Stories for 5 December 2006

Alcester

Grants joy for groups

A LOTTERY grant of more than £3,000 was just the ticket as a 50th birthday present for an Alcester youth theatre group.  more...

Village holds tree festival

WITH a village celebration and a Christmas tree festival, this weekend will be busy in Bidford.  more...

Singers perform annual concert

THE Alcester Singers will perform their annual Christmas Concert at Ragley Hall this week.  more...

Postbox stolen

A DISTINCTIVE postbox has been stolen in Wootton Wawen.  more...

School success

ALCESTER Grammar School has been rated as "outstanding" in Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools annual report.  more...

Team set to tackle crime

POLICE in Alcester have joined other officers across the county to tackle crime in neighbourhoods.  more...

Church work due to be completed

WORK to save Kinwarton Church should be finished in time for Christmas if all goes to plan.  more...

Business

Accountant to offer new service to estate agents

ACCOUNTANTS Kendall Wadley, which has offices in Worcester, Malvern and Hereford, has launched a specialist practice providing accountancy services for estate agents.  more...

Accountant to offer new service to estate agents

ACCOUNTANTS Kendall Wadley, which has offices in Worcester, Malvern and Hereford, has launched a specialist practice providing accountancy services for estate agents.  more...

Education

Jamie Oliver would be proud of such healthy-eating pupils

EVERY morning before school, and again at break time, pupils at Dines Green Primary School line up to sample tasty treats from the school's own tuck shops.  more...

Jamie Oliver would be proud of such healthy-eating pupils

EVERY morning before school, and again at break time, pupils at Dines Green Primary School line up to sample tasty treats from the school's own tuck shops.  more...

Jamie Oliver would be proud of such healthy-eating pupils

EVERY morning before school, and again at break time, pupils at Dines Green Primary School line up to sample tasty treats from the school's own tuck shops.  more...

Jamie Oliver would be proud of such healthy-eating pupils

EVERY morning before school, and again at break time, pupils at Dines Green Primary School line up to sample tasty treats from the school's own tuck shops.  more...

Battle of the brains in schools quiz final

BRAINBOXES from primary schools across the city pitted their wits against each other in a quiz final organised by the King's School.  more...

Fact

The Crow

A miscellany of myth, legend and ornithological notes The Crow, a bird with black plumage, member of the Corvus family, has probably been around since Adam was a lad. Indeed crows are very successful birds, they can be found all over the world.  more...

Problems with high hedges? Help is at hand to restore loss of light to your property

We experienced a problem of a very high evergreen coniferous hedge running all along the boundary of land behind our property. This hedge had been cut by the owners in the past, but not for some considerable time, it had become very high and was obstructing light to our garden and home. We went through all the usual channels of requesting attention to the matter, we waited for months and were very patient, but received no response. When we discovered planning permission had been granted to developing the land on which it stands for private housing, our neighbours, similarly affected by the hedge, joined us in taking the opportunity of restating our request. Our local Councillor was very helpful in this matter, and I am pleased to say that the height of the hedge has recently been considerably reduced. I give below some information which help others experiencing similar difficulties:- ************************ Property owners can complain to the Council.  more...

Problems with high hedges? Help is at hand to restore loss of light to your property

We experienced a problem of a very high evergreen coniferous hedge running all along the boundary of land behind our property. This hedge had been cut by the owners in the past, but not for some considerable time, it had become very high and was obstructing light to our garden and home. We went through all the usual channels of requesting attention to the matter, we waited for months and were very patient, but received no response. When we discovered planning permission had been granted to developing the land on which it stands for private housing, our neighbours, similarly affected by the hedge, joined us in taking the opportunity of restating our request. Our local Councillor was very helpful in this matter, and I am pleased to say that the height of the hedge has recently been considerably reduced. I give below some information which help others experiencing similar difficulties:- ************************ Property owners can complain to the Council.  more...

