Worcester News - Stories for 27 December 2006

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Worcestershire | Archive | 2006 | December

Stories for 27 December 2006

Alexandra Hospital

Union anger at chaplains pay plan

A NATIONAL union has slammed charity funds being used to pay for NHS chaplains to minister to the sick and dying in Worcestershire hospitals. more...

Boxing Day Hunt

Pic ref 53102105 more...

Business

Law firms gearing up for new year fallouts

JANUARY often sees an increase in relationship breakdowns which then lead to divorce. more...

Jubilant Ed glad to be in the final

WORCESTER entrepreneur Ed Douglas-Miller has fought off competition from more than 100 other UK companies to reach the finals of the first ever Entrepreneur of the Industry Award. more...

Adopt a school and help youngsters with skills for their future

GOVERNMENT initiative Young Enterprise is urging all Worcestershire businesses to "adopt a school" and work with its pupils. more...

Training firm is chosen for NVQ lessons

DROITWICH training company Train2Succeed of Berry Hill has been chosen to provide training for the health and social care NVQ qualification as part of new pre-employment training initiative. more...

Training firm is chosen for NVQ lessons

DROITWICH training company Train2Succeed of Berry Hill has been chosen to provide training for the health and social care NVQ qualification as part of new pre-employment training initiative. more...

DROITWICH: Training firm is chosen for NVQ lessons

DROITWICH training company Train2Succeed of Berry Hill has been chosen to provide training for the health and social care NVQ qualification as part of new pre-employment training initiative. more...

Worcester apprentice is named as the winner

AN apprentice from Worcester topped the table at the West Midlands Regional Training Awards for the building services engineering sector. more...

Green light for funding lets Reddlight expand its sales

LOCAL family firm Reddlight Limited is witnessing the benefits of a move to new premises earlier this year as the new facilities has provided it with more space to expand production capabilities. more...

Chamber launches into its big awards night for 2007

THE date has been set for the biggest business awards ceremony in Worcestershire and Herefordshire. more...

Business News

MP praises town firm

ONE of Redditch's biggest businesses has been praised for its success in employing young people. more...

Toolmakers triple factory space

TOOLMAKING firm Harper and Simmons has tripled its floor space with a move to a new 18,000 sq ft factory in Redditch. more...

Clubs & Societies

Cookhill WI

DECEMBER, time for Christmas celebrations, and with this in mind Menai Watkins welcomed a very happy bunch of members and their friends to the annual Christmas party. more...

Feckenham Forest History Society

ON Tuesday, December 12, the society spent a most enjoyable social evening in the company of Robin Hill of the Worcester County Museum Service at Hartlebury, who gave a Quiz entitled "Know Your County". more...

Football

Joyce spot-kick salvages a point

Evesham United 1, Malvern Town 1 WESLEY Joyce rammed home an 83rd minute penalty to earn Town their fourth point of the festive season. more...

General

Create winter story

BUDDING writers in Wyre Forest are being urged to put pen to paper and create their own winter themed short story. more...

Insight into lives of past priests

RELIGIOUS history buffs can enjoy an insight into the lives of past priests ordained in a village near Kidderminster between 1580 and 2005. more...

In Brief

Library exhibition

AN exhibition of work by photographer Gordon Nicholson will on display at Redditch Library from Saturday, December 30 until January 25. more...

Kidder News Latest

Son’s death ‘doesn’t make sense’

THE father of a 19-year-old, who was found hanged at his home in Cookley, says he will never understand why his "happy-go-lucky" son took his own life. more...

TV’s Gavin inspires budding journalists

A STAR pupil now watched by thousands of youngsters up and down the country returned to his former Kidderminster school to pass on some journalism trade secrets. more...

58% say 'no' to church in poll

MOST people reponding to our online poll said they would not be going to church this Christmas. more...

Blaze mansion may have to be rebuilt

WEST Midland Safari Park hopes to restore a historic building within its grounds to its "former glory" after it was ravaged by fire. more...

Blaze mansion may have to be rebuilt

WEST Midland Safari Park hopes to restore a historic building within its grounds to its "former glory" after it was ravaged by fire. more...

