Worcester News, Worcester Sport, Worcester Leisure - From The Worcester News

Worcestershire | Archive | 2007 | January

Stories for 18 January 2007

Acorns

Delight as hospice re-opens four beds

ACORNS Children's Hospice in Worcester is to re-open the four beds it was forced to close last year because of a shortage of funds. more...

Business

Warehouse opening provides new jobs

TWENTY-five new jobs have been created in Droitwich with the opening of a new distribution centre by JCC, a leading lighting designer and manufacturer. more...

Firm helps you to reduce your mortgage payments

AN Evesham mortgage advice company is making specialist industry advice available to the general public for the first time. more...

Boost for nightclub group

Nightclub group Luminar has been rewarded with strong sales figures after its new strategy paid off during the busy Christmas period. more...

Boost for nightclub group

Nightclub group Luminar has been rewarded with strong sales figures after its new strategy paid off during the busy Christmas period. more...

Business News

New travel agnet opens

CENTRAL News presenter Joanne Malin made a special visit to the Kingfisher Shopping Centre for the opening ceremony of a new First Choice Travel shop. more...

New travel agent opens

CENTRAL News presenter Joanne Malin made a special visit to the Kingfisher Shopping Centre for the opening ceremony of a new First Choice Travel shop. more...

New travel agent opens

CENTRAL News presenter Joanne Malin made a special visit to the Kingfisher Shopping Centre for the opening ceremony of a new First Choice Travel shop. more...

City Of The Future

We must push for a good environmental policy to combat the effect of this project

The West Midlands Regional Assembly is currently consulting the public, local authorities, businesses and other interested parties on how the area will develop over the next 20 years. more...

WATER/FLOODING/CLIMATE CHANGE/POLLUTION: ‘IS THE INFRASTRUCTURE THERE?’

Using taps with restricted flows, toilets which flush using less water, recycling bath and washing up water and having water meters fitted in homes could become the norm to counter the environmental effects of extra homes in Worcestershire. more...

Water/Flooding/Climate change/Pollution: ‘Is the infrastructure there?’

RUBBISH: ‘It's important to reduce the amount of waste landfilled’

More houses mean more rubbish and if an additional 62,300 houses are built in Worcestershire by 2026, the West Midlands Regional Assembly estimates that household waste will increase by nearly 30 per cent. more...

LAND: ‘We have to be clever with our growth'

Worcestershire is a predominantly rural county and would lose 2,620 acres of land if 62,300 new homes are built. more...

Clubs & Societies

Worcestershire ME Support Group

THE British Red Cross is offering First Aid Awareness sessions at a reduced price of £2.00 to all people affected by ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis), CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) and FMS (fibromyalgia). more...

Worcestershire ME Support Group

Competitions

Great Worcester News Reader Offer

If you are looking for a quick refreshing break that won't damage your pocket, then why not take advantage of our fantastic offer featuring Day Trips and Excursions to France! Featuring a leisurely cruise by day or night, departing from either Portsmouth, Poole or Plymouth and followed by a day sampling the scenic and culinary delights of Normandy or Brittany in France. You can stay ashore for up to 24 hours before taking the return sailing! more...

County Storms

St John's

Tree falls and takes out power in parts of St. John's, Worcester. more...

Old Bush Inn, Callow End

fallen tree across the B4424 in Callow End outside The Old Bush Inn more...

Old Bush Inn

Fallen tree across the B4424 in Callow End outside The Old Bush Inn more...

Old Bush Inn

Fallen tree across the B4224 in Callow End outside The Old Bush Inn, Worcester more...

Callow End

Fallen tree across the B4424 in Callow End outside The Old Bush Inn. more...

Callow End

Fallen tree across the B4424 in Callow End outside The Old Bush Inn. more...

Callow End

Fallen tree across the B4424 in Callow End outside The Old Bush Inn. more...

The Rydd, Worcester

Fallen tree at the Rhydd, Worcester. more...

Blackmore Caravan Park

Tree down outside Blackmore Caravan Park on the road between the B4424 and Hanley Swan. By Robin Shuard more...

Blackmore Caravan Park

Tree down outside Blackmore Caravan Park on the road between the B4424 and Hanley Swan. By Robin Shuard more...

Fallen tree in St John's.

A fallen tree partially blocks the Malvern Road, in St John's, Worcester. more...

Malvern Rail Station

Great Malvern rail station has been closed by the gales. more...

Cricket

Eastnor CC holding AGM

EASTNOR Cricket Club will hold its AGM on Thursday (January 25) at the Brewery Inn, Bye Street, Ledbury at 7.30pm. more...

Film Reviews

CATE BLANCHETT INTERVIEW

PLAYING an American tourist who takes a random bullet in Morocco, Cate Blanchett shines in her new film Babel, opening tomorrow (january 19). She opens up about the power of her celebrity and what it takes to de-beautify Brad Pitt. more...

Fixtures

Weekend fixtures

WITH cup games taking priority tomorrow, there is a reduced league programme for the county clubs. more...

