Stories for 12 December 2006

Alcester

Grant boost for estate butcher

A £150,000 Government grant has brought home the bacon to an Alcester butcher by allowing the business to expand.  more...

Tots take part in graduation

CHILDREN from St Nicholas CE Primary School in Alcester have taken part in their own graduation ceremony at Warwick University.  more...

Clare wins town musician award

FLAUTIST Clare Heneghen has been crowned Alcester Young Musician of the Year.  more...

Council blitz on graffiti

GRAFFITI in Alcester could be cleaned up in a flash with a new chemical Stratford District Council is set to trial.  more...

Headstone appeal for Lilly

A HEADSTONE is to be placed at the grave of Baby Lilly, the newborn child whose body was discovered by the banks of the River Alne in May.  more...

Charity raffle

A CHARITY event at an Alcester lingerie shop netted £753 for a worthy cause.  more...

Plan for future

RESIDENTS have been voicing their opinions about the future of Alcester by taking part in a town plan survey.  more...

Business

Top garden centre worker wins award

A GARDEN centre supervisor is celebrating after picking up a national award.  more...

Refurbished restaurant reopens

THE Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Ian Imray helped relaunch a city burger bar.  more...

Households struggle to pay back mortgages

The number of households struggling to repay their mortgage debt has risen, according to figures released by the Bank of England.  more...

Households struggle to pay back mortgages

The number of households struggling to repay their mortgage debt has risen, according to figures released by the Bank of England.  more...

Clubs & Societies

Alcester Civic Society

THE speaker at the November meeting was Peter Preece, a Studley man who has travelled the world photographing wildlife.  more...

Alcester & District Local History Society

A PRESENTER from Channel 4's Time Team, Professor Mick Aston, will present his illustrated talk called Making Time Team.  more...

Astwood Bank Flower Club

OUR November meeting had a seasonal ring to it with the title for the demonstration being And So It's Christmas.  more...

Drakes Cross WI

MEMBERS and visitors were welcomed to the November meeting by president Netta Pearson.  more...

Everywomans Circle

ALL that's Christmas was the theme of the meeting held on November 9.  more...

St Mary’s Wives Group

THE group held its monthly meeting on November 23 at Wythall Village Hall.  more...

Wythall Photographic Society

JOHN Wilson gave an entertaining digital projection show on December 1 covering The Magic of Italy and South America.  more...

Education

This is where you will find the designers of the future

FROM the catwalk to the high street, the world of fashion has a higher profile than ever before. Celebrities like Sienna Miller and Victoria Beckham have ensured the fashion industry is at the forefront of people's minds.  more...

Film Digest

Katrina tragedy was beyond imagination

DOUBLE Oscar-winner Denzel Washington plays a time-travelling federal agent in new blockbuster Deja Vu, opening on Friday December 15. He talks about filming in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.  more...

Katrina tragedy was beyond imagination

Double Oscar-winner Denzel Washington plays a time-travelling federal agent in new blockbuster Deja Vu, opening tomorrow, Friday December 15. He talks about filming in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.   more...

ERAGON (PG)

Eragon is an old-fashioned sword and sorcery epic that cowers in the shadow of the Lord Of The Rings films. It looks cheap and cheerful in comparison, lacking the grandeur, spectacle and intense emotion of LOTR. Intended as the first instalment of a trilogy based on the novels by Christopher Paolini, Eragon's journey may very well end here.  more...

DEJA VU (12A)

Denzel Washington stars in this thriller directed by Tony Scott and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. Despite impressive action sequences, the time-travelling plot is complete nonsense and you'll be flooded with nagging feelings of familiarity throughout.  more...

BLACK CHRISTMAS (15)

Writer-director Glen Morgan's remake of the cult 1974 horror thriller has all of the gore of his Final Destination films but none of their intelligence, style or wit. Violence is unrelenting but there's little in the way of dramatic tension to underpin the carnage.  more...

GROUNDED (PG)

Be warned: Grounded is a punishment - for parents who take their little ones to see this lifeless amalgam of numerous other festive yarns. Woefully deficient in seasonal cheer, the plot - focusing on a game of cat and mouse between resourceful children and bumbling security staff in an airport terminal - is tiresome.  more...

HAPPY FEET (U)

Elijah Wood, Robin Williams and Nicole Kidman are just some of the stars providing the voices to this feelgood, computer animated musical comedy about a misfit's quest to find his place in a world. The story of young emperor penguin Mumble will warm the cockles of your heart, interspersed with some funky musical interludes.  more...

