Stories for 15 September 2005

Leisure

Talented musicians in parish music line-up

PARISH Music in the Beckford Group of Churches starts the new series of concerts on Saturday, September 24, in Teddington Church.   more...

Pub night

A GROUP bringing single people together is holding its next get-together in Kidderminster on Tuesday.   more...

Full steam ahead for rail show

STEAM in the 50s is the title of the show for the next meeting of Kidderminster Railway Circle.   more...

Rousing time for all at major fund-raiser

ONE of the most rousing events in Wyre Forest's social calendar returns next month when Music For You is staged for the 24th year running, at Kidderminster Town Hall.   more...

New concerts will celebrate hall's anniversary

KIDDERMINSTER Choral Society will continue its celebration of the town hall's 150th anniversary with a new series of concerts.   more...

Monday night jazz returns

ALL that jazz has returned to the Aggborough Suite in Kidderminster with the resumption of what is thought to be the longest running trad jazz club in the town.   more...

Ambitious series of youth concerts

YOUTH will be given its head when junior members of Kidderminster Choral Society perform an ambitious series of concerts during their new season.   more...

Bands given chance to showcase talents

HISTORY is set to repeat itself when a new generation of bands are given the same sort of platform to showcase their talents that helped launch Robert Plant to superstardom.   more...

Plea for singers

NEW members are being invited to add their voices to Bewdley Choral Society's rehearsals for the group's new season.   more...

Singing to aid charity

MEMBERS of Kidderminster Male Choir teamed up with their counterparts in Tenby for a joint concert during a week-long tour of south west Wales.   more...

New track is unveiled

KIDDERMINSTER-based pop band, the Murmur, have unveiled a new track exclusively online and have Midlands gigs coming up over the next two months.   more...

Award-winning pianist at library

WORKS by Debussy and Ravel will be played by award-winning concert pianist, Christopher Langdown, in the next Live at the Library event in Kidderminster later this month.   more...

Talented five offer jazz, funk and blues

SHARK Attack will be hoping to make jaws drop with the quality of their musicianship when they play at the Queen's Head, Wolverley tomorrow night.   more...

Artist's work blossoming

AN exhibition in Stratford-upon-Avon is gathering together local and national artists reflecting the beauty of our English gardens on a large scale.   more...

Drama, comedy and music at new season

A VARIED bill of drama, comedy, music and children's entertainment is lined up for the forthcoming season at The Rose in Kidderminster.   more...

TV star Ian will share anecdotes

DAD'S Army to EastEnders and everything in between during a packed acting career will be highlighted in An Audience with Ian Lavender at this year's Bewdley Festival.   more...

Tasty celebration of global cuisine

ROYAL MAIL has issued six colourful Changing Tastes stamps.   more...

KEY FOR TWO By John Chapman and Dave Freeman Rose Theatre, September 7-10.

THIS is one of the funniest plays I have ever seen, a real pleasure to watch.   more...

New term for choral group

THE new term has started for keen singers with Pershore Choral with rehearsals for three concerts. This year, the singers will be performing Handel's St Cecilia Ode and the Dettingen Te Deum on November 26, the traditional Christmas Concert on December 17 and Medelssohn's Elijah on May 20. Anyone interested in joining can contact membership secretary John Gosney on 01386 553292.   more...

Sing-along to classics

GRAB a songsheet and sing along to all the old favourites when the Roll Out the Barrel show comes to Worcester.   more...

Explosive mix of mad, bad and dangerous

A POTENTIALLY explosive combination of The Hamsters, Wilko Johnson and John Ottoway is bursting on stage in Tewkesbury next week.   more...

Search is over

ALL of the Searchers' hits are promised in two concerts in Worcester and in Tewkesbury, this Saturday from different factions of the group.   more...

The Creation in German

TWO hundred and fifty singers will be gathering in Worcester Cathedral for a spectacular concert next month.   more...

Top violinist brings cabaret to villages

A VIRTUOSO violinist will be raising the roof with more than a classical concert at a village hall near you from next week.   more...

Alan Price joins packed line-up

STRATFORD's Civic Hall is looking ahead to a busy autumn.   more...

Along comes a spider...

TRADITIONALLY it is in springtime when we expect to encounter plants and animals getting involved in courtship and reproduction, and for most this is indeed the case, but there a few organisms that choose the damper and cooler autumn months.   more...

EODS play to recreate wartime years

FOLLOWING this year's VE Day 60th anniversary celebrations, Evesham Operatic and Dramatic Society is recreating the atmosphere of the wartime spirit in its latest production.   more...

Sell-out

IT has sold out at Malvern Theatres before so fans will be glad to hear that Beyond The Barricade is returning for more.   more...

A one-night showing for apartheid drama

AN important play which helped to change the way the world viewed South Africa is stopping off on its national tour in Malvern this month.   more...

Return for the G&S Society

IOLANTHE is marking a return to Worcester's Swan Theatre for the city's Gilbert and Sullivan Society.   more...

Different look at Shakespeare

BOOSTING its popularity, accessibility and audience appeal, the RSC has yet another mini festival launching next week - this time providing audiences with a different sort of a Shakespearean comedy.   more...

What's On

TONIGHT: Birmingham: Marriott Hotel - Lupa. NEC Arena - McFly (and Saturday/Sunday). Worcester: Marrs Barr - Fred Zeppelin. Wolverhampton: Robin R'n'B2 - Jaki Graham and The Soul Survivors. Wulfrun Hall - Hayseed Dixie. Little Civic - Play.   more...

