Worcester News - Stories for 25 October 2006

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Worcestershire | Archive | 2006 | October

Stories for 25 October 2006

Alcester

Spring start for hospital

WORK on Alcester Hospital is not expected to start until next spring, according to health chiefs. more...

Group gets a kick start

A FLAGSHIP Alcester community group could be revitalised following an open day and important meeting to determine its future. more...

Getting in the mood for food

ALCESTER residents were encouraged to acquire a taste for healthy food to keep mind and body fit. more...

'Weak' council is back on track

By Pat Smith ALCESTER and Bidford's district council - described as "weak" by Government watchdogs - has bounced back. more...

Girl reunited with bike

A YOUNGSTER'S tears turned to joy when a police appeal led to the recovery of her bike. more...

Court date

AN Alcester man will appear in court on Friday charged with driving with excess alcohol, while disqualified and without insurance. more...

Cash from cards

THE spirit of Christmas is coming early to book lovers. more...

Tales at library

GRUESOME tales about the darker side of Warwickshire's history are to be revealed at Alcester Library. more...

Posters to deter unwanted visits

HELP is at hand for Alcester and Bidford residents who dread Halloween "trick or treat" visits. more...

Club event

GET ready to rock and roll when the Steve Gibbons Band come to Alcester. more...

Scrooge show

A CHRISTMAS Carol - the musical - is the next production from Alcester Amateur Operatic Society. more...

Alexandra Hospital

Tories back Alex

THE Shadow Health Secretary met Save the Alex campaigners when he visited Redditch on Thursday. more...

Grandma seeks answers on cuts

A GRANDMOTHER'S disgust over the possible withdrawal of maternity services from the Alexandra Hospital led her to press a newly formed health trust for more details about the situation. more...

Bishop'S Column

Bishop's Diary - The Right Rev Peter Selby

We're all used to asking about dress codes, a way of making sure we feel comfortable at some event or other. more...

Bishop's Diary - The Right Rev Peter Selby

We're all used to asking about dress codes, a way of making sure we feel comfortable at some event or other. more...

Body And Soul

Why no mum should fear life with a Down’s baby like mine

Medical complications meant Alice and Martin Sullivan found out their son Fergus had Down's syndrome before he was born, but they say they always planned to keep him, and he has brought nothing but joy to their lives. more...

Business

Millions now available for new business

MORE local companies can now get free support under a recently extended £3.8m regional regeneration scheme. more...

TENBURY: Young brickies lay a course for a future career

TWO youngsters from Tenbury Wells are laying the foundations for a career in the building trade on a pioneering rural training course with a housing association. more...

Gadget’s miles of smiles

WORCESTERSHIRE businesses can benefit from a new device aimed at accurately recording business mileage for company car drivers and removing the fear of a visit from the taxman. more...

Taking sound advice from a bank was certainly not a sin

THE benefits of a good working relationship with your bank was demonstrated when brothers Craig and Darren Pinches wanted to expand their Bushwackers business in Worcester. more...

Taking sound advice from a bank was certainly not a sin

THE benefits of a good working relationship with your bank was demonstrated when brothers Craig and Darren Pinches wanted to expand their Bushwackers business in Worcester. more...

Taking sound advice from a bank was certainly not a sin

THE benefits of a good working relationship with your bank was demonstrated when brothers Craig and Darren Pinches wanted to expand their Bushwackers business in Worcester. more...

Make contact with fun away from the office

ZOOMING around a kart track and a spot of archery proved just the ticket for some businessmen and women who wanted to have lots of fun and network at the same time. more...

Make contact with fun away from the office

ZOOMING around a kart track and a spot of archery proved just the ticket for some businessmen and women who wanted to have lots of fun and network at the same time. more...

Jenny first in the race

WORCESTER Racecourse hospitality manager Jenny Cheshire is the proud recipient of the Outstanding Employee of the Year Award. more...

Trainers who go to the extreme in the world of team building

IT'S the sort of corporate entertainment that would make any self-respecting team leader's eyes water, no matter how enthusiastic they might be. more...

Hard work pays for hotel

A WORCESTERSHIRE country house hotel claimed its second major accolade in two months when it was named Small Hotel of the Year at a prestigious award ceremony. more...