THE HOLIDAY (12A)

Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz and Jude Law star in this corny, unrealistic comedy that will appeal to hopeless romantics. There are some acerbic one-liners, but the festive finale will leave audiences feeling either warm and fuzzy, or slightly nauseous.  more...

THE NATIVITY STORY (PG)

Keisha Castle-Hughes, who was nominated for an Oscar for Whale Rider, stars in this beautifully crafted story of the birth of Jesus, but it's difficult to see the film crossing over to a mainstream audience. It's more of a Yuletide greetings card at 24 frames per second.  more...

THE COVENANT (12A)

Pitched at teenage fans of shows like Buffy The Vampire Slayer, this is a slice of horror hokum that is unintentionally a couple of decent gags away from a terrific comedy. It's clumsily scripted, and scares are few and far between. If Buffy was still around, she'd plunge a stake through the film's heart and put it out of its misery.  more...

DECK THE HALLS (PG)

In a quiet corner of American suburbia, Steve (Matthew Broderick) and his wife Kelly (Kristin Davis) pride themselves on being good neighbours. Their charity to fellow residents is tested when new neighbour Danny (Danny DeVito) sets about realising his dream of the biggest Christmas tree light display in history; one that will be visible from space. Ho ho ho-pelessly unfunny festive fare.  more...

Film Reviews

Katrina tragedy was beyond imagination

Double Oscar-winner Denzel Washington plays a time-travelling federal agent in new blockbuster Deja Vu, opening on Friday December 15. He talks about filming in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.   more...

Katrina tragedy was beyond imagination

Double Oscar-winner Denzel Washington plays a time-travelling federal agent in new blockbuster Deja Vu, opening on Friday December 15. He talks about filming in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.   more...

Katrina tragedy was beyond imagination

Double Oscar-winner Denzel Washington plays a time-travelling federal agent in new blockbuster Deja Vu, opening on Friday December 15. He talks about filming in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.   more...

Katrina tragedy was beyond imagination

Double Oscar-winner Denzel Washington plays a time-travelling federal agent in new blockbuster Deja Vu, opening tomorrow, Friday December 15. He talks about filming in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.   more...

ERAGON (PG)

Eragon is an old-fashioned sword and sorcery epic that cowers in the shadow of the Lord Of The Rings films. It looks cheap and cheerful in comparison, lacking the grandeur, spectacle and intense emotion of LOTR. Intended as the first instalment of a trilogy based on the novels by Christopher Paolini, Eragon's journey may very well end here.  more...

DECK THE HALLS (PG)

In a quiet corner of American suburbia, Steve (Matthew Broderick) and his wife Kelly (Kristin Davis) pride themselves on being good neighbours. Their charity to fellow residents is tested when new neighbour Danny (Danny DeVito) sets about realising his dream of the biggest Christmas tree light display in history; one that will be visible from space. Ho ho ho-pelessly unfunny festive fare.  more...

THE COVENANT (12A)

Pitched at teenage fans of shows like Buffy The Vampire Slayer, this is a slice of horror hokum that is unintentionally a couple of decent gags away from a terrific comedy. It's clumsily scripted, and scares are few and far between. If Buffy was still around, she'd plunge a stake through the film's heart and put it out of its misery.  more...

THE NATIVITY STORY (PG)

Keisha Castle-Hughes, who was nominated for an Oscar for Whale Rider, stars in this beautifully crafted story of the birth of Jesus, but it's difficult to see the film crossing over to a mainstream audience. It's more of a Yuletide greetings card at 24 frames per second.  more...

THE HOLIDAY (12A)

Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz and Jude Law star in this corny, unrealistic comedy that will appeal to hopeless romantics. There are some acerbic one-liners, but the festive finale will leave audiences feeling either warm and fuzzy, or slightly nauseous.  more...

HAPPY FEET (U)

Elijah Wood, Robin Williams and Nicole Kidman are just some of the stars providing the voices to this feelgood, computer animated musical comedy about a misfit's quest to find his place in a world. The story of young emperor penguin Mumble will warm the cockles of your heart, interspersed with some funky musical interludes.  more...

GROUNDED (PG)

Be warned: Grounded is a punishment - for parents who take their little ones to see this lifeless amalgam of numerous other festive yarns. Woefully deficient in seasonal cheer, the plot - focusing on a game of cat and mouse between resourceful children and bumbling security staff in an airport terminal - is tiresome.  more...

BLACK CHRISTMAS (15)

Writer-director Glen Morgan's remake of the cult 1974 horror thriller has all of the gore of his Final Destination films but none of their intelligence, style or wit. Violence is unrelenting but there's little in the way of dramatic tension to underpin the carnage.  more...

