Worcester News - Stories for 13 July 2007

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Worcestershire | Archive | 2007 | July

Stories for 13 July 2007

Business

WORCESTERSHIRE: Experts on hand to help companies hit by floods

FLsOOD-hit businesses in Wor-cestershire are being encouraged to tap into expert advice and support from Business Link West Midlands. more...

WORCESTERSHIRE: Experts on hand to help companies hit by floods

FLOOD-hit businesses in Wor-cestershire are being encouraged to tap into expert advice and support from Business Link West Midlands. more...

WORCESTERSHIRE: Experts on hand to help companies hit by floods

FLOOD-hit businesses in Worcestershire are being encouraged to tap into expert advice and support from Business Link West Midlands. more...

Cinema

Next installment

WITH a new book imminent, there is expected to be plenty of interest in the next film chapter of the Harry Potter story. more...

Education

Teachers top winners' list

KIDDERMINSTER teachers have swept the board at a West Midlands award ceremony recognising their continued commitment to their pupils. more...

Kidder News Latest

Driven to despair by strange noises

A TINNITUS sufferer who has sometimes been driven to the brink of despair by the excruciating noises she cannot escape says she is fed up of being treated like a "second class citizen". more...

Fond farewell to workers' friend

A NON-profit making health care scheme that has benefited Kidderminster carpet workers has said goodbye to one of its most dedicated committee members. more...

Child car seats to be checked for free

FIREFIGHTERS will be holding a child safety awareness session to cut the risk of death and serious injuries on roads. more...

Child car seats to be checked for free

FIREFIGHTERS will be holding a child safety awareness session to cut the risk of death and serious injuries on roads. more...

Unit campaign backed

MORE than 1,000 signatures have been collected in support of opening a radiotherapy unit at Kidderminster Hospital. more...

Unit campaign backed

MORE than 1,000 signatures have been collected in support of opening a radiotherapy unit at Kidderminster Hospital. more...

Underage youth flouted booze ban

A 17-year-old youth has been fined £100 for flouting Stourport's Alcohol Restriction Zone. more...

Railway landslide damage bill set to soar

AN AERIAL survey of the Severn Valley Railway has revealed more major landslide damage than was first realised, potentially pushing back the planned reopening of the Bewdley to Arley section by three weeks. more...

Railway damage bill set to soar

Railway damage bill set to double

Railway damage bill set to soar

Man's sex act videoed by neightbour

A 62-year-old Kidderminster man shocked a neighbour by performing a sex act as he stood naked in his bedroom window. more...

Man's sex act videoed by neighbour

A 62-year-old Kidderminster man shocked a neighbour by performing a sex act as he stood naked in his bedroom window. more...

Man's sex act videoed by neighbour

A 62-year-old Kidderminster man shocked a neighbour by performing a sex act as he stood naked in his bedroom window. more...

Reward offered for shops fire leads

BUSINESSES affected by a suspicious fire in Kidderminster almost a fortnight ago are offering a reward for information. more...

Latest

Family research led to war story

A DASHING officer's doomed fight for survival amid the mud and mayhem of the trenches is the theme of a new novel based on a true story. more...

Charity leg wax

THREE brave rugby players winced their way through a leg waxing to raise funds for charity. more...

Motorcyclist dies in crash in Droitwich

A MOTORCYCLIST has died following a crash in Droitwich. more...

City gets its first gay church

A GAY church has been set up in Worcester - the first in the city's history. more...

Miss Worcester models strip

Miss Worcester 2007, also known as Jodi Edwards, strikes a pose in the new Worcester City kit, which was unveiled at St George's Lane last night. The 18-year-old from Fernhill Heath, who finished seventh in the Miss England contest, modelled the strip to be worn by Andy Preece's side next season. She was joined at the launch by City chairman Dave Boddy and club mascot Georgie Dragon. City's Blue Square North campaign kicks off with a home match against Hyde United on Saturday, August 11. more...

Miss Worcester models strip

Miss Worcester 2007, also known as Jodi Edwards, strikes a pose in the new Worcester City kit, which was unveiled at St George's Lane last night. more...

Don’t let school of cookery sell drink

A COOKERY school owner has vowed her business will not turn into a nightclub after fears were raised late night revellers could shatter the tranquillity of a Worcestershire village. more...

Born on 7/7/07, a seventh granddaughter for John, 77

GRANDDAD John Blore was in seventh heaven this week and feeling like the luckiest man in the world. more...

Increase in the number of female drink-drivers

THE number of female drink- drivers is rising more than men, according to new figures. more...

We’ve been honoured for our good work

TOUGH-minded business women rubbed shoulders with selfless volunteers at the Worcestershire Women of the Year awards. more...

Drunken teenager cleared of racist abuse

A drunken teenager has been cleared of using racist language against an off-duty Worcester police officer who went to help a neighbour in the early hours. more...

Local fire calls could be answered in Newcastle

EMERGENCY fire calls from Worcestershire could be taken as far away as Newcastle-upon-Tyne under Government plans to regionalise the service, the Fire Brigades Union has warned. more...

