Worcester News - Stories for 18 February 2008

e-bulletins

Get the latest WN headlines to your inbox here »

Your Worcester

Send your pics, videos and tip-offs to 80360, starting your message WN NEWS followed by a space. Or email us here »

Worcestershire | Archive | 2008 | February

Stories for 18 February 2008

Back On Track Appeal

Appeal set to rock 'n roll

A WYRE Forest band promises to have you rocking and rolling to all the greats during a special performance in aid of the Back on Track appeal. more...

Appeal set to rock 'n roll

A WYRE Forest band promises to have you rocking and rolling to all the greats during a special performance in aid of the Back on Track appeal. more...

Equestrian

Quadrille teams on horseback tell stories to music

WAS it The Sweeney? Or possibly The Bill? Surely not Dixon of Dock Green? Anyway, the villains ran for cover as the wail of police sirens echoed around the spacious indoor arena of Bromyard Equestrian Centre. more...

Gardening

Now get all your advice at the touch of a button

People who want advice on gardening dilemmas, from designing and pruning to pest identification and plant combinations, may have always relied on the staff at the local garden centre, green-fingered neighbours, or Gardeners' Question Time on Radio 4. more...

Good Enough to Eat - Globe Artichokes

These beautifully ornamental and delicious veg should be planted in either the flower border or the vegetable garden from February until April. more...

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK Feb 16

Begin to feed plants in established borders using a controlled-release slow-acting fertiliser, but try to avoid getting it on new leaves. more...

Reg Moule Answers your Questions

I have lots of trouble with slugs in my garden and so I was wondering if you could recommend any plants that are slug resistant? My neighbour says that it is the smaller slugs that do most damage, so I hope I'm not wasting my time collecting large ones up on warm nights. more...

General

Slippery customers on show

FANS of fascinating slippery creatures featured in Sir David Attenborough's latest TV series Life in Cold Blood are in for a treat now that a new reptile shop has opened in Kidderminster. more...

Kidder News Latest

Have a say on services

PEOPLE are being asked how they think Worcestershire County Council services could be improved. more...

Advice for migrant workers

MIGRANT Polish workers are being invited to find out more about issues ranging from employment to education during an advice session in Kidderminster. more...

Have a day on services

PEOPLE are being asked how they think Worcestershire County Council services could be improved. 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...

Fairy footy raises vital cash

AN ASSORTMENT of angels, fairies and famous characters from fiction took to the turf in Worcester to raise money for a cancer charity. more...

Future to become clearer for Malvern land

THE fate of a prime site near the centre of Malvern could be settled this coming week after 10 years of uncertainty about its future. more...

Man was seen to drop knife - court

AN Evesham man was seen to drop a kitchen knife on his way to a nightclub in the town, a court heard. more...

Man jailed after lying to jury - court

A Worcester man who lied to a jury in a burglary trial with a false confession has been jailed for 18 months after pleading guilty to perjury. more...

Hills board welcome chance for openness

MALVERN Hills Conservators have embraced a move to create greater openness within the organisation and become more interactive with members of the public. more...

Guildhall caterers hit out at scheme for café in building

THE catering firm that runs a cafe in Worcester's Guildhall has hit out at controversial proposals to replace it with a high street coffee shop. more...

Traffic warden numbers double

MOTORISTS beware... a traffic warden "hit squad" is coming to a Worcester street near you. more...

Patients will soon be able to see GP at walk-in centre

WORCESTER is to get a new walk-in health centre. more...

History comes to life at event

HISTORY came to life in Worcester city centre at the weekend. more...

Warden scheme could be interesting

THE introduction of six new traffic wardens for the streets of Worcester could be a double-edged sword. more...

Farmers to benefit from EU changes

WORCESTERSHIRE farmers could be set to benefit from some moving of the environmental goalposts by the European Union. more...

What do you think of the WN website?

EVERY year Newsquest Media asks for your opinions about its newspaper websites, and now it is asking for your views about worcesternews.co.uk more...

