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Stories for 22 January 2008
Alcester
Blaze probe issues notice
THE Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigating the deaths of two Alcester firefighters in a warehouse blaze last November has accused Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Authority of not doing its duty to its firefighters. more...
Insects event caused a buzz
ALCESTER Library suffered a special sort of insect infestation on Saturday when children were given the chance to take a closer look at some creepy crawlies. more...
Money to cut speed
WARWICKSHIRE County Council is proposing to spend more than £95,000 to lower speeds on roads around Alcester and enforce the current limits. more...
Past is brought to life in comic
CHILDREN in Bidford-on-Avon are getting the chance to experience the past hands-on with Buried under Bidford, a community outreach project. more...
Business
Theatre treat for printing customers
A GROUP of teachers and business people from Worcestershire and Herefordshire attended a theatre night in Malvern organised by a printing company. more...
Hair and beauty salon goes online
A CUTTING edge hair and beauty salon website has been launched. more...
Security association praises Panorama
THE British Security Industry Association has congratulated the BBC's Panorama programme on last night's investigation which exposed a criminal minority within the security industry but has emphasised professionalism does remain at the heart of the industry. more...
Interviews 'don't show true selves'
NEARLY half of UK employees - 46 per cent - admit the interview process failed to reveal their true selves. more...
Community News
PUMPHOUSE WI
THE December meeting was full of seasonal cheer. After the usual business matters we had a longer social time than usual with Christmassy refreshments, then a quiz. A week later, 15 of us attended a Christmas lunch with all the trimmings at a local hostelry, rounding off 2007 in style. more...
RUSHWICK IN BEDWARDINE WI
PRESIDENT Eileen Williams welcomed fewer members than usual to the first meeting of 2008. Best wishes were to be passed on to those unable to attend due to illness. more...
OMBERSLEY GARDENING CLUB
A VERY successful year ended in November with a table and wine tasting given by Dr David Brownridge, and a Christmas dinner at Holt Fleet in December, which was well attended. more...
LITTLE WITLEY WI
LITTLE Witley WI rounded off a successful 2007 with a traditional Christmas dinner in the Village Hall. more...
LITTLE WITLEY WI
LITTLE Witley WI rounded off a successful 2007 with a traditional Christmas dinner in the Village Hall. more...
LITTLE WITLEY WI
LITTLE Witley WI rounded off a successful 2007 with a traditional Christmas dinner in the Village Hall. more...
LITTLE WITLEY WI
LITTLE Witley WI rounded off a successful 2007 with a traditional Christmas dinner in the Village Hall. more...
POWICK AND CALLOW END ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
AFTER the exhortation and silent tribute, the chairman wished all members a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. A message of greetings was also passed on from our patron Charles Newton and Christine. more...
Down The Lane
City must make the most of their captain
THE situation facing Worcester City over Chris Smith is not one the club has had to deal with in recent seasons. more...
City must make the most of their captain
THE situation facing Worcester City over Chris Smith is not one the club has had to deal with in recent seasons. more...
City must make the most of their captain
THE situation facing Worcester City over Chris Smith is not one the club has had to deal with in recent seasons. more...
Education
How Professor Green led a quiet revolution
A MULTI-MILLION pound new campus, university status, and the UK's fastest growing application rate are just some of the successes of the University of Worcester's vice chancellor Professor David Green. It has been an exciting first five years at the institution for the professor, who is helping to quietly change the face of Worcester both physically and economically. more...
Eufc - Live Match Updates
Kick-off delayed after traffic problems
TRAFFIC problems around Stratford means tonight's league game will be starting late with the Berkhamsted mini-bus having just pulled in at St George's Lane. more...
Goalless at the Lane after late start
THE visitors forced a corner in the opening minute but were then pinned back in their own half as the Robins sought a breakthrough. more...
Scheppel strikes bar as Robins pile on pressure
Danny Scheppel came closest to breaking the deadlock when his 20th minute free-kick clipped the top of the netting. more...
Frustration for Robins in goalless first half
Evesham Utd 0, Berkhamsted Tn 0 Scheppel was again instrumental in creating another chance after 28 minutes. His pass inside the full back was picked up by Lennon who skipped inside his marker but his weak left-footer was saved by Underwood in the Berkhamsted goal. more...
Evesham turn screw but Town hold firm
United started brightly and Gary Hay's pass allowed Daniel Lennon to hare in towards the Town goal but his shot from 20 yards flashed a foot side off a visiting defender. more...
Hay finally breaks stalemate with simple finish
Berkhamsted had their first shot at goal after 55 minutes but Nathan Vaughan easily held Jack Denham's 25-yarder. more...
Shots rain in but second goal evades United
Town keeper Underwood denied Lennon and Owen who also kept out the top scorer's close-range strike after a mix-up in the visiting defence. more...
Lennon wraps up points with second goal
The second goal did arrive eight minutes from time when Daniel Lennon found the corner of the net from 18 yards. more...
Patience pays off as Hay and Lennon net
Evesham Utd 2, Berkhamsted Tn It took the Robins 62 minutes to break down a determined Berkhamsted on a night when patience was the virtue. more...
Flooding - Readers' Pictures
Stourport
Photo by Mark Lawley more...
Stourport
Photo by Mark Lawley more...
Bewdley
Photo by Ben Edginton-White more...
Bewdley
Photo by Ben Edginton-White more...
Bewdley
Photo by Ben Edginton-White more...
Bewdley
Photo by Peter McCarron more...
Bewdley
Traffic tailbacks caused by flooding. Photo by Peter McCarron more...
Bewdley
Photo by Peter McCarron more...
Bewdley
Traffic tailbacks caused by flooding. Photo by Peter McCarron more...
Bewdley
Traffic problems caused by flooding. Photo by Peter McCarron more...
Bewdley
Traffic problems caused by flooding. Photo by Peter McCarron more...
Bewdley
Photo by Peter McCarron more...
Football
Sunday league football results:
Sunday League Football results (January 20): more...
Sunday league football round-up:
Sunday League Football results (January 20) more...
Downpour hits football games
TORRENTIAL rain wiped out the area's football fixtures on Saturday. more...
Bonito make it four on the spin
JOGA Bonito are looking strong in the Droitwich Sunday Leisure League, picking up their fourth straight win with a 2-1 success over Real Madras. more...
Lauren handed Lilleshall place
THE football skills of Droitwich High School student Lauren Whiteman have been recognised, as she has been selected for a development camp organised by the Football Association. more...
General
Couples 'like the Beckhams'
SEVENTY per cent of couples in the UK would compare their relationship to that of Posh and Becks and believe that, like the golden couple, they have been through the mill but are still going strong. more...
Brits 'clueless' over energy guzzling
BRITONS are still clueless when it comes to knowing which home appliances are guzzling energy, even when not fully operating, according to a survey. more...
Brits 'clueless' over energy guzzling
BRITONS are still clueless when it comes to knowing which home appliances are guzzling energy, even when not fully operating, according to a survey. more...
M-way scheme wins award
THE innovative traffic management scheme on the M42, which allows motorists to drive on the hard shoulder during peak periods, has won an award for its contribution to the environment. more...