City centre listed shop is sold for £1 million

A GRADE II listed building in Worcester has sold for more than £1 million at an auction. more...

I got penny farthing for a laugh but now I can’t stop riding

A WORCESTER man who bought a penny-farthing for fun has admitted that his new hobby is becoming a bit of an obsession. more...

People urged to give blood

VOLUNTEERS are wanted to give blood at the Methodist Church Hall, Pump Street, Worcester, on Tuesday, July 24. more...

I got penny farthing for a laugh but now I can’t stop riding

A WORCESTER man who bought a penny-farthing for fun has admitted that his new hobby is becoming a bit of an obsession. more...

Man found slumped at the wheel of his car

A MAN found to be two times over the drink-drive limit when he was slumped over the steering wheel of his car has been banned from driving. more...

Man reversed into his wife

A WORCESTERSHIRE woman died after she was run over helping her husband reverse out their garage, an inquest heard. more...

We’re hoping the sun shines on our concert

THE English Symphony Orchestra is hoping music will entice the sun to shine this Saturday. more...

Family and diners mourn loss of kind curry house owner

A FAMILY has paid tribute to a much-loved and well-known Worcester businessesman who died unexpectedly of a heart attack at the age of 67. more...

Drink-driver blamed his chicken

A MAN who said he was unable to give a breath test to police because of a medical problem has been disqualified from driving. more...

Night for the ladies gives thousands to

A LAVISH ladies' night raised more than £5,000 for charity. more...

Man, 31, on drug charges

A MAN who is accused of possessing heroin and cocaine with intent to supply has appeared in court. more...

MPs need your views on control room move

GIVE US your views - that's the plea from MPs as the campaign to save Worcester's ambulance control room gathers pace. more...

GREAT WITLEY: Studying took me from depressed to a success

A 29-year-old man has gone from being depressed to a success thanks to an unlikely return to education. more...

Student loses unfair dismissal claim

A Worcester College of Technology student studying for a law degree has lost a compensation claim for unfair dismissal after being accused of bullying and harassment while working for a charity group. more...

Looking for a nursery?

IF you're looking for a day nursery and after-school club, check out Magic Moments on the main road (A38) into Kempsey, near Worcester, at an open day and fun day on Sunday, July 15. more...

Drunk punched woman

A RECKLESS' man punched a woman in the face in a drunken rage while trying to swing a punch at another man. more...

MALVERN: We’re fighting to save lifeline for the elderly

A MALVERN charity is appealing for help to ensure its popular rural day centre project continues. more...

We’re counting Finnlay’s spots

A SPOT of fun will be on offer for young visitors to this weekend's Party In The Park in Droitwich. more...

Charity shop needs more volunteers

A WORCESTER charity shop is in desperate need of more volunteers. more...

ENVIRONMENT: MP backs cut carbon campaign

WORCESTER MP Mike Foster has backed a campaign to cut carbon emissions following a special briefing at the House of Commons. more...

Three people taken to hospital

THREE people have been taken to hospital following a road traffic collision on the road between Tenbury Wells and Little Hereford. more...

Thefts from children's graves

CHILDREN'S graves in Kidderminster have had items stolen from them. more...

Young girl approached by man in sports car

A GIRL in Malvern has been approached by a man in a sports car. more...

Cash taken from a pubs fruit machine

CASH has been taken from a pubs fruit machine in Droitwich after thieves broke into the premises. more...

Cash taken from a pubs fruit machine

CASH has been taken from a pubs fruit machine in Droitwich after thieves broke into the premises. more...

Lady drivers only

A LADIES Driving Challenge is being held at Throckmorton Airfield in Pershore to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care and to help them reach their target of £26,000. more...

Lady drivers only

A LADIES Driving Challenge is being held at Throckmorton Airfield in Pershore to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care and to help them reach their target of £26,000. more...

Lady drivers only

A LADIES Driving Challenge is being held at Throckmorton Airfield in Pershore to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care and to help them reach their target of £26,000. more...

Lottery pays off

CHILDREN at St Nicholas CE Middle School have had their playtimes transformed by £117,000 of lottery funding which helped purchase loads of new playground games and equipment. more...

Medal of honour for Lauri

A SPECIALLY-commissioned gold medal to mark his contribution to the arts in Evesham was awarded this week to Lauri Griffith-Jones, co-founder and the first President of the Evesham Arts Centre. more...

John's in seventh heaven

GRANDAD John Blore was in seventh heaven this week and feeling like the luckiest man in the world. more...

Nursery open day

AN EVESHAM nursery which recently featured in a television documentary is holding an open day to raise money for St Richard's Hospice. more...

Evesham County Court safe - MP

EVESHAM County Court is not under threat of closure, MP Peter Luff revealed today. more...

School gets specialist status

STAFF and pupils at Vale Of Evesham School were delighted after their bid to become a specialist school was successful. more...

Where was Janet born?

A CALL has gone out to Evesham residents who knew evacuees during the Second World War to shed some light on Audrey Dutton and her child. more...

