a right to do.   more...

The Model T bride!

DEBBIE Oakes followed a family tradition when she was driven to her wedding in a 1920s Model T Ford.   more...

Hopes for Vale home

A VALE woman is making a further bid to keep her home together while her agent battles with Wychavon to stop part of it being demolished.   more...

Shocked over street decision

THE article "Fresh twist in bikers saga" (Shuttle/Times & News, July 22) is incorrect.   more...

Well I never!

AN old English tradition was well and truly completed by residents - young and old - of a Vale village.   more...

Anger as Tesco gets approval for store

TESCO has been given the official go-ahead to maintain a temporary store at its Worcester Road site, despite angry words from Wychavon councillors.   more...

Scooter vandals left me stranded

ON Saturday, July 4 I was in the Sion Hill/   more...

Award for a partnership

THE Evesham Market Town Partnership has been named as the overall winner of this year's prestigious Market Towns Award and will collect £4,000 to spend on a piece of celebratory art.   more...

Views of parents have been heard

I WOULD like to thank all those who attended the adjudicator meeting at Alexander Patterson School.   more...

Problems for future

YOUR otherwise excellent article "Schools Axe Faces Probe" (Shuttle/Times & News, July 15) gives the impression that I said that "the cabinet had voted to keep all three high schools in Kidderminster, despite officers urging members to scrap Wolverley High".   more...

Shared vision for Sladen

ON behalf of the Diocesan Board of Education I would like to correct the claims made by Mrs Wax in her letter published on July 22.   more...

Falling short of our aspirations

THE two Parliamentary candidates, Mark Garnier (Conservative)and Marc Bayliss (Labour), have given us some of their views on healthcare in your report "Hopefuls set out their vision on health."   more...

Charity boxes snatched

TWO charity cash boxes were stolen by callous thieves who struck at a Kidderminster pub.   more...

New play area already being well used

I THINK a big "well done" is in order for the council having revamped the children's play area on Heronswood Road, Spennells, Kidderminster.   more...

Car's fuel pipe cut

FIREFIGHTERS were called out to clean up a Kidderminster road after a car had its fuel line cut.   more...

Not part of health policy machine

I WAS interested to read your article where our two prospective MPs (one Labour and the other Conservative) were writing about their party's proposals on health.   more...

Robbery story was made up

A MAN'S story that he had been knocked unconscious and robbed in Kidderminster's Brinton Park was false, police have revealed as they warned the public about the consequences of making bogus claims.   more...

Store catering for law enforcers?

WITH the news that one in three of our nation's shopkeepers have been physically attacked and that the Co-op in Wales are now offering tea or coffee refreshment in their stores to on-duty police officers to give the law enforcers a higher profile, I wonder if Sainsbury's in Carpet Trades Way, Kidderminster, is leading the way in our area.   more...

Skip lorry burnt out

A stolen skip lorry was found burnt out on Hartlebury Common.   more...

Brenda shows real Wisdom on trip

MOUTHS just dropped when comedy legend Sir Norman Wisdom turned up to a picnic treat for a group of over 50s from Pershore.   more...

Tributes to a `lovely man'

TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Worcestershire coroner who died in hospital at the weekend.   more...

Leaks to be plugged

SEVERN Trent Water has started work on a £26,000 improvement programme to plug leaks on a Worcester street.   more...

Burnt out cars dumped

POLICE are investigating whether a Harvington field is being used to dump burnt out vehicles after four were found there in the space of a few weeks.   more...

Oh Danny boy, the pies, the pies are calling

ADMIRERS of the finer things in life are in for a treat this weekend when a major event takes place at Worcester Cathedral.   more...

Room for a lesson of life

STUDENTS from Worcestershire and Herefordshire may be educated about the role of paramedics as part of their curriculum - thanks to a successful event attended by teachers.   more...

Warned to face custody

AN airline employee was warned he could be jailed for dishonesty offences.   more...

Pledge to the disabled

DISABLED people in Worcester will be among the best served in the country when more than £1m of redevelopment work is completed.   more...

Number of sex offenders rising

SOUTH Worcestershire has the highest number of violent and high-risk sex offenders in the West Mercia police area.   more...

Giving up the weed in their thousands

ALMOST 3,000 Worcestershire smokers have stubbed out the habit in just one year - thanks to county support services.   more...

`Over the top'

A PUB customer who used a glass as a weapon in a fight has been jailed for 18 months at Hereford Crown Court.   more...

Abandoned cars total falling

THE number of dumped vehicles in Worcestershire is dropping, according to the latest statistics.   more...

Fury as bags are dumped

RESIDENTS in a Worcester street were aghast to find bags of maggot-infested rubbish dumped in an alleyway.   more...

Should town pubs open all hours?

DROITWICH residents are being given a say on new licensing laws which could see pubs and clubs open all hours.   more...

Don't reveal bank details

HOUSEHOLDERS have been warned by police not to give their bank account details to people who call at their doors following an incident in Kidderminster.   more...

Factory man's death linked to asbestos

A NINETEEN-year-old factory worker sweeping up asbestos dust with a broom had no idea exposure to the substance would kill him 25 years later.   more...

Crews cut roof away to rescue driver

FIRE crews had to remove the roof of a car to free a driver who was trapped after an accident during rush hour.   more...

Crash leaves village cut off

VILLAGERS who opposed an application for a telephone mast only three months ago are now without any working phones at all as their lines have gone down.   more...

Kitten has lost loving feline...

