Stories for 27 July 2007

11 To 13 Years

The Pearl by John Steinbeck

The story explores the destructive effect of colonial capitalism on the simple piety of a traditional native culture. Set in a Mexican Indian village on the Baja Peninsula around the turn of the century, the novella tells the story of Kino, an Indian pearl diver who discovers a massive, beautiful, and extremely valuable pearl. The pearl fills Kino with a new desire to abandon his simple, idyllic life in favor of dreams of material and social advancement, dreams that run headlong into the oppressive resistance of the Spanish colonial powers that top the social hierarchy of Kino's world.  more...

The Pearl by John Steinbeck

The story explores the destructive effect of colonial capitalism on the simple piety of a traditional native culture. Set in a Mexican Indian village on the Baja Peninsula around the turn of the century, the novella tells the story of Kino, an Indian pearl diver who discovers a massive, beautiful, and extremely valuable pearl. The pearl fills Kino with a new desire to abandon his simple, idyllic life in favor of dreams of material and social advancement, dreams that run headlong into the oppressive resistance of the Spanish colonial powers that top the social hierarchy of Kino's world.  more...

Northern Lights by Philip Pullman

"Without this child, we shall all die. So the witches say. But she must fulfill this destiny in ignorance of what she is doing, because only in her ignorance can we be saved."  more...

The Highfield Mole by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams

The Circle in the Spiral is the first volume in a series of Highfield Mole books to be published. It is a story of discovery and adventure in which Will Burrows embarks on a quest to find his father, an archaeologist, who has inexplicably disappeared. Will's investigations lead to a deadly conflict with the sinister forces that have abducted his father, and a dark and tyrannical world from which he may never return.   more...

The Highfield Mole by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams

The Circle in the Spiral is the first volume in a series of Highfield Mole books to be published. It is a story of discovery and adventure in which Will Burrows embarks on a quest to find his father, an archaeologist, who has inexplicably disappeared. Will's investigations lead to a deadly conflict with the sinister forces that have abducted his father, and a dark and tyrannical world from which he may never return.   more...

Ingo by Helen Dunmore

Set in Cornwall, Ingo is the story of Sapphire and her brother Conor, and what happens to them after their father mysteriously disappears at sea. Sapphire still thinks her father is alive. Somewhere. She remembers stories he used to tell her about a Mer creature who fell in love with a human, but could not come to live with him in the dry air.  more...

Alcester

Library events

ALCESTER Library is inviting children to take part in the nationwide Summer Reading Challenge as part of its summer activities.  more...

Charlotte’s bronze win

A GREEN-fingered teen-ager from Kings Coughton picked up a bronze medal at a BBC garden show for a garden she designed.  more...

Judge not available for Baby Lilly sentencing hearing

THE sentencing hearing in connection with the death of Baby Lilly, the infant whose body was found beside the River Alne, has been adjourned because the judge is not available.  more...

Judges in town visit

REGIONAL Britain in Bloom judges visited Alcester just days after some of the worst floods in its history hit the town.  more...

Rescue mission

A WOMAN and her two dogs had to be airlifted to safety from a caravan as floods hit Welford-on-Avon.  more...

Claim advice to flooding victims

RESIDENTS in Alcester who have been affected by the recent flooding are being advised how to claim if they have suffered flood damage.  more...

Business

Saving fuel wins a heroes award

WORCESTER-based Arrow Distributors has been honoured for its environmental achievements and presented with a Green Heroes wall shield.  more...

Is your firm a hi-tech winner?

INNOVATIVE hi-tech companies in Worcester are being urged to step forward and take part in the prestigious 2007 West Midlands ICT Excellence Awards.  more...

Bosses warned over work deaths

AN increase in the number of work-related deaths has brought home the need for effective leadership of health and safety management, says the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.  more...

Remote working advice to business leaders

BUSINESS leaders in the West Midlands should be going back to school to learn the best way to use technology, according to a Kidderminster IT provider.  more...

Cinema

Bevere Gallery

CERAMICS, paintings and tile work will all be on show at the Bevere Gallery in Worcester from Saturday, August 4. Watercolour artist Trevor Smith exhibits his wildlife work and tile panels by Will Levi Marshall will be on display. The gallery opens Tuesday to Sunday from 10.30am to 5pm. For more details, call 01905 754484.  more...

Artists wanted

POLICE in Herefordshire have issued wanted notices - for young artists. West Mercia Police Authority is celebrating 40 years of policing in Herefordshire and is asking children aged three-11 to design special posters. Designs should be about tackling anti-social behaviour, policing past and present or Police and Communities Together (PACT). Prizes will be awarded for the best entries. Send posters on A4 paper, with the entrant's name, age, address and contact number on the back, to Eden Solutions, Flat 1, 329 Kings Acre Road, Hereford, HR4 0SL, by Saturday, August 25.  more...

Clubs & Societies

Alcester Rotary Club

ON July 2 president Sid Slaughter made the handover to incoming president David Nutt and the meeting also included a visit from the district governor John Quinton who addressed the club stressing the importance of Rotary throughout the world.  more...

Astwood Bank Flower Club

FOR our July meeting, Fran Hayles entitled her demonstration A Trip Through the Garden.  more...

Inner Wheel Club of Alcester

PRESIDENT Pat Grier welcomed members and the district chairman, Judith Cule, to our meeting held at The Moat House.  more...

Inner Wheel Club of Redditch

THE club held the first meeting of its new year at the Quality Hotel Redditch in July.  more...

Kingfisher WI

WE had a bring and buy stall at this month's meeting and Jackie Gregory brought a selection of the delicious jams and marmalade she makes.  more...

Cymdeithas Gymraeg

OUR garden party was very pleasant. The theme was Mam's Welsh Tea, so we had food which reminded us of food provided by our mothers!  more...

Solihull and District Orchid Society

FOR our July meeting Rodney Jones did a demonstration on how to sow orchid seeds in flasks and all the equipment needed to be able to do them.  more...