Latets

Redditch people arrested in Mustow Green raid

A MAN and woman from Redditch have been released on police bail following a raid on a suspected brothel in Mustow Green near Kidderminster on Wednesday, July 11. more...

Huge haul in Mount Pleasant drugs raid

POLICE have seized hundreds of cannabis plants in a raid on two houses in Smallwood. more...

Leisure General

Heading for Edinburgh

TELEVISION comedians Robin Ince and Ian Stone will get audiences chuckling at the Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury. more...

Ticket sales are up as sold out signs mount

TICKET sales were up for this year's Ledbury Poetry Festival, although the figures are still to be analysed in detail and published. more...

Wildlife art

PAINTINGS by wildlife artist David Shepherd will be on display at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway over the weekend of July 21-22. The exhibition includes displays at Winchcombe station, which can be reached by steam train from either Cheltenham Racecourse or Toddington stations on the GWR. A percentage of ticket income will be donated to the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation. For details, visit www.gwsr.com. more...

Hall show

MALVERN Terrace Artists holds an exhibition of paintings at Hanley Swan Village Hall on Saturday and Sunday, July 21-22. Profits will be donated to the League of Friends of Malvern Community Hospital. The show is open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 4.30pm on Sunday. Refreshments are available. more...

Home-grown talent backwith Claptrap

AN actor who learnt his trade in Malvern is preparing to return to the area for the forthcoming Worcester Festival. more...

Sculpture trail

CERAMICS in the Garden is a woodland sculpture trail at The Gallery at Bevere in Worcester open until the end of July.Admission to the trail, set in a wooded area, is free. more...

See Wobble the Waitress

WHAT'S in the Book? is a new exhibition at Worcester City Art Gallery based on children's books by Janet and Alan Ahlberg. more...

Art group meeting up

CRADLEY, Mathon and Storridge Art Group meets in Storridge Village Hall at 2pm, on Wednesday, July 25. more...

Letters

Let the teachers and school get on with it

SIR - I am a 55-year-old semi-retired accountant who, with my wife, has three adult children, all educated locally who then received first-class university training. more...

You can’t just pop a pill to stop noise

SIR - I feel for Kelly Watson (Worcester News, July 4) as I too suffer from tinnitus; it is a very debilitating condition. more...

EU has turned to sex to sell itself

SIR - One can never underestimate the many and various ways the EU can spend our money but one of the latest is quite surprising. more...

Discipline should be taught at home

SIR - I have great respect for John Hinton, who served our country well during the 1939-45 war, and wholeheartedly agree with his letter (July 2). more...

Being best of a bad bunch is not great

SIR - George Cowley's blinkered support for Blair and New Labour is well documented. more...

It’s summer time, beware icy roads

SIR - What with all the adverse weather we have had in Worcestershire recently and the failure of the powers that be to erect the much-awaited flood defences, I must congratulate the local council for its forethought and planning. more...

Bring back hanging for child molesters

SIR - I firmly believe that hanging should be introduced when it comes to paedophiles. more...

Support needed to build homes

The figures released by trade union GMB on the low-level of house building in Malvern Hills (Gazette, July 6), coincides with the Prime Minister announcing plans for thousands of new homes. more...

Effort to celebrate

May I congratulate and thank the staff of Just Sew in Barnards Green, for their inspired display celebrating Elgar and Alice. more...

Donations wil go a long way to help

I would like to thank all your readers who sponsored me after reading your article (Gazette, June 22) and all my friends at Malvern Baptist Church, Guarlford Parish Church and elsewhere. more...

Savings outweigh the cost

IN response to Mr Paddock's letter (Gazette, July 6) regarding the commercial vehicle and trailer permit scheme, there would appear to be a number of misconceptions regarding the scheme. more...

Lidl's open, what about the housing?

As part of the Lidl development (occupied before Christmas 2006) in Malvern Link, there were supposed to be provided several units of affordable accommodation. more...

Just save centre

The many teachers, pupils and parents who know the benefits of the Malvern Outdoor Centre will be concerned at the direction in which the county council may be heading. more...

Grateful thanks

THROUGH your pages, I would like to thank two lovely girls who came to my rescue last Friday morning. I did not get their names but know they are both pupils at Dyson Perrins School. more...

Memorial study

I AM putting together basic information about the 82 men who died during the First World War and are recorded on the Ledbury War Memorial. more...

Most apt name

Christine Shepherd, in criticising the name of Prospect View for the new health centre, obviously lacks local knowledge! more...

Forum revisited

Malvern will be acquiring a reputation for flat-footed name choices. more...

White elephant

I wholeheartedly agree with Christine Shepherd's comments about the name of the new health centre. Surely a much more appropriate name for this monstrosity would be White Elephant! more...

Looking for 'wow' factor

After reading Christine Shepherd's letter Wildly unimaginative name' (Mal-vern Gazette, July 6), about Prospect View health centre, I can't understand what the problem is! more...

'They seemed disinterested'

AS a visitor to Ledbury, I had the opportunity to attend the ceremony re HMS Ledbury. more...

Less than 100 per cent effort

HAVING just returned from the Freedom of the Town ceremony to honour HMS Ledbury, I write to say it is unfortunate that the town could not present itself in a better light. more...