Be Cheggers for a day - organise your own swap shop

PEOPLE in Worcestershire are being urged to carry on the enthusiasm for exchanging unwanted items that was generated by the last month's successful swap shops. more...

We took part in the great Tolladine tidy-up

YOUNGSTERS from a Worcester estate spent a day sprucing up the area where they live. more...

Cathedral concert for judge killed in floods

A memorial concert will be held at Worcester Cathedral for the county judge killed during last year's summer floods. more...

Groups can claim money for their charities

A NATIONAL bakery is launching a new community initiative to help charities in Worcester. Every year Warburtons Bakery provides financial support by donating products to worthy causes across the region. more...

Cleaning up at bin-and-brush awards

REFUSE collectors and street cleaners have been recognised at a special awards evening. more...

Cleaning up at bin-and-brush awards

REFUSE collectors and street cleaners have been recognised at a special awards evening. more...

Fat fryer causes fire at pub

FIREFIGHTERS have been called out to tackle a fire caused by a fat fryer at a pub near Worcester. more...

Fat fryer causes fire at pub

FIREFIGHTERS have been called out to tackle a fire caused by a fat fryer at a pub near Worcester. more...

Fat fryer causes fire at pub

FIREFIGHTERS have been called out to tackle a fire caused by a fat fryer at a pub near Worcester. more...

Tell councillors about blocked drain problems

ANYONE aware of any blocked drains or gullies in Droitwich has been urged to report them to two county councillors. more...

Selfish minority won't spoil our park

VISITORS young and old showed their support at the launch of a police initiative designed to get people to love their park. more...

Event will feature top musicians

A SPRING concert is to take place at a Malvern school this month as part of a series of professional events. more...

Pork joints stolen from supermarket

THIRTY joints of pork worth a total �300 have been stolen from supermarket in Worcester. more...

Police search for Tenbury fight witnesses

TWO shop windows were smashed during a late-night fight in Tenbury town centre at the weekend. more...

Cleaning up at bin-and- brush awards

REFUSE collectors and street cleaners have been recognised at a special awards evening. more...

What do you think of the WN website?

EVERY year Newsquest Media asks for your opinions about its newspaper websites, and now it is asking for your views about worcesternews.co.uk more...

Latest travel news

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

Impressive set and a fantastic production

AN impressive set helped the Swan Theatre Amateur Company (STAC) perform an outstanding production of Private Lives. more...

‘Eyesore’ car park: does it deserve spot in new book?

A CONCRETE 1960s car park in Worcester � seen by many as an eyesore � has been included in a book trying to change people�s opinion of contemporary landscape. more...

Impressive set and a fantastic production

AN impressive set helped the Swan Theatre Amateur Company (STAC) perform an outstanding production of Private Lives. more...

More pedestrians and cyclists hurt

POLICE have updated their Seven Deadly Sins road safety campaign following an increase in the number of pedestrians and cyclists injured in collisions last year. more...

Valentine's Day raffle

A BIDFORD supermarket raised just under £200 for a children's cancer charity when it held a special Valentines raffle. more...

Centre marks 25 years

EVESHAM Volunteer Centre marked 25 years of work in the community by releasing 100 red balloons into the sky at Market Square. more...

Centre marks 25 years

EVESHAM Volunteer Centre marked 25 years of work in the community by releasing 100 red balloons into the sky at Market Square. more...

Culture for kids

THE Worcester-based theatre company C&T is aiming to provide school children with five hours of cultural activity a week as part of new government objectives. more...

Man spotted with kitchen knife

A MAN was seen to drop a kitchen knife on his way to a nightclub, a court was told. more...

Letters

There’s nothing better than an afternoon tea

SIR - I whole heartedly agree with Neil Hunter (February 7). A Starbucks coffee shop is quite inappropriate for our beautiful Guildhall. more...

Our Government can be overruled

SIR - Peter Scott appears to be proud of the fact that the House of Lords has now effectively, in many matters, recognised that the European Court of Justice is the supreme arbiter for deciding matters of law (February 11). In other words, our Government elected by us can be overruled by a foreign judiciary. more...