Jobs boost for trading estate

A PROGRESSIVE Midlands property development and investment company has acquired a 400,000 sq ft scheme near Droitwich where up to 150 jobs could be created. more...

TENBURY: Young brickies lay a course for a future career

TWO youngsters from Ten-bury Wells are laying the foundations for a career in the building trade on a pioneering rural training course with a housing association. more...

Clubs & Societies

Alcester & District Local History Society

LOCAL Steam Railways was a fascinating talk by railway enthusiast Graham Lockley, and was presented to a packed Greig Hall. more...

Alvechurch WI

OUR October meeting was very well attended and Doreen Williams was thanked for the beautiful flower arrangement. more...

Alcester WI

THE speaker for the October meeting was Marie Hampton from Bromsgrove. more...

Arrow WI

BEFORE singing Jerusalem, members were asked at our September meeting if they would stand in memory of our past president, Pat Hoare, who died so suddenly a year ago. more...

Bordesley Historical Society

MANY of those attending the meeting on October 5 reckoned it was the best meeting ever. more...

Cookhill and Studley Camera Club

THE club recently held its first competition of the new season. more...

Everywomans Circle

DURING the summer break, a very enjoyable visit was made to Waddesdon Manor, the home of the Rothschild family. more...

Feckenham Forest History Society

ON October 10, Derek Harrington gave an illustrated talk entitled Worcestershire Curiosities. more...

Inner Wheel Club of Redditch

THE club held its October meeting at the Quality Hotel in Southcrest, to which president Marlene Shaw welcomed members and honorary members and asked member Audrey Stubbings to light the Candle of Friendship in memory of the victims of the recent shootings within the Amish community in Pennsylvania. more...

Ipsley with Crabbs Cross WI

THE annual meeting was well attended by members as well as two visitors and WI advisor, Marjorie Whiting. more...

Redditch Music Society

THE brilliant young Russian pianist Varvara Lloyd-Maggs gave a virtuoso performance at the opening concert of the new season. more...

Wythall Gardening Club

OUR programme for 2006/7 is as follows: November 1, 2006, Brian Draper, The River Theme; December 6, 2006, Christmas Party; January 3, 2007, Reg Moule, An Evening with Reg Moule; February 7, 2007, Dr Martin Page PhD FLS, Peonies - Growing for the Garden; March 7, 2007, Neil Cook, The Re-creation of Hanbury Hall Gardens; April 4, 2007, John Sutton, Salvias - Herbaceous and Shrubby Species; May 2, 2007, Carol Caldicott, Hanging Baskets and Tubs; June 6, 2007, Howard Drury DHE (Hons), Large Screen Video Presentation; July 4, 2007, Dr John Page, Contemporary Alpines; August 1, 2007, Evening Conducted Tour of Birmingham Botanical Gardens; September 5, 2007, Len Salt, Creating Interest in Small Gardens; October 3, 2007, Annual General Meeting - followed by Quiz Evening with Mel Matthews. more...

Wythall Gardening Club

Coach'S Column

French trip could be our biggest test yet

IT promises to be a huge test this weekend when we travel to France to play Clermont Auvergne. more...

Education

School hosts ceremony for top achievers

THE achievements of 11 pupils at a Worcester school will be marked in its own graduation evening. more...

Children pick-up advice and lots of litter in neighbourhood

PUPILS from a Droitwich school did their bit for the environment by taking part in a litter pick. more...

Maths takes children around the world

NUMERACY took over at Northwick Manor Infants' School, with pupils taking part in a world-wide maths trail. more...

Maths takes children around the world

NUMERACY took over at Northwick Manor Infants' School, with pupils taking part in a world-wide maths trail. more...

Football

Burlish in basement battle at lowly Leamington

BURLISH Olympic Ladies will be anxious to avoid defeat in Sunday's bottom-of-the-table clash at Leamington in West Midland Regional Women's Football League Division One South. more...

Women: Burlish in basement battle

BURLISH Olympic Ladies will be anxious to avoid defeat in Sunday's bottom-of-the-table clash at Leamington in West Midland Regional Women's Football League Division One South. more...

Kidder News Latest

Driver relives prison ordeal

A LORRY driver working for a Kidderminster haulage firm spent three days in a French cell after a massive drugs haul was found in his trailer. more...