Lifestyle

Are we being ripped off because we’re British?

HOLIDAYS abroad are expensive. There's the flights, the accommodation, the nice meals, the nights out and, of course, the temptation to forget about real life and spend, spend, spend. My recent trip to California was no different but, halfway through the trip, I became aware that my wallet was deeper than I imagined. more...

Local Walks

City gets its first gay church

A GAY church has been set up in Worcester - the first in the city's history. more...

Memory Lane

Echoes from the past

100 years ago If ever the weather was the prevailing topic, it is now. It is not merely those who never can find any other congenial subject for conversation, who have been making their opinions freely known on this absorbing question lately. Nobody can find either time or opportunity to talk about anything else but umbrellas, coats, waterproofs, except to growl at the prospect of having no holiday this year, through the lack of suitable weather conditions. But we must be patient. A heatwave is said to be on the way and is to arrive before Christmas. Malvern Gazette, July 12 1907. more...

Petition raised over nuisance of quarrying

THE nuisance caused by quarrying in Malvern Wells and Little Malvern was discussed in the Gazette 100 years ago. more...

Tiral by Sir Alan is an easy option

GRACE Loach of Abingdon, Oxfordshire, was prompted by the current TV fame of Sir Alan Sugar and The Apprentice to reminisce about her own modest experience in that area. She wonders if other readers have memories of similar experiences in days gone by. more...

Trial by Sir Alan is an easy option

Music

15 July - Our City's Not Dead - Marr's Bar, Worcester

THE name of the event says it all -Our City's Not Dead. And to prove it, Upton-upon-Severn musician Luke Leighfield has gathered together 11 of Worcester's best bands. more...

13 July - Niebla at Huntingdon Hall

A WORLD class virtuoso will perform his intoxicating music in Worcester tonight. Spanish guitarist and composer Eduardo Niebla is considered one of the most emotive performers playing today. Born in Tangiers, one of 11 children, Niebla has been living in Britain since 1978. He has released 23 CDs and performed all over the world. Niebla performs at Huntingdon Hall from 8pm tonight. Tickets, priced £12, concessions £11, are available from Worcester Live on 01905 611427. more...

July 24 - The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain - Huntingdon Hall, Worcester

THIS is the band George Harrison wanted to play with and Michael Palin called a "unique musical phenomenon". more...

Top Ten - 13 July 2007

Brought to you in association with Face The Music, Cathedral Plaza, Worcester 1. Velvet Revolver - Libertad. more...

Top Ten - 13 July 2007

Brought to you in association with Face The Music, Cathedral Plaza, Worcester more...

Spotlight - July 13

PETE Adams profiles the stars of the Worcestershire music scene. more...

Spotlight - July 13

PETE Adams profiles the stars of the Worcestershire music scene. more...

Canadian folk

CANADIAN folk band Le Vent du Nord brings its award-winning sound to Cheltenham Town Hall on Thursday, July 19. The concert is at 7.30pm and tickets are £10 to £18 from 01242 227979. more...

Music of the Night

Four-piece group Music of the Night recreates classic songs from the West End and Broadway at Huntington Hall tomorrow (Saturday). Now in its 13th year, the group brings hits from Miss Saigon, Chicago, Guys and Dolls and more to the stage at 8pm. Tickets are £13.50 from 01905 611427. more...

Bands line-up

TALENTED local bands will part of the line-up at a charity concert at the Marrs Bar in Worcester on Sunday. more...

Monkeys swing into Lamb

THE Funky Junky Monkeys are playing at the Lamb, West Malvern, tonight (Friday) offering a mix of funk, punk and glam rock. more...

Show goes back to 50s and 60s

A NOSTALGIC trip back in time is on the cards for audiences at the Courtyard arts centre in Hereford tonight (Friday). more...

Festival acts will banish the blues

UPTON is preparing for an upbeat weekend of music to wash away the summer blues. more...

CBSO offering some summer classics

MUSIC from the likes of Mozart, Elgar and Brahms will fill the air when the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) performs at Malvern's Forum Theatre at 7.30pm this evening (Friday). more...

Pewke Band

THE Pewke Band is appearing at the Lamb, in West Malvern, on Saturday, July 21, starting at 9pm. Admission is free. more...

The Blast

LOCAL rock band The Blast will perform live at Kempley Village Hall on Saturday, July 21, at 8pm. Tickets, costing £8 each, are available now on 01989 780742. more...

Vintage performance

THE Antique Six Jazz Band returns to Malvern Rugby Club by popular request on Sunday, July 15. It performs from 8pm as part of the fortnightly Abbey Jazz series. Tickets cost £3.50. For details, call 01684 575605. more...

Fundraising concert

WINE, canapes and live music are on offer during a Summer Soiree in Mathon. The event, at Stonehouse, takes place at 7.30pm on Monday and features the Selina Bella Strings. Tickets are £15 each, in aid of Mathon Church Fabric Fund. To book, call Elizabeth Armitage on 01886 880578 or Karen Seymour on 01684 541943. more...