M-way scheme wins award
THE innovative traffic management scheme on the M42, which allows motorists to drive on the hard shoulder during peak periods, has won an award for its contribution to the environment. more...
Harriers 2 Farsley Celtic 1
Penn the plunderer
Penn watches his header hang in the air before it nestles in the back of the net for a dramatic late winner. more...
Hearts First Wyre Forest 5k
Entries roll in for scamper in forest
MUD, mud, glorious mud, nothing quite like it for cooling the bloodor for beating heart disease. The second Hearts First Wyre Forest 5k in aid of the British Heart Foundation (BHF) is set to smash last year's impressive numbers. more...
In Brief
Course on children
THE Open University course Understanding Children is to run at the REDI Centre. more...
Celebrating Stanley
MUSIC lovers are invited to Cookhill Village Hall on Saturday, January 26 from 7.00-7.30pm for an evening of entertainment. more...
Junior Sports
Rovers dreaming of cup date
BACK-to-back wins have seen Bromsgrove Rovers under-13s move up to sixth in the Midlands Junior Premier League. more...
Kidder News Latest
Bewdley residents warned stay vigilant
ENVIRONMENT Agency officials are warning Bewdley residents to stay vigilant as the town's river levels continue to rise. more...
Bewdley residents warned stay vigilant
ENVIRONMENT Agency officials are urging Bewdley residents to stay vigilant as the town's river levels continue to rise. more...
Bewdley residents warned stay vigilant
BEWDLEY residents are urged to stay vigilant as the town's river levels continue to rise. more...
Young sports stars taking centre stage
THE outstanding achievements of Wyre Forest's top sportsmen and women will be recognised in a special ceremony at Kidderminster's Glades Arena tonight. more...
Big day ideas galore at our show
FUTURE brides and bridegrooms-to-be flocked to Stone Manor Hotel near Kidderminster to plan their big day at this year's bridal exhibition. more...
Ideas galore at our wedding show
FUTURE brides and bridegrooms-to-be flocked to Stone Manor Hotel near Kidderminster to plan their big day at this year's bridal exhibition. more...
Emergency false alarm
FIRE and ambulance crews were called out to a false alarm in Stourport today. more...
Emergency false alarm
FIRE and ambulance crews were called out to a false alarm in Stourport today. more...
Emergency false alarm
FIRE and ambulance crews were called out to a false alarm in Stourport today. more...
Headteacher praises closure-threatened primary
THE headteacher at a closure-threatened primary has spoken of the "tight community" which has developed around the award-winning school. more...
Headteacher praises closure-threatened primary
THE headteacher of a closure-threatened primary has spoken of the "tight community" which has developed around the award-winning school. more...
Headteacher praises closure-threatened primary
THE headteacher of a closure-threatened primary has spoken of the "tight community" which has developed around the award-winning school. more...
Headteacher praises closure-threatened primary
THE headteacher of a closure-threatened primary has spoken of the "tight community" which has developed around the award-winning school. more...
Headteacher praises closure-threatened primary
THE headteacher of a closure-threatened primary has spoken of the "tight community" which has developed around the award-winning school. more...
Headteacher praises closure-threatened primary
THE headteacher of a closure-threatened primary has spoken of the "tight community" which has developed around the award-winning school. more...
Headteacher praises closure-threatened primary
THE headteacher of a closure-threatened primary has spoken of the "tight community" which has developed around the award-winning school. more...
Entries roll in for scamper in forest
MUD, mud, glorious mud, nothing quite like it for cooling the bloodor for beating heart disease. The second Hearts First Wyre Forest 5k in aid of the British Heart Foundation (BHF) is set to smash last year's impressive numbers. more...
Man jailed for sex offences
A 22-year-old Kidderminster man had sex with a 14-year-old schoolgirl and groped another despite a warning from her mother to keep away from youngsters. more...
FLOODING: Readers' photos
AS the flood waters have risen in Bewdley and Stouport, Shuttle/Times & News readers have been submitting their photographs, which show how the towns have been affected. more...
FLOODING: Readers' photos
AS the flood waters have risen in Bewdley and Stouport, Shuttle/Times & News readers have been submitting their photographs, which show how the towns have been affected. more...
Kidderminster College
College urges families to consider vocational learning
Kidderminster College is opening its doors to potential students and their families to discover where a vocational route of further education would take them. With so many options available to post-16 learners the College is encouraging students to think about their future careers and take a more vocational route of study. more...
Latest
Children get in the mood for busking
PUPILS have been celebrating the 15th anniversary of New Zealand's Buskers Festival at a school near Worcester. more...
Share your views in our forums
THE Worcester News has a number of ways you can voice your opinions, but by far the most versatile is in our forums. more...
Latest travel news
Check out the latest travel news before you head off home. more...
Salon launches website
A CUTTING edge hair and beauty salon website has been launched. more...
School to fly furniture to Africa
UNWANTED school desks from Worcestershire are being shipped to children in Africa. more...
Look out – all this rain has left huge holes in the roads
HUGE potholes are appearing in Worcestershire's roads following heavy rain and flooding across the county. more...
First birthday for park café
A CAFE in the grounds of Worcester Woods Country Park has celebrated its first birthday since being taken over. more...
Cinema listings and trailers
YOUR Worcester News has a variety of sections here on the website, offering all manner of information. more...
Officials attacked over outdoor centre inquiry
THE top officials running Worcestershire County Council attempted to "rubbish" the crucial investigation which saved a popular outdoor centre from closure, a leading councillor has said. more...
Have a gun to blow your head off, man told wife
A FATHER who offered his wife a gun so she could "blow her head off" during a supervised visit with his children has been remanded in custody awaiting sentence. more...
Speed limit signs installed to cut accidents
EXTRA speed limit signs will be placed on a notorious section of the A449 near the newly-installed speed cameras at Hawford near Worcester. more...
COMMENT: We must all help out the cricket club
IT IS a cruel irony that Worcestershire County Cricket Club has announced the true cost of last year's summer floods as its New Road ground is again under water. more...
Cricket club's £1m disaster
THE devastating summer floods have cost Worcestershire County Cricket Club more than £1m. more...
Warning to shoppers after purse snatches
SHOPPERS are being warned to stay vigilant after two purse thefts took place in South Worcestershire within the last week. more...
Police warning over FA Cup match
A WARNING has been issued to football fans by Hereford police ahead of this weekend's FA Cup match between Hereford United and Cardiff City. more...
Warning over bogus charity collectors
PEOPLE are being warned not to hand over their money to charity collectors without seeing any ID. more...
Teenager jailed for petty crime spree
A TEENAGER has been sentenced to 10 weeks in prison for a string of petty crimes and failing to comply with previous court orders. more...
The day Wyvern radio dropped in to help us read
Moneeca Rai and Christian Goodall were among the youngsters who helped National Reading Week got off to a flying start at a village school near Worcester. They are pictured with Wyvern Radio DJ Paul Ellery, who dropped in at Grimley and Holt Primary School in Grimley to take part in the event, designed to promote and encourage reading. Headteacher Richard Kieran said: "Wyvern visited the school to read with pupils and throughout the week parents and local people will be coming in to school to act as reading partners. The children will also be able to tape their own stories, have a visit from an author and take part in a treasure hunt." Picture by Simon Rogers. 04284001 more...
