Stories for 15 December 2006

Business

Toilet rental firm wins five awards

A LEADING toilet rental firm, based in Worcestershire, is celebrating after success at the Loo of the Year Awards.  more...

School installed with water cooler

WORCESTER Renault dealer Hylton has come up with a cool solution to a school's problem of supplying drinking water for thirsty children.  more...

School installed with water cooler

WORCESTER Renault dealer Hylton has come up with a cool solution to a school's problem of supplying drinking water for thirsty children.  more...

Cinema

Malvern Cinema

TWO troubled women with man problems are at the heart of a film at the Malvern Theatres. The Holiday (12a) stars Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law and Jack Black and follows two women who swap lives over Christmas, only to find true love. The film runs from December 22 to January 4, at 7.15pm. It will not be shown on December 24, 25, 26 and 31 or January 1. Also being screened on the same dates, at 1.30pm and 4pm, with a 3pm showing on January 1, is the animated film Flushed Away (U). This tells the story of upper crust society mouse Roddy, who is accidentally flushed into the world of the sewer rats. It features the voices of Kate Winslet, Hugh Jackman and Ian McKellen. For tickets, call 01684 892277.  more...

General

Theatre group offers seasonal mix

THERE will be plenty of festive cheer at the Rose Theatre with three nights of Christmas entertainment and mince pies next week.  more...

Spur of the moment trip inspires photographer

A CREATIVE Kidderminster photographer is hoping to wow art fans with his collection of colourful and multi-layered images.  more...

Historic Pictures

Cross country champions

THIS shows the champion cross country team from Bridley Moor High School in 1952/53. In the back row (from left) are A Sealey, who was later to form popular Redditch music duo Cosmotheka with his brother Dave, R Hill, T Treadgold, and two unknowns. Sitting in the front row are T Gregory, K Downes, D Cox and T Reece. The photograph was supplied by David Cox, of Bromsgrove Road, who is pictured sitting second from the right in the front row.  more...

Kidder News Latest

Reprieve for clean oil firm

A COMPANY employing 50 people at Stourport, where jobs were threatened by a recent court decision, has won a reprieve in the Court of Appeal.  more...

Problem road to get speed camera

LAW-BREAKING drivers in Kidderminster could be caught on film if plans for the town's first mobile speed camera are given the go-ahead.  more...

Changes to primary school plans

YEARS of education on the site of Wribbenhall First School look set to be coming to an end after district education review bosses recommended a change to original plans.  more...

Huge turnout for couple's funeral

MORE than 250 people turned out to say final farewell to a devoted Kidderminster couple, who died only four hours apart, at Holy Innocents Church.  more...

Huge turnout for couple's funeral

MORE than 250 people turned out to say final farewell to a devoted Kidderminster couple, who died only four hours apart, at Holy Innocents Church.  more...

Huge turnout for couple's funeral

MORE than 250 people turned out to say final farewell to a devoted Kidderminster couple, who died only four hours apart, at Holy Innocents Church.  more...

Huge turnout for couple's funeral

MORE than 250 people turned out to say final farewell to a devoted Kidderminster couple, who died only four hours apart, at Holy Innocents Church.  more...

Huge turnout for couple's funeral

MORE than 250 people turned out to say final farewell to a devoted Kidderminster couple, who died only four hours apart, at Holy Innocents Church.  more...

Man fined for wasting police time

A 22-year-old man, who claimed he had been assaulted and robbed in Kidderminster last night, has been fined £80 for wasting police time after he admitted he had made it up.  more...

Fourteen arrested in police swoop

FOURTEEN people, including five in Wyre Forest, have been arrested on suspicion of burglary and vehicle crime after North Worcestershire police swooped on Wednesday.  more...

Latest

Big step forward for £23m Warriors stadium development

THE £23m development of Worcester Rugby Club's Sixways stadium complex has moved a step closer after the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Ruth Kelly, decided not to intervene with the application.  more...

City petrol station card scam latest

AN investigation into credit card fraud at a Worcester petrol station has been extended to more countries in the Far East.  more...

Protection from developers for city's Battenhall

ONE of the most historic parts of Worcester is to be preserved for future generations following a landmark city council decision.  more...

City's Battenhall district gets protection from developers

ONE of the most historic parts of Worcester is to be preserved for future generations following a landmark city council decision.  more...

Post offices face uncertain future

A VEIL of uncertainty hangs over post offices throughout Worcestershire despite a package of measures announced by the Government this week aimed at securing the long term future of the network.  more...

Two hurt in Broadway accident

ONE person was flown to hospital by air ambulance today following a two-vehicle collision at Fish Hill near Broadway.  more...