Concert's summer theme

LEDBURY Parish Church will host A Summer's Serenade on Saturday, July 20, at 7.30pm. The event will be an evening of flute, piano and clarinet music performed by the postgraduate students of the Royal Welsh College of Music. The programme will include works by Brahms, Liszt and Finzi.Further details on 01531 632267. more...

Festivalgoers to rock the country

A QUIET country field near Bromyard will be transformed into a bustling arena full of colour and music this weekend as Nozstock Festival 2007 rocks into town. more...

News

School to host tourists match

WORCESTERSHIRE have been forced into another fixture change because of the continuing bad weather. more...

Preece confident in his City squad

MANAGER Andy Preece insists his team wants to win every game they play in. more...

All Black star Gear shifts focus to Warriors

WORCESTER-bound New Zealand winger Rico Gear has set his sights on the Guinness Premiership after being left out of the All Blacks squad for tomorrow's Tri-Nations Test against South Africa. more...

Rain curse continues as Pro40 game falls

WORCESTERSHIRE'S dreadful run of bad luck with the weather continued when their NatWest Pro40 match against Hampshire was abandoned without a ball bowled. more...

Rain curse continues as Pro40 game falls

WORCESTERSHIRE'S dreadful run of bad luck with the weather continued when their NatWest Pro40 match against Hampshire was abandoned without a ball bowled. more...

Rain curse continues as Pro40 game falls

WORCESTERSHIRE'S dreadful run of bad luck with the weather continued when their NatWest Pro40 match against Hampshire was abandoned without a ball bowled. more...

Opinion

More people drink driving is bad news

AFTER decades of the dangers of drink-driving being highlighted it seems incredible that there has been an increase in the number of people charged with this crime in the last year. more...

Opinion

FOLLOWING the Bank of England's decision to further increase interest rates, plus the suspicion that this rise may not be the last in the immediate future, debt is something we are going to be hearing a lot more about. more...

Recipes

Raspberry and Lime Granita

FOOD historians believe that ice cream was invented in Italy in the 17th century, where sorbets and gelato quickly became popular and were served at grand court dinners and in the palatial homes of wealthy merchants, bankers, and other members of the emerging bourgeoisie. more...

Raspberry and Lime Granita

Chocolate Semifreddo

Ingredients more...

Ameretto Gelato

Ingredients more...

Be a garden gourmet

Outdoor feasts needn't be a burnt barbecue offering. Stylishly done meals out can be just as tasty as meals in. We serve up some tips and a tasty main course. more...

Make your picnic fun and stylish!

Armed with a certain amount of optimism, knowing that the recent spate of weary weather simply cannot last, I've decided to ignore the precipitation and ready myself for a flurry of clear skies and sun. more...

Restaurant Reviews

The Swan Inn, Birlingham

THE Swan Inn is a proper pub. Tucked away in a quiet corner of the Worcestershire village of Birlingham, it is an obvious gathering spot for the locals who, when my dining partner and I arrived, were filling the bar with happy chitter-chatter. more...

Reviews

Ballads of the Book - Review: Ledbury Community Centre

THIS year's Ledbury Poetry Festival certainly did not end with a whimper, thanks to the Ballads of the Book event that involved the impromptu use of lager bottles as panpipes. more...

Jerry Hall - Review: John Masefield High School

The whisper went round the school hall that Jerry Hall was late. In fact, Miss Hall was very late but such perhaps is the privilege of models, actresses and divas. more...

Round-Up

City rowers cruise through qualifiers

GREAT Britain rowers Zac Purchase and Matt Beechey cruised to victory in their opening heats at the Lucerne World Cup regatta to set up hopes of more medals this weekend. more...

Numbers count for nothing says boss

MANAGER Mark Yates insists every member of his Kidderminster Harriers squad will have to fight for their place next season. more...

Turner hopeful of adding to Bulls squad

HEREFORD United chief Graham Turner is hoping to bolster his squad further next week. more...

Family fun

BROMSGROVE residents can support a Catshill pub's fun day this Saturday from 12noon to 8pm.The Plough and Harrow, in Stourbridge Road, is holding the event in the pub's garden, to raise money for the Birmingham Children's Hospital red balloon appeal. Activities will include a ride in a Bentley, a bouncy castle and barbecue from 4pm. more...

Car parking charges

BROMSGROVE drivers are set to face a slight increase in some car parking charges in the town centre. more...

The appliance of science

Budding boffins at a Rednal school put themselves to the test during a top science challenge. more...

Busy taking a break

CARERS had the chance to take a well deserved break from their responsibilities at a special event. more...

Name game

SPA residents are being given the chance to name the town's new health centre. more...

Backing Droitwich with £2m investment

A LEADING British manufacturer has completed the final phase of a £2 million investment at its Droitwich Spa factory. more...

Long-term illness

A COURSE, which aims to help people who are living with long-term illness, will be held at Droitwich's Community Centre. more...

It’s never too late to learn

A GROUP of adult learners are celebrating success in a variety of courses. more...

Young firefighters are hot stuff

YOUNG Spa firefighters proudly showed off their skills at a special ceremony and passing out parade. more...