EU directives are fully scrutinised

SIR - Tony Eaves (Worcester News, February 6) wonders how many people really know how an EU directive becomes law in the UK. I am happy to enlighten him. more...

Our MPs should attend EU debates

so few MPs can be bothered to attend the Commons debates on the Lisbon Treaty, because this is the most important issue to face this country for centuries. The Labour MP Frank Dobson stood up and announced that he was "extremely concerned about recent developments in the EU - and in particular about the application of the EU's internal market' rules concerning the NHS." more...

So much for the promises of Labour

SIR - A letter from Councillor Richard Udall (January 29) stated that a "tiny minority of readers continue to oppose Britain's membership to the EU". So tiny in fact that the ex Prime Minister Tony Blair was afraid to give us the opportunity to vote on the promised referendum. So much for Labour's promises! more...

The council was in a no-win situation

SIR - I can fully appreciate why Wyre Forest District Council decided to put the Stourport Tesco plans to consultancy - because they were in a no-win situation. more...

We need to learn to be more economical

SIR - I write regarding your stories How can we find a home for Alex' and Why so many families cannot afford a home' (February 4). more...

All expenses claims should be looked at

SIR - In reply to E W Taylor of Redditch, I'm pleased you like my letters. more...

I will repeat myself for Richard Udall

SIR - If my letter about Richard Udall and the EU was too difficult for Peter Scott to understand, I would like to repeat it for him. more...

Is there a point to our very existence?

SIR - Is there really a point to our very existence? George Cowley may correct me otherwise. more...

Pro Europeans are coming out in force

SIR - Following a recent letters page, it would appear that the pro Euopeans are coming out of the woodwork in force. more...

There should be a pulpit exchange

SIR - The General Synod should implement a pulpit exchange scheme. more...

Did you serve in the Kure area?

SIR - On behalf of Kure City Council History Library, Japan, I am anxious to make contact with anybody who served in the Kure area from late 1945 to 1956 as a member of the British Army, Navy or Royal Air Force. more...

Ever-increasing potholes

DO our highways department fly to work? They must do or they could not fail to notice the ever increasing number of potholes appearing on Wyre Forest streets. The most recent is right next to a speed hump in Park Street, Kidderminster. more...

PAUSE FOR THOUGHT

WHAT would your dream for Kidderminster be? Judging by some of the articles and letters in the Shuttle, it would be a place with little or no crime, no litter dropped, no anti-social behaviour, dogs all under control, roads without pot-holes, and you can carry on the list! more...

Gilgal: Solution is courtesy

I SYMPATHISE with Susanne Harding (Letters, February 14) regarding her frustrations when using the Stourport Gilgal junction. more...

Not on the front page

AM I alone in being concerned that the front page of the Malvern Gazette on February 8 was devoted to an ASBO article? more...

Not on the front page

AM I alone in being concerned that the front page of the Malvern Gazette on February 8 was devoted to an ASBO article? more...

Not on the front page

AM I alone in being concerned that the front page of the Malvern Gazette on February 8 was devoted to an ASBO article? more...

Recycling all plastics

IN response to letter from Keith Berry in this week's Malvern Gazette, regarding recycling of various plastics, there was a feature on BBC Midlands Today a few weeks ago on this subject. In this they showed a company, from the Midlands (I think), who is now recycling everything plastic, no matter what colour size or texture. With this they then mix and mould everything together in their factory, adding what they said was a secret ingredient and this was used to make posts of any size and diameter also pallets etc., and these have a lifetime guarantee, obviously will not rot. more...

Recycling all plastics

Many thanks

I WOULD like to thank Hawcutt Funeral Directors, The Homend, Ledbury for allowing us to use the window display on their premises at The Homend, Ledbury. more...

Local Walks

Little Hereford near Tenbury

The church of St Mary Magdalene at Little Hereford, near Tenbury, is of considerable interest in itself, but from late January to mid or late February it has the added appeal of a churchyard full of snowdrops. more...