School celebrates good Ofsted report
STAFF and pupils at a Pershore school are celebrating after picking up a number of good' grades in their latest Ofsted report. more...
David prepares for Polar challenge
FORMER Worcester man David Vale has been experiencing life in the Arctic before facing the challenge of a lifetime. more...
African pupils benefit from city's old school books
THE former headmistress of one of Worcester's oldest schools has returned from a special trip to Sierra Leone. more...
Police appeal for witnesses to charity shop theft
TWO weeks on and police are still trying to catch callous thieves who ransacked a charity shop in Worcester city centre which helps support county people with life-threatening illnesses. more...
Motorists warned to move their cars
MOTORISTS who have parked in a Worcester car park are being warned to move their vehicles. more...
Reading has never been such fun!
National Reading Week has got off to a flying start at a village school near Worcester. more...
Chance to meet bus bosses
BUS users are to have the chance to meet the people responsible for providing their local bus services. more...
Reading has never been such fun!
National Reading Week has got off to a flying start at a village school near Worcester. more...
Reading has never been such fun!
National Reading Week has got off to a flying start at a village school near Worcester. more...
Young people urged to vote
YOUNG people in Worcestershire are being encouraged to turn out to the polls to elect their representatives on both local and national cabinets. more...
School celebrates sporting triumphs
PUPILS at a village school are celebrating after scooping a number of medals in a swimming contest. more...
Rape case to go to crown court
A WORCESTER man accused of raping and indecently assaulting a boy aged under 16 has appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court. more...
Worcester News weather watch
Keep up to date with the latest flood warnings, weather and travel news with your Worcester News. more...
WN branches out
DID you know that your Worcester News has its own Facebook page now? more...
Police close flooded road
Severn Terrace, off Croft Road, in Worcester, has been closed by police. more...
Imagineering - 100 not out
THE 100th Imagineering Club has been launched at Swan Lane First School by famous inventor Trevor Baylis OBE. more...
Oral history project
DRAMA students at Evesham High School had a unique opportunity to work with a BBC script writer on an oral history of Evesham this week. more...
Girls organise choir contest
EVESHAM High School will give young musicians the chance to shine when it holds its First Schools' Choir competition. more...
Fire service launches campaign
HEREFORD and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service is supporting a government campaign to get more people to test their smoke alarms following worrying survey results from Worcestershire. more...
Purse stolen as woman shopped in Evesham
AN Evesham woman had her purse stolen when she was shopping in the town yesterday. more...
Rescue boat called out
EVESHAM fire crews were called to an incident in Stourport this morning after receiving reports of a woman trapped on the edge of the river water. more...
Latets
The case sends out ‘strong message’ says man who led operation
THE police officer who headed the investigation, Detective Inspector Lee Davenport, said: "The sentences at Worcester Crown Court send out a strong message that offenders of organised crime on this scale will be given significant sentences when convicted of serious offences such as these. more...
Drugs factory gang is brought to justice
CRIMINALS from Redditch connected to a cannabis factory capable of netting almost £1 million a year through drug pushing have been jailed for a total of 27 years. more...
Their crimes, pleas and how they are being punished
Kristoffer Michael Richard BELL (born 12/07/80), Wordswoth Avenue, Headless Cross, Redditch more...
Four stole £6,500 in house raid
FOUR men stole £6,500 from a house in Alvechurch after threatening the occupants with what appeared to be a firearm, as well as a meat cleaver, knife and crowbar. more...
Parents’ horror at playgroup attack
PARENTS of a Wythall toddler attacked by another child at a Birmingham play centre are horrified that no action was taken by staff. more...
Leisure General
Family talents on show
A JOINT exhibition by a brother and sister will be on show at Malvern Library in February. more...
Teenagers sought for samba band
BAIXA Beat, the Malvern samba drummers, are looking for teenagers to join their practise group and take part in the Malvern Mayday event. more...
Strut your stuff on dance floor
IF TV's Strictly Come Dancing has inspired you and you want to get out on the dance floor and strut your stuff a series of new social dance events starting next month could be for you. more...
Letters
Festoon lights issue just can’t be ignored
SIR - Councillor Gaynor Amphlett is quite correct - her election leaflets made no promises. more...
llegal immigrant plan is very funny
SIR - What planet are we living on? more...
I am sickened by whale slaughter
SIR - Yet again the Japanese are out killing whales in their hundreds. more...
The bells were not completely silent
SIR - Mayor Stephen Inman is probably quite correct in saying the bells of old St Nicholas Church had not been rung since before the war (Mayor's Diary, January 15). As I remember it, the circumstances here were that a structural defect in the tower itself made it unsafe for the bells to ring. more...
Will mouse buyers get free wellies?
SIR - On my way to work, cycling along Pope Iron Road, I noticed a placard on a derelict site announcing: "New homes coming soon". This development, approximately 75 yards from the river, flooded in July. It has presumably passed the planning stage, so are the builders raising the homes on stilts, or are they going to provide each household with free wellies, sandbags and a complimentary boat? more...
Praise for doctor and pharmacist
WE Brits cherish our right to criticise the powers-that-be when things don't always run right for us and perhaps the NHS, unjustly, gets most of the stick. more...
PAUSE FOR THOUGHT
CHRISTMAS has only just past and yet we already see Easter eggs appearing in the shops. In fact some were on the shelves before Christmas Day. more...
Grotto thanks
I WOULD like to thank the people of Bewdley for their generous spirit. more...
Re-programme lights
Instead of messing about with the filter lanes, would it not have been easier and far less costly to simply alter the programming of the traffic lights and do away with the filter lanes completely? more...
Delighted with junction work
I live near the bottom of Bewdley Hill and the work that they have done there at the junction/traffic lights is pretty good - no more traffic jams outside my house The traffic seems to be flowing up and down Bewdley Hill with no trouble at all until sometimes they approach Tesco petrol station. As for the other side (Bewdley Road), I can't see any problems there. more...
Junction work still in progress
THE improvement works at the Bewdley Hill junction in Kidderminster were to resolve an injury-accident problem involving right-turning vehicles. It was also to improve the traffic flow and provide better pedestrian crossing facilities. more...
Dog-fouling clampdown promise
READERS may recall a letter from me in this newspaper some months ago regarding dog fouling in public places. Sadly the problem does not appear to have improved. more...
Stores letting down parents
WHY is it that the supermarkets of Kidderminster provide a designated parking area for parents with small children when there is absolutely no policing of their use? more...
Timetable at bus stop out of date
IT would be good if the bus timetable in Load Street, Bewdley, could be updated. more...
VIP scheme loss would be big blow
I READ with dismay the possible closure of the Preschool Learning Alliance VIP Scheme due to loss of Lottery funding. more...
Closure consequences
MY husband and I are grandparents of children attending Brockhampton Primary and have lived just outside Bromyard for 31 years, 11 of which running a local B&B bringing trade to the town. We have watched Bromyard's economic ups and downs during this time. more...
