Stories for 4 January 2006
Leisure
WITH such a great beginning, I had high hopes for this show but alas, I was fooled, and it rapidly went downhill to become another run-of-the-mill evening's entertainment. more...
A UNIQUE selection of creative classes and workshops for all ages in anything from tap dancing to stage fighting for adults and kids has been put together by the Artrix. more...
BBC Gardeners World Live 2006 will return to the NEC in Birmingham from June 14-18. The event is set to grow even bigger and better than last year with five days packed full of great inspiration, entertainment, plants and more. more...
CHRISTMAS and the new year celebrations are now behind us b ut there is still plenty of excitment in the offing at the many theatres around the regions - here in Bromsgrove and Droitwich, or further afield ar Redditch, Kidderminster, Worcester and Birmingham. more...
THE current pantomime at Birmingham's Hippodrome Theatre, Peter Pan, is all about fairies, fantasy and fun, and for the third year running the theatre has joined with Birmingham Children's Hospital so that patients and their families can enjoy their very own Neverland on a special outing to the theatre. more...
BRINGING a raucous treat to audiences, Kevin Montgomery & the Road Trippers play at Wolverhampton Little Civic on Tuesday. more...
THE Tardebigge pub will host a charity gig to help schoolchildren in Sierra Leone this weekend featuring a selection of local musicians to impress the crowds. more...
A NEW year to look forward to, and a new season at the Malvern Theatres. more...
GUARANTEED to be an unforgettable night of entertainment, Good Company presents its premiere production of The Snow Queen at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre. more...
Wednesday, January 4 more...
Wednesday, January 4 more...
Film review: Cheaper by the Dozen 2 (UGC Rubery). more...
News
WORCESTER mayor Aubrey Tarbuck thought he smelled a rat when he was driving off to see relatives up north over the festive period. more...
A LIFE-saving hovercraft financed in memory of a Worcester schoolgirl who drowned during a trip to the seaside has saved an Evesham man trapped in treacherous mud. more...
THOUSANDS of pounds have been raised for charity in memory of a popular Worcestershire nurse who was awarded an MBE for her services to nursing. more...
ANGER and disgust has enveloped Worcester and old painful wounds reopened as word spread that triple child murderer David McGreavy could be released. more...
VISITORS at the Torino 2006 Winter Olympics will be able to relax in style thanks to businesses in Malvern. more...
THE brains behind a new fast-food venture in Worcester are aiming to turn up the heat during the cold weather - by selling hot milkshakes. more...
Gas shutdown more...
A GROUP of Brownies have helped brighten up the town's library with their art work. more...
ALCESTER children, along with youngsters across the county, could lose out on vital services due to massive hikes in legal fees. more...
AN ancient tradition was revived as members of Alcester Court Leet tested a new beer. more...
AN Alcester resident and former member of the town's Court Leet has hit out at neighbours who - he claims - are responsible for putting the Farmers' Market at risk. more...
STUDENTS at Studley High School were in 007 heaven when a James Bond-style Aston Martin cruised up the drive. more...
PEOPLE can give blood at Alvechurch Baptist Church Hall in Red Lion Street, Alvechurch, from 1- 3.45pm and 5-7.15pm tomorrow. more...
TRAVELLER Edwin Shore will give a talk to guests and members of the Redditch Society this Friday. more...
A STUDLEY school recently saw the official opening of its revamped entrance area. more...
OFSTED: Inspectors give Nunnery Wood High School outstanding report more...
YOUNGSTERS at Tardebigge First School have brightened up the school with the help of a visiting artist. more...
A GRUELLING round of 80 press-ups in one minute kicked off the day NEW College students spent with members of the Royal Marines. more...
STAFF at Redditch Magistrates Court hit the picket line in an ongoing dispute over pay. more...
A COUNTY council grant recently enabled a group of 40 young people from Wythall to scale new heights. more...
STICK skills will be on show in middle schools around the town this month, thanks to hockey sessions run by Redditch Council. more...
KIND-hearted residents are needed to help out at a Redditch care home. more...
ASPIRING artists in Wythall will have the chance to be taught by a master in a series of workshops this month. more...
WORCESTERSHIRE Hounds met in front of Hewell Hall, by special request from the Earl and Countess of Plymouth. A large field was entertained with refreshments before taking cover. In the evening a servants ball was held, concluding a week of festivities at the Hewell estate to mark the coming of age of Viscount Windsor. more...
FORMER Bromsgrove police sergeant, Detective Superintendent TN Williams, was awarded the MBE in the New Years Honours List for his service as head of Worcestershire Constabulary's Criminal Investigation Department. He received 30 commendations from the Courts and the Chief Constable, including seven special ones for work in connection with the arrest of criminals. more...