Music

Pulling out stops for weekend bash

MEMBERS of the Association of Organ Enthusiasts are returning to a Bewdley Hotel for a musical extravaganza. more...

News

Newton happy to tackle questions

MARK Newton is expecting some strong questions at Worcestershire's annual general meeting tonight at the John Moore's Theatre at King's School (7pm). more...

Stitched-up Latham ready to take on the Hurricanes

CHRIS Latham has revealed that the injuries he sustained playing for Queensland Reds in last Friday's Super 14 opener against Otago Highlanders were nothing more serious than a grotesquely swollen lip and a sore head. more...

Bond rejects move to New Road

WORCESTERSHIRE'S hunt for an overseas player has drawn another blank after Shane Bond rejected the move to New Road. more...

Harriers anger at called off

HARRIERS have written to the FA to complain about referee John Hopkins after Sunday's Blue Square Premier clash away at Crawley was controversially called off on Sunday. more...

Harriers anger at called off

HARRIERS have written to the FA to complain about referee John Hopkins after Sunday's Blue Square Premier clash away at Crawley was controversially called off on Sunday. more...

Harriers anger at called off

HARRIERS have written to the FA to complain about referee John Hopkins after Sunday's Blue Square Premier clash away at Crawley was controversially called off on Sunday. more...

Harriers anger at called off game

HARRIERS have written to the FA to complain about referee John Hopkins after Sunday's Blue Square Premier clash away at Crawley was controversially called off on Sunday. more...

Noah'S Ark Appeal

Fund-raiser Mary steps down from Noah’s Ark

A MUCH-loved fund-raiser for a Worcester-based bereavement charity has stepped down from a post she has held for the last five years. more...

Fund-raiser Mary steps down from Noah’s Ark

A MUCH-loved fund-raiser for a Worcester-based bereavement charity has stepped down from a post she has held for the last five years. more...

Phillpot Files

It is not hard to see why the city needs more houses

MP Mike Foster is taking an increasingly aggressive stance in the great debate over Britain's housing needs and Worcestershire's alleged obligations with regard to this matter. He's had numerous pops at Worcester's Tory-controlled city council and has also ranted on about nimbys' who, it appears, have committed the apparently unpardonable sin of not believing every utterance by New Labour spin meisters. more...

Pryce'S People

Fascinating time capsule of city life during the First World War

IF you're young, with time on your hands, not much seems to have changed out on the streets in 90 years. more...

Reports

Lennon's clincher as Robins retain advantage

Evesham Utd 1, Leighton Tn 0 TWO players who have played significant parts in Evesham's rise to the summit took on different roles as the Robins recorded an eighth straight win at St George's Lane last Saturday. more...

Lennon's clincher as Robins retain advantage

Round-Up

Edwards’ victory in hot challenge

KELLY Edwards' first competition of 2008 resulted in a gold at the Commonwealth Judo Championships in Mauritius. more...

Outsiders ease past Winning Post to extend run of success

OUTSIDERS made it five wins out of the last six by beating Winning Post by two pins at Heenan's Club in the Worcester and District League Division Three. more...

Watson shows the way for Stourport

STOURPORT Trampoline Club turned in a fine performance at the regional qualifiers in Kings Heath, Birmingham. more...

Watson shows the way for Stourport

STOURPORT Trampoline Club turned in a fine performance at the regional qualifiers in Kings Heath, Birmingham. more...

Pimlow brace seals fine victory

UPTON travelled to the Warwickshire countryside for their Midlands Five West (South) clash with Pinley and came away with a 26-15 success. more...

Cameron stars for North Mids

NORTH Midlands reached the knock-out stages of the National Under 20 Championship by defeating a strong Notts, Lincs and Derbyshire side 29-12 in their final Midlands Group B' match at Newark. more...

Spencer to lead Bergerac mission

WORCESTER number eight Catherine Spencer will lead England Women against France in the RBS Six Nations championship this Saturday in Bergerac on Saturday (3pm). more...

