Stories for 6 November 2006

Business

Bromyard : Machine ensures platform safety all around the world

BROMYARD-based Holden Aluminium Technologies Ltd (HAT) has become one of the leading component companies for the manufacture of platform screens and is helping to lead the way in passenger safety across the world.  more...

Sally’s date for a prize night

SALLY Gunnell, one of Britain's most popular sportswomen, will be presenting the prizes at Worcestershire Group Training Association's Annual Awards Evening at Worcester Rugby Club on Tuesday, November 14.  more...

Young plumbers placed in finals of skills contest

TOM Hurst and Daniel Ford, two students who are completing their third year on the Modern Apprenticeship Programme at Worcester College of Technology, have reached the national final of the 2006 British Plumbing Employers Council (BPEC) skills competition.  more...

Education

Pupil funding pledge gets a cool reception

THE county's top education campaigner has criticised Gordon Brown's pledge that he will put state school pupils' funding on a level with what private school pupils receive.  more...

Football

Women's football: Spacey set to inspire soccer stars

BUDDING female footballers in Worcestershire will have an ideal role model to aspire to after former England international Marieanne Spacey's appointment at the County FA.  more...

Latest results

RESULTS Saturday Nationwide Conference: Harriers 2, Forest Green Rovers 2.  more...

Latest results

RESULTS Saturday Nationwide Conference: Harriers 2, Forest Green Rovers 2.  more...

Gardening

Ten ways to improve your garden in winter

Winter may almost be here, but the garden can still be interesting as bold and subtle leaf variegations, shining berries and colourful, textured bark come into their own.  more...

Good enough to eat : Storing apples

You should have just about finished harvesting apples and pears from your trees, but storing them carefully is all-important if you want to enjoy them in the weeks to come. Any windfalls which have suffered bruising can be cooked and stored in the freezer.  more...

BEST OF THE BUNCH - Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus)

Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus) This vigorous climber is a must for people with a big area to fill such as a pergola, an eyesore to cover such as an old shed or a large tree which needs a burst of colour in autumn, when the Virginia creeper's leaves turn a stunning bright red. Many people avoid training it up their house walls because the suction pads it uses to cling on can damage cement and brickwork. One of the most popular varieties is P tricuspidata, whose proper name is Boston Ivy, which can be seen everywhere. The large leaved variety, P quinquefolia can grow up to 40ft high. Parthenocissus needs fertile, free-draining soil and it will thrive in sun or partial shade. It will need some support initially, but will soon become self-clinging.  more...

Three ways to.................

Grow herbs in paving.  more...

Harriers V Forest Green

In his stride

Michael Blackwood surges forward.  more...

Taking the Michael

Michael Blackwood challenges for the ball  more...

Hardworking Harrier

Iyseden Christie puts Rovers defence under pressure  more...

Fans' frustration

Harriers fans are unimpressed by their team.  more...

Simon says

Simon Russell embarks on a run.  more...

In his stride

Michael Blackwood surges forward  more...

In his stride

Michael Blackwood surges forward.  more...

Crossed the line

Simon Russell fails to keep the ball in play.  more...

That's entertainment?

Harriers supporters are still unimpressed.   more...

Deadball debate

Simon Russell, Michael Blackwood and Russ Penn size up a free-kick  more...

Deadball debate

Simon Russell, Michael Blackwood and Russ Penn size up a free-kick.  more...

Deadball debate

Simon Russell, Michael Blackwood and Russ Penn size up a free-kick.  more...

Trying his luck

Michael Blackwood lets fly with a shot.  more...

Referee!

Mark Creighton appeals for action after some penalty box argy-bargy.  more...

A rare sight

Iyseden Christie loses his footing with nobody else in sight  more...

A rare sight

Iyseden Christie loses his footing with nobody anywhere near him.  more...

Better late than never

Iyseden Christie and Gavin Hurren celebrate Harriers' late leveller.  more...

Aggborough aggro

Andy White, Brian Smikle and Russ Penn tussle with their opponents after the goal.  more...

Penalty box battle

The angry scenes escalate.  more...