Hedgehogs, Nature’s Opportunists.

You may have heard recently that baby and very immature hedgehogs have failed to go into their natural hibernation period. Naturalists say that this is because recent above average temperatures have confused them. In autumn when the temperature drops, the hedgehog carries fallen leaves to a sheltered place. When a large pile has been collected, the hedgehog crawls inside and shuffles round and round until the leaves are tightly packed. This forms a secure, warm weatherproof nest that will be its home during the cold of winter. If you are clearing up your garden leaves and can leave a pile of them in a corner, it may become a hibernaculunt' nest.  more...

The Crow.

A miscellany of myth, legend and ornithological notes The Crow, a bird with black plumage, member of the Corvus family, has probably been around since Adam was a lad. Indeed crows are very successful birds, they can be found all over the world.  more...

The Crow.

A miscellany of myth, legend and ornithological notes The Crow, a bird with black plumage, member of the Corvus family, has probably been around since Adam was a lad. Indeed crows are very successful birds, they can be found all over the world.  more...

The Crow

A miscellany of myth, legend and ornithological notes The Crow, a bird with black plumage, member of the Corvus family, has probably been around since Adam was a lad. Indeed crows are very successful birds, they can be found all over the world.  more...

Ferry stories

Some Worcestershire Ferries on the River Severn  more...

Football

Six of the Bewdley best

BEWDLEY Town kept their promotion push rolling by hitting under-strength Shrawbury United for six with a convincing 6-1 away win in West Midlands League, Premier Division.  more...

Six of the Bewdley best

BEWDLEY Town kept their promotion push rolling by hitting under-strength Shrawbury United for six with a convincing 6-1 away win in West Midlands League, Premier Division, writes Paul Lacey. Shawbury's joint bosses Paul Mathews and Darren Evason, along with second keeper Martin Poole, were in the starting line up with regular stopper Steve Jones playing as an emergency striker.  more...

Six of the Bewdley best

BEWDLEY Town kept their promotion push rolling by hitting under-strength Shrawbury United for six with a convincing 6-1 away win in West Midlands League, Premier Division, writes Paul Lacey. Shawbury's joint bosses Paul Mathews and Darren Evason, along with second keeper Martin Poole, were in the starting line up with regular stopper Steve Jones playing as an emergency striker.  more...

Six of the Bewdley best

BEWDLEY Town kept their promotion push rolling by hitting under-strength Shrawbury United for six with a convincing 6-1 away win in West Midlands League, Premier Division, writes Paul Lacey. Shawbury's joint bosses Paul Mathews and Darren Evason, along with second keeper Martin Poole, were in the starting line up with regular stopper Steve Jones playing as an emergency striker.  more...

Kidder News Latest

Cash boost for sporting stars

WYRE Forest's sporting stars of the future are being offered a cash boost thanks to the Ray Mercer Sporting Foundation.  more...

Santa on tour

CHRISTMAS will come early for children in Bewdley this weekend, when Santa begins his tour of the town.  more...

Missing teen found safe and well

A 17-year-old girl who went missing from her Kidderminster home has been found safe and well.  more...

Latest

Viscious trap nearly killed my cat

THIS is the gruesome trap which snared a pet cat in Worcester, leaving it badly injured.  more...

Vicious trap nearly killed my cat

A gruesome trap has snared a pet cat in Worcester, leaving it badly injured.  more...

Burglars target Warndon Villages

Police are appealing for witnesses following day-time burglaries at three properties in Warndon Villages yesterday.  more...

Burglars target Warndon Villages

Police are appealing for witnesses following day-time burglaries at three properties in Warndon Villages.  more...

Recycling plans hit new hurdle

A CONTROVERSIAL planning application to build a recycling centre near Worcester has hit another hurdle.  more...

Worcester football thug jailed

A FOOTBALL hooligan from Worcester has been jailed following a Premiership football match two years ago.  more...