Chosen Hill seal points with decisive late score

PERSHORE were left to rue missed opportunities after going down 17-10 at home to Chosen Hill Former Pupils in Western Counties North. more...

Ledbury stroll to triumph

LEDBURY produced another fine display to see off Old Leamingtonians 23-7 in Midlands Four West (South). more...

Pegasus are given an Ard time of it

PEGASUS Juniors crashed to a 3-1 home defeat in the Hellenic Premier Division to Ardley United. more...

Skipper scores vital goal

BROMYARD grabbed three valuable points in their fight for survival in the West Midl-ands Premier Division. more...

Shifnal stalemate

WESTFIELDS returned from Shifnal Town with a hard-fought goalless draw in the Midlands Football Alliance. more...

Dales are left feeling green

A DISAPPOINTED Archdales 73 side left Stockingford thinking they deserved something from a very dull game, which they lost 2-0 in Midland Combination Division One. more...

Dales are left feeling green

A DISAPPOINTED Archdales 73 side left Stockingford thinking they deserved something from a very dull game, which they lost 2-0 in Midland Combination Division One. more...

Speedy deliver punch

A GOAL bonanza at Speedy Sports saw the home team thrash Punchbowl 10-3 in a Worcester Sunday League Division Four encounter. more...

Welcome aboard

RAPIDLY expanding Bromsgrove-based electrical accessories specialists, Byron, has appointed a new manager for its expanded warehouse operations. more...

It’s a vote of thanks

THREE inspiring British Legion members were honoured for their years of stalwart service. more...

New cancer campaign

LOCAL MPs Julie Kirkbride and Peter Luff are part of a county Tory parliamentary team calling for a radiotherapy unit to be based in Worcester. more...

Spreadinga little joy in Kenya

A KINDHEARTED former Rubery resident held a party for Kenyan children caught up in post election violence. more...

Spreadinga little joy in Kenya

A KINDHEARTED former Rubery resident held a party for Kenyan children caught up in post election violence. more...

New cancer campaign

LOCAL MPs Julie Kirkbride and Peter Luff are part of a county Tory parliamentary team calling for a radiotherapy unit to be based in Worcester. more...

Lunchtime run proves a success

EVESHAM Vale Running Club goes from strength to strength and celebrated Valentine's Day by launching a lunchtime run from Hampton Ferry. more...

Lunchtime run proves a success

EVESHAM Vale Running Club goes from strength to strength and celebrated Valentine's Day by launching a lunchtime run from Hampton Ferry. more...

Tennis league's annual meeting

THE Prudden Road Surfacing League stages its annual general meeting next Tuesday evening at the Royal British Legion Club in Bidford starting at 7.30. more...

MCC to visit Evesham again

EVESHAM Cricket Club has once again been honoured with a fixture against the MCC - the most prestigious cricket club in the world. more...

MCC to visit Evesham again

EVESHAM Cricket Club has once again been honoured with a fixture against the MCC - the most prestigious cricket club in the world. more...

MCC to visit Evesham again

EVESHAM Cricket Club has once again been honoured with a fixture against the MCC - the most prestigious cricket club in the world. more...

Final task too much for Broadway boys

Broadway Utd U-13 1, Barbourne Royals 3 BROADWAY failed to reproduce the form that took them to last Thursday night's County Cup Final but will consider themselves unlucky not to have at least taken the game to penalties. more...

Late score leaves hosts on receiving end

Pershore 10, Chosen Hill Former Pupils 17pts PERSHORE will rue missed opportunities and the referee's inadequacies after Saturday's home fixture. more...

Late score leaves hosts on receiving end

Pershore 10, Chosen Hill Former Pupils 17pts PERSHORE will rue missed opportunities and the referee's inadequacies after Saturday's home fixture. more...

Witnesses sought after pickup theft

POLICE are appealing for anyone who saw a pickup truck being stolen from premises on Malvern. more...

