Stories for 5 August 2005

Leisure

Hot gospel is mixing it with jazz and Elgar

THE smooth sounds of jazz will be coming together with the strains of classical music as new life is breathed into a traditional festival in Worcester.   more...

THE NEW SINGLE SHOULD RING A BELL, OR TWO

MUSIC'S noisiest two-piece act returns with My Doorbell, their second single from latest player Get Behind Me Satan.   more...

Newer blood is injected into band

A PROMISING Worcester group who started life as a blues band and morphed into a rock outfit are set to take to the stage at Worcester's Marr's Bar tonight.   more...

What's on

Theatre August   more...

Shout for Boy and see who arrives with the bubbly

August, according to Fleet Street legend is the silly season. So, this week I'm letting my hair down - just a little. My excuse: a jolly champagne tasting given by Chris Connolly the other evening in Birmingham. This was followed by an enjoyable dinner at the Bucklemaker for some 30 of us.   more...

Join the crowd

AN outdoor production of Far From the Madding Crowd will be performed at the Three Counties Showground on Wednesday (August 10).   more...

Be a part of history...

AUDITIONS are being held next week for the first production at Malvern Theatre Players' newly-completed Coach House studio theatre.   more...

Alcohol-free Chardonnay

SHE'S best known for playing Chardonnay in TVs Footballers Wives, but unlike her most famous character, actress Susie Amy doesn't drink.   more...

Wonka-mania

JOHNNY Depp stars as Willy Wonka in Tim Burton's new version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (PG), Roald Dahl's much-loved children's book. The film, which also features Helena Bonham Carter, James Fox and Christopher Lee, is showing at Malvern Cinema for a week from today (Friday) daily at 3pm and 7.30pm.   more...

Whats on at your local theatre

  more...

CONCERTS IN AND AROUND WORCESTER

September 10   more...

Gig Guide

TONIGHT   more...

Exhibitions in and around Worcester

Today   more...

Events taking place in and around Worcester

Tonight   more...

An Idol day in Black Country

BLEACHED blond 80s star Billy Idol is set to stop off in the Black Country later this year.   more...

Bands' track plea

STOURBRIDGE sludge and rollers Godsize are urging fans to vote for their track Scumblood - which graces the cover CD of the latest Terrorizer Magazine.   more...

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory AMC Broadway Plaza. Review by Paul Jenkins

This current smash hit movie sees Tim Burton stamping his unique mark on the classic Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, a film that rightly became a classic.   more...

Celebration band

CELEBRATION Reed and Brass Band plays in Priory Park, Malvern, on Sunday (August 7) between 2.30pm and 4.30pm as part of Malvern Town Council's Bands in the Park series.   more...

Abbey date

AN Abbey Jazz night takes place on Sunday, August 14, at Malvern Rugby Club.   more...

Hills Singers add their voices to Three Choirs

THE Hills Singers will be performing Songs of Honour, Love and Praise as part of the Three Choirs Festival Fringe next week.   more...

Lloyd Webber is back in Malvern

ONE of the leading cello players of our time is performing in Malvern later this month.   more...

Daisy, Daisy...

Scarlett Johnson has left Albert Square for high society in 1880s America. Now that much mocked Yankee drawl can at last be put to good use. Emma Cullwick reports   more...

Put your skates on for a dash of magic

THE first ever UK tour of the hugely popular musical Starlight Express is to include a stint at a Midland theatre.   more...

centre stage

AS you read this, it is the eve of the Worcester Festival. Nearly a year of work and planning is about to come to fruition.   more...

ROUND-UP: FROM RABBIT TO A RUSTIC HOT PLOT

Popular veteran musicians Chas and Dave will be making their debut performance at Malvern Theatres tonight.   more...

Are you a winner?

* (I) indicates Internet entries.   more...

The 39 steps Review: Malvern Theatres

Superb acting and an ingenious use of props makes the West Yorkshire Playhouse's production of The 39 Steps thoroughly enjoyable.   more...