DEJA VU (12A)

Denzel Washington stars in this thriller directed by Tony Scott and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. Despite impressive action sequences, the time-travelling plot is complete nonsense and you'll be flooded with nagging feelings of familiarity throughout.  more...

Fixtures

Rovers fixtures 2006/2007

The latest fixtures for the current season in the Southern League Midlands Division One  more...

Football

In form O’Brien keeps Droitwich flying

DROITICH made a significant return to form by defeating Leominster in the Kidderminster Hospital Charities Cup semi-final on Sunday.  more...

Bare bones Bewdley beat the leaders

BEWDLEY Reserves' bold prediction came true when they won 4-3 at West Midlands League Division Two leaders Heath Town - despite fielding an under-strength side.  more...

Girls: Walters waltzes through for consolation goal

ABBI Walters scored a fine solo goal and keeper Natasha Cwietkow pulled off some great saves as Ferndale under-11 girls lost 3-1 at home to Headless Cross.  more...

Latest boys' results: Lions roar to the top

REIGNING champions Kidderminster Lions under-10s moved to the top of Division One of the Stourport and District Youth Football League with a 3-0victory over Ferndale Youth.  more...

Latest boys' results: Lions roar to the top

REIGNING champions Kidderminster Lions under-10s moved to the top of Division One of the Stourport and District Youth Football League with a 3-0victory over Ferndale Youth.  more...

Radar hit back for draw

WORCESTER JUNIORS 1, MALVERN RADAR 1  more...

Villagers defeat higher-graded team in cup

VILLAGERS 4, ST JOHNS 2  more...

West Malvern win nine-goal thriller

HALLOW WMC 4, WEST MALVERN 5  more...

Dixon grabs early hat-trick

HALLOW WMC 4, WEST MALVERN 5  more...

General

The truth about white lies

Most parents tell white lies to their children - in fact a new poll reveals that 83% of parents were told the same mistruths by their own mums and dads. We find out why parents lie and ask if there's anything wrong with telling little fibs to children.   more...

The truth about white lies

Most parents tell white lies to their children - in fact a new poll reveals that 89% of parents were told the same mistruths by their own mums and dads. We find out why parents lie and ask if there's anything wrong with telling little fibs to children.  more...

The truth about white lies

Most parents tell white lies to their children - in fact a new poll reveals that 89% of parents were told the same mistruths by their own mums and dads. We find out why parents lie and ask if there's anything wrong with telling little fibs to children.  more...

The truth about white lies

Most parents tell white lies to their children - in fact a new poll reveals that 89% of parents were told the same mistruths by their own mums and dads. We find out why parents lie and ask if there's anything wrong with telling little fibs to children.  more...

The truth about white lies

Most parents tell white lies to their children - in fact a new poll reveals that 89% of parents were told the same mistruths by their own mums and dads. We find out why parents lie and ask if there's anything wrong with telling little fibs to children.   more...

The truth about white lies

Most parents tell white lies to their children - in fact a new poll reveals that 83% of parents were told the same mistruths by their own mums and dads. We find out why parents lie and ask if there's anything wrong with telling little fibs to children.   more...

General Sport

Sailing to success

BARNT Green Sailing Club held another round of its Frostbite series on Sunday.  more...

Kidder News Latest

Caring family’s gift for Gambia

A KIDDERMINSTER family will be spreading some Christmas cheer when they travel 3,000 miles to deliver gifts to schoolchildren in Africa.  more...

Accident fears over lines plan

AN engineer fears the impending removal of double yellow lines from congested streets around his Kidderminster home will lead to an increase in accidents.  more...

Scaling heights to boost fund

YOUNG troopers reached new heights when they raised more than £2,000 to help needy former soldiers and their families.  more...

Launch of Operation Christmas Presence

A POLICE drive aiming to tackle the menace of alcohol-related crime has been launched to help residents enjoy a trouble-free festive period.  more...

Launch of Operation Christmas Presence

A POLICE drive aiming to tackle the menace of alcohol-related crime has been launched to help residents enjoy a trouble-free festive period.  more...

Launch of Operation Christmas Presence

A POLICE drive aiming to tackle the menace of alcohol-related crime has been launched to help residents enjoy a trouble-free festive period.  more...

Latest

Crash victims named

ONLINE TRIBUTE BOOK OPENED HERE for four friends killed in one of county's worst crashes.  more...

