Worcester News - Stories for 23 February 2006

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Worcestershire | Archive | 2006 | February

Stories for 23 February 2006

Leisure

Band moves to new base

A CLEOBURY Mortimer-based band is celebrating after moving into a new practice venue. more...

Musical classic will celebrate 90th year

ONE of the most popular musicals of all time will be performed by members of Kidderminster Operatic and Dramatic Society next month. more...

Orleans jazz legend swings in to town

A LEGENDARY New Orleans jazz musician will be swinging by Aggborough Jazz during his UK tour. more...

Live at the George

MUSIC fans can enjoy live jazz at The George Hotel in Bewdley on Sunday. more...

Riverside open mic

THE Riverside Club in Stourport will host an open mic night next Thursday. more...

Taphouse guitarist

A TOP session guitarist, who was influenced by Neil Young, John Martyn and Morcheeba, will be performing at The Boar's Head Taphouse on Sunday. more...

Hotel organ-ised

Fans of organ music will be flocking to a Bewdley hotel on Monday for the start of a four-day festival. more...

Sunday date for DJ Ken

A DJ who has made a name for himself at popular club, Miss Moneypenny's, will be in Kidderminster on Sunday. more...

Agency's opening showcase aids of air ambulance

A HOST of performers hoping to impress a Kidderminster entertainment agency will take to the stage for charity. more...

Urban art

URBAN scenes from the Midlands form part of a new exhibition of oil paintings in Stow. more...

TONIGHT: Kidderminster: Library - Guy Rowland. Birmingham: Marriott Hotel - Lupa. Symphony Hall - Edgar Macias Quintet free commuter jazz. CBSO play music by Bartok and Beethoven. MAC - Fernhill. NEC Arena - X Factor Live. Worcester: Huntingdon Hall - Albert Lee and Hogan's Heroes. Coventry: Warwick Arts Centre - Jools Holland. Reel Big Fish. Wolverhampton: Robin R'n'B2 - King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys. Little Civic - Gojo Music and Paul Murphy. Civic Hall - Ministry of Power. more...

Jane Eyre - Festival, Malvern

CHARLOTTE Bronte's best loved classic tale of the poor, plain and unloved Jane Eyre (Monica Dolan) takes on a modern twist while still keeping a firm loyalty to the original book. more...

Players set for panto

THERE is still time to get tickets to see the Areley Kings Players' annual pantomime. more...

Hall stepping back with the Tudors

HISTORICAL re-enactors will take visitors back to the 15th century when Harvington Hall reopens its doors to the public. more...

Night for rail buffs

FILMS of the steam trains and railways, including footage dating back to the 1920s and 30s, will be shown in Kidderminster on Saturday. more...

Hundreds step out in style at dance festival

HUNDREDS of performers from across the Midlands showed off their talent at the annual Wyre Forest Dance Festival. more...

Charting Severn from source to sea

THE natural beauty of the River Severn and the history of the towns situated alongside it have been captured by a Kidderminster film maker. more...

Private Lives, Malvern Theatres

SET in 1930s France, this masterclass in wit proved a fitting vehicle for two of the country's finest actors. more...

PETER PAN Areley Kings Players Areley Kings Village Hall

OLD favourites, Tinkerbell, The Lost Boys and Captain Hook, were brought to life in Areley Kings Players' impressive production of Peter Pan. more...

FROZEN Rose Theatre Studio Until Saturday

FROZEN promised to take the audience on an emotional journey and it certainly delivered. more...

International stars stop off in Evesham

ONE of the world's most celebrated and widely travelled ensembles promise an outstanding concert in Evesham tomorrow. more...

Special two-part piano concert

WORCESTER Concert Club presents the second in a series of special two-part concerts with a special pre-concert by Worcester Jazz Youth Orchestra who will be playing a set of much-loved Big Band favourites. more...

Sound of three cellos in parish

THE unusual but delightful sound of three cellos will be heard at the Parish Music concert in Alstone Church on Saturday, March 4. more...

Radio 2 links with festival

IN an exciting new development for 2006, BBC Radio 2 is collaborating with this year's Cheltenham Jazz Festival. more...

Broadleaf species boast different survival methods

YOU may think that after visiting the nature reserves of Wyre Forest district year in, year out, there would be very few mysteries to be solved, especially on a dull winter's day. more...