Picasso meets Beck?

Joseph Arthur Birmingham Glee Club   more...

Wonderful night out

QUARRY Bank Operatic Society thespians are busy rehearsing for the forthcoming Midlands premiere of Wonderful Town.   more...

Art at village hall

THE Worcestershire Society of Botanical Artists is holding its annual exhibition of floral art at Storridge Village Hall.   more...

Pleasant surprise

The Ancient Men, from Fairford, Gloucestershire, entertained a surprised Priory Park audience on Tuesday (August 2).   more...

Back in Malvern

ACCLAIMED artist Alan King returns to Malvern with a new exhibition on Monday (August 8).   more...

Memorial concert

A FUNDRAISING concert for the Worcestershire Association of the Blind is being held in Malvern next week.   more...

Flowers and gardens

ARTIST Angela Christopher is exhibiting work at the Malvern Hills Gallery.   more...

No standing still for steam rally

VISITORS flocked to Welland as the 41st annual steam rally chugged into action.   more...

Boys join the dance craze

Children cartwheeled, forward rolled and shimmied their way through a week of dance workshops at the Malvern Theatres.   more...

Embroiderers to join show

MALVERN embroiderers will be among those exhibiting work as part of Worcester's Three Choirs Festival. The Worcester branch of the Embroiderers Guild will show contemporary and traditional work from 10am to 4pm tomorrow (Saturday) to August 12 at 4 College Green, King's School, Worcester.   more...

Bring along your own rock

THE mysteries of the Earth's past will be revealed at Eastnor Castle later this month.   more...

News

Couple are connecting to a future in telecoms

A WORCESTER-based company has launched a product that promises to save the telecoms industry hundreds of thousands of pounds.   more...

Sigh of relief as interest rate is reduced

BUSINESSES and homeowners breathed a sigh of relief yesterday as the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee lowered interest rates by a quarter point at its 100th meeting.   more...

Business Link's expansion help

FIRMS considering new areas of business are being urged to take a look at the package on offer next month from Business Link West Mercia.   more...

BUSINESS BRIEF

Ship transfer   more...

- What it's really like being a Muslim in Worcester after July 7 - Town is suprised by marina's quiet sell-off - Couple's relief as their bungalow gets all-clear - We found these old bones as we dug at build site - Ace Shoaib tears apart Northants -   more...

I'm going hula crazy!

IT'S a tough challenge, but one young Worcester boy has taken it up with vigour.   more...

Echoes from the Past

100 years ago   more...

Opening of archway was historic occasion

THE historic announcement that the Abbey Archway was to be opened to the public was made in the Gazette 25 years ago.   more...

Servant's lot was not a happy one

Gazette columnist Ariel tackled a social question in his column a century ago when he published a letter signed "Domestic Servant".   more...

Heath acted on orders of his American masters

UKIP may see Edward Heath as a `traitor' for joining us into the Common Market but I doubt if he had much choice.   more...

It's time to draw a halt

P C Thompson (Worcester News, Wednesday, July 27) is quite correct in saying there was never a "Henwick Halt."   more...

Wonderful WODYS

I WOULD like to congratulate the WODYS on their excellent performance of the musical Les Miserables at the Swan Theatre.   more...

Novel is first for man, 93

AFTER a quarter of a century of writing and research, Malvern's Harold Nottridge has had his first novel published . . . at the age of 93.   more...

Thirsty times ahead as pubs face closure

MORE than 100 pubs, clubs, restaurants and other venues in the Malvern Hills area could be forced to shut unless licensees act very quickly.   more...

Medal for tsunami fundraiser

A Bromyard restaurateur who raised thousands of pounds for charity will receive a special medal from the Thai royal family.   more...

Care unit is great facility

facilities to look after people with dementia have been created in Bromyard, thanks to a £140,000 refurbishment project.   more...

Safety lesson scares leader

SPEEDING traffic left a Cub leader terrified for the safety of the young people in his care.   more...