Plastic bag campaign
ON Saturday, December 8 we held a successful promotional stall to launch the campaign to rid Malvern of the plastic bag, the world's most ubiquitous single-use item. Judging from the number of people who stopped to chat and sign our petition, there is significant local support and many are now making a conscious effort to take their own bags to the shops. Unless the Government introduces legislation to ban them, we know that retailers will continue to provide plastic bags so long as we continue to accept them - it is up to each and every one of us to remember to use our own bags when shopping. This will quickly become a habit and the more of us who do it, the stronger the message to retailers that they will not lose custom if they stop providing free bags for their customers. more...
Further Station Yard coment
I AND many of the people living in the Fruitlands area have been open and honest in our opposition to the proposed development of this site. The writer of the letter A Different View on Old Station Yard, which appeared on the Malvern Gazette website however, by failing to declare that she is resident and part owner of an area of the site on which it is proposed to build, is not so open. The application includes the building of a block of nine three-storey buildings on the area in question which is the garden of a property adjoining the Old Station Yard, which incidentally is outside the residential boundary and is NOT part of the site allocated for development in the adopted Local Plan. I wonder, if it goes ahead, whether she will stay in that house or leave for pastures new leaving others to suffer the consequences of this totally inappropriate overdevelopment? more...
School closure dismay
I HAVE two young grandchildren at Eastnor School and I'm appalled at the proposal to close it and at the suggestion that the children should have to travel to Bosbury. Do the members of Herefordshire Council realise that they are not only juggling with money and statistics but with the lives of young and impressionable children whose whole outlook on education could be shattered at such a young and vulnerable age? more...
Excellent local service
I am very sorry to see Mycycles of Malvern closing down. more...
College closure
AS a resident of Bromyard I am appalled at the proposal to close the Queen Elizabeth Humanities College. more...
Letter from Westminster
ON Friday I met with Trade Justice campaigners to have an update on their work and a conversation about what more needs to be done to end poverty globally. more...
Live Match Coverage
Harriers v Weymouth
HARRIERS aim to progress into round three of the FA Carlsberg Trophy when they take on Weymouth at Aggborough tonight. For team line-ups and live match updates stay tuned. more...
Harriers v Weymouth
Team line-ups. more...
Harriers v Weymouth
Team line-ups. more...
GOAL! Harriers 0 Weymouth 1
First ten minutes. Goal - Malcom - six minutes. more...
Harriers 0 Weymouth 1
11 to 20 mins more...
Harriers 0 Weymouth 1
21 to 30 more...
HALF-TIME: Harriers 0 Weymouth 1
Michael Blackwood forces a corner and McGrath swings a ball in that Mark Creighton heads wide. It falls to Christie on the right and he beats Kitamarike only to see his cross blocked by Trevor Challis. more...
GOAL! Harriers 1 Weymouth 1
Goal - Kenna - 49mins. more...
Harriers 1 Weymouth 1
51 to 60 minutes. more...
GOAL! Harriers 1 Weymouth 2
Goal - Malcolm - 64min. more...
GOAL! Harriers 2 Weymouth 2
Goal - Constable - 71mins. more...
Harriers 2 Weymouth 2
71 t0 80mins. more...
FULL-TIME: Harriers 2 Weymouth 2
Game going extra-time. more...
Harriers 2 Weymouth 2
First half of extra-time. more...
Harriers 2 Weymouth 2
Extra-time second half. Going to penalties. more...
Local News
UK Young Dancers to shine again at Dance Competition at The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome
Royal Academy of Dance flagship national competition Midlands & East England Heat to take place at The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), in association with the Rudolf Nureyev Foundation and the Rudolf Nureyev Dance Foundation, presents the 2008 Fonteyn Nureyev Young Dancers Competition at The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham on 2 & 3 February 2008. more...
UK Young Dancers to shine again at Dance Competition at The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome
Royal Academy of Dance flagship national competition Midlands & East England Heat to take place at The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), in association with the Rudolf Nureyev Foundation and the Rudolf Nureyev Dance Foundation, presents the 2008 Fonteyn Nureyev Young Dancers Competition at The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham on 2 & 3 February 2008. more...
UK Young Dancers to shine again at Dance Competition, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome
Royal Academy of Dance flagship national competition Midlands & East England Heat to take place at The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), in association with the Rudolf Nureyev Foundation and the Rudolf Nureyev Dance Foundation, presents the 2008 Fonteyn Nureyev Young Dancers Competition at The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham on 2 & 3 February 2008. more...
Local Views
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Music
Soloist opens concert season
ORGANIST and international soloist, Thomas Trotter, will open the 2008 concert programme at Kidderminster's St George's Church. more...
Rare chance to hear oratorio
BACH'S Christmas Oratorio is being performed at Hereford Cathedral on Saturday, January 26, at 7pm. more...
Cello and piano join forces
CELEBRATED cellist Adrian Brendel and talented pianist Tim Horton will give Malvern Concert Club's first concert of 2008 at the Forum Theatre in Malvern on January 31. more...
News
City chairman denies new Smith bid claim
WORCESTER City chairman Dave Boddy insists that they have not received a fresh bid for skipper Chris Smith from Blue Square North rivals AFC Telford United. more...
Telford step up Smith offer
AFC TELFORD United are prepared to make Worcester City skipper Chris Smith their club record signing in a bid to take him to the New Bucks Head. more...
Harriers v Weymouth preview
HARRIERS will be hoping to finish the job they started two weeks ago when they take on Weymouth in tonight's FA Trophy replay at Aggborough. more...
Reader'S Pictures
No-go
A public footpath towards Birlingham, by reader Peter Bryenton. more...
Close to bursting point
Towards Eckington Bridge from Birlingham, by reader Peter Bryenton. more...
Low sun
bredon Hill from Birlingham, by reader Peter Bryenton. more...
Winter sun
Bredon Hill from Birlingham, by reader Peter Bryenton. more...
Sheer power
Elan Valley Dams in Wales, by reader Andrew Sparrey. more...
Slow migration
Swans take advantage of the swollen Severn, by reader Amanda Birbeck. more...
Round-Up
Evesham give respect to Town
BERKHAMSTED Town may be rock-bottom of the British Gas Business Division One Midlands table but title-chasing Evesham United are going to treat them as if they were heading the pack. more...
Harriers try again in Trophy contest
MARK Yates is hoping Kidderminster Harriers' impressive form will continue when they look to reach the third round of the FA Trophy tonight (7.45). more...
Andrews signs up for new-look Jentin team
EVESHAM'S Simon Andrews has retained his place in the Jentin Racing team for the forthcoming 2008 British Superbike season. more...
Anchor pull off shock cup win
FOURTH Division Anchor Fladbury upset Third Division Ashton Under Hill to reach the last four of the Evesham Sunday League's Bluck Cup. more...
First win on road for town players
BROMSGROVE bagged their first away win of the season, winning 17-12 at Whitchurch in Midlands Two West. more...
