Stories for 18 December 2006

Acorns

Helping to deck the halls

YOUNGSTERS at Acorns Children's Hospice in Worcester are getting in the festive spirit thanks to two Christmas trees donated by energy supplier npower.  more...

Alcester

Meet the authors

BOOKWORMS have the chance to meet three authors during a Christmas book signing.  more...

Tribute to clerk

THE Mayor of Alcester has paid tribute to town council clerk Derrick Ward, who is retiring.  more...

Forced to fold

FOR the first time in its 82-year history, every member of Alcester Women's Institute (WI) has resigned, forcing the group to close.  more...

Shopper’s store issues continue

SHOPPING in the Alcester branch of Somerfield is still an ordeal for one customer who is appalled by staff shortages at the supermarket and its lack of basic items.  more...

Shopper’s store issues continue

SHOPPING in the Alcester branch of Somerfield is still an ordeal for one customer who is appalled by staff shortages at the supermarket and its lack of basic items.  more...

Shopper’s store issues continue

SHOPPING in the Alcester branch of Somerfield is still an ordeal for one customer who is appalled by staff shortages at the supermarket and its lack of basic items.  more...

Shopper’s store issues continue

SHOPPING in the Alcester branch of Somerfield is still an ordeal for one customer who is appalled by staff shortages at the supermarket and its lack of basic items.  more...

Signs scheme to slow traffic

TEMPORARY flashing speed signs are being used in Alcester as part of a scheme to slow down traffic.  more...

Tree festival was a big hit

FESTIVE trees filled St Laurence's Church in Bidford when the village held its annual Christmas Tree Festival.  more...

Tree festival was a big hit

FESTIVE trees filled St Laurence's Church in Bidford when the village held its annual Christmas Tree Festival.  more...

Alexandra Hospital

‘Draconian’ savings moves at hospitals

STAFF at the Alexandra and other county hospitals can turn the heating down and have been asked to cut down on paper in a last-ditch bid to save a further £2 million needed to achieve financial targets.  more...

Business

Employees lacking faith in promotion prospects

AS the annual performance review and promotion season gets under way, new research shows employees in the West Midlands have little faith in career prospects at their current organisation.  more...

Minister opens new city headquarters

HOME Office minister Vernon Coaker opened the British Security Industry Association's new premises at Kirkham House, John Comyn Drive, Worcester.  more...

Floors-2-Go in sponsorship deal with Bulls

FLOORS-2-GO, the UK's larg-est specialist wood and laminate flooring retailer, is sponsoring Hereford United FC's main stand at the team's Edgar Street Athletic Ground Stadium.  more...

Down The Lane

Colley is dreaming of a Wembley visit

NICK Colley knows more than most what it's like to play in the FA Trophy final.  more...

Fixtures

Fixture list

TONIGHT Midland Floodlit Youth League Southern Division: Pershore Town v Redditch United.  more...

Football

Sunday league results

All the Sunday league results  more...

Ladies see off United

DROITWICH Spa ladies signed off for 2006 with a 5-2 win over Evesham Ladies in the Kidderminster County League on Saturday.  more...

Junior results

All the junior scores from the area.  more...

Festive wishes

BARNT Green Spartak and Fairfield Villa will be hoping for better fortunes over Christmas after a bad weekend for both sides.  more...

Katy’s in Blues heaven

A COFTON Hackett starlet is hoping to scale football's loftiest heights with the help of Birmingham City Ladies FC.  more...

Bewdley Reserves rattled by tough teams

BEWDLEY Town Reserves suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Wolverhampton Development in West Midlands League Division Two after being intimidated by their opponents.  more...

Bewdley Reserves rattled by Wolves

BEWDLEY Town Reserves suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Wolverhampton Development in West Midlands League Division Two after being intimidated by their opponents.  more...

Bewdley Reserves rattled by big bad Wolves

BEWDLEY Town Reserves suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Wolverhampton Development in West Midlands League Division Two after being intimidated by their opponents.  more...

Bewdley promotion push hit by Pelsall

BEWDLEY Town boss Craig Payton was disappointed after his side lost ground in the West Midlands League Premier Division title race with a 2-1 defeat at Pelsall Villa.  more...

Women: Harriers Reserves bounce back to win

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers Ladies reserves came from 2-0 down to beat Leominster 4-2 in the Kidderminster County Women's League despite missing two penalties.  more...

Boys: Lions roar to 17-0 Rock rout

KIDDERMINSTER Lions under-12s went goal crazy with a 17-0 win over Rock Sports in Division Two of the Stourport and District Youth League.  more...

Boys: Lions roar to 17-0 Rock rout

KIDDERMINSTER Lions under-12s went goal crazy with a 17-0 win over Rock Sports in Division Two of the Stourport and District Youth League.  more...

Eight-goal Powick Reserves batter Punchbowl

PUNCHBOWL FC 0, POWICK FC RES 8  more...

