Worcester News - Stories for 3 January 2008

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Worcestershire | Archive | 2008 | January

Stories for 3 January 2008

Acorns

Musical pupils raise money for hospice

MUSICAL schoolchildren have raised £2,000 for Worcester's Acorns Children's Hospice. more...

Am Dram

I’m off to the world of Disney

AN 18-year-old girl is looking forward to an exciting new year as she leaves Worcestershire to become a performer in Disn-eyland Paris. more...

Back On Track Appeal

COMING SOON

Look here next week for the exciting Shuttle/Times & News Appeal "Back on Track". more...

COMING SOON

Look here next week for the exciting Shuttle/Times & News Appeal "Back on Track". more...

COMING SOON

Look here for the new Shuttle/Times & News Appeal "Back on Track" which will be launched next week. more...

COMING SOON

Look here for the new Shuttle/Times & News Appeal "Back on Track" which will be launched next week. more...

Cinema

Screening for WWII film

THERE will be a screening of Atonement at Bosbury Parish Hall on Friday, January 18, at 7.30pm. more...

Wildlife film evening

THERE will be a film evening at the Western Way Chapel in Dymock on Sunday, January 27, at 6.30pm. more...

Coach'S Column

Little errors proving costly in key games

IT was terribly disappointing for us to lose our match against Harlequins - a game we really thought we could win. more...

Cricket

County to face rivals for starters

WORCESTERSHIRE will begin their pre-season matches on April Fool's Day. more...

Education

Special school plans delayed

THE next step in building a new Wyre Forest special school has been delayed, with education chiefs not due to discuss a key report until next month. more...

Football

Bulls unable to see off County

HEREFORD disappointingly failed to build on their two excellent holiday away wins after being held to a 0-0 draw by Notts County at Edgar Street. more...

Return of skills class

INDOOR football sessions for girls are being staged by Welland Juniors. more...

MALVERN TOWN RES 2, STAFFORD TOWN 1 MALVERN Town Reserves recorded a superb win against a side which not only sits second in the league, but have matched or bettered Malvern on every meeting between the sides in the past four years. more...

Reserves hold out for victory

General

Rustie serves up fresh taste of the Caribbean

FORMER TV chef, Rustie Lee, has added a touch of Caribbean spice to her new book. more...

Robin’s focus on town landmark

COLOURFUL paintings of one of Bewdley's key landmarks will be on show at the town's library this month. more...

Stepping forward...

DANCERS are invited to get into the rhythm of salsa and swing at Ceroc dance lessons. more...

Harriers 1 Forest Green 0

Can I have a word?

Constable and Penn talk to the referee as the game loses its way. more...

In memory

Harriers' players lead a one-minute's ovation in memory of Motherwell player Phil O'Donnell before kick-off. more...

In memory

Harriers' players lead a one-minute's ovation in memory of Motherwell player Phil O'Donnell, who passed away suddenly on Saturday, before kick-off. more...

Under pressure

With the Forest Green on top in the game's early exchanges at Aggborough, Harriers right back Paul Bignot is beaten to the ball. more...

Don't blow a gasket, Jim

Forest boss Jim Harvey remonstrates with the fourth official. more...

Don't blow a gasket, Jim

Forest boss Jim Harvey remonstrates with the fourth official. more...

Don't blow a gasket, Jim

Forest boss Jim Harvey remonstrates with the fourth official. more...

Running into a stonehouse

Russ Penn goes losses out to Green midfielder Paul Stonehouse. more...

Constable coming through

But as the first half wore on Harriers began to turn the tide, with the hard working James Constable giving the visiting defence something to worry about. more...

Rising high

Defender Mark Creighton rises highest in the away team's penalty area. more...

Wingers' race

Harriers wideman Simon Russell chases Green winger Stonehouse. more...

Paul on prowl

Paul Bignot forays down the wing. more...

Boss watches on

Manager Mark Yates urges his teams on in the second half. more...

Russell mobbed

Russell headed Harriers in the lead early in the second half and is mobbed by his team-mates. more...

Can I have a word?

Constable and Penn talk to the referee as the games loses its way. more...

Captain in the groove

Stand-in skipper Russ Penn gets close to John Hardiker more...

Captain in the groove

Stand-in skipper Russ Penn gets close to John Hardiker more...

Treatment needed

Midfielder Michael McGrath receives treatment after being fouled. more...

Defensive duties

As the away side probed for a leveller Harriers defended solidly, with emergency centreback Gavin Hurren marking Mark Beesley. more...

Constable mucks in

Striker James Constable battles for the ball. more...

Constable mucks in

Striker James Constable did not shirk his defensive duties as Harriers defended late on. more...

Ferrell to the rescue

Midfield terrier Andy Ferrell blocks Adriano Rigoglioso's cross. more...

Striker's big miss

Right at the death Forest Green's striker put the ball over the bar as Harriers hang on for a win. more...

Striker's big miss

Right at the death Forest Green's striker put the ball over the bar as Harriers hang on for a win. more...

Striker's big miss

Right at the death Forest Green's striker put the ball over the bar as Harriers hang on for a win. more...

Striker's big miss

Right at the death Forest Green's top scorer, Stuart Fleetwood, puts the ball over the bar as Harriers hang on for a win. more...

Kidder News Latest

Champion gift for Danny

THE Formula 1 world drivers' champion has donated memorabilia to a brave 11-year-old boy coping with a severe muscle-wasting disease. more...

Discussion of proposed new Tesco's deferred

STOURPORT town councillors again agreed to defer discussion of Tesco's planning application for a new store at the former Carpets of Worth site on Severn Road. more...