Latets

Amorous cabbie frightened customer

A TAXI driver infatuated by a customer told her she was beautiful and grabbed her arm, a judge heard.  more...

Leisure General

Novelist takes inspiration from tale of haunted road

THERE are not many novels that owe their inspiration to a story from the Ledbury Reporter, but Phil Rickman's latest is certainly one.  more...

Letters

Riot police will line up at cathedral next year

SIR - I see that one Brian Hunt has voiced his opinion regarding the traffic around the cathedral on Sunday morning of Armistice Day (Worcester News, December 1).  more...

The intolerance is not mine, Eldin

SIR - In reply to Eldin Rammell (Letters, December 4), should this person have any knowledge of the traffic flow of the roads around the cathedral war memorial, they would know that emergency services with basic planning can still travel to any part of this city without using these sections of roads.  more...

Can BNP members be public servants?

SIR - It is time to shut down the Commission for Racial Equality.  more...

Charity card can help a hedgehog

SIR - Christmas is creeping up on us again. Every year there are so many Christmas cards on sale, it is tough to choose.  more...

Thanks for your appeal donations

SIR - May I through your newspaper thank the people of Droitwich Spa for their wonderful response to the street collections for the Poppy Appeal held on Friday and Saturday, November 10 and 11.  more...

Give free drugs to addicts? No chance

SIR - I think the policeman who recommends giving free drugs to drug-addicts should think again.  more...

Stick to the roads

SIR - The trouble with cyclists, Mr Russell (Letters, November 24) is that lots of them use pavements. As a pedestrian who is a bit deaf in one ear, I cannot hear them speeding along behind me.  more...

Log cabin for lumberjacks?

NOW that Councillor Nigel Knowles and his merry men have decided that we need an overpriced log cabin for our local teams to change in at the White Wickets sports ground, can we safely assume that he and his cohorts won't be dressing up as mounties or lumberjacks as in the Monty Python sketch (suspenders and a bra) to perform the official opening?  more...

Well-meaning bunch trying to do our bit

I AND my fellow members of the Rotary Club of Bewdley were very upset to read the letter titled "Sub-standard tree" in the November 30 issue of the Shuttle/Times & News.  more...

Criticism ended Round Tablers’ tree gesture

FOR many years, Bewdley Round Table provided the Christmas tree in Bewdley.  more...

Smart show

ON a day when national dailies were displaying banner headlines about primary school standards falling, we in Malvern were treated to a very good and innovative concert by Malvern Parish School in the Priory.  more...

Expect a wait

While I fully sympathise with Brian Regimbeau's predicament regarding his finger and his treatment (or lack of it) at Worcester A and E department (Your Letters, November 10) I was interested in his comment about the building of the new Malvern hospital.  more...

Essential service

ON the day the Malvern Gazette announced that the Malvern Hills Outdoor Education Centre is to be closed, my son and daughter came home from school with a small pamphlet from the Splash.  more...

Suspect motives

This morning I parked in Upton-upon-Severn, carefully setting the time on my resident's parking permit and checking that Malvern Hills District Council covered this car park.  more...

A real problem

Your correspondent Paul Tuthill (Your Letters, December 1) suggests the increasing traffic problems of Malvern can be largely cured by the simple co-ordination of traffic lights through parts of Malvern Link.  more...

Value for money

THE £150,000,000 per year subsidy to help the Post Office does sound like a large sum of money, but looking at it another way, it works out at only 1p per day approximately per head of the population.  more...

EU is to blame

IT has been reported that four million people signed a petition calling for the government to protect the post office network.  more...

Cut taxes first

EARLIER this year I had occasion to berate Clive Smith for not understanding that when savings' are made council tax payers wanted to pay less tax rather than have the savings ploughed back into more services. Now the MHDC officers are at it!  more...

Be liberal with facts

The letter you published last week from Albert Roberts was very clear, well researched and his questions pertinent. The figures gave a clear indication of the costs if a well paid council employee works to normal retirement age. However, there are even higher costs if early retirement is granted.  more...

It’s no cause for celebration

I see from last week's edition of the Malvern Gazette that the Deblin's Green animal shelter has welcomed its 500th dog.  more...

Brigade's thanks

ON behalf of the members of the Redditch Boys' Brigade, I would like to thank everyone who gave to our flag day in November.  more...

Lifestyle

Have fairy tales lost their magical appeal?

ONCE upon a time fairy tales were an enduring piece of storytelling, where every little boy and girl knew that good would triumph over evil and that all princesses were beautiful and every prince was handsome.  more...

Have fairy tales lost their magical appeal?