Reasons to be cheerful

The last gasp goal gives the fans something to smile about.   more...

Helen Mead

Helen Mead on Monday

LAST week was Hallowe'en, the time of year when children come knocking on your door, asking for treats. Or tricks. It got me thinking. What is the purpose of Hallowe'en? When I was a child no one dressed up or went knocking on doors asking for tricks or treats. I don't even know the etiquette behind that. Is the caller meant to play the trick - pull out a coin from behind his ear, or something like that? Or is the person who answers the door meant to perform a trick (after all, they provide the treat). If so, pity whoever calls at David Blaine's house. I've never allowed my children to take part in this odd and, if you ask me, dangerous ritual that has been imported from America. Kids are meant to beware of strangers yet here we are, encouraging them to dress up and bang on random doors asking for sweets or money. I feel sorry for any man answering the door in the late evening - going to get sweets for the kids is the sort of thing that could get you arrested. You can imagine... "Dad, last night, Mr Smith at No 17 gave me and Kylie a big bag of Smarties and he asked if we liked Fisherman's Friends." Dad would be on the phone to the serious crime squad before you could say "Happy Hallowe'en". Aside from old blokes labelled suspected paedophiles, I bet there are lots of people that aren't too happy about this annual event. If you've been down the aisle labelled Hallowe'en at any major supermarket you will see the sort of stuff that would not be out of place in a serial killer's lock-up. I'm happy to let my children dress up and have fun at a Hallowe'en party at a friend's house - we sometimes have one at our own - but I'm certainly not going to allow them to run around the streets wearing masks with blood dribbling from rotting teeth, while holding replica meat cleavers that look disturbingly like the real thing. There are severed hands with bulging veins that move at the touch of a button, and battered skulls that, if left lying around, could spark a major police investigation. Hallowe'en is getting more and more gruesome. Anyone opening their door to the sort of stuff kids are buying could end up having to be resuscitated. I don't know how it has come to this. Ten years ago youngsters threw on bin bags, now there is a whole fashion range to choose from, with pumpkins, ghosts and witches, plus make-up straight from the Texas Chainsaw Massacre props department. I wish everyone would come to their senses and be happy with a hollowed-out pumpkin in the garden. That's all we had as children, and we were satisfied. At least I think we were.  more...

Kidder News Latest

Fines for benefit cheats

A STOURPORT woman who falsely claimed £2,017 in benefits when she had more than £16,000 in savings has appeared in court.  more...

Latest

Hospital Ops in Car Park

PATIENTS in Worcestershire will soon be able to have operations in supermarket car parks.  more...

I’ll take on Foster at polls over cash cuts

A LEADING city solicitor who is angered at Govern-ment changes to the legal aid system has vowed to stand against Worcester MP Mike Foster at the next General Election.  more...

I’ll take on Foster at polls over cash cuts

A LEADING city solicitor who is angered at Govern-ment changes to the legal aid system has vowed to stand against Worcester MP Mike Foster at the next General Election.  more...

Traumas, complications but Glasshouse is open

WORCESTER'S eagerly anticipated restaurant by a Michelin star chef has finally opened its doors.  more...

Fantastic display of pyrotechnics

FANTASTIC firework displays exploded dramatically across the skies above Worcestershire during the weekend in celebration of bonfire night.  more...

Road crash woman dies

A WOMAN who was involved in a collision with a car on a Worcester road has died.  more...

Bishop of Worcester announces retirement

THE Bishop of Worcester, the Right Reverend Dr Peter Selby has announced he will retire on September 30, 2007 the day after the 40th anniversary of his becoming a priest.  more...

Latets

Crash teacher's recovery continues

A REDDITCH teacher recovering from a car crash is squeezing people's hands and smiling as his condition improves.  more...

Letters

Cameras: BBC acted in the public interest

SIR - I'm writing in response to your comment article of October 27 headlined "BBC must admit that it has got it so wrong", particularly the assertion that our decision to broadcast the fact that Worcester's CCTV cameras have been switched off for several weeks was "maybe down to inexperience or innocent amateurism".  more...