From jailbird to songbird

TELEVISION `Bad Girl' Nicole Faraday has gone from jailbird to songbird to star as Eva Cassidy in Over The Rainbow. more...

Famous opera reveals new season for 2006

THE 2006 season at Longborough Festival Opera has been announced this week. more...

News

Vale Mayor's week

Monday, February 13: Meeting with Town Clerk & Manager of Almonry Museum to short-list candidates for vacant posts. Early afternoon met with Mr. Paul Bates, temporary Chief Executive of South Worcs. PCT to exchange views on health care in Evesham. In the evening chaired Town Council meeting. more...

Care `n comfort in local ward

I RECENTLY went to have an operation at Evesham Community Hospital. more...

Crossing ocean in road debate

Three cheers for the mother who is calling for an additional pedestrian crossing on the A429 Fosseway in Moreton. more...

A Little laugh at the green envy!

I COULD not help but have a little laugh to myself when I read about Mr John Heppenstall of Eastside, North Littleton, complaining about being supplied with two black sacks each week free of charge by Wychavon District Council. more...

WDC does great job with waste

I write in response to your article about Mr Heppenstall threatening to take Wychavon District Council to court - for the sake an extra black rubbish bag! more...

Enhancing your county services

I would like to take this opportunity to put the record straight for your readers over our plans for the future of Register Offices in Gloucestershire. more...

The pace of progress?

THE census of 1981 reveals an Evesham community of 15,277 souls living within 5605 households. more...

February 23, 2006

LAST week, just before the half-term break, House of Commons business ended tamely with a smaller rebellion from Labour backbenchers than expected over the Terrorism Bill and a disappointing debate on Tackling Health Inequalities. more...

Kerbside scheme defended

A KIDDERMINSTER resident fears householders in Wyre Forest are not getting value for money through the new kerbside recycling service. more...

Just another case of not in my back yard

WHEN the residents of Bright Avenue and Cobden Avenue moved to their Warndon Villages homes, they were glad to have a bit of green space on their doorsteps. more...

Policing in villages is just not good enough

Sir -Your recent story (Feb 15th) "Vandals wreak havoc in quiet county village" included the preposterous claim from a police spokesperson that "Callow End, like all other areas of Worcestershire, is frequently patrolled by officers on foot, in high profile patrol cars and also in unmarked vehicles at varying times of the day and night." more...

Attack on Bishop for Christianity

Sir - I am sure George Cowley or another of your distinguished readers - and believers - will wish to spring to the defence of the Bishop of Worcester following John Phillpott's intemperate and ill-judged attack on him (WN, Saturday, Feb 18). more...

Huge thanks for appeal donations

SIR - I would like to thank the people of Worcestershire who very kindly donated blankets, quilts and warm clothes to my recent appeal. more...

Progress and hypocrisy of ban

SIR - So the rights of smokers to smoke freely in buildings of assembly is being truly extinguished, with few exceptions including the palace of Westminster ! more...

Who will foot bill?

Sir - The question of our police merger requires some clarification. If everything we read is to be believed it is a foregone conclusion. However, there is a great deal more to be discussed. The main point is funding. Who will pay for it all? Does a short-term saving in council tax equate to a long term increase in income tax? Think on. more...

Surely tail docking is just barbaric?

SIR - I wrote to you on Saturday, February 4, with reference to the letter from Simon Clarke regarding the issue of tail docking. more...

The National Trust

MARTIN Ellis returned to address members at the February meeting held at Baxter College, Kidderminster. He started working with Birmingham Museum of Art Gallery in 1986, and is now principal curator, collection research and development. He is a former curator of Aston Hall, the subject of his talk on this occasion. more...

Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regimental Association

A SOCIAL night will be held at The T A Centre Birmingham Road Kidderminster on Saturday, March 4 at 7.30pm. All ex-service men and women welcome. The next meeting of the association will be held at the TA Centre on Sunday, March 5 at 11am. Details from Ron Harris on 01562 820855. more...

West Midland Bird Club

THE Kidderminster branch's field meeting on Sunday is to Rhayader and Gigrin Farm, for red kite observation. The minibus will leave Broadwaters car park at 9am. more...