Gardening

Pampering can be the death of houseplants

THE saying that you can kill with kindness is never so true as with certain houseplants which you insist on cosseting, watering too often and feeding regularly when they'd really rather be left alone.  more...

BEST OF THE BUNCH : Holly (Ilex aquafolium)

Just its name conjures up images of Christmas, the bright red berries and rich green leaves taking pride of place in many festive wreaths and other decorations.  more...

THREE WAYS TO............

Keep rabbits out.....  more...

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK -16 December

Prepare celery trenches, digging in plenty of compost.  more...

GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT - Leeks

THEY are such a versatile vegetable, adding flavour to stews, soups and as a statement on their own, mixed with ham and baked in a cheese sauce.  more...

General

Night images on web

COLOURFUL images taken by Kidderminster photographer, Colin Hill, showing the best of the town's nightlife can now be viewed on the web.  more...

Harriers V Forest Green

JK prowling

Jeff Kenna is challenged by Lee Furlong  more...

Big and strong

Iyseden Christie tries to hold off Joe McMahon  more...

Home James

James Constable blasts home Harriers' first goal   more...

Home James

James Constable blasts home Harriers' first goal   more...

No arm done

Mark Creighton holds on to Thomas Rooney  more...

Nice touch

Rob Davies shows close control near the touchline  more...

Going for goals

Top scorer Iyseden Christie shows his shoot on sight policy  more...

Getting shirty

Substitute Luke Reynolds is tugged back by his marker  more...

Head for heights

Mark Creighton is outjumped by a Vauxhall attacker  more...

Penn-ed in

Russ Penn closes in on a Motors midfielder  more...

Ou of my way

Luke Reynolds attempts to sidestep a defender  more...

Out of my way

Luke Reynolds attempts to sidestep a defender  more...

Out of my way

Luke Reynolds attempts to sidestep a defender  more...

Sleeping policeman

James Constable takes a tumble  more...

Sleeping policeman

James Constable takes a tumble  more...

JK fouling

Jeff Kenna is illegally challenged by Lee Furlong  more...

JK fouling

Jeff Kenna is illegally challenged by Lee Furlong  more...

Helen Mead

Helen Mead on Monday

I threatened my children with jail at the weekend.  more...

In Brief

Brigade raises cash

REDDITCH Boys' Brigade raised a total of £220.27 during a flag day.  more...

John Phillpott

We should ditch this grim dirge

MY love for Britain is based on a broad affection that takes into account history, the richly diverse culture of these islands and the noble courage of its people in the face of adversity.  more...

Kevin Laidlaw - Photographer

Kevin Laidlaw Photograph

Worcester Races  more...

Kidder News Latest

Plea over mystery medal

A CANADIAN man is trying to trace the history of a Kidderminster football medal dating back more than a century, which was given to him when he was a little boy.  more...

Eight to be sentenced on drugs charges

EIGHT WYRE Forest men arrested on drugs charges in a major West Mercia police investigation codenamed Operation Midas are to be sentenced at Worcester Crown Court on March 15.  more...

Fascinating wartime experiences

FOOD rationing, air raids and Home Guard parades are just some of the wartime memories preserved by Kidderminster and District Archaeological and Historical Society for future generations.  more...

Police hand out jolly lollies

JOLLY lollies will be handed out to revellers leaving pubs and clubs over the Christmas period, as part of West Mercia Constabulary's campaign to target alcohol related crimes.  more...

Christmas worshippers on the rise

PARISH churches are following the trend set by cathedrals in attracting more Christmas worshippers, according to counts taken in 2005.  more...

Christmas worshippers on the rise

PARISH churches are following the trend set by cathedrals in attracting more Christmas worshippers, according to counts taken in 2005.  more...

Christmas worshippers on the rise

PARISH churches are following the trend set by cathedrals in attracting more Christmas worshippers, according to counts taken in 2005.  more...

Christmas worshippers on the rise

PARISH churches are following the trend set by cathedrals in attracting more Christmas worshippers, according to counts taken in 2005.  more...

Christmas worshippers on the rise

PARISH churches are following the trend set by cathedrals in attracting more Christmas worshippers, according to counts taken in 2005.  more...

Christmas worshippers on the rise

PARISH churches are following the trend set by cathedrals in attracting more Christmas worshippers, according to counts taken in 2005.  more...

Christmas worshippers on the rise

PARISH churches are following the trend set by cathedrals in attracting more Christmas worshippers, according to counts taken in 2005.  more...

Christmas worshippers on the rise

PARISH churches are following the trend set by cathedrals in attracting more Christmas worshippers, according to counts taken in 2005.  more...

Christmas worshippers on the rise

PARISH churches are following the trend set by cathedrals in attracting more Christmas worshippers, according to counts taken in 2005.  more...

Latest

Why won't council recycle my bottles?

TONNES of reuseable rubbish are being thrown into a landfill site in Worcestershire because no council system exists to recycle commercial waste.  more...

From horsefly to horseplay in 2007

ONCE she has the bit between her teeth and the beast firmly between her knees, Hannah Kinsey is a girl known to ride a strong finish.  more...