Patients moved because city hospital full

AN ELDERLY patient with pneumonia was moved to Selly Oak hospital against her family's wishes because Worcestershire Royal Hospital was full.  more...

Patients moved because city hospital full

AN ELDERLY patient with pneumonia was moved to Selly Oak hospital against her family's wishes because Worcestershire Royal Hospital was full.  more...

River barriers stay up as flood could return

WORCESTER residents may have to brace themselves for more flooding on Friday, despite the current drop in the level of the swollen River Severn.  more...

River barriers stay up as flood could return

WORCESTER residents may have to brace themselves for more flooding on Friday, despite the current drop in the level of the swollen River Severn.  more...

Latets

TV presenter to open cinema

THE Midlands' favourite news presenter will be coming to Redditch to officially open the town's eagerly awaited new cinema in February.  more...

Fears for missing woman

FEARS are growing for the safety of a Redditch woman who has gone missing.  more...

New plan for Abbey Stadium

NEW plans for a major development of sports and leisure facilities at the Abbey Stadium site are under way.  more...

Nursery staff win payouts

LEFT jobless and devastated when three nurseries were suddenly closed, a group of Redditch women who afterwards set up their own nursery have won compensation.  more...

Man accused of cruelty to hamster

A MAN has appeared before Redditch Magistrates accused of cruelly treating a hamster and causing it unnecessary suffering.  more...

Touching tributes to cosmetic surgeon

MOURNERS gathered to say a final farewell to a cosmetic surgeon to the stars who was killed in a motorway crash.  more...

Man admits nightclub assault

A NIGHTCLUB customer suffered a severe face injury after he was attacked in a bar area.  more...

Letters

True cost of building a new school is high

SIR - I really must pick John Hinton up about his misleading letter on rebuilding Christopher Whitehead Language College (Letters, November 25).  more...

True cost of building a new school is high

SIR - I really must pick John Hinton up about his misleading letter on rebuilding Christopher Whitehead Language College (Letters, November 25).  more...

Read this paper, we’re not Nimbys

SIR - Sadly there is yet another letter published in your paper (Letters, December 2) denouncing the residents of Evendine Close as Nimbys in their opposition to the proposed development of the Battenhall area playing fields.  more...

Let’s solve problem and not create one

SIR - I agree with much of the letter from Matt Prosser (Letters, December 1) regarding the access point to the proposed Battenhall playingfields from the Bath Road.  more...

Was Tony hiding his light? I doubt it

SIR - At a recent Prime Minsiter's question time, a very important and pertinent question was asked in the house: "How many wounded soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan had the PM visited?"  more...

A pleasant lunch but hard to swallow

IR - To keep in touch with the latest political thinking, I recently went for a most enjoyable ploughman's lunch at the local Conservative Association.  more...

John is too modest

SIR - John Hinton is modest about his educational qualifications, but I am not. If, while swimming one of his marathons, he passes my canoe we are able, in fluent tech-college German, to converse.  more...

I had a good laugh

SIR - I really laughed at Bradders' quip about a farmer standing in his field. Keep em coming.  more...

Movement to music

THROUGH your letters page, may I thank Wyre Forest MP,Dr Richard Taylor, for popping in to my new Extend exercise class on November 13. Extend provides recreational movement to music for the over-60s and the less able of any age.  more...

Manager'S View

City must find killer goal touch at the Lane

OUR home form has improved as the season has gone on but we have got to find that killer instinct at home if we are going to achieve what is possible this year.  more...

Memory

100 years ago - December 15, 1906

AT a meeting held on Monday night the Redditch and District Poor Relief Committee decided to raise a special fund wherewith to provide the poor children of the town with a substantial tea and an interesting evening's entertainment as a Christmas treat, and also to give the deserving poor coal, groceries, etc.  more...

50 years ago - December 14, 1956

GREAT concern was expressed by members at Monday's Alve-church Parish Council meeting at the continued delay of the Midlands Electricity Board in erecting and connecting street lights in the parish.  more...

25 years ago - December 11, 1981

THE giant Severn Trent Water Authority has been given the go-ahead to dump sewage waste near Hunt End without first applying for planning permission.  more...

News

Preece delays Webster comebcack

ADAM Webster will not play for Worcester City reserves in tonight's Worcestershire Senior Urn second round clash at Alvechurch (7.45pm).  more...

Reserves clash called off

TONIGHT'S Worcestershire Senior Urn second round clash between Alvechurch and Worcester City reserves has been called off because of a waterlogged pitch.  more...

Cornes spurns other clubs for City

CHRIS Cornes turned down several other offers before opting to stay with Worcester City.  more...