Double take as twins reach 75

BROTHERS believed to be Kidderminster's oldest identical twins have celebrated their joint 75th birthday. more...

'Ghost' operation to deter trick or treaters

MORE than 1,500 posters saying no to Halloween trick or treaters are being distributed across Wyre Forest in an effort to deter youngsters from hassling householders. more...

'Ghost' operation to deter trick or treaters

MORE than 1,500 posters saying no to Halloween trick or treaters are being distributed across Wyre Forest in an effort to deter youngsters from hassling householders. more...

'Ghost' operation to deter trick or treaters

MORE than 1,500 posters saying no to Halloween trick or treaters are being distributed across Wyre Forest in an effort to deter youngsters from hassling householders. more...

Driver relives prison ordeal

A LORRY driver working for a Kidderminster haulage firm spent three days in a French cell after a massive drugs haul was found in his trailer. more...

Last week's online poll result

We asked: Do you back the district council's plans to brign another cinema to Kidderminster? more...

Last week's online poll result

We asked: Do you back the district council's plans to bring another cinema to Kidderminster? more...

Our online poll result

We asked: Do you back the district council's plans to bring another cinema to Kidderminster? more...

Latest

Hospital chaplain cuts are criticised by bishop

The decision to cut funding for chaplaincy posts at Worcestershire Royal Hospital has come under fire from the Bishop of Worcester. more...

County’s cash boost for more homes

THE Government has cleared the way for 3,800 new homes in Worcestershire in the next 10 years by helping to fund improvements to roads and railways - but once again the county has been left near the bottom of the pile when it comes to its share of grants. more...

3-year-old set his house on fire using a lighter

A THREE-year-old boy narrowly avoided killing both himself and his mother when he accidentally set fire to the family home with a cigarette lighter. more...

Police praised for the second year running

WEST Mercia Constabulary is one of the best performing forces in the country for the second year running for detecting crime and bringing offenders to justice. more...

Racists in Red sights

PLAYERS from Redditch United and Workington are to join forces in a bid to beat racism. more...

Kings top the league

Rugeley 0 Kings Norton 32 KINGS Norton RFC are sitting pretty after posting their fourth successive victory, and third on the road under new head coach Clive Chapman, by battering Rugeley. more...

Ladies batter Crescs

Redditch Ladies 8 Cresconians 1 FOUR goals in each half ensured Redditch Ladies Hockey Club continued their impressive run. more...

Italian job

A REDDITCH bodybuilder is heading for Italy next month after qualifying for a world championships. more...

Latets

Lucky to be alive!

THESE dramatic pictures, taken with a mobile phone, show how a man narrowly missed death when a tree crashed onto his car as he drove along a Redditch road. more...

Lucky to be alive!

THESE dramatic pictures, taken with a mobile phone, show how a man narrowly missed death when a tree crashed onto his car as he drove along a Redditch road. more...

Nightmares after ceiling collapses

A SINGLE father of two from Greenlands says his children are having nightmares after the ceiling of one of their bedrooms caved in. more...

Nightmares after ceiling collapses

A SINGLE father of two from Greenlands says his children are having nightmares after the ceiling of one of their bedrooms caved in. more...

Nightmares after ceiling collapses

A SINGLE father of two from Greenlands says his children are having nightmares after the ceiling of one of their bedrooms caved in. more...

Nightmares after ceiling collapses

A SINGLE father of two from Greenlands says his children are having nightmares after the ceiling of one of their bedrooms caved in. more...

Officers link two attacks

POLICE have linked two attacks on women in Redditch and put out an urgent call for witnesses. more...

Vicar joins veil row

THE vice-chairman of the new Redditch mosque has said he is totally against extremism and terrorism in response to a town vicar's criticism of Islam. more...

Police hunt for graffiti vandal

MORE than 50 graffiti attacks on buildings around Redditch have all included the same word - Tor. more...

Woman's death investigated

A 30-YEAR-old woman has been found dead at her Oakenshaw home. more...

Letters

Useless sacrifice for an impossible dream

SIR - By January this year, 100 British service personnel had been killed in Iraq. This was a war that had started back in March 2003. more...