Football

Junior Soccer Scene

WELLAND U16S 1, OLDBURY PARK TIGERS 1 more...

Tilley hat-trick boosts Villagers’ goals tally

VILLAGERS 6, TJ's 0 more...

West Malvern bow out

PERSHORE MANOR 4, WEST MALVERN 2 more...

Allstars sink Dynamo in local derby

THE Soccer Site Malvern Football League was again reduced in the numbers of fixtures fulfilled at the weekend due to the weather. more...

General

Who's top of the Worcestershire pecking order?

WONDERING which bird will be the high-flier in Worcestershire gardens and parks this winter? more...

Britons chop 36 million takeaways in January health kick

BRITAIN is cutting back on 85 million packets of cigarettes, nearly 36 million takeaways and the equivalent of 177 million pints of beer for its annual January health kick, figures out today show. more...

Dawn is passionate about parchment

CRAFTY Dawn Stretton is hoping her eye-catching display at Kidderminster Library will encourage more people to get in touch with their creative side. more...

Smiles galore as panto specialists take to stage

PANTO fans will be in for a treat when the Monday Night Group's fun-fllled production gets underway in Stourport next week. more...

Smiles galore as panto specialists take to stage

PANTO fans will be in for a treat when the Monday Night Group's fun-fllled production gets underway in Stourport next week. more...

In Touch

Chilcott has belief in Warriors' survival bid

IT was fascinating to hear the insights of Gareth Chilcott at the Supporters' Club evening on Wednesday night and heartening to know he believes Worcester can stay in the Premiership. more...

Kidder News Latest

Store opens

A FROZEN food store opening in a Kidderminster shopping centre is set to go off with a band. more...

Six ‘softie’ pups in need of fresh start

PEOPLE are being asked to provide a better life for a litter of puppies which have been left in the care of a pets' charity. more...

Six ‘softie’ pups in need of fresh start

PEOPLE are being asked to provide a better life for a litter of puppies which have been left in the care of a pets' charity. more...

Action on teen pregnancies

AN action plan will be drawn up to tackle problems including obesity-related illnesses and teenage pregnancies in three Kidderminster wards. more...

‘Bleak’ forecast will lead to tax hike

A GLOOMY financial picture is expected to prompt a five per cent hike in council tax charges for Wyre Forest residents to help pay for county services. more...

Public to have a say on sports field plans

PLANS to build an indoor bowls centre, pub and hotel on a historic sports ground are set to go out to public consultation. more...

‘Worst road’ claim refuted

A BEWDLEY road littered with potholes has been branded "the worst road in Worcestershire" by a fed-up resident. more...

‘Worst road’ claim refuted

A BEWDLEY road littered with potholes has been branded "the worst road in Worcestershire" by a fed-up resident. more...

Blood sessions

BLOOD donors have the chance to give during sessions being held at Kidderminster's Trinity Methodist Church, in Churchfields on Friday, January 26. more...

OU get-together

THE annual meeting of the Kidderminster branch of the Open University Students' Association will be held in the town's library on Saturday. more...

Biking gang caught in act

MOUNTAIN bikers who rode all over a town centre roundabout, damaging a flower bed, have had their actions branded "unlawful" by Wyre Forest District Council. more...

War wings come home

A WOMAN who is the last living relative of a fighter pilot who died late in the Second World War has been given his flying wings in an "emotional" meeting at her Hartlebury home. more...

Leisure centre re-opens

THINGS have gone swimmingly in the makeover of Wyre Forest Glades Leisure Centre, where the pool is set to reopen on Saturday. more...

Pair’s mission to say 'thanks'

A KIDDERMINSTER couple have vowed to keep up their tireless fund-raising exploits after finding out their efforts have generated £21,000 for the County Air Ambulance. more...

Pair’s mission to say 'thanks'

A KIDDERMINSTER couple have vowed to keep up their tireless fund-raising exploits after finding out their efforts have generated £21,000 for the County Air Ambulance. more...

Sunday service for Holocaust victims

VICTIMS of the Holocaust will be remembered in a service in Kidderminster. more...

Wyre Forest weather warning

WYRE Forest drivers have been warned by police to take extra care on the roads with more bad weather forecast over the coming weeks. more...

Winds block three roads

THE gale force winds that have battered Wyre Forest throughout the day have brought down trees - blocking three roads in the district. more...

Have a say on canal plans

RESIDENTS, groups and businesses have been invited to put their points across on proposals for the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal Conservation area. more...

Latest

Teen terror and family are evicted

A 14-year-old boy who terrorised a Worcester neighbourhood has got his family evicted from their home. more...

Teen terror and family are evicted

A 14-year-old boy who terrorised a Worcester neighbourhood has got his family evicted from their home. more...

Gipsy family appeal to stay on green belt land

A GIPSY family settled on land near Droitwich could face life on the road if they lose a planning appeal. more...

Appeal for missing man

A SEARCH has been launched to find a man who has been missing from his home without his medication for a week. more...

County battered by storms

REFUSE collections in Worcester may be delayed tonight and tomorrow because of freak weather conditions battering the city. more...