Opinion

Touched by the kindness

It's the kind of thing you think only happens in films. Someone down on their luck is helped back on their feet by a mystery benefactor who wants nothing in return but the satisfaction of knowing that he's righted a wrong.  more...

Reports

Malvern masterclass ends students challenge

MALVERN 25PTS, UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER 16PTS  more...

Malvern masterclass ends students challenge

MALVERN 25PTS, UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER 16PTS  more...

Two late goals sinks Reserves

MALVERN TOWN RESERVES 2, BILBROOK 3  more...

Rgs/Ao Merger

For some it is sad, for others schools merger is great news

James Flanagan For this merger, sorry, takeover to be successful, a few simple rules will have to be followed. The Royal Grammar School v Alice Ottley rivalry will have to stop or the harmonious academic atmosphere at both schools will be ruined. The pupils of the new school should focus all their attention (whether from RGS or AO) on rivalling the King's school.  more...

For some it is sad, for others schools merger is great news

JAMES FLANAGAN For this merger, sorry, takeover to be successful, a few simple rules will have to be followed. The Royal Grammar School v Alice Ottley rivalry will have to stop or the harmonious academic atmosphere at both schools will be ruined. The pupils of the new school should focus all their attention (whether from RGS or AO) on rivalling the King's school.  more...

King’s head’s concern at merger of schools

THE headteacher of a prestigious Worcester school has talked of his concern after hearing two city establishments are set to merge.  more...

Round-Up

Creighton signs new Harriers deal

DEFENSIVE linchpin Mark Creighton has boosted Kidderminster Harriers by signing a new 18-month contract.  more...

I heard a bang.. I went outside and saw their bodies

A HOMEOWNER who lives yards from the scene of the tragedy has talked of her horror after "hearing a bang" and then going to investigate.  more...

Protest over recycling centre

ABOUT 150 people turned out for a peaceful protest against a controversial planning application to build a recycling centre near Worcester.  more...

Mystery woman gave us £5,000 to replace savings burglars stole

A GENEROUS donor has given an elderly couple more than £5,000 after they were robbed of their savings by men posing as water firm officials.  more...

I’m looking forward to being the High Sheriff

THE next High Sheriff of Herefordshire and Worcestershire has been officially nominated in a 1,000-year-old ceremony that pre-dates the Norman Conquest.  more...

All-weather sports pitch plan

YOUNGSTERS at a preparatory school in Worcester could have new sporting facilities if a planning application goes ahead.  more...

MALVERN: Delay to revamp of tower

ORGANISERS behind a project to restore a water feature on the Malvern Hills have hit a snag - after it was revealed the beams of a tank feeding it are rotting.  more...

Our success is down to really hard work, says Abbey Park head

A PERSHORE school has been dubbed: "a school that encourages pupils to take pride in their achievements" by Ofsted inspectors.  more...

Our success is down to really hard work, says Abbey Park head

A PERSHORE school has been dubbed: "a school that encourages pupils to take pride in their achievements" by Ofsted inspectors.  more...

‘Foster’s idea to scrap city council is ridiculous’

WORCESTER MP Mike Foster has been slammed by a rival candidate for suggesting the city council should be scrapped.  more...

Thanks to all who have helped raise cash for Georgia

THE family of a little girl who has captured the hearts of Worcester people has thanked the organisers of the latest fund-raising effort and says she is looking forward to a quiet family Christmas.  more...

Thanks to all who have helped raise cash for Georgia

THE family of a little girl who has captured the hearts of Worcester people has thanked the organisers of the latest fund-raising effort and says she is looking forward to a quiet family Christmas.  more...

Ratty is doing well on our waterways

A NATIONWIDE wildlife survey has found that Ratty is alive and well in the rivers of Worcestershire.  more...

Pupils all had a wizard time thanks to Merlin

COUNTY: CHILDREN at a trio of primary schools were treated to a visit by the legendary wizard Merlin.  more...

Empty church could be put in a museum

A CORRUGATED iron chapel could be ripped down if a planning proposal goes ahead - but the building will not be lost forever.  more...

New design champion is a positive move for hills

MALVERN Hills planning chiefs have said the appointment of a historic environment and design champion can only be a positive move for the district, helping safeguard the area's heritage.  more...

Tell them if you spot hedgehogs

WILDLIFE lovers in Worcestershire have been urged to look out for hedgehogs this Christmas.  more...

President shares her Christmas memories

THE president of Worcestershire Mothers' Union is to feature on the Church of England's first official online advent calendar.  more...