Worcester League result focus
THE latest results and tables from the Worcester Friendly League Wednesday Divisions. more...
St John’s ‘B’ earn success
ONLY one of the latest round of William Hill Worcester Billiards League fixtures produced a positive result. more...
Pershore increase lead at the top
SEC Solutions Worcester Snooker League Division One leaders Pershore B' moved further ahead of the chasing pack with a 4-1 win over Suzy Q A'. more...
County contingent hope to be stylish
A STRONG contingent of county riders will be challenging at the second 2008 "JAS" (Jumping and Style) Championship qualifiers at the new state-of-the-art Hartpury College arena near Gloucester. more...
Clash sold out
HEREFORD United's FA Cup fourth round clash with Cardiff City at Edgar Street on Sunday is a sell-out. more...
It’s just the ticket
DUDLEY'S coaches are becoming a driving force in the Advertiser/Messenger's campaign to save a vital support group for children with special needs. more...
Impaled on fence
A 23-YEAR-OLD man was taken to hospital after becoming impaled on a metal fence near Bromsgrove. The incident happened just before 5am last Sunday in Ormond Road, Frankley. An ambulance and an ambulance officer went to the scene. On arrival, the crew found a man who had become impaled through his leg by a metal railing fence. more...
Pantomime
Longbridge Methodist Church, in Bristol Road South, is staging its annual pantomime for charity. Robinson Crusoe will raise money for Sense, a deaf and blind charity, and for church funds. The production will be held at 7.30pm on February 13, 14, and 15, and at 6pm on February 16. Tickets are priced at £5 adults, £4 concessions. For further information, or for tickets, please contact the church on 0121 453 7294 or Jacqueline on 07915618557. more...
Very arty
MEMBERS of the Lickey Hills Art Society will hold their first meeting of the year on Saturday, February 2, when Eric Watson will be doing a demonstration on the theme of animals and wildlife in pastel. The meeting will be held at Longbridge Methodist Church at 7.30pm. For more details please contact Graham Wilson on 0121 453 7097. more...
Head slams tables
THE headteacher of a Bromsgrove school has described the government's GCSE results tables as "utter madness" after his school ranked as the lowest in the town. more...
Team up one place
WITH one fixture left in the Birmingham Invitation Cross County League, Bromsgrove and Redditch Athletics Club's A' and B' teams are in fourth spot after a good outing at Wyken Croft in Coventry on Saturday. more...
Trio of teams are into finals
THREE hockey teams from Bromsgrove School will compete in the National Indoor Hockey Finals this weekend. more...
Sides play out derby thriller
LOCAL rivals Droitwich Print and Droitwich Sharks shared a thrilling 5-5 draw in Division One of the Bromsgrove and Redditch Table Tennis League. more...
Rider unfazed by course
MARK Leyland revelled in the tough conditions as he raced to second place in the final round of the North West Cyclo Cross League. more...
Rider unfazed by course
MARK Leyland revelled in the tough conditions as he raced to second place in the final round of the North West Cyclo Cross League. more...
Bogus caller alert
DROITWICH police have issued a fresh warning to residents not to hand over money to charity collectors without ID. more...
Singers set to bring the house down
YOUNGSTERS from a Droitwich school have been warming up their vocal chords in preparation for their star performance at a charity concert. more...
Jazz time
MUSIC-loving youngsters can attend a jazz and blues workshop in the town on Saturday, January 26. The event, being organised by For Droitwich Spa, will be held at Witton Middle School, Old Coach Road, from 1- 4pm. It will feature the talents of town bass player Tom Hill. For tickets call John Dudley on 01905 776691. more...
Rumble in the jumble
A JUMBLE sale in aid of St Richard's Hospice will be held at Wychbold's Royal British Legion on Saturday, February 2. Admission to the sale, which starts at 2pm, is free and all are welcome. more...
Ario says ‘vote for me’
A Spa schoolboy is hoping to be the voice for youngsters right across Worcestershire. more...
Anger over barge delay
THE people behind Droitwich Spa's canals restoration have reassured residents that the town's Wych Barge project will soon be shipshape. more...
Investing in their staff
STAFF at a Spa care home are celebrating after the company which runs the site gained a prestigious award. more...
It’s all down to wine, women and song says 104-year-old
THE memories came flooding back when family and friends gathered to help John Davidson celebrate his 104th birthday. more...
Crib league round-up
Evesham and District League Week 11 results - Division One: Coach & Horses 4 (0), Norton Grange 5 (3); Talbot Inn C 8 (3), Hospital Club C 1 (0); Hampton WMC 8 (1), Wheatsheaf Inn 1 (2); Swan Inn 4 (1), Bretforton RBL 5 (2); The Bear A 4 (2), Angel Vaults B 5 (1). Division Two: Ambassador Club 3 (0), Fairfield Inn 6 (3); Ivy Inn 6 (2), Talbot Inn B 3 (1); Hospital Club A 6 (0), Talbot Inn A 3 (3); Badsey RBL 4 (1), Angel Vaults A 5 (2); Bidford RBL 3 (2), Offenham RBL 6 (1). more...
Carp catch cheers Chris at Manor Farm
Mosella Manor Farm Leisure EIGHTEEN fished the Sunday Open on Boundary Pool with Chris Cameron, the Mosella hotrod, coming out a commanding winner with 62-14 of carp fished on pole and pellet. more...
Chance for senior golfers to shine
FOR the past ten years senior golfers (50 +) in the UK have had the opportunity to play in the Seniors Pairs Championship, a national pairs matchplay tournament. more...
Wheelers turn up in full force
AN ALMOST unprecedented 38 Evesham Wheelers left High Street for the run out to Wellesbourne on Sunday. Splitting into manageable sized peletons, they made their way out via Badsey, The Littletons, Pebworth, Welford and Luddington. more...
Hosts lose out after pitch switch
EVESHAM Under 7 and 8s played at Simon-De-Montfort Middle School last Sunday due to flooding at the Spo-rts Club. more...
Dumbleton start with an easy win
ONLY one of the two scheduled matches took place on the opening night of the 2008 Worcestershire Cricket Board Indoor League at Prince henry's Sports Hall. more...
Cole goal earns vital maximum
City of Bath 0, Bretforton 1 BRETFORTON overcame a determined City of Bath on Saturday to keep them at the top of the table. more...
Cricket Club is fighting back after floods
EVESHAM Cricket Club, in support of Evesham Sports Club and teaming up with the Rugby and Bowling sections, is fighting back after the disastrous floods of July last year. more...
Hay and Lennon net as patience pays off
Evesham Utd 2, Berkhamsted Tn It took the Robins 62 minutes to break down a determined Berkhamsted on a night when patience was the virtue. more...
Sign up now for pancake race
THE Malvern Charity Pancake Race has attracted entries from 15 different teams and people are being reminded that the cut-off date for joining is fast approaching. more...
Today's events
Tuesday Tai Chi New class with Altair at Northleigh School, St Peter's Road, Malvern. 7.30pm. Details: www.altairedstates.co.uk or ring 01684 562528. more...