ONCE upon a time fairy tales were an enduring piece of storytelling, where every little boy and girl knew that good would triumph over evil and that all princesses were beautiful and every prince was handsome.  more...

Have fairy tales lost their magical appeal?

ONCE upon a time fairy tales were an enduring piece of storytelling, where every little boy and girl knew that good would triumph over evil and that all princesses were beautiful and every prince was handsome.  more...

Memory

100 years ago - December 22, 1906

SOME amusement was caused when James Moffat sued William Whittington, Silver Street, for 16s and 5d for goods sold.  more...

50 years ago - December 21, 1956

TO take up his new post as deputy headmaster of St Stephen's School is Mr J K Bambridge, of 18 Vicarage Crescent, off Bromsgrove Road.  more...

25 years ago - December 18, 1981

STAFF at a Redditch shop are looking for a hospital which will care for their sick banana plant.  more...

Memory Lane

Echoes from the Past

100 years ago Why should Malvern not have a roller skating rink? It would be immensely popular. I do not know if the floor of the Assembly Rooms is suitable, but if so the management would have little to lose and possibly much to gain by utilising it as a rink during the weeks when no rival attraction is at the Hall. At other places, the experiment has been tried with considerable success, and there seems no good reason why similarly good results should not be obtained here. Malvern News, December 15, 1906.  more...

Typhoid case threat to prosperity of town

A THREAT to the prosperity and welfare of Malvern reared its ugly head in the Malvern News 100 years ago, in the shape of a court case.  more...

Hills are a refuge for foul mouths

AN unusual revelation about the law as it covers the Malvern Hills was disclosed in the Malvern Gazette 100 year ago.  more...

Heavy snow cause of power cuts

Winter struck at Malvern with a vengeance after a record low of minus 18.1 degrees centigrade (minus 1 Fahrenheit) was recorded, reported the Gazette 25 years ago.  more...

Music

Festive launch for Jules’ new album

A WORCESTER singer-songwriter is hoping to have Christmas all wrapped up as he releases his 10th album at a concert in the city.  more...

Ellington jazz with Kinda Dukish band

THE music of one of the jazz greats will come to life when Kinda Dukish take to the stage at the Norbury Theatre, Droitwich.  more...

City date for queen of the blues Maggie

A SELECTION of music from the heady foot-stomping days and nights of the 60s will be aired in Worcester.  more...

Welcome return

SINGERS and musicians are being urged to grab their instruments and join a weekly music night at a Cookley pub.  more...

Christmas concert

CAROLS, songs and a special puppet show are part of a Christmas concert at Upper Welland Methodist Church. A puppet play, performed by Malvern Pentecostal Church members, will launch the entertainment on Thursday (December 21), at 7.30pm. Carols, readings and mince pies complete the festive event, which is in aid of NCH Children's Charities. Admission is free.  more...

Medieval songs

MEDIEVAL songs, carols and readings will be performed by candlelight at Malvern Theatres. The performance by the Armonico Consortis on Friday, December 22, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £12.50 on 01684 892277  more...

Huntingdon Hall

FOUR decades of blues classics will be performed at Huntingdon Hall in Worcester, on Tuesday (December 19). The British Blues Quintet featuring, Maggie Ball, play at 8pm. Tickets are £14 (concessions £13). Acoustic folk band St Agnes Fountain will be at the venue on Wednesday (December 20). The four-piece band will perform songs from their three successful albums, at 8pm. Admission is £14 (concessions £13). Vintage champagne and sparkling Strauss walzes are on the programme for a Viennese Strauss Christmas Gala on Friday, December 22. The British Philharmonic Concert Orchestra Quartet will fill the hall with a mixture of classical and seasonal music, from 8pm. Tickets are £16. To book, call 01905 611427.   more...

Vital Spark

VITAL Spark, the Malvern-based West Gallery choir will sing at West Malvern Village Hall on Wednesday (December 20). West Gallery music is named after the galleries which were erected in churches in the 18th Century to accommodate singers and musicians who performed a new style of church music, based on folk and country dance music. The concert will give listeners the chance to hear how Christmas was celebrated 250 years ago. The concert is at 8pm and tickets (£4, £3 concessions) are available from Jo Ogilvie on 01684 565763 or on the door.  more...

CD Andrew’s last project with choir

THE Choir of Great Malvern Priory has issued a new CD of favourite hymns, How Joyful 'Tis To Sing.  more...

Nature Notes

Sunshine yellow blooms liven up dull days

EVEN on the drabbest winter days there is one plant that can usually put on a show of a few sunshine yellow blooms to brighten things up a little.  more...