Tories and luxury housing for rich

SIR - An expensive looking newsletter from the Conservatives lands on the doormat.  more...

Iraq campaign a national disgrace

SIR - Time for an Iraq inquiry? A war crimes trial for Mr Blair would be better. The campaign in Iraq is a national disgrace. Since the illegal invasion was carried out under false pretences, life in Britain has visibly deteriorated with entire communities confronting each other and seeing each other as enemies.  more...

Pensioners become poorer every year

SIR - One of George Cowley's recent letters stated his Labour government have done some good things for this country.  more...

Euro vote issue is a bit of a mystery

SIR - Two weeks ago, during a vote in the EU Parliament, more Conservative MEPs voted in favour of the introduction of the euro for the UK than were against. Some did not vote at all because they were away on other business. What is more important than a vote on the introduction of the euro to the UK?  more...

Identity of man outside cinema

SIR - I think the person outside the Gaumont cinema mentioned by John Hinton had the surname of Harker.  more...

Riding the range

SIR - Tell me, John Phillpott, was Gabby Hayes Roy Rogers' sidekick? (Letters, October 3) One or two locals have questioned this. You've probably got better reference books than me.  more...

It’s time to leave

SIR - The revelation that "the EU is costing us £4,000 a second" will surely now, even at this late stage, make some of your readers sit up and take notice. We should leave that corrupt organisation as soon as possible.  more...

Pointing wrong way

SIR - The rowers in Sam Furlong's photograph recently published in the Worcester News are heading downstream, not upstream as stated.  more...

Local Walks

Explore the peaceful parts of wonderful Wyre Forest

Wyre Forest is increasingly popular with walkers and cyclists but most do tend to concentrate on the area around the visitor centre. This walk explores more peaceful parts of the forest around Pound Green and Hawkbatch, where you have a very good chance of encountering fallow deer. It also includes Seckley Wood, where there is an excellent viewpoint overlooking the River Severn, Upper Arley and Trimpley Reservoirs.  more...

Memory Lane

Echoes from the Past

100 years ago A sale of work was held on Thursday at the Quest Hills Mission Room, in aid of the fund for building a new Wesleyan Chapel in Somers Park Avenue. The Rev.E Albert Evans (the circuit superintendent minister) expressed a hope that in 12 months' time, the new building would be erected. The Chapel Committee stated a debt of not more than £200 must be incurred, nor must total expenditure upon the church and site exceed £1,000. Malvern News, November 3, 1906 Col Sgt Instructor Arthur Nicholls passed away at Ledbury on Tuesday evening last. The deceased, who was every inch a soldier and a man, had only been in Ledbury for about a year. Last July, he was compelled to give up his duties and, at Brecon Hospital, he was found to be suffering from consumption. Two months ago, he returned to Ledbury. The deceased, who was 36, was a bachelor. But the young lady with whom he was engaged to be married was present at the funeral. Ledbury Free Press, Novem-ber 6, 1906.  more...

Brooking complaints

FLOODING in Malvern's Tanhouse Lane area was addressed in the Gazette 25 years ago.  more...

Monsters lurking

THE intelligentsia of Malvern entertained themselves 100 years ago by attending a lecture on the geological history of the Malvern Hills, hosted by the Holly Mount Social and Literary Society.  more...

Great unwashed would spoil town

THE idea of a funicular railway up the Malvern Hills, recently the subject of controversy in the Gazette's letters page, is a perennial favourite.  more...

News

City handed long trek in Trophy

WORCESTER City face a long haul journey to Blyth Spartans in the FA Trophy third qualifying round.  more...

City face crucial period says Preece

WORCESTER City boss Andy Preece believes the next four games will be crucial to his side's season.  more...

Wanderers wait on league decision

A LEAGUE committee will determine whether or not Worcester Wanderers will have to replay their match with Shipston-on-Stour.  more...

Watkiss caretaker boss at Grimsby

FORMER Harriers boss Stuart Watkiss has taken over as caretaker boss of Grimsby Town following the sacking of Graham Rodger.  more...