Mum beats dyslexia to finish top of class

A Malvern mum has beaten dyslexia to pass 13 exams . . . 20 years after leaving school,   more...

Opinion

ITS chairman David Barlow regularly exhorts our readers to stop criticising and have faith in South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust and its ability to eventually deliver the new hospital Malvern desperately needs and wants.   more...

A little inspiration!

A Ledbury teenager has been inspired by his little brother to launch a fundraising drive to help kidney patients.   more...

Scientist was a `character'

PEOPLE in Colwall are mourning the death of a talented scientist who worked on the Hubble space telescope.   more...

Finding fun in toughest of tests

FOR a child, the Young Malvern activity scheme must be about as close as you can get to paradise.   more...

Move could save lives

Charges could be waived at Gullet Quarry car park on busy days in a bid to save lives.   more...

Boozy youths cause trouble

YOUTHS drinking alcohol, starting fires and damaging plants in Rosebank Gardens, Malvern, have angered nearby residents.   more...

Teeing off for tusnami pair

A MEMORIAL golf day will be held in memory of John and Annie Hofton, who died in the Boxing Day tsunami.   more...

Church in line for top award

The village church at Welland has reached the final of a national competition.   more...

Event axed over mix-up

A RUGBY training camp due to be held on Monday and Tuesday this week was cancelled, leaving youngsters disappointed.   more...

Alex off to land of ice and fire

AN Upton woman will take up the challenge of a lifetime as she treks across Iceland in memory of her grandmother.   more...

Accident thanks

Please could you pass on my gratitude to all those who stopped to help me following the accident on Chances Pitch on Friday, July 8.   more...

Closure rear faces church

LACK of funding means one of Malvern's landmark churches could face closure.   more...

Give them a wave

Traffic through the town of Upton-upon-Severn can quite often get congested. It does not help that parking in the High Street obstructs the flow of traffic coming into Upton from the Hanley Castle direction.   more...

Set-back in school campaign

Only one child out of 31 in the catchment area for Malvern Hills Primary School has applied for a place at the school in September.   more...

A sense of fun

May I, on behalf of Russ and Kym, say a big thank you to all those who sponsored, supported and joined them in their 10 hour "Dance-athon" on July 16.   more...

House price revaluation set to push up council tax

MALVERN Hills residents could face a substantial rise in council tax in 2007, following a government revaluation of house prices.   more...

Necklace lost

Last week while on holiday in the area, I lost a gold necklace, probably at Eastnor or Ross-on-Wye.   more...

Hospital may depend on private partner

MALVERN will not get a new hospital unless a private company develops part of the Seaford Court site for its own benefit.   more...

No cash for flag

Since the London bombings, the national press has been asking us to fly the union flag.   more...

Late night shock

I would very much like to respond to Myra Holliday (Your Letters, July 22) concerning the inappropriateness of the very loud bangs caused by Malvern College's late night fireworks display, on the night after the London bombings. Perhaps, we all could have slept less anxiously in our beds if we had been forewarned this event was taking place.   more...

Cathy beats cancer and stays a winner

GOLFER Cathy Harris is on top of the world after beating her opponents - and breast cancer - to win a prestigious trophy for the third consecutive year.   more...

150 not enough?

I note (Malvern Gazette, July 29) that parish councillor Brian Willcock's efforts to find out what the hard-done-by youths of Malvern Wells wanted from the council drew a 100 per cent blank at a special meeting to solve this "crisis". Perhaps his meeting at the football field by the Peachfield Road common will be better attended on August 10.   more...

Toast the town

Malvern Hills Brewery has been getting into the spirit of Malvern Pride Week by creating a special beer to mark the occasion.   more...

Raise a glass

ON Saturday, August 6, peace activists will once again gather in Malvern to mark the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. But, that day I will raise my glass and celebrate an event which saved the lives of thousands, including that of one 20-year-old British soldier then in the Far East, giving him an added life bonus of some 60 odd years!   more...