News

Weather hits Barrow game

WORCESTER City's FA Trophy first round match at Barrow has been postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.  more...

Weather hits Barrow match

WORCESTER City's FA Trophy first round match at Barrow has been postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.  more...

Fantastic! Seventy years at City and still going strong

FOR more than 70 years Clive Baldwin has been standing on the terraces at Worcester City's St George's Lane ground.  more...

Chance for Garvey to prove his worth

JOHN Brain believes Marcel Garvey has the opportunity to prove his worth in tomorrow evening's meeting with Albi - but admits the French outfit won't make life easy for his flying winger.  more...

Brain has a warning for his Warriors

WARRIORS director of rugby John Brain has warned his side not to play high-risk rugby when they take on Albi in the European Challenge Cup tomorrow evening.  more...

Opinion

Lessons in cleanliness unavoidable

The importance of washing our hands is something our parents drum into us at about the same time as we undergo potty training.  more...

Opinion

A PICTURE tells a thousand words and the image of Malvern Hills district councillor Clive Smith in an empty station car park is eloquent.  more...

Restaurant Reviews

A pub that shouldn’t be too afraid to shine

THE KINGS HEAD, 67 SIDBURY, WORCESTER Tel: 01905 611901  more...

A pub that shouldn’t be too afraid to shine

THE KINGS HEAD, 67 SIDBURY, WORCESTER Tel: 01905 611901  more...

A pub that shouldn’t be too afraid to shine

THE KINGS HEAD, 67 SIDBURY, WORCESTER Tel: 01905 611901  more...

Reviews

How Joyful ‘Tis To Sing - CD Review: The Choir of Great Malvern Priory

THIS new recording from Great Malvern Priory imparts the great joy there is in singing hymns. The mixed voice choir is directed by Andrew Wilson and accompanied by Geoffrey Morgan at the organ.  more...

Snow White - Review: The Swan Theatre, Worcester

SNOW White may be one of the oldest stories around but this year's production at The Swan still felt incredibly fresh.  more...

Noel: Christmas 2006 - Review: Aldwyn Voices

ALDWYN Voices, conducted by Benjamin Nicholas, sang superbly in their annual sequence of music and literature for Christmas.  more...

Theatre - Merry Wives: The Musical - Royal Shakespeare Company

DAME Judi Dench, Simon Callow and TV funnyman Alistair McGowan head a wonderful RSC adaptation of the Merry Wives of Windsor this YuleTide.  more...

Rgs/Ao Merger

Parents part of decision making, says merging schools' new head

THE man who is set to run the soon-to-be merged Royal Grammar and Alice Ottley schools in Worcester has defended claims parents have not been properly consulted over the historic move.  more...

Round-Up

Wanted: 100 new sites for gipsies

MORE than 100 extra pitches are needed in Worcestershire to accommodate gypsy and traveller families, it has been claimed.  more...

Friar Street is a winner for Monopoly champion

THE light blue properties of Lower Broadheath, the High Street and Friar Street proved successful for a surveyor who won the inaugural round of a competition using the new Worcester Monopoly board.  more...

Mixed feelings on hospital chaplains

CHURCH leaders have relectantly welcomed the news that chaplaincy services at the the county's three hospitals have got a slight reprieve.  more...

School’s £3m revamp is too little too late

A £3M REFURBISHMENT of a dilapidated Worcester school has been criticised as too little too late' by a city councillor.  more...

Is that festive gift the genuine article – or just a shoddy fake?

"WE wish you a counter-feit-free Christmas" - that's the message from the Worcestershire Trading Standards officers who are on the trail of fake goods.  more...

Our Christmas dinner was cracking

MORE than 70 elderly residents tucked into a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings yesterday, thanks to the dedication of a local friendship group.  more...

PERSHORE: Hospital admits its first patients

PATIENTS at Pershore Cottage Hospital have been transferred to a new state-of-the-art one nearby - bringing to an end 90 years of history.  more...

PERSHORE: Hospital admits its first patients

PATIENTS at Pershore Cottage Hospital have been transferred to a new state-of-the-art one nearby - bringing to an end 90 years of history.  more...

MALVERN: Council officer steps in for Thailand charity trek

AN INTREPID council officer has stepped in to undertake a pensioner's ambitious charity trek across the Malvern Hills to raise funds for community projects in Thailand.  more...

Couple’s love is really worth its weight in gold

THE secret to successful marriage remains a mystery to most people.  more...

Mitchell builds career at Spa centre

ONE of the brightest young stars in snooker has turned to a Droitwich club to help launch himself onto the world stage.  more...