'Contentious application'

A "CONTENTIOUS" planning application has been submitted to build five offices and 14 apartments in a "down at heel" area of Stourport. more...

'Contentious application'

A "CONTENTIOUS" planning application has been submitted to build five offices and 14 apartments in a "down at heel" area of Stourport. more...

'Prestigious' development at Stourport Sports Club

A "PRESTIGIOUS" planning application is being proposed at Stourport Sports Club. more...

Assault witnesses sought

WITNESSES are being sought to an assault which took place in Kidderminster. more...

Double boost for hospice

STREET collections for Kemp Hospice in Kidderminster, Bewdley and Stourport have raised a total of £580.33. more...

Kelly leading Sports Personality

THERE'S still time to vote for Shuttle Online's Sports Personality of 2007. more...

Kelly leading Sports Personality

THERE'S still time to vote for Shuttle Online's Sports Personality of 2007. more...

Yob's car seized by police

POLICE have seized a car that was used to commit anti-social behaviour in Kidderminster. more...

Yob's car seized by police

POLICE have seized a car that was used to commit anti-social behaviour in Kidderminster. more...

Underpass robbers steal camera

ROBBERS stole a digital camera from a man in a Kidderminster underpass. more...

Kidderminster family 'shell-shocked' by Kenya chaos

A KIDDERMINSTER family on holiday in Kenya were "shell-shocked" after being exposed to the chaos and turmoil following the country's presidential election. more...

Kidderminster family 'shell-shocked' by Kenya chaos

A KIDDERMINSTER family on holiday in Kenya were "shell-shocked" after being exposed to the chaos and turmoil following the country's presidential election. more...

Kidderminster family 'shell-shocked' by Kenya chaos

A KIDDERMINSTER family on holiday in Kenya were "shell-shocked" after being exposed to the chaos and turmoil following the country's presidential election. more...

Kidderminster family 'shell-shocked' by Kenya chaos

A KIDDERMINSTER family on holiday in Kenya were "shell-shocked" after being exposed to the chaos and turmoil following the country's presidential election. more...

Latest

Latest travel news

Check out the latest travel news before you leave for work. more...

Latest travel news

Check out the latest travel news before you head home. more...

Councillor says coffee shop plan is 'real blow'

A COUNCILLOR has criticised proposals to get a High Street coffee chain to move into Worcester�s Guildhall as the city council looks for ways to reduce its multi-million pound budget gap. more...

Councillor says coffee shop plan is 'real blow'

A COUNCILLOR has criticised proposals to get a High Street coffee chain to move into Worcester�s Guildhall as the city council looks for ways to reduce its multi-million pound budget gap. more...

Retro toys on display at museum

SINDY dolls from the 1960s, Star Wars figures from the 1970s and porcelain dolls from the 1850s are all on display in Worcester. more...

"I'm ready to scale the highest mountain"

A WORCESTER man is getting ready to scale the world�s highest freestanding mountain. more...

RSPCA’s rescue of rabbits left out in the cold

HEARTLESS pet owners have dumped 14 rabbits over Christmas and the new year. more...

Arty engineer puts on dream show

A RETIRED BT engineer who realised a long-held dream in his 50s by going to art college is showing his work at an exhibition in Pershore. more...

COMMENT: Silence as fuel prices go on rising

MORE than seven years ago the country was almost brought to a standstill by a combination of fuel protests and panic buying at the pumps. more...

Second car crashes in to Evesham death tree

A CAR has smashed in to the same tree which claimed the lives of two young brothers in a horrific crash less than a year ago. more...

Report highlights weakness in flood response

A REPORT by Wychavon District Council's overview and scrutiny committee has highlighted areas for improvement in in the council's response to the summer flooding. more...

Good Samaritans help assault victim

TWO good Samaritans helped a man when he was being assaulted in Tenbury Wells. more...

Good samaritans asked to come forward

TWO good samaritans helped a man when he was being assaulted in Tenbury Wells. more...

Prison for tag-removal attacker

A VIOLENT Malvern man who ignored a court punishment to go on holiday has been locked up. more...

Prison for tag-removal attacker

A VIOLENT Malvern man who ignored a court punishment to go on holiday has been locked up. more...

Prison for tag-removal attacker

A VIOLENT Malvern man who ignored a court punishment so he could go on holiday has been locked up. more...

Charity money stolen from Malvern Theatres

A CONTAINER holding about �150 of charity money has been stolen from Malvern Theatres. more...

Volunteer Vera still going strong at 90

A CHRISTMAS party at the Worcester Volunteer Centre provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate the achievements of two volunteers. more...

Worcester shoplifter in M&S bomb "promise"

A SHOPLIFTER threatened to blow up Marks & Spencer and kill a shop worker after she was told by security to leave the store, a court has heard. more...

Funeral director remembered at abbey memorial

THE founder of a family funeral business in Pershore and pillar of the local community has died aged 79. more...

River hero to get top award

AN heroic Evesham man who rescued a woman from the River Avon after she jumped off Workman Bridge is to receive a top bravery honour. more...

Paper’s archive is in safe hands

COPIES of world's oldest continually published newspaper - the Berrow's Worcester Journal - have a new home. more...

'We're very happy with our Ofsted'

A NURSERY school in Worcester is providing quality care and education, according to Ofsted inspectors. more...

More affordable houses needed

ABOUT 600 people in Wychavon are in real housing need. more...

Woman found in park still unidentified

A 93-year-old woman found dead in a popular Worcester park has still not been formally identified. more...

High hopes for million-pound carpet museum bid

A MUSEUM trust dedicated to the history of the carpet industry hopes to win �1.3 million to set up a museum. more...