A WOMAN is searching for the owners of a small kitten she found stranded near a busy road in Worcester.   more...

Car pair attacked

A COUPLE were subjected to a terrifying ordeal when a gang of around 15 youths attacked them after surrounding their car in Bewdley.   more...

HAVE-A-GO HEROES IN GUN SCARE

by Suzanne Black   more...

Referee jailed for raping young mum

A FOOTBALL referee who raped a young mum he met at a social club's karaoke night has been jailed for five years at Worcester Crown Court.   more...

Helping women to build new careers

WOMEN hoping to lay the foundations for careers in the traditionally male-orientated world of construction are being given the chance with assistance from the training division of a Stourport-based building firm.   more...

Words come easy to Sam

A STOURPORT boy's winning way with words has won Kemp Hospice an award for being the best charity in the Midlands.   more...

Park in line for cash boost

MORE than £20,000 is to be spent on the upkeep of a play area, Christmas lights and a war memorial in Bewdley and Stourport, thanks to cash boosts.   more...

Driver fined

A 22-year-old man who admitted dangerous driving on Stourport Road, Kidderminster, last Boxing Day has been fined £1,000.   more...

Appeal for kit's return

An emergency diabetic kit was stolen from a vehicle parked outside Stourport's Wheatsheaf pub in the town's High Street.   more...

Sleeping safe in our beds

THE news that the South Worcestershire area is home to the highest number of violent and high-risk sex offenders in the West Mercia police region makes grim reading indeed.   more...

Transport plan for historic area

As a recent resident to the High Street, Pershore, I could not be more happy with where my family and I live, coming here with 'eyes wide open' as we did , in terms of the use of the High Street by through traffic and especially Large Goods Vehicles.   more...

Stow

EMBROIDERERS' GUILD: At the June meeting members had a talk and demonstration on Japanese Embroidery given by Julia Gray, who admitted that she fell in love with the Japanese way of life when working on Japanese embroideries. Spending some time in Japan she discovered a very different life.   more...

Moreton

INTEREST AND LEISURE CLUB: The July outing for the club was a visit to Longleat House and Safari Park in Wiltshire.   more...

North & Middle Littleton

PARISH COUNCIL: Fish and Anchor Bank: The parish council is to request a site visit with members of Worcestershire County Council to discuss the repair work required.   more...

Harvington

PARISH COUNCIL: The parish council meeting held last Wednesday evening was preceded by a private meeting of councillors who spent an hour discussing a plan presented by coun John James, who has been working on a proposed scheme for giving information to the village on the subject of claims for benefits. The details will be published in the forthcoming village newsletter.   more...

Wildlife-friendly farm vies for title

WICK Grange Farm, Pershore, has been named one of the two finalists competing for the prestigious English Silver Lapwing Award.   more...

North Cotswold

ST JOHN AMBULANCE: North Cotswold division of the St John Ambulance has announced that Mrs Sally Earnshaw of Lower Slaughter has accepted the invitation to be the president of this division. She took up her appointment at the end of April.   more...

Pershore

LADIES' GUILD: Members of the Ladies' Guild enjoyed a talk at the beginning of their July meeting given by Father Peter about the charity Let the Children Live which he founded in Columbia, South America. Some of the slides shown brought home the full horror of the lives led by the street children, involving drugs, attacks by gangs, murders and a continuing fight against starvation. The charity has set up a home to help some of the children, providing medical treatment, food, shelter and schooling, so the need to raise funds is vital. Father Peter was thanked by the chairman and later members donated £185 for the charity.   more...

The Lenches

CLUB ANNIVERSARY: Members of the Lenches Sports Club have celebrated the first anniversary of their new facility.   more...

Hill & Moor

PARISH COUNCIL: PC John Watts was in attendance and spoke of crime in the area. There had been two recently reported burglaries in the area. In general he thought Hill and Moor represented a low crime area. The question of Neighbourhood Watch was raised and a meeting of co-ordinators will be arranged in the near future through Coun Lampard.   more...

Bredon

PARISH COUNCIL: The council met in the village hall.   more...

Firm attracts world interest

VEHICLE weighing manufacturer, Central Weighing, based on Hartlebury Trading Estate, has appointed Cliff Evans as its new UK general manager, prompted by major worldwide expansion in the sale of fixed and portable weighing systems for commercial vehicles.   more...

Trade union leads way in skills boost

THE training wing of a Kidderminster-based trade union is leading a multi-million pound project to help improve the skills of people threatened with redundancy.   more...

Words come easy to Sam

A STOURPORT boy's winning way with words has won Kemp Hospice an award for being the best charity in the Midlands.   more...

Chief's warning over budget cuts

TAX payers will have to fork out an average of £3.73 less for fire services this year after a controversial demand from Government paymasters to cut back on spending was accepted.   more...

Local rivals take glory at regatta

DESPITE not being blessed with the greatest weather, Bewdley Regatta attracted an estimated 1,000 people into the town over the weekend.   more...

Head with `clear vision' bows out

A STOURPORT middle school is being held back by difficulties in recruiting teachers, resulting in "severe staffing turbulence", Government inspectors have said.   more...

Pushing for a fairer deal

A GROUP of Kidderminster residents hope to get a better deal for producers of goods imported into the town from poor countries.   more...

Strays in need of new homes

AN impassioned plea for help has been made by a volunteer at a Wyre Forest animal rescue charity - who claims a shortage of people coming forward to provide new homes for dogs has created a crisis.   more...