Deadly superbug deaths not in Worcestershire

THE West Midlands hospital where two people have died from a rare strain of superbug MRSA was not in Worcestershire, health chiefs have said.  more...

ASBO for Wychbold teenager

A WYCHBOLD teenager has been handed a two-year Anti-Social Behaviour Order.  more...

Bogus meter reader prompts police warning

PEOPLE have been urged to be vigilant against bogus callers after a man claiming to be from a meter reading service targeted a house in Kidderminster.  more...

Bogus meter reader prompts police warning

PEOPLE have been urged to be vigilant against bogus callers after a man claiming to be from a meter reading service targeted a house in Kidderminster.  more...

Alert over bogus caller

PEOPLE have been urged to be vigilant against bogus callers after a man claiming to be from a meter reading service targeted a house in Kidderminster.  more...

Alert over bogus caller

PEOPLE have been urged to be vigilant against bogus callers after a man claiming to be from a meter reading service targeted a house in Kidderminster.  more...

Search for baby's body on rubbish tip

POLICE officers may face the grim task of searching a landfill site for the body of a baby today.  more...

Search for baby's body on rubbish tip

THE grim task of searching a rubbish tip for a baby's body was underway in Worcestershire today.  more...

Search for baby's body on rubbish tip

THE grim task of searching a rubbish tip for a baby's body was underway in Worcestershire today.  more...

Search for baby's body on rubbish tip

POLICE officers were facing the grim task of searching a rubbish tip in Worcestershire for a baby's body today.  more...

Man held over prostitute murders

Detectives investigating the alleged murders of five prostitutes are today questioning a 37-year-old man.  more...

Police guard cash vans

POLICE throughout Worcestershire will be riding shotgun this week in a bid to stamp out robbery attempts on security vans carrying money through the region.  more...

Police hunt for baby's body

A WORCESTERSHIRE landfill site was sealed off by police at the weekend as the grim search began for the body of a new-born baby.  more...

West Mercia joins "ripper" hunt

POLICE from West Mercia have joined the hunt for the so-called Ipswich Ripper, it was confirmed today.  more...

Tribute to Alvechurch big-hitter

ALVECHURCH captain Martin Curtice has paid tribute to batsman John Rose, who died suddenly on Saturday.  more...

Title clash

Birmingham Exiles 3 Redditch 53  more...

Latets

Void left by cricketer's sudden death

A VOID has been left at Alvechurch Cricket Club after a popular player died suddenly on Saturday afternoon.  more...

Burglars break couple’s hearts

A HEARTBROKEN Greenlands couple whose home was ransacked by burglars have pleaded for the return of irreplaceable items that belonged to their late children.  more...

Doorstep surprise

MOST people hate receiving visitors early in the morning but not one lucky Redditch woman, who opened her front door to find a TV celebrity waiting to present her with thousands of pounds.  more...

Torture gang gets custody

A 17-YEAR-old student was burned with a home-made flame thrower during a horrifying four-hour torture ordeal, a court heard.  more...

Letters

School is worth more than just its buildings

Sir - as an ex-pupil and ex-member of staff at Alice Ottley School, I have, so far, managed to remain silent. This is against my nature, as ex-colleagues will confirm. However, the outburst of James Flanagan (Tuesday, December 12) has proved too much for my self-control.  more...

Joy to see addicts kick their habits

SIR - I was delighted to read about (Worcester News, December 7) and watch the laudable and valiant efforts made by Monty Don and ex-policeman Rocky Hudson to help rehabilitate and reform so many of this city's unlucky and unfortunate addicts.  more...

Council no right to ban smoking

SIR - You recently revealed that Wychavon District Council is banning smoking in the grounds outside all its buildings.  more...

Excellent example of local education

SIR - Recently, I attended an excellent variety evening at Christopher Whitehead Language College, which reinforced the recent Ofsted findings praising the college. Despite years of under-funding the sheer hard work of both staff and pupils makes the school an educational institution the community can be proud of and unite behind. I thoroughly recommend that existing and prospective parents of students see what progress has been acheived since Neil Morris became head, and support local education at its best.  more...

Waste plant should not be a problem

SIR - Regarding the proposed recycling facility at Norton.  more...

My friend listens to The Archers, too

SIR - Bradders mentioned The Archers (Radio 4). My friend Christine is an avid listener - I sometimes catch the final three minutes before Front Row.  more...

Please, someone stop George writing

SIR - George Cowley wrote (December 8) that "people under 25 or over 60 should be banned from driving". Considering the drivel he comes out with I reckon people over 65 should be banned from writing.  more...

Think of dogs when organising fireworks

PLEASE spare a thought for the number of assistance dogs that are forced into inaction - either temporarily or permanently - due to fireworks and plan your New Year's celebrations to prevent such tragedies.  more...

Abbey Stadium: Better ideas wanted

I ATTENDED the Redditch Council meeting on Monday, December 11 when there was considerable discussion about the Abbey Stadium project. Much of the debate was about internal procedures, showing that those present realised the eventual decision would be the most important one most councillors would ever take on behalf of residents of Redditch.  more...