THE national steel strike over a 17 per cent wage demand was labelled a `national disaster' by the managing director of Bromsgrove's biggest employer. Dr Don Reilly, from Garringtons, feared the strike would damage the company's trade and reputation, as it would be difficult to get hold of the type of steel they used. more...
THE November meeting was the AGM and Doreen Jeeves was the visiting WIA, who was present to oversee the election of the committee for 2005/6. more...
IT was pleasing to see so many members at the last club meeting because the whole evening was particularly enjoyable, probably because it had such variety and everyone had an opportunity to speak. more...
THE society recently held its annual print and slide competitions, which showcase the best of members' work. more...
ON November 29, Sue Wright spent the evening showing how to make greetings cards. more...
PRESIDENT Sheila Girvan inducted a new member, Val Bayliss, into the club at the recent meeting. more...
THE December meeting wouldn't be the same without a glass of Trixie and Pat's homemade mulled wine and there it was to welcome members again this year. more...
MEMBERS celebrated the December meeting with Mr and Mrs Day, who entertained more...
AT the December meeting, members were treated to an evening of music from the local area. more...
CHAIRMAN Jenny Johnson warmly welcomed members to the November meeting. more...
MEMBERS were welcomed to the November meeting by newly elected president Netta Pearson and were reminded of the group carol service at Alvechurch on December 14. more...
IT'S all change at the top as the president, secretary and treasurer are all standing down after three years, six years and 33 years respectively. more...
THE first meeting of 2006 is tonight at the village hall when an extended concert at the end of the programme will feature Stuart Derry, of Cranes Music, Worcester, who will be demonstrating the recently launched Yamaha Tyros 2. more...
THE association has just completed a successful first year and the committee would like to thank all members for their support and contribution. more...
THE December meeting was opened by newly elected president Georgia Jacobs. more...
AS it was the Christmas meeting, members enjoyed an informal social time together. more...
THE December meeting had a decidedly festive air with mince pies and wine on offer after the speaker, George Hook, entertained with his amusing and knowledgeable talk on mother of pearl. more...
AT the November meeting, members enjoyed a skittles evening at The Swan in Studley. more...
STEVEN Falk, senior keeper of natural history in Warwickshire, gave a fascinating illustrated talk on Warwickshire Landscapes and Wildlife at the November meeting. more...
FOOD for Thought was the title of a fascinating talk by Hector Sutherland. more...
A DECISION to reduce the council tax subsidy on second homes in south Warwickshire has been welcomed by a Studley councillor. more...
THERE will be some spooky goings-on at Redditch Library on Saturday as it celebrates its new extended opening hours. more...
MANY people will have overindulged this Christmas, so a charity which helps hundreds of Redditch people each year is offering a way of making amends in the new year. more...
A FECKENHAM youngster who is battling back after the removal of a brain tumour was guest of honour at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital where she cut the ribbon on a new £150,000 radiotherapy unit. more...
VILLAGERS in Cookhill and Studley celebrated a brighter Christmas this year thanks to electricity distribution company Central Networks. more...
MATCHBOROUGH residents are celebrating after a long-running battle to get a path in the area came to an end. more...
TOP-flight staff at a Redditch veterinary centre will be treated to a balloon ride after being crowned pet health check champions. more...
CUTBACKS could be made to vital services in Worcestershire such as social care, libraries and road maintenance in an effort to save £10 million. more...
A SECOND town centre takeaway was likely to be granted a late licence, despite objections from police. more...
CONTROVERSIAL plans to create six new football pitches in the grounds of Redditch United - which were withdrawn in the autumn - have been resubmitted. more...
KIND-hearted children at St Bede's Middle School hit the right note when they held a playground busk for charity. more...
THE prospect of another takeaway in Studley Road, Lodge Park, is concerning residents who believe it will result in even more antisocial behaviour and litter. more...
REDDITCH'S second AIR Festival will be more low-key than last year's big budget extravaganza, with an emphasis on community-based arts activities rather than high-profile music stars. more...
A GROUP determined to protect the heritage of Droitwich Spa Lido is calling on residents to once again have their say on future proposals while there is still a chance. more...
STREET beggars are causing a nuisance to shoppers and intimidating residents on the Westlands estate. more...
A DROITWICH Spa shopping centre is set to lose three popular stores under new plans to redevelop the site. more...
DROITWICH Spa's cricket hero Ashley Giles topped off a great year by being awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours List. more...
A DROITWICH Spa family is still coming to terms with the road crash which left them without two loved ones just days before Christmas. more...
