Worcester News - Stories for 19 February 2008

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Worcestershire | Archive | 2008 | February

Stories for 19 February 2008

Alcester

Brewery celebrates a first

ALCESTER-based Purity Brewing Co is set to become the first ever drinks company to receive the Red Tractor assurance mark. more...

Van seized from driver

A MAN delivering newspapers to a shop in Wootton Wawen was forced to hand over the keys to his van after being pushed over. more...

Young thespians congratulated

FOLLOWING a report in the Chronicle, a town councillor has praised a production the Alcester Junior Drama & Youth Theatre Group, put on to celebrate its 50th anniversary. more...

Mystery wheelchair

POLICE are urging any Alcester residents missing a wheelchair to get in touch with them, after one was discovered abandoned in Priory Road. more...

Capital showcase for wallpaper man

AN Alcester businessman is getting the chance to see his designs paraded on the catwalk in this year's London Fashion Week. more...

Playground funds boost

A TIRED playground in Great Alne is about to receive a cash injection of £20,000 which could see brand new equipment in place by summer. more...

Air view on homeless

COMMENTS on homelessness are being sought from Alcester residents as part of a five-year review. more...

Before The 1900'S

Business

Text message firm goes from strength to strength

A TEXT messaging company started in a back bedroom in Malvern only a year ago is now sending out more than one million texts a month. more...

Rail road to trading

BUSINESSES in the rail sector are being invited to take advantage of an opportunity to meet up to 30 international buyers at a prestigious trade event. more...

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year celebrations outside the Guildhall, Worcester (07311010) more...

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year celebrations outside the Guildhall, Worcester (07311009) more...

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year celebrations outside the Guildhall, Worcester (07311006) more...

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year celebrations outside the Guildhall, Worcester (07311008) more...

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year celebrations outside the Guildhall, Worcester (07311007) more...

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year celebrations outside the Guildhall, Worcester (07311005) more...

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year celebrations outside the Guildhall, Worcester (07311004) more...

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year celebrations outside the Guildhall, Worcester (07311003) more...

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year celebrations outside the Guildhall, Worcester (07311002) more...

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year celebrations outside the Guildhall, Worcester (07311001) more...

Clubs & Societies

Everywoman’s Circle

The February meeting was again well supported and President Anne Laugharne welcomed all members and one visitor. more...

Wythall History Society

The first meeting of 2008 took place on Friday January 25and included an illustrated talk by Mr Glyn Boucher entitled What's in a Map. more...

Hollywood WI

The February meeting was well attended and members were interested to hear the speaker Mrs Barbara Maskell recounting the pitfalls and memories of her daughter's Japanese wedding. more...

THE first half of our February meeting was devoted to the business of the AGM. The minutes of the previous AGM were approved and the officers presented their reports. Two projects to improve the facilities of the Art Circle are being considered, the first is the acquisition of some audio/visual equipment as an aid for speakers and demonstrators and the second is the creation of a Redditch Art Circle website. more...

Redditch Blind Association

MANY friends and supporters will be very pleased to hear that Mr Simon Thomas has agreed to become the new President of The Redditch Blind Association following the resignation of Mr. Philip Thomas. Philip served the association very well for many years and joins members in welcoming Simon. Members feel sure that with such leadership they will go from strength to strength in their efforts to help the visually impaired people in Redditch. more...

Redditch Blind Association

Merry Wives

ON Tuesday, February 5, Gill Graham came to talk to Merry Wives about her family business, breeding pigs and selling their meat. more...

Alcester U3A

The penultimate meeting in the Greig Hall lounge saw an increase in attendance justifying the group's future move to the more spacious main hall at the Greig Centre on April 1. more...

Community News

DROITWICH WI

Droitwich WI held a very well attended meeting on February 6. more...

HALLOW WI

It's party time in 2008. This year the Worcestershire Federation of WIs celebrates its 90th birthday and there is a meal with speaker at Malvern later in the year and we at Hallow celebrate our 65th in June. more...

INNER WHEEL CLUB OF DROITWICH SPA

President Hazel Barnes welcomed members of the Inner Wheel Club of Droitwich Spa to the first meeting of 2008, held at the Raven Hotel. more...

KEMPSEY WI

The first meeting of the year was well attended. The president welcomed everyone to the meeting, including five visitors who we hope will become regular members. more...

INNER WHEEL CLUB OF DROITWICH SPA

Little Witley WI rounded off a successful 2007 with a traditional Christmas dinner in the village hall. more...

MALVERN CIVIC SOCIETY

WHEN the Civic Society reconvened for 2008 Colin Butler, chairman of Malvern and Three Counties Friends of Childline provided a most interesting talk called Helping Children At Risk. The annual meeting was also held. more...