Schools fiasco will happen again - claim
Statement from Cllrs Gerald Dawe and Marcelle Lloyd-Hayes, Herefordshire Alliance for Accountability and Democracy. more...
Pencombe rejects school closure
Report of a public meeting at Pencombe. more...
New appeal on missing woman's birthday
THE brother of missing Redmarley woman Kate Prout issued a new appeal for help today (Tuesday) to mark her 56th birthday. more...
Royal occasion for Nick
A PROMISING engineering cadet from Malvern took part in a royal reception at the launch of a new cruise liner. more...
Butchers' showdown at showground
DO the best sausages come from Shropshire? Are butchers in Birmingham renowned for their bacon? Perhaps Hereford is home to some of the tastiest hot pies, or is all meat better from Malvern?. more...
Pub collects poppy trophy
A POWICK pub pulled out all the stops to ensure victory in a friendly poppy selling competition. more...
Detector system sold to US
SOPHISTICATED security cameras developed by Malvern's QinetiQ are to be used to protect travellers in America from terrorist attacks. more...
Honours for Legion veterans
TWO Royal British Legion members from Malvern were honoured when the county branch held its annual conference at County Hall, Worcester. more...
Alcohol ban in force for village
ANOTHER area of Bromsgrove district has been designated an alcohol free zone as the district council continues its battle against antisocial behaviour. more...
Craft club for children
KIDS will be given the opportunity to get crafty at Arrow Valley Countryside Centre as a new craft club is launched. more...
Jobs in the balance as firm moves out of area
NEARLY 400 workers at a Wythall business have been told their site is being shut and their jobs moved to India and other parts of the UK. more...
Leak causes traffic chaos
THERE has been traffic chaos in Studley for more than two weeks due to a hole in the road. more...
Would-be flasher incidents
TWO suspicious incidents took place in Redditch involving a man who was believed to be about to pull his trousers down. more...
Concerts for all tastes
STUDLEY Village Hall will be hosting an evening of popular music to suit all tastes starring versatile vocal entertainer Maggie O'Hara on Friday, February 8 from 7.30pm. more...
Members sought
FOLLOWING the death of the Redditch standards committee chair, Syd Anderson, at the end of last year, and in anticipation of changes to the standards framework, the council is now looking for three new independent members, one of who will also become the new committee chair. more...
Roots group set to launch youth club
CARIBBEAN Roots Connection (CRC), an African Caribbean group in Redditch, is launching a youth club for children and young people aged five-25. more...
Take a tour of theatre
TO celebrate National Storytelling week, Redditch residents are invited to take a tour of the Palace Theatre and discover the town's heritage. more...
Use your vote
YOUNG people are being urged to use their vote in elections for Worcestershire Youth Cabinet and UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) before February 1. more...
Woman jailed for fraud will give birth in prison
A WOMAN who stole more than £45,000 from her employers in less than 18 months will give birth to her first child behind bars after top judges refused to reduce her prison sentence. more...
Wait on waste over for council tenant
A MAN who has waited nearly three months for Redditch Council to remove waste and rubbish from outside his flat can finally sleep easy at night. more...
Roundup
Harriers v Weymouth preview
HARRIERS will be hoping to finish the job they started two weeks ago when they take on Weymouth in tonight's FA Trophy replay at Aggborough. more...
Harriers v Weymouth preview
HARRIERS will be hoping to finish the job they started two weeks ago when they take on Weymouth in tonight's FA Trophy replay at Aggborough. more...
Schools
Schools set to join PC project
TRINITY High School and Woodfield Middle School are to take part in a pilot project after the Government announced it wants every child in the UK, including those from deprived backgrounds, to have access to a PC at home to aid their education. more...
Young cricketer in captaincy honour
A ST Augustine's pupil has hit a six after being appointed at the first ever captain of the newly formed Bromsgrove Cricket Academy. more...
Eco friendly pupils are energy savers
PUPILS from Tardebigge C E First School have been focusing on the wider world in a bid to be more eco friendly. more...
Top marks!
MEADOW Green Primary School staff and pupils are celebrating an excellent start to 2008 after publication of the school league tables. more...
Art with a community message
PUPILS at Matchborough schools are being given the chance to produce some amazing art after a new competition was launched. more...
Schools News
Books swapped for boots as children head for forest
A WELLY' good time is being had by pupils at Cherry Orchard First School, Pershore, as part of its bid to gain Forest School status.Youngsters, including Chloe Guscot and Kayleigh Hill, front, don their wellies every Wednesday to spend time in the countryside and have planted 100 trees. Picture: John Anyon. 03279302 more...
Help us crack down on hatecrime,say lawyers
VOLUNTEERS are needed to help the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) deal with cases of hate crime. more...
Rugby Star Shares Skills with pupils
THE PE department at Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College in Worcester welcomed Worcester Warriors rugby star Shane Drahm to help pupils in their lessons. He was in college with rugby development officer Simon Lane to coach rugby skills to Year 7 pupils. Area leader Paul Coward said: "This was a great experience for our pupils and they are privileged to be able to benefit from Shane's rugby skills and experience. We are very pleased to welcome such a high-profile sports person to the college and he sets a fine example to our pupils as a player and role model." more...
Visitors get chance to see display
ECO-friendly art work by Worcester school children has gone on display at the Pump House Environment Centre. more...
Teacher hopes his tune is a winner
A MUSIC teacher from Pershore has devised a composition for the National Youth Brass Band Championships. more...
School helps orphans build a brighter future
UNWANTED school desks from Worcestershire are being shipped to children in Africa. more...
Society
Astley
WI - Members were updated on forthcoming events. These include a dinner at the Three Counties Showground in May to celebrate Worcestershire Federation's 90th birthday, an Art Dabble Day on March 5 and the annual council meeting on March 27 where one of the speakers will be Babs Powell. The Science Club programme has been published and the annual outing to the pantomime at Malvern took place on January 4. Members of the county choir were thanked for their participation in the carol concert. more...
Sports Personality 2007
Wyre Forest Swimming Club
A BRILLIANT series of gala wins and promotion saw Wyre Forest Swimming Club win the junior team of the year award. The club's juniors won nine out of 10 galas and promotion to the Nuneaton League Division One after victory in the final. The swimmers also reached the final of the Ross Junior League, where they were narrowly edged out. Chairman Peter Barnett believes the club's unprecedented success was down to a new training programme, which has got the best out of its 180-strong junior section. "The new training techniques we've introduced have made a big difference and have meant a brilliant year for the club. "It means a lot to have the achievements of our dedicated group recognised." Members keep themselves in the swim by training at Stourport Sports Centre and Holy Trinity School between two and six times a week. more...
David Yardley
THE dedication of Chaddesley Corbett Sports Club treasurer David Yardley has been recognised as he will receive the award for his outstanding contribution to sport. The Kidderminster resident has been a key figure at the club, which was formed in 1979, and is in his second spell as treasurer. During his time with the organisation, which incorporates, football, cricket, hockey and rugby teams, he has held almost every important position and continues to be the heartbeat of the Fox Lane outfit. He has organised fund-raising events, co-ordinated the building of an extension of the clubhouse bar, and has always been available to steady the ship in difficult times. The 63-year-old, who is a manager at Kidderminster carpet firm Brintons, has been involved with the football and cricket clubs for over 50 years and has watched the young rugby club's junior section flourish. "When I heard I had been nominated and won the award it came as a total surprise to me," said Mr Yardley. "It's nice to know that people appreciate the time and effort that a person has put in. "I have watched the club come on leaps and bounds over the decades and the junior sections of all departments have really caught on." more...