City looks set to combine benefits system

BOSSES in the city council cabinet have given the thumbs-up to a proposal to merge its' benefits system with three other district councils.  more...

Latets

Rotting from the floor up

ROTTING mobile classrooms at Webheath First School could be in use for five more years if campaigners lose a battle with the county council.  more...

Mystery over river woman

THE inquest into the death of a woman found in the River Avon has returned an open verdict.  more...

Elderly man critical after crash

AN elderly man is in a critical condition and two other men suffered broken bones and other injuries after a two-car crash near North Moons Moat in Redditch.  more...

Chris scores top composer award

COMPOSER and teacher Chris Long has hit all the right notes to win a British Composer Award.  more...

Risky tree is removed

AN unsafe tree has been removed from the side of a road where a driver cheated death when a tree fell on his car.  more...

Bag snatch woman 'terrified' by ordeal

A WOMAN was so terrified after having her handbag snatched she could not report it to police for several weeks.  more...

Crash teacher making steps to recovery

A REDDITCH teacher involved in a serious car crash has started speech therapy and is talking more clearly since waking from his coma a few weeks ago.  more...

Town centre purse thefts

THIEVES are taking advantage of a crowded town centre and festive shopping to steal people's purses, with four incidents on Friday alone.  more...

Top Tory praises special school

CONSERVATIVE MP and Shadow Commons Leader Theresa May backed separate education for children with behavioural needs when she visited the Kingfisher School in Redditch.  more...

Letters

Is nightspot worried about competition?

SIR - So Bushwackers is concerned about possible disorder in Trinity Street when a new club opens opposite very shortly (Worcester News, November 27).  more...

The true cost of our hospital is astounding

SIR - I was astounded to read that the government's PFI funding for the £87m hospital is costing us £942m (Worcester News, December 1).  more...

Thanks for the junction cameras

SIR - I am delighted to see that cameras have been placed on the traffic lights at the junction of Newtown Road, Sheriff Street and Williamson Road.  more...

I’m fond of school but it was smelly

SIR - In the early days of the Second World War, I used to carry out voluntary duty in the first aid post located in Christopher Whitehead Boys' School.  more...

Don’t start gritting until its colder

SIR - I drove on the A38 and then on the M5 and had my windscreeen full with grit in the morning.  more...

Recycling will not mean lower taxes

SIR - I read with interest that recycling levels had improved considerably in Worcester as I had understood it would benefit taxpayers with lower bills.  more...

We must educate not turn away

SIR - Regarding your Headline "College full to bursting" (Worcester News, November 27).  more...

More sport for the young is excellent

SIR - It is excellent news that "the Battenhall sports pitches will enable many young children of all ages to enjoy sport throughout the year" (Letters, November 22).  more...

Mayor'S Column

IAN IMRAY, The Mayor's Diary

Did you see Billy Elliot, the story of a young dancer? Well here in Worcester we have Tom Edwards, our very own Billy Elliot. Joan and I went to see the Midland Musical Theatre Group at Malvern Theatre as their guests, and what a magical experience it was. Good music and dancing, an absolutely hilarious comedian in Billy North and, of course, Tom. He is the only boy in the Harlequins dancing group and is excellent, a natural talent The day was tinged with sadness however as Steve Mayor, a colleague of mine from my police days, and chairman of the group was supposed to meet us but unfortunately he passed away last week. He would have been a proud man watching that show. Condolences to Ann and family.  more...

Music

Charity King has more events planned

KIDDERMINSTER musician, King Rich is celebrating after notching up eight charity gigs raising more than £800 at Kidderminster Library.  more...

Charity King has more events planned

KIDDERMINSTER musician, King Rich is celebrating after notching up eight charity gigs raising more than £800 at Kidderminster Library.  more...

News

Lane favourite Carty in hospital

WORCESTER City player-manager Andy Preece has sent a message of goodwill to horror injury victim Paul Carty.  more...