Studley Daytime WI

OUR July meeting was opened by our president who welcomed everyone.  more...

In Brief

Art group

A NEW art group for young people is being launched.  more...

Kidder News Latest

Plea to blood donors in wake of floods

BLOOD donors have been urged to make extra efforts to attend sessions despite the floods.  more...

Jail for man who pestered TV girl

A THIEF with a "morbid fascination" for female television newsreaders has been jailed for six months for harassment.  more...

Queen's message of support for flood victims

THE Queen has sent a second message of support to Worcestershire residents affected by the recent flash flooding.  more...

Adam falls for children’s charity

A FORMER Bewdley High School pupil has taken the plunge for charity.  more...

Shop attack was 'needless' says owner

THE co-owner of a shop which had its front window smashed has branded the attack "needless".  more...

Tribunal awards pub chef £4,331

A STOURPORT former chef who lost her job at one of the town's pubs has been awarded more than £4,000.  more...

Latest

Flash floods on the way again

FLASH flooding is expected to hit Worcestershire again this weekend, says a weather expert.  more...

Beer festival cancelled

A POPULAR beer festival has been cancelled for the first time in its history in the wake of the floods.  more...

Beer festival cancelled

A POPULAR beer festival has been cancelled for the first time in its history in the wake of the floods.  more...

Flood waters drained away in Upton

FLOOD waters that have wrecked an Upton-upon-Severn caravan site are being drained away by the Environment Agency today.  more...

Worcester to hereford line down all weekend

THE railway line between Worcester and Hereford is unlikely to reopen fully until Monday July 30.  more...

Worcester to Hereford line down all weekend

THE railway line between Worcester and Hereford is unlikely to reopen fully until Monday July 30.  more...

Beaten woman's Asha appeal

A WOMAN who was beaten by her husband but found the strength to find refuge and comfort at a threatened Woman's centre in Worcester has said it must not close.  more...

Nearly dying can't stop Gerald from his degree

In the latest in our series of articles about inspirational adult learners who have returned to education successfully later in life, David Paine meets a well-known actor and former chairman of Worcester City Football Club who nearly died getting a degree  more...

Sadness at outdoor centre cl;osure

By Claire Fry WORKERS at an outdoor centre for Worcestershire youngsters which is set to close have expressed their sadness at the news.  more...

Sadness at outdoor centre closure

By Claire Fry WORKERS at an outdoor centre for Worcestershire youngsters which is set to close have expressed their sadness at the news.  more...

Sadness at outdoor centre closure

WORKERS at an outdoor centre for Worcestershire youngsters which is set to close have expressed their sadness at the news.  more...

Price and Camilla arrive in Upton

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall have arrived in Upton.  more...

Prince and Camilla leave Upton

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall have left Upton after extending their visit to the flood hit town.  more...

Strike to disrupt postal services

POSTAL services in Worcestershire and Herefordshire are set to be disrupted once again when staff go on strike.  more...

Herefordshire car park partly closed

MOTORISTS in Herefordshire have been warned that an area of the Wye Street car park will be closed due to work on the Belmont flood defences.  more...

Flood victims welcome visit from Charles and Camilla

THE PRINCE of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall gave the people of Upton-upon-Severn a vital boost when they visited the flooded town yesterday.   more...

Prince Charles told lives saved by local knowledge of call centre workers

THE PRINCE of Wales has heard first hand about the reasons behind our campaign against the proposed closure of the Worcester ambulance call centre.   more...

Police warn lost drugs could prove fatal

CANCER drugs which could be fatal if taken by a child have been lost in Worcester.  more...

Waters sink hope for Beer Festival

WORCESTER’S popular beer festival has fallen victim to the floods.   more...

Flood barriers will go up in Worcester after rain forecast

FLOOD barriers on Hylton Road will be raised tomorrow after more heavy rain was forecast.   more...

Driver frightened girls

POLICE in Evesham are looking for a car driver who frightened three young girls as he turned his vehicle round in a cul-de-sac.  more...

Tree to be felled

A LARGE chestnut tree in Abbey Park, Pershore, has been labelled and danger to the public and is to be felled.  more...

Tree to be felled

A LARGE chestnut tree in Abbey Park, Pershore, has been labelled a danger to the public and is to be felled.  more...

Tree to be felled

A LARGE chestnut tree in Abbey Park, Pershore, has been labelled a danger to the public and is to be felled.  more...

Volunteers to the rescue

PERSHORE-based South Worcestershire Lifesaving & Lifeguard Club battled against the worst floods in living memory to help secure and recover some of the hundreds of pleasure cruisers, motorboats and sailing vessels that had broken free of their moorings as the flood waters rose on Friday night.  more...

Flooded flats targeted

A FLAT in Blacksmith Close, Evesham, is believed to be the first residential premises attacked by thieves directly profiting from the floods.  more...

Flooded flat targeted

A FLAT in Blacksmith Close, Evesham, is believed to be the first residential premises attacked by thieves directly profiting from the floods.  more...

Latets

Robber jailed for eight years

A MAN who knifed a youth in the arm during a spate of violent street robberies in the Redditch area has been given an eight-year jail sentence for public protection.  more...

Leisure General

Comedy and music shows in town hall

WELL-known television comedian Jimmy Carr brings his UK tour Gag Reflex to Cheltenham Town Hall on Tuesday, July 31.  more...

Dancers all pass with flying colours

BUDDING dancers from Neat Feet Dancing of Ledbury certainly kept a spring in their steps last weekend, despite the floods.  more...

Learn to Rumba

A NEW Beginners Latin Cuban Rumba Dance Class starts on Friday, August 3, from 7.30pm-8.30pm at Wulstan Hall, Priest Lane in Pershore. For more details, call Dance at 8 on 01386 556665.  more...