Letter from Wesminster - 18 December 2006

ON Friday, I visited Mettis Aerospace - the old HDA - in Batchley.  more...

Local Walks

Enjoy a Norman castle and the biggest finch in Britain

Ludlow was recently acclaimed as England's finest market town by Country Life magazine, which will come as no surprise to those who know it well.  more...

Memory Lane

100 Years Ago, December 22, 1906

THE need for a public mortuary in Bromsgrove was highlighted this week when a man was found dead in his bed in a common lodging house in the town. The post mortem was held in the bedroom, which was shared by several lodgers. They would have to share it with the corpse until the funeral as there was no provision for the body to be kept elsewhere in the town. The Workhouse mortuary was for paupers only, a strict rule to prevent smallpox and other diseases being introduced into the institution.  more...

50 Years Ago, December 22, 1956

THERE was consternation at Dodford Memorial Hall when the main prize in a Christmas whist drive - a 25lb turkey - escaped from its cage before it was won. The bird enjoyed a brief spell of freedom before being recaptured. It was won by Mrs Powell, of Worcester Street, Bromsgrove.  more...

25 Years Ago, December 18, 1981

THE Bromsgrove branch of the Royal British Legion announced at its AGM that its new president was Peter Hughes. Poppy collection organiser John Foster told the meeting receipts had fallen by ten per cent, probably due to the country's serious economic situation.  more...

News

Trophy success carries home reward

WORCESTER City will host Conference side Burton Albion in the FA Trophy second round if they can beat Barrow tomorrow night.  more...

Trophy success carries home reward

WORCESTER City will host Conference side Burton Albion in the FA Trophy second round if they can beat Barrow tomorrow night.  more...

Donovan eyes Wolves revival

WORCESTER Wolves director of basketball Mick Donovan has urged his players to replicate the level of performance they achieved in Sunday's British Basketball League Trophy win at Chester Jets if they are to enjoy more success in the league comepetition this season.  more...

Big match incentive for City in Trophy tie

WORCESTER City have a big incentive to beat Barrow in the FA Trophy tonight (Tuesday 7.45) with a home tie against Burton Albion at stake.  more...

Full FA Trophy second round draw

HARRIERS will earn a trip to Conference rivals Exeter City in the second round of the FA Trophy on January 13 if they can overcome Vauxhall Motors in tomorrow night's replay.  more...

Full FA Trophy round two draw

HARRIERS will earn a trip to Conference rivals Exeter City in the second round of the FA Trophy on January 13 if they can overcome Vauxhall Motors in tomorrow night's replay.  more...

Swifts super saver brings festive joy - Swifts 2, Aylesbury 0

KEEPER Paul Evans brought some early Christmas cheer to Walshes Meadow with a man-of-the-match display that earned Stourport a 2-0 win over visitors Aylesbury.  more...

Swifts super saver brings festive joy - Stourport 2, Aylesbury 0

KEEPER Paul Evans brought some early Christmas cheer to Walshes Meadow with a man-of-the-match display that earned Stourport a 2-0 win over visitors Aylesbury.  more...

Reds draw Dagenham

REDDITCH United have been handed a mouthwatering tie as a reward for their FA Trophy heroics at Nuneaton on Saturday.  more...

Opinion

What's the point of us recycling?

MOST people in Worcester have now had their wheelie bins delivered and are conscientiously separating out the rubbish that can be recycled.  more...

Pryce'S People

Charlotte nearly died the last time she rode a quad bike. So why did she have to get back in the sad

ONE midsummer evening, three years ago, Charlotte Powell climbed on board a quad bike for the very first time. She's still not sure what happened next. Because all she can remember is waking up, staring at the sky and feeling like she was lying on a rock.  more...

Reader'S Pictures

The Flood

By Mark Turner  more...

Reader's Pictures

Picture taken by Mr. Waldron  more...

The Flood

By Mark Turner  more...

Reports

Wolves record much-needed victory

AT the 16th time of asking, Worcester Wolves' players celebrated a much-needed victory.  more...

12/12/06 - Fox in the box stuns Bromsgrove

BROMSGROVE Rovers were shot down by James Fox’s brace as the Greens lost a Worcestershire derby against Evesham United at St George's Lane on Tuesday night.  more...

Defensive catas-Trophy for irate Yates - Harriers 4, Vauxhall Motors 4

NO need to wait for the January sales, the big giveaways started at Aggborough on Saturday.  more...

Reds’ Trophy joy

Nuneaton Borough 0 Redditch United 3  more...

Results

Weekend results from across the county

SATURDAY FOOTBALL COCA-COLA LEAGUE TWO Shrewsbury Town 3 Hereford United 0.  more...