POWICK AND CALLOW END ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

Our new year has started with an excellent response from our community for the 2007 Poppy Appeal collection. Once again we have beaten the previous year but this time with an even bigger margin. A magnificent total of £3,005.43 was donated by the two villages, which included static box donations and the house-to-house collections. We also congratulate the Crown at Powick in achieving the highest static collection this year and they will be presented with the Challenge Cup. more...

Church Anniversary Celebrations

Iris Simmonds, left, with the Rev Jane Wilson before Mrs Simmonds cut the Droitwich Methodist Church anniversary cake. Church members enjoyed a weekend of festivities to celebrate 70 years since the present church building opened. More than 200 churchgoers enjoyed games, a puppet show, a photograph and memorabilia exhibition, quizzes and a meal at the Worcester Road church's Amphlett House. Mrs Simmonds, who was around when the church was built, and Greta Robinson cut two cakes. more...

Down The Lane

Consistency the key for City says Heeley

BEING consistent has been Worcester City's Achilles' heel in recent seasons. more...

Consistency the key for City says Heeley

BEING consistent has been Worcester City's Achilles' heel in recent seasons. more...

Consistency the key for City says Heeley

BEING consistent has been Worcester City's Achilles' heel in recent seasons. more...

Consistency the key for City says Heeley

BEING consistent has been Worcester City's Achilles' heel in recent seasons. more...

Education

We’re off to a country where children have to use melons as footballs

SPORT is something we take for granted in England. It's embedded in our culture and our children get more opportunities than most to take up some form of physical education. In fact, the Government is keen to ensure children are getting at least an hour of sport a day where possible. more...

General

DJ Jules spins top club tunes

AN award-winning Radio 1 DJ will be spinning the decks in Kidderminster. more...

Heading for West End

PERFORMERS from a Stourport-based dance school can't wait to shimmy along to a West End theatre this spring. more...

Hearts First Wyre Forest 5k

Rebecca runs in mum’s memory

A KIDDERMINSTER woman will be putting her best foot forward in memory of her mother next month. more...

Rebecca runs in mum’s memory

A KIDDERMINSTER woman will be putting her best foot forward in memory of her mother next month. more...

In Brief

Writers’ group

THOSE with a passion for writing can join a group of like-minded people at their next meeting. more...

Toddle waddle set to aid trust

THE Meningitis Trust is appealing for toddlers to take part in its ninth Toddle Waddle throughout April. more...

Police plea on stolen crusher

A MINI crusher machine has been stolen from a farm in Redditch. more...

Timetable and route changes

BUS users are being reminded to check their timetables as commercial operators are changing services this month. more...

Blackpool break on offer

THE Rotary Club of Redditch Kingfisher is offering a trip to those in need of a break. more...

Kidder News Latest

Rebecca runs in mum’s memory

A KIDDERMINSTER woman will be putting her best foot forward in memory of her mother next month. more...

Rebecca runs in mum’s memory

A KIDDERMINSTER woman will be putting her best foot forward in memory of her mother next month. more...

Wyre Forest cold snap

THIS was the scene in Kidderminster as drivers were scraping their windscreens ahead of rush hour after another cold snap. more...

Harbouring hopes for charities

ARLEY'S Harbour Inn will be the finishing line for five intrepid cyclists gearing up for a 100-mile bike ride from Aberystwyth Harbour, in aid of charities. more...

Bullying issues discussed

THE impact of bullying and how the scale of it in Worcestershire can be explored was further discussed by a group of county councillors yesterday. more...

Bullying issues discussed

THE impact of bullying and how the scale of it in Worcestershire can be explored was further discussed by a group of county councillors yesterday. more...

Rustie bids to be MEP

RUSTIE Lee, the Kidderminster-based celebrity who has landed a role on EastEnders, is bidding to become an MEP. more...

Fairtrade to be showcased

FAIRTRADE Fortnight in Kidderminster promises to be a tasty affair, with mouth-watering treats, courtesy of the Co-op. more...

Fairtrade to be showcased

FAIRTRADE Fortnight in Kidderminster promises to be a tasty affair, with mouth-watering treats, courtesy of the Co-op. more...

Fairtrade to be showcased

FAIRTRADE Fortnight in Kidderminster promises to be a tasty affair, with mouth-watering treats, courtesy of the Co-op. more...

Childbirth charity holding sale

MUMS and dads will be able to kit out their children with nearly new clothes at a fraction of high street prices in a sale being run by a charity. more...

Air ambulance tales sought

COUNTY Air Ambulance wants to hear from former patients who would be willing to help the charity by telling their story in a series of new publications. more...