Man airlifted to hospital after crash

A MAN was airlifted to hospital this morning after crashing into the same tree which claimed the lives of two young brothers last year. more...

Luff attacks government as suicide rates climb

VALE MP Peter Luff believes prisons are becoming overcrowded places of despair' after suicide rates rose by 37 per cent this year. more...

Dogs found dumped over Christmas

CHRISTMAS was not a merry time for dogs in Wychavon as several were found to be ill treated or dumped in December, the district council has revealed. more...

Luff attacks government as prison suicide rates climb

VALE MP Peter Luff believes prisons are becoming overcrowded places of despair' after suicide rates rose by 37 per cent this year. more...

Cold weather car safety

MOTORISTS are being urged to check their vehicles are roadworthy as weather experts predict a sharp fall in temperatures and icy conditions. more...

MP hits at rail firm over service quality

VALE MP Peter Luff has labelled the quality of train services provided by First Great Western as appalling' following confusing information provided between Christmas and New Year. more...

Fire tragedy probe may take two years

A POLICE investigation into the deaths of four firefighters at a vegetable packing warehouse in Atherstone-on-Stour in November could last for up to two years, it was confirmed this week. more...

Woman was assaulted on path at night

A WOMAN was assaulted in the early hours of Saturday, December 29, morning while walking along a footpath in Pershore. more...

Thousands raised to buy wildlife site

CONSERVATIONISTS are celebrating after raising £170,000 to buy a wildlife site at Naunton Court Fields, Naunton Beauchamp. more...

Christmas babies the best gift of all

THREE Vale women had the best presents they could have asked for when their little bundles of joy arrived to make Christmas Day extra special. more...

Evesham crash update

THE man involved in a crash this morning near Evesham's Sankey Marina, has been treated for injuries to his legs and chest. more...

Leisure General

Classic tale at Alfrick

THE classic tale of Pinocchio is coming to life at Alfrick Village Hall courtesy of the Touring Theatre Company. The performance takes place at 7.30pm on Friday, January 18, and tickets cost £7 (children £5) from 01886 884216. more...

Letters

Ourschoolsarealways at bottom of the heap

SIR - Re Worcestershire school funding. Mike Foster said: "A real terms increase of 32 per cent in 10 years - funding has been transformed since 1997," (Worcester News, December 27). more...

Our schools are always at bottom of the heap

SIR - Re Worcestershire school funding. Mike Foster said: "A real terms increase of 32 per cent in 10 years - funding has been transformed since 1997," (Worcester News, December 27). more...

Government needs guts over the EU

SIR - John Shearon suggests Tony Blair as the first president of the European Union, when, and if, the EU Reform Treaty is ratified (Letters, December 27). more...

No one deserves the honour more

SIR - No one could have been more deserving of recognition than Jack Hewlett, and I do hope he will soon recover sufficiently to understand how much his services have been appreciated. more...

A shame MBE took so long to come

SIR - I am delighted that 92-year-old John Hewlett's contribution to the Royal British Legion locally has at last been recognised in the New Year's Honours list. Mr Hewlett's dedication is, however, both long-standing and well-known, so what a pity it took the powers that be so long to make him an MBE. People like Mr Hewlett seek no reward or recognition for their contribution, but the honour is something that the whole family can enjoy and be proud of. more...

Coffee shop plan at Guildhall is wrong

SIR - We are dismayed at the news that part of the Guildhall might be taken over by a coffee chain serving, I have no doubt, over-priced food and coffee. more...

Where were police over Christmas?

SIR - I was very lucky this year and able to spot Santa on Christmas Eve. Sadly, I have not seen any of our boys-in-blue' on the beat though. Perhaps they were all helping wrap presents? more...

The Beeb is the best

SIR - Why ever don't you watch BBC TV, Stanley Parr? (Letter, December 7) They show no advertisements, and have by far the best programmes. more...

The magic of yesteryear

SHIPSTON has experienced degrees of flooding for as long as my own memory serves me, and before. more...

Throwaway society

Plastic bags - what a load of rubbish! more...

Highly regarded school

I HAVE read your two reports on Simon de Montfort Middle School with sadness and anger. What a tragedy that the school so highly regarded, both within the town and county under the leadership of Mr Gerry Burgess to now be in special measures in such a short time. It is a shame that the school governors and officials at County Hall didn't step in before and prevent the destruction of the school's reputation. At least the only way forward is upwards and I'm sure the staff will do everything in their power to achieve this. more...

Vale’s Good Samaritan

WILL the lady who, when my car broke down on the corner of Pershore Road and Peewit Road at 1700 hours on Tuesday, December 4 and when dozens of motorists ignored my plight and drove past, helped push my car into Peewit Road, and loaned me her mobile phone please get in touch, on Evesham 40407, K R PERRETT, Ham-pton. more...

Vale’s Good Samaritan

On the Tree of Light naming

May I, through your columns, offer my sincere apologies to the families and friends of the following, whose names were inadvertently missed from those on the original Evesham Tree of Light lists: John Downie, Beatrice Bishop, Victor Bishop, Margaret Joan Morgan, Ernie Stafford, Harold Stow, Olive Stow and John Walden. more...

Wheels off democracy

A FEW months ago when I was General Secretary of the EDPA, I read out a letter at the meeting which I had just received from Brussels, I was told by one or two of the members this would never happen. I also wrote a small piece in your local Journal on the same subject, and if my mind serves me well, one reader said I was scaremongering. Oh what am I talking about, Disability Scooters for the disabled. Recently, I received another letter from Brussels. And the European Union have in their wisdom have said; Disability Scooters are not Disability Scooters, they are wait for it, they are Leisure Vehicles. This must be an insult to all disabled people who have to use them. The scooters are now subject to £300 import tax. This decision was made in 2001, but it was not implemented by the Revenue and Customs. more...