News

The NHS at its best?

WE were saddened to read Mrs Clarkes letter regarding the Worcester Royal Hospital and would like your readers to be aware of my wife's and my experience of treatment at the hospital.   more...

Following the slope of road

I READ your front page article concerning the two women and their concern about traffic in Mickleton "Mums Take Action on Traffic hell".   more...

Despair driven over our waste

THIS letter is sent in somewhat desperation, and to publicise to others, and even those in authority of our plight.   more...

Don't continue the reformation

Re the planning application for Evesham Abbeys' historic Gatehouse and the Great Court.   more...

Business's best advert for county is revealed

AN awards night that recognises business people who promote the county takes place tomorrow.   more...

New safety law spelled out

A TOOL and hire company making a nation-wide tour to promote a safety campaign has stopped in Evesham.   more...

BUSINESS BRIEF

B&Q stores go   more...

Look at the model trains for sale

NEVER mind the petrol crisis, buy yourself a train.   more...

Traditional show pulls in crowds

RAIN did not deter visitors to Kidderminster Horticultural Society's annual show, with an estimated 750 people dropping in to the two-day event.   more...

Purse bell scheme wins thumbs up

POLICE claim a scheme to combat purse thefts, with pensioners being given bells for their purses, has received an "overwhelming response".   more...

Donation is fitting tribute

KIDDERMINSTER'S St John Ambulance brigade has been boosted after the donation of new "vital" equipment presented in memory of a former member.   more...

Firm celebrates history of hall

HISTORY came alive when Victorian costumes were the fashion for heritage weekend events at Kidderminster Town Hall and the town's library.   more...

Getting in shape for the Brambles races - 6

l This is the final part of a six-week training schedule for readers wishing to enter the Brambles 10k road race and 4k fun run on Sunday, September 25, backed by the Shuttle/Times and News. It has been compiled by running coach, Richard Warder.   more...

l Wolverley High

YEAR 11 students at Wolverley High School achieved GCSE and GNVQ successes in the number of subjects shown, with the number of passes at grades A*-C indicated in brackets. Some students sat short-courses, resulting in .5.   more...

Calendar charts town changes

A UNIQUE calendar produced by Kidderminster Camera Club to celebrate its centenary has been presented to the town.   more...

l King Charles I

AT King Charles I School, the following students achieved the number of GCSE passes shown, with the number at grades A*-C in brackets.   more...

Time for changes

RAIL commuters are set to be given more up-to-date details of how their trains are running when a new £49,000 passenger information system is installed at Kidderminster station.   more...

Hello and welcome to our station

YOUNGSTERS will be able to play detective when Kidderminster Police Station opens its doors to the public on Sunday.   more...

Calling twinners

PEOPLE are set to travel from as far as Dorset, Devon and Surrey for a reunion of members of youth groups who visited Kidderminster's twin town of Husum between 1960 and 1995 - but organisers are still trying to trace more.   more...

Girl band's school tour strikes a chord

SCHOOL was cool when a band signed to the same record label as U2, Sugababes and McFly dropped in to teach pupils how to play their forthcoming single.   more...

Witness plea after collision

A KIDDERMINSTER motorcyclist died in a collision on the town's Worcester Road on Monday afternoon.   more...

Man killed in scooter incident

A MAN was killed on Saturday following a crash involving his scooter and a car on the busy Kidderminster to Stourbridge Road.   more...

Still time to vote for baby of year

THOUSANDS of Shuttle/Times and News readers have reached for their phones to help us find Wyre Forest's baby of the year.   more...

Bear cash

THE Kidderminster support group of China Bear Rescue raised £129.40 during a street collection in Bewdley.   more...

How mean can you get!

THIEVES who broke into two charity shops in Evesham town centre at the weekend have been condemned as "cowards".   more...

Delight as homes plan thrown out

STRATFORD district councillors have turned down a planning application to build more houses in Bidford.   more...

Why the Constitution is no longer a live issue

MARK Starr asks for my reply as to why the "Leader of our Group in the European Parliament" is stating that the French and Dutch must be asked to vote again on the proposed European Constitution. The simple answer is that he isn't.   more...

Plans for radio base site

PLANS to site a radio base station at a Pershore farm have been submitted to Wychavon District Council.   more...

No proof of a drop in students

IAN Wishart's piece on Jenny Wilde (Worcester News, Tuesday, September 6) the former Elgar College pupil who achieved one of the best GCSE scores in the country in German, has prompted me to add a few comments to complement what was an informative and well-researched article.   more...

Aid for long-term ill

THE Expert Patient Programme - designed to aid people with long-term illnesses - is coming to Evesham and Pershore.   more...

Equality, Mr Wareing?

WELL, Mr Wareing, the changes (Guildhall doors shut, Page 1, Worcester News, Thursday, September 6) are made in the interest of equality! Can I ask what happens to the disabled parking places, while the Christmas Fair is on? Is that equality!   more...

Harmonious event

PERSHORE'S Vale Harmony barbershop chorus entertained members of Worcester Severn Rotary Club at a lunch held at Worcester County Cricket ground on Sunday. The event was one of a number planned by the Rotary Club to raise £54,000 over a period of two years to build a family suite at the new St Richard's Hospice. The suite will enable relatives to visit hospice patients for longer periods than is currently possible. Jim Cook of Vale Harmony said: "We rehearse every Wednesday evening at Fladbury village hall and we enjoy the challenge of singing to an audience now and then, particularly in support of such a worthy cause."   more...