Ops report is flawed - MP

A HARD-HITTING report into cancelled operations does not go far enough and should have recommended getting more services into Kidderminster Hospital to sort out the problem, Wyre Forest MP, Dr Richard Taylor, has claimed.   more...

Rat-run gate plan slammed

A STOURPORT businessman has branded a council scheme to prevent rat-running by putting a gate across the road near his firm as "a total nonsense".   more...

Threats to rural retreats

DISRUPTION to the tranquility of village life by boy racers is among issues of concern highlighted in the newly published parish plan for Upper Arley.   more...

Action pledged on toxic fumes

A LONG-awaited report demanded over toxic fumes in two busy Wyre Forest streets is finally set to be published.   more...

Axe falls on jobs at timber plant

MORE than 60 jobs are under threat with the closure of a garden timber manufacturing plant in Hartlebury.   more...

Plea to villagers to save old hall

A TIRELESS campaigner who offered to buy Cookley's rundown parish hall for £1 has pleaded with villagers to save it from the axe as "D-Day" approaches.   more...

Violent crimes on increase in region

VIOLENT crimes and sexual offences have increased in Wyre Forest, while car thefts have risen by almost a quarter, according to Government figures.   more...

Letters probe a `waste of time' by Michael Baws

SOUTH Shropshire District Council turned down an invitation from Ludlow Police to show it five suspect letters submitted in favour of the controversial retail park scheme at Foldgate Lane.   more...

Mobile help unit

A PIONEERING mobile unit packed with the latest aids, equipment and specialist advice for blind and partially sighted people, is due in Tenbury Wells next week.   more...

Dumping report sparks outrage

A NATIONAL newspaper article branding Wyre Forest District Council as the local authority area with the worst record in England for car dumping has been slammed as "totally misleading".   more...

Groups in line to get £23,000 by Jean Kingdon

VOLUNTARY groups and other organisations within the Bishop's Castle area look set to benefit from a £23,000 cash windfall.   more...

Garden cash pours in

DONATIONS to charity blossomed when a garden was opened in memory of its creator, who died recently.   more...

Birthday girl Gwynneth lives life to the full

GWYNNETH Pugh was definitely not acting her age by throwing a party - complete with marquee - to celebrate her 100th birthday.   more...

Effort to save toilets gathers pace

A CAMPAIGN to keep Tenbury's Victorian toilets open has caused a chain reaction around the town and a petition to save the Victorian building is gathering momentum.   more...

Town hogs limelight for carnival fun by Michael Baws

CLUN prepares to celebrate this weekend with a hog roast and the annual art and craft show.   more...

Waging her own war on litter

A RETIRED Kidderminster teacher is running a one-woman clean-up campaign to keep her neighbourhood tidy.   more...

Town gears up for big show

A GREAT day out for all the family is promised at Tenbury's Countryside Show.   more...

Revamp shelved Confusion over funding for scheme by Jen Green

A £180,000 revamp of Tenbury town centre has been shelved after a mix-up over funding arrangements.   more...

Game, set and trashed

IT'S game off for teenage tennis enthusiast Tom Gould after being told by Tenbury Town Council he can't renew his £15 money-saving pass to the Burgage courts because of administrative problems.   more...

DEATH STUNS BRIDE-TO-BE

THE grieving fiancee of a Kidderminster worker who died after a wall collapsed on him has told the Shuttle/Times & News of the shock and devastation created by the loss of the devoted family man she was due to marry in five weeks.   more...

Alien lands in High Street!

SHOPPERS could have been forgiven for thinking aliens had landed when a silver-clad robot skated down Worcester's High Street.   more...

End of the show

THE Big Band Show, which celebrated its fifth birthday on BBC Hereford &Worcester recently, is to be replaced by a sports show.   more...

Sir Michael will be out and about

SIR Michael Spicer, the Conservative MP for West Worcestershire, will be out and about in his constituency next month, with visits to Malvern, Pershore, Upton-upon-Severn and Shelsley Beauchamp.   more...

Positive report for health care

HEALTH care in north Worcestershire has today been described as "positive" in an independent report.   more...

Helen's a happy motorist!

n IT was all smiles when the winner of a brand new VW Polo proudly drove her prize away.   more...

Garden expert turning gaze to county

  more...

Party in the park

DROITWICH residents had a ball this week when they attended a party in the park.   more...

Major roadworks

MAJOR work on a busy Hereford road is due to start next week - but drivers and residents have been promised the least possible disruption.   more...

Lots of fun with fungi

UNUSUAL fungi growing in your home or garden could be competition winners at next year's Herefordshire Festival of Fungi.   more...

Probe into death of prisoner

INCIDENT: Police are investigating the death of a prisoner at Blakenhurst Prison, near Redditch.   more...

Sport

Cleobury charge

CLEOBURY Mortimer are still in with a shout of a top-two place in Worcestershire League Division Six.   more...

Chainwire upset

CHAINWIRE are slipping down the tight Division Five table and suffered a surprise 62-run defeat at lowly Alvechurch and Hopwood.   more...

Andys' run avalanche

ANDY Maiden and Andy Lockwood shared a 221-run opening stand for Brintons in their Division Five win over Barnards Green.   more...

Fletcher flexes his batting muscle

CUTNALL GREEN brushed aside Stone to maintain their control of the Worcestershire League Division Five table.   more...

Harris punishes Hagley bowling

MID-TABLE Cookley continued their improved form in Worcestershire League Division Two with victory over lowly Hagley.   more...