Funeral of teenage gentle giant

THE funeral of a Kidderminster College student who died following a car accident that left four teenagers dead has been held. more...

Ramble raises pounds

SLIMMERS in Franche have been putting their best feet forward to raise pounds for Kidderminster-based Kemp Hospice. more...

No flowers or fuss for newsman Bill

THE journalist who broke the story of the 1975 kidnap of Highley heiress, Lesley Whittle, has died at his Kidderminster home on the eve of his 80th birthday. more...

No flowers or fuss for newsman Bill

THE journalist who broke the story of the 1975 kidnap of Highley heiress, Lesley Whittle, has died at his Kidderminster home on the eve of his 80th birthday. more...

Going with the flow for New Year

HUNDREDS of plastic ducks and home-made water birds will be making a splash in Bewdley on New Year's Day. more...

Stay safe as you see in the New Year

WITH New Year's Eve approaching quickly West Mercia Constabulary has reminded revellers of the need to drink responsibly and stay safe as they see in 2007. more...

Stay safe as you see in the New Year

WITH New Year's Eve approaching quickly West Mercia Constabulary has reminded revellers of the need to drink responsibly and stay safe as they see in 2007. more...

Latest

Sales fever hits city

BARGAIN hunters were queuing up in Worcester as early as 4am this morning as post-Christmas sales hit the city. more...

Man dies in Worcester car crash

A man died when a car crashed into a lamp-post in Worcester. more...

Record numbers at Worcester church services

The pews in Worcester churches were bursting at the seams as record numbers turned out for Christmas services. more...

Arrest after cars attacked

A MAN was taken to hospital and at least four cars were damaged after they came under attack in Badsey on Christmas Eve. more...

Latets

Sickness delays sentencing

ILLNESS affecting a number of probation officers was blamed for a delay in the sentencing of a Redditch man for perverting the course of justice. more...

Centre slammed over sexy posters

THE Kingfisher Shopping Centre management has been criticised by an Oakenshaw man for exposing his children to "immoral" advertising where women are scantily clad and in one case "exposing their rear ends". more...

Second cigarette machine stolen

THIEVES stole a cigarette vending machine worth £500 from a Redditch pub. more...

Takeaway faces tribunal

A REDDITCH Chinese takeaway business is facing a compensation claim for unfair dismissal by a former shop assistant who alleges she was replaced by another employee following a takeover. more...

Cricketer inquest opened

AN inquest has been opened into the death of Alvechurch Cricket Club member John Rose. more...

£200 of pop stolen

FIZZY drinks worth £200 were stolen from a Redditch newsagents. more...

Car thief drives off with woman in the back

A CHRISTMAS Day journey turned to horror for an elderly woman when she was pulled from a car by a thief who had driven off without realising she was sitting in the back. more...

Car thief drives off with woman in the back

A CHRISTMAS Day journey turned to horror for an elderly woman when she was pulled from a car by a thief who had driven off without realising she was sitting in the back. more...

Car thief drives off with elderly woman in the back

A CHRISTMAS Day journey turned to horror for an elderly woman when she was pulled from a car by a thief who had driven off without realising she was sitting in the back. more...

Letters

Our new logo is good value for your money

SIR - The idea that it is costing the city council £24,000 to change its logo is just wrong. more...

Gordon’s led us to foot of growth table

SIR - The Centre for Economics and Business Research reports the fact that the British economy has plunged to fourth from bottom in the European economic growth league. more...

We should be a land of hope and glory

SIR - I read in the John Phillpott column regarding the idea that the national anthem God Save Whoever should be replaced with Elgars Land Of Hope And Glory, as it is not relevant to today's populace (Seven Days, December 16). more...

We should be a land of hope and glory

Access to pitches is still a concern

SIR - Regarding students hitting out about poor consultation with the University of Worcester about the proposed Battenhall playingfields. more...

Can you help me find the Joneses?

SIR - I am trying to trace my family history and wondered if any of your readers might be able to help me. more...

Bus operators need more competition

SIR - Private bus operators are going to be stripped of their power to set the bus fares. It's about time because bus fares have increased in recent years by 86 per cent above inflation, which is no way to encourage people out of their cars. more...