Air ambulance tales sought

COUNTY Air Ambulance wants to hear from former patients who would be willing to help the charity by telling their story in a series of new publications. more...

Air ambulance tales sought

COUNTY Air Ambulance wants to hear from former patients who would be willing to help the charity by telling their story in a series of new publications. more...

Pre-CD era on show

BEWDLEY Museum is taking visitors back to the time before CDs and MP3s when needles were put on record players and there were no calculators or computers for adding up. more...

Police council tax to rise by 4.94 per cent

WEST Mercia Police Authority members today unanimously agreed a 4.94 per cent increase in their council tax precept. more...

Police agree 4.94 council tax rise

WEST Mercia Police Authority members today unanimously agreed a 4.94 per cent increase in their council tax precept. more...

Latest

Students honoured at awards ceremony

STUDENTS at a Worcester college have been rewarded for their hard work. more...

Text messaging firm goes from strength to strength

A TEXT messaging company started in a back bedroom in Malvern only a year ago is now sending out more than one million texts a month. more...

Don’t miss the trade boat to China

NEVER mind the slow boat, Worcestershire engineering firms have been warned that they could miss the fast boat to China. more...

Don’t miss the trade boat to China

NEVER mind the slow boat, Worcestershire engineering firms have been warned that they could miss the fast boat to China. more...

Latest travel news

Check out the latest travel news before you head out to work. more...

Play centre to open on site of former gym

A CHILDREN'S play centre is being set up in the premises of a former Worcester gym, which suddenly closed. more...

Worcester News weather watch

It's a bit chilly out there, so keep up to date with the latest weather forecast and travel news with your Worcester News. more...

No heating or hot water at flat deemed unsafe

A FAMILY whose home was deemed unsafe have moved back in only to discover they have no heating or hot water. more...

Latest travel news

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

They're trying to privatise our doctors

DOCTORS and patients are furious over a planned walk-in health centre in the heart of Worcester. more...

We had such a great time at fun day

Face-painting and workshops with Drama Queen Daisy were just some of the activities on offer at a free children's fun day. more...

Railway station plan for old Kays site

PASSENGER trains could stop at St John's for the first time in more than 40 years under radical proposals to transform the old Kays factory site. more...

Theatre grant could be cut by £40,000

MALVERN Theatres is likely to lose �40,000 of grant funding in the coming financial year as Malvern Hills District Council sets new priorities for how it spends its money. more...

COMMENT: We have to do right by Kays staff

WHAT is to be done with the former Kays site in Worcester? This week marks the first anniversary of the last workers leaving the St John's headquarters of the catalogue giant for the final time. more...

1960's pop singer arrested in fraud investigation

SIXTIES pop star PJ Proby has been arrested in Worcestershire on suspicion of a �50,000 benefits fraud, it has been reported. 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...

Man on sex offenders’ register is jailed again - court

A 20-year-old who is on the sex offenders� register has been jailed after moving without notifying police. more...

What do you think about 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...

Worcester News weather watch

Keep up to date with the latest weather forecast and travel news with your Worcester News. more...

Glowing Ofsted report for playgroup

A PLAYGROUP which celebrates its 40th anniversary in Worcester this year has received a glowing report from Government inspectors. more...

I’m doing all I can to help the Noah’s Ark Trust

Alice Bennett may only be nine, but already she is showing a strong sense of community and a drive to raise money for others less fortunate than herself. more...

Orchestra plays final note 57 years after forming

A WORCESTER orchestra is to play its final note after 57 years of being conducted by the woman who started the group. more...

Two young licensees celebrate winning top award

THE licensees running a Worcester pub are drinking to success after just six months in the job. more...

Epic trek in charity's name

INTREPID walkers who trekked 31 miles from dawn til dusk have raised �7,000 for St Richard�s Hospice. more...

Drug habit led to jail - court

A DROITWICH man who stole power drills and bottles of vodka to fund a drug habit has been jailed. more...

Stolen pick-up witnesses sought

DRINKERS at a pub in Kempsey are being asked if they saw a stolen pick-up truck being driven shortly before it was found burnt out. more...

Join my bike ride across Britain for the Noah's Ark Trust

KEEN cyclists are being sought by a man hoping to find others to join him on a 1,000-mile trip spanning the length of Britain as he helps raise money for a Worcester-based charity. more...

Last chance saloon for methadone man - court

A JUDGE decided to give a Worcester man a final chance of staying out of custody after he twice breached a community order. more...

Malvern homes to be recommended for approval

FIFTY new affordable homes could be built in Malvern if planning permission is granted. more...

Paul is running in the marathon to help children

A DROITWICH runner has pledged to use his experience of a serious childhood illness to help a children's charity. more...