Leverton joins the top referees

KIDDERMINSTER'S Samurai Judo Club coach and referee Carol Leverton is celebrating after gaining her national A' referee award at the British Senior Championships.  more...

Price is right to beat conditions for Plough win

FOX Match Group angler Brett Price beat the difficult conditions to narrowly win the first Plough Open of the winter at the club's Cotheridge pool.  more...

Back to the league for county teams

MALVERN and Bromsgrove return to league duties tomorrow with home fixtures in Midlands Two West.  more...

Help us remain at home longer

OLDER people from Worcester met to discuss services that could improve their quality of life.  more...

Malvern teenagers make nationals

TEN teenagers from Malvern College qualified for the National Schools Rackets Championships.  more...

Final fling for rally driving duo

SIXTY and Worcestershire Motor Club co-driver Matt Pearce joined Michael O'Brien in an excellent finish on the Grizedale stages.  more...

Basketball boost at college

BLESSED Edward Oldcorne Catholic College has gained a grant of £5,500 from Awards for All lottery fund.  more...

Lang has a golden touch to earn win

LISA Lang won all three singles matches in only her second appearance for YMCA Elizabethans.  more...

Harkness aims for Harriers extension

FREE-KICK expert Jonny Harkness is targeting a new Kidderminster Harriers contract after firing his way back into the good books.  more...

Turner still holding promotion hope

GRAHAM Turner is confident Hereford United can still have a say in the Coca-Cola League Two promotion shake-up come the end of the season.  more...

Spa aim for eleven heaven

DROITWICH Spa RFC will be aiming to continue their excellent 11 match unbeaten run in the Midlands Division Four West (South) when they take on Shipston-on-Stour this Saturday.  more...

Bromsgrove have promotion chasers in their sights

BROMSGROVE RFC will hope to give themselves a much needed shot in the arm and end the first half of the season on a high this Saturday, when they take on high-flying Newbold at Finstall Park.  more...

A very fine house

THE dream of a new home became a reality for families living in overcrowded conditions when they moved into a £1.5m affordable social housing development in Bromsgrove.  more...

Parish plan

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

The baby Jesus

FESTIVE youngsters took to the stage to perform their nativity play in Marlbrook.  more...

£30,000 CCTV camera upgrade

RUBERY'S St Chads Park is set to receive a crime-fighting boost after council chiefs agreed to pump £30,000 into improving CCTV cameras.  more...

They’re full of Christmas cheer

KINDHEARTED members of two town groups have brought Christmas cheer to local children.  more...

They’re full of Christmas cheer

KINDHEARTED members of two town groups have brought Christmas cheer to local children.  more...

A glittering awards night

STAFF at a Spa nursery are celebrating a string of top awards.  more...

Hitting back

A DROITWICH mobile phone store is launching a new product for the festive season - Brussel sprouts.  more...

Texting a ferret

A CHARITY dedicated to rescuing, caring for and rehoming ferrets is embracing modern technology in a bid to raise more funds.  more...

Top loos

Wychavon District Council is once again flushed with success after its loos were ranked among the top five nationally.  more...

Junior cricket course

THE Worcestershire Cricket Centre is staging a beginners cricket course for boys and girls between the ages of seven and 11.  more...

Callum crashes over for winner

Evesham U-15 10pts, Stow 5 EVESHAM'S customary feisty and aggressive start was missing and it was all Stow pressure from the first whistle.  more...

Scores galore at triangular contest

EVESHAM'S Under-8s travelled to Stow to take part in their first triangular tournament of the season.  more...

Late tries hold key to destiny of spoils

EVESHAM'S Under-9s travelled into the Cotswolds last Sunday where they remained undefeated after matches against hosts Stow-on-the-Wold and Longlevens.  more...

Stow on the woe!

STOW were the hosts for Sunday's a three-way Under-10s round-robin tournament with Evesham and Longlevens.  more...

Wet and windy

SUNDAY dawned wet and windy as a group of hardy Evesham Wheelers made their way via Dumbleton, Bredon and Bushley on to Welland. through country lanes, many known only to the run leader!  more...

Deflected winner is cruel luck

Bretforton II 2, Hereford 3 BRETFORTON fielded a stro-nger side last weekend and, proudly wearing their new shirts, turned in a far better performance than in their previous game.  more...

Cole’s goal a clincher as Bretforton sneak a win

Bretforton 1, East Glos 0 FOLLOWING on from two disappointing performances Bretforton were more positive in Saturday's match.  more...

Reds at the double

A GOOD all-round team display earned Evesham Reds a 50-37 league win over Bourn-ville.  more...