Stupid and dangerous

ON two separate occasions near Norton recently, I passed girls on horseback using mobile phones, one talking and the other texting.   more...

Small animals' SOS

VALE animal lovers are being asked to respond to an SOS from the RSPCA in Worcestershire.   more...

A military bearing

THERE is no mistaking the military bearing of the marchers in your intriguing Flashback photograph (Friday, September 9). Hardly recruits flocking to join the colours. With not a medal or riband to be seen it is unlikely to be post-war ex-servicemen.   more...

The sound of brass...

PERSHORE will resound to the sound of brass next month when the town hosts the annual Wychavon Festival of Brass.   more...

Anniversary was a family affair

A PERSHORE couple were joined by their family to celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary.   more...

Fond memories to mark the Battle of Britain Day

TODAY is Battle of Britain Day when the memory of those who gave their all to save Britain from the Nazi threat is   more...

The secret of how to age with a little style AS a businesswoman, full-time mother and actress, Liz H

AS a businesswoman, full-time mother and actress, Liz Hurley might seem like she has life well and truly sorted out.   more...

Experts sniff out mysterious smell

THE cause of a mysterious smell lingering over Salford Priors last week has been discovered.   more...

Help for disabled

A DISABLITY awareness day is being held at Kidderminster Town Hall today between 10am and 2pm.   more...

Hospital joy at scanner boost

KIDDERMINSTER Hospital would "struggle to give the best possible service without help from charities", a consultant radiologist has said following the donation of more than £110,000 of hi-tech equipment.   more...

New scheme bids to cut hospital stays

A NEW scheme to help elderly Wyre Forest people face shorter hospital stays and prevent unnecessary admissions is being launched in Kidderminster on Monday.   more...

September 15, 2005

ONE of the privileges of my job is that it allows me into local organisations to meet the people who work in them and to hear about the work they do.   more...

Annual horse ride set to boost appeal funds

HORSE riders will be able to enjoy a pleasant ride and a beer at a country pub while raising cash for Operation Covert next month.   more...

Travel vouchers will be top draw

SUNSEEKERS will have the chance to indulge themselves this winter - while helping Operation Covert - after Co-op Travel donated £500 of travel vouchers to a raffle in aid of the appeal.   more...

Harvington

ST JAMES' CHURCH: The next festive event will be Harvest Sunday on September 25 when, after the morning service, instead of the usual tea and biscuits, there will be examples of favourite food brought by members of the congregation and shared among all present - an idea put forward by the children. It is anticipated that there will be food to spare and this, if packaged, will be put with the fruit and vegetables which are always part of this service and delivered next day to a charitable organisation in Worcester. The traditional barn dance, tickets for which are now on sale, will be held the following Friday, September 30 in the village hall at 8pm. Tickets are £7.50 with concessions for older people and young adults, include a two-course supper. Enquiries to Sue Coley on 870204 or any member of the social committee.   more...

Plea for heritage trail ideas

PEOPLE with an in-depth knowledge of the history of Wyre Forest are being sought for a new project in the area.   more...

Bid to bring in new blood

DURING his year as chairman of the Moreton Show Society, one of Graham Baddeley's main aims has been to encourage all the section committees to take on new board members to revitalise the society year on year.   more...

Show is perfect end to the gardening year

BEAUTIFUL scented blooms, succulent home-grown produce and a mouth-watering array of tasty regional food and wines are among the highlights of the Autumn Garden & Country Show on the Three Counties Showground, Malvern.   more...

Breathe Easy Malvern and Worcester

ON Monday, pulmonary rehabilitation nurse specialist Elaine Bevan Smith will talk about "Outreach, and the Respiratory Services in the South Worcestershire Area", at St Mary's church hall, Malvern.   more...

Severn Side Ramblers

A WALK of around eight miles around The Lenches, at Inkberrow, has been organised for Sunday.   more...

Lickhill WI

CHRISTINE Ritchie gave a talk on her experience as companion to an Arabian princess, at the August meeting, and president Kath Oakley reported a successful strawberry tea had been held.   more...

Stone WI

THE WI 90th birthday group walk to Chaddesley Woods and back will take place today, leaving St Cassian's Church, Chaddesley Corbett. The 90 walkers should meet at the church at 2pm for 2.30pm.   more...

Kidderminster Arthritis Care Group

THERE will be a meeting on Monday at 2pm at Holy Innocents Church Hall, Kidderminster. For further information telephone 01299 826109. Everyone is welcome at meetings.   more...

Polish Ex-Servicemen's Association

MEMBERS met a group from Cheltenham at the Forest of Dean, for a picnic and a game of volleyball, which Kidderminster won.   more...

Kidderminster Cycling Club

KIDDERMINSTER CYCLING CLUB - On September 4 members travelled more than 100 miles to May Hill, at Newent, Gloucestershire, where they reported great views, and felt it was well worth the effort to visit.   more...

Baxter United Reformed Church

AT the weekend, Brian Sturbridge and Pam Smith, who are taking their "Music and Dance Ministry" around the UK, will be visiting.   more...

Habberley WI

IT has been decided to celebrate the group's 40th anniversary with a dinner.   more...