Lifestyle

What to wear in 2008: your new year fashion resolutions

GOK WAN more...

What to wear in 2008: your new year fashion resolutions

GOK WAN more...

Live Match Coverage

Don't miss the action at the KitKat

HARRIERS aim to make it seven games unbeaten when they take on York City at the KitKat Crescent on Saturday. For team line-ups and live match updates click log on here from just before 3pm. more...

News

County start with friendly at New Road

WORCESTERSHIRE will begin their pre-season matches on April Fool's Day. more...

Crichton handed number ten shirt

SHANE Drahm is set to be the major casualty of Worcester Warriors' disappointing home defeat to Harlequins. more...

Falcons unchanged for Warriors clash

NEWCASTLE Falcons have named an unchanged team for Sunday's Guinness Premiership visit of Worcester Warriors to Kingston Park (3pm). more...

City snap up Munday on loan

WORCESTER City have signed centre-half Jon Munday on a one-month loan from Kidderminster Harriers. more...

Warriors hopes threatened by England backs

WORCESTER'S defence will have to be on their mettle to thwart Newcastle Falcons all-star England backs at Kingston Park on Sunday (3pm). more...

West gives title chasing troops a warning

EVESHAM United boss Paul West has warned his players are there to be shot at as they look to bounce back from a rare defeat at Woodford United on Saturday (3pm). more...

Yates relishes KitKat crunch game

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers manager Mark Yates has called on his players to keep their unbeaten run going when they take on resurgent York City away in the Blue Square Premier on Saturday. more...

Team lists

MALVERN RFC teams for Saturday, January 5. more...

Past

From the Archives - January 3, 2008

100 Years Ago January 4, 1908 OWING to the large number of cases of measles in Evesham, it is probable that the public elementary schools, which were due to have reopened on Tuesday next, will remain closed until January 20. In some of the back streets cases have been very numerous indeed, especially in Tredwell's Row, Factory Yard, Littleworth Street and Bewdley Street. There has been a great deal of whooping cough in Bengeworth, but this is improving. The epidemic is of a somewhat serious nature, and owing to the severe character of the measles many cases have been followed by bronchitis or broncho-pneumonia, and some of these have terminated fatally. more...

Picture Review 2007 (June-Dec)

December

DECEMBER: Two major blazes causing millions of pounds in damage hit Wyre Forest in the space of 12 days. more...

December

DECEMBER: Two major blazes causing millions of pounds in damage hit Wyre Forest in the space of 12 days. Sports enthusiasts vowed to show the Dunkirk spirit following the destruction of Stourport Sports Club in an overnight arson attack. The clubhouse, in Kingsway, near Stourport High School and Sixth Form Centre, was gutted and the cost of rebuilding the structure is estimated at £1.4 million.More than 25 firefighters battled in vain to save the building used by hundreds of people, including members of Stourport Hockey Club and Kidderminster and Stourport Athletics Club. Less than a fortnight later a £1 million accidental blaze tore through a Kidderminster warehouse causing £1 million of damage - but it could have been much worse. Firefighters stopped the flames within a few feet of hundreds of tons of recycled plastic stored in a neighbouring industrial unit, on the Gemini Business Park, Kidderminster - less than a mile away from the sports club fire. Aftermath: Equipment, stock and service vehicles stored in the warehouse on Gemini Business Park were totally destroyed. (photo by Nick Jethwa, of Gemini Properties UK) more...

December

DECEMBER: A family's annual Christmas lights shone brightly in loving memory of a 10-month-old boy. John Gregg and his brother-in-law, Michael Elrick, had put up outdoor displays to remember Mr Gregg's son, Joshua, who was a cot death victim earlier in the year. The two Kidderminster men hoped their switch-ons would help raise money for a charity helping families bereaved by cot death, funding research into a syndrome claiming young lives each year. The charity to benefit from Mr Gregg and Mr Elrick's efforts was the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths - FSID. Poignant tribute: Michael Elrick, left and John Gregg, with one of their lights displays. more...

December

DECEMBER: Nuisance mini moto and motorbike riders were being warned they could be stopped in their tracks by a community support officer. Lindon Lloyd had already clamped down on two-wheeled riders menacing residents on Rifle Range and Birchen Coppice housing estates. Since joining the Oldington and Foley Park local policing team earlier in the year, he had handed out 72 nuisance warning notices - a West Mercia Constabulary CSO record - to people riding their machines. Twelve scooters and mini motos had been seized, leading to a reduction in complaints from householders. Safe hands: CSO Lindon Lloyd with mini motos he had seized. more...

December

November

NOVEMBER: Tuneful pupils injected a touch of Catalan culture into their performances during a visit to Spain. oungsters, staff and parents of Chaddesley Corbett's Winterfold House School choir travelled to Barcelona for a five-day singing tour.The schoolchildren, aged nine to 12, performed a mixture of sacred and contemporary music at Barcelona Cathedral. Catalan influence: Pupils, from left, back Charlie Weston and Henry Thomas and front, Abbie-May Griffiths and Rose Griffiths. more...

November

NOVEMBER: Thousands of people turned out as the Christmas lights went live in Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley with colourful parades and festive activities. On parade: From left, Kate Adams and Jodie Fulloway, both 14, and Gabby Willmott-Ballard, 16, were in charge of the Three Kings for the parade in Stourport. more...