Win-less run continues for Stourport at bottom

A WYRE Forest derby presented more misery for Stourport who are yet to secure a Worcestershire League Division Two win.   more...

Run feast as Bewdley prosper

HIGH-RIDING Chaddesley Corbett were spectacularly beaten by Bewdley in a big-scoring Worcestershire League Division One derby clash.   more...

Challenge Cup returns to KVCC after 22 years

A YOUNG Kidderminster Victoria side have given their impressive season an extra boost by winning the Birmingham League Challenge Cup.   more...

Kenilworth closing on Wright's men

KIDDERMINSTER Victoria's slight four-point lead at the top of Birmingham League Division One seems set to be over-hauled this weekend.   more...

Keresley 18 Droitwich Spa 38

Saturday, November 8, 2003   more...

Droitwich Spa 17 Ledbury 8

Friday, November 21, 2003   more...

Droitwich Spa 16 Silhillians 15

Saturday, November 29, 2003   more...

Pershore 22 Droitwich Spa 0

Saturday, December 6, 2003   more...

Droitwich Spa 20 Keresley 10

Saturday, December 20, 2003   more...

Droitwich Spa 8 Old Leamingtonians 26

Saturday, January 3, 2004   more...

Southam 9 Droitwich Spa 10

Saturday, January 10, 2004   more...

Droitwich Spa 16 Stratford 13

Saturday, January 24, 2004   more...

Shipston-on-Stour 7 Droitwich Spa 5

Saturday, January 31, 2004   more...

Luctonians v Droitwich Spa - (Spa forfeited due to injuries)

Saturday, February 7, 2004   more...

Droitwich Spa 6 Old Coventrians 29

Saturday, February 14, 2004   more...

Leamington 22 Droitwich Spa 0

Saturday, February 21, 2004   more...

Silhillians 58 Droitwich Spa 0

Saturday, February 28, 2004   more...

Camp Hill 19 Droitwich Spa 18

Saturday, March 13, 2004   more...

Droitwich Spa 40 Pershore 25

Saturday, April 3, 2004   more...

Ledbury 24 Droitwich Spa 55

Saturday, April 17, 2004   more...

Droitwich Spa RFC First XV fixtures 2003/04

HOME, away   more...

Droitwich Spa RFC First XV fixtures 2004/05

HOME, away   more...

Kidderminster Harriers FC - Fixtures and results - 2004/05

Pre-season friendlies   more...

Aaron's six wicket haul sets up Tenbury win

SKIPPER, Aaron Morris took six wickets to bowl visiting Birlingham out for a modest total at Penlu. He was then backed up by the batsmen who coasted to a six-wicket win, to end a dismal four match losing sequence in Division Four of the Crusader Worcestershire County League.   more...

Carl and Emma win their own love match

The Marches ladies' rounders team played Pontesbury at Mary Webb School in Pontesbury, near Shrewsbury in what proved to be a close game with Pontesbury winning by 17 rounders to 13½.   more...

Ludlow go down after poor batting

Ludlow 163 ao Whitchurch 166 for 6   more...

Bromsgrove 47 Hereford 9

Saturday, September 6, 2003   more...

29/7/04 - Hooker agrees deal

WORCESTER Rugby Club will hope to wrap up their signing of André van Niekerk next week.   more...

Kenilworth 16 Bromsgrove 15

Saturday, September 13, 2003   more...

Bromsgrove 31 Stoneygate 9

Saturday, September 20, 2003   more...

Bromsgrove 27 Nuneaton OE 19

Saturday, September 27, 2003   more...

Aston OE 8 Bromsgrove 20

Saturday, October 4, 2003   more...

Bromsgrove 31 Newbold-on-Avon 6

Saturday, October 11, 2003   more...

Bromsgrove 45 Towcestrians 6

Saturday, October 18, 2003   more...

Stafford 17 Bromsgrove 28

Saturday, October 25, 2003   more...

Bromsgrove 46 Bedworth 12

Saturday, November 1, 2003   more...

Bromsgrove 44 Malvern 12

Saturday, November 8, 2003   more...

Bromsgrove 18 Burton 22

Saturday, November 15, 2003   more...

Stoke 18 Bromsgrove 24

Saturday, November 22, 2003   more...

Bromsgrove 22 Derby 21

Saturday, November 29, 2003   more...

Barkers Butts 22 Bromsgrove 22

Saturday, December 6, 2003   more...

Bromsgrove 66 Stoke-on-Trent 0

Saturday, December 20, 2003   more...

Malvern 8 Bromsgrove 35

Saturday, January 3, 2004   more...

Bedworth 8 Bromsgrove 34

Saturday, January 10, 2004   more...

Bromsgrove 28 Stafford 3

Saturday, January 24, 2004   more...

Newbold-on-Avon 10 Bromsgrove 19

Saturday, January 31, 2004   more...

Bromsgrove 83 Shrewsbury 0

Saturday, February 7, 2004   more...

Bromsgrove 37 Aston Old Edwardians 3

Saturday, February 14, 2004   more...

Nuneaton OE 20 Bromsgrove 26

Saturday, February 21, 2004   more...

Bromsgrove 51 Kenilworth 0

Saturday, February 28, 2004   more...

Hereford 10 Bromsgrove 42

Saturday, March 13, 2004   more...

Bromsgrove 38 Barkers Butts 5

Saturday, April 3, 2004   more...