Lisle signs off in style as hosts hit the goal trail

Pershore 4, Chaddesley Corbett 1 HAPPY Pershore spectators saw four goals slammed home in Saturday's final DTZ League game before the Christmas break.  more...

Bring home medals

STUDENTS from the Pershore Tae Kwon-Do Club shone at the British Championships.  more...

Crib drive on Monday

Evesham and District League ALL players are reminded that there is a crib drive at Hampton WMC on Monday night starting at 8.30pm.  more...

Golfer Ed on way to USA

BROADWAY Golf Club's 2006 Order of Merit winner Ed Kennedy has been selected to represent Britain in the 19th British Independent Schools Golf Tour to the USA next March.  more...

All swell for biker Ben

CYCLIST Ben Stockdale has made a sprint to join MJS Racing - the fastest team in the West Midlands for 20 years.  more...

Double treat on court

A MOMENTOUS year for Pershore Tennis Centre draws to a close on Saturday with a double event at the Pershore College campus indoor centre.  more...

Driver Dan back in kart for charity race at NEC

DAVID Brabham's fund raising organisation www.racing4cha-rity.com has teamed up with Autosport International to organise a one-hour celebrity kart race with an unusual twist at the NEC on Friday, January 12.  more...

Gas pipe battle to continue

RESIDENTS around Corse, south of the Malvern Hills, are preparing for the next round of a fight against a controversial gas plant.  more...

Gas pipe battle to continue

RESIDENTS around Corse, south of the Malvern Hills, are preparing for the next round of a fight against a controversial gas plant.  more...

Shining example to others

COULD this be Malvern's most festive house?  more...

Councils agree to share costs

MALVERN Hills District Council has teamed up with two other councils to help save costs and improve services.  more...

Rotting beams delay project

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...

A happy ending for Catherine, 8

DELIGHTFUL stories invented by a talented eight-year-old author have been made into a special book.  more...

Sporting schools rewarded

LOCAL schools have had their efforts to improve PE and sport recognised by the Government.  more...

War-wed pair still together

AFTER a wartime wedding a Malvern couple are celebrating 65 happy years of marriage.  more...

Crash star helps rider

TOP Gear presenter Richard Hammond, who recently survived a 288mph rocket car crash, came to the rescue when a teenager came off a bicycle outside his Redmarley home.  more...

Hunt expects large crowds for festive meet

LEDBURY Hunt will gather outside the Feathers Hotel on Boxing Day.  more...

Ian fired up for pub fundraisers

When Ledbury businessman Ian Martin was asked to buy an old fire engine in a Gloucester pub he agreed out of a deep sense of nostalgia.  more...

Hard work helps schools top table

PUPILS and staff at Malvern Parish CE Primary School are celebrating after coming top of the county league tables for 11-year-olds.  more...

Hard work helps schools top table

PUPILS and staff at Malvern Parish CE Primary School are celebrating after coming top of the county league tables for 11-year-olds.  more...

Tree of light left in dark

Malvern Rotary Club's tree of light was plunged into darkness last week when vandals pulled the plug.  more...

Cancer survivor plans race team

Breast cancer survivor Sue Shackleton did not know if she was going to make it through the year.  more...

A vision made real

WHAT could be the largest-ever photo of the Malvern Hills went on show this week in a town centre art gallery.  more...

Spa hotel set for go-ahead

A NEW hotel and spa resort could be built in Malvern if district council planners give it the go-ahead next week.  more...

Decision due on sport hall plan

CONTROVERSIAL plans for a sports hall off Madresfield Road will be up for decision next week.  more...

Love letter rekindles wartime memories

LAST week's story about the long-lost love letter discovered hidden under the floorboards of a house in Malvern has revived wartime memories for a retired railwayman.  more...

No mass exodus? Then where has everyone gone?

THE car park at Malvern Link Station has been "virtually deserted" for the last two weeks, after parking charges were introduced by Central Trains.  more...

Best bib and tucker for appeal

PEOPLE are invited to enjoy an evening of fine food and scintillating conversation to help the ambitious Where Next Building Appeal.  more...

Taxi damaged in rock attack

A ROCK was thrown at a Redditch taxi, damaging the door.  more...

Air cadet is flying high

A REDDITCH air cadet has received an award for her services in the West Mercian Wing Air Training Corps.  more...

Dance course kicks off

THOSE caught up in Strictly Come Dancing fever have the chance to strut their stuff with a new dancing course.  more...

Skydive tribute to Ian

A LASTING tribute has been paid to a 20-year-old Redditch man who died earlier this year of a suspected heart condition.  more...