November

NOVEMBER: The festive season was set to be brighter for many disadvantaged children overseas thanks to the Wyre Forest Christmas shoebox appeal. Churches, businesses and schools throughout Wyre Forest donated about 25,000 boxes of seasonal gifts for needy children in Swaziland, Romania and Kyrgystan. The boxes contained gifts of school items, soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste and toys. The shoebox project was run by Samaritan's Purse and was the world's largest children's Christmas project of its kind. Seasonal goodwill: Warehouse manager, Claire Curtis, left, with shoebox appeal area co-ordinator, Lyn Price. more...

November

NOVEMBER: Council chiefs insisted their parking patrol officers had "no targets and no quotas" to meet when it came to issuing tickets. Wyre Forest District Council invited the Shuttle/Times & News to join one of the patrol officers on the street following a series of complaints to the newspaper after the authority took over responsibility for enforcement from police. Conservative councillor, Marcus Hart, cabinet member, said that once the authority's overall set-up costs were recovered, the surplus went to Worcestershire County Council, where it was ring-fenced to be spent on improving roads in the district. Andrew Dickens, the district council's head of property and operational services, said that because more parking officers were patrolling the streets, more tickets were being handed out. Street beat: John Caldwell was one of 15 parking patrol officers. more...

November

NOVEMBER: Staff at a commercial translation firm were all set for a heroic effort in aid of a centre treating people with life-limiting illnesses. more...

November

NOVEMBER: Staff at a commercial translation firm were all set for a heroic effort in aid of a centre treating people with life-limiting illnesses. Workers at Midland Technical Translations UK dressed up as superheroes in a bid to raise £600 for Compton Hospice, Wolverhampton. They dressed as Batman and Robin, Catwoman, Wonder Woman and Superwoman for the hospice's Business Challenge, alongside more than 80 other businessmen and women. The would-be heroes would need their alter-egos' superpowers and keen intelligence as they were set to face physically and mentally gruelling tasks. Super effort: From left, Ami Johnston, Terri Williams, Sue Clark and Louisa Laight. more...

November

NOVEMBER: People stood in silence, with heads bowed in respect, as church bells tolled in memory of Wyre Forest's war dead. Remembrance parades and church services were held across the district to honour the memory of service personnel who did not return from conflicts. Members of the public lined the streets of Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley to pay their respects. Services also marked the solemn occasion in Wribbenhall, Cookley and Wolverley. Chalky White, of Worcester and Sherwood Foresters Association. more...

October

OCTOBER: Bewdley muscleman, Steve Knight, let his physique do the talking when he finished second at the British Natural Body Building Federation finals in Edinburgh. He was edged into second place by a handful of points in the heavyweight section. The personal trainer, who won the tournament in 2001, had to show off his sculpted body in the symmetry category and impressed the judges by performing a set of poses. He won the routine section, where he he had to perform a series of choreographed dance moves to music. Power to his elbows: Steve Knight with his silverware. more...

October

OCTOBER: Gymnast Sophie Lane returned home to Kidderm-inster with an impressive haul of medals from the World Special Olympics Summer Games in China. The 14-year-old Baxter College student, who has autism, picked up four medals for Great Britain in Shanghai. A member of Worcestershire Special Olympics, she won silver overall after competing in four different categories, with the other four top places taken by competitors from home nation, China. She was selected for the national squad after reaching the highest standard attainable. Sophie so good: Sophie Lane, with her medals haul and coach, Lesley Andrews. more...

October

OCTOBER: Youngsters at a Stourport toddler group celebrated Hallowe'en by dressing up in colourful clothing for spooky activities. Staff of Parkes Passage Toddler Group also got in the Hallowe'en mood. The children had chocolate on sticks and biscuits and joined in a singalong at the end of the day. Members of the group had children attending until pre-school age. Pumpkin pals: Gracie Bannister, 2 and William Thomas, 1. more...

October

OCTOBER: A machine that could diagnose conditions ranging from Multiple Sclerosis to Alzheimer's was bought by Kidderminster Hospital thanks to the League of Friends. The League donated £32,865 to the audiology department for a state-of-the-art balance testing machine. Patients had previously had to travel to Worcestershire Royal Hospital for the service, as the previous equipment at Kidderminster had been condemned. The machine could diagnose complaints including Meniere's disease, as well as serious disorders requiring urgent investigation, such as brain tumours. Valuable resource: From left, League president, Pam Ball, patient, Lucie Roberts and director of audiovestibular, Alex Cheyne. more...

October

OCTOBER: Service veterans, civic dignitaries and members of the public turned out in force for the rededication of Kidderminster's War Memorial. The town's Mayor, Mike Shellie, joined Kidderminster War Memorials Conservation Trust chairman, Ken Stokes, in introducing the Right Rev Dr David Walker, Bishop of Dudley, who conducted the ceremony. Ten standard bearers represented organisations including the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and West Mercia Constabulary. The standards were dipped when Larry Billingsley, branch president, recited the Royal British Legion Act of Homage and the colours were lowered again during the singing of the National Anthem. Broad smiles: Ken Hepwood, left, and Bill Bennett, both of the Royal Navy Association. more...

September

SEPTEMBER: Kidderminster's Mayor put his engineering skills to good use to set a town waterwheel in motion. Mike Shellie admitted he breathed a sigh of relief when his efforts paid off and the wheel, on the old mill building in Broadwaters Park, began to turn. He made restoration of the waterwheel a pet project, cutting everything to size and doing the drilling and welding. With fellow volunteers, he assembled the wheel on site. The project was managed by the Friends of Broadwaters, for which Mr Shellie was vice-chairman before becoming Mayor. The wheel was 11ft in diameter and 4ft wide and over the course of the following year it would rotate 3.6 million times. Working wheel: Mike Shellie, right, Mayor of Kidderminster, with Cyril Hale, of Friends of Broadwaters. more...