Most firms are not in favour of the EU

SIR - After a fortnight during which the leading financial paper and the leading economist magazine have pointed out the adverse effect of the EU on the competitiveness of the British economy, ICM have announced the results of a poll of 1,000 chief executives of British companies. more...

When a warship is on active service

SIR - When a warship is on active service you cannot send out to the nearest chemist shop to obtain the right medicine for someone who is ill so who is going to do the dispensing? There may be X-ray apparatus on board but where are you going to find a radiographer to operate it? Expensive microscopes and laboratory equipment are all to no avail without a trained lab technician to call upon. And it's no use dialling 999 if someone's gastric ulcer perforates while at sea in heavy weather. I have actually experienced that one so this is not just conjecture. more...

UK has a ‘hidden’ numbers problem

SIR - So now it's official. The UK has a serious hidden' overpopulation problem but most politicians and environmental groups are in denial about it. more...

Research using animals is vital

SIR - What do doctors think about the use of animals in medical research? Last month, we commissioned the first proper national survey for 13 years of family doctors' views on this issue. more...

Well done, News

SIR - Hearty congratulations to the Worcester News and its editor Stewart Gilbert on your sales success. I love your paper, the detailed news, features, photos, and of course, the letters page. The only bit I largely ignore is the sports pages. (I'm a bit of a wimp). more...

Parking charges

SIR - Good morning! My daughter and I parked in the centre of Worcester at 3.27pm on October 14 in order to visit your town. I was amazed to see the parking fee in a car park near the Cathedral was £6.20. Isn't that overkill? more...

Despicable scum

TO the despicable person that stole my purse in Morrisons, Bromsgrove, earlier this month. I would like to ask them - did the money serve you well? Did you feel good spending it? Did you buy consumer goods, booze, and drugs? If you did I hope they choke you! more...

Bit of a hash!

IT was with some amusement that I read Pete Lammas' article Hash sparks a village mystery'. more...

Spoiling skyline

AS I walked down to the local Tesco Express store I couldn't believe the amount of lorries taking soil and rubble to the old Marlbrook tip. My daughter and I counted eight lorries in the five minute walk to the store. more...

Answering council criticism

FOLLOWING a recent edition of the Advertiser/Messenger, one of my constituents asked me, somewhat sarcastically, if I had seen the current edition of the Psirides Times'. more...

Where cash goes

THE Stoke resident is right to be unhappy about the way Stoke Parish Council spend the parish rate. more...

Listings

Where to go

Wednesday, October 25 COMEDY: Alan Carr, Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove. more...

Memory

100 years ago - October 27, 1906

ERNEST Wharrad, Harry Chatterley, Alfred Wright and Harold Mills, cycle workers, Headless Cross, were charged with obstructing a footpath in the Evesham Road, Headless Cross, on the 16th inst. more...

50 years ago - October 26, 1956

COLIN Stowe, the 18-year-old Redditch boy who is presently appearing with the George Carden Dance Group at the London Palladium will reach the summit of a variety artiste's career when he appears with the group in the Royal Command Performance at the Palladium. more...

25 years ago - October 23, 1981

A CABINET Government minister comes to Redditch today to honour just one square foot of factory floor in Merse Road, Moons Moat. more...

Memory Lane

100 Years Ago, October 27, 1906

A SEAGULL seen so far inland was a sure sign of bad weather on the coast, it was said, but on Monday inhabitants of Wychbold were astounded to see a flock of 25 following close behind a plough on Mr Pritchard's land at Wychbold Court. They remained there for two hours before taking to the air and heading in the direction of the Lickeys. more...

50 Years Ago, October 27, 1956

THE social life of Stoke Prior and Stoke Works was enhanced this week by the launch of a Darby and Joan Club in the recreation room at the ICI plant. It was the 59th such club in Worcestershire. About 20 people, mainly Joans, turned up for the launch. more...

25 Years Ago, October 23, 1981

THE number out of work in Bromsgrove fell for the first time in 16 months by 59 to 2,066. It was as a result of more July school leavers finding employment. more...

Music

Jazz time at rugby club

THE sound of New Orleans can be heard at Bromsgrove Rugby Club this Friday when the St Johns branch of Bromsgrove Conservatives hold a jazz party. more...