Derby 9 Bromsgrove 10

Saturday, April 17, 2004   more...

Coming soon.....

Bromsgrove RFC facts.   more...

29/7/04 Keates rocket lands first win

HARRIERS 4, WALSALL 3   more...

29/7/04 County pride for Harriers

WORCESTER 2, HARRIERS 3   more...

29/7/04 Open day for fans

HARRIERS are encouraging their young following to come along to watch the players train on Tuesday.   more...

29/7/04 Wolves cry off

WEDNESDAY'S friendly clash with Wolves was called off by their opponents due to injury problems.   more...

29/7/04 Strike force taking shape

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers intend to hold off the challenge of a League Two rival to capture striker Iyseden Christie.   more...

01/10/03 - Don't rush Matt

BROMSGROVE RFC First XV flyhalf Matt Birch will not be rushed back into action following a potentially horrific injury.   more...

08/10/03 - Colts start with a victory

BROMSGROVE RFC Colts started their season with a 48-15 home victory over Luctonians Colts.   more...

15/10/03 - Birch out of luck

MATT Birch's luckless start to the season has gone from bad to worse after breaking his right leg.   more...

22/10/03 - Colts beaten

BROMSGROVE RFC Colts were comprehensively beaten 36-0 by Old Silhillians last Sunday.   more...

23/10/03 - Home draw

BROMSGROVE RFC First XV have been handed a home draw in next round of the Powergen Intermediate Cup.   more...

05/11/03 - Local rivals clash again

BROMSGROVE RFC First XV and Malvern will lock horns at Finstall Park this Saturday for the first time since their epic encounter on the final day of last season.   more...

12/11/03 - Result will send out shockwaves

SKIPPER Dave Clark believes Bromsgrove RFC First XV's obliteration of Malvern at Finstall Park will send shockwaves through Midlands Two West.   more...

19/11/03 - Town's crash landing

BROMSGROVE RFC First XV were brought down to earth with a bump last Saturday as Burton dumped them out of the Powergen Intermediate Cup.   more...

26/11/03 - Colts are excellent

BROMSGROVE Colts put on an excellent display to hand a workmanlike Burton side a 17-8 defeat.   more...

26/11/03 - Biggest test this season

BROMSGROVE RFC First XV face their biggest test of the season so far when they entertain unbeaten Derby at Finstall Park this Saturday.   more...

26/11/03 - Career is at an end

DEAN Ball admits he will not play rugby again after snapping his left achilles tendon.   more...

03/12/03 - Town go top with last gasp win

BROMSGROVE RFC First XV moved to the top of Midlands Two (West) with an amazing last gasp 22-21 victory against Derby at Finstall Park.   more...

10/12/03 - Colts crash out

BROMSGROVE Colts crashed out of the North Midlands Cup at the first hurdle in emphatic fashion as an outstanding Birmingham University side thrashed them 67-0 last Sunday.   more...

10/12/03 - Town held to draw

BROMSGROVE RFC First XV lost their advantage in the Midlands Two (West) title race with a rare 22-22 draw at Barkers Butts.   more...

23/12/03 - It's rout 66 for Bromsgrove

LEE Wainwright scored a hat-trick as Bromsgrove RFC First XV ran in 11 tries in demolishing Stoke-on-Trent 66-0 at Finstall Park.   more...

31/12/03 - Aiming for the double

BROMSGROVE and Droitwich Spa RFC First XVs both go in search of doubles this Saturday as the rugby season gets back in full swing.   more...

07/01/04 - Town see off rivals in style

BROMSGROVE RFC First XV completed the double over rivals Malvern with a 35-8 victory at Spring Lane.   more...

14/01/04 - Match is off

BROMSGROVE RFC First XV have been given a bye to the North Midlands Cup quarter-final after Pershore pulled out of their first round tie.   more...

Far from simple as Simon seals it

RENOWNED for devouring feasts, Simon Hollands served up one last Sunday to help steer Exhall and Wix-ford into the last four of the npower Village Cup, writes Mervyn Collins.   more...

Exhall-arating! Leaders triumph after run feast

AN AMAZING finish at Exhall underlined the home side's steely determination to claim the Cotswold Hills League Premier Division crown they narrowly missed out on last season.   more...

21/01/04 - Time off for teams

BREAKS in the fixture schedule allowed Droitwich Spa and Bromsgrove RFC First XVs to rest key players last Saturday.   more...

21/01/04 - World Cup success

PLANS are in full swing at Bromsgrove RFC as they prepare to welcome the World Cup.   more...

28/01/04 - Record goes for a `Burton'

Burton Colts 20 Bromsgrove 17   more...

12/11/03 - Spa climb into third

THREE more tries for Jamie Faulkener saw Droitwich Spa RFC First XV climb one place to third in Midlands Three West (South).   more...

19/11/03 - New website

THIS week sees the launch of a new Advertiser/Messenger website dedicated to Droitwich Spa Rugby Football Club.   more...

04/02/04 - Colts get good win

BROMSGROVE Colts bounced back from defeat to record their second highest win of the season, beating Dudley Kingswinford 39-5 at Finstall Park.   more...

19/11/03 - Star out for 12 weeks

JAMIE Faulkener has been ruled out of Droitwich Spa RFC First XV action for up to 12 weeks with ankle ligament damage.   more...

19/11/03 - Let there be floodlight

ENGLAND'S shot at World Cup rugby history against Australia this Saturday has given Droitwich Spa RFC First XV the chance to make history themselves.   more...