Threat to plans for health centre

A new health centre at the district council's depot site, off Pickersleigh Road, may not go ahead because of a row over financing.   more...

On thin ice

Your correspondent B Robinson (Your Letters, July 22) mounts an astonishing attack on Hanley Swan merely because he attended a fete in Guarlford.   more...

Benefit from link

Our thanks go to the captain and crew of HMS Ledbury for all the support they continue to give Ledbury.   more...

Sacrificed for peanuts

Clive Smith (Your Letters, July 15) was wrong to accuse John Wilcox (Your Letters, July 8) of being "belligerent and bellicose".   more...

Pleased to hear your views

AS a former resident of Malvern Wells and a witness to part of the   more...

Upton news in brief . . .

n UPTON Library manager Jenny Ross and her partner John Turberfield are exhibiting photographs at the library until the end of August. Taken locally and abroad, these feature buildings, flowers and views, among other things. At 11.30am on Tuesday, August 16, a Punch and Judy show will be given at the library by Prof Guy Higgins.   more...

Boot sale on field

A CAR boot sale takes place on Upton Sports Field on Sunday, August 14, from 11am to 4pm. Proceeds will go to the Water Festival.   more...

Radio star at opening

LOUIZA Patikas, who plays Helen Archer in The Archers, will open a special event at Clive's Fruit Farm in Upton.   more...

Ready to have a ball?

UPTON youngsters are invited to a day of paint-balling by the town's Rural Safety Initiative.   more...

Work to start on church roof

WORK to re-roof the south side of St Gabriel's Church in Hanley Swan is due to start on Monday (August 8).   more...

1,000 flock to farmers' stalls

NEARLY 1,000 people flocked to Upton last Saturday to snap up local produce at a farmers' market.   more...

We found these old bones as we dug at build site

HUMAN remains from the middle ages have been found near a Worcester college.   more...

Couple's relief as their bungalow gets all-clear

A COUPLE building their dream bungalow in Powick, near Worcester, are relieved after being told it will not have to be knocked down.   more...

Town is surprised by marina's quiet sell-off

THE marina at Upton-upon-Severn has new owners.   more...

Group formed to help Kurds settle

A WELFARE group has been created to help Kurdish people settle in Worcester.   more...

Need to embrace all faiths

THE horrific actions of July 7 have had consequences far beyond the tragic deaths of 56 innocent people in London.   more...

West Malvern Correspondent: Colin Jackson Tel: 01684 577604

Tomorrow (Saturday), more than 50 paintings and drawings will be on display in the elegant surroundings of the Red Cross home at Adelaide House, off Park Road. Art at Adelaide has been organised by the Friends of Adelaide House, a group of local ladies who visit, provide company and small comforts and lay on occasional events and outings for the elderly residents of the home.   more...

WELLINGTON HEATH CORRESPONDENT: Mrs P Jacobs Tel: 01531 634941

Parish Plan - don't forget to put Saturday, September 17 in your diary for the questionnaire party at the Memorial Hall.   more...

Welland Correspondent: Stephen Try Tel: 01684 310068

The Friends of Welland are putting on a Welland fun day on Spittalfields tomorrow (Saturday). Fun and competitions for all the family - barbecue, stalls, skittles, children's races, raffle, tombola, beat-the-goalie, shoot-the-hoop, bouncy castle and dog demonstrations.   more...

STAUNTON CORRESPONDENT: Ursula Groves Smith Tel: 01452 840273

It's been a busy and exciting week being privileged to play a very small part in the Glorious Gloucestershire Flower Festival at Gloucester Cathedral, although it has been a long time in the planning. This festival gave the opportunity for every parish in the diocese to take part and 122 of them did.   more...