Biker dies after A38 crash

A MOTORCYCLIST has died after colliding with a car along a busy Droitwich Spa road. more...

League funds show an increase

Evesham and District Crib League THE annual general meeting took place on Monday at Evesham Hospital Social Club when the treasurer reported a small incr-ease in league funds due to savings made at the presentation night. more...

League funds show an increase

Ted records a terrific track treble

ASHTON racer Ted Roebuck recorded a hat-trick of wins on his first ever visit to Brands Hatch last weekend. more...

Amanda waiting for a Championship call

AMANDA Bradshaw has earned a place on the reserve list for this summer's prestigious Formula Woman Championship. more...

Top award for Sandy

DECADES of hard work and dedication have been rewarded with the highest honour the Rotary Club can bestow. more...

Countess presents firm with award at Royal show

RAIN and mud at this year's Royal Show did not dampen the spirits of one Suckley food company. more...

Finding a way back

THREE teams from Malvern are taking part in the charity Jailbreak 2007 on Sunday, July 15. more...

Hundreds pay tribute to a man with a zest for life

AROUND 500 mourners marked the life of an "irreplaceable character" at a funeral for a popular judge who died when the car he was driving was swept away by floodwater. more...

College gets warm welcome

THE religious body taking over a former school in West Malvern could open a shop in the village. more...

Busy Shindig

CASTLEMORTON Common will be a hive of activity tomorrow (Saturday) as the village hosts its annual Shindig. more...

Walks to raise funds for hall

TWO fundraising walks to raise money for refurbishing Alfrick and Lulsley Village Hall are being held tomorrow (Saturday). more...

Failed to report car accident

A PENSIONER has been fined after admitting failing to report an accident. more...

Old Rosie has a magic touch

CIDER from Much Marcle is the special ingredient in a new cheese being stocked by two supermarket chains. more...

Barrels missing

A TOTAL of 16 beer barrels were stolen from two locations in Malvern over the weekend. more...

A stop before sleeping out

YOUNG people in Malvern will soon benefit from a scheme designed to keep them off the streets in times of crisis. more...

Great race gets underway

A THOUSAND colourful balloons lifted the gloom on a rainy afternoon at Madresfield Primary School. more...

Shop plans

A NEW shop will be created as part of plans to refurbish a Church Street courtyard. more...

Banging drum for a night out

THE sound of drums will echo around the hills when the Wyche School holds its summer barbecue from 6pm this evening (Friday). more...

Potter fans set for party

BEACON Books, in Worcester Road, Malvern, is to open at midnight on Saturday, July 21, for the launch of the final Harry Potter book. more...

Fund makes a huge difference

THERE were happy scenes at the Morgan Motor Company as former apprentice Thom Donaldson paid a visit to show off a new hi-tech wheelchair that has given him his freedom back. more...

Children get treasure

YOUNGSTERS from Kiddi Caru Day Nursery, at Enigma Business Park, Malvern Link, have been discovering the joys of reading. more...

Inquest probes death

AN inquest into the death of a heroin user found lying face-down with a syringe in his hand at his home in Malvern has been adjourned. more...

Chance to bid for a bargain

AN auction of music equipment is being held to raise money for this year's WestFest music festival. more...

Photographer thought model was 16

A professional photographer who took 112 pictures of a bare-breasted 15-year-old girl has been cleared of two sex crimes. more...

Golden couple's plans for holiday

MALVERN couple Charles and Valerie Lowe, of Windrush Crescent, celebrate their Golden Wedding anniversary today (Friday). more...

Helping hand

MALVERN'S Abbey College has been lending a hand to nearby Malvern Wells Primary School. more...

Lottery scam

AN Alfrick man wants to warn people about a lottery scam. more...

Opposition to scheme

A SCHEME to demolish a house on a prominent site at the top of Woodshears Road and build eight town houses should not be allowed, say planning officers. more...

Keen to get started on a 3,600-mile row

A WEB developer with a Malvern company is about to take on the challenge of a lifetime - a 3,600-mile trip through shark-infested waters in a rowing boat. more...

ChildLine fundraiser

SUPPORTERS of Malvern Friends of ChildLine took part in a sponsored bike ride at Energize Health and Fitness, Malvern Link, on Saturday. more...

Event will be triumph

MORE than 1,000 Triumph TR sports cars are expected at a rally at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern. more...

10th anniversary celebrations

AN afternoon of outdoor activities is being held to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the popular St Wulstan's Nature Reserve in Malvern Wells. more...

Sights set on bloom successes

INNOVATIVE ideas and displays with a difference have put Malvern on course for a good result in this year's Heart of England in Bloom competition, following a successful judging day on Tuesday. more...

Planners rule on hostel's conversion

A PLAN to convert Malvern's disused youth hostel into homes will come up before Malvern Hills district councillors next week. more...

Hearings are adjourned

A MAN and a woman have denied child neglect at Worcester Crown Court. John Hiles, aged 34, and Laura Prangley, 23, are accused of wilful assault, ill-treatment and neglect of Connor Prangley. The pair, both of Oakfield Road, Malvern, will reappear at the court for another hearing next month. more...