Brush up skills

BUDDING young performers can brush up their skills at a musical theatre workshop from Monday to Friday, August 6-10. Children can work with professional directors, choreographers and performers, fresh from the West End. Workshops are split between the Malvern Theatres and the Coach House Theatre. Sessions for 8-13 year-olds run from 10am-1pm and over 14s can attend from 2pm-5pm. Admission is £60 each. For details, call 01684 892277.  more...

Visit inspires young Irish dancer Bradley

KEEN young Irish dancer Bradley Tabberer-Mills had a dream come true this week when he tried out his skills in front of professionals Nine-year-old Bradley, from Suckley, has been learning Irish dancing for just 18 months and loves it.  more...

Pam's back

PAM Ayres returns to Worcester with her new show which includes material from her recently-published book Pam Ayres - Surgically Enhanced.  more...

Eastnor is fine place to chill out

Thousands of people from across the country are preparing to descend on Eastnor looking to do little more than just chill out.  more...

Letters

Closing the call centre would be detrimental

SIR - May I add my voice to the concerns already expressed regarding the proposed closure of Bransford's ambulance call centre. I find the comments reported by the chief executive Anthony Marsh unconvincing.  more...

Why haven’t I had reply to my letters?

SIR - With the Government intending to raise the school leaving age, and the increased responsibility on young people to get qualficiations, it seems to me that there should be some pressure put on employers to take on qualified people, and not young people who have no qualifications who they can pay a pittance to.  more...

Permanent mound would stop flooding

SIR - As a retired fire fighter, who has spent many hours pumping out flooded property, I would like to comment on the flood barrier on Hylton Road in Worcester.  more...

Common sense is all that is needed

SIR - May I make a few suggestions about flood defences. As mentioned many times, the flood defence barriers should be kept adjacent to Hylton Road. Common sense, but of course, this is in the hands of the local council and Government.  more...

Does the city really need a gay church?

need a gay church?  more...

Does the city really need a gay church?

SIR - Does the city really need a gay church? I don't think so. I can't see that the gays have been persecuted in the churches.  more...

Please put aside the petty politics

SIR - At this time of crisis following terrible flood damage in Droitwich I have one appeal to make to all our councillors - please put aside petty party politics.  more...

Astonishing news

The freak weather has produced some astonishing scenes; but nothing is more astonishing than the disclosure that Upton's flood barriers were not put up because they were stuck in a traffic jam on the motorway. What the hell were they doing there?  more...

Superior quality

I WAS pleased to read (Malvern Gazette, July 20) that the owners plan to restore the historic Holy Well and resume the water bottling operation. However, in your resume of the history of the well, I was surprised that no mention was made of J H Cuff and Company, who operated the plant at the beginning of the last century and continued to bottle the water, and to manufacture soft drinks up until the outbreak of World War Two. My late father managed the plant for much of this period and I recall that the soft drinks, presumably using pure well water, were sold in licensed premises over a wide area.  more...

If it's listening why is council going ahead with this plan?

I read with amazement the comments in last week's Ledbury Reporter by assistant cultural services manager for Herefordshire Council Mick Ligema regarding the lottery bid for Ledbury's new library.  more...

Everything went perfectly

Thank you' is not a large enough phrase to say to the people, businesses and organisations of Upton for their support on our Heart of England judging day. They were magnificent!  more...

Land ideal for allotments

I WRITE in response to Mr M Williams (Your Letters, July 6). He made several statements concerning myself that require comment.  more...

Judges visit was met with smiles

AS you reported in the Ledbury Reporter last week, on Ledbury in Bloom, the Judges are happy with return visit'.  more...

Paths for people

WITH all the torrential rain we have been having, would road users show more consideration towards pedestrians please, when they drive through puddles.  more...

Community spirit made a special day

WE would like to say a great big thank you to everyone who went out of their way to help to make our daughter, Penny's wedding to James Needham at St Mary's Church, Bromesberrow, happy and successful despite the ravages of the weather on Friday afternoon.  more...

Pull together

AS the entire region draws its breath following the appalling floods of last weekend, let us not forget how impossible it seemed beforehand. Let us not forget that it is only a month since the last inundation, and that there was a previous flood this year in January! However resilient the local people are, unless we realise the reasons for these occurrences we are sleepwalking into a nightmare.  more...

Good samaritan

PLEASE can I thank the very kind gentleman, Greg, who rescued me and our cat, when our car became stranded in a puddle (large!) in Malvern this evening.  more...

You're all heroes

PLEASE mention in your paper my thanks to the superb people of Ledbury, who, in my hour of need, transformed my Friday night.  more...

Night with a difference

IF you do a feature on the floods you may wish to include the staff of Innovis and Aubrey's Farm, adjacent to Junction 2 of the M50.  more...

Spare a thought for others

I WOULD like to give a great big thank you to all those kind motorists who last Friday, July 20, drove at high speed through the floods at Tanhouse Lane. I am sure the people whose houses were flooded really appreciated the wash that surged through their properties making the flooding worse.  more...

Lifestyle

Where are we all going on holiday this summer?

GREECE From ancient history to modern resorts, Greece has a lot to offer. From sometimes smoggy Athens to blindingly bright islands, you'll find everything from sun-kissed beaches to Minoan palaces on Crete. Whether you like to soak up the culture or party until dawn, Greece will not let you down.  more...

Where are we all going on holiday this summer?

Claire Fry went to Airtours and Thomson in Worcester to see where people are jetting off to in a bid to escape the rain and floods GREECE From ancient history to modern resorts, Greece has a lot to offer. From sometimes smoggy Athens to blindingly bright islands, you'll find everything from sun-kissed beaches to Minoan palaces on Crete. Whether you like to soak up the culture or party until dawn, Greece will not let you down.  more...

Memory

100 years ago - August 3, 1907

A PLEASING ceremony took place at the Smallwood Hospital on Wednesday night when a presentation was made by the vice-president and the Board of Management to Miss Fuller.  more...

50 years ago - August 2, 1957

DEMOLITION of the slum clearance properties at the junction of Ipsley Street and Red Lion Street, Redditch, will be delayed for three more months if the tenant of the fried fish shop agrees to forgo any claim for compensation in return for the extension of his tenancy, Redditch councillors decided last week.  more...