Police issue murder case keys description

Police have revealed details of a key they are keen to find in connection with a Worcester murder case. more...

Gale force winds cause chaos in county

Gale force winds have caused chaos across the county. more...

Man feared in Severn is alive

A man thought to have jumped into the River Severn is alive. more...

Man feared in Severn is alive

A man thought to have jumped into the River Severn is alive. more...

Warning issued as man sets fire to himself

EVESHAM firefighters issued a warning this week for people to take care when close to or handling petrol or other flammable liquids. more...

Owner must remove caravan after 25 years on the same site

A WYRE Piddle man has been left "dumbfounded" after being told to remove his caravan from land where it has stood for 25 years. more...

GP joins blockade of nuclear sub base

A VALE doctor is travelling to Scotland to help blockade the Faslane nuclear submarine base. more...

Petition destroyed by defiant villager

THE wife of a parish council chairman remained defiant today after marching into a village shop and tearing up a petition signed by almost 50 villagers. more...

Immigration officials turn up at restaurant

TWO staff, believed to be from Bangladesh, were arrested at a Broadway restaurant in a crackdown on illegal immigration at the weekend. more...

300-homes plan awaits decision

the future of a proposed major housing development on Badsey Road, Evesham, is still undecided after Wychavon district councillors opted to delay a decision. more...

Manager appointed for new store

SUPERMARKET chain Aldi has named Scott Judge as the manager of its new store in Evesham, due to open next week. more...

Pupils’ efforts are reflected in tables

EVESHAM and Pershore pupils are putting in above average performances, according to the latest league tables. more...

Driver disqualified after eight pints

A 37-year-old family man has been disqualified from driving after he drank eight pints of Guinness and attempted to drive home, a court was told. more...

Man who attacked partner is given his final warning

A JEALOUS man attacked his partner after discovering she was having a secret romance. more...

Shopping centre opts for safety first

A GAS leak caused an evacuation from the Public Hall and a number of shops in the Riverside Shopping Centre on Monday. more...

‘Punched building instead of his partner’

A 21-YEAR-old Evesham man drank 16 cans of lager and a half bottle of vodka before causing £200 damage to a hostel after a row with his partner, a court heard. more...

Advised to learn road sense on moped

YOUNGSTERS are being encouraged to take to the roads on mopeds now a proposal to place restrictions on newly-qualified drivers is going through Parliament. more...

Hospital Cup match sends player to A&E

AN Evesham teacher was airlifted to hospital at the weekend after breaking his leg - in a Hospital Cup match. more...

Saddling up to help little boy fulfil his potential

THE father of a disabled Evesham boy is preparing for a 24-hour charity fundraiser to improve his son's quality of life. more...

‘Pay the clampers, I’d rather smash the car!’

SHOPPERS were so incensed when clampers moved in at a car park that one smashed up the car rather than pay up. more...

Mercy air crews in successful year

COUNTY Air Ambulance has celebrated another successful year after completing 2,389 missions, the majority of which were road traffic accidents. more...

Mercy air crews in successful year

COUNTY Air Ambulance has celebrated another successful year after completing 2,389 missions, the majority of which were road traffic accidents. more...

Road death victim named

POLICE have named a man who died following a road incident on the B4361 Luston to Richards Castle Road on Friday, January 12. more...

Spooky goings-on

By David Hetterley A DEDICATED band of ghosthunters is delving into Tenbury's past and is looking for local paranormal sightings and haunted houses. more...

Spooky goings-on

By David Hetterley A DEDICATED band of ghosthunters is delving into Tenbury's past and is looking for local paranormal sightings and haunted houses. more...

Spooky goings-on

A DEDICATED band of ghosthunters is delving into Tenbury's past and is looking for local paranormal sightings and haunted houses. more...

Petition against library changes

PLANS by Worcestershire County Council to refurbish Tenbury Library to include a hub-and-contact point staffed by Malvern Hills District Council staff have come under fresh attack. more...

Firsts lose but a better showing

WITH the 50 point home defeat by Kings Norton still fresh in their memories and all four regular kickers missing, Tenbury expected the worst. more...

Woofferton go down to second-placed Westfields

Woofferton travelled to second -placed Westfields on Saturday and with a strong wind behind them in the first half had the majority of possesion. more...

Woofferton go down to second-placed Westfields

Woofferton travelled to second -placed Westfields on Saturday and with a strong wind behind them in the first half had the majority of possesion. more...

Firsts lose but a better showing

WITH the 50 point home defeat by Kings Norton still fresh in their memories and all four regular kickers missing, Tenbury expected the worst. more...

Latets

Man exposed himself to girls

POLICE have just received reports that a man in his 60s or 70s indecently exposed himself to three teenage girls as they walked along the Studley Road on Friday, January 12. more...

Police link street robberies

POLICE believe two street robberies which took place within minutes of each other in Studley on Saturday, January 13 are linked. more...

Storms bring trains chaos

THE stormy conditions have caused many of this evening's Central Trains services to be cancelled. more...