Shed burglaries prompt warning

AFTER a spate of burglaries from sheds in the Riverside area, police are warning residents to lock up outbuildings securely.  more...

Super sleuth!

AGATHA Christie fan Jim Cresswell has turned detective to write a book about the famous crime writer's characters.  more...

Jacqui’s expenses defended

THE amount of expenses claimed by Redditch MP Jacqui Smith came under fire at a Redditch Council meeting.  more...

A cut above

FASHION students from NEW College's Inkberrow Design Centre proved they were a cut above the rest when they displayed their work at the Clotheshow Live Event.  more...

Roundup

Elizabethan festive flavour

VISITORS will be taken back in time to get a flavour of Christmas in Elizabethan days at Harvington Hall on Sunday.  more...

Warning over sloppy health and safety practices

STUDENTS across the country taking on seasonal work in the run up to Christmas are being warned about bosses who turn a blind eye to safety.  more...

Home-Start party wins Masons support

KIND-hearted Masons hosted a Christmas party to give festive fun to around 30 children whose families receive support from Home-Start Wyre Forest.  more...

Home-Start party wins Masons support

KIND-hearted Masons hosted a Christmas party to give festive fun to around 30 children whose families receive support from Home-Start Wyre Forest.  more...

Society

Wyre Forest

RAMBLERS - The group will be having a four mile walk in the Wyre Forest on Friday, December 29. Meet 10am at Blackstone car park. Ring Peter on 01299 405166 for more details. Families welcome.  more...

Stourport

CHRISTMAS SERVICES - Stourport Methodist Church, High Street, Stourport - December 24 10.30am worship; December 24 11.30pm midnight communion; December 25 10.30am short family service. Stourport Christian Fellowship Minster Road - December 24 4pm carol service. Vernon Hall Free Church, Vernon Road - December 24 10.30am carol service.  more...

Kidderminster

CYCLING CLUB - There is one ride on Sunday which starts at 9am and is a mince pie special to Boulden in Shropshire.  more...

Chaddesley

WI - The hall was packed for the December meeting. The theme this year was a Victorian Christmas. Mike and Pat Ledbury entertained members with songs, music and stories of the period. Mulled wine and mince pies were served at the end of the evening.  more...

Brockencote

WI - On December 12, members met in the Oak Room at the Stone Manor Hotel for the Christmas lunch.  more...

Bewdley

BRIDGE CLUB - The result of this week's bridge are Carol and Brian Varley 59.38 per cent.  more...

Bewdley

BRIDGE CLUB - The result of this week's bridge are Carol and Brian Varley 59.38 per cent.  more...

Will my soldier son get extra money?

QUESTION One: My son is a soldier and serving in Iraq at the moment. I have heard that he may get some extra money soon. It this correct?  more...

St Richard'S Hospice

Hospice opens room to honour famous horse

THE spirit of legendary racehorse Best Mate lives on in a special children's room just opened at St Richard's Hospice in Worcester.  more...

Theatre

This modern fairy needs a special wand

MOST employees feel overworked, undervalued, stressed out and in desperate need of a holiday. Apparently, for magical fairies it is no different.  more...

Don’t let pigeon take the wheel

THE message from this lively show coming to Pershore Number 8 next year is clear.Don't let the bird get behind the wheel.  more...

Barricade down as hit musicals show returns

FORMER principals from Les Misrables are returning to the Worcestershire stage to perform West End classics and festive favourites.  more...

Popular panto is to get extra performance

THE true' story of Cinderella has been brought to life by theatre enthusiasts.  more...

We need to keep trad alive

WE had Chris Barber at Huntingdon Hall last week. He pulled a good crowd and performed his normal enjoyable concert. It did make me start thinking about the whole trad jazz thing, though.  more...

Armonico Consort in candlelit carol feast

A CANDLELIT feast of carols will be performed at Malvern Theatres next Friday.  more...

Courtyard’s balloon race to boost funds

HUNDREDS of brightly coloured balloons will float far and wide in the new year.  more...

Cash grant for DanceFest

DANCEFEST, based at the Angel Centre in Worcester, has secured a lottery grant through Arts Council England.  more...

Cast of stars

A STAR-STUDDED cast is currently entertaining audiences in the pantomime Cinderella at the Malvern Theatres.  more...

Upton

Craft fair

A CHRISTMAS craft fair selling a range of hand-made items takes place at Memorial Hall tomorrow (Saturday) from 10am-4.30pm. Admission to the Craft in Action event is free, and refreshments will be served with proceeds going to Earl's Croome Church.  more...