04/02/04 - Crowd expected for World Cup

AROUND 1,500 people are expected at Bromsgrove Rugby Club this Friday when the World Cup comes to town.   more...

26/11/03 - Spa go second

DROITWICH Spa RFC First XV have climbed up to second in Midlands Three West (South) following their latest victory.   more...

25/02/04 - Narrow loss

BROMSGROVE RFC Colts were narrowly beaten 21-20 by Bedworth at Finstall Park last Saturday.   more...

10/12/03 - Winning run finally ended

DROITWICH Spa RFC First XV's honeymoon period in Midlands Three West (South) was brought to an abrupt end with a 22-0 defeat at rivals Pershore.   more...

25/02/04 - Town out for revenge

BROMSGROVE RFC First XV aim to put the record straight this Saturday as they continue their Midland Two (West) promotion challenge.   more...

03/03/04 - Kenilworth destroyed

BROMSGROVE RFC First XV continued their push for promotion from Midlands Two (West) with an emphatic 51-0 thrashing of Kenilworth.   more...

10/03/04 - Two wins from title showdown

TWO more victories stand between Bromsgrove RFC First XV and a Midlands Two (West) title showdown with Derby next month.   more...

17/03/04 - Title decider draws closer

BROMSGROVE RFC First XV moved to within a game of a final day showdown with Derby after a 42-10 victory at Hereford.   more...

31/12/03 - Aiming for the double

BROMSGROVE and Droitwich Spa RFC First XVs both go in search of doubles this Saturday as the rugby season gets back in full swing.   more...

07/01/04 - Second home defeat of campaign

DROITWICH Spa RFC First XV started 2004 with by losing only their second home league match of the season.   more...

24/03/04 - Personnel crisis for cup

BROMSGROVE RFC First XV have a personnel crisis ahead of this Saturday's scheduled North Midlands Cup semi-final at Luctonians.   more...

31/03/04 - Club hosts teams

NEARLY 300 junior rugby players from across the region will descend on Bromsgrove this Sunday.   more...

31/03/04 - Win sets up decider

VICTORY is paramount for Bromsgrove RFC First XV this Saturday to set up a Midlands Two (West) title decider at Derby on April 17.   more...

21/01/04 - Time off for teams

BREAKS in the fixture schedule allowed Droitwich Spa and Bromsgrove RFC First XVs to rest key players last Saturday.   more...

29/7/04 - City ace to miss start of season

MARK Owen's injury-jinxed pre-seaon is set to rule him out for the start of the new campaign.   more...

21/01/04 - World Cup success

PLANS are in full swing at Bromsgrove RFC as they prepare to welcome the World Cup.   more...

07/04/04 - Ready for decider

BROMSGROVE RFC First XV have ten days to prepare for a winner takes all Midlands Two (West) title decider.   more...

21/01/04 - Captain out?

DROITWICH Spa RFC First XV could be without captain Nick Irwin for this Saturday's Midlands Three West (South) clash with Stratford-upon-Avon at the Glyn Mitchell Memorial Ground.   more...

14/04/04 - England star visits

FORMER England rugby captain Dean Richards MBE (pictured) was the guest of honour at Bromsgrove Rugby Club.   more...

04/02/04 - Crowd expected for World Cup

AROUND 1,500 people are expected at Bromsgrove Rugby Club this Friday when the World Cup comes to town.   more...

14/04/04 - Here we go again

BROMSGROVE RFC First XV are attempting to repeat history this Saturday as they head to Derby for their winner takes all Midlands Two (West) championship decider.   more...

04/02/04 - Narrow defeat at Shipston

DROITWICH Spa RFC First XV suffered a disappointing 7-5 defeat at Shipston last Saturday.   more...

21/04/04 - Champions!

MR RELIABLE Matt Birch kicked a last gasp conversion to hand Bromsgrove RFC First XV the Midlands Two (West) championship.   more...

28/04/04 - Club honour

MIDLANDS Two (West) champions Bromsgrove RFC First XV are to be honoured with a civic reception.   more...

04/02/04 - A miracle is needed

JULIAN Bailey is urging his Droitwich Spa RFC First XV to give it their best shot as they go in search of what would be a major cup upset.   more...

05/05/04 - U16s add to club joy

BROMSGROVE RFC U16s have added to the club's already successful season by winning the North Midlands Cup.   more...

11/02/04 - Injuries force Bailey's hand

AN INJURY crisis forced Droitwich Spa First XV to forfeit their place in the North Midlands Cup.   more...

05/05/04 - Clark wants second chance

CAPTAIN Dave Clark (pictured) is hoping he will get the chance to lead Bromsgrove RFC First XV in their Midlands One campaign next season.   more...

25/02/04 - More injuries

INJURIES again played their part as Droitwich Spa RFC First XV were beaten 22-0 at Leamington.   more...

19/05/04 - Three to Twickenham

THREE players from Bromsgrove RFC First XV will make their Twickenham debuts after reaching a final with North Midlands.   more...

03/03/04 - No surprise at Spa thrashing

DROITWICH Spa RFC's director of rugby Julian Bailey believes his First XV's 58-0 thrashing at Silhillians was no surprise given the club's injury crisis.   more...

26/05/04 - Twickenham debuts

THREE players from Bromsgrove RFC First XV will play at Twickenham for the first time this Saturday.   more...

10/03/04 - Spa to finish with a bang

DROITWICH Spa RFC First XV are looking to finish the season off in style by winning their remaining games.   more...