25 years ago - July 30, 1982

LAST year's Junior Miss Redditch may go to quite a ball soon thanks to the Indicator.  more...

Memory Lane

Echoes from the past

100 years ago The Malvern Croquet Tournament has again brought together a larger number of competitors from all parts of the country, and the event from a players' point of view has been a success, albeit comparatively little interest has been taken in the competitions by the public. But the Croquet Week is a valuable one for Malvern, as those who take part in it are the very class of people we like to see here, and their stay is a direct and indirect benefit. Malvern Gazette, July 26, 1907.  more...

Boycott is rumoured

Artists could boycott Malvern if the town's festival is allowed to collapse, reported the Gazette 25 years ago. The warning came after the district council decided not to help the festival society clear its £23,000 debt.  more...

Newlyweds in aeroplane drama

A MALVERN man and his bride of 17 days were on a single-engined aircraft forced to make an emergency landing in Portugal 50 years ago.  more...

District battered by violent storms

AN unusually destructive storm struck the Malvern area 100 years ago, judging by the report in the Gazette.  more...

Music

Punk pop nights are going down a storm

BEN Lloyd is doing his bit for live music in Droitwich. The 23-year-old, born and bred in the spa town, has a simple philosophy - "I like music and wanted to see something happening in Droitwich.  more...

SPOTLIGHT on Gamble Gamble

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

SPOTLIGHT on Gamble Gamble

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

Teenage singer Kit is going solo

TEENAGE singer and actor Kit Windows-Yule is to hold his first solo show.  more...

Legends join together for folk concert

LEGENDS of Folk Rock, a concert gathered from members of Lindisfarnem, Fairport Conven-tion, Steeleye Span, Magna Carter and Jethro Tull are to play in Worcester next month.  more...

Musicians help children to go green through fun songs

MAKING it fun to be environmentally-friendly is the aim of a lively new children's CD.  more...

Musicians help children to go green through fun songs

MAKING it fun to be environmentally-friendly is the aim of a lively new children's CD.  more...

Super seventies tribute

FLARES, big hair and shiny trousers are a must for the seventies spectacular about to hit the stage at the Malvern Theatres.  more...

Get into the swing

A LIVELY evening of swing, jazz and rhythm n' blues will get audiences dancing in the aisles at the Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury.  more...

Get into party mood with soul band

AUDIENCES at the Bluebell in Ryall can get in the party mood as rock and soul band Koheesion swings into town.  more...

Music with style

BEV Pegg & His Railroad Skiffle Gang bring their unique style to Malvern Rugby Club on Sunday, August 12. The evening starts at 8pm and admission is £3.50. For more details, call 01684 575605.   more...

News

All Blacks snub was no surprise

WORCESTER Warriors-bound Sam Tuitupou has revealed that he never expected to be included in New Zealand's World Cup squad and was not surprised when he was left out of the 29-man party which was announced last week.  more...

Webster confident City can be a threat

ADAM Web-ster believes Worcester City can be a force to be reckoned with next season.  more...

Moody shock at England’s Solanki snub

THE selectors will regret leaving Vikram Solanki out of England's World Cup squad earlier this year, according to former Worcestershire director of cricket Tom Moody.  more...

Opinion

The county council has got it right

NEWSPAPERS are always quick to criticise local authorities when things go wrong. And quite rightly so, because when things go wrong it is our readers who end up paying the price.  more...

Opinion

THIS week's floods have brought out the best, and sometimes the worst, in people.  more...

Recipes

Seared Steak, Mango and Radish Salad

Salads are the stars of summer and nowadays there's a combination of flavours to suit every taste.  more...

Moroccan Chicken and Potato Salad

This makes a wonderful al fresco lunch and is great for a barbecue. Cook the chicken for 8-10 minutes and mix with the potato salad.  more...

Reports

County face defeat after following on

FOUR wickets for Surrey's Harbhajan Singh ensured his side were in a strong position going into the final day of their LV County Champion-ship Division One match against Worcestershire at Guildford.  more...

Restaurant Reviews

Whistlers, Royal Arcade, Broad Street, Pershore

WHISTLERS has a lot going for it. It's in a prime position, its pleasant airy bar and restaurant overlooking Pershore shopping centre.  more...

Whistlers, Royal Arcade, Broad Street, Pershore

WHISTLERS has a lot going for it. It's in a prime position, its pleasant airy bar and restaurant overlooking Pershore shopping centre.  more...

Whistlers, Royal Arcade, Broad Street, Pershore

WHISTLERS has a lot going for it. It's in a prime position, its pleasant airy bar and restaurant overlooking Pershore shopping centre.  more...

Whistlers, Royal Arcade, Broad Street, Pershore

WHISTLERS has a lot going for it. It's in a prime position, its pleasant airy bar and restaurant overlooking Pershore shopping centre.  more...

Whistlers, Royal Arcade, Broad Street, Pershore<p< by John Abbs

WHISTLERS has a lot going for it. It's in a prime position, its pleasant airy bar and restaurant overlooking Pershore shopping centre.  more...

Whistlers, Royal Arcade, Broad Street, Pershore

by John Abbs

WHISTLERS has a lot going for it. It's in a prime position, its pleasant airy bar and restaurant overlooking Pershore shopping centre.  more...

Whistlers, Royal Arcade, Broad Street, Pershore

by John Abbs

WHISTLERS has a lot going for it. It's in a prime position, its pleasant airy bar and restaurant overlooking Pershore shopping centre.  more...

Whistlers, Royal Arcade, Broad Street, Pershore

WHISTLERS has a lot going for it. It's in a prime position, its pleasant airy bar and restaurant overlooking Pershore shopping centre.  more...

Reviews

Magic of the Dance - Review: Malvern Theatres

IF you're getting tired of this great British summer, prepare to be invigorated without even leaving your seat.  more...