Give credit where due to council staff

SIR - In response to Coun Peachey's remarks that the city council is a waste of money and does nothing but empty bins, clean streets and look after parks. more...

School outlook so stimulating

MY two children go to Offmore First School in Kidderminster and are being allowed - nae, encouraged - to enjoy the festive season to its maximum. more...

Delight at £2,000 Santa tour

A BIG thank-you to everyone in Bewdley who supported the recent Santa Sleigh collection. more...

Thanks to union for Christmas party

I WOULD just like to say a big thank- you to everyone at the Community Union, Callows Lane, Kidderminster, for providing a wonderful Christmas party and entertainment for the Brintons Pensioners Guild. more...

80th birthday treat from choir

I WANT to say how much my family enjoyed the performance given by the Kidderminster Choir on Saturday, December 9 in the town hall. more...

Music

New year welcomed with Viennese concert

A VIENNESE concert featuring traditional music by Strauss and Lehar will mark the start of the new year in Wyre Forest. more...

Nature Notes

Child inside me longs for blanket of snow

I ALWAYS think that at the start of a new year there is always great merit in just spending a few moments reflecting on what as passed in the previous year. more...

News

Brain has a positive approach

DIRECTOR of rugby John Brain believes Worcester can go into tonight's Guinness Premiership showdown with Harlequins at Sixways (8pm) in a positive frame of mind despite an agonising 16-14 defeat against London Irish just five days ago. more...

Sixways sell-out

TONIGHT'S match between Worcester Warriors and NEC Harlequins at Sixways has sold out. more...

'Keep run rolling,' says Yates

MARK Yates has challenged his players to maintain their festive spirit and keep their Conference winning run rolling at struggling Southport on Saturday. more...

Opinion

Thanks for all your work on a special day

WHILE the majority of the population were settling down to a traditional Christmas meal on Monday, there were hundreds of others across the county who were doing something quite different. more...

Reports

Constable double fires third win in row

STAFFORD 1, HARRIERS HARRIERS hotshots James Constable and Iyseden Christie were hailed by manager Mark Yates after the Boxing Day derby win at Stafford Rangers. more...

Constable double fires third win in row

STAFFORD 1, HARRIERS more...

Constable double fires third win in row - Stafford 1, Harriers 2

HARRIERS hotshots James Constable and Iyseden Christie were hailed by manager Mark Yates after the Boxing Day derby win at Stafford Rangers. more...

Joyce spot-kick salvages a point

Evesham United 1, Malvern Town 1 WESLEY Joyce rammed home an 83rd minute penalty to earn Town their fourth point of the festive season. more...

Review Of The Year Cotswold News

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Adam Henson is helped to put sun cream on Muriel the Gloucestershire old spot pig by Caleb Sweeten, three and his mum Simone Sweeten at the Cotswold farm park. more...

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Roy Hubbard - Member of committee of chambers of commerce with the 'fake' flowers in hanging baskets made of silk that they have bought as the parish council have refused to pay for real flowers more...

mar06063

Cameron Diaz and Jude Law filming 'The Holiday' on location at Cornwell Manor more...

may06081

Flora Derounian, 16, who won an award for best speaker at the final of the Taylor Trophy regional debating competition discussing the sale of human organs more...

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A display of camel racing brought the crowds flocking to the Grand Arena at Moreton Show 2006 more...

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Henry Baggott who is co-owner of Wychwood bookshop who were holding a Bond fever exhibition more...

Peter Mond

90 Year-old Peter Mond raised £1,600 for the nursing service by sky-diving from 12,000 feet above Weston-on-the-Green, Oxfordshire more...

Round-Up

Inquiry into fire at safari park site

AN investigation has been launched after an historic building in the grounds of West Midland Safari Park was gutted by fire. more...

Bikes for fund-raisers

SANTA delivered a special present for two intrepid fund-raisers. more...

‘Bland, ugly’ spa plans thrown out

THE plans for a new hotel and spa in Malvern have been thrown out because the design is bland, unattractive and inappropriate, according to Malvern Hills District councillors. more...