Results extra

MERCIAN FESTIVAL JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE U9s: Cradley Sports 0, Newtown Sports Jun Colts 3; Evesham United Juniors 7, Malvern Town Wanderers 0; Newtown Sports Juniors 1, Ombersley Colt 1; Oldbury Park Stripes 0, L & B Badgers 9; Oldbury Park Tigers White 2, Oldbury Park Tigers Gold 0; Warndon Village Hawks P, Droitwich Spa Falcons P.  more...

Reviews

DVD - Superman Returns (12)

THE man of steel is back - and in a big way.  more...

DVD - Superman Returns (12)

THE man of steel is back - and in a big way.  more...

DVD - Nacho Libre (12)

JACK Black plays Nacho, a young friar in an orphanage of kids who have been shunned by society because of their backgrounds.  more...

CD - The Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani

GWEN Stefani successfully managed a potentially disastrous transformation from the ska-punk star of No Doubt to the dance-club diva we all know her as today.  more...

DVD - Over the Hedge (U)

OVER the Hedge meets the standard of other fantastic animated family films from Dreamworks such as Shrek.  more...

DVD - Over the Hedge (U)

OVER the Hedge meets the standard of other fantastic animated family films from Dreamworks such as Shrek.  more...

DVD - Over the Hedge (U)

OVER the Hedge meets the standard of other fantastic animated family films from Dreamworks such as Shrek.  more...

CD - The Blinding EP - Babyshambles

DESPITE being infamous for his rock n' roll lifestyle, Pete Doherty is still a musician in a band.  more...

Round-Up

Coombers forced to find new home

A 100-year-old Worcester firm is likely to be looking for a new home because its present factory is being demolished to make way for the city's £50m super library.  more...

Heartless vandals damaged the lights

A MOTHER-of-three has branded vandals who damaged the Christmas decorations lighting up her home "disgraceful".  more...

England star Giles in dash home to ill wife

DROITWICH-based England cricketer Ashley Giles has spoken of his decision to fly back from the Ashes tour in Australia to be with his wife, who has been diagnosed with a brain tumour.  more...

Prize-winners on a roll at skate competition

SKATERS showed off their skills over ramps and jumps at an inline skating competition.  more...

Excitement as city’s newest church gets ready to open doors

THE scaffolding is down and Worcester's newest church is preparing to open its doors.  more...

Spare a thought for our feathered friends

HOUSEHOLDERS are being urged to spare a thought for their feathered garden friends over the festive period.  more...

It’s lovely to think we play a big part in sending and receiving your festive mail

Receiving a card or letter from a family member or friend always feels special, but a lot of work goes on behind the scenes to make sure it arrives on time.  more...

Housing group is clamping down on anti-social problems

A LEADING light in providing housing in the county is helping to clamp down on anti-social behaviour.  more...

Giving business park a brush-up

WORCESTER businesses are being encouraged to muck in and give a city business park a make-over.  more...

Museums are no longer dusty old places, says council

Record numbers of visitors are flocking to the county museum.  more...

Chance of better quality of life for long-term sick

PATIENTS with long-term health problems are being encouraged to attend a course designed to give them a better quality of life.  more...

Cash boost gives county youngsters more to do

YOUNG people in the county are to have more places to go and more things to do thanks to funding for projects across Worcestershire.  more...

Campaign wins better train services for town

RESIDENTS of Pershore can now enjoy their best ever train service to London, thanks to a 12-year campaign by a local rail promotion group.  more...

Police revive scheme to stop cash-van robberies

A CAMPAIGN to reduce the number of robberies from vans collecting or delivering cash is again being run this Christmas.  more...

We had a ball for good causes

A ONE-OFF ball which was aimed at raising money for both a charity and a Worcester school has produced £1,000.  more...

Give blood over the Christmas season

THE people of Worcestershire are being called on to give blood over the Christmas season.  more...

Metro surprise title-chasing Arrow

THERE was a shock result at Exel Metro in the Worcester Sunday League Premier Division where high-flying Arrow 2000 were held to an unlikely 2-2 draw.  more...

’Keeper worry for Rovers in cup clash

BROMSGROVE Rovers could face a goalkeeping crisis for tomorrow night's Worcestershire Senior Cup second round match at Halesowen Town (7.45pm).  more...

Herefordshire football focus

WESTFIELDS fell to a cruel injury-time winner as in-form Quorn won 2-1 at allpay.park in the Midland Alliance.  more...

Yates demands a defensive lockout

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers travel to Ellesmere Port tomorrow night to play Vauxhall Motors in an FA Trophy first round replay they should never have needed (7.45pm).  more...

Reverse for Lucs in Longton contest

LUCTONIANS lost 14-11 in a crucial fixture at Longton, another side struggling to avoid relegation from Midlands One.  more...

Reverse for Lucs in Longton contest

LUCTONIANS lost 14-11 in a crucial fixture at Longton, another side struggling to avoid relegation from Midlands One.  more...

Reverse for Lucs in Longton contest

LUCTONIANS lost 14-11 in a crucial fixture at Longton, another side struggling to avoid relegation from Midlands One.  more...