Record-breaking village show

BROADWAY Horticultural and Craft Show attracted a record 589 exhibits from a record- breaking 111 exhibitors competing in 106 classes and despite the appalling weather the show still drew a large number of visitors.   more...

Help village youth

RESIDENTS in Broadway have called for better youth facilities and more information about what is going on in the village.   more...

Cleobury Mortimer Bridge Club

THE first evening at the new venue, St Elizabeth's Church hall, saw Nigel Wilkins and Steve Clifton win for the third consecutive week in north-south position, with 62 per cent. Second were Terry Lucey and Doreen Round with 59 per cent.   more...

Astley Horticultural Society

ON Wednesday, the guest speaker at Astley village hall will be M Leech, with a talk entitled "Down the Garden Path". The meeting will start at 7.30pm.   more...

Weighing-in great success

SLIMMING champs have shed an impressive 12 stones between them.   more...

Help village youth

RESIDENTS in Broadway have called for better youth facilities and more information about what is going on in the village.   more...

Care centre's £1m ambition

MANAGERS at an Evesham care home have this week unveiled ambitious plans to turn it into one of the best equipped centres for the elderly in the country.   more...

Great turnout at Vale show

BIG entries of cattle, sheep and horses from over a wide area combined with a dry day helped make the Vale of Evesham Autumn Show a big success.   more...

A tunnel vision for ideal home

ONE of the most unusual houses in the Vale - and probably Britain - is to go under the hammer in Birmingham later this month.   more...

Diamond day for Les and Muriel

Air Ministry office girl Muriel Allen was more than interested when she and a girlfriend bumped into dashing Liverpudlian airman Les Felton and a friend on a night out in Worcester during the Second World War.   more...

Hands off our historical site

OBJECTORS have warned that Evesham could lose some of its most important architectural character if plans to create 28 town centre homes are approved today.   more...

Colleen's concert

A FORMER organist at an Evesham church and his family are preparing for a unique memorial concert in memory of his mother and to raise money for the hospital where she was cared for.   more...

Residents to answer call over a telephone

PLANS by BT to remove a payphone from an Evesham estate could face opposition from local residents and the town council.   more...

Your voice heard

KEEN singers are being invited to the first ever Beckford Big Sing to take part in auditions and let their singing talents loose.   more...

Dial-a-Ride improves lives

I FELT I must write to let everyone know what a good and useful service Wyre Forest Dial-a-Ride provide.   more...

Bitter over a drink ban on town streets

A BOOZE ban introduced into the streets of Evesham and Abbey Park left town councillors split over the decision made by Wychavon district council.   more...

Council backs bid for sports ground vandal plan

EVESHAM councillors have given their backing to a proposal that a resident groundsman should live in a caravan at the town's Sports Club in a bid to combat vandalism.   more...

District HQ won Pevsner's praise

FROM their letter ("Feud should not undermine positive work," Letters, September 1), one does rather get the impression that the Conservative "gang of four" are concerned about the poor public image of the leader of the council.   more...

Tribute to 9/11 rescue victims

EVESHAM firemen turned out on parade on Sunday to mark the fourth anniversary of the New York terrorist atrocities of 9/11.   more...

No need for panic as petrol keeps flowing

MOTORISTS throughout the Vale and Cotswolds are being urged not to panic-buy petrol after fuel protests failed to disrupt supplies.   more...

Get a muck bucket

I WAS not surprised when I read the letter entitled "Lord and Lady Muck" (Shuttle/Times & News, August 25) - obviously town people who cannot cope with the countryside.   more...

...and how could you pass up the chance to talk?

HEALTH bosses will not be attending the next area forum to be held in Evesham, it emerged this week - just weeks before they will decide the future of the town's hospital.   more...

Fury over letter through doors

AS an ardent animal lover, I am absolutely outraged at letters put through doors in Hayes Road, Wolverley, pointing the finger of suspicion at tenants for injuring cats belonging to the Baker family.   more...

Unco-ordinated roads approach

ON Monday, September 5, work started on the Bewdley by-pass, narrowing the carriageway and causing some traffic to divert through the town. This had been expected.   more...

Vital funds from parties in park

ON behalf of ChildLine, the UK's free 24-hour helpline for children and young people, I would like to thank West Mercia Constabulary and the Youth Parliament for the tremendous work they put in organising the "Party in the Park" events at Bewdley and Stourport.   more...

Burglary charges

A TEENAGER has been accused at Worcester Crown Court of aggravated burglary at two licensed premises in Wyre Forest.   more...

`Shameful' act at town nightclub

A JUDGE denounced as "shameful" a reveller's insulting behaviour in a Kidderminster nightclub last Christ-mas Eve.   more...

Purse stolen

A PURSE containing £200 was taken from the bedroom of a woman in her 80s - possibly while she was asleep in her living room.   more...

Battery charges

A MAN pleaded guilty to six charges of battery against children when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court.   more...

Statue stolen

A £700 statue of a partly-clothed woman holding an urn that acted as a fountain was stolen from a Kidderminster garden.   more...

Couple facing fraud charge

A MARRIED couple have been charged at Worcester Crown Court with defrauding an elderly woman they befriended of £10,000.   more...

From the archives

100 Years Ago September 16, 1905   more...

Biking race ace killed

A MOTORBIKE racing ace, used to travelling at speeds of more than 100mph has been killed as a front seat passenger in a car.   more...

Soldiers get their chance to parade though the streets

MORE than 100 soldiers will march in a Freedom of Worcester Parade this Saturday, September 17.   more...