Letters

Why will no one take my waste to recycle?

SIR - I must say that last month's article concerning the empty bottle output of the Glass House restaurant really struck a chord with me. more...

Bath Road is like the Third World

SIR - I have to accept that the Bath Road area of Worcester that I live in is very run down. more...

Joint council would be more popular

SIR - I believe that most of the general public are unsure which of the two councils, county and city, is responsible for providing the various services. more...

Why is our public transport so bad?

SIR - It's said that Britain spends 50 per cent more than anyone in Europe on transport, yet buses are running less than half full. more...

Racers should take their litter home

SIR - Why do boy racers throw their drinks cans, bottles, orange peel, empty packaging and polythene bags along Ankerdine Road - can't they take it home and bin it like other people. more...

Someone clean up all this rubbish!

SIR - I am amazed at the attitude about whom is responsible for the removal of rubbish which has drifted and settled under both bridges on the river Severn. more...

Rule the world and look good doing it

SIR - The If I Ruled the World by Kirsty Holmes (Worcester News, January 11) was nearly spot-on. more...

1st sitting

I AM an elderly country bumpkin like Mr Burgess. Recently I offered my city bus seat to an oldish woman who had just got on, she smiled and accepted it. more...

Damage limitation

WILL the person/s who have driven their vehicle/s over some of the winter aconites in Evesham churchyard, which always give such a wonderful display each spring, please step forward and repair the damage to the turf and replant with new corms or donate sufficient monies to the church funds for them to be able to carry out the restoration. more...

Weather or not!

Being English, I naturally follow all the weather forecasts with interest - especially on News 24. more...

Father took them in after bombing

PHILIP Beck's account of the bomb that fell on the five mile drive is inaccurate. The bomb destroyed not a keeper's cottage but an estate worker's home known as Worcester Lodge on November 19, 1940. more...

Help given when it was so needed

I WOULD like to thank the caring couple and the mother with a buggy who came to our assistance in Oat Street car park when I became unwell on Saturday, January 13. more...

Water, water everywhere

WHEN one considers water shortages; hose-pipe bans and the extortionate and increasing cost of this commodity, to the consumer, there is nothing more exasperating, to see billions of gallons of the stuff, wastefully flowing into the sea and flooding into town and farm land. more...

Support...

I would be most grateful for the opportunity to use the pages of the Evesham Journal to thank the manager and staff of the M&S Food Hall, Evesham, and the good people of Evesham who, in the run-up to Christmas, helped our appeal for funds for the building of a new Multi-Purpose Activity Hall at St Egwins CE Middle School. more...

Improvements are planted at Station

Those of us who have stoically waited long times for late trains at Evesham can now be just that bit happier. more...

Kind rescuers

HAVING now returned home from the William Astley ward in Evesham after my fall just before Christmas in Newlands, Pershore near Head Street, I would like to thank all the people who so kindly came to my rescue and phoned for the ambulance and my family. more...

Thanks for the bike back

I am writing in the hope you will print this letter as I would like to thank a very kind person who found my son's stolen moped just before Xmas. more...

Learning a lesson on tax discs

IN response to the letter Car Impounded Over Tax Disc Error (Shuttle, January 4), the fact that a vehicle is displaying a current tax disc and the owner has a receipt for it does not automatically mean that the tax disc is valid. more...

Society of the future may be pay-as-you-go

SO many council authorities are having microchips installed in their wheelie bins that it is very likely every household and business in Britain will sooner or later be paying a charge to have their rubbish taken away according to its weight. more...

Cemetery distress

CERTAIN items we placed on my late husband's grave in Kidderminster Cemetery have been stolen, and a card of remembrance has been burned. more...

Nursery closure

I WOULD like to send special thanks to three very special ladies who have provided excellent childcare for the under-fives and my own children over the last four years. more...

Children’s delight

I AM writing on behalf of Home-Start Wyre Forest and the other agencies who distributed gifts to local children as part of the Shuttle/Times & News Christmas Tree Appeal. more...

Victim needs op

THE woman who bumped into my wife at about 4.15pm last Thursday in Marks & Spencer, Kidderminster, and left her on the floor in pain, leaving quickly with a curt "sorry", may like to know how her victim is. more...

Play area petition

I FOUND it strange that Stephen Clee thought it amusing that I attempted to improve the play facilities of the ward that I was elected to represent by responding to the Multi Use Games Area consultation and support it with a petition! more...

Parents, pupils are at fault too

I REFER to your front page article regarding road safety in Windermere Way, Stourport. more...

Recognition for the Stour at last

SPEAKING to an old carpet dyer of demised Worths, I was told the Kidderminster carpet industry was built on Fullers Earth. more...

Step out for cancer charity

I AM writing to encourage readers to get active this year with a new and exciting event. For the first time ever Marie Curie Cancer Care is organising the Dartmoor walking Challenge. more...

Impressive view to be hidden

WHAT is the matter with Redditch's planning officers. Have they no idea of what is aesthetically pleasing? more...