POWICK CORRESPONDENT: Mr M Allsopp Tel: 01905 830746

Powick Parish Hall and Powick Playing Field Association are jointly organising an outdoor barn dance on the car park on Saturday, August 13, from 8pm till midnight. Dancing will be to the live band The Whole Caboodle (folk, blues band) with a caller. There is a bar, barbecue and raffle. Entry is £7 (reduced rate for children). If wet, the dance will be in the hall. For tickets, ring Roger Gurney (01905 830756) Jim Allsopp (01905 830746) or any committee member.   more...

Cradley Correspondent: N G Holden

A Coffee morning will be held at Cradley Post Office and Stores on Tuesday, August 16, in aid of the Evergreen Over-60's Society. The event will last from 10am to noon. Tombola, plants, cakes and produce and a raffle will also be available. Everyone is welcome to come along.   more...

CORSE CORRESPONDENT: Ursula Groves Smith Tel: 01452 840273

At a recent meeting of Corse Parish Council, Coun Michael Bradbury, representing Staunton Parish Council, expressed disquiet at the Corse signposting at Staunton Cross.   more...

COLWALL CORRESPONDENT: Mrs P Hockett Tel: 01684 564872

Story-time for the under-fives will be continuing at Colwall Library over the summer, on alternate Tuesdays from 11am to 11.30am. The next date will be August 9. There will also be children's activities on Wednesday, August 10, from 10.30am to 11.30am. Further information and tickets for activities are available from the library on 540642.   more...

We can be faithful to the city and Islam

Muslims make up the largest minority religious group in Worcester - but how have they been affected in these troubled times? Reporter Sundeep Kumar finds out what it means to be a follower of Islam in the city.   more...

After 30 years of writing, Terry Coy finally has a novel in print. Shame his local bookshop doesn't

LIKE many an aspiring novelist, Terry Coy has had his fair share of publishers' rejection slips.   more...

New group is set up to support lido

RESIDENTS in Droitwich are being urged to join a new community group to support the town's saltwater lido and the surrounding area.   more...

If helpers aren't found, boat fiesta will be sunk

THE annual Water Festival in Upton-upon-Severn is in danger of being cancelled unless volunteers can be found to organise it.   more...

Cancer survivor welcomes screening

A DROITWICH man who survived bowel cancer has welcomed a new drive to help beat the disease.   more...

City told to pay neighbour for plans blunder

WORCESTER City Council has been ordered to pay £750 to a city resident and review its procedures and practices after the Local Government Ombudsman found maladministration over a planning issue.   more...

Can anyone help at the hall?

THE National Trust is looking for volunteers to help run the 18th-Century Hanbury Hall, near Droitwich.   more...

Help make a giant frog or stickleback

CITY rangers are hoping arty youngsters will help them create Worcester's biggest-ever outdoor wildlife painting and collage.   more...

Club's new look and new name

A POPULAR Worcester nightspot is preparing to sparkle in the city following a major refurbishment and a change of name.   more...

Farewell to victims of Tube bomb

HUNDREDS of mourners are expected to attend a joint funeral service in Ledbury this afternoon for the devoted Herefordshire couple killed in the London Tube bomb blasts.   more...

Dancers take capital by storm to win award

THE principal of a dance school certainly had a spring in her step after being presented with a prestigious award.   more...

Sport

5/8/05 - Great catch ruled out

LONDON Beer Monsters were the visitors to Eastnor on Sunday for a 35-over match.   more...

5/8/05 - Paceman's four-wicket blast turns the game

Devizes v Colwall II   more...

5/8/05 - Besgrove's 70 gives Malvern the edge

Malvern II v Cookley II   more...

5/8/05 - Nomads' fast scoring

Harborne v Worcester Nomads II   more...

5/8/05 - Bowlers make most of the fall of the coin

Stone v Barnards Green Singles   more...

5/8/05 - Youngsters too strong

Worcestershire CCC U-10s v Oxfordshire Young Cricketers U-10s   more...

5/8/05 - Century of scalps for Zahid

Coombs Wood v Bromyard   more...