A&E and cancer services could be changed

CANCER services and accident and emergency facilities in Worcestershire are at the top of a hit-list of services that could be changed in a bid to cut spending at the county's hospitals by £20m a year.   more...

TESCO: WE DON'T WANT KAYS SITE

TESCO has scotched rumours that it has earmarked the Kays site for a possible third Worcester store.   more...

Couples give hope to would-be parents

A STOURPORT mum and dad who believe their experience of fertility treatment can give hope to other couples trying to conceive helped celebrate the 18th anniversary of the organisation that assisted them.   more...

Booze crackdown on cards

A CRACKDOWN on anti-social drinking in Stourport could see police given extra powers to confiscate booze from troublemakers.   more...

Accused took his own life

A STOURPORT man awaiting trial on drug peddling charges has hanged himself, Worcester Crown Court was told.   more...

Allen, 85, climbs high to help church revamp

AN 85-year-old Bewdley man has walked to the top of the highest peak in Wales to raise money for his church.   more...

Making most of disaster

MIKE Foster has lost no time in reacting to the impending disaster at Kays. Within hours of the news, he has spearheaded a number of initiatives.   more...

Springhill crowned the champion farm

CHAMPION farm in the Moreton Show farms and crops competitions has been named as Capt Lennox Hannay's Springhill, Moreton, winner of the medium-sized farms competition last year.   more...

Ilmington

SHOW RECORD: Ilmington Show was held on the playing field on Monday together with Ilmington Horticultural Society's Flower and Produce Show.   more...

Sedgeberrow

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION: The women's section held their monthly meeting in the Betteridge Room. Business was discussed and the next Group meeting will be at Pershore on December 6. Mr Tom Pim gave a talk entitled Life in Doctor Barnados. Mr Pim was thanked by Mrs Wood.   more...

Pershore

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION: At the September meeting of the women's section members enjoyed a harvest supper prepared and served by the committee.   more...

Mickleton

produce and handicraft show on Monday welcomed more entrants than usual this year, contributing to the wonderful display for the 150 visitors and helpers to view. There were 22 vegetable and fruit classes from which Mrs G Rochfort's dessert apples were judged to be best single exhibit. The 23 cut flower classes included chrysanthemums, roses, annuals and perennials as well as hosta leaves, pot plants and Mr L Devereux's dahlias judged best in show.   more...

Honeybourne

WEDNESDAY CLUB: Members met on September 7 when Mrs M Boath presided. Birthday cards were distributed. The river trip which took place last month was enjoyed by all and the cream teas served on board were delicious.   more...

We're packing our picnic baskets

STAFF at St Richard's Hospice are busy preparing their picnic baskets for a huge fund-raising event in aid of the charity on Sunday.   more...

Rotary's concert a sell-out at Cathedral

A 200-strong choir is set to perform to a packed house this weekend for at a charity concert at Worcester Cathedral in aid of St Richard's Hospice.   more...

Teen vote warning

SIXTEEN and 17-year-olds could miss out on their right to vote because electoral registration forms are not being correctly updated.   more...

Work sparks `rat run' fears

COUNCILLORS fear residential roads will be used as rat runs by drivers trying to avoid upgrading work on the bridge on Kidderminster's busy A449 Chester Road North.   more...

Civic farewell for Maureen

HUNDREDS of people gathered at St George's Church in Kidderminster to bid a final farewell to popular district councillor, Maureen Aston.   more...

Maths tutor groped pupil

A PRIVATE maths tutor who groped a 13-year-old pupil in his home at Blakedown, near Kidderminster, has been jailed for four months at Worcester Crown Court.   more...

Tribunal win for racing boss

A MOTOR racing team manager who helped win Formula BMW championship races for his Hartlebury employer has been awarded more then £10,000 for unfair dismissal after a car caught fire during a Brands Hatch race.   more...

New look set for unveiling

DESPITE almost doubling in price due to an expensive catalogue of delays, work is nearing completion on the renovation of Stourport Wesley Methodist Church - and hopes are high for its future.   more...

Car park hike sparks fears

PARKING charges in Wyre Forest are set to rise, sparking traders' fears the move will drive shoppers away.   more...

Fed-up residents threaten action

Anger over commuters leaving cars in street   more...

Racer `lived life to the full'

THE father of a motorbike racer who died in a road accident has paid tribute to a beloved son who "lived life to the full" and "lived for racing".   more...

Family struck by second tragedy

TRAGEDY has struck a Kidderminster family for the second time in eight months.   more...

Panic buying puts pressure on pumps

PANIC buying of petrol caused several Wyre Forest petrol stations to run out of fuel over the past few days.   more...

£23,000 bill for girl's ear

Garden centre pays after seven-year-old is bitten by horse   more...

Vale pupils' pride at London statue

TWO Pershore High pupils have been invited by the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, to attend a ceremony in Trafalgar Square to see the unveiling of a sculpture of their cousin, Alison Lapper.   more...

Golf day suits us to a tee

A CHARITY golf day to raise funds for muscular dystrophy sufferers has proved a swinging success.   more...

Road's too bad to build homes

CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 15 affordable houses in a village near Worcester are likely to be turned down for the second time.   more...

It's election night, and a woman is found dead at this village hall. Now we know she had been taking

A YOUNG woman found in the back of a van during this year's general election died after taking heroin, an inquest heard.   more...