Anger over delay to business post

A FINANCIAL adviser has criticised the city's postal service for not delivering business post in the run-up to Christmas. more...

Pub joins search to find new top singer

PEOPLE could soon be singing their hearts out in Worcester. more...

Jamie and William arrive early in time for Christmas Day

IT was a quiet Christmas Day in Worcestershire Royal Hospital's maternity ward with just two new bundles of joy being welcomed into the world. more...

How we carved up a festive feast for the city’s homeless

CHRISTMAS has never tasted so good for a group that helps Worcester people whose lives are in crisis. more...

Hounds, horses and bright red jackets

THOUSANDS of supporters turned out as riders saddled up for Boxing Day hunts across Worcestershire and Herefordshire. more...

Warning to drunken train passengers

TRAIN passengers are being warned that drunken behaviour will not be tolerated over the New Year period. more...

You can not build sports hall, private school told

A MALVERN private school has been told it can't build a new sports hall, swimming pool and other facilities after district councillors, rejected its plans against the recommendation of planning officers. more...

Hand in pills plead police

Police are appealing for anyone who finds anti-epilepsy drugs that were lost in Stourport to hand them in. more...

Stay warm or join winter’s casualty list

HEALTH chiefs have urged people in Worcestershire and Herefordshire to keep warm and well this winter. more...

Council criticised over plant

AN action group opposing a planning application to build a recycling centre near Wor-cester has accused Worcester-shire County Council of taking an irresponsible attitude towards the community and the environment. more...

Youngsters spread their festive cheer

TINY tots were in fine voice when they made their annual visit to a Worcester sheltered housing complex. more...

Plea to victims of

VICTIMS of domestic violence are being urged not to suffer in silence this festive season. more...

Kevin's Got The Christmas spirit after car vandalism

A GOODWILL gesture by a city businessman has made Christmas for a victim of vandalism. more...

Polytunnels ruling ‘to hit horticultural sector hard’

A HIGH Court ruling stating that large scale covering of the countryside in polytunnels will require planning permission has been met with disappointment by the Worcestershire Country Land and Business Association. more...

City venues wanted for balloon day

A PHOTOGRAPHERS guild is searching for some of Worcester's top wedding and reception venues to take part in a national balloon launch to raise cash for charity. more...

Recycle your stamps and help pets in need of vets

PET owners across the county can help their furry friends by recycling their festive stamps. more...

Meet the people who were hard at work while you were busy tucking into your turkey

AMBULANCES THE emergency services work as normal over the Christmas period, on hand for any incidents they might get called to. more...

Watch out for purse snatchers, say police

THIEVES have targeted elderly shoppers in a series of purse thefts. more...

Doctors can keep ties on

DOCTORS at Worcestershire's hospitals are to be allowed to keep wearing ties, despite them being banned in hospitals elsewhere in an effort to contain the spread of superbug MRSA. more...

How to make use of festive medical care

WORCESTERSHIRE residents are being reminded how to ensure that they get the appropriate treatment if they fall ill during the festive break. more...

Spurs defeat rivals Hallow in thriller

MARTLEY Spurs edged out old rivals Hallow RWMC 4-3 in their Worcester League Saturday Division derby thr-iller. more...

Drivers battle on for good finishes

WORCESTERSHIRE racing drivers Tim Matthews and Carl Tompson have overcome a difficult season to excel in the UK Sports 2000 Champ-ionship. more...

Harriers manager aims high

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers' boss Mark Yates wants to build on three Conference wins in a row. more...

Bulls boss happy with progress

HEREFORD United chief Graham Turner believes the 0-0 Boxing Day draw against Bristol Rovers is a sign of how far the club has come. more...

Last eight’s Terry target

LEDBURY darts ace Terry Jenkins bids for his place in the Ladbrokes.com PDC World Darts Championship quarter-finals tomorrow. more...

Christmas incidents

A CRASH involving two vehicles on the Slideslow roundabout in Stratford Road, Bromsgrove, at 6pm on December 22 resulted in one person being trapped and having to be cut free by firefighters. more...