Lane favourite Carty in hospital

WORCESTER City player-manager Andy Preece has sent a message of goodwill to horror injury victim Paul Carty.  more...

Lane favourite Carty in hospital

WORCESTER City player-manager Andy Preece has sent a message of goodwill to horror injury victim Paul Carty.  more...

Warriors wait on Quinnell verdict

THE severity of the knee injury suffered by Worcester's leading try-scorer Gavin Quinnell remains unclear but the back-row forward will be out of action for the "foreseeable future."  more...

Davies works hard on first-class future

IF he was selected today, Worcestershire wicketkeeper Steve Davies believes he would be ready for Test cricket - but at the same time he is taking nothing for granted.  more...

Preece extends his City contract

ANDY Preece has given Worcester City fans a timely boost by signing a one-year contract extension.  more...

Opinion

Should our MPs be paid £100,000?

WYRE Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor must have taken a substantial pay cut when he exchanged the corridors of Kidderminster hospital for the corridors of power in Westminster.  more...

Reports

Wolves suffer double dose of heartbreak

HEAD coach Josh Cooprider has spoken of his deep frustration after seeing Worcester Wolves slip to narrow defeats in both of their weekend fixtures.  more...

Reviews

DVD - Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (12)

ALTHOUGH not completely bowled over by this second Pirates offering, it was far superior to the first, so I have great expectations for the third, due to be released in the cinema next year.  more...

DVD - Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds – Live on Stage

JEFF Wayne's musical version of the War of the Worlds - Live on Stage is out on DVD now, and if you plan to buy any musical DVD this year, I would strongly suggest you part with your hard earned pennies for this. It is outstanding.  more...

DVD - Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds – Live on Stage

JEFF Wayne's musical version of the War of the Worlds - Live on Stage is out on DVD now, and if you plan to buy any musical DVD this year, I would strongly suggest you part with your hard earned pennies for this. It is outstanding.  more...

DVD - Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds – Live on Stage

JEFF Wayne's musical version of the War of the Worlds - Live on Stage is out on DVD now, and if you plan to buy any musical DVD this year, I would strongly suggest you part with your hard earned pennies for this. It is outstanding.  more...

CD - Love - The Beatles

LOVE is a compilation of Beatles tracks mixed together and digitally remastered to form the soundtrack to a Cirque du Soleil performance.  more...

CD - 18 - U2

THIS is a cracking compilation of U2 singles, they're great to sing along to and you'll know every word.  more...

CD - Jarvis - Jarvis Cocker

FANS of the 90s band Pulp will welcome this album from its lead singer Jarvis Cocker.  more...

Round-Up

MPs don’t want huge pay rise, says Foster

CLAIMS that MPs are pressing for pay increases to push their salaries to £100,000 have been dismissed as a "fantasy world" by Worcester MP Mike Foster.  more...

Last-ditch help saves Santa visit

FATHER Christmas arrived in style at a Worcester school's festive bazaar on Friday but only after a last-minute offer of help.  more...

Last-ditch help saves Santa visit

FATHER Christmas arrived in style at a Worcester school's festive bazaar on Friday but only after a last-minute offer of help.  more...

Doorman mistaken for alleged sex pest with the same name

A WORCESTER doorman has lost work and had abuse shouted at him in the street because he shares the same name as a man accused of child sex crimes.  more...

Call for public inquiry into recycle plant bid

MID-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff is calling for a public inquiry into proposals for a controversial recycling plant set for the village of Norton, near Worcester.  more...

Nursery is the best in Britain

A CHILDREN'S nursery in Worcestershire is celebrating after being named the best in Britain.  more...

It’s been warmest autumn yet as climate change takes hold

It has been the warmest autumn ever in Worcestershire - and 2006 could also be the warmest year on record.  more...

It’s been warmest autumn yet as climate change takes hold

It has been the warmest autumn ever in Worcestershire - and 2006 could also be the warmest year on record.  more...