Love sang out loud

PUCCINI'S classic love story La Boheme is to be performed at Malvern Theatres between October 31 and November 5. more...

Local band set to rock out the Artrix

ROCK band Trigger are set to showcase tracks from their new album Fight the Machine at the Artrix this Sunday. more...

Foursome set to pull strings

THE Royal Quartet of Warsaw will be performing pieces by Mozart, Shostakovich and Brahms as part of Bromsgrove Concerts's winter programme this Friday. more...

News

City may move in to snap up Clarke

WORCESTER City have not ruled out another attempt to sign Alfreton Town defender Ryan Clarke. more...

Garvey on the way back for Worcester

MARCEL Garvey made a try-scoring return for Worcester Warriors when he turned out for the Academy side in their 57-27 defeat of an Exeter Chiefs Development XV at Sixways. more...

Rain ruins cup match

A WATERLOGGED pitch means Worcester City Youth will have to wait for the chance to reach the first round proper of the FA Youth Cup. more...

Rain ruins cup match

A WATERLOGGED pitch means Worcester City Youth will have to wait for the chance to reach the first round proper of the FA Youth Cup. more...

Eaton schooling at Stourport

HARRIERS' out-of-favour youngster Scott Eaton could finally be given the chance to continue his development - with a loan spell at Stourport Swifts. more...

Swifts boss Roy remains defiant

BOSS Roy Rencher has come out fighting after Stourport's swift exit from two cup competitions, declaring: "If anybody wants to come in and do a better job, they're welcome." more...

Stourport suffer Swifts cup exits

TWO more cup defeats but there were few other similarities as Stourport Swifts bowed out of the FA Trophy and Worcestershire Senior Cup in the space of three days. more...

Racists in Red sights

PLAYERS from Redditch United and Workington are to join forces in a bid to beat racism. more...

Opinion

Wednesday's Comment: Health care trusts just cannot win

WE all know that life can be very unfair at times. But when it comes to health care trusts, it is always a case of being between a rock and a hard place. For they are the Aunt Sallies of public bodies and can never, ever win. more...

Reports

Whild faces a dilemma

Redditch United 3 Alfreton Town 2 REDDITCH United manager Gary Whild faces a selection headache ahead of Saturday's clash with Workington at the Valley Stadium. more...

Reviews

They’re an heroic trio

Review - Heroes at the Festival Theatre, Malvern, until Saturday IF you want to meet the original grumpy old men then this is the place to be. Starring just three of our finest actors - Art Malik, Christopher Timothy and Michael Jayston, this is an exceptional theatrical production. They're heroes' all as they splendidly recreate war veterans passing their days in a military hospital, but making plans. It's first rate. VW more...

Round-Up

Put up a sign if you want to stop a big fright night

WITH Hallowe'en fast approaching, police have issued guidelines to avoid a fright night'. more...

Misfits in need of a new home

THE Worcester branch of the RSPCA has appealed for that "special someone" to adopt a dog and a cat in need of extra attention. more...

Looking cool in pink shades

SPECSAVERS opticians, Broad Street, Worcester, has joined forces with Macmillan Cancer Support to sell limited edition rose-tinted glasses as a part of Breast Cancer Awareness month. more...

I'll put a spell on you

AS the ghosts, goblins and other creatures of the dark get ready for their favourite night of the year one city centre cafe is doing likewise. The Art House Cafe, based in the Crowngate, is hosting a Hallowe'en Extravaganza party. The evening's entertainment will include a finger buffet, themed games, a ghost walk around Huntingdon Hall and competitions for the best costume and the best pumpkin. Advance tickets for next Tuesday's event can be bought from the venue. They cost £5 in advance or £6 on the door. Admission for children is free. more...

Book sets out to prove monk founded Malvern

A NEW book into the story of Malven's founding father intends to prove the legend of St Werstan is true. more...

15 holiday caravans will be built in open area

FIFTEEN timber-clad holiday caravans are to be sited at a Worcestershire caravan park despite a wave of opposition from park residents who say it would have a "devastating" effect on their lives there. more...

Al-fresco dining on the way for Friar Street

TOURISTS and residents in Worcester could soon be eating al fresco late into the summer evenings as councils pledge to go all-out to create a cafe culture in the city. more...