Today's events

Monday Winterschool - mixed media and collage workshop with Angie and Jeanette at Ledbury Artplace, 5a Worcester Road, Ledbury. £210. 01531 633100. more...

'One and only' Katy scoops dream ticket

SINGING sensation Katy Setterfield has been crowned the "one and only" Dusty Springfield. more...

Four rescued from Hills quarry

FOUR people were rescued after becoming stranded on a cliff face in the Malvern Hills on Saturday. more...

Latest Herefordshire Planning Applications

THE following Planning Applications were made to Herefordshire Council on February 15, 2008:- ACTON BEAUCHAMP - Conversion of and alteration to a period barn to create a residential dwelling. Barn at Crookshill Farm, Acton Beauchamp, Worcester, Herefordshire, WR6 5AB for Mr and Mrs B. Kearley per James Spreckley MRICS FAAV, Brinsop House, Brinsop, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR4 7AS. more...

Latest Herefordshire Planning Applications

THE following Planning Applications were made to Herefordshire Council on February 15, 2008. more...

Much-loved group has fears for future

A MUCH-valued local youth group with a 70 year history could be forced to close if new leaders are not found. more...

Rewards for taking the plunge

ANYONE who takes the plunge at Malvern Splash this month could win four family bikes as part of a major initiative to teach more children to swim. more...

Creative teaching impresses judges

A BOOK entitled The Creative Teaching and Learning Tool Kit by Will Thomas, from Malvern, has been shortlisted for the Educational Resources Award 2008. more...

New recruits needed to keep bells ringing

ST Matthias and Great Malvern Priory are looking for new recruits to keep the church bells ringing. more...

Rescuer lowered to quarry quartet

THE line rescue squad from Malvern fire station was called out of Saturday after four tourists got stuck on a cliff face in a quarry on the hills. more...

Rescuer lowered to quarry quartet

THE line rescue squad from Malvern fire station was called out on Saturday after four tourists got stuck on a cliff face in a quarry on the hills. more...

Affordable housing plans face opposition

RESIDENTS are uniting to oppose a development of 14 new affordable homes in Hanley Swan. more...

Affordable housing plans face opposition

RESIDENTS are uniting to oppose a development of 14 new affordable homes in Hanley Swan. more...

Captain stepping down after two decades at the helm

CAPTAIN Paul Hern of the 1st Malvern Company, The Boys' Brigade, can look back with satisfaction on a job well done when he retires from the post later this year. more...

Top marks for Kay

A TALENTED artist from Malvern has acheived top marks on her illustration course. more...

Roundup

Harriers anger at called off

HARRIERS have written to the FA to complain about referee John Hopkins after Sunday's Blue Square Premier clash away at Crawley was controversially called off on Sunday. more...

Harriers anger at called off game

HARRIERS have written to the FA to complain about referee John Hopkins after Sunday's Blue Square Premier clash away at Crawley was controversially called off on Sunday. more...

The Changing Environment

Pressure and the Weather

Pressure changes effects everything living on this planet including the way we feel, it shapes our personality without us knowing it. When pressure is high the subsiding air which is to be found beneath anticyclones can reduce the sea level by about 3 metres. When the pressure is low, the air is rising and pressure reduced so sea levels can rise by the same amount. Hence, when we experience low pressure with a rise of sea level, coupled with a strong sea surge due to strong winds and a high tide, coastal flooding becomes high risk. This almost occurred along the East coast of England earlier this year. Like every substance, air has its own weight. The atmosphere is over 600 km (370 miles) thick, and the weight of the air forces down on the Earth's surface. The downward force exerted by the weight of the air is called pressure. Air molecules are squeezed together by the weight of air above, making the air denser near the bottom of the atmosphere than it is at higher altitudes. Air density and pressure are greatest at sea level and decrease the higher one goes. Heat also makes air less dense, so less heavy, by moving its molecules. The warmer the air, the lower the air pressure. more...

Pressure and the Weather

LOCAL ADVERTISERS

Local Information

Enter your postcode, town or place name

House prices » Schools » Crime » Hospitals »