Ramblers Association

THE Wyre Forest group has organised a seven-mile walk at Bewdley on Sunday. more...

Wyre Forest Camcorder Club

AT the meeting on February 14, Rob Budworth, a member of Kidderminster Camera Club, gave a talk on the subject of Adobe Photoshop techniques. Further information can be obtained from the secretary on 01562 631475. more...

Stone WI

MEMBERS have been knitting vests for African babies with AIDS. On April 27, several members will attend a lunch at Chaddesley Corbett Village Hall. more...

Mamble cum Bayton WI

AT the February meeting, Richard Perrin, chairman of Bewdley Civic Society, gave a talk on a trip down the River Severn by canoe, from Upper Arley to Bewdley. His illustrated talk contained photographs from the early 20th century to the present day. more...

Franche WI

AT the February meeting, Joan Armishaw gave a talk on Norway and members then tasted traditional Norwegian food made by the speaker. more...

Kidderminster Cycling Club

THERE are two rides this Sunday. The A ride starts at 9am and goes to Ape Dale on Wenlock Edge. The B ride also starts a 9am and is a car assisted ride to Boulden near the Brown Clee Hill. Both rides leave from The Green, Blakebrook, Kidderminster. more...

Lickhill TG

AT the February meeting, chairman Sheila Shepherd expressed the need to find a replacement to fill the post of secretary. more...

Motorists opting to use park and ride

THOUSANDS of motorists, including many from Bidford and Salford Priors, have opted to use the park and ride service in Stratford since the opening of Warwickshire County Council's new site. more...

Kidderminster/Husum Training Association

THE annual meeting of the association will be held on Wednesday at 7.30p.m. at the Cricket Club, Chester Road North, Kidderminster.The usual venue, the King Charles Room, is unavailable due to building work. more...

Upset as treasured jewellery is stolen

A BIDFORD family has been left devastated after they returned home from holiday to find their home broken into and thousands of pounds of treasured jewellery had been stolen. more...

University of the Third Age

THE monthly meeting of U3A will take place on Monday March 13 at St Ambrose Social Club, Leswell St, Kidderminster at 2pm. Doors open at 1.30pm. more...

Classical Music Society

TOMORROW, Susan Limbrey will present a programme on the music of Hector Berlioz, who lived from 1803 until 1869. more...

Kidderminster and District Archeological Society

A MEMBER of Birmingham University Institute of Archaeology and Antiquity will be the guest speaker on Wednesday. more...

Habberley WI

OUTINGS arranged for the coming year include a new speakers day today, the Lucy Hingley lecture on March 17, and the resolutions conference on April 10. more...

Cookley WI

FLOWERS this month went to Pam Watson, who is recovering from a back operation. Last month several members, plus a few visitors, attended a "taster" day at Denman College. more...

Chaddesley Corbett Gardeners' Club

THE annual meeting took place on February. Guest speaker John Williams gave a talk and slide slow about hellebores. more...

Bewdley and District Horticultural Society

AT the February meeting, the committee was elected and details of the 2006 programme announced. This includes evening trips in May and June. more...

Astley WI

MEMBERS were informed of the activities and outings planned. more...

Force says `no' to merger

WEST Mercia Police Authority has given an emphatic thumbs-down to the proposal to merge the force with others in the West Midlands. more...

Yes, we have our pyjamas

PUPILS and teachers from a Pershore school will be going to school in their pyjamas next month as they raise much-needed money for St Richard's Hospice. more...

Police throw spotlight on identity theft

IDENTITY theft in the Vale is being highlighted by West Mercia police in a bid to inform the community on how to prevent becoming victims of the crime. more...

Poultry farmers on alert over bird flu

FREE-RANGE egg producers are under stress as the threat of bird flu hangs over poultry farmers. more...

Refurbishment prize

THOMAS Vale Construction has won a prestigious prize for the refurbishment of a shopping centre. more...

Have a say on list

WYRE Forest residents are being invited to comment on proposals to protect Stourport's buildings of local historical and architectural interest. more...

Upbeat after saddlery fire

UP to £500,000 worth of damage has been caused to a Stourport saddlery business in a fire at a town industrial estate. more...