Upton see out year with battling draw at home

UPTON'S last Midlands Five West (South) match of 2006 saw them draw 3-3 at home to Coventry Welsh.  more...

Carolians claim vital two points

KIDDERMINSTER Carolians picked up another valuable two points to consolidate their mid-table position with a 26-7 win against Old Yardleians in Midlands Three West (North).  more...

Pershore in second-half blitz

PERSHORE recorded a 37-3 win at home to Bedworth in Midlands Three West (South).  more...

Early present for Worcester's fans

WORCESTER Wanderers go into the Christmas break in good heart after securing a 26-20 win over Cleobury Mortimer at Sixways in Midlands Four West (South).  more...

Lawrence bows out as Jenkins powers on

LEDBURY thrower Terry Jen-kins crusied into the second round of the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship with a convincing 3-1 triumph over Mark Lawrence at the Circus Tavern in Purfleet.  more...

Lawrence bows out as Jenkins powers on

LEDBURY thrower Terry Jenkins crusied into the second round of the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship with a convincing 3-1 triumph over Mark Lawrence at the Circus Tavern in Purfleet.  more...

Lawrence bows out as Jenkins powers into next round

LEDBURY thrower Terry Jenkins crusied into the second round of the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship with a convincing 3-1 triumph over Mark Lawrence at the Circus Tavern in Purfleet.  more...

Glen makes the grade

A FORMER South Bromsgrove High School pupil has completed his second stage of Royal Navy training and is now ready for deployment around the world.  more...

Manslaughter

A 16-year-old youth has been charged with manslaughter following the death of a popular Bromsgrove man outside a supermarket.  more...

Keeping it secure

POLICE have launched an initiative to reduce security van robberies in the run up to Christmas. Following a successful operation last year, officers in north Worcestershire are joining their West Mercia colleagues and those from neighbouring forces. Many forces are taking part in the Follow That Van' campaign aimed at disrupting criminal activity and deterring robberies from vans collecting or delivering cash to post offices, banks, automated cash machines and supermarkets. The initiative involves officers in marked or unmarked police vehicles tailing security vans to ensure their safety.  more...

Traffic chaos

A COLLISION between a van and car caused traffic chaos in Bromsgrove last morning Wednesday. Two people were taken to the Alexandra hospital in Redditch after the incident involving a Nissan Primera and a Peugeot panel van on the Slideslow island at 10.40am. The A38 was closed near the roundabout by the David Lloyd leisure centre and traffic diversions were put in place.  more...

A lolly good idea

LOLLIES will be handed out to revellers leaving pubs and clubs over the Christmas period as part of West Mercia police's campaign to target alcohol-related crimes. Operation Christmas Presence aims to make the festive season safer by clamping down on crimes such as drink driving, drink spiking and drink fuelled violence. As part of this campaign West Mercia has issued 70,000 lollies to licensed premises. Door staff and police officers will hand out the jolly lollies to well behaved revellers as they leave pubs and clubs and make their way home.  more...

Buy second hand

CHRISTMAS bargain hunters are being urged to buy second hand goods as presents and cut down on the amount of waste being sent to landfill. Chris Atkinson, the county council's waste management project development officer, said: "Charitable organisations have a huge range of quality presents on offer this Christmas. Donations of unwanted household items provide an opportunity for charities to sell goods at very reasonable prices." The authority supports re-use initiatives as part of its waste minimisation strategy. For details call 01905 768227 or visit www.wastemissionimpossible.org.uk   more...

Waste collection

A NEW information booklet is being distributed across Bromsgrove listing waste collection delivery dates for the New Year.  more...

Social club hit by debt

THE future of a popular Bromsgrove social club has been thrown into doubt after the administrators were called in.  more...

Tree-light

THE man who arranged sponsorship to ensure Bromsgrove's Christmas lights switch-on was a success has done it again.  more...

Burglaries warning

RESIDENTS are being warned to be vigilant after thieves targeted 16 homes so far this month in north Bromsgrove.  more...

Festive fair

BARGAIN hunters packed into Bromsgrove High Street last Sunday for the annual pre-Christmas market. The event, organised by Bromsgrove District Council, included a farmers' market and some traders from Bromsgrove Market Hall. Peter Michael, economic development and town centre manager, said: "By 11am many stalls were doing a brisk trade and the lively atmosphere was boosted by Bromsgrove Area Music Centre Brass Band and carol singers from the Baptist Church. This is our second year with this popular event and from the feedback people certainly want to see it again."  more...

Carol singing

FINSTALL residents and their friends will this Friday join the choirs of St Godwald's and St Bartholomew's, Tardebigge, for their annual Christmas community carol singing. The event will be held around the tree outside the village hall, in Alcester Road, at 7pm. Mulled wine and mince pies will be served later.  more...

Room at the inn

THERE was plenty of room at the inn when Holywell Primary School youngsters took to the stage for their festive production.  more...

Spa edged

MANAGER Tom Goss was full of praise for his team as they gave Midland Combination Division Two leaders a fright on Saturday.  more...