Have the aliens landed near junction seven of the M5?

DRIVERS heading towards Worcester after turning off the M5 at junction seven could be forgiven for thinking little green men had parked their spaceship on top of Crookbarrow Hill, Whittington, after spotting this spookily illuminated tree. Luckily, there's a simpler explanation - it has been lit up by the Berkeley family - who own the hill - to promote the Spetchley Park Gardens illuminated trail. For 10 nights from this Friday, hundreds of similar lights will be used to illuminate the gardens, on the A44 near Worcester, which Henry Berkeley are said to be considered by some to be "the most beautiful in England". Above: how the tree looks by day.   more...

Lorries run on fuel from vegetables

A HAULAGE firm in Worcestershire is hoping to be running its vehicles on vegetable oil by early next year.  more...

Beware the Christmas loan sharks

WORCESTER MP Mike Foster is warning residents not to be tempted by any rip-off loan deals in the run up to Christmas.  more...

New history group holds first meeting

THE Battle of Worcester Society is officially up and running.  more...

End is in sight for neglected car park

A NEGLECTED car park, covered in dangerous pot holes, could soon be made safe, thanks to the combined voice of local residents.  more...

Woolly hats will help to raise cash for elderly

THE county's elderly people have been doing their bit to raise cash for local services.  more...

Partnership gains top marks for improving sport in schools

A PARTNERSHIP in Worcestershire aimed at enhancing physical education and sports opportunities for all youngsters has received national recognition for its efforts.  more...

Cases held-up as defence lawyers strike

DEFENCE lawyers are continuing their two day strike today.  more...

Unlucky Cat still wants a future in modelling

A BEAUTIFUL Worcester girl has vowed to keep trying to achieve her dream of becoming a model after she suffered a setback at the weekend.  more...

DJ named oneof the best in world

A TALENTED Worcester DJ bagged himself a place in the top five of an international competition.  more...

Victorian festive fair for pupils

A TRADITIONAL Victorian Christmas is on the cards for youngsters visiting the Worcestershire County Museum.  more...

Pupils get dressed-up in aid of the Red Cross

A GROUP of Worcester Sixth Form College pupils urged their fellow students to dress in red - and even get their hair sprayed in the colour - to raise money for the British Red Cross.  more...

County cruise into the last eight

WORCESTERSHIRE qualified for the quarter-finals of the FA County Youth Cup after an outstanding performance saw them defeat Northumberland 3-0 at Aggborough.  more...

County cruise into the last eight

WORCESTERSHIRE qualified for the quarter-finals of the FA County Youth Cup after an outstanding performance saw them defeat Northumberland 3-0 at Aggborough.  more...

Burglar is jailed

A serial burglar, who carried out raids in Worcestershire to feed a crack cocaine habit, has been jailed for four and a half years.  more...

She’s succeeding in a man’s world

by Chris Flavell WHEN it comes to finding success in what is traditionally a man's world, Julie Adams certainly knows a thing or two.  more...

She’s succeeding in a man’s world

WHEN it comes to finding success in what is traditionally a man's world, Julie Adams certainly knows a thing or two.  more...

Euro award for chef Ben

A FORMER pupil at The Chase high school is on his way to becoming one of Europe's master chefs.  more...

Santa saves switch-on as crash delays TV star

HIGH spirits at Malvern's Christmas lights switch-on were not dampened by the non-appearance of special guest David Benson Phillips.  more...

Biodiesel firm inundated with calls

BRANSFORD Biofuels, a new company which makes an eco-friendly biodiesel, has been inundated with calls from potential customers since featuring in the Malvern Gazette two weeks ago.  more...

Software firm sells for £2.8m

MALVERN-based computer software company Camtek has been bought for £2.77 million by the international VI Group plc.  more...