We need our Alex

THROUGH your paper, I would like to express my thanks to the paramedics for their speed and efficiency, care and attention given to me on December 12. more...

Lifestyle

Turn your little darlings into junior Jamie Olivers

Jamie Oliver's television programmes may have changed the face of school meals but when it comes to cooking from scratch in the home, children need extra lessons. more...

Turn your little darlings into junior Jamie Olivers

Jamie Oliver's television programmes may have changed the face of school meals but when it comes to cooking from scratch in the home, children need extra lessons. more...

Music

Bands get ready to do battle in name of rock

A NEW website to promote the forthcoming Evesham Battle of the Bands 2007 has been launched. more...

Old music hall treats

CHELTENHAM Playhouse Theatre is providing an all-singing, all-dancing way to beat the winter blues. more...

Folk veterans biting back with Hamsters

FAIRPORT Convention, those daddies of British folk rock for the past 30 years, are set to launch their 2007 national tour at the Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury on Thursday February 1. more...

Trumpet venue for jazz nights

Singer Debbie Arthers and pianist Nick Gill will perform a wide range of jazz classics at the Crown and Trumpet Inn, Broadway, on Thursday, January 25. more...

Celtic duo are unique pairing

A UNIQUE Celtic collaboration presenting songs and music from Scotland and Ireland will be performed by two award-winning female singers in February. more...

Bar room banter led to big band launch

WHEN John Wood sat down with a few friends in the bar at the Fleece in Bretforton, where he was musical director of the village silver band, none of them had any idea where the conversation would lead. more...

Top musicians’ tribute to Capaldi

MUSIC legends like Paul Weller and Pete Townshend, will play at a charity gig in memory of one of Evesham's most famous sons. more...

Bacchus play air ambulance gig

LOCAL band Bacchus are playing a charity gig in aid of the County Air Ambulance at the Lifford Hall, Broadway on Saturday (Jan 20). more...

Banish the blues with a real cracker

the world-renowned Moscow City Ballet is dancing into Cheltenham to perform two of the most famous and best-loved classical works. more...

Sounds so sax-y

CLASSICAL music fans can sit back and relax to the sounds of a top saxophonist at Kidderminster Library tonight. more...

Record label aiming to build on recent success

KIDDERMINSTER's MAS Records is celebrating another successful year of promoting the best new musical talent in the Midlands. more...

Record label aiming to build on recent success

KIDDERMINSTER's MAS Records is celebrating another successful year of promoting the best new musical talent in the Midlands. more...

News

England call-up for Warriors

TWO Worcester Warriors academy players have been called up to the extended England Under 18s squad for a training session next month ahead of the AER European Championships in France in April. more...

Preece respect for City old boy

ANDY Preece says Leon Kelly has nothing to prove when Worcester City face Hinckley United on Saturday. more...

Euro chance for rookie Warriors

YOUNGSTERS Callum Black, Will Bowley and Simon Whatling have been handed starts in a much-changed Warriors side for their final European Challenge Cup pool five match in Viadana. more...

Barry broadcasts Harriers rallying call

CHAIRMAN Barry Norgrove has made an impassioned internet plea for the Wyre Forest community to keep Kidderminster's success story rolling by flocking to Aggbo-rough in their droves. more...

Swifts hope to rise in the East

STOURPORT Swifts plan to have former Harriers youth player Nick East on board in time for Saturday's Southern Football League derby at Bromsgrove Rovers. more...

Constable could be back on Bescot beat

WALSALL are set to recall James Constable after his loan spell expires this weekend - scuppering Harriers' hopes of signing the goals machine permanently. more...

Teams

MALVERN RFC more...

Hooper set for debut

MALVERN Rugby Club play a friendly at Hereford tomorrow (Saturday) and new signing Chris Hooper is in the squad. more...

Opinion

Board game proves we’re proud of city

IN this age of globalisation, cheap flights and the internet, it's easy to forget that what remains most important to people is what lies right outside their front door. more...

Past

From the archives - January 18, 2007

100 Years Ago more...

From the archives - January 18, 2007

100 Years Ago more...

Pershore

College waits for results

Pershore Group of Colleges has been shortlisted for a Green Gown Awards. more...

Conference looks at farming from outside

THE theme for the Pershore Conference, one of the highlights of the farming year, will be From the Outside Looking In'. more...

Council to discuss radio mast plan

PERSHORE Town Council will decide whether to back a new 15ft flagpole complete with three mobile phone antennas tonight. more...

Lights campaign gathering pace

MORE support has come for the bid to reinstate the festoon Christmas lighting across Pershore High Street. more...

‘Complex’ meters also too low down

A PERSHORE resident was left scratching his head when he encountered new parking meters outside Pershore Hospital. more...

Reports

Brave effort by depleted Town

MALVERN TOWN 0, CHASETOWN 1 more...

Richard Taylor'S Weekly Column

January 18, 2007

THE demountable flood defences in Bewdley proved their worth again last week. more...