Santa stops off to meet the children

FATHER Christmas is taking time out of his busy schedule to visit children at an event to help raise money for charity.  more...

Trophy dream at an end for Lucs

LUCTONIANS' journey in the EDF Energy National Trophy ended despite a gallant attempt at Rosslyn Park.  more...

Carolians’ Senior Vase hopes over

KIDDERMINSTER Carolians exited the EDF Senior Vase after losing 28-17 at Leicester Forest in the fourth round but can take heart from a much-improved and spirited performance.  more...

Droitwich keep up winning run in league battle

DROITWICH turned in a strong second-half display to overcome Old Halesonians 18-7 in a Midlands Four West (South) top-of-the-table clash at the Glyn Mitchell Memorial Ground.  more...

County’s clubs knocked out of national contest

THE remaining Worcestershire clubs went out of the National Inter Club Denny Cup.  more...

Speedy Dolphins clinch division title

DROITWICH Dolphins became the Speedo League Division Three champions after a sensational win in the final.  more...

Watkins boosts the Malvern RFC ranks

MALVERN have strengthened their squad with the signing of former Worcester Academy player Ryan Watkins.  more...

Pershore to host Swifts

PERSHORE Town will host Stourport Swifts in the Worcester Infirmary Senior Cup second round.  more...

Matthews cards lowest average to claim trophy

STEVE Matthews has lifted Worcester Golf and Country Club's prestigious Hallmark Trophy.  more...

Matthews cards lowest average to claim trophy

STEVE Matthews has lifted Worcester Golf and Country Club's prestigious Hallmark Trophy.  more...

A Dutch treat

A CYCLIST from Holland, who got on his bike and raised cash for a Bromsgrove group, has won a top prize.  more...

Don’t fall victim this Christmas

PEOPLE are being warned to take extra care to avoid the risk of being burgled in the run up to Christmas.  more...

Building on success

BROMSGROVE construction group Weaver PLC has reported healthy half-year figures of £18.8m, well on target to achieve its projected £40m turnover for the year to March 2007.  more...

Building on success

BROMSGROVE construction group Weaver PLC has reported healthy half-year figures of £18.8m, well on target to achieve its projected £40m turnover for the year to March 2007.  more...

Promoting equality

MINORITY groups in the Bromsgrove area can look forward to being given greater respect thanks to the production a revised version of the district council's Inclusive Equalities Scheme.  more...

Very enterprising

A TOP team of youngsters from a Bromsgrove school have clinched a place in the regional finals of an enterprise challenge.  more...

Parish plan for Stoke

A TOP plan could be launched in Stoke to bring the whole community together.  more...

Centre plan put on hold

POSSIBLE plans to turn a former schoolmaster's house in Stoke into a much-needed community centre have been put on hold.  more...

Cash boost for wildlife trust

WORCESTERSHIRE Wildlife Trust is celebrating after being awarded £9,877 from the BBC's Breathing Places campaign.  more...

Local runners tackle the mud in Gloucester event

BROMSGROVE and Redditch Athletic Club (B&R) had a strong turn out for round three of the Gloucester Cross Country League at Plock Court on Saturday.  more...

Brown blames missed chances for Dunstable loss

BROMSGROVE Rovers manager Rod Brown felt his side were left to rue missed chances in Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Dunstable Town.  more...

Drug rehab

A SPA man failed to keep up with the terms of a drug rehab order because he felt unwell after giving up heroin, a court heard.  more...

Top level visit

TWO of Worcestershire's leading politicians visited a Droitwich training firm to see first hand its ongoing success story.  more...

Upton downed as Eckington spring a shock

FOUR times winners of the Knockout Cup, Upton Snodsbury were unceremoniously dumped out of this season's competition by Eckington.  more...

Triple Trouble find no trouble!

Evesham and District Table Tennis Association THERE have been some great matches in the MK Technical divisions and excellent performances from all players.  more...

Lose for third time last Saturday

BADSEY Ladies have suffered defeats in their last three outings when they have put in vastly differing performances each time.  more...

Leaders lose as Evesham bounce back in style

Evesham II 2, Whitchurch II 1 SEVEN days after a 10-1 thrashing, Saturday's hosts entertained the league leaders who were given a real surprise.  more...

Seadon snaps up an Xmas turkey!

Evesham Jubilee Society LAST weekend saw the first festive match of the Christmas period with the Turkey Open at the Jubilee Fishery.  more...