Kelly rocks the RSVP crowd to become Idol

A TANNING assistant from Worcester has stars in her eyes after winning RSVP Idol - a singing contest based on the hit show Pop Idol. more...

County health trusts ‘waste’ £20m a year

HEALTH trusts in Worcestershire could save a massive £20.6m if they were better run. more...

Bareham shines for England

POOL ace Darrell Bareham is making a name for himself on the international scene after helping England to two victories. more...

Fireworks warning

POLICE are urging people to be sensible with fireworks after a flood of complaints about anti-social behaviour. more...

Pumpkin paradise

THERE will be things that go bump in the night during Burcot's annual pumpkin event this Halloween. more...

What a batty idea

THREE Bromsgrove schoolchildren have come up with a "batty" idea instead of the usual trick or treat escapades youngsters get up to at Halloween. more...

Bonfire night set to go with a bang

BONFIRE night is set to go with a bang during an annual fireworks display at a town centre park. more...

Now it’s time to do your bit

IT'S time to remember the brave men and women who fought and died for their country. more...

Chaddesley Corbett History Society

Mapping the past was brought up to the present by the Chaddesley Corbett Local History Society when Elizabeth Mountford, who is in charge of research, compered a presentation on the project. more...

All set for ghoulish goings-on

THERE will be ghoulish goings-on at a Stoke Heath museum this Saturday during a special Halloween event. more...

Tribute rings out

AN OLD-established Bromsgrove pub may have undergone a complete facelift, but it still holds fond memories of a young man who lost his life in the Hillsborough tragedy. more...

Many happy returns

A TOWN group has celebrated its 20th anniversary of providing help for hundreds of children. more...

Sex assault sparks hunt

A MAN is being hunted by police after a sexual assault in Barnt Green. more...

Halloween warning

TOWN youngsters are being urged to have a happy but safe Halloween as Bromsgrove police launches Operation Ghost 2006. more...

Carve your niche with this pile of pumpkins

PILES of pumpkins are making the perfect Halloween backdrop to a half-term week of fun-packed activities at Webbs in Wychbold. more...

Crowds gather to bid farewell to 'Dr Who'

HUNDREDS of mourners gathered to say a final farewell to much missed Charford resident John Clews, affectionately known as Dr Who. more...

Mother speaks of 'numbness' at son's death

A CARING mum has paid tribute to her well known son from Charford who died following an altercation with youths. more...

Bonfire night set to go with a bang

THE town's brand new official bonfire and fireworks night, which will be the first organised display in the Spa for three years, is being held this Saturday. more...

Staff clock up the years

EIGHT members of staff at the town branch of Morrisons are celebrating their own personal milestone as they complete 20 years unbroken service at the St Andrews centre store. more...

Staff clock up the years

EIGHT members of staff at the town branch of Morrisons are celebrating their own personal milestone as they complete 20 years unbroken service at the St Andrews centre store. more...

Staff clock up the years

EIGHT members of staff at the town branch of Morrisons are celebrating their own personal milestone as they complete 20 years unbroken service at the St Andrews centre store. more...

First aiders to expand

A SPA-based volunteer ambulance service, that provides much-needed assistance in the town, is expanding and will soon welcome an addition to its fleet. more...

They’re taking it to the streets

A GROUP of youngsters, who all live in the same Spa street, are set to put in a marathon effort to help charity. more...

Survey highlights High Street access

A DETAILED survey of Droitwich Spa's High Street has lifted the lid on the number of problems faced by disabled people in the town. more...

Teenager sets up a business

A horse-rider has gone into business by running her own livery stables at the age of 16. more...

Help needed for deadly struggle

MALVERN man Ben Radley is looking for a team of 50 volunteers to join him in the fight against HIV and AIDS in Africa. more...

Ex-head to feature in book by former pupil

The life of Frederick Windle, a former headmaster of Castlemorton School, is to feature in a new book being compiled by one of his old pupils. more...

Rob’s monster trout is a record-breaker

Colwall factory worker Rob Hankins has made history by catching the heaviest trout since records began a century ago at Chew Valley and Blagdon Lakes, Bristol. more...