‘Bin’ and gone

ANGRY householders who missed the deadline for the last collection of green waste bins have been told sorry, you will have to wait until April when the service resumes'. more...

Praise for green residents

GREEN residents have helped Bromsgrove District Council to become one of the top ten most improved councils nationwide when it comes to recycling. more...

Rover hit by by Scrooge Government - claims MP

BROMSGROVE'S MP, Julie Kirkbride, has accused the Government of 'shameful and Scrooge-like' behaviour after it was revealed that £50million handed out to victims of the MG Rover collapse was being reclaimed. more...

It’s the end of ‘term’ for award winning teacher

AN AWARD winning teacher said a fond farewell after 20 years of service at a Lickey school. more...

It’s the end of ‘term’ for award winning teacher

AN AWARD winning teacher said a fond farewell after 20 years of service at a Lickey school. more...

It’s the end of ‘term’ for award winning teacher

AN AWARD winning teacher said a fond farewell after 20 years of service at a Lickey school. more...

It’s the end of ‘term’ for award winning teacher

AN AWARD winning teacher said a fond farewell after 20 years of service at a Lickey school. more...

Drink charge

THE driver of a car which careered off the A38 near Bromsgrove and through a hedge in the early hours of the morning - and who flagged down a passing ambulance for help - has been charged with a drink-driving offence. more...

Pub Watch scheme for Malvern?

KARL Crangle and his security team from The Vaults Bar want to start a pub watch scheme to reduce anti-social behaviour. more...

Pub Watch scheme for Malvern?

KARL Crangle and his security team from The Vaults Bar want to start a pub watch scheme to reduce anti-social behaviour. more...

Rail strike hits hard

FESTIVE travel plans are being hit hard by strikes across the Central Trains network. more...

Rail strikes hit hard

FESTIVE travel plans are being hit hard by strikes across the Central Trains network. more...

Rail strikes hit hard

FESTIVE travel plans are being hit hard by strikes across the Central Trains network. more...

Tribute paid to retiring head teacher

THE head of Castlemorton Primary School, Mary Worthington, retired at the end of the autumn term. more...

David comes to aid of Olympic hopeful

A HOPEFUL winter Olympics athlete turned to a Malvern sports injuries specialist to help her with a foot problem. more...

David comes to aid of Olympic hopeful

A HOPEFUL winter Olympics athlete turned to a Malvern sports injuries specialist to help her with a foot problem. more...

Miracle babies celebrate first Christmas

Miracle babies Olivia and Alice McDonough enjoyed their first Christmas this year- a day proud parents John and Kim never thought they would see. more...

Miracle babies celebrate first Christmas

Miracle babies Olivia and Alice McDonough enjoyed their first Christmas this year- a day proud parents John and Kim never thought they would see. more...

Malvern making it big inUS

A MALVERN company is hoping to line up big deals with sports clubs in the United States. more...

Malvern making it big in US

A MALVERN company is hoping to line up big deals with sports clubs in the United States. more...

More police on patrol?

MORE police officers could soon be patrolling the streets of Malvern after the West Mercia force announced it was to take on nearly 100 extra officers. more...

'Caring and bubbly' teenager remembered

MORE than 200 mourners packed into Worcester Crematorium to remember the "bright and lively" teenager who was killed in a car crash earlier this month. more...

Centre pod success

SHOPPERS sent Christmas messages from the Kingfisher Centre to as far away as Australia. more...

Sarah's got 'cattitude'!

A WYTHALL vet has received a prestigious award for the purr-fect way she cares for cats. more...

Council 'underhand' over mast plan

A CONCERNED Southcrest resident has branded the council "underhand" over plans to erect a 15-metre phone mast near her home. more...

Dispersal orders 'shifting the problem'

A WINYATES woman says her neighbourhood has been blighted by even more antisocial behaviour since police cracked down on troublemaking youngsters in other areas of Redditch. more...

Trains staff on strike

STRIKE action means no Central Trains services will operate on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. more...

Trees can be chipped

ECO-friendly Redditch residents can recycle their Christmas trees instead of throwing them away. more...

Club celebrates a Polish Christmas

A POLISH Christmas was celebrated at Redditch Polish club in Southcrest on December 21 with a traditional meal. more...