September

SEPTEMBER: A family history researcher got the bug for unlocking the secrets of the past. John Adey had been running his professional genealogy business in Stourport single-handed for five years. It was while helping his wife research her own family history that he decided on his chosen career. He said the key appeal was the excitement of making a discovery. Hidden secrets: John Adey at his genealogy business. more...

September

SEPTEMBER: A gifted young horse rider from Bewdley was left jumping for joy after winning her age group at the Midlands Championships. Abbie Garbett, 12, became the regional champion in her age group after jumping two clear rounds to see off her nearest competitors. Her success was even more impressive as she had only been riding pony, Toby IV, for 18 months. Abbie's mother, Karen Garbett, said her daughter had worked "incredibly hard" with the pony, which had been "a lttle wild" when they first got him. Winning combination: Abbie Garbett with Toby IV. more...

September

SEPTEMBER: Royal Air Force veterans and civic leaders paid their respects to Britain's wartime airmen during Kidderminster's Battle of Britain Day annual commemoration. They gathered at the town's St Mary and All Saints' Church for the event. Kidderminster's branch of the Royal Air Force Association - RAFA - was represented by chairman, Phil Thurston and president and chaplain, Alun Jones. During the ceremony, wreaths were laid and standards dipped in honour of those who gave their lives. Remembering airmen: Parachute Regiment standard bearer, Dave Sands. more...

September

SEPTEMBER: organisers of Stourport Carnival hoped proceeds would be up on the the previous year's takings in the annual event. Funseekers packed the streets and lined the riverside to celebrate the carnival, which began with the traditional land procession through the centre of the town. It featured walking crocodiles and floats with themes including Pirates of the Caribbean. Two river parades followed, with the illuminated display attracting between 5,000 and 6,000 spectators. An earlier appeal in the Shuttle/Times & News had helped boost the number of lorries for floats. Beauty and the beast: Areley Kings Players member, Emma Clarke, 8, with her father, Michael Clarke, as a crocodile at Stourport Carnival. more...

September

SEPTEMBER: A bus driver was rewarded for helping out her passengers during the summer's floods. Josie Millward, of Stourport, was nominated by passengers of operator, First, after letting them use her mobile phone to call friends and relatives when she came across flooding near Droitwich as she was driving between Birmingham and Worcester. Following a long delay, the bus continued its journey and the passengers were able to get home. Miss Millward earned £100 worth of high street shopping vouchers and a certificate for her efforts. Phone a friend: Bus driver, Josie Millward. more...

August

AUGUST: The waiting was finally over for hundreds of Wyre Forest students as A level results were released. Students at Stourport High School achieved a 100 per cent pass rate at grades A to C in BTEC A levels, while Wolverley High School recorded an A level pass rate of 89 per cent. Baxter College continued its improvement over the previous year, with an average point score, per pupil, up from 235 in 2006 to 253, a rise of eight per cent.Among King Charles I High School's 83 year 13s, there was a 95 per cent pass rate, down on the previous year's 98 per cent. Wait over: Wolverley High School students, from left, Maxine Downes, Dale Wooldridge, Laurie Micklewright and Amanda Gibbons, all 18, receive their A level results. more...

August

AUGUST: A heavily pregnant, homeless 20-year-old said she was a "nervous wreck" after being forced to sleep in her car in Kidderminster for almost a week.Lieanne King, who was less than a month away from giving birth, had been living in her Vauxhall Astra, in B&Q car park, saying she had "nowhere else to go". She was on maternity leave from her job as a care assistant and had been living in emergency accommodation provided by the Community Housing Group but had been given a week's notice to leave. The housing group's head of housing said Miss King was found to be intentionally homeless, as she had previously given up secure accommodation. Car home: Leianne King. more...

August

AUGUST: A brave Stourport High School pupil beat the odds to gain top GCSE grades despite having two liver transplants. After spending much of the year in hospital, Charlotte Worton got Bs in English language, French and RE and Cs in English literature, maths, home economics and Spanish and a BTEC in performing arts. Her school smashed its Government target of 51 per cent when 62 per cent of the 226 pupils who sat the exams passed with five A* to C grades. Kidderminster's Baxter College also outfperformed its target, with 54 per cent of pupils gaining five A* to C grades out of the 186 who took the exams. King Charles I High School failed to meet its 56 per cent target, with a 53 per cent pass rate for five or more grades at A* to C. Good grades: Charlotte Worton with her GCSE results. more...

July

JULY: Bewdley was still open for business - that was the defiant message from traders hoping to resurrect the town's tourist season, which had taken a battering from the summer deluges. Visitor numbers had dropped since the Severn Valley Railway was left devastated by June's flash floods, which led to the closure of stations between Bewdley and Bridgnorth. Bewdley Development Trust wanted to reassure people the town was open as normal and could still be accessed on the SVR from Kidderminster station. Trust chairman, John Iles, said Bewdley contunued to be a good place to visit, with new facilities and walks and a new spirit in the town. Retail therapy: Angela Sharpe, owner of Shoe Heaven, and Doug Woodward, co-owner of Piccolo's, ready to welcome visitors to Bewdley. more...

July

JULY: A giant bamboo cane became a source of fascination for a Kidderminster gardener who could not understand why it kept on growing. It had appeared from nowhere in Dennis Hopkins's back garden three years earlier and, since then, continued to reach for the sky at an amazing rate. The plant, at more than 20ft high, grew a staggering 4ft 6ins in just 48 hours and was still growing. He had "no idea" why the bamboo kept growing or when it would stop. Tall order: Dennis Hopkins with his monster bamboo. more...