Alcester win but Eds losing way

It was a successful weekend for Alcester who posted their first away win of the season but Saturday brought more misery for struggling Five Ways Old Edwardians. more...

Alcester win but Eds losing way

It was a successful weekend for Alcester who posted their first away win of the season but Saturday brought more misery for struggling Five Ways Old Edwardians. more...

Firework warning

A LIT firework posted through the letterbox of a Redditch house caused £600 damage. more...

League AGM

THE Alexandra Hospital's League of Friends will be holding its annual meeting on a different day this year in the hope of encouraging more people to attend. more...

Pupils get to walk plank

YOUNGSTERS from Matchborough First School quickly developed their sea legs when they took part in a pirate day. more...

BMX quest

A TOWN sports group is striving to turn Redditch into a mecca for BMX fans. more...

BMX quest

A TOWN sports group is striving to turn Redditch into a mecca for BMX fans. more...

Big day for brides

BRIDES-to-be saw everything necessary for their big day at the Redditch Advertiser Wedding Fair on Sunday. more...

Car park closed for repair work

CAR Park 7 at the King- fisher Centre remains closed after a car fire damaged a structural beam. more...

Twin town chairman visits

THE chairman of the Voluntary Committee in Gujarkhan, Redditch's twin town in Pakistan, visited the town last Thursday. more...

Cash from canal walk

WALKING more than 20 miles meant five staff and residents from the Brambles Residential Care Home in Headless Cross raised about £350 for the residents' welfare fund. more...

Couple scoop top garden prize

A HEADLESS Cross couple are celebrating after scooping the top prize in the Redditch Best Garden Competition 2006. more...

Alert on break-ins

HOUSEHOLDERS in Webheath are being warned to be vigilant after three properties were targeted by burglars. more...

'What I am looking forward to most is just being able to walk on my own'

AFTER travelling to India for a second time for treatment he was refused on the NHS, an Abbeydale man is looking forward to a life-changing recovery. more...

'What I am looking forward to most is just being able to walk on my own'

AFTER travelling to India for a second time for treatment he was refused on the NHS, an Abbeydale man is looking forward to a life-changing recovery. more...

Group's base to be demolished

A BUILDING which has been home to numerous charities and organisations for many years is set to be demolished. more...

Group's base to be demolished

A BUILDING which has been home to numerous charities and organisations for many years is set to be demolished. more...

Group's base to be demolished

A BUILDING which has been home to numerous charities and organisations for many years is set to be demolished. more...

Honours for officers

THE dedication of Redditch police officers has been recognised after they received divisional commendations. more...

Shoppers rescued

FOUR shoppers at the Kingfisher Centre were rescued by firefighters when they got stuck in a lift last Wednesday. more...

New HQ is named in honour of late officer

THE new headquarters of the 480 (Studley) Squadron Air Training Corps in Pools Road has been named after a much-loved former Flight Lieutenant who lost his life to cancer. more...

County vow on services

WORCESTERSHIRE County Council has again pledged to protect frontline services as it looks to slash £18 million from its annual budget. more...

Hunt on for park flasher

A MAN indecently exposed himself to two 10-year-old girls in a Redditch park. more...

Teacher struck off

A TEACHER who worked at Trinity High School has been struck off for three years after a disciplinary hearing. more...

Pipe work 'misery'

A GREENLANDS woman says Severn Trent works are making life a misery for her and her neighbours. more...

Pipe work 'misery'

A GREENLANDS woman says Severn Trent works are making life a misery for her and her neighbours. more...

Duke praises our boys

A REDDITCH soldier serving in Iraq was among those praised by the Duke of Edinburgh when he made a surprise visit to Basra on Sunday. more...

Jack's a star on West End stage

AN Alvechurch teenager is taking eight weeks off from St Augustine's High School to tread the London stage in the Sound of Music. more...

Author's spooky tales

THINGS that go bump in the night hold no fear for a Redditch author who has just completed her 10th collection of ghostly tales. more...

Charity defends garden makeover

CRAIG Evans Appeal volunteers had to defend themselves this week after paying out hundreds of pounds on a garden for a little boy to play in. more...

Dog savages rare ducks

THE last pair of seven rare ducks which had made Arrow Valley Country Park their home have been attacked and killed by a dog. more...