Inquest opened

THE inquest into the death of a man found dead on his sofa by friends has been opened. more...

Schools

Positive report for nursery

TUDOR HALL Nursery in Enfield has received a positive Ofsted report. more...

Society

Witton WI

Val Garrett was in the chair in Jenny Kerridge's absence and she welcomed members and two visitors. A report on the autumn council meeting was given. more...

Sidemoor WI

The president, Maureen Smith, welcomed WI representative Doreen Gees and one guest to the AGM. The annual report, which included a trip to Denman College and a financial report, was read to members. The election of officers and the committee took place. They are: president, Maureen Smith; secretary, Catherine Keeley; treasurer, Gill Luscombe. more...

Wychbold Flower Club

The meeting was a colourful affair with guest presenters Ann Price and Pat Bailey giving an inspiring demonstration of Christmas-themed arrangements. more...

Wychbold Women’s Fellowship

Our open meeting in Wychbold church brought a large attendance to hear our guest speaker, historian Roy Albutt, on the subject of stained glass windows. more...

Inner Wheel Club of Droitwich Spa

After welcoming members, president June Bodger had the pleasure of presenting a £1,400 cheque to Dr David Battin for the work of the Alzeheimers Society. more...

Chaddesley Corbett Gardeners' Club

Our scheduled speaker was unable to attend our meeting so chairman Judy Berrow stepped in at the last minute with a very enjoyable talk and slide show about her garden at Tythe Barn, Chaddesley Corbett. more...

Weatheroak Group Wis

Sixty five members from Wythall, Hollywood, Hopwood, Beoley & Alvechurch were hosted by Drakes Cross WI to an evening of interest and entertainment. more...

Hanbury WI

We met for our annual cookery and craft show plus the AGM. more...

Hadzor & Oddingley WI

A most enjoyable Christmas lunch was held at Dunhampsted. more...

Wyre Forest

NATIONAL TRUST - The speaker at the centre's December meeting held at Blakedown Parish Rooms was Michael Smith, the property manager at Croome Park, near Worcester. Mr Smith has been in the post there for three years. more...

Stone

WI - President Margaret Mills thanked Ann Brooks for the cyclamen which would go into the special raffle, proceeds of which will be sent to the Acorns Hospice, together with the committee's entertainment fee of £30, making a total of £78. more...

Mamble

MAMBLE CUM BAYTON WI - A festively decorated Sun and Slipper Inn at Mamble welcomed members and friends for their Christmas party. President, Lynn Bowen, greeted everyone and sent best wishes for the speedy recovery to Shirley White and Margaret Stock following their recent operations. Members then enjoyed a meal prepared and served by Roger, Wendy and the team. more...

Kidderminster

HABBERLEY WI - Business was kept to the minimum. Lyn Davis put to the meeting that the resolution should be put to the AGM in March then to be submitted next year as members felt it was important for it to go forward. The group won its skittles match against Kinver. more...

Blakedown

WI - The Parish Rooms were packed with members and visitors ready to celebrate Christmas. The president welcomed all those from Brockencote and Somerleyton WIs and the Hagley Afternoon Group. The festive cheer was enhanced by the table decorations, supplied by the committee, and in particular a painted tree by Catherine Clark. more...

Areley Kings

WIVES - The group held its Christmas party night at Holt Fleet. The meal was followed with entertainment from Black Country comedian Tommy Mundon. more...

This Life - Special Reports

We wrote the book on caring for greyhounds

ABOUT 30 years ago, John and Jean Barford received a request from their daughter Jennifer, who was working in the Isle of Man as a veterinary nurse. more...

Travel

Mini makeovers are hit at bustling holiday park

A NEW trend has emerged in the beauty business and indications are that it is a fast-growing market with huge potential for the future. more...

Upton

Vandals target Christmas tree

THE festive spirit was sadly missing when vandals attacked a Christmas tree outside Upton fire station, in Minge Lane. more...

Worcester By Air

Boxing Day Hunt

Picture reference more...

Boxing Day Hunt

Picture reference 52101604 more...

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