Round-Up

Yates - still work to do at Harriers

MANAGER Mark Yates believes Kidderminster Harriers still have a lot of work to do ahead of the new season.  more...

Ombersley win right to represent county

OMBERSLEY have won the Worcestershire Under 13s Cup final with a 49-run victory against Barnt Green.  more...

Wolves friendly to turn back the clock

HEREFORD United manager Graham Turner will have the cha-nce to renew old friendships when Wolverhampton Wanderers visit next week.  more...

City club rower to chase glory on world stage

WORCESTER Rowing Club prospect Andrew Finlay will represent Great Britain at the World Junior Rowing Championships.  more...

Race ace searching for passenger

A WORCESTER rider is looking for a sidekick to help lead his assault on the European grasstrack scene.  more...

Olympian bids for success at big road race

OLYMPIC and Commonwealth Games medallist Rob Hayles heads the line-up at Sunday's Worcester News Road Race.  more...

City team earn the plaudits

FOUR tug of war teams battled it out at the Droitwich Rotary Club Charity day in the town's Lido Park despite mud and rain.  more...

Kevin leads Worcester’s Nice effort

THREE Worcester Triathlon Club members ventured down to Nice in France for the annual Ironman triathlon race.  more...

Karate students building an impressive trophy collection

TOBI Ishi Kai Wado Karate Schools staged their first championships in Worcester.  more...

Pensioners anger at clubs closures

ELDERLY residents whose lunch clubs are threatened with closure because of cuts in funding have staged a protest.  more...

Pensioners anger at clubs closures

ELDERLY residents whose lunch clubs are threatened with closure because of cuts in funding have staged a protest.  more...

Bickerton trails the leaders

WORCESTERSHIRE'S John Bicker-ton maintained his return to form by retaining his place just behind the leaders in the Deutsche Bank Players' Championship of Europe in Hamburg.  more...

Lottery blow for aid group

ON The Move, a local project that helps get housebound people out and about, is to lose its lottery funding next month.  more...

£500 grant for pet rescue HQ

A CENTRE that looks after abandoned and stray dogs has been given £500 to buy a storage shed in which to put donated items.  more...

New date for Link plan meeting

A DISTRICT council planning meeting that was postponed because of the bad weather has been given a new date.  more...

Postponed meeting

THE Parkinson's Disease Society Friendship Group meeting due to take place on Wednesday (August 1) at Mowbray Nursing Home, Victoria Road, has been postponed until September.  more...

Help offer

CHILDREN from The Elms School in Colwall are set to lend a hand with gardening in the village.  more...

Bands will play on

THE Bands in the Park concert this Sunday (July 29) in Malvern will be going ahead, said town clerk Richard Chapman.  more...

Cover in line for an award

A MALVERN man's invention has been shortlisted for a Government initiative to encourage innovation.  more...

Weather grounds retirement flight

THE torrential rain on Friday meant that retiring head teacher Gill Callaghan failed to take to the air as planned.  more...

Bug hunters wanted

ARE you a budding bug hunter? Worcestershire Wildlife Trust is offering a unique opportunity to discover the hidden world of grassland invertebrates on its adults' specialist course Bugs in Grassy Tussocks.  more...

Help a homeless cat

CAT lovers are desperately needed to provide homes for unwanted moggies.  more...

A lifesaver is thanked

A MALVERN blood donor who may have helped to save the lives of more than 200 people has been thanked for his amazing support.  more...

Show date

THIS year's Mathon Horse and Dog Show will finally take place on Saturday, August 18.  more...

Toto lookalike is wizard idea

EASTNOR Castle needs a Toto lookalike to help promote an open-air production of The Wizard of Oz on Thursday, August 9.  more...

Warden is quick to avert disaaster

A QUICK-thinking street scene warden may have saved lives by leaping out of her vehicle to catch a runaway pony.  more...

Friendly face is very furry

LEIGH and Bransford Memorial Hall will be full of giant dogs on Sunday, when the Irish Wolfhound Club holds its rally and fun day there.  more...

Trying again

A 54-year-old charged with sexually touching a female aged 16 or over has missed a probation appointment.  more...

Barriers due

LONG awaited barriers to stop cars using the Hanley Road car park as a short cut into Upton are set for installation in the next four weeks.  more...

Sentencing due after a delay

TWO Malvern men accused of making a threat to kill will be back in court next week to be sentenced after a delay caused by a missing report from the probation service.  more...

Work still goes on

THE next phase of Burley Gate Village Hall's extensive refurbishment project has been completed, thanks to financial help from a sustainable development organisation.  more...

Plunging into new challenge

A MALVERN woman who has shed the equivalent of 40 bags of sugar in weight since Christmas is to swim England's largest lake for charity.  more...

Fair put back

DUE to the recent weather conditions and the fact that a number of exhibitors have indicated that they will be unable to attend, the decision has been taken to postpone the inaugural Malvern Art Fair. The event, which is part of a High Street UK initiative to attract people to the town centre, will now go ahead in September, although a precise date has yet to be finalised.  more...

Food firm set to open shop

THE Subway sandwich chain is planning to open up a shop in Barnards Green in part of what was hardware store Dobsons.  more...

The first steps to fame

FEET were flying this week during the first of a series of Irish dance workshops.  more...

Summer sports camps

MALVERN Hills District Council is running summer multi-sport camps for youngsters aged eight-14.  more...

Court case

A 21-year-old Malvern man has appeared in court after buying alcohol for a teenager. On Monday, an off-duty police officer spotted Toby Smith, of Michael Crescent, and a 17-year-old boy outside a store in the town's Worcester Road - both had partially consumed bottles of White Star cider. Adrian Jones, prosecuting at Worcester Magistrates Court, said Smith admitted buying alcohol for the youngster and was in breach of an 18-month suspended sentence. Smith, who was unrepresented in court admitted the offence. He was fined £50 and must pay £60 court costs. The suspended sentence was extended to 21 months.  more...