Wribbenhall School
AN eight-strong group of rowers from Wribbenhall Middle School made a splash on an indoor rowing machine to win the school sports award. The group of Year 7 pupils, who are now at Bewdley High School after Wribbenhall was closed down as part of the district's restructuring last year, won the Concept 2 National Schools Indoor Championships. The students trained for 10 weeks with Bewdley Rowing Club's Sarah Hough to get them in shape for the six-month competition and gave up their own time to compete in a series of testing time trials. Former Wribbenhall sports co-ordinator Joseph Lindley said: "The boys worked very hard to win this event. Every now and again another team would overtake us but that just motivated us more to win. The lads were determined and dedicated and it's great to see them get recognition." Rowing places: The Year 7 indoor rowing team from Wribbenhall Middle School: Back row (left to right): Jack Chase, Chris Beddall, Richard Jones. more...
Wribbenhall School
AN eight-strong group of rowers from Wribbenhall Middle School made a splash on an indoor rowing machine to win the school sports award. The group of Year 7 pupils, who are now at Bewdley High School after Wribbenhall was closed down as part of the district's restructuring last year, won the Concept 2 National Schools Indoor Championships. The students trained for 10 weeks with Bewdley Rowing Club's Sarah Hough to get them in shape for the six-month competition and gave up their own time to compete in a series of testing time trials. Former Wribbenhall sports co-ordinator Joseph Lindley said: "The boys worked very hard to win this event. Every now and again another team would overtake us but that just motivated us more to win. The lads were determined and dedicated and it's great to see them get recognition." Rowing places: The Year 7 indoor rowing team from Wribbenhall Middle School: Back row (left to right): Jack Chase, Chris Beddall, Richard Jones. Middle row: Mathew Leedham, Josh Sidnell, James Howard Jones, Josh Harwood. Front row: Jim Tildesley and Dexter Lawley. more...
Peter Lloyd
ROWING coach Peter Lloyd has watched the effect of his work with children ripple outwards to earn the volunteer-of-the-year award. The 60-year-old Stourport Boat Club coach guides students from the age of 11. He teaches basic skills to newcomers to the sport, and instills in them a passion for rowing that continues to burn brightly throughout their lives. more...
Peter Lloyd
ROWING coach Peter Lloyd has watched the effect of his work with children ripple outwards to earn the volunteer-of-the-year award. The 60-year-old Stourport Boat Club coach guides students from the age of 11. He teaches basic skills to newcomers to the sport, and instills in them a passion for rowing that continues to burn brightly throughout their lives. more...
Peter Lloyd
ROWING coach Peter Lloyd has watched the effect of his work with children ripple outwards to earn the volunteer-of-the-year award. The 60-year-old Stourport Boat Club coach guides students from the age of 11. He teaches basic skills to newcomers to the sport, and instills in them a passion for rowing that continues to burn brightly throughout their lives. He is currently working with 20 students from Stourport High School and coaches four nights a week on the River Severn in order to give them the platform to develop their skills. After retiring from competitive rowing in the 1970s, the Stourport resident coached 18-year-olds, before taking on the juniors seven years ago. He gives those new to the sport a good grounding in safety and attends competitions to support them. "I coach because I love working with children and get a great feeling of satisfaction from their progression," said Mr Lloyd. "Many of the juniors I have worked with go onto university and join clubs around the country, which promotes the club's reputation." more...
Sophie Lane
WORCESTERSHIRE Special Olympian Sophie Lane's impressive performance at the World Summer Games was enough to see her win the disabled sports personality award for 2007. The 14-year-old Baxter College student won a silver overall in the gymnastics section of the tournament while representing Great Britain. Lane, who has autism, also excelled when she won gold in the beam section, secured silver with an impressive floor show and sealed bronze in the vault category. She also won three medals at the National Athletics Championships in September. Mum Kate Lane said: "Sophie had been building up to the Summer Games and it was great to see it all come together for her. She had a really good 2007 and it's wonderful to see her efforts recognised." more...
Wyre Forest Gymnastic School
WYRE Forest Gymnastic School has continued to strengthen links with district schools in 2007 and has earned the community sports award. During the last 12 months, coaches Susan Perks, Louise Hodges and Lindsay Parsons have worked hard at schools in the area to introduce the sport to hundreds of girls who otherwise would not have had a chance to take part. The club, based at Baxter College in Kidderminster, has over 350 members and is always eager to welcome more young gymnasts into the fold. School founder Ann Combes said: "This award recognises the hard work of the coaches, who have spread the word about gymnastics far and wide to children." more...
Samurai Judo Club
CONTINUED success in 2007 means Samurai Judo Club defeated the opposition to win the sports club of the year award again. Samurai, which boasts 140 members, has seen rising stars such as Kate Walker, Kelly Edwards, Sarah Biles and many more win medals at home and abroad in the last 12 months. Walker and Edwards, who was voted Shuttle Online's 2007 Sports Personality, sealed a brilliant year at the British Senior and Junior Trials by winning two gold medals each. Fighters ensured the club's national standing by winning medals at the Heart of England and British Junior National Championships. Members from Samurai also helped Worcestershire dominate the BJC Inter-County competition, securing a brace of gold and silver. more...
Samurai Judo Club
CONTINUED success in 2007 means Samurai Judo Club defeated the opposition to win the sports club of the year award again. Samurai, which boasts 140 members, has seen rising stars such as Kate Walker, Kelly Edwards, Sarah Biles and many more win medals at home and abroad in the last 12 months. Walker and Edwards, who was voted Shuttle Online's 2007 Sports Personality, sealed a brilliant year at the British Senior and Junior Trials by winning two gold medals each. Fighters ensured the club's national standing by winning medals at the Heart of England and British Junior National Championships. Members from Samurai also helped Worcestershire dominate the BJC Inter-County competition, securing a brace of gold and silver. The club's junior section is also blooming, with members-turned-coaches, Alison Lane, Stuart Lane, Rachael Griffiths and Andy Marston ensuring youngsters are looked after as they progress through their age-groups. Founder Andrew Haffner said: "I think 2007 has been a continuation of our success. The club is building every year and our fighters seem to get stronger as the years go by." more...
Nick Lewis
NICK Lewis is such a safe pair of hands with promising hockey goalkeepers that he has been named coach of the year. The Stourport Hockey Club official, 49, has been an integral part of the Midlands coaching set-up and has helped advise and guide many up-and-coming keepers. At international level Lewis selected keepers for the Great Britain girls' under-21 squad, which won the Youth Olympics gold in Australia. He has advised and guided the regional girls' side at under-15 and 17 levels and was involved with England under-18s. Lewis was assistant coach for the Midlands under-15s team, which won gold at the regional tournament four years in a row. During his time with the team Lewis has coached players who have gone on to represent Wales, England and Scotland. He has gone from strength-to-strength since setting up a county goalkeeping academy in 2005 and is currently working with 20 promising hopefuls aged between 10 and 14. Lewis is also working with keepers from Scotland under-21s, and Wales under-18s and under-16s squads. Currently he coaches at Stourport and is inspired by the club's legendary shot-stopper Tony Talbot. more...