02/06/04 - North Mids win shield

NORTH Midlands won the Tetley's County Shield with a 58-5 win over Eastern Counties at Twickenham.   more...

17/03/04 - Last gasp kick costly for Spa

DROITWICH Spa RFC First XV turned in a good performance despite losing 19-18 at Camp Hill with the last kick of the game.   more...

16/06/04 - Clubs can start campaign plans

IT may only be two months since Bromgrove RFC First XV's dramatic title victory at Derby but already the new fixtures have been released.   more...

24/03/04 - Spa have a break

DROITWICH Spa RFC First XV are aiming to take advantage of a three-week break ahead of their final home match of the season.   more...

23/06/04 - Baxter gets replaced

THE North Midlands RFU have appointed Ben Waterhouse as one of the region's new rugby development officers.   more...

31/03/04 - U8s win title

THE U8s team from Droitwich Spa Rugby Club destroyed all in its path to win the St Mary's Tournament in Bristol last Sunday.   more...

31/03/04 - Spa's pride on the line

LOCAL pride is at stake this Saturday as Droitwich Spa RFC First XV host Pershore in their last home game of the season.   more...

14/04/04 - Final match for Spa

DROITWICH Spa RFC First XV play their final match of the season this Saturday away at Ledbury.   more...

21/04/04 - Poke scores four

STEVE Poke was the star of the show as Droitwich Spa RFC First XV ended their Midlands Three West (South) campaign on a high with a 55-24 victory at Ledbury.   more...

28/04/04 - Cup tie

DROITWICH Spa RFC First XV play their traditional end of season Jack Andrews Cup match with Worcester Wanderers at home this Saturday.   more...

05/05/04 - Spa retain trophy

DROITWICH Spa RFC First XV retained the Jack Andrews Cup with a 37-0 victory in their traditional end of season fixture with Worcester Wanderers.   more...

19/05/04 - Fidoe is player of year

JOHN Fidoe has been named as Droitwich Spa RFC's First XV player of the year.   more...

02/06/04 - Matt gets the nod

MATT Blackmore has realised his dream of becoming Droitwich Spa RFC First XV captain.   more...

16/06/04 - Crawford in Canada

DROITWICH Spa rugby star Nicky Crawford was part of the England Women's team that won 39-11 against hosts Canada in the Churchill Cup last Saturday.   more...

16/06/04 - Clubs can start campaign plans

IT may only be two months since Bromgrove RFC First XV's dramatic title victory at Derby but already the new fixtures have been released.   more...

23/06/04 - England lose crown

DROITWICH Spa-based rugby star Nicky Crawford has endured a heavy defeat in Canada.   more...

Julian Bailey

Director of rugby   more...

Droitwich Spa RFC First XV 2003/04

  more...

Dave Clark

Club captain   more...

Dave Wilkinson

Joint Director of coaching   more...

Dean Ball

Director of coaching   more...

29/7/04 - Kadeer sparkles

KADEER Ali blasted a double century on the first day of Worcestershire's Second XI Championship clash against Somerset.   more...

29/7/04 - Ton-up Taylor thwarts County

CHRIS Taylor scored his third and most important century of the summer as he rescued Gloucestershire at the Cheltenham Festival.   more...

Bromsgrove RFC First XV 2003/04

  more...

Briggs, Bradford the star players

AFTER even opening exchanges in the Wild Cats v Campbells' Worcester City Netball League Division Four fixture, Campbells were able to develop a seven point margin by the end of the first quarter.   more...

Caroline keeps Cotswold title

BRADLEY Green-based show jumper Caroline Webley has retained her Cots-wold Derby title at the Cheltenham Horse Show, the country's biggest one day equestrian show.   more...

Big-hitting postman delivers the goods

ONE man run machine Neil Fletcher has scooped yet another batsman of the week award following his 165 not out for Cutnall Green.   more...

Clarke grabs centre stage

BIT-part bowler Jez Clarke has spun himself into contention for a regular call-up with a career best 8-39.   more...

Kadeer sparkles

KADEER Ali blasted a double century on the first day of Worcestershire's Second XI Championship clash against Somerset.   more...

Hooker agrees deal

WORCESTER Rugby Club will hope to wrap up their signing of André van Niekerk next week.   more...

City ace to miss start of season

MARK Owen's injury-jinxed pre-seaon is set to rule him out for the start of the new campaign.   more...

Ton-up Taylor thwarts County

CHRIS Taylor scored his third and most important century of the summer as he rescued Gloucestershire at the Cheltenham Festival.   more...

Winners' medals

VIC Colts picked up their gold medal for romping away with the Cleobury Mortimer Sports Centre Adult Five-a-side League.   more...

Girls' team head separate ways

A TEAM'S hopes of progressing to an U-19s Saturday league have been scuppered.   more...

Mostyn feel at home

MOSTYN Rangers U-13s' two teams were winners and runners-up in their own annual five-a-side contest.   more...

Ferndale search

GIRLS are being invited to take up football for the new season with Kidderminster-based Ferndale who also need team managers.   more...

Golden goals

GOLDEN Balls were the Kidderminster Six-a-side League top scorers on Monday when they thrashed Hi-tea not Athletic 11-2.   more...

BLACK BOY AC

MATCH, Sunday: J Hall 17-11, A Fletcher 15-11, G Yeomans 14-13.   more...