McClen is a temporary Terrier

JAMIE McClen has left Harriers for a month to get some first team football under his belt.  more...

Opinion

Monday's Comment : Patient care will change with times

THERE is a quiet revolution taking place in this country's health provision. True, much of this change is being driven by politicians - but we should not allow our cynicism to be given too free a rein. For some recent developments really do make sense.  more...

Phillpot Files

Teenagers in need of life lessons

WHEN I was a teenager, it was commonplace for adults to shake their heads at the state of modern youth and observe that a spell in the Army might work wonders.  more...

Diamonds are not this girl’s best friend

*CHRISTMAS is drawing ever nearer and women will soon be dropping barn-sized hints to their men about jewellery. In the light of that, let me share this one with you.  more...

No, we don’t want off-road vans, thank you

VOLKSWAGEN has been experimenting with an off-road vehicle the size of a transit van. Heaven help us.  more...

Student homes bought by dad

HOW times change. Watching a property programme the other day, I was astounded by the number of students who are bought flats by their parents.  more...

Have fun – but be considerate

YOUNGSTERS in Kempsey have been causing trouble playing a game called tracker'. Apparently, people's gardens have been used for hiding places and this is obviously unacceptable.  more...

Rural life was hard

TALKING of rural life, we should not forget that village existence was once much harder than it is today.  more...

Someone needs to give a four-X for cadets

*WORCESTER Sea Cadets have suffered quite a lot of inconvenience and harassment down the years. I have often walked past their building in Diglis and noted with sadness that vandals and drunks leave a variety of nasty calling cards.  more...

Pryce'S People

We need a few more Wombles like big Ron

OF trumpets and overcoats there is no sign, more fag packets and the aftermath of a passionate session in the long grass, but Wombling Ron Hayden is not a man to be easily deterred.  more...

Reports

Below-par Harriers earn a point - Harriers 2, Forest Green 2

THE mark of a good side is the ability to grind out results even when they're not playing well.  more...

Below-par Harriers earn a point - Harriers 2, Forest Green 2

THE mark of a good side is the ability to grind out results even when they're not playing well.  more...

Gardiner earns Town a point

MALVERN Town were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw at home to Berkhamsted in Southern League Division One Midlands.  more...

Results

Weekend results from around the county

SATURDAY FOOTBALL COCA-COLA LEAGUE TWO Swindon Town 1 Hereford United 2.  more...

Round-Up

Libby wins life-time recognition

A STAR member of staff from Worcester Sixth-Form College has been recognised with a national award for her efforts.  more...

Cash thieves use stolen credit cards

Stolen credit cards were used to steal thousands of pounds in cash and goods after the thieves obtained PIN numbers by pretending to be police officers or bank officials.  more...

Pavement parking is causing a danger

ANGRY residents have spoken out about the nightmare parking situation near the University of Worcester.  more...

Wartime photo find rekindles memories

A MAN has rediscovered a childhood picture more than 50 years after it was mailed to his father in the Far East.  more...

New flats will be built without parking spaces

SEVEN new apartments are to be built in Worcester - but there will be no parking spaces to go with them.  more...

New flats will be built without parking spaces

SEVEN new apartments are to be built in Worcester - but there will be no parking spaces to go with them.  more...

MALVERN : Building becoming danger to walkers

GUARDIANS of Malvern's heritage and town leaders have jointly criticised the state of a prominent building in the centre of the town.  more...

Volunteers wanted to help with canal work

ANYONE interested in restoring Droitwich canals to their former glory can attend a meeting and find out how to help.  more...

Three-month wait for council to fix faulty street light

AN IRATE Worcester man has hit out at Worcestershire County Council over a faulty street light left on 24 hours a day in the city which he says it has taken three months to fix.  more...

Three-month wait for council to fix faulty street light

AN IRATE Worcester man has hit out at Worcestershire County Council over a faulty street light left on 24 hours a day in the city which he says it has taken three months to fix.  more...

It's a winter wonderland of new Christmas stamps

THIS year's colourful Christmas stamps have been unveiled - and for the first time ever, they will come in different shapes and sizes.  more...