Tontine future will be homes

HOPES that a Stourport landmark could, once again, be used as a pub or restaurant appear to have been dashed because of a lack of interest from prospective buyers. more...

Future and the past in new book

STOURPORT'S link with canals is to be celebrated in a book hoping to bring the past in line with the present. more...

Councillors recommend Market Street toilets should shut

THE closure of Tenbury's Market Square toilets loomed even closer after councillors recommended the move on Tuesday night. more...

Playing fair with growers takes only a small effort

AS governments and multi-national companies wrangle, the debate over Fairtrade has taken a major step forward in Evesham. more...

Spare a few minutes for planet's sake

PAUL Smith's letter concerning recycling ( Shuttle/Times & News, February 16) made my blood boil, but epitomised why household waste is collected fortnightly , thus hopefully encouraging us to put more in our recycling boxes. more...

Up to speed on health proposals

IN response to the Health Concern councillors' letter (in last week's issue, I wish it to be known that Wyre Forest District Council have been fully engaged in the consultation process on the managerial changes of the strategic health authorities, ambulance trusts and Worcestershire PCTs. more...

Island praise

HOW pleasing to see the work going on at the Coventry Street island on Kidderminster's ringway. more...

Residents right to object

IT is entirely understandable that residents are up in arms over the proposed development of Drakelow Tunnels. more...

Closure must be illegal

FURTHER to Councillor Jamie Shaw's letter in the Shuttle/Times & News on February 9, and as one of the members of the public who objects strongly to the closure of the footpath across Areley Kings recreation ground, I would like to add that the local council's action, in my view, is now clearly illegal. more...

Wrong to block our right of way

AT LAST we see in our local paper some news relating to the closure of the footpath across Areley Kings recreation ground. more...

Tunnels museum to add to tourism

THE suggestion that Drakelow Tunnels become a training centre for the unemployed is absolutely ridiculous and must be opposed. One must suspect the motives of Jericho Community Project since there are a multitude of derelict factory and other brown field sites all over the West Midlands - closer to areas of high unemployment and far more suitable. more...

New expert for farmers

FARMERS in Worcestershire will see a new face to the NFU in their area. Sarah Faulkner has been appointed a policy adviser for the West Midlands region with specific responsibilities for the environment. more...

Chinese seal Rover deal with 1,000 jobs

UP to 1,000 jobs could be created at the site of the collapsed MG Rover car business after a "landmark" deal was signed yesterday, opening the way to resume car production. more...

SHOPPER'S LUCKY DAY

A MUNDANE shopping trip turned out to be an experience of a lifetime for one lucky county resident. more...

BUSINESS Brief

Factories boost more...

Cattle Market parking to stay

TEMPORARY car parking which has already lasted half a decade in Worcester is set to be extended another three years by city council planning bosses. more...

Popular school `outstanding' in every category

ENTHUSIASTIC teachers and exemplary pupils have contributed to a stunning inspection report for a Worcestershire school. more...

I'm leaving my pupils to raise cancer charity cash

A TEACHER who has seen both his parents battle against cancer is getting in gear to run the London Marathon. more...

Future of the city's transport analysed

THE future of transport in Worcester is in the melting pot. more...

Group is top for apprenticeships

WORCESTERSHIRE Group Training Association (WGTA), the new Centre of Vocational Excellence has been named as one of the best providers of apprenticeships in the country. more...

Too fast drivers' warning

SPEEDING motorists are being warned to slow down when travelling through a Worcestershire village now that speed camera sites are to be extended. more...

Barn owl fans fight to protect nest site

A WORCESTER charity has joined the fight to save protected wildlife on a site earmarked for a business park. more...

City tax rise approved

A COUNCIL tax increase of 2.5 per cent in Worcester moved a step closer after council bosses approved the rise. more...

Planners fire the starting gun to replace court with health centre

RESIDENTS of Droitwich could have a new, state-of-the-art health centre by next year. more...

Drinkers will move on to the riverside to escape booze ban

A BOOZE ban in parts of Worcester will move the problem to the scenic riverside, councillors fear. more...

Campaigning MP seeks views on ME

WYRE Forest's health campaigning MP, Dr Richard Taylor, is seeking views from sufferers of ME as part of a national study. more...

Smoke-free environment

ALL of Wyre Forest Primary Care Trust buildings will become smoke-free by April. more...