Potter book party is pure magic

A midnight Harry Potter party at Beacon Books in Malvern went ahead despite Friday's relentless heavy rains.  more...

Summer children's activities

AN eco-friendly arts workshop is on offer to children.  more...

Issue of town centre parking

MALVERN Town Council looks set to take action over parking in the town centre.  more...

Petition for centre set up

A CONCERNED Malvern dad is setting up a petition against the decision to make cutbacks at the Malvern Hills Outdoor Education Centre.  more...

Back to school fundraiser

A FUNDRAISING fun day at the Co-op in Upper Howsell Road on Friday was a great success.  more...

Event is off

THE popular Welland Steam and Country Rally, which was due to take place this weekend, has been cancelled because of the bad weather.  more...

Gift of doors

WORCESTERSHIRE Animal Rescue Shelter, in Newland, has said thank you for the generosity of a local company.  more...

Royal party highlight

ATTENDING a garden party at Buckingham Palace was the highlight of the year for the chair of Malvern Hills District Council.  more...

Key army cadets figure dies

A MALVERN man who rose to become an important figure in the Army Cadet Force (ACF) has died aged 68.  more...

Sour note hit by vandal's attack

TWO pianos decorated with flowers have been destroyed on Belle Vue Terrace in Malvern town centre.  more...

Dorothy turns 100

A VISIT from her US-based daughter and son-in-law will be the highlight of Dorothy Sparrow's 100th birthday on Sunday (July 29).  more...

Search for victims of pervert

POLICE are continuing to try to identify the female victims of a convicted paedophile who is at the beginning of what could be could a substantial period in jail.  more...

Cultural evening

AN evening of poetry, readings, sketches and music entitled A Summer Box of Roses at St Peter's Church, Cowleigh Road, Malvern, is being held on Sunday, August 12, at 7pm.  more...

Start on new homes

WORK is due to start on a new residential development off North End Lane, Malvern, later this summer.  more...

Malvern Water

MALVERN Water was delivered to flood-hit areas courtesy of the Colwall-based Coca-Cola Enterprises. Coca-Cola, which bottles Malvern Water at its bottling plant in Colwall, worked with Severn Trent Water to deliver a quarter of a million bottles to Tewkesbury Council in Gloucestershire for distribution to the local community. Six lorry loads of the 500ml bottles were delivered for free on Monday and Tuesday.  more...

Rescued by jet ski

A PREGNANT woman was rescued by jet ski and JCB after becoming stranded in flood waters. Jenny and Gareth Creed-Newton had just left the wedding reception of friends Charlotte Slocombe and Ben Andrews in Malvern, when their car ran aground on a submerged gravel bank near Ledbury. Two residents rushed to help and within minutes the stranded couple and two passengers were taken to safety via a jet ski ride across the Leadon, where they were picked up by JCB and taken home to Tarrington.  more...

Watery weddingis unforgettable

CHARLOTTE Slocombe's wedding day certainly was a day she will never forget - for all the wrong reasons.  more...

Watery wedding is unforgettable

CHARLOTTE Slocombe's wedding day certainly was a day she will never forget - for all the wrong reasons.  more...

Pulling together in a crisis

A TEAM of good samaritans donned their wellies and got to work helping those stranded in the weekend's floods.  more...

Making friends in adversity

A COUPLE stranded in the floods have praised the kindness and generosity of people who came to their aid.  more...

Facing big clean-up

The Red Lion, at Stiffords Bridge, saw flood levels rise above the pub bar when Cradley Brook burst its banks.  more...

Post Office doesn't let flood stop work

CRADLEY Post Office and General Store was badly affected by the flooding.  more...

Post Office doesn't let flood stop work

CRADLEY Post Office and General Store was badly affected by the flooding.  more...

Hillside garden slips away

THE relentless heavy rains caused a landslide in West Malvern, with a hillside garden slipping 30ft downhill into a field.  more...

Still open for business, despite devastation

WE'RE still open for business,' was the message from Classic Interiors of Worcester Road, Malvern, despite the business being one of those devastated by the heavy rains and flooding.  more...

Village spirit

AROUND ten homes in Pendock were affected by flooding and some roads around the village were badly affected.  more...

Office helps

MOTORISTS gridlocked in traffic on the M50 during last Friday's flood chaos were offered food and shelter by nearby office workers.  more...

Flooding turns family's flat into paddling pool

A YOUNG couple and their two children were forced out of their Elgar Avenue flat on Friday, as floodwater turned it into a paddling pool.  more...

Call up

MALVERN Hills District Council has asked residents to phone its contact centre on 01684 862151 if they need advice in the aftermath of the flooding. Alternatively, people can log onto www.malvernhills.gov.uk for more information.  more...

It's third time unlucky

A TANHOUSE Lane resident is counting the cost again, after floods swept through his house for the third time in 11 months.  more...

Drains get the blame

RESIDENTS of Buckingham Close are surveying the damage to their properties after Friday's torrential downpour sent muddy water flowing like a river past their houses.  more...

Record is set by downpour

FRIDAY was the wettest day in Malvern since records began, according to weather expert Frank Hill.  more...

Theo makes dramatic entrance with police escort

EXPECTANT mum Nicky Jones gave birth to baby Theo at Worcestershire Royal Hospital after being driven through deep floods at Powick in a police 4x4.  more...

Dinghy rescue for a mother and her week-old baby girl

THE mother of a one-week-old baby girl rescued from a home threatened by flooding has spoken about her family's ordeal.  more...

Floods force people out of their homes

RAPIDLY-rising floodwaters last weekend forced many Powick residents out of their homes when the River Teme burst its banks.  more...

Floods force people out of their homes

RAPIDLY-rising floodwaters last weekend forced many Powick residents out of their homes when the River Teme burst its banks.  more...

Aqua boxes aid victims

MALVERN Rotary Club is to supply flood victims with aqua boxes that make even the most contaminated water drinkable.  more...