THE mother of an 18-year-old boy has made a heartfelt appeal following an attack on her son which left him unconscious and on a ventilator in a Birmingham hospital. more...
THOUSANDS of patients recovering from broken bones, awaiting hip and knee replacements or in need of other orthopaedic treatment will benefit from a new purpose-built unit at the Alexandra Hospital. more...
COUNTY council bosses are star struck after their authority achieved top ratings in a national assessment. more...
AS the construction sector continues to thrive with both increased confidence and strong order books, Bromsgrove builder Weaver PLC is reporting healthy half-year results. more...
WOMEN with mental illnesses or severe personality disorders are still being admitted to prison, according to a report on Brockhill jail. more...
TWO Bromsgrove men, jailed for taking part in a plot to smuggle millions of pounds worth of cannabis and cocaine into the UK, have appealed against their convictions at London's Court of Appeal. more...
AFTER a year which saw hunt supporters across the area fearing for their way of life with the introduction of the Hunting Act, many saw in 2006 on a more positive note following an end of year act of defiance. more...
THE Rotary Club of Bromsgrove is offering one young person the experience of a lifetime - the chance to study in the USA. more...
POLICE are urging victims of domestic violence not to suffer in silence. more...
A WOMAN who works tirelessly behind the scenes as its chairman and as a driving force in the continued success of the Bromsgrove Festival has had her hard work recognised by being awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours for her services to music. more...
WORCESTERSHIRE County Council has decided there is little to suggest Bromsgrove residents do not get value for money on highways issues. more...
A DRIVER escaped with minor injuries after losing control of her car. more...
A TALENTED stained glass artist-craftsman, who despatched work from his Bromsgrove workshop to grace religious buildings both here and abroad, is featured in a new book. more...
ARTISTIC youngsters at a town school are having their pictures turned into Christmas cards. more...
A VILLAGE school is celebrating after coming top of the class in its Ofsted report. more...
A BROMSGROVE headteacher said a final farewell after 11 years at her school. more...
THERE was a bloomin' marvellous day at a Frankley school when children took part in a hyacinth festival. more...
AN intrepid Bromsgrove police officer is trekking to the North Pole to raise cash to help sick children. more...
LICKEY and Blackwell Parish Council is going on line. more...
JENNIFER JONES was just 19 when she died of bone cancer last summer. more...
LITTLE Jude Evans could have a special helmet made to re-shape his head, thanks to an article in the Advertiser/Messenger. more...
THE president Barbara Maskell welcomed members to the December meeting. She thanked Christine Kendrick and her birthday committee for a wonderful evening of entertainment in November. more...
SIR - One morning recently, I was driving into Worcester city centre from Lower Wick along Bromwich Road, following a mobile speed camera van. more...
Our members were certainly in festive spirit for our December meeting. Having given us all a glass of sherry, Jenny Marsh welcomed everyone and told us about the various roles committee members would be taking on for the next 12 months. more...
SIR - We must give credit where it is due and highly praise the landlady at the Mayflower pub at Dines Green who kindly put on a free Christmas lunch for numerous pensioners. more...
The Christmas meeting of Lickey WI was held at the parish hall. Members had enjoyed a coffee morning at the home of Mary Rollason during November. The skittles team had been successful in its first match of the county skittles tournament. more...
SIR - It is sad that residential wardens at Old People's sheltered accommodation blocks are being done away with. In the 1980s, I lived in a flat in Keswick Drive. The two female wardens, first Chris then Daphne, became real pals. By living close to the unit, they really got to know the individual residents and were always on call. more...
THE Bromsgrove and District Canine Society (ringcraft section) finished its 70th anniversary year with a Christmas match meeting against the ringcraft club from Pershore. more...
SIR - Central Trains recently shut down services one Sunday due to a shortage of drivers. more...
Our President Shirley opened our December meeting by warmly welcoming members and visitors from other institutes to our 2005 Christmas party. more...
SIR - it is quite unacceptable that Worcester City Council is threatening members of the public with £1,000 fines over recycling. more...
As usual the president conducted the business for the evening, including the fact that following the sale of WI House in Worcester the HQ for the Worcestershire WI Federation had now moved to Hallow. more...
SIR - As a member of the Worcester Twinning committee I have, naturally, been very interested in the correspondence on the lack of twinning signs. more...
SIR - It's a bit rich for Peter Luff to complain of possible gas shortages this winter. After all, it was the Conservative government that denationalised the gas industry on the basis that it could be run better by the private sector. more...
SIR - "Thirty pounds off council tax" if West Mercia Police join West Midlands. This is the same amount the council taxpayers now give extra to the police force for more police. more...