Hospital sees the return of overnight stay

KNEE joint replacement surgery has now begun at Kidderminster Treat-ment Centre. more...

Protest march planned

HEALTH campaigners are being urged to join a protest march against proposed service cuts, including plans to scrap Wyre Forest Primary Care Trust. more...

Sarah guides farmers' green policies

SARAH Faulkner has been appointed as a policy adviser with specific responsibilities for the environment at the National Farmers' Union's West Midlands office. more...

RSPCA and farmers in bovine TB dispute

FARMERS in Gloucestershire have accused the RSPCA of being selective in its concern for animal welfare in the newspaper advertising campaign it has launched on the issue of badgers and their role in TB in cattle. more...

Mayor's been offered a lovely little duckling after poor Henry died

A GRIEVING mayor has been offered a duckling after his previous beloved pet was found beheaded in his neighbour's garden. more...

Boy, 16, attacked dog and broke its back leg

A TEENAGE boy committed a vicious assault on his girlfriend's puppy in a drink-fuelled attack that left the pet with a broken leg and severe head injuries. more...

How Status Quo man helped put students' CD on shop shelves

THE man who produced albums by rock legends Status Quo has helped a group of Worcester students release a CD that has hit the shelves of high street shops. more...

Fury over houses in field next door

Fears Warndon Villages' green barrier will be breached more...

Emma sets standards

WHEN it comes to standards, Evesham's Emma Kearsey could teach most of us a thing or two. more...

Tackling issues in youngsters' lives

BULLYING on school buses and help for children whose parents are divorcing were two of the issues identified by youngsters in Broadway and Cropthorne during two recent consultation meetings. more...

Two m en jailed for terror ride at midnight

TWO Kidderminster men who kidnapped a scorned lover and dumped him at night in a country lane after a terror ride have been jailed at Worcester Crown Court. more...

Year's jail for sexual grooming

A 26-YEAR-OLD Kidderminster man who repeatedly met a girl of 14 despite warnings from her parents and police has been jailed for 12 months. more...

Man falsely claimed £3,500 in benefits

A KIDDERMINSTER man has been found guilty of falsely claiming more than £3,500 in disability benefits while working full-time as a care assistant. more...

Car is hit by slab

POLICE have appealed for information to help find vandals who targeted a sports car with a concrete slab in Bewdley. more...

Thefts remand

A STOURPORT man who stole two vehicles has been remanded in custody at Worcester Crown Court while a pre-sentence report is prepared. more...

Experts to give valuations

WHY not have lunch, discover how much your family heirlooms are worth and help Operation Covert at the same time this weekend? more...

Group says it with flowers

CHURCH support group has said it with flowers for Operation Covert. more...

All Saints backing

THE congregation at a Wyre Forest church have become the latest supporters of Operation Covert with a donation of more than £100. more...

It's a gift, so now we're cooking

Fellowship raises £500 and turns it into £1,400 more...

Force has says `no' to merger

WEST Mercia Police Authority has given an emphatic thumbs-down to the proposal to merge the force with others in the West Midlands. more...

Row over disabled rail ramp delays

DISABLED people in Evesham could have to wait for another five years before they have access to both platforms in the town's railway station, it was revealed this week. more...

Water project

A KIDDERMINSTER-based firm will help carry out a two-year project to refurbish what is believed to be one of the country's oldest water treatment works. more...

Family's agony at mix-up over grave

A woman whose father's body had to be exhumed from a cherished plot so her mother could be buried beside him has failed to enlist a judge's support in her fight with her local parish council. more...

Dentists fear end of care on NHS

NEW contracts being offered to local dentists could spell the end of the road for treatment on the National Health Service in Evesham, it was warned this week. more...

New-look hotel

The balloons will be going up to mark the opening of a new-look hotel next Thursday. more...

Couple see double in a Chip and PIN age

A DISABLED Evesham man claimed this week he and his wife fell victim of Chip and PIN months before the initiative became mandatory across the UK. more...

More jobs could go at the Wood Norton site

THE future of Wood Norton Conference Centre is looking increasing bleak and it could face closure with the loss of more jobs, the owner warned this week. more...

New technology

MAJOR companies are trialling new technology developed by a Hartlebury-based communications and presentations firm. more...