Age Concern funding

FUNDING is needed to keep a mobile day centre on the road. Age Concern runs the service in Longdon, Alfrick and Strensham every fortnight. A mini-bus collects people from their homes and takes them to a village hall, where they can enjoy tea, coffee, puzzles and a cooked lunch before being taken home. Clients pay for the meal and refreshments themselves but transport costs and village hall fees are paid by the charity. Lottery funding for the scheme finishes at the end of August and organisers fear the service will have to cease if further money cannot be found. If anyone can help, call Age Concern on 01684 576655. more...

Youth sprayed in eyes

A TEENAGE boy was taken to hospital after being sprayed in the eyes on Geraldine Road shortly before 3.30pm on Thursday, July 5. Police spokesman Richard Bull said the teenager was taken by ambulance to Worcestershire Royal Hospital. He was released later that evening. Police are investigating the incident but do not yet know what the spray was. Officers are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident on 08457 444888, quoting 456S/050707. more...

Talks over new town hospital

PLANS for a new hospital in Malvern will be discussed by health chiefs next week. more...

Demand left man feeling suicidal

A FORMER customer of Lloyds TSB says he was taken to the brink of suicide when the bank bombarded him with calls over an unpaid debt. more...

Car thieves at work

MOTORISTS are again being urged by police to ensure they take their valuables with them when leaving their vehicles unattended. more...

Flats plan for former church

A FORMER church building in Malvern Link could be knocked down and replaced with flats. more...

Flats plan put on hold till bats have a house

A HOME-sweet-home for bats could soon be built in Malvern so that a building project can go ahead. more...

Prom night will be extra special

WITH hundreds of other teenagers, twins Lisa and Tracey Pead are dressed in their finest and looking forward to a fantastic night at their school prom. more...

Officers to tackle antisocial youths

MORE officers are going on the beat in Woodrow as part of a new initiative to reduce antisocial behaviour. more...

Appeal for unsung heroes

A NATIONAL Home Office award scheme is on the look out for unsung Redditch heroes who are winning the fight against drug misuse. more...

A monk's life

A MEDIEVAL monk will help Bordesley Abbey celebrate National Archaeology Day on Sunday, July 22. more...

Roundup

Team told to reach for heights

WITH another all-important weekend of league and cup action ahead for Kidderminster Victoria CC, captain Jonathan Wright has urged his team to strive for the heights. more...

Team told to reach for heights

WITH another all-important weekend of league and cup action ahead for Kidderminster Victoria CC, captain Jonathan Wright has urged his team to strive for the heights. more...

Supporters trust aiming to bolster membership

A CAMPAIGN to increase its numbers has been launched by Kidderminster Harriers Independent Supporters Trust (KHIST). more...

More medals for Samurai

JACK Nelson and Frankie Marston hit the gold trail as the Samurai Judo Club juniors picked up ten medals in another busy event. more...

Schools

Pupils focus on India

YOUNGSTERS from Abbeywood First School experienced a touch of the exotic when they took part in an Indian week. more...

School concert

PARENTS of pupils at a Wythall school got to hear just how much musical talent their children have at a concert. more...

Youngsters stepped up to walk challenge

TARDEBIGGE CE Aided First School pupils all stepped up to the challenge during their Walk to School Week. more...

Schools News

Harry Rings, Lord of the Potters, in hunt for the Goblet of Youth

HARRY Potter meets the Lord of the Rings - literally - in a full-costume fantasy play. Harry Rings, Lord of the Potters, is the latest play by year six pupils at Claines Primary School. more...

St Richard'S Hospice

Chutes help children get over death of their parents

WORCESTERSHIRE youngsters jumped to help staff and volunteers from St Richard's Hospice in Worcester learn how to use their newly acquired colouful parachutes. more...

Theatre

Wednesday, August 1 to Saturday, August 4 - Resting at The Coach House Theatre, Malvern

NICK Wilkes is probably quite right when he says every actor has ambitions to write. "We like language," he says. "We like words, we like the way a certain phrase sounds. I think every actor wants to write. It's finding the time that it's the issue." more...

Monday, July 23 to Saturday, July 28 Magic of the Dance, Malvern Theatre

THE sound of tap shoes will cause a sensation in Malvern later this month. more...

Robin and Terry offer a taste of their jokes

TWO top comedians will be previewing their Edinburgh Festival material in Evesham. more...

Thursday, July 19 and Friday, July 20 - The Merchant of Venice at Witley Court

SHAKESPEARE'S cruellest comedy will come to life at Worcestershire's Witley Court. more...

Musical is cutting loose

FOOT-stomping action will entertain audiences as Footloose the Musical sweeps into The Everyman, Cheltenham. more...

Dancer finds that life truly does imitate art

LIFE will imitate art when Irish dancer Michelle Lawrence gets married next year. more...

Summer show

THE Jane Lush Drama School, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, presents its summer show Snapshots on Friday, July 20, at Holy Trinity Church hall, Link Top, at 5.45pm. more...