Amy Radford
STOURPORT Fencing Club member Amy Radford has been making her point as one of the youngest up-and-coming stars in 2007, and is junior sportswoman of the year. The 13-year-old is the youngest fencer in the British rankings after a brilliant last 12 months secured 23rd place. The Hagley High School pupil, coached for three years by Nick Chapman, started last year by winning the Leon Paul under-13s foil and epee series and then made a seamless transition up the age-groups in no time at all. Radford came second in the under-17s British Champions Epee competition and such was her maturity and skills she began to compete in the senior section against the country's best competitors. She earned important ranking points by finishing third in the Shropshire Open and second in the Leicester Open. She then finished eighth out of a very strong field of 114 competitors at the Welsh Open. Her success, hard work and determination has also seen Radford selected for the national cadet potential programme. The young fencer also competes up and down the country three times a month. "I am the underdog when I am up against more experienced opponents, but this gives me the advantage," said Amy. "Last year was my best yet and it feels good to get some recognition." more...
Emily Powell
TSUNAMI Karate Club's Emily Powell is senior sportswoman for 2007 after winning three medals at the Kimura Shukokai European Championships. The 19-year-old from Bewdley beat all-comers in Sweden to clinch the medals, winning the 18-20 individual kata, team fighting and team kata categories. Powell, who is studying at the University of Worcester, trains four times a week with her club and once a month with the Great Britain squad and also regularly attends courses up and down the country. Her hope is to represent her country at the London 2012 Olympics, if the IOC name karate as an Olympic sport. Mother Diane Powell said: "It's great to see Emily's efforts recognised. There are so many martial arts clubs vying for recognition but she has had a truly outstanding year." more...
Tom Walker
RISING star Tom Walker has come on leaps and bounds to be named junior sportsman of 2007. The Samurai Judo Club fighter, 16, got the better of more experienced opponents, despite his age, to become one of Britain's best fighters. He demonstrated his potential when he earned his first dan blackbelt at the age of 15, defeating three adult men in the process. The fighter has made impressive progress and won a bronze medal at the British Junior National Championships and qualified for a place in the national team's cadet squad. He also clinched golds at Samurai's high grades open, Worcestershire Inter-Counties tournament and at the Ingelmunster International Open in Belgium. In Europe, Walker won every contest to secure a bronze at the Portuguese National Team Championships. A committed trainer with unshakeable self-belief, he has worked hard on his skills and power over the last 12 months. more...
Grant Jones
IMPRESSIVE performances abroad and at home means Samurai Judo Club's Grant Jones has floored allcomers to be named Wyre Forest's senior sportsman of the year. The 18-year-old fighter won a host of medals in 2007 and topped off a brilliant year by winning a place in the British Cadet Squad. more...
Grant Jones
IMPRESSIVE performances abroad and at home means Samurai Judo Club's Grant Jones has floored allcomers to be named Wyre Forest's senior sportsman of the year. The 18-year-old fighter won a host of medals in 2007 and topped off a brilliant year by winning a place in the British Cadet Squad. more...
Grant Jones
IMPRESSIVE performances abroad and at home means Samurai Judo Club's Grant Jones has floored allcomers to be named Wyre Forest's senior sportsman of the year. The 18-year-old fighter won a host of medals in 2007 and topped off a brilliant year by winning a place in the British Cadet Squad. more...
Grant Jones
IMPRESSIVE performances abroad and at home means Samurai Judo Club's Grant Jones has floored allcomers to be named Wyre Forest's senior sportsman of the year. The 18-year-old fighter won a host of medals in 2007 and topped off a brilliant year by winning a place in the British Cadet Squad. His greatest achievement in the year was to win a silver medal at the British Junior National Championships, where he produced a series of impressive wins to make the final. Last year proved to be the one where Jones, who has been with Samurai for eight years, made his breakthrough to a higher level. He also won two gold medals at the Sasakawa Open and silver at the Welsh Open. In Europe he more than matched some tough opposition to finish fifth at the Ingelmunster International Open in Belgium and seventh at the Venray tournament in Holland. Jones trains twice a week and is highly regarded because of his thoughtful approach to his clubmates. more...
Theatre
Literary sisters brought to life
THE tragic and talented Bronte sisters are the subject of an imaginative play being performed next month by Perfect Circle, the Malvern-based theatre group. more...
Youngsters invited to theatre party
COME to the party! is an invitation to youngsters from the Mad Hatter and Malvern Theatres. more...
Teenagers produce Shakespeare plays
TEENAGERS at the Courtyard Youth Theatre in Hereford are preparing their very own productions of two Shakespeare plays as part of the 2008 national Shakespeare Youth Festival. more...
Travel
School holiday savings are Easter treat
NO matter how the school holiday dates fall this Easter, holidaymakers save over £150 on a Mediterranean break with Eurocamp's extended savings. more...
Villages
Longdon
THE Sunday Service at Longdon this week is 11.15am Family Service and 6.30pm Evening Prayer at Queenhill. more...
Wellington Heath
THE quiz at the Farmers Arms last night was won by the Simsz 3 by 1 points. Well done. Just to remind you that there is a Pantomime Theme Fancy Dress Quiz night this Sunday,January 27 at 8.15pm at the Farmers Arms, with spot prizes for best dressed and winning team etc. Fancy Dress is optional. James, the landlord has asked me to mention to you that the Farmers will be closed from February 18-25 due to holidays. more...
Wellington Heath
THE quiz at the Farmers Arms last night was won by the Simsz 3 by 1 points. Well done. Just to remind you that there is a Pantomime Theme Fancy Dress Quiz night this Sunday,January 27 at 8.15pm at the Farmers Arms, with spot prizes for best dressed and winning team etc. Fancy Dress is optional. James, the landlord has asked me to mention to you that the Farmers will be closed from February 18-25 due to holidays. more...
Malvern Wells
AN entertaining weekend is coming up at the village hall to brighten up the February gloom. more...
Colwall
A REMINDER to all those aged 5-15 years who live in Colwall. Colwall Parish Council is running a trip to Solihull Ice rink on Tuesday, February 12. The bus departs from the village hall at 5.30pm and will get back at approximately 11pm. Tickets for the event cost £6. Names and money to either Neil Bowring, Billesley, Walwyn Road or to Jim Beard, 11 Brookside. Places are limited so don't delay. You must be aged between 5-15 years and under 9s must be accompanied by an adult. more...
Welland
FIRSTLY last Friday's Ferret Race Night was a huge success, and many thanks must go to all who supported us and especially to those who came along and enjoyed the evening with us. Particular thanks must also go to those unsung heroes who helped out on the night. more...
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