Row between taxi drivers sees delay in fare increase

PLANS for an across-the-board rise in taxi fares in Evesham is being opposed - by taxi drivers in Droitwich Spa. more...

Warning as parents are approached by `scout'

PARENTS of young footballers in the area have been warned to be on their guard against scouts pretending to represent top-level football clubs after a couple of irregular approaches in the past weeks. more...

Free labels for cricket team

A JUNIOR cricket team touring the West Indies is unlikely to be stumped when it comes to keeping tracking of its kit - thanks to a Hartlebury firm. more...

£1m blaze guts historic manor

FIRE investigators were this week trying to establish the cause of a £1 million blaze which gutted a Cotswold stone manor house overlooking the Vale of Evesham. more...

Training academy

A KIDDERMINSTER-based recruitment consultancy is trying to ensure a high level of skills among its own employees by introducing a training academy for its consultants. more...

Retiring

A SENIOR upholsterer has retired after 33 years with a Kidderminster-based company. more...

Farewell after half a century

A TOOLMAKER with a Cookley engineering firm has been given a golden goodbye, having retired after 50 years with the company. more...

Beth's eco message in the bag

A SCHEME designed to help female entrepreneurs has provided a cash boost for a Stourport woman running a business that has an environmental spin-off. more...

Group aiming to lift quality of life

RESIDENTS of Habberley and Blakebrook are being given the chance to tell police what issues they believe need to be tackled as priorities. more...

Award hopeful

PATROLMAN Stewart Barnett is hoping it will be third time lucky this weekend when the RAC's Ambassador of the Year is announced. more...

Pedestrians hurt in town centre collision

A PEDESTRIAN was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital with serious leg injuries after being involved in a collision with a car near the Swan Centre car park in Kidderminster. more...

Carers' chance to get together

HELPING people who look after family members or friends to meet and support each other in Kidderminster will be the first task of a new member of the Worcestershire Association of Carers. more...

Retired teacher dies

A RETIRED Kidderminster teacher and former Hartlebury parish councillor has died, aged 92, a year after moving to Hampshire. more...

All aboard for sleuths train

MISS Marple wannabees have been invited to solve some gruesome murders on Kidderminster's Severn Valley Railway. more...

Keep chip and pin safe

SHOPPERS using their chip and pin debit and credit cards are being advised about how to keep their numbers safe. more...

Birthday girl Edna's family party

A KIDDERMINSTER woman, who has lived in the town nearly all her life, has celebrated her 100th birthday. more...

Mast plans halted

PLANS to erect a 12.5m telecommunications mast next to a garage and residential area in Kidderminster have been thrown out. more...

Seat sponsor drive takes off

KIND-heared residents and traders are being urged to dig deep into their pockets and support a charity that helps disabled people across Wyre Forest. more...

Donation sessions

VOLUNTEERS have been asked to give blood tomorrow to help meet demand from local hospitals. more...

Call to help quake victims

A KIDDERMINSTER woman is calling on town businesses to help raise money for people who had their lives torn apart by the Asian earthquake. more...

Popular player in "stable" condition

A POPULAR Chaddesley Corbett rugby club player, who suffered a suspected heart attack during a match, was stable in hospital, according to a source close to the club. more...

Road crash toll triggers probe

OPTIONS to help cut the number of accidents on a busy Kidderminster road are being investigated by highways officials. more...

Tunnel petition handed over

PROTESTERS fighting a scheme to transform the Drakelow Tunnels into a training centre have handed a petition with more than 600 signatures supporting their cause to Wyre Forest District Council. more...

Flipping good fun at anniversary church

PEOPLE in Wyre Forest are being urged to pop along to a Kidderminster church for a "flipping" good time to mark its 50th anniversary this month. more...

Views sought on new catchment areas

WYRE Forest residents are being asked for their views on the proposed new school catchment areas brought about by the district's education shake-up. more...

DROP IN TO ADMIRE FIRST SIGNS OF SPRING

THE sight of snowdrops dancing in the wind is a sure sign that spring is on its way. more...