SIR - On behalf of many people, may I take advantage of your excellent paper to thank all the traders in St John's village, the doctors, the dentist, the chemists and our library staff for their ever warm welcome and service above that expected. A happy new year is wished to each and everyone. more...
SIR - I do hope that people have recycled all the waste paper from Christmas presents. Millions of trees must not have been felled in vain. more...
A BIG-hearted DJ is depriving himself of sleep for five days in a bid to establish a new world record in aid of charity.
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WITH reference to the photograph and article on page five of the Advertiser/Messenger on December 21 entitled `Lucky escape for Spa motorist.' more...
I RECENTLY read that we are to get wheelie bins this year. more...
AS another parent who challenged WH Smith's earlier last year about its Playboy range, I firstly write to thank the women who took the time to raise the issue in the local press and, secondly, to express my sadness at seeing another parent's ( Helen Crompton, Evesham) sarcasm about their efforts in this regard in the Advertiser/Messenger on December 28. more...
SHORTLY before Christmas we sang carols outside Waitrose store in Droitwich and I would like to say thank you to the shoppers for their generosity - and trust they were reminded of the real meaning of Christmas. more...
ONE of the few chief constables to speak out publicly against the amalgamation of police forces is Paul West of West Mercia. more...
FOLLOWING a flurry of complaints regarding the constant failure of street lighting in the Appletrees Crescent, Grange Park, Bromsgrove, and some of the smaller roads off, I contacted the developers via the Highways Partnership. more...
IN response to the letter from reader Mrs Millinchip of Catshill (collection of recycling boxes) I must say I sympathise with householders who co-operate magnificently to make the recycling service the success it has become; with Bromsgrove's performance now matching that of the best councils in the country. more...
ON December 17 Wythall Animal Sanctuary representatives were collecting outside ASDA in Bromsgrove. The amount of £570.23 was donated, along with four large trolley loads of petfood. Our grateful thanks to the store and their very generous customers. more...
I WOULD like to express my thanks to the staff of the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch where I recently underwent surgery for breast cancer. more...
ONE of the few chief constables to speak out publicly against the amalgamation of police forces is Paul West of West Mercia. more...
MEMBERS of Redditch Council are set to join another campaign to fight cost-cutting plans for health services in the town - this time to defend mental health services. more...
PATIENTS and staff at Redditch's Alexandra Hospital are joining in birthday celebrations for Hospital Radio Pulse at the end of its 5th year of broadcasting. more...
THE battle to save the Alexandra Hospital from being downgraded will be stepped up this Saturday when a protest march takes place through Redditch town centre. more...
A DISABLED Hollywood man has controversially spoken in favour of proposals to downgrade the Alexandra Hospital. more...
AMID controversy over the future of Redditch's Alexandra Hospital, orthopaedic patients are set to benefit from a new unit which opened its doors yesterday. more...
NOTHING can compensate for the loss of a child. The agony of bereavement is all the more acute when a youngster meets with premature death, for those who are left behind are stricken with a particularly cruel form of grief - one which is compounded by the knowledge that fate has denied the victim the chance to fulfil their lifetime's potential. more...
A COUPLE were brutally attacked as they walked home from a new year's eve party. more...
THIS blind dog is in desperate need of a loving home and a fresh start for the new year. more...
BUDDING photographers are being invited to submit their snaps for inclusion in a new calendar for the Worcestershire Women's Institute. more...
RESIDENTS in Wychavon are being urged to have their say on how open space, sport and recreation facilities in the district can be best used. more...
STUDENTS and teachers are returning to Nunnery Wood High School after the holidays with the news that it has been given a ringing endorsement by inspectors. more...
A champion slimmer from Worcester who overcame obesity and lost 12 stone in two years is offering to help others who want to shed the pounds. more...
WORCESTER is doing its bit to tackle global warming - by spending £1.1m on cleaning up emissions from the city's crematorium. more...
WORK on a long-awaited £1.3m sports centre for Malvern will finally start in autumn 2006, it has been announced. more...
WATER bubbled up from a footpath and poured down a village street for about 30 hours while a water company denied responsibility for mending the leak. more...
THE design for a new bridge to be built in one of Worcester's most popular parks has been chosen and is now on display. more...
A FISH and chip shop owner from Worcester will swap potato chips for the plastic kind when he appears on a televised poker tournament with a first prize of $125,000 (about £72,000). more...
Sport
SELFLESS striker Adam Webster is hopeful of shooting Worcester City out of trouble. more...
A PAIR of budding martial arts masters from Bromsgrove earned their black belts in a self-defence style invented in Worcestershire in December. more...