Fail to make it four in a row

Evesham 10pts, Dunlop 22 EVESHAM entertained fourth in the table Dunlop last Saturday eager to make it three league wins in a row.  more...

Race for Life cash short of target

WOMEN who took part in the race for life are being urged to return their sponsorship money.  more...

Race for Life cash short of target

WOMEN who took part in the race for life are being urged to return their sponsorship money.  more...

Former head fined for speed

A FORMER school head who spent many hours teaching her pupils about road safety said she was "utterly ashamed" to be caught doing 50mph in a 30mph zone, next to a school.  more...

Former boxer smashed man’s skull

A FORMER professional boxer fractured a man's skull in an attack outside a Malvern pub.  more...

Inn offers free taxi to keep roads safe

MALVERN newest landlord has started as he means to go on . . . by launching a festive initiative to curb drink-driving.  more...

Girl's walk in memory of gran

HER grandmother's fight with cancer inspired a Brockhill girl to walk three times around Arrow Valley Lake to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Care.  more...

Blitz curbs crime

THE war against car crime and criminal damage in Church Hill is slowly being won, according to police.  more...

BHF boost

MEMBERS of a Redditch golf club have raised almost £15,000 for the British Heart Foundation.  more...

Scheme success

A NEW waste collection scheme has helped Redditch people go green after the amount of recyclable material gathered more than doubled.  more...

Sports stars shine at awards

SPORTING stars in Redditch came out to shine when the annual Schools Sports Partnership Awards were held at the town hall.  more...

Sleepover hits target

CHRISTMAS wishes have come true for a group of life-limited youngsters from Acorns Children's Hospice who will be enjoying a Santa Sleepover on Sunday, courtesy of the Craig Evans Appeal.  more...

Rare dog stolen

THIEVES have stolen a man's rare breed dog, which kept him company through ill health.  more...

Rare dog stolen

THIEVES have stolen a man's rare breed dog, which kept him company through ill health.  more...

Police target antisocial teens

A POLICE operation to crackdown on antisocial teens in the south west of Redditch has been hailed a success.  more...

Pub troublemakers face shops ban

TROUBLEMAKERS who are thrown out of town pubs may find it hard to buy their Christmas presents this year, thanks to a new scheme.  more...

College cash boost for trust

ARTISTIC talent in Redditch will be given a nurturing hand thanks to a grant of more than £100,000 from NEW College.  more...

Dad slams 'unprofessional' police

THE father of a woman who fell victim to crime has criticised Redditch police who, he claims, have wasted resources and acted unprofessionally.  more...

Bus breakdown sparks anger

A FORMER serviceman who fought in the Second World War is angry Redditch Dial-A-Ride let him down by cancelling a bus due to take him shopping at short notice.  more...

Balti fundraiser for bells

MORE then £600 was raised by an Alvechurch restaurant to help St Laurence Church with its restoration plans.  more...

Diary of Events

Thursday, December 14 - Wednesday, December 20  more...

Diary of Events

Thursday, December 14 - Wednesday, December 20  more...

Success by design

A FESTIVE scene drawn by a Redditch schoolboy has been turned into a Christmas card which will be seen by hundreds of people across the country.  more...

Roundup

Repair scheme wins reprieve

AN ancient scheme revived to improve the poor state of many rural roads in Wyre Forest is to continue, despite fears over funding.  more...

Repair scheme wins reprieve

AN ancient scheme revived to improve the poor state of many rural roads in Wyre Forest is to continue, despite fears over funding.  more...

Top of the crops

A HAIRDRESSING duo from a leading Kidderminster salon are top of the crops after scooping prestigious awards at the industry's "Oscars".  more...

Running: Amazing teams find their Feet in league

AMAZING Feet Running Club's athletes put in an excellent performance in the second round of matches in the 2006/7 Cross Country Leagues at Droitwich last weekend.  more...

Running: Amazing teams find their Feet in league

AMAZING Feet Running Club's athletes put in an excellent performance in the second round of matches in the 2006/7 Cross Country Leagues at Droitwich last weekend.  more...

Services praised

DESPITE children's services being judged excellent, Worcestershire County Council has said it will not be resting on its laurels.  more...

Rugby

Droitwich’s perfect ten

Droitwich cemented their place as leaders with then tenth league win in a row.  more...

KCs take heart from Vase exit

KIDDERMINSTER Carolians crashed out of the EDF Senior Vase after a 28-17 fourth round loss at Leicester Forest - but they can take heart from a much-improved performance.  more...