Harvington

WOMEN'S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER: On March 3 more than three million people worldwide will be taking part in the Day of Prayer Service prepared, this year, by women of South Africa on the theme of Signs of the Times. In Harvington, it is the turn of the Baptist church to house the meeting, at 6pm on Friday, March 3 and men as well as women are welcome. Speaker will be the Rev Fran Battin. Afterwards, there will be refreshments and a discussion. more...

Evesham

GARDENING CLUB: The club will meet on Tuesday at 7.30pm in Wallace House, Oat Street, when the speaker will be Dr A J Hughes who will give a talk on The Swiss Alps. Refreshments will be served after the talk and admission is £1. All are welcome. more...

Broadway

GARDEN CLUB: The January meeting was addressed by photographer Tony Hamblin on the subject The Magic of the Celtic Islands. His talk was illustrated with pictures of birds and other inhabitants found in the region. The next lecturer will be Julie Richie on Easy Alpines and Low Growing Perennials on Monday at the usual time and venue. more...

Badsey

BADSEY SOCIETY: Chairman Will Dallimore spoke at the society's AGM of complacency. The group had achieved so much in its four-year history that there was a fear of resting on one's laurels. He asked for new ideas from the membership in an attempt to freshen up some of its annual events. The officers for the coming year are: chairman, Will Dallimore; secretary, Maureen Spinks and treasurer, Terry Sparrow. The committee members were voted back on en bloc, with the exception of Liz Dyer, who has stood down, her place being filled by Mike Lovatt. The other members of the committee are Ian Gibson, Tony Jerram, Richard Phillips and Neil Thould. The AGM was followed by an illustrated talk on the History of Badsey Crops by Terry Sparrow and Tony Jerram. Graham Corbett presented a film of the society's Aldington Walk, which was made by the Evesham Movie Makers Club last summer. Copies of the hour-long production will be on sale in early spring. more...

Mickleton

MICKLETON SOCIETY: Eddie Futers addressed the Mickleton Society at the February meeting, his subject being Glass Engraving. A native of Northumberland, Eddie worked in the construction industry for many years, taking up glass engraving initially as a hobby. Now he carries out many commissions, especially locally. more...

Pershore

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION WOMEN'S SECTION: The first meeting of the new year was held recently. The chairman Wendy Griffiths opened the meeting with the exhortation and wished members a belated happy new year. After the business and treasurer's report members enjoyed a cup of tea. more...

Ilmington

PARISH COUNCIL: The January meeting of the parish council, chaired by Cllr Tony Wilkins, heard about the work of the Council for Voluntary Service in rural areas from Karen Higgins, the project co-ordinator. more...

Honeybourne

WEDNESDAY CLUB: The annual dinner and AGM was held on February 1 at the Round of Gras, Badsey. Mrs Boath welcomed the members. more...

The truth is out there for the UFO spotters

A STORM of periwinkles raining down on Worcester's streets? Vertical blue lights shooting out of the ground in Crowle? `Out of this world' flashes in the sky? more...

On the road to a new career

A HARTLEBURY firm is helping six former Rover employees take a new career direction following the closure last year of the carmaker's Longbridge plant. more...

Have a say on list

are being invited to comment on proposals to protect Stourport's buildings of local historical and architectural interest. more...

Garden plan is blooming

LAND behind a Kidderminster church is being given a huge makeover, costing more than £30,000, to transform it into a community garden. more...

Independent travel agency

AN independent travel agency offering what is thought to be the first home visit service in Wyre Forest has been set up at a Bewdley hotel. more...

Training centre is backed

A NEW £90,000 firefighter training centre has been opened in Kidderminster. more...

Barrel check

THE Environment Agency has given a farm near Bewdley the all-clear following a complaint about a stockpile of jam barrels. more...

Rocker drops election plan

A CHARISMATIC Kidder-minster musician says he will not be standing as a district council candidate as planned due to concerns about his health. more...

Hey, good booking

A BEWDLEY hotel worker has been awarded one of the highest scores recorded for quality service to businesses booking conferences. more...

Carpet firm in buyout

A SPECIALIST carpet making firm in Kidderminster is under new ownership following a management buyout. more...

Booze ban extended

AN extension to Bewdley's Alcohol Restriction Zone comes into force next week. more...

Market worries voiced

KIDDERMINSTER'S outdoor market traders have voiced concerns over their futures after learning the market will be handed over to private operators. more...