Pub will be new home for shelter’s 500th dog

GERMAN shepherd Jesse is officially the 500th dog to be taken in by Worcester Animal Rescue Shelter . . . and she has already found a home with Malvern's newest landlord.  more...

Pub will be new home for shelter’s 500th dog

GERMAN shepherd Jesse is officially the 500th dog to be taken in by Worcester Animal Rescue Shelter . . . and she has already found a home with Malvern's newest landlord.  more...

Hop along and help a bunny

SPONSOR a bunny as a Christmas gift is the plea from a Redditch rabbit and guinea pig shelter.  more...

Town centre purse thefts

THIEVES are taking advantage of a crowded town centre and festive shopping to steal people's purses, with four incidents on Friday alone.  more...

Lifesavers put to the test

REDDITCH firefighters took part in a training exercise on Monday night to help them deal with large-scale road accidents.  more...

Roundup

Results from December 2 and 3

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 Nationwide Conference: Gravesend 1, Harriers 3.  more...

Results from December 2 and 3

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 Nationwide Conference: Gravesend 1, Harriers 3.  more...

Results from December 2 and 3

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 Nationwide Conference: Gravesend 1, Harriers 3.  more...

Snooker: Snooks Z pile on pressure

A 3-2 WIN for Snooks Z over Franche A kept up the pressure on leaders Franche B at the top of the Kiddermnister & District Wednesday Snooker League Division One.  more...

Snooker: Snooks Z pile on pressure

A 3-2 WIN for Snooks Z over Franche A kept up the pressure on leaders Franche B at the top of the Kiddermnister & District Wednesday Snooker League Division One.  more...

Rugby

Junior rugby: KCs rub Old Salts in the wounds

KIDDERMINSTER Carolians under-sevens won by six tries to four and six tries to three in their two games with Old Saltleians.  more...

Reports round-up: KCs stuffed by Sutton

KIDDERMINSTER Carolians' defensive meanness disappeared when they suffered a heavy 53-0 drubbing at the hands of Midlands Three West North high-fliers Sutton Coldfield.  more...

Reports round-up: KCs stuffed by Sutton

KIDDERMINSTER Carolians' defensive meanness disappeared when they suffered a heavy 53-0 drubbing at the hands of Midlands Three West North high-fliers Sutton Coldfield.  more...

Society

Wyre Forest

CAMCORDER CLUB - Mike Dickens was the guest speaker at the meeting on November 28. Mike began with a talk on writing.   more...

Stourport

CIVIC SOCIETY - Worcestershire's postal history was the subject of Chris Jackson's talk.  more...

Hartlebury

HISTORY SOCIETY - The group's next meeting is on Thursday, December 14 at the Village Hall at 7.30pm when members will enjoy a Christmas memorabilia evening, including mulled wine and mince pies. Members and visitors are encouraged to bring along an object or memento.  more...

Kidderminster

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP - The group's carol concert is being held at St Mary and All Saints Parish Church, Kidderminster, on Tuesday at 7pm. Refreshments will be served after the service. Donations of mince pies would be appreciated. For more information, call Derek Harrington on 01299 405961.  more...

Kidderminster

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP - The group's carol concert is being held at St Mary and All Saints Parish Church, Kidderminster, on Tuesday, December 12 at 7pm. Refreshments will be served after the service. Donations of mince pies would be appreciated. For more information, call Derek Harrington on 01299 405961.  more...

Chaddesley Corbett

GARDENERS' CLUB - The scheduled speaker was unable to attend the November meeting, so chairman Judy Berrow stepped in at the last minute with a talk and slideshow about her garden at Tythe Barn, Chaddesley Corbett.  more...

Areley Kings

FRIENDS OF VILLAGE HALL - The friends held a craft fair on November 18 which raised more than £1,000. Thanks to all who donated prizes.  more...

Travel

Explore mystical island on relaxing rail journey

THE Isle of Man is one of the most beautiful locations in Britain.  more...

  
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