Round-Up

Moves to stop homes scheme ‘fiasco’

A NEW strategy is being devised to ensure the building of thousands of homes in Worcester does not become a "fiasco". more...

Playing fields to stay open

PLAYING fields near Worcester have been saved from closure because damage caused by heavy machinery is to be repaired. more...

Guide hopes to attract visitors

A NEW visitor guide has been launched in Worcestershire after the private and public sector joined forces. more...

GMC places restrictions on GP while investigation takes place

A GP from Malvern has had conditions placed upon him by the General Medical Council, restricting his practice pending the outcome of an investigation. more...

Can you run fast and toss a pancake at the same time?

A CHARITY pancake race is coming to Worcester on Tuesday, February 20, outside the Guildhall in the High Street, to raise funds for Acorns Children's Hospital, the County Air Ambulance and Rotary club charities. more...

EVESHAM: Ex-Army corporal killed by overdose

A RETIRED soldier suffering from depression killed himself by taking a morphine overdose after setting fire to the family van, an inquest heard. more...

City’s Monopoly sells out as families catch the board bug

BOARD fever saw copies of the Worcester Monopoly game fly off the shelves. more...

Three taken to hospital after bus crash

THREE people were taken to hospital after a crash involving a bus in Worcester. more...

Ray’s trek to lost city takes charity total to £35,000

A TIRELESS Worcester fund-raiser has returned from his latest expedition - a visit to the lost city of the Incas. more...

Five men caught brawling on CCTV

Security cameras filmed five Worcester men involved in a scuffle in an alley alongside the city library. more...

We expect to live to a good age

ONE in two Worcestershire residents expect to live to 75 years old, according to new research from Help the Aged. more...

Traders express concerns about plan for out-of-town development

A ROW is brewing between Droitwich town centre tra-ders and out-of-town developers because of plans to build shops and a restaurant on a nearby industrial area. more...

Rock legends will remember Capaldi

LEGENDS from the world of music will be performing a charity gig this weekend in memory of Evesham-born drummer Jim Capaldi. more...

River search for semi-naked man

A MAJOR search has been launched for a man who may have entered the river Severn in Worcester. more...

Service pleads for more new blood

PEOPLE who live in south Worcestershire are being urged to join the ranks of others across the country by donating their blood to meet the demand from local hospitals. more...

Village says to thieves: we’re watching you

BURGLARS have been sent a message of defiance in a village near Worcester after eight new neighbourhood watch groups were created to ward them off. more...

Ruth to fight Green corner

THE Green Party has chosen its candidate to fight the next general election in Worcester. more...

Firm will protect tanks from attack

A military technology firm based in Worcestershire has signed a multi-million pound Government deal to protect fighting vehicles from attack. more...

Leader of the council is grieving for his wife

THE wife of Dr George Lord - the leader of Worcestershire County Council - has died. more...

Shed as big as a house thrown out

PLANS for a domestic workshop and storage shed as big as a house have been thrown out by Wychavon district councillors. more...

MALVERN: I am beating cancer by eating healthily

A WOMAN who has battled breast cancer three times in 21 years has put her survival down to her diet. more...

Man hunted after theft at cashpoint

A MAN who pushed a woman with two small children out of the way of a cash machine before taking the £100 she had just withdrawn is being hunted by police. more...

Dog walkers are wanted to keep elderly and their pets together

A CHARITY dedicated to keeping elderly and terminally ill people and their pets together longer desperately needs volunteer dog walkers. more...

Man died after choking on food

A MAN with Down's syndrome died after choking on his food, an inquest heard. more...

Large branch falls in play area

CHILDREN at a Droitwich school were very shocked when a large branch fell off a tree during their break time and landed at the edge of their playground. more...

Soldier in uniform caught Lily’s eye

A COUPLE celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary still have their old sparkle as they toast 60 happy years together. more...

Police plea after copper cable taken from bridge

THIEVES have stolen copper cable worth thousands of pounds from Stourport-on-Severn and Kidderminster. more...

Take part in TV clean-up programme

A HIT TV show has challenged Worcestershire people to reveal their dirty secrets. more...

Trust could beemployer of the year

THE trust that runs the county's hospitals could be named employer of the year 2006. more...

MALVERN: Rachel will lead Thai volunteers

A DEDICATED volunteer is swapping her home in Malvern for a new one in Thailand. more...

Swap your books at Malvern café

book lovers in Malvern could soon be flocking to a town centre coffee shop. more...

Family man, 20, smashed window

A 20-year-old "family man" from Worcester caused more than £100 damage to a window after he had an argument with his wife on a night out, a court has heard. more...

Salad onion business site won’t have homes

A SCHEME to build 10 homes on a site previously used as a salad onion business has been refused by Wychavon District Councillors. more...

Student died just after he passed his test

A 17-year-old student who had only recently passed his test died when he lost control of his motorbike and ploughed into a wall. more...

Site for 300 homes is to be inspected

COUNCILLORS will not decide whether 300 new homes can be built on a field in Evesham until after they have seen the proposed site for themselves. more...