DROITWICH Print came from behind to draw 5-5 with Arrowvale A in the Bromsgrove and Redditch Table Tennis League Division One. more...
ASTON FIELDS rider Joseph Rowe maintained his excellent form by coming third at the National Trophy Cyclo-Cross series. more...
A DROITWICH business is hoping to entice thousands of amateur golfers from around the country to take part in a brand new tournament. TOURNAMENT TO BE PROUD OF: Peter Fisher is the mastermind of the Uro Golf Super 12 Championship. more...
HOME, away more...
Tenbury United 1 Ellesmere 3
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I CANNOT put a finger on why our performances over the Christmas and new year period were so up and down. more...
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FAIRFIELD Villa recovered from a crushing defeat against Littleton to end their Christmas and New Year fixtures in the Midland Combination Division One on a high. more...
BARNT Green ended a hectic seasonal Christmas list on a high by defeating Shifnal 1-0 in the Midland Combination Premier Division on Monday, January 2. more...
Bromsgrove Rovers 6 Cinderford Town 2 more...
Stourport Swifts 1 Bromsgrove Rovers 1 more...
Bromsgrove Rovers FC's manager Jimmy Mullen admitted that he is giving serious thought to his future at the club after right hand man Bernard Mackie was sacked by the board last week. more...
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers skipper Mark Jackson is on the wanted list of Conference rivals York City. more...
Alcester President's XV 5 more...
Moor Green 2 Redditch United 1 more...
GARY Whild has started to rebuild his struggling Redditch side ahead of their relegation battle. more...
CRICKET: Cookley start their indoor nets at Stourport Leisure Centre this weekend. more...
THE BMW name will return to the British Touring Car Championship after privateer racer Martyn Bell concluded a deal to race next season. more...
WESTFIELDS started the new year where they left 2005 -- with another disappointing defeat. more...
CERTIFICATES and medals were handed out as youngsters sharpened their football skills over the festive period. more...
BROMSGROVE Rovers' assistant manager Bernard Mackie has been sacked but Jimmy Mullen will remain as the club's boss. more...
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers skipper Mark Jackson is on the wanted list of Conference rivals York City. more...
SELFLESS striker Adam Webster is hopeful of shooting Worcester City out of trouble. more...
JOHN Brain has apologised to fans after Worcester Warriors slumped to a third consecutive defeat -- but he is refusing to criticise the effort of his players. more...
A GROUP of Redditch youngsters had cause to celebrate when their on the field success was rewarded with a new sponsorship deal. more...
IF Feckenham can continue their impressive run into the new year, manager Lee Adams will be a happy man. more...
ALVECHURCH manager Shaun Cunnington hopes Lye Meadow will become a fortress over the next few weeks. more...
STUDLEY eased their relegation worries with a six-point haul from their festive campaign. more...
Moor Green 2 Redditch United 1 more...
DARTS: COLIN Watton proved the star man when he bagged the Bob Hill Individuals Trophy. more...
KINGS Norton return to league action on Saturday with a match against basement side Handsworth at Ash Lane (ko 2.30pm). more...
STUDLEY darts ace Andy Smith is hoping for a repeat performance in 2006 - another dazzling year at the oche. more...
AMERICAN FOOTBALL: REDDITCH Arrows have secured their first sponsorship deal of 2006 after securing the backing of Worcester company Hydro Aluminium Worcester Ltd (HAW). more...
BROMSGROVE Rovers' chairman Tom Herbert has given manager Jimmy Mullen his full support, but has demanded a dramatic improvement in results to enhance the team's promotion hopes in the second half of the season. more...
Bromsgrove Rovers FC's manager Jimmy Mullen admitted that he is giving serious thought to his future at the club after right hand man Bernard Mackie was sacked by the board last week. more...
JOHN Brain has apologised to fans after Worcester Warriors slumped to a third consecutive defeat -- but he is refusing to criticise the effort of his players. more...
Bromsgrove Rovers 6 Cinderford Town 2 more...
Bromsgrove Rovers 3 Clevedon Town 0 more...
Stourport Swifts 1 Bromsgrove Rovers 1 more...
A COACH from Bromsgrove Cricket Club is hoping to tap into the new enthusiasm for the sport generated by the England's Ashes victory by holding coaching sessions at the Dolphin Centre. TAPPING INTO THE ASHES BUZZ: Jordan Rose and Tom Green are coaches in the new Ashes Power Hour. more...
Stourport Swifts 1 Bromsgrove Rovers 1 more...
Bromsgrove Rovers FC's manager Jimmy Mullen admitted that he is giving serious thought to his future at the club after right hand man Bernard Mackie was sacked by the board last week. more...