July

JULY: A former Wyre Forest district councillor blasted the authority, claiming Wolverley villagers were being treated like "poor relations" after it was battered by storms for the second time in six weeks. Nigel Addison said not enough help was being provided for villagers flooded out of their homes after torrential rainfall. The council's Leader and cabinet member for emergency planning, Conservative, John Campion, said the authority had been "stretched" because of the nature of the problems across the district. He added with areas that would not normally be affected by flooding being hit, it was difficult to antipate where the problems would be. Rising water: Flood-hit Wolverley. more...

July

JULY: More than 70 firefighters were called into action in the early hours of the morning to tackle a devastating blaze that ravaged a three-storey building and neighbouring properties in Kidderminster's Coventry Street. Footage from CCTV was being examined to find the cause of the "suspicious" fire. Five people who escaped from flats through windows and climbed on to a neighbouring rooftop were rescued after the blaze broke out at The Treasury and quickly spread to offices and flats above the arts and crafts shop. Engineers dug up the street to cut both gas and electricity supplies to the property and the road was to remain closed for several days. Gutted: The fire-ravaged building in Coventry Street. more...

July

JULY: The bell rang for the final time and school gates closed all over Wyre Forest as the three-tier system of education came to an end in the district. The existing 45 first, middle and high schools shut for good, to make way for 30 primary and secondary schools, to be opened in September. The complex changeover meant some well-known school names vanished from the district's educational landscape. The most notable was Lea Street First, which, at 126 years old, dated back to Victorian times. Ringing changes: Lea Street First School headteacher, Jan Willetts, left, and deputy headteacher, Sue Singleton, ringing the school bell for the final time. more...

Reports

Referee in firing line

LONGLEVENS 5, MALVERN 11 COMICAL refereeing spoiled Malvern RFC's holiday trip to Longlevens. more...

Reviews

CBeebies Live - Wonderlands, National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, December 27

THERE are several time-honoured Christmas traditions in our house - the big supermarket shop two days before, a plate of cookies and half pint of Carling for Santa and a blow-away-the cobwebs trip to the star-studded CBeebies show in Brum. more...

Round-Up

Powell hands out Brockamin lesson

BROCKAMIN'S bottom pool played host to the latest Alan's Tackle Open with Portobello matchman Dave Powell giving the venue regulars a lesson in winter fishing. more...

England chance for Grove

PROMISING Worcester Warriors centre Oliver Grove has been included in an England Under 18 training squad. more...

Wanderers to entertain North midlands Under 20s

NORTH Midlands Under 20s will complete their preparations for this season's National Under 20 Championship with a game against a Worcester Wanderers XV at Sixways on Sunday (2.15pm). more...

Wanderers to entertain North midlands Under 20s

NORTH Midlands Under 20s will complete their preparations for this season's National Under 20 Championship with a game against a Worcester Wanderers XV at Sixways on Sunday (2.15pm). more...

Sutton to test Droitwich's mettle

SECOND-placed Droitwich face a massive game at Midlands Three West (South) table-toppers Sutton Coldfield on Saturday. more...

Sutton to test Droitwich's mettle

SECOND-placed Droitwich face a massive game at Midlands Three West (South) table-toppers Sutton Coldfield on Saturday. more...

Fields looking to improve home record

WESTFIELDS contest a mid-table Midland Alliance tussle at home to Tipton Town on Saturday (3pm). more...

Hunt is hopeful of boost in form

HAVING nearly upset FA Cup giant-killers Chasetown on New Year's Day, Stourport Swifts will look to kick-start their season at Willenhall Town on Saturday (3pm). more...

Hunt is hopeful of boost in form

HAVING nearly upset FA Cup giant-killers Chasetown on New Year's Day, Stourport Swifts will look to kick-start their season at Willenhall Town on Saturday (3pm). more...

West warning for Robins high-fliers

EVESHAM United boss Paul West has warned his players are there to be shot at as they look to bounce back from a rare defeat at Woodford United on Saturday (3pm). more...

Darby is targeting Canaries double

WHEN Duane Darby was handed the reins on a temporary basis at Bromsgrove Rovers last month he started with a win at Hitchin Town. more...

Four Harriers banned for York trip

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers' boss Mark Yates is praying the Minstermen will be more like the Mr Men when he takes his side to in-form York City on Saturday (3pm). more...

Bulls eyeing third League One scalp

WHEN it comes to creating FA Cup shocks, nobody does it better than Hereford United. more...

Mayor’s parking charge fears

THE mayor of Droitwich Spa is concerned that a recent increase in car parking charges will have a negative effect on town traders. more...

Nominations needed for awards night

LOCAL sporting enthusiasts will be celebrated at a special event being organised by Wychavon District Council. more...

Champions Bret start season on home track

OPENING fixtures in the 2008 Cotswold Hills Cricket League will take place on Saturday, May 3. more...

West warning for title chasing troops

EVESHAM United boss Paul West has warned his players are there to be shot at as they look to bounce back from a rare defeat at Woodford United on Saturday (3pm). more...

Today's events

Thursday Childrens Christmas Holiday Workshops. A creative antidote to the post Christmas blues for young clay enthusiasts! 1 hr sessions are suitable for ages 4 years and up and take place throughout the day. Telephone booking essential on 01531 633886. Eastnor Pottery, Home Farm, Eastnor. 11:30am £14, £13 per head for two places booked. more...

Newey is first home in Hereford

WITH a busy few months of racing looming, members of Malvern Joggers started 2008 with the New Year's Day 10km race in Hereford. more...