'Rush to top of the league

Woodrush 43 Stoke OB 11 WOODRUSH passed their first real home test with flying colours as they saw off third-placed Stoke to leave Southam the only other unbeaten side in Midlands Five West South. more...

Redditch unbeaten

LEAGUE leaders Redditch reinforced their title credentials with a 13-try win over Warley at the weekend, the hosts ending up taking an 89-0 battering. more...

Alcester win but Eds losing way

It was a successful weekend for Alcester who posted their first away win of the season but Saturday brought more misery for struggling Five Ways Old Edwardians. more...

Bees lack star quality

LACK of quality proved costly for Studley as they crashed to a 3-1 defeat at home to Midland Alliance high-fliers Romulus. more...

Redditch outfit take top prize

REDDITCH independent outfit Team Halfords beat off the competition from their two works teams rivals to retain the 2006 British Touring Cars Championship team title on the final weekedn of the season at Silverstone. more...

VC win in late show

REDDITCH VC overcame the loss of six regulars, including goalkeeper Nicky Metje, winger Claire Compton and striker Jenna Dedicoat to come from behind and record a memorable victory. more...

Ladies pile on misery

Blues Ladies 7 Fulham 1 BIRMINGHAM City ladies compounded Fulham's miserable start to the season further by beating them 7-1 and moving up to fourth. more...

'Church breather

ALVECHURCH manager Shaun Cunnington was set to turn his thoughts away from a faltering league campaign for last night's planned cup test against struggling Stratford Town at Lye Meadow. more...

First setback for Studley

Worcester City 2 Studley WFC 0 A GOAL in each half saw Studley suffer their first defeat of the season. In torrential rain a quick attack by Worcester resulted in a low shot palmed away by keeper Louise Richardson only as far as a home player. more...

Wilson winner

LODGE Park Social Club was represented by Andy Thunderbolt' Wilson in the grand final of the Worthington Darts Cup sponsored by Corr's Brewery at Yardley Wood Social Club. more...

Millers given a cup boost

LEE Ross' struggling Feckenham picked up a welcome boost at the weekend with a victory over fellow Midland Combination Premier Division side Castle Vale in the Endsleigh Challenge Cup. more...

Dean makes his mark

RISING star Dean Reece-Davies notched his first hole-in-one at the Abbey Golf and Country Club. more...

Jones takes the trophy

KEITH Jones lifted the trophy on Saturday when Astwood Bank's Dark Lane Angling Club fished their Top Ten' match on the Arrow. more...

Phones ring up win

SECOND Division outfit SPSP almost caused an upset in the Clements Brothers Cup competition between the top two divisions of the Bromsgrove and Redditch Table Tennis League. more...

Personal bests for girls

REDDITCH Swimming Club competitors posted several personal bests at the Girls Gala Timed Swims at Droitwich, with new clubmates competing in their first gala. more...

Roundup

Thieves grab barrels

FOURTEEN beer kegs worth a total of £700 were stolen in two raids in Stourport. more...

Golf: Hip, hip hole-in-one

WYRE Forest golfer Dean Thatcher found a novel way to celebrate his 25th birthday - by achieving his first hole in one. more...

Society

Chaddesley Corbett History Society

Mapping the past was brought up to the present by the Chaddesley Corbett Local History Society when Elizabeth Mountford, who is in charge of research, compered a presentation on the project. more...

Hagley Gardeners’ Club

Chris Hodgetts' talk about Hill Close Victorian Gardens was quite enlightening. more...

Over 50s Friendship Club

Chairman Ros Southam greeted a large roomful of members to the October meeting at the Spadesbourne Suite in Bromsgrove. more...

Spadesbourne Ladies Club

Chairman Betty Long welcomed 60 members to the October meeting of the Spadesbourne Ladies Club of Bromsgrove. more...

Chaddesley Corbett WI

October 4 was a busy day for many of our members with the produce and handicraft competition in the day, followed by the regular monthly meeting and AGM in the evening. more...

Blackwell & Burcot WI

Members regrouped after the summer break at Burcot village hall. President Pearl Prior said that it was lovely to see us again, and in particular, she welcomed Joan Daniel back after a fairly long absence. more...

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