Students bring home medals

MEMBERS of Bromsgrove Taekwondo School produced excellent performances at the ITS English championships at Wyre Forest Glades Leisure Centre.  more...

Steady Teddy’s brace keeps Spa in eleventh heaven

A SECOND half try blast ensured Droitwich made it 11 wins in a row in the Midlands Division Four West (South).  more...

Steady Teddy’s brace keeps Spa in eleventh heaven

A SECOND half try blast ensured Droitwich made it 11 wins in a row in the Midlands Division Four West (South).  more...

Late brace lifts bold Boars

A SECOND half brace by Rob Derbyshire made sure that Bromsgrove ended the first half of the season in the Midlands Division Two West on a high note at Finstall Park on Saturday.  more...

Late brace lifts bold Boars

A SECOND half brace by Rob Derbyshire made sure that Bromsgrove ended the first half of the season in the Midlands Division Two West on a high note at Finstall Park on Saturday.  more...

Late brace lifts bold Boars

A SECOND half brace by Rob Derbyshire made sure that Bromsgrove ended the first half of the season in the Midlands Division Two West on a high note at Finstall Park on Saturday.  more...

Late brace lifts bold Boars

A SECOND half brace by Rob Derbyshire made sure that Bromsgrove ended the first half of the season in the Midlands Division Two West on a high note at Finstall Park on Saturday.  more...

Four hours of torture

A 17-year-old student was burned with a home-made flame thrower during a horrifying four-hour torture ordeal, a court heard.  more...

Four hours of torture

A 17-year-old student was burned with a home-made flame thrower during a horrifying four-hour torture ordeal, a court heard.  more...

Christmas spirit

VISITORS to the town's library were able to enjoy Christmas carols sung by local school children.  more...

Christmas spirit

VISITORS to the town's library were able to enjoy Christmas carols sung by local school children.  more...

Shining little stars

YOUNGSTERS from a Spa school showed off their acting talents during a special Christmas production.  more...

The baby Jesus

CHILDREN from a Spa nursery celebrated Christmas and the festive period in the traditional way.  more...

Biker’s fund hits £70,000

A MEMORIAL fund set up following the death of teenage motorcyclist Chris Jones has hit the £70,000 mark - and the fundraising will not stop there.  more...

Biker’s fund hits £70,000

A MEMORIAL fund set up following the death of teenage motorcyclist Chris Jones has hit the £70,000 mark - and the fundraising will not stop there.  more...

Giles flies home to be with wife

DROITWICH Spa's England cricketer Ashley Giles has spoken of his decision to fly back from the Ashes tour to be with his wife, who has been diagnosed with a brain tumour.  more...

Enjoying a festive flavour

ONE of summer's best loved treats has been given a festive feel thanks to a family-run farm near Droitwich Spa.  more...

Late chances go begging as Trophy hopes dashed

Weston-super-Mare 1, Evesham Utd 0 THERE should be plenty of big holes for Richard Ball to fall in to when work on Evesham's new ground starts but, unfortunately, there wasn't one at The Woodspring Stadium last Saturday when the striker must have been hoping for one to open and swallow him up!  more...

Hard graft rewarded for Littleton workers

Littleton 2, Newhall Utd 0 HEAVY overnight rain meant that Littleton's pitch for the home game against Newhall was very heavy and only herculean efforts by the groundstaff enabled Saturday's Midland Combination Division One to go ahead.  more...

Extra-time thriller ends all-square

THE solitary surprise in last Saturday's R M Smith Cup ties saw Stratford Alliance top flight hosts Quinton hold Littleton 4-4 after extra-time.  more...

Post offices speak out on vital role

LOCAL post offices have a vital role to play in the community, say the people who run them.  more...

Post offices speak out on vital role

LOCAL post offices have a vital role to play in the community, say the people who run them.  more...

Two injured in four-vehicle crash

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a four-vehicle collision, involving three cars and a lorry, on the A449 Worcester-Malvern road at Newland.  more...

Christmas fun day a great success

SATURDAY'S Christmas extravaganza at Barnards Green was a great success, say organisers.  more...

Children inspire stained-glass design

PUPILS at Cradley CE Primary School can look at a new stained-glass window in the building with the knowledge that they contributed to the design.  more...

Children inspire stained-glass design

PUPILS at Cradley CE Primary School can look at a new stained-glass window in the building with the knowledge that they contributed to the design.  more...

Children inspire stained-glass design

PUPILS at Cradley CE Primary School can look at a new stained-glass window in the building with the knowledge that they contributed to the design.  more...

Children inspire stained-glass design

PUPILS at Cradley CE Primary School can look at a new stained-glass window in the building with the knowledge that they contributed to the design.  more...

U17s badminton championships

THE Worcestershire Schools Badminton Association is holding its annual U17s championships at the Elgar Technology College in Worcester on January 27.  more...

Sapey GC's Christmas foursomes

SAPEY Golf Club's Christmas foursomes were won by James Coghill and Kenneth Madders with a two-shot advantage over the runners-up.  more...