Town are hoping to impress

BROMYARD Town are looking for a repeat display at Goodrich in the West Midlands League Premier Division on Saturday (3pm). more...

’Fields in need of a boost on home turf

WESTFIELDS are looking to end their poor run of home form when high-flying Tipton Town visit in the Midland Alliance on Saturday (3pm). more...

Brown changing goalkeeper for derby encounter

JAMES Coates looks to have played his last game for Bromsgrove Rovers. more...

Malvern banking on vital returns

MALVERN Town are hoping to have key personnel back for Saturday's visit of Solihull Borough (3pm). more...

West advice for his draw specialists

EVESHAM United manager Paul West has called on his players not to get frustrated at their recent run of results. more...

Constable near a Walsall recall

JAMES Constable's goal-scoring heroics look to have scuppered Kidderminster Harriers' hopes of extending his Aggborough stay. more...

Jennings to boost Bulls’ Silkmen mission

NEW loan signing Steve Jennings goes straight into Hereford United's squad for Saturday's Coca-Cola League Two trip to Macclesfield Town. more...

Taylor out as Yates looks to save cash

FORMER West Bromwich Albion striker Bob Taylor is no longer part of the Kidderminster Harriers first team squad. more...

Rovers boss threatens to swing axe

RUTHLESS Bromsgrove Rovers manager Rod Brown has warned his players that he will make radical changes to the squad if the team continues to misfire in the Southern League Division One Midlands. more...

Petition is handed over

A 2,500 signature petition against controversial car parking charges has been handed over. more...

Post box raid

ROYAL Mail and Bromsgrove police are investigating the theft of items from a post box in Catshill. more...

Tree brought down by high winds

BROMSGROVE braced itself against the strong winds today which swept across the whole country. more...

Tree brought down by high winds

BROMSGROVE braced itself against the strong winds today which swept across the whole country. more...

Santa sleigh runs into trouble

A DISHEARTENED Droitwich Spa Round Table has considered giving up its traditional Santa sleigh route following vandalism and criticism of the event. more...

Offenham - Owner is amazed at Jazzy’s journey

A FREE-spirited feline set off on a three-mile trek to get back to his former home. more...

Harvington - grassroots

PARISH COUNCIL: The meeting in the village hall on Wednesday, January 10 saw all councillors present, together with Cllr Holt. The exception was John O'Neill, who had sent his apologies and a statement of his views on several agenda items, which he asked should be consulted during debate. more...

Hampton - Celebration time for golden couple

HAVING a good sense of humour is the key to a happy marriage, according to two Evesham people who should know. more...

Eckington - Poetic satire put on village noticeboard

THE couple who run Eckington's Deer Park Hall have withdrawn their planning application relating to corporate activities after coming in for criticism from local residents. more...

Countryside - Experts to bark out vital tips for gundogs

GUNDOG owners will be able to get hands-on advice on topics such as emergency first aid in the field and dog nutrition at the National Gundog Conference in Warwickshire next month. more...

Countryside - Plea to help trace the county’s lost orchards

THE People's Trust for Endangered Species is seeking local volunteers to help both locate and survey traditional orchards in Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. more...

Countryside - Busy training team

THE training team at Campden & Chorleywood Food Research Association has enjoyed a successful year. more...

Countryside - Flexible e-learning reaps top class rewards

THE first four students successfully completed their qualifications with the new e-learning centre at Pershore College. more...

Countryside - Blair behind food quiz for all diners

A MAJOR new campaign, spearheaded by Prime Minister Tony Blair, has been launched by the Country Land and Business Association. more...

Broadway - New visitor guide launched at top Broadway hotel

A MAJOR boost for tourism in the county came on Monday with the launch by Destination Worcestershire of the new Visitor Guide 2007. more...

Bidford - Joy as bid for footpath cash is won

A CAMPAIGN to get funding for improvements to a footpath leading to a Bidford Industrial Estate has been won. more...

Bidford - See the light - slow it down!

THE campaign to get speed limits in Barton and Weston-on-Avon is moving on quickly. more...

The sky glowed crimson the night Coventry was bombed

Philip Beck's memories of German bombers over the Vale of Evesham brought back memories for other Journal readers, writes Gerry Barnett. more...

Special Report: Plans for new gas pipeline

CONSTRUCTION of the pipeline will be carried out by a specialist construction company working under the management of National Grid. The work will be carried out in stages. more...

New restaurant for town centre

POPULAR restaurant chain ASK is set to open a new eaterie in Malvern. more...

House extension approved

PLANS for a two-storey extension at a house at Dunstall, Earls Croome, were approved by Malvern Hills District Council this week. more...

Six houses are acceptable

PLANS to build six houses at Spring Lane, Malvern, were approved in principle this week. more...

No takeaways, says council

A FORMER bank in Malvern Link can be converted into a restaurant, but not a take-away, say Malvern Hills District Council planners. more...

New lease of life for historic house

A NEW house can be built on a historic site near Upton, said Malvern Hills District Council planners this week. more...