Selfish drivers make problems worse

RESIDENTS whose homes on the A449 through Powick suffered appalling flood damage at the weekend were shocked at the behaviour of people driving through the flooded village.  more...

Prince inspects flooded Upton

PRINCE Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cormwall, visited Upton today (Friday) to see how the community is bouncing back tor its flood experiences of the past week.  more...

Prince inspects flooded Upton

PRINCE Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cormwall, visited Upton today (Friday) to see how the community is bouncing back from its flood experiences of the past week.  more...

Prince inspects flooded Upton

PRINCE Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cormwall, visited Upton today (Friday) to see how the community is bouncing back from its flood experiences of the past week.  more...

Bridge work is postponed

REPAIR work to Powick Bridge, which would have seen it closed for six weeks, have been postponed until next summer.  more...

Bridge work is postponed

REPAIR work to Powick Bridge, which would have seen it closed for six weeks, have been postponed until next summer.  more...

Group fights drug misuse

A SUPPORT group recently joined in the battle to tackle drug misuse in Redditch with two practical workshops.  more...

Hollie’s album joy

A DEDICATED 17-year-old songstress from Arrow Vale High School has just finished recording her first solo album.  more...

Police alert on burglary

RESIDENTS are being warned to stay alert following a burglary at a house in Evesham Road, Astwood Bank.  more...

Police alert on burglary

RESIDENTS are being warned to stay alert following a burglary at a house in Evesham Road, Astwood Bank.  more...

Honours for local heroes

REDDITCH has honoured its local heroes at a ceremony at the Palace Theatre.  more...

Nursery marks first birthday

WORKERS who were left jobless and devastated when three nurseries were suddenly closed, have been celebrating a year of being back in business.  more...

Laptops stolen from cars

LAPTOPS have been stolen from the boots of vehicles parked in Redditch overnight.  more...

Society stages cookery demo

REDDITCH residents are invited to an Indian cookery demonstration and workshop which will take place at the next meeting of the Redditch Vegetarian & Vegan (RVV) Society tonight.  more...

Charity stalwart retires

THE development manager of a town charity has retired after more than a decade of supporting carers in Redditch.  more...

Holiday snaps appeal

THE Redditch branch of Co-op Travel is inviting customers to share their favourite holiday memories in an effort to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society.  more...

Holiday snaps appeal

THE Redditch branch of Co-op Travel is inviting customers to share their favourite holiday memories in an effort to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society.  more...

Schools

Cup win

PUPILS from Holyoakes Field First School have been presented with a cup for the best kept allotment.  more...

Safety advice on offer at fair

CHILDREN at Webheath First School received a special visitor to their school fair this year in the form of Crabbs Cross Community Support Officer (CSO) Karen Lee.  more...

Action taken on students’ views

AS their school year comes to a close, students at Arrow Vale High School have come out in full force to voice their opinions on community and school concerns.  more...

The Floods

July 2007 Floods

Local fire service relieving pressure on the drainage system at Eckington. Pic by David Hedges.  more...

July 2007 Floods

Local fire service relieving pressure from the drainage system in Eckington. Pic by David Hedges.  more...

July 2007 Floods

Flooding between Powick bridge and Bennetts Island. Pic by Rob Sandel.  more...

Theatre

Boat-based theatre group sails into city

ANARROWBOAT-based theatre company is battling through the bad weather to perform in Worcester.  more...

Boat-based theatre group sails into city

A NARROWBOAT-based theatre company is battling through the bad weather to perform in Worcester.  more...

Win tickets to see the Merchant of Venice

THE Worcester News has a pair of tickets for open-air theatre at Hanbury Hall.  more...

Some spooky goings-on at Huntingdon Hall

SOMETHING spooky is going on in Worcester.  more...

Win tickets for sizzling Hot Mikado at the Swan

Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society's Youth Section (WODYS) brings Hot Mikado to Worcester's Swan Theatre next week.  more...

Win tickets for sizzling Hot Mikado at the Swan

Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society's Youth Section (WODYS) brings Hot Mikado to Worcester's Swan Theatre next week.  more...

Nice to be back in my home town

A WORCESTERSHIRE singer is taking to the stage in her home town.  more...

We're off to see ...

OPEN-air theatre will come to Eastnor Castle on Thursday, August 9, from 6.30pm, with a production of The Wizard of Oz by Heartbreak Productions. Tickets are available now on 01531 633160.  more...

Chubby Brown has the unique power to shock

OUTRAGEOUS comedian Roy Chubby Brown is set to get audiences chuckling with his controversial brand of humour when he comes to the Malvern Theatres.  more...

Upton

A gesture of support

FREE car parking will be available in Malvern Hills District Council car park in Upton to help encourage shoppers back into the town.  more...

A gesture of support

FREE car parking will be available in Malvern Hills District Council car park in Upton to help encourage shoppers back into the town.  more...

Flood barriers stuck in traffic

FLOOD barriers which were meant to protect Upton failed to make it to the town on Friday because of the bad weather.  more...

Anger after police stop supermarket delivery van

THE owner of the Spar supermarket in Upton is angry that a delivery van carrying supplies of meat was stopped from entering the town.  more...

Anger after police stop supermarket delivery van

THE owner of the Spar supermarket in Upton is angry that a delivery van carrying supplies of meat was stopped from entering the town.  more...

Fantastic pub

THE landlord and staff of the Hunters Inn, Longdon, were labelled Good Samaritans' by motorists stranded there on Friday.  more...

Flooding didn't stop festive fun

FLOOD mayhem did not stop the Upton Blues Festival from going ahead.  more...

Villages

West Malvern

IT hardly came as a surprise that the Allotment Association's planned barbecue last Sunday had to be called off at the last minute. The deciding moment was when it was discovered that the specially dug barbecue pit was full of water! However allotmenteers are by nature optimistic (they have to be) and the event was not cancelled but has been postponed in the hope that the rain will finally relent and we shall get some proper summer weather.  more...