A challenge for canal helpers

PEOPLE interested in voluntary work on the rest-oration of Droitwich Can-als are invited to attend a meeting next week.  more...

A challenge for canal helpers

PEOPLE interested in voluntary work on the rest-oration of Droitwich Canals are invited to attend a meeting week commencing November 6.  more...

Red carpet fund-raiser has a licence to thrill

A RED carpet premire of the new Bond film is taking place in Worcester.  more...

Marathon men making tracks for New York

TWO Worcester runners are undertaking a marathon challenge in New York tomorrow. Rod Thomas and Lawrence Coleman will join 37,000 others for the world famous sporting event.  more...

Bulldozers halted as council argues

A 100-year old Worcester business threatened with the bulldozer has been given a stay of execution after a city council row ended in deadlock.  more...

Teletubby-style eco homes could be built in the hills

A DEVELOPMENT of unique eco-friendly earth-homes, the first of their kind in Britain, could be built in West Malvern.  more...

Malvern’s county cup tie delay dragging on

MALVERN Town and Halesowen Town's wait goes on in their quest to play their Worcestershire Senior Cup first round match.  more...

Craven bags three in Powick cup win

BRIAN Craven blasted a hat-trick as Powick won 5-1 at Nunnery Wood Sports in the Worcester Nursing Sunday Junior Cup.  more...

Hemel Hempstead trip for Evesham

EVESHAM United have been drawn at Hemel Hempstead Town from the Southern League Premier Division in the FA Trophy third qualifying round.  more...

A first for Tricia

A FINSTALL vicar has become the first female rural dean in Bromsgrove.  more...

Rovers shot down in flames

Rovers suffered their worst league defeat in three decades as rampant Cinderford Town ended their unbeaten run on Saturday.  more...

Rovers shot down in flames

Rovers suffered their worst league defeat in three decades as rampant Cinderford Town ended their unbeaten run on Saturday.  more...

Rovers shot down in flames

Rovers suffered their worst league defeat in three decades as rampant Cinderford Town ended their unbeaten run on Saturday.  more...

Rovers shot down in flames

Rovers suffered their worst league defeat in three decades as rampant Cinderford Town ended their unbeaten run on Saturday.  more...

Be a volunteer

AGE Concern Droitwich Spa and District is looking for volunteers with practical skills to help in its day centres and with its gardening and handyperson service.  more...

Tight at the top after defeats for duo

Stratford and District Alliance ONE point separates the leading quartet of clubs in Aquaid Division One after defeats for both Earlswood and Ilmington.  more...

Carrie shapes up to win gold

MALVERN'S very own trained figure champion has done it once again, scooping gold at the British Finals qualifying stage.  more...

Beat goes on in tribute to Adrian

AS a keen sportsman who was busy travelling the globe on different projects, QinetiQ scientist Adrian Coffey was at the top of his game.  more...

Lib Dem calls for carbon cut

MALVERN Hills district is producing 12.2 per cent more than the national average of the gases that cause climate change, says Lib Dem parliamentary candidate Richard Burt.  more...

Models keep a clear conscience

GLAMOROUS local models will strutt their stuff on the catwalk at an ethical clothes show in Colwall on Saturday, November 11.  more...

Brazen theft by small boy

AN £185 toy moped has been stolen by a small boy, accompanied by a couple, who simply wheeled it away from a Ledbury shop.  more...

Miracle escape for driver

POLICE say it was a miracle no-one was killed when bricks were thrown at cars from a disused railway bridge in Ledbury.  more...

Stage door

THE stage door area of the Festival Theatre has been refurbished thanks to a legacy from a theatre-lover.  more...

Join the fight to save centre

A MALVERN councillor is calling on councils and schools to join forces to save the town's outdoor educational centre.  more...

On yer bike!

MALVERN Town Council has withdrawn from a plan to create a cycle path across the town.  more...

On yer bike!

MALVERN Town Council has withdrawn from a plan to create a cycle path across the town.  more...

Allotment decision appeal

MALVERN Town Council is set to appeal against refusal of planning permission to turn a field off Greenfields Road into allotments.  more...