Home-grown tales from Jabberwocky

YOUNGSTERS at the Jabberwocky drama group are putting the final touches to a collection of short plays they have written and produced themselves. more...

Upton

Telephone mast

Phone company T-Mobile has submitted plans to build a 12.5m mast at Manor Farm, in Queenhill. The move follow's Malvern Hills District Council's decision to refuse permission for a similar 15m mast at The Grove House, near Holly Green. T-Mobile wants to bolster provision of a high speed 3G network in the area. more...

SARA correction

LAST week we incorrectly reported that the Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) was based at Upton. SARA no longer has a station at Upton and the £7,500 grant referred to is being received by teams based at Wyre Forest. more...

Family fun day

SIDE shows, games and a bouncy castle are among a host of activities at Upton Parish Church's family fun day from 2pm-4pm on Saturday, July 21. Other attractions in and around the church grounds include bric-a-brac and a host of stalls. more...

Craft fayre

Arts and crafts, including jewellery, cards and textiles, will be on sale at Memorial Hall this weekend. Three Shires Craft Guild is holding its latest craft fayre from 10am-5pm tomorrow (Saturday) and 11am-4.30pm on Sunday. Admission is free and refreshments will be available. more...

Victim support

A COFFEE morning and bring and buy will raise money for South Worcestershire Victim Support on Tuesday. Gill Richards is hosting the event in her house and garden at 37 Old Street, Upton, from 10.30am-noon. Admission is £2 per person, including coffee and biscuits. more...

Primary prom

YOUNGSTERS will let their hair down in style tomorrow (Saturday) during a special prom to celebrate the end of their primary school years. Year Six leavers from Upton Primary and schools in Longdon, Castlemorton, Kempsey and Welland have been invited to the Hill Centre, where a disco and buffet are being laid on. The celebrations are being organised by Upton company Little Party People and manager Dee Shepherd said more than 100 children would be attending. more...

Help at last clean-up

UPTON in Bloom organisers are preparing for the town's Heart of England in Bloom judging next week. more...

Going back to 1940s

A LANCASTER bomber fly-past is among the attractions as Croome Park heads back to the 1940s. more...

Fete raises vital cash

Upton Youth Band is holding a fundraising summer fete on Saturday, July 28. more...

Crew's intervention is crucial after fall

UPTON'S Mercia Inshore Search and Rescue team has been praised for their initiative and quick work after helping a man who fell while working on a boat. more...

Wild time at launch of scheme

UPTON youngsters were wild with excitement at the launch of a special reading challenge. more...

Villages

West Malvern

THE treasure hunt planned by the Friends of St James's Church for tonight (Friday) has had to be cancelled due to insufficient entries. more...

Wellington Heath

THE winning team at the Farmers Arms quiz night on Sunday was Salem's Lot. So, a one-man, band will be entertaining us on Thursday, July 19 from about 8 30pm. more...

Welland

Welland Fete took place last week and raised a tremendous £1,600. Organisers would like me to thank all those who helped on the day and especially to all those who came and supported them in their efforts. more...

Suckley

used to be a Working Men's Club and as such became the social hub of the village. In recent years, these sociable activities have lapsed a little and Thomas Talbot, the new chairman of the hall trust, is determined to revive this historic building as the focus for community events. more...

Suckley

THE village hall at Suckley has an interesting history. It used to be a Working Men's Club and as such became the social hub of the village. In recent years, these sociable activities have lapsed a little and Thomas Talbot, the new chairman of the hall trust, is determined to revive this historic building as the focus for community events. more...

Staunton

THIRTY-four years of dedicated service to St James' Church, Staunton, was recognised at a presentation party held in The Barn at Gadfield Elm House, by kind permission of Canon and Mrs John Evans, on Thursday, July 5. more...

Powick

OVER 30 people called in for a cuppa and a strawberry and cream tea scone at the home of Jenny Flubacher last Tuesday afternoon. more...

Longdon

LAST Saturday, Pat Unwin hosted a Conservative garden party at Longdon Hall, where Sir Michael Spicer and Bronwen Behan were in attendance. more...

Leigh and Bransford

THE sun shone warmly on the garden fete at the Rectory on Saturday as Ellen Gwynne mustered her troops for an afternoon of fun and bargains. more...

Castlemorton

CASTLEMORTON Gardening Club will meet in the parish hall at 7.45pm on Thursday, July 19, for a talk on bats by Rebecca Collins, followed by a bat walk around the village. Bring a torch (and bat detector if you have one) and wear sensible footwear! Non-members welcome. more...

Bosbury

THE Hop Churches summer barn dance is an enjoyable fundraising evening for all the family. more...

Berrow

HOPEFULLY the rain will ease and help towards a happy and successful fete in the vicarage gardens tomorrow (Saturday) at 2pm. Usual stalls, any volunteers will be most welcome. Raffle and a lovely garden to sit in. Refreshments available. If you have any items that would be suitable for the many stalls, please take them along during Saturday morning. more...

Alfrick

TOMORROW (Saturday) will provide the residents of Alfrick with the perfect combination of activities for a summer's day. more...

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