WAGGON & HORSES AC

WELLFIELD, Meaton Pool: B Edwards 28-4, S Walton 17-6, H Sidebottom 16-3.   more...

REGENT AC

SUNDAY'S contest will take place on the River Avon at Wood Norton.   more...

OLD BEAR AC

NORDLEY Pool 2: M Rowe 7-0, C Price 6-5, G Birch 5-15.   more...

Droitwich Spa RFC facts

Club founded: 1972   more...

TOMKINSONS AC

A CONTEST will be held on Sunday on BAA Nordley Pool 3, draw at 8am at the venue.   more...

WOODWARD GROSVENORS AC

HAMPTON Loade 3, BAA: K Green 2-14, S Campbell 2-11.5, R Campbell 1-14, D Saunders 0-5, A Kimber 0-3.5.   more...

GILT EDGE AC

WINTERDYNE, Bewdley 73-98: John Gale 4-3, Frank Guest 3-13, Kevin Haycock 2-13.   more...

HETA AC

A MATCH will be held at Broadheath on the Ash Pool on Sunday with a 7am draw.   more...

KIDDERMINSTER & DISTRICT AA

KDAA Pool: 1 Trevor Wills, 2 Mick Millinchip, 3 Eric Coates.   more...

LYTTELTON AA VETERANS

ROUND four, two pools, points divided, top pool: Stan James 61-3, Jim Gould 25-6, Roy Conde 9-14; bottom pool: Bob Knight 19-2, Ian Tetsall 9-4, Brian Hill 8-3.   more...

FURNACE MILL FISHERY

GOLDEN Maggot's Warren Jennings won the Sunday Open, using worm mainly to land a catch of 71lb 13oz.   more...

WILLOW MARSH

ALL pools have provided excellent sport with a individual carp to 25lb taken.   more...

SHATTERFORD FISHERY

ON the Wyre Dell trout lake, five rainbows to 2lb fell to a shrimp imitation, while two rainbows to 3lb were taken on the Stella with a black tadpole.   more...

POOLE HALL

THERE have been good results on all waters throughout the week with weights varying from 17lb to 68lb.   more...

Town man stars at Moorlands

KIDDERMINSTER'S Adam Toal won the Wednesday Evening contest at Moorlands Farm with the week's biggest catch of 137lb 10oz of fish.   more...

Bromsgrove RFC First XV fixtures 2003/04

HOME, away   more...

Bromsgrove RFC First XV fixtures 2004/05

HOME, away   more...

Campaign ends

CHESS: Kidderminster teams had mixed results as the fixtures came to a close for another season.   more...

Time to register

DARTS: The Banks's Bewdley League hold their annual meeting on Tuesday.   more...

Craig's ready

HOCKEY: Former Stourport player and current coach Craig Parnham is limbering up for the Olympics with Great Britain.   more...

Bow's aim is true

GOLF: Val Bow was the winner of the July Medal at Wyre Forest ladies' section.   more...

Viney victory

GOLF: Charles Tilling and David Thorpe won the Viney Cup at Kidderminster, played as a four-ball betterball medal.   more...

Terrific Tommy

GOLF: Tommy Robinson clinched the Bewdley Pines Championship which was held over two days.   more...

Ex-boxers take their best swing

GOLF: The Fen Tiger went wild at Little Lakes Golf Club as the Midlands Ex-Boxers Association held a fundraising tournament.   more...

Amazing duo's gruelling tests

ATHLETICS: Amazing Feet athletes have been through several weeks of real endurance.   more...

Cooper catches the eye in league meet

ATHLETICS: Samantha Cooper was given overall female athlete of the match for her performance in the Young Athletes League.   more...

Kelly bags more gold

JUDO: Kelly Edwards was on form again with a gold medal in the Kent International Open at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.   more...

STOURPORT'S ENGLISH HOCKEY LEAGUE PREMIER TWO FIXTURES 2004/05

September   more...

Bicycle Bill's busy season

CYCLING: Bill Picton just keeps improving with a season's best time in the National 100-mile Time Trial Championships on Sunday.   more...

Franche add a twist to run-in

BOWLS: Franche A intend to make sure St Johns A's Kidderminster and District Mid-week League Division One title run-in is anything but simple.   more...

Stourport are trophy kings

ROWING: Sunday's rain failed to dampen spirits at a successful Bewdley Regatta which attracted more than 500 crews from across the country.   more...

Cricket fixtures

SATURDAY (1.30pm unless stated)   more...

Honours board

BATTING TOP 10   more...

Town inflict Lye's first loss in final

THE Stainweld League Wednesday Senior Cup final saw Kidderminster Victoria condemn Lye Town to their first defeat of the season.   more...

KVCC cruise to Sunday success

KIDDERMINSTER Victoria surged into the Worcester Sunday League top three at the weekend.   more...

Fabulous fifths

A SUPERB 133-run victory netted Kidderminster Victoria fifths 24 Worcestershire League Division Seven points.   more...

Badsey upstaged

FIFTH-placed Cutnall Green seconds shocked promotion-chasing Badsey with a seven-wicket win in Worcestershire League Division Six.   more...

Swifts

29/7/04 Quest for places at Swifts

DAVE Titterton takes his Stourport Swifts side into four friendlies in six days with the message: "Every shirt is up for grabs".   more...

29/7/04 Subs intervene

STOURPORT Swifts opened their pre-season programme with a 4-2 win at West Midlands League team Bromyard.   more...

  
Restrict search to 29 July 2004