Adam in line for good citizen title

HELPFUL schoolboy Adam Gordon has won a chance for a top citizenship title through his tireless efforts - and he is still only aged 13.   more...

Police plea as driver is left critical

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a two- car collision in Hadley in which a male driver received life-threatening injuries.   more...

It's going to be a really wild time to gain advice

WORCESTER' residents who are bonkers about butterflies or mad about moles get the chance for a really wild day out this weekend when wildlife experts visit the city.   more...

Moving out of home? Then read this vital pack

HOME-leavers are being offered information packs to ensure they land on their feet when they move out of the family home.   more...

Tell us how we can improve the buses

TRANSPORT chiefs are putting the wheels in motion for a revolution in travel around the Malvern Hills - and they want to hear your views.   more...

Caution's essential with fresh Lido plan

GROUPS dedicated to protecting Droitwich Lido have reacted to news of new plans for a 21st Century site.   more...

You'll have to pay to stop this stink

THE owners of nine properties in a village near Worcester face a bill of more than a thousand pounds each to stop sewage from seeping up through a drain and on to a busy road.   more...

Sport

Meet the Players

  more...

Dressage delight

AT THE National Riding Clubs Championships at Lincoln, Alice Collins-Youngs of Badsey, representing Cropthorne and Evesham Vale as an individual, won the Elementary Dressage class.   more...

Meet the Players

PLAYERS and management with European experience, Premiership know-how and top non-league pedigree should ensure a recipe for success at Common Road this winter. Team boss Dave Busst had just established himself in the top flight of the domestic game when he suffered a career-ending injury playing for Coventry City at Old Trafford nine years ago. However, a a move into Southern League management at Solihull Borough put Busst's name among the top young bosses in the non-league game and Evesham secured his services in November 2004 following the departure of Phil Mullen. Paul West had helped oversee the transition and he was offered the chance to become Busst's assistant. The popular former player who turned out more than 200 times for Evesham, brought experience at Football League level with Port Vale, Bradford City and Wigan Athletic when he arrived at the club, while also captaining Morecambe in the Conference. One player who has managed to remain fit is goalkeeper Tim Clarke who brought a wealth of experience to the club when he arrived a couple of seasons ago. "Clarkey" once played for Barry Town against Porto in European competition, while also boasting Coventry City and Aston Villa among his many former clubs. Club captain Lee Knight is another who has seen life at both rungs of the soccer ladder. Having started his career at West Bromwich Albion, the no-nonsense central defender moved down the rankings via Hednesford, Redditch and Solihull before teaming up with his old boss at Evesham. Richard Ball also spent time at the Hawthorns before also tasting life further down the leagues at Bromsgrove, Oldbury, Stourport and Sutton Coldfield before signing for Evesham at the end of last year. Football League experience also features on the cvs of Grant Pinkney and Simon Fitter who spent time at Lincoln City and Kidderminster, while midfielder Gavin O'Toole spent time in the league with Northampton Town and Coventry City. Summer recruit Adam Cooper was among Busst's squad at Solihull where Stuart Hamilton's defensive skills were also to the fore. Cooper has also played in the Con-ference for Nuneaton, while Hamilton is another who numbers Redditch and Moor Green among his former clubs. Moor Green was the last port of call for winger Matty Hall, who also tormented Evesham defenders in a spell at Redditch, and new signing Jae Martin, while the Valley Stadium at Redditch also heralded former times for goalkeeper Dave Adey. Neil O'Sullivan arrived at Common Road last season from fellow Division One West side Bedworth United, while several players have made a huge impression after moving up from lower leagues. Anthony Watson, Players' Player of the Season in his first season at the club last year, arrived from Oldbury where Leon Blake's midfield skills were also honed. Steven Hands and Steve Duncan arrived at the club for second spells from Studley soon after Busst's appointment, while Richard Robinson is another to step up from the Midland Alliance having joined from Stratford after a spell at Moor Green. Another player who has made a big impression and great strides is Jermaine Clarke. The gangling striker is now in his third season with the club after moving from Castle Vale Kings Heath and the 21-year-old's goals and popularity was rewarded last season when he was named Supporters' Player of the Season. Two youngsters also in the squad have both spent time at Hereford United and goalkeeper Karl Lewis and the versatile Jamie Lawrence will be hoping to be given a first team chance.   more...

Town face a long trip at start of FA Vase journey

THE 32nd season of The FA Vase, in partnership with Carlsberg, kicks off this weekend with 212 hopeful clubs competing for a place in second round qualifying.   more...

Tenbury's spirited revival is too late

Tenbury 19 pts Upton-on-Severn 30 pts   more...

15/9/05 - Injuries hamper Harriers reunion

THE Kidderminster Harriers old boy brigade will be diminished when Forest Green Rovers visit Aggborough on Saturday.   more...

15/9/05 - Brothers face to face at Sixways

SARACENS are in town on Saturday and it will be great to come up against my brother Alex.   more...

15/9/05 - Rhodes backing Batty tour call

GARETH Batty deserves to be picked for England's autumn tour to Pakistan, insists Worcestershire head coach Steve Rhodes.   more...

Get ready like Freddie

AS ASHES fever sweeps the town, hundreds of Evesham youngsters are looking for the opportunity to improve their cricket and match the performances of their England heroes.   more...

Harriers stats

Next match - Saturday: Harriers v Forest Green Rovers, Aggborough, kick-off 3pm.   more...