Women: Romeo shakes and spears Five Ways

CASSIE Romeo led the way with a hat-trick of tries as Cleobury Mortimer Ladies hammered Old Edwardians Five Ways 56-0 in a 10-a-side clash.  more...

Cleobury climb off the bottom with second success

CLEOBURY Mortimer swept aside Shipston on Stour 31-0 for only their second league victory of the season to climb off the bottom of Midlands Four West South.  more...

Chaddesley in great Nick at Warley

NICK Leppington was the hat-trick hero as Chaddesley Corbett win 27-18 at Warley in their re-arranged Midlands Six West South West clash.  more...

Schools

School club praised

A TARDEBIGGE out of school club for youngsters has received praise during a recent Ofsted report.  more...

Healthy eating theme

PUPILS from Studley Infant School swapped chocolate for fruit in a healthy eating drive.  more...

Top of the class

ALVECHURCH Middle School pupils are top of the class in Redditch for science, maths and English, according to newly published primary school league tables.  more...

Pupils on song!

IT was music to a Redditch school's ears when pupils were told they had won a choir competition.  more...

Top of the class

ALVECHURCH Middle School pupils are top of the class in Redditch for science, maths and English, according to newly published primary school league tables.  more...

Schools have added value

THREE schools in the Alcester and Studley areas have come in the top 25 per cent of schools nationally for their value added scores, according to the league tables.  more...

The headings are English L4+, Mathematics L4+, Science L4+, Average point score, Value Added

LA Average 81% 75% 89% 27.9 99.6 Alvechurch 94% 87% 97% 29.8 100.2 Birchensale 68% 69% 91% 26.9 100 Church Hill 79% 76% 90% 27.6 99.6 Coppice 72% 78% 93% 28.2 99.5 Dingleside 57% 73% 80% 26.1 99.1 Ipsley 75% 53% 79% 26.1 98.6 Ridgeway 86% 71% 87% 27.1 98 St Bede's 87% 76% 89% 28.4 100 Walkwood 82% 75% 84% 27.2 98.1 Woodfield 73% 73% 93% 27.5 100 Wythall 91% 77% 91% 29.1 100.9  more...

The headings are English L4+, Mathematics L4+, Science L4+, Average point score, Value Added

LA Average 81% 75% 89% 27.9 99.6 Alvechurch 94% 87% 97% 29.8 100.2 Birchensale 68% 69% 91% 26.9 100 Church Hill 79% 76% 90% 27.6 99.6 Coppice 72% 78% 93% 28.2 99.5 Dingleside 57% 73% 80% 26.1 99.1 Ipsley 75% 53% 79% 26.1 98.6 Ridgeway 86% 71% 87% 27.1 98 St Bede's 87% 76% 89% 28.4 100 Walkwood 82% 75% 84% 27.2 98.1 Woodfield 73% 73% 93% 27.5 100 Wythall 91% 77% 91% 29.1 100.9  more...

The headings are English L4+, Mathematics L4+, Science L4+, Average point score, Value Added

LA Average 81% 75% 89% 27.9 99.6 Alvechurch 94% 87% 97% 29.8 100.2 Birchensale 68% 69% 91% 26.9 100 Church Hill 79% 76% 90% 27.6 99.6 Coppice 72% 78% 93% 28.2 99.5 Dingleside 57% 73% 80% 26.1 99.1 Ipsley 75% 53% 79% 26.1 98.6 Ridgeway 86% 71% 87% 27.1 98 St Bede's 87% 76% 89% 28.4 100 Walkwood 82% 75% 84% 27.2 98.1 Woodfield 73% 73% 93% 27.5 100 Wythall 91% 77% 91% 29.1 100.9  more...

Proud to join box appeal

MORE than 300 shoeboxes filled with Christmas gifts by pupils at St Bede's Middle School will be sent to underprivileged children.  more...

Sports stars shine at awards

SPORTING stars in Redditch came out to shine when the annual Schools Sports Partnership Awards were held at the town hall.  more...

Fire service award for students

SAFETY-concious youngsters from Ridgeway Middle School have scooped an award from the fire service.  more...

How does your garden grow?

TOTS in Matchborough have been shown how a garden is grown.  more...

Stats

Rovers statistics 2006/2007

Bromsgrove Rovers' statistics for the 2006/2007 season  more...

Theatre

Cinderella shall go to ball

BRIAN Conley takes the role of Buttons in the Birmingham Hippodrome's Christmas pantomime - Cinderella.  more...

Cinderella shall go to ball

BRIAN Conley takes the role of Buttons in the Birmingham Hippodrome's Christmas pantomime - Cinderella.  more...

  
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