Water works create waves

A BEWDLEY man has hit out at a water company that failed to officially inform him about repair work being carried out in his street until two weeks after the workmen arrived. more...

Pallet towers spark anger

FRUSTRATED Kidderminster residents have lashed out at a company which is stacking pallets up to 30ft high near their homes. more...

So close to top award

STAFF at Bewdley Medical Centre are celebrating after the surgery was praised for the support it gives family carers. more...

Cycle path would bring health boost

WYRE Forest people could be healthier if plans for a new cycle path between Kidderminster town centre and the railway station get the go-ahead, according to a Bewdley doctor. more...

Student knocked out in wall drama

A KIDDERMINSTER teenager has spoken of his lucky escape after finding himself under a pile of rubble when a wall collapsed outside a popular Stourbridge club. more...

Family's despair over yob attacks

A BROADWATERS couple say their lives are being made a "living hell" by youths who are destroying their property and hurling verbal abuse at them in the street. more...

Cycle path would bring health boost

WYRE Forest people could be healthier if plans for a new cycle path between Kidderminster town centre and the railway station get the go-ahead, according to a Bewdley doctor. more...

Cop of courage

Honour for man at centre of London terrorist attacks more...

Sport

Relegation looms for sad United

Tenbury United 2 Wolverhampton United 3 more...

Judge gives win verdict

A LATE strike from Simon Judge earned Pershore Town three Midland Combination first division points last Saturday. more...

Summers treble as ladies hit eight

Evesham Utd Ladies 8, more...

Shock for Sports as Tesco snatch a point

DIVISION Four leaders Fairfield Sports were surprisingly held by Birdseye Sports Evesham Sunday League strugglers Tesco. more...

Scudamore swops to grab deserved draw

Pershore 3, more...

Own goal decides fate

Pershore II 0, Stafford II 1 more...

Persistence pays off as Parkers pick up points

Pershore 27pts, Earlsdon 5 more...

Aggressive Grecians harm Harriers again

HARRIERS 1 Exeter 2 more...

Sad Harriers get Brewers' droop again Harriers 0,Burton 1

AT at a time when Harriers are sifting through a long list of possible candidates they have finally found a leading contender - for worst performance of the season, that is. more...

Long LDV trip ends in defeat

CARLISLE 1 HARRIERS 0 more...

23/2/06 - Tykes always prove tough nut to crack

I THINK the lads acquitted themselves well at Welford Road but we are not about to be satisfied with going away and losing. more...

Tamworth 1 Harriers 1 - Mat Kendrick reports from The Lamb

HARRIERS were "all White" as they produced a decent enough display to share the spoils in the Staffordshire-Worcestershire derby at The Lamb. more...

Harriers 1 Crawley 0 - Mat Kendrick reports from Aggborough

KIDDERMINSTER crawled past Crawley with a win which was more a making your mind up exercise for the manager than a match of any consequence for the current campaign. more...

Harriers set for major turf out

MARK Yates is hoping to sow the seeds of success for next season - by insisting on a complete overhaul of the Aggborough playing surface. more...

New medical man at Aggborough

UNCERTAINTY surrounds the future of suspended Kidderminster Harriers physio Jim Conway with a new medical man taking over at Aggborough until the end of the season. more...

23/2/06 - Yates suffers fixture setback

UNLIKE most football managers who perennially complain about intensive fixture schedules, Mark Yates is bemoaning Kidderminster Harriers' lack of a game on Saturday. more...

23/2/06 - Worcestershire claim for Ashes dividend

WORCESTERSHIRE chairman John Elliot has written to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on behalf of the New Road club, requesting a dividend pay-out for all county cricket clubs that do not host Test matches. more...

Sixways supporters club chief quits

JOHN Phillips has stepped down as chairman of Worcester Warriors Supporters Club, claiming he could no longer work with the Sixways management. more...

Party time as Summers stars

Evesham Utd Ladies 8, more...

Back-row pair return

NORTH Midlands are set to welcome back Birmingham University back-row pair Fred Rodwell and Martin Poptani for their second group match in this season's RFU National Under 20 Championship against Notts, Lincs & Derbyshire at Nottingham's Beeston ground on Sunday (2.30pm). more...

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