And Harriers will face...

HARRIERS will learn who they will face in the first round of this season's LDV Vans Trophy when the draw is made live on television on Saturday.   more...

Fanfare after fund-raising feat

THREE Harriers fans put their best feet forward to raise money for a supporters group and a cancer charity by walking 160 miles from Aggborough to Grays Athletic.   more...

Grays Athletic 2 Harriers 2

IF the worn-out walking boots of the hardy Harriers fans who trekked 160 miles to Grays Athletic were a measure of how far they had come, so too was their team's disappointment at only leaving the league-leaders with a draw, writes Mat Kendrick.   more...

O'Connor presents a case for the defence

ASSISTANT boss Martin O'Connor has saluted the Kidderminster Harriers defence for "laying themselves on the line" in pursuit of success so far this season.   more...

Conference table

P W D L F A P   more...

Harriers boss defends Danby

GOALKEEPER John Danby has been challenged to bounce back from his Grays Athletic clanger when Kidderminster Harriers host Forest Green Rovers at Aggborough on Saturday.   more...

Dunn on the mend

BIRMINGHAM City midfielder David Dunn could be as little as two weeks away from returning to first-team action after being given the all-clear to resume full training.   more...

Worcester's mixed Somerset tour

WORCESTER Cricket Club travelled to Somerset for their annual tour and came away with a win and a loss.   more...

Worcester show is promising

WORCESTER Hockey Club Ladies produced an encouraging performance in their first game of the season.   more...

Grubb has ticket to the Big Apple

NEIL Grubb was the victor at the Tolladine Golf Club Open which attracted 96 competitors.   more...

Ombersley gearing up for the big time

OMBERSLEY Cricket Club are determined to enjoy a longer stay in the Birmingham and District Premier League after clinching promotion.   more...

Police in plea to Worcester fans

SOUTH Worcestershire Pol-ice say Worcester Rugby Club supporters are putting their lives at risk by walking, sometimes with children, on busy high-speed roads as they approach and leave the Sixways stadium.   more...

Injuries hamper Harriers reunion

THE Kidderminster Harriers old boy brigade will be diminished when Forest Green Rovers visit Aggborough on Saturday.   more...

Rhodes backing Batty tour call

GARETH Batty deserves to be picked for England's autumn tour to Pakistan, insists Worcestershire head coach Steve Rhodes.   more...

Mini-kickers

BEWDLEY Town's mini kickers scheme for young footballers continues to go from strength to strength with coaches launching a school of excellence.   more...

Six-a-side

OCEAN Designs were crowned champions of the Kidderminster Six-a-side League, winning the title decider 4-2 over Kidderminster Lions.   more...

Women's football

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers Ladies put in a five-star performance to beat Headless Cross 5-1 in the West Midlands Premier League.   more...

Golden Maggot AC

The next Golden Maggot match will be on Sunday at Twyford's River Avon, those taking part to meet at the Old Rose and Crown car park at 7.30am.   more...

Kidderminster and District Football League

WILDEN gained their first victory of the season in Saturday Division One of the Kidderm-inster and District Football League in style, when they won 12-2 at Tenbury United.   more...

Woodward Grosvenors AC

On Sunday a contest will be held at Solhampton (Duck). Anglers should meet at the venue at 7am.   more...

West Midlands League tables

WEST MIDLANDS LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION   more...

Old Bear AC

Juniors, Hurcott: T North 5-8, C McPherson 5-3, W Mills 3-10.   more...

Chaddesley Corbett

CHADDESLEY were simply gr-EIGHT as they thrashed Darlaston To-wn Reserves 8-1 in their West Midlands League Division Two clash.   more...

Bronx AC

River Stour: M Stevens and M Smith 6-12, G Davidson 5-15, M Fletcher 5-12.   more...

Bewdley Town

BEWDLEY Town are quickly learning about the harsh realities of West Midland League Premier Division football after two defeats in a week.   more...

Tomkinsons AC

Woodside Fishery top pool: J Whitehouse 17-9, Sue Jacques 16-12, M Sztybel 16-5, J Baylie 15-6.   more...

Stourport Swifts

STOURPORT Swifts boss Dave Titterton has appointed Bryan Small as his new player coach.   more...

Willis Bund AC

Darnell Pool: Brian Darby 30-12, Ron Price 27-1, Harold Willey 26-3, Ron Russell 23-14.   more...

Franche Village AC

Sunday's contest: John Williams 17-2, Ron Brumby 9-8, Chris Orr 8-7, Jamie Barfield 4-2.   more...

Wrens Nest AC

On Sunday both Wrens Nest pools will be available for the contest, which will be drawn at 8am.   more...

Town face a long trip at start of FA Vase journey

THE 32nd season of The FA Vase, in partnership with Carlsberg, kicks off this weekend with 212 hopeful clubs competing for a place in second round qualifying.   more...

Bewdley AS

At Wellfield Stan James pole-fished up in the water to take 50lb 1oz of small carp and bream.   more...

HETA AC

Latest match: K Moss 15-15, J Hodgetts 12-10, M Charlesworth 12-7.   more...

Black Boy AC

Chapel Farm Pool: A Williams 19-14, R Moule 19-2, P Walker 13-3.   more...

Waggon & Horses AC

Moorlands, Silver Fish Pool: Peter Harper 21-9, Alwyn Billingham 21-6, Brian Edwards 15-14.   more...