Police praise public after trouble-free Halloween

HALLOWEEN in Malvern passed with no more reports of anti-social behaviour than on any typical night.  more...

Matron to appeal conviction

THE former matron of a home for the disabled has been given leave to appeal against her conviction for dishonesty.  more...

Vowing to open loos

MALVERN Town Council has stepped back from plans to re-open the Edith Walk toilets.  more...

Attack on teen rider

A TEENAGE cyclist was sprayed in the face with a fire extinguisher in a road-rage attack.  more...

Rapist is spared jail

A MALVERN teenager who raped a 12-year-old girl and made her pregnant has been spared jail.  more...

Sport facilities open to public

New sports facilities at Dyson Perrins School were opened to the public for the first time this week.  more...

Shake-up of health trusts puts new hospital plan on hold

PLANS for a new Malvern hospital have been put on hold by the reorganisation of the county's health trusts, town councillors heard.  more...

Great design or Laa-Laa Land?

A DEVELOPMENT of unique eco-friendly Earth-homes could be built in West Malvern, the first of their kind in Britain.  more...

Wind was lacking

IN a barely-detectable stirring of air the Arden handicap fleet struggled to make headway against the fast-flowing Avon on Sunday in two additional handicap races run to complete the year's results.  more...

Orienteers bus in competitors

ORIENTEERS from all over the country congregated at The Three Counties Showground on Sunday to take part in a regional event on the southern end of the Malvern Hills.  more...

Roundup

Walkers pass £34,000 mark

A KIDDERMINSTER family who completed a gruelling 900-mile trek from John O'Groats to Land's End are celebrating after generating more than £34,000 for the County Air Ambulance.  more...

Darts: Knockout goes true to form

THERE were no major shocks in the preliminary round of the Banks's Bewdley Darts League team knockout cup with the big teams all going through. Holders Bliss Gate survived a tough tie against in-form Waggon & Horses to win 4-3, while Black Boy won three legs on the bounce to come back and beat Red Lion B by the same scoreline.  more...

Darts: Knockout goes true to form

THERE were no major shocks in the preliminary round of the Banks's Bewdley Darts League team knockout cup with the big teams all going through.  more...

St Richard'S Hospice

Trekker’s boost for hospice

AN intrepid walker trekked 176 miles across Wales on her own to raise money for St Richard's Hospice.  more...

Gold Cup silks prove a winner for hospice

RACING silks worn by top jockey Jim Culloty when riding Best Mate to victory in his third Cheltenham Gold Cup, fetched £4,000 at auction.  more...

Upton

Bingo evening

FRIENDS of Beechwood care home will hold a bingo evening on Tuesday (November 7), at 7pm. There will also be a raffle and refreshments, with proceeds going towards projects involving Beechwood  more...

Garden Club

UPTON Garden Club will host a talk by Tim Miles, entitled Cotswold Wildlife, on Thursday, November 23. The talk will be at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall, Old Street.  more...

Civic Society

THE History of Malvern College is the subject of the latest Upton Civic Society talk.Malvern Civic Society chairman George Chesterton will talk about the famous school at the Baptist Church Hall, in Old Street, at 7.30pm on Monday, November 13. Admission costs £1 for members and £2 for guests, including tea and coffee.  more...

Fun quiz night

AN RNLI fun quiz night takes place at Upton Memorial Hall on Friday, November 10, at 7.30pm. There will be a raffle and souvenir stall but no bar, so guests should bring their own drinks and glasses. Tickets are £5.50, including a cheese and pate supper, on 01684 592406.  more...

Home plan

The Boynes nursing home in Upton is planning to upgrade its facilities.  more...

Track down line's history

UPTON'S old railway will be commemorated in an exhibition at the town's primary school.  more...

Clint steps out on a chilling fundraiser

UPTON fundraiser Clint Varndall is preparing for a chilling experience.  more...

Bakery pair bid farewell

AFTER serving up bread, cakes and snacks to the hungry hordes for a quarter of a century, Sue and Aubrey Russell are retiring from Cooks Bakery.  more...

  
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