5/8/05 - Goodman's knock is underpinned by fine fielding

Barnards Green II v Hagley   more...

5/8/05 - Defeat by four wickets

Netherton v Nomads III   more...

5/8/05 - Game is turned by umpire's call

It's been a busy and exciting week being privileged to play a very small part in the Glorious Gloucestershire Flower Festival at Gloucester Cathedral, although it has been a long time in the planning. This festival gave the opportunity for every parish in the diocese to take part and 122 of them did.   more...

5/8/05 - Bowlers simply run out of time

Hagley v Barnards Green I   more...

5/8/05 - Flying the flag

STORRIDGE'S Harry Solven was the top British sailor at the Formula Youth World Windsurfing Championship.   more...

5/8/05 - Ace Shoaib tears apart Northants

STEPHEN Moore believed a touch of inspiration was all Worcestershire needed to step out of their County Championship doldrums -- step forward Shoaib Akhtar.   more...

5/8/05 - Russell chip sums up win

A SUBLIME Simon Russell goal illustrated the gulf in class as Kidderminster Harriers eased to a 5-0 win at Evesham United in last night's pre-season friendly.   more...

5/8/05 - Record breaker

The clock was turned back at the Centennial Prize Shoot organised by Malvern Archers, on the same Malvern College field where the 1904 Grand National Archery Meeting was held.   more...

5/8/05 - Key to victory is consistency

CATHY Harris retained the Club Champion's Salver with a consistently accomplished display at Worcestershire Golf Club.   more...

5/8/05 - Twice as fast

Brian Boswell produced the fastest solo time in Velo Club Sevale's 10-mile time trial on the Chance Lane circuit.   more...

5/8/05 - Olympian in great form at festival

CORSE-based Olympian Carl Hester was a dominant figure at the inaugural Festival of Dressage, hosted by Hartpury College.   more...

Ladies to play in national league

MALVERN'S first all-women rugby team are set for their national league debut in September.   more...

Olympian to lead challenge

OLYMPIC gold medalist Leslie Law leads the local challenge at this weekend's Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe.   more...

Rovers boss continues his striker search

BROMSGROVE Rovers boss Jimmy Mullen admitted the search goes on for a prolific marksman ahead of the new Southern League Division One West campaign.   more...

New signings are set for cup final

HEREFORD United are set to give competitive debuts to new signings Andy Ferrell and Graham Evans tomorrow.   more...

Russell chip sums up win

A SUBLIME Simon Russell goal illustrated the gulf in class as Kidderminster Harriers eased to a 5-0 win at Evesham United in last night's pre-season friendly.   more...

Coach Eddy ready to better skill level

WORCESTER Warriors' new head coach Anthony Eddy this week revealed his mission at Sixways is to improve the playing standard -- not to revolutionise the team's style of rugby.   more...

Sheppard departs before final friendly

WORCESTER City trialist Chad Sheppard is expected to sign for Willenhall Town.   more...

Ace Shoaib tears apart Northants

STEPHEN Moore believed a touch of inspiration was all Worcestershire needed to step out of their County Championship doldrums -- step forward Shoaib Akhtar.   more...

5/8/05 - Draws are made for cup competitions

THE draw for cup competitions have been announced by Worcestershire Football Association.   more...

5/8/05 - Coach Eddy ready to better skill level

WORCESTER Warriors' new head coach Anthony Eddy this week revealed his mission at Sixways is to improve the playing standard -- not to revolutionise the team's style of rugby.   more...

5/8/05 - Upton's new head coach praises `simple game'

UPTON RFC will start its next campaign with a new head coach, Nat Kelsey.   more...

5/8/05 - Sheppard departs before final friendly

WORCESTER City trialist Chad Sheppard is expected to sign for Willenhall Town.   more...

5/8/05 - Single goal seals game

Cannock Chase Reserves 1 Malvern Town Reserves 0   more...

5/8/05 - Shepherd double in fluent display

Tividale 0, Malvern Town 5   more...

  
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