Councillor viewed child porn - allegation

AN ex-Malvern Hills councillor viewed child porn on a laptop computer provided by the council for his committee work, a jury has heard. more...

Quiet season for animal shelter

THE Worcestershire Animal Rescue Shelter, at Deblins Green, has enjoyed a relatively quiet Christmas, with only a handful of new animals taken into its care. more...

Carol service a success

A CAROL singalong service at Christ Church featuring the Malvern Chase Brass Band was a great success, raising around £180 with a retiring collection. more...

Cnance for a dance

THE opportunity to try circle dancing is being offered at Holy Trinity Hall, Link Top. more...

Chance for a dance

THE opportunity to try circle dancing is being offered at Holy Trinity Hall, Link Top. more...

Society offers full programme

MALVERN Civic Society starts off its 2008 programme with its annual general meeting on Friday, January 11. more...

Legal action could be taken over bridge

NETWORK Rail could be facing legal action after allegedly seriously neglecting' a temporary replacement for Colwall railway bridge. more...

Talk will give school's history

THE history of the Downs School will be the subject for discussion when the Colwall Village Society next meets on Monday, January 21. more...

Carols aid chemotherapy

A CHRISTMAS concert by Cradley Singers capped off a full year for the group and saw a donation made to charity. more...

Funding flows for youth groups

YOUNG people's clubs and groups in the Malvern area have been given the perfect start to the new year thanks to more than �10,000 of grants from Worcestershire County Council. more...

Sixty years of happiness

THE omens may not have been too promising on their wedding day, but a Malvern Link couple are celebrating 60 years of happy marriage. more...

Concert will help Thai people

A CONCERT is being held next Saturday, January 12, in aid of the Thailand Trip 2008, organised by the town's Parkside Church. more...

Roundup

Shane drops in to hand out student awards

STUDENTS at Wolverley Secondary School were presented with awards from Worcester Warriors superstar Shane Drahm. more...

Shane drops in to hand out student awards

STUDENTS at Wolverley Secondary School were presented with awards from Worcester Warriors superstar Shane Drahm. more...

O’Connor’s British joy

WYRE Forest swimmer Fran O'Connor has been handed a chance to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games. more...

Yates relishes KitKat crunch game

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers manager Mark Yates has called on his players to keep their unbeaten run going when they take on resurgent York City away in the Blue Square Premier on Saturday. more...

Yates relishes KitKat crunch game

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers manager Mark Yates has called on his players to keep their unbeaten run going when they take on resurgent York City away in the Blue Square Premier on Saturday. more...

Princely performance

PAUL Prince was back to his best in round ten of the West Midlands Cyclo-Cross League in Warwickshire, where he secured fourth place. more...

Biles all smiles as she wins top award

A BRILLIANT 2007 for Sarah Biles was capped after she was named Samurai Judo Club's fighter of the year. more...

Carolians aiming for strong start to 2008

KIDDERMINSTER Carolians take on mid-table rivals Nuneaton Old Edwardians in the Midlands Division Three West (South) on Saturday. more...

Coaches' efforts recognised

COACHES from the Wyre Forest Gymnastic School were invited to attend a presentation at Baxter College, which highlighted the good work carried out by their volunteers. more...

Runners end league in style

AMAZING Feet runners endured freezing temperatures at the Mortimer Forest ten mile race in December. more...

Hunt and Portman to meet in final

DEFENDING champion Shaun Portman will take on Mark Hunt in the final of the Bewdley Darts League's vice-captain's knockout cup after they won their groups. more...

Fanss beat Oxford

Kidderminster Harriers fans' team defeated Oxford United's supporters 5-4 on Saturday. more...

Derby delight for Mostyn

Mostyn Ladies FC saw off local rivals Ferndale 1-0 in a hard fought Kidderminster and District Women's League clash on Sunday. more...

Medal success

Steve Flavell won Little Lakes Golf Club's men's December medal. more...

Medal success

Steve Flavell won Little Lakes Golf Club's men's December medal. more...

Net sessions begin

Cookley CC begin their indoor nets sessions on Sunday at Stourport Sports Centre. more...

Redditch beaten

Under-strength Kidderminster Chess Club defeated Redditch in the Worcestershire League Division One. more...

Kelly leading Sports Personality

THERE'S still time to vote for Shuttle Online's Sports Personality of 2007. more...

Kelly leading Sports Personality

THERE'S still time to vote for Shuttle Online's Sports Personality of 2007. more...

Rugby

Ledbury power past Bridgnorth

LEDBURY 35, BRIDGNORTH 10 LEDBURY stormed into the last 16 of the North Midlands Shield with an emphatic victory over higher-leagued opposition at Ross Road. more...

Ledbury power past Bridgnorth

LEDBURY 35, BRIDGNORTH 10 LEDBURY stormed into the last 16 of the North Midlands Shield with an emphatic victory over higher-leagued opposition at Ross Road. more...

Ledbury power past Bridgnorth

LEDBURY 35, BRIDGNORTH 10 LEDBURY stormed into the last 16 of the North Midlands Shield with an emphatic victory over higher-leagued opposition at Ross Road. more...

Ledbury power past Bridgnorth

LEDBURY stormed into the last 16 of the North Midlands Shield with an emphatic 35-10 victory over higher-leagued Bridgnorth at Ross Road. more...

Crichton leaves it late to grab bonus for Warriors

LOKI Crichton's late try and conversion grabbed a losing bonus point as Worcester Warriors hauled themselves off the foot of the Guinness Premiership with a disappointing 10-7 home defeat to Harlequins. more...