Wellington Heath

THE fete on Sunday, July 15, raised just over £290, which after small donations to local groups is split between the church and the village hall. This is a fantastic achievement considering the weather! Well done everyone.  more...

Powick

CONGRATULATIONS to Powick Primary School for their superb end of term musical play Peter Pan staged at Powick Parish Hall.  more...

Pendock

Just a quick note to say thank you to Yvonne at Pendock Village Stores for all her support and hard work in supplying necessary items of food and drinks to the local community during the atrocious weather last week. These village stores are such a necessary part of the local community and it's during tough times that people actually come to realise this.  more...

Longdon

ON Thursday, July 19, Longdon St Mary's said goodbye to Mrs Phoenix of St Mary's School. Lots of parents, pupils and friends came to wish her luck in her future life. Vicky Fowkes made a lovely speech thanking her for the invaluable input she has given to the school.  more...

Leigh

THERE is still time to buy tickets for the Summer Soiree at Leigh Court Tythe Barn tomorrow (Saturday). Just £15 will buy you a sophisticated evening of good company, good food and musical entertainment and you will be well protected from the elements in the magnificent surroundings of the largest tithe barn in the county. The whole thing has been organised in aid of the Leigh Church Heritage Fund, which will benefit greatly from this boost as it edges over the halfway mark towards the £18,000 total.  more...

Colwall

BECAUSE of last weekend's rainfall and flooding, many activities due to be held in the village had to be postponed. Namely the Colwall Players' open afternoon which is hoped to be put on at a later date and the antiques fair which should have been held on Sunday.  more...

Castlemorton

WEATHER permitting, Field Fayre takes place tomorrow (Saturday) at Masons Farm, by kind permission of Mr and Mrs R Best (bottom of Bannut Tree Hill). The proceeds from this fete will be supporting the work of St Gregory's Church. The fun starts at 2pm and parking is now at the parish hall. For enquiries, please ring 01684 833455 or 833339.  more...

Callow End

CONGRATULATIONS to Mrs Perkins, who after 50 years of working as a dinner lady and lunch-time supervisor at Callow End Primary School, finally retired at the end of term last Friday.  more...

Birtsmorton

DESPITE our dreadful wet summer, the Cheese, Wine and Pudding Club will still be an ongoing event next Friday evening at Berrow Vicarage. In the event of a downpour, we are lucky in having Berrow Village Hall so close at hand.  more...

Berrow

A LUCKY dry day and a turnover of about £1,000 made this a successful church fete, with plenty of prizewinners in the grand draw, all of whom are very loyal supporters of all local benefice events.  more...

Alfrick

THE spirit of the Blitz has prevailed at recent events in Alfrick and, as a result, the resiliant residents have triumphed over the recent deluge.  more...

What'S On

GIGS

TONIGHT Mars Bonfire - Marr's Bar, Pierpoint Street, Worcester Manos Puestas Quartet - Worcester Arts Workshop, Sansome Walk, Worcester Come Together - Drummonds, New Street, Worcester Midnight Movers - Bossa Nova, New Street, Worcester Somers Traditional Folk Club - The Albion, Bath Road, Worcester Zer0ise - Bar Academy, Birmingham Elliot Minor - Civic Hall Bar, Wolverhampton Saturday Status Quo - Sixways, Worcester Slowburner - Marr's Bar, Pierpoint Street, Worcester Big Al - Barbourne Ex-Services Club, The Moors, Worcester Cathy - The Virgin Tavern, Tolladine Road, Worcester The Alarm - Carling Academy, Birmingham 28 Costumes - Little Civic, Wolverhampton Sunday Arthur Ebeling - Marr's Bar, Pierpoint Street, Worcester Breach Of The Peace - No 12, Cornmarket, Worcester Stuart Danby - Barbourne Ex-Services Club, The Moors, Worcester HMV/Kerrang! FM Showcase featuring iSPYSTRANGERS - Bar Academy, Birmingham Dementia - Little Civic, Wolverhampton Monday Host - Marr's Bar, Pierpoint Street, Worcester R & B Jones & Friends - The Foley Arms, Worcester Road, Malvern Tuesday Templeton Pek, Seven Heroes, The Hot Melts, Showing Off To Thieves - Bar Academy, Birmingham The Big Thrive Tour Presents Self Against City, The Secret Handshake and Kill The Arcade - Little Civic, Wolverhampton Wednesday Jamming - Marr's Bar, Pierpoint Street, Worcester.  more...

GIGS Guide - July 27 onwards

TONIGHT Mars Bonfire - Marr's Bar, Pierpoint Street, Worcester.  more...

Theatre Guide - July 27 onwards

UNTIL JULY 28 Magic of the Dance With a cast that includes more Irish dance world champions than any other Irish dance production, at Malvern Theatres. Tickets available from box office.  more...

Concerts Guide - July 27 onwards

JULY 27 The Spooky Men's Chorale A fearsome bunch of larrikins with a full range of body and facial hair configurations. Huntingdon Hall. Tickets available from box office.  more...

Exhibition Guide - July 27onwards

UNTIL JULY 28 Not Just History Collections from the past to the present. Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum, Clarence Street, Cheltenham.  more...

EVENTS

ULY 27 Little Steps, Dancing For Fun Dance lessons for pre-school children, every Friday afternoon at Crowle village hall. Limited spaces so booking essential.  more...

EVENTS

JULY 27 Little Steps, Dancing For Fun Dance lessons for pre-school children, every Friday afternoon at Crowle village hall. Limited spaces so booking essential.  more...

Events Guide - July 27 onwards

JULY 27 Little Steps, Dancing For Fun Dance lessons for pre-school children, every Friday afternoon at Crowle village hall. Limited spaces so booking essential.  more...

FREE ENTRIES

If you have an event you would like included in our free What's On listings e-mail Christine Meigh at worcs.inputter@midlands. newsquest.co.uk  more...

What's on

Cinemas Malvern Cinema: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (PG) 3pm & 7.15pm daily.  more...

  
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