Lyttelton AA Veterans

Round five and Dennis Fulloway Shield: Len Evans 61-5, Brian Hill 58-0, Stan James 51-14, Clive Humphreys 51-9, Brian Dickinson 31-5.   more...

KDAA

Secretaries and Executives match, KDAA Pool, Stone: John Gale (Gilt Edge) 9-4, Neil Walford (Cookley) 7-12, Colin Teare (Windmill) 6-6.   more...

KDAA Pool

Silver Fish match: Pete Jenkins 9-6, Trevor Wills 9-4, Mark Price 6-8.   more...

Furnace Mill

Pleasure catches have been good, with furnace feed pellet with sinking hookers, corn and meat luring carp, tench and bream at medium range for a Bridgnorth couple.   more...

Willow Marsh

Friday Afternoon open, Dragonfly: Pete Bailey 94-11-8dr, Martin Ridgeway 69-7, Ali Gavin 68-13-8.   more...

Poole Hall

Wednesday Open, Heron: Keith Perrin 39-10 (46), Pete Hodge 39-0 (41), Ivan Laight 35-6 (47).   more...

Moorlands Farm

Tuesday Cost-Cutter, 10, Moors: Gary Picken (Lifestyle) 103-0 (1), Pete Wellington (Moorlands) 83-8 (5), Keith Stokes (Moorlands) 72-8 (!3).   more...

Octoplus Boldings

Wednesday Open: Alf Taylor (OB Wolves) 105lb 14oz (Sycamore peg 30, corn and pellets, corner, carp 10lb and tench - his first 100lb plus catch), Jack Hailey (WACT) 80-0 (Sycamore 13, corn and pellets, both sides, bream 3lb to 8lb), Mark Foster (OB Wolves) 53-2 (Sycamore 20).   more...

Shatterford Lakes

TROUT fishing at Shatterford Lakes is improving, Cleobury Mortimer angler Geoff Arnold taking four trout to 2lb on a dog nobbler.   more...

15/9/05 - Police in plea to Worcester fans

SOUTH Worcestershire Pol-ice say Worcester Rugby Club supporters are putting their lives at risk by walking, sometimes with children, on busy high-speed roads as they approach and leave the Sixways stadium.   more...

Motocross

TEME Valley Motocross Club enjoyed a double success at the weekend when they hosted their first International meeting at the club's Boraston track.   more...

Judo

SAMURAI Judo Club is officially one of the country's best at producing officials after four members received refereeing promotions.   more...

Athletics

KIDDERMINSTER and Stourport Athletic club's Ashley Gibbs set a new personal best in the high jump at the National Young Athlete League in Banbury.   more...

Volleyball

CLEOBURY Mortimer Volleyball Club returned home triumphant from the International Festival of Volleyball in Poole, Dorset, after winning the Mixed Division.   more...

Running

LINDSAY Pulley was the Amazing Feet Running Club's star when he came 146th in the Madeley Matchmaker 5k event in Telford, achieving second place in the M65 category, in 26 minutes 58 seconds.   more...

Golf

KIDDERMINSTER: The Men's Invitation Day was held at Kidderminster Golf Club on September 10.   more...

Darts

RED Lion A player Russell Wilks hit a 301 nine-darter to cap an incredible night of action in the Banks's Bewdley darts league.   more...

Chess

JOHN Wrench's status as Wyre Forest's top active chess player was confirmed by the latest figures published in the British Chess Federation annual list.   more...

Hockey

NEWLY-promoted Stourport Ladies seconds warmed up for their forthcoming Worcestershire First Division campaign by completely dominating their 4-0 friendly win over Camp Hill.   more...

Tennis

BEWDLEY Tennis Club completed their 2005 Club Championships with a thrilling display of tennis from the youth and experience amongst their ranks.   more...

Swimming

WYRE Forest Swimming Club's Jessica Griffiths climbed off her sick bed to clinch two gold medals at the Worcestershire County Sprints in Wolverham-pton.   more...

Rugby round-up

Kidderminster Carolians   more...

Golf: Jubilant Jones reclaims cup

CLEOBURY Mortimer Golf Club's Jon Jones captured the Worcestershire title for the second time in his career by winning a thrilling final.   more...

KVCC promotion showdown

KIDDERMINSTER Victoria Cricket Club are braced for a nerve-jangling winner-takes-all shoot-out for promotion with Birmingham League Division One rivals Smethwick on Saturday.   more...

Appearances and Goals 2005/06

Dave Adey Apps 2, gls 0; Jamie Bailey 1 (8), 2; Richard Ball 7 (2), 2; Leon Blake 9, 0; Jermaine Clarke 6 (1), 1; Tim Clarke 1, 0; Adam Cooper 8, 0; Steve Duncan 5 (1), 0; Guy Hadland 7, 0; Stuart Hamilton 1 (1) 0; Lee Knight 4, 1; Darren Knurek 2, 0; Karl Lewis 4, 0; Jae Martin 5 (2), 0; Neil O'Sullivan 8 (1), 0; Gavin O'Toole (1), 0; Grant Pinkney 6 (1), 0; Richard Robinson 8 (1), 1; Anthony Watson 9, 0.   more...

Cricket tables

BIRMINGHAM LEAGUE   more...

Honours board

BATTING   more...

Cricket round-up

Birmingham League   more...

KC's rugby fixtures

KIDDERMINSTER CAROLIANS   more...

  
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