Jenkins makes World title bid

DARTS ace Terry Jenkins has breezed through his opening round in the World Championships at Purfleet with a comfortable 3-1 win.  more...

Centre may get facelift

IMPROVEMENTS could be made to Church Hill Centre after Redditch Council voted to take an in-depth look at how it could be redeveloped.  more...

14 arrested in big crackdown

A POLICE operation has netted 14 people suspected of burglary and vehicle crime in Redditch, Bromsgrove and Wyre Forest and more arrests are expected soon.  more...

Prize draw winners

THE winners of a Christmas prize draw held for people who have distributed the Redditch Advertiser & Alcester Chronicle for more than a year were: Ryan Ward, of Wythall (£50); David Cooper, of Studley (£50); Daniel Davis, of Church Hill (£20); Simon Sloane, of Alcester (£10) and Zakk Chambers, of Headless Cross (£10).  more...

Man, 80, on murder charge

AN 80-year-old man has been charged with murder in Ullenhall.  more...

Minister praises police

HOME Office minister Vernon Coaker praised the work of Redditch police during a visit to the town's police station.  more...

Diary of Events

Thursday, December 21 - Sunday, December 24  more...

Church bid for a victory

THE Lye Meadow faithful will need good memories to recall the last time Alvechurch picked up three points in the league.  more...

Blues batter Rea Valley

HOLDERS Birmingham City Ladies breezed through their County Cup fixture at Rea Valley Rovers with an 8-0 victory.  more...

Alcester win on the road

VOLLEYBALL - ALCESTER'S girl power guided the team to victory over newly-formed Coseley on Sunday to maintain their imperious away form.  more...

Fishing lines

SATURDAY saw the Lodge Park AA Second Round Team League with Dean Faux the winner with 40lb 5oz. The Danglers were team winners and are leading the league with 12 points and the Wino's are just half a point behind.  more...

Norton stay in the hunt

Kings Norton 34 St Leonards 15  more...

Alcester in title chase

Alcester 15 Woodrush 0  more...

Solihull up to fifth

Lichfield 12 Solihull 43  more...

Rugeley deepen Ways fears

Rugeley 37 Five Ways Old Edwardians 25  more...

Roundup

Alternative home for unsuitable gifts

WHETHER it's an oversized jumper, two copies of your favourite CD or yet another pair of fluffy rabbit slippers, chances are that this Christmas most households will receive a few unwanted gifts. But all needn't be wasted, as the British Heart Foundation (BHF) is offering an alternative home for these unsuitable gifts, by asking people to kindly donate them to their local BHF Shop in Worcester Street, Kidderminster In December, BHF Shops often experience a drop in donations as people are busy preparing for the Christmas festivities. However, this is still a crucial time for shops to receive much needed stock and donating your unwanted gifts to your local BHF Shop will help provide a real boost. BHF Shops would gratefully accept good quality, clean clothing, shoes, accessories, books, CDs, DVDs, videos, toys and bric-a-brac.  more...

Alternative home for unsuitable gifts

WHETHER it's an oversized jumper, two copies of your favourite CD or yet another pair of fluffy rabbit slippers, chances are that this Christmas most households will receive a few unwanted gifts.  more...

Rugby

Bradnick bags three

DROITWICH under-13s ran out 39-7 winners over Hereford.  more...

Rugby results

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16 Midlands Three West North: Kidderminster Carolians 26, Old Yardleians 7.  more...

Rugby results

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16 Midlands Three West North: Kidderminster Carolians 26, Old Yardleians 7.  more...

Rugby results

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16 Midlands Three West North: Kidderminster Carolians 26, Old Yardleians 7.  more...

Rugby results

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16 Midlands Three West North: Kidderminster Carolians 26, Old Yardleians 7.  more...

The Floods

The Floods

30 for parking on double yellow lines!  more...

The Floods

30 for parking on double yellow lines! Picture sent in by a local person  more...

The Floods

And the winner is water! picture sent in by a local person  more...

The Floods

Down by the fountains. Picture sent in by a local person.  more...

The Floods

The 100 metres. Picture sent in by a local person.  more...

The Floods

The water was higher yesterday. Picture sent in by a local person.  more...

Tributes To The Crash Victims

Your tributes to crash victims

VOTE Were county councillors right to vote down a proposal to scrap Worcestershire's district councils?  more...

Add your condolences

Add your tributes to the four teenagers killed when their car hit a tree near Worcester.  more...

Wolves V Scottish Rocks

Heading forward

Matt Collins on the ball for Wolves.  more...

Closed down

Tom Perkes struggles to find space for Worcester.  more...

My ball

Solomon Sheard competes for possession.  more...

Spanish style

Wolves' Sergio Rodriguez makes a break.  more...

Slam dunk

Solomon Sheard bags points for Worcester.  more...

Big leap

Solomon Sheard rises highest for Worcester Wolves but they lost 93-62 at home to Scottish Rocks.  more...

  
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