Festive event

CHILDREN can create their own hand-made Christmas cards during a special festive event at Upton Library. Kay Mullett will run the activity, for 7-12 year olds, from 10-11.30am on Friday, December 22. Tickets cost £1 in advance from the library, in School Lane. For details call 01684 592176.  more...

Upton Hill Centre

UPTON Hill Centre will continue to run in its present form for another five years. Malvern Hills District Council is set to lease the Tunnel Hill-based facility to the Hill and District Community Association for another five years. The association uses the centre to run a variety of sport and activity sessions for all ages. The new five-year lease is recommended for approval by MHDC's executive committee, which will be held next Tuesday, December 19.  more...

Top brass fundraiser

UPTON Youth Band raised more than £200 during a Michaelmas Merriment event at the Upton Sports Pavilion.  more...

Let it snow, let it snow

WRAP up warm and celebrate Christmas in Upton tomorrow (Saturday).  more...

Council wants public to speak up

AN Upton councillor is urging more members of the public to attend council meetings.  more...

Councillor urges public to speak up

AN Upton councillor is urging more members of the public to attend council meetings.  more...

Post Christmas treats

POST-Christmas mulled wine and mince pies will be on offer at Earls Croome Village Hall on Thursday, December 28, at 4pm. A festive Songs of Praise service follows at 5pm in Earls Croome Church.  more...

Villages

West Malvern

WEST Malvern has a new parish councillor. Ron Pearson, who lives in Lower Road, was co-opted at Monday's PC meeting to fill the vacancy left by the recent resignation of David Woosey.  more...

Wellington Heath

LEDBURY Parish Church was packed with family, friends and colleagues for Peter Garnett's memorial service last Friday.  more...

Welland

A Concert of music, song and verse, featuring local talent of all ages, will be held at St James' Church at 6.30pm tomorrow (Saturday). Refresh-ments will be available after the performance in the village hall. Entrance is free.  more...

Welland

A Concert of music, song and verse, featuring local talent of all ages, will be held at St James' Church at 6.30pm tomorrow (Saturday). Refreshments will be available after the performance in the village hall. Entrance is free.  more...

Powick

POWICK Ramblers' walk last week commenced at the Commandery, Worcester and followed the canal towpath to Lowesmoor basin.  more...

Guarlford and Madresfield

ON Sunday, a benefice service of Holy Communion is at 10.30am at St Mary's Guarlford and on Christmas Eve, the service is at 10pm. This Sunday at St Mary's Madresfield, the parish carol service is at 4pm. On Christmas Eve, a 9.30am service will be followed by a crib service at 5.15pm at Madresfield. On Christmas Day, parish communion is at St Mary's Madresfield at 10.30am.  more...

Colwall

Colwall Players will again perform seasonal songs and sketches in the Colwall Cafe Bar tomorrow (Saturday) at 7.30pm. This will be the ideal opportunity to get into the seasonal spirit (or the wine) while relaxing and sampling some live entertainment for a couple of hours. Tickets available from John Goodwin (Colwall) £6, £3 U16s, to include a free first glass of wine or fruit juice. Profits will go to St Michael's Hospice (the chosen charity of John Goodwin Estate Agent).  more...

Callow End

ON Sunday, junior church take the service at St James' at 9.30am on the theme of Nativity.  more...

Bosbury

TOMORROW (Saturday), from 10.30am-noon our monthly farmers' market and coffee morning is held. A last opportunity to purchase your local festive food and gifts.  more...

What'S On

GIG GUIDE

toNIGHT Stone Farm - Drummonds Bar, New Street, Worcester.  more...

GIG GUIDE

TONIGHT Stone Farm - Drummonds Bar, New Street, Worcester.  more...

EVENTS GUIDE

DECEMBER 15 Rock n Roll Dance to Brian's Supersounds at Barbourne Ex-Services Club, Worcester. All welcome.  more...

CONCERTS GUIDE

DECEMBER 15 Twelve Days of Christmas charity concert Hosted by Soroptimist International of Worcester and Malvern at Huntingdon Hall, Worcester. Tickets from box office.  more...

THEATRE GUIDE

DECEMBER 15 An Oddity by Leap in the Dark Theatre, at Worcester Arts Workshop, Sansome Street, Worcester, at 7.30pm.  more...

EXHIBITIONS GUIDE

UNTIL DECEMBER 15 Wood N' Legge, Down Under A long overdue exhibition taking part at Worcester Arts Workshop, Sansome Street, Worcester. Open Monday-Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-noon (term time).  more...

What's on

Cinemas Malvern Cinema: A Good Year (12A) Daily 7.30pm, Sat, Sun & Thurs mats 4pm.  more...

  
Restrict search to 15 December 2006