Cash bonanza for clubs

CLUBS and groups across Malvern Hills are set to benefit from the district council's latest round of community grants. more...

Police plan is supported

MEMBERS of Malvern Hills District Council's executive committee will be able to comment on police priorities for the future at its meeting next week. more...

Knowledge demand for taxi drivers

TAXI drivers in the Malvern Hills district should once more be required to pass a test on their knowledge of local geography. more...

Toilet sell-off still opposed

MALVERN Town Council is still totally against' the decision to demolish and sell off two of the town's public toilets, according to chairman Mike Selby. more...

Toilet sell-off still opposed

MALVERN Town Council is still totally against' the decision to demolish and sell off two of the town's public toilets, according to chairman Mike Selby. more...

Lacrosse call-ups from St James

GIRLS from Malvern St James have been picked to play lacrosse for the Welsh World Cup squad and Midlands lacrosse team. more...

Gales hit four-year record

TREES were brought down and other damage done as Malvern was hit by the strongest winds for more than four years yesterday. more...

Fixtures

SATURDAY more...

Bowls pair in finals

MALVERN Indoor Bowls pair Edric Vorsterman and Jean Meek won the area final of the National Mixed Pairs for the second year beating the Gloucester pair of Barry Forse and Pauline by two shots. more...

Victory sees a rise to the top

MALVERN V KIDDERMINSTER KNIGHTS more...

Cavaliers retake the high ground

MANOR Park Cavaliers have gone back to the top of Division One of the Brewin Dolphin sponsored Malvern Table Tennis League, following wins over Poolbrook Pioneers and Ledbury Lions. more...

Pat is Sapey ladies' winner

SAPEY Golf Club played a nine-hole ladies stableford competition earlier this month and Pat Watkins was a clear winner in division one with 17 points. more...

Malvern triathlete confirms his passion at national talent camp

MALVERN triathlete Rhys Davey, aged 15, of Upper Welland, has just completed the first National Talent Orientation Camp at Loughborough University. more...

Noise fears over new homes

FEARS over the design of 146 homes proposed for the former gasworks site south of Windsor Road have caused the plans to stall. more...

Noise fears over new homes

FEARS over the design of 146 homes proposed for the former gasworks site south of Windsor Road have caused the plans to stall. more...

Bumper year for crime-solving charity

INFORMATION passed anonymously to Crimestoppers has seen more than 250 criminals brought to justice in the West Mercia area after another bumper year for the crime-solving charity. more...

Free nature sessions for families

FAMILIES can now sign up for six months of free learning at Arrow Valley Countryside Centre. more...

Litter pick is a success

A COMMUNITY-spirited town centre resident led volunteers in a litter pick in the Other Road and Archer Road area. more...

Centre flushed with pride

THE Kingfisher Centre is flushed with success after winning a five-star gold award in the National Loo of the Year competition. more...

Graffiti blow to family centre

FUNDS raised for helping families will have to be used to clean up a sign defaced with graffiti. more...

Roundup

‘Grieving’ nurse was in prison

A SPECIAL needs nurse working in a Kidder-minster residential home told his bosses he was grieving at his sister's funeral in Africa while he was in jail for repeated driving offences, a disciplinary hearing heard. more...

‘Grieving’ nurse was in prison

Angling round-up

Furnace Mill Fishery LOIS Brown is only 10 - but she is already hooked on angling after following in the footsteps of father Ed, who runs Furnace Mill Fishery. more...

HOCKEY: Five-star Stourport

A FIVE-STAR performance from Stourport Men's Veterans sec-ured a 5-0 victory at Burton on Trent and eased them into round four of the EH Cup. more...

DARTS: Red Lion roar to shock

Red Lion A caused the major shock of the week in the Banks's Bewdley Darts League after coming from behind to beat third-placed Rising Sun B in a tense finish. more...

RUNNING: Excellent day for ladies

Amazing Feet Running Club athletes were out in force for the third fixtures of the men's and women's cross country leagues last weekend. more...

GOLF: Habberley success

Mark Hannon and Harry Taylor won the Winter League Alliance Stableford at Habberley Golf Club Results Mens, December 23, Winter League Alliance Stableford: Mark Hannon/Harry Taylor 44; Mike Emson/Pete Hawkins 41. more...

Rugby

Seconds show spirit although score builds

UPTON II 7PTS, EVESHAM 45PTS more...

Upton still struggling for points away from home

SOUTHAM 37pts, UPTON 13pts more...

Schools

MEP gets a grilling

EUROPE was the hot topic for sixth formers at Arrow Vale High School on Friday when Conservative MEP Philip Bradbourn visited. more...

Life is a cabaret for students

STUDENTS at Kingsley College will get into the swing of things when they perform a 1920s cabaret. more...

Robot's rap inspires children

AN unusual visitor has taught children at Crown Meadow First School, Alvechurch, about recycling. more...

St Richard'S Hospice

My mum’s dying wish is honoured at hospice

A DROITWICH widow's dying wish has been honoured with the naming of a suite in the new St Richard's Hospice in memory of her sister. more...