Get your WN on Facebook

WE'RE still on the lookout for more Facebook friends - people who receive their rolling news throughout the day and night from the comfort of their own profile. more...

Body of dog found after fire

AN Evesham family have fled their home after a fire broke out in a downstairs room. more...

Goodbye to ‘Ginger’

DOZENS of mourners turned out for the funeral of a Pershore character and showed that, although he had no family, he was not short of friends. more...

Cemetery extension moves closer

THE extension of Pershore Cemetery has taken another step forward with the completion of an ecological survey. more...

Green festival planned

A GREEN Festival is being planned in Pershore in May to highlight the need for local people to care about the environment. more...

Pershore increases precept

PERSHORE Town Council has increased its council tax precept by 2.7 per cent after agreeing this years budget. more...

Rob's beer hits the marque

A VALE pub devastated by the July floods has risen phoenix-like from the ruins to claim a top award. more...

County applauds train moves

A GOVERNMENT warning to First Great Western to improve its performance or risk losing its rail franchise has been welcomed by Worcestershire's transport chief. more...

Hundreds visit flood fair

HUNDREDS of people from all over the West Midlands descended on Evesham last Thursday for a Flood Fair at the Leisure Centre, on Davies Road. more...

Hundreds visit flood fair

HUNDREDS of people from all over the West Midlands descended on Evesham last Thursday for a Flood Fair at the Leisure Centre, on Davies Road. more...

More awards for Terry

AN Evesham tattoo artist has proven his talent yet again after scooping two awards at an annual festival in Wales. more...

Book sale raises more than £700

A BOOK sale at a Pershore charity shop has raised more than £700 for Acorns Children's Hospice. more...

House fire on Victoria Avenue

AN Evesham family had to flee their house in fear this morning following a fire which started in a downstairs room. more...

Time for the big one

BIRMINGHAM City Ladies are preparing for their biggest game of the season - an FA Cup quarter-final at all-conquering Arsenal on Sunday - having booked their eighth successive County Cup final with Sunday's 3-0 win at Wolves. more...

Kesterton leads B&R

DESPITE the ever-reliable Dave Kesterton finishing seventh Bromsgrove and Redditch Athletics Club missed out on promotion by one place in the Birmingham Invitation Cross Country League. more...

Cross take derby spoils

Headless Cross Ladies FC 3 Redditch United Ladies 0 more...

Cross take derby spoils

Headless Cross Ladies FC 3 Redditch United Ladies 0 more...

Pride restored

Warwick University 5 Redditch Ladies Hockey Club 1 more...

’Church batter Pershore

ALVECHURCH put their fading promotion hopes behind them on Monday by blitzing Midland Combination underdogs Pershore in the Worcester Infirmary Cup. more...

Youth league

STUDLEY Juniors FC U15s hosted Redditch United in the Central Warwickshire Youth league. more...

Spartak to merge plan

THE long-term future of Barnt Green Spartak has been secured after manager GJ Singh revealed a deal has been struck to merge the Midland Combination Premier Division outfit with an unnamed club. more...

Solihull slide to defeat after a no-show

Solihull 0 Walsall 25 more...

Kings Norton 13 Old Coventrians 13

KINGS Norton set out to reverse their worst league defeat of the season against Old Covs but the visitors once again proved a well-drilled mobile outfit with a fast set of three-quarters who set about attacking and unsettling the home side. more...

Alcester bid for a Great Escape

RELEGATION-haunted Alcester dragged themselves out of the bottom two in Midlands West Five South with an heroic win over a Keresley side who would have stayed third with the two points. more...

Alcester 17 Keresley 7

ALCESTER fans would be forgiven for thinking they were watching a completely different side to the one that capitulated to fellow strugglers Harbury. more...

Alcester 17 Keresley 7

ALCESTER fans would be forgiven for thinking they were watching a completely different side to the one that capitulated to fellow strugglers Harbury. more...

Fishing lines

Studley Road AC held a match on the river Avon at Pershore on Saturday where club secretary Chris Cole came up winner with a 3lb 11oz mixed bag from peg one. Second, off peg three, was Pete Millard with 2lb 6oz and third Pete Lewis (1lb 15oz). Section winners were Pete Taylor and Barry Blewett. more...

Fishing lines

STUDLEY Road AC held a match on the river Avon at Pershore on Saturday where club secretary Chris Cole came up winner with a 3lb 11oz mixed bag from peg one. Second, off peg three, was Pete Millard with 2lb 6oz and third Pete Lewis (1lb 15oz). Section winners were Pete Taylor and Barry Blewett. more...

Latets

Drink-driver caused death of passenger

A DRINK-driver who took his eyes off the road to chat caused the death of a rear seat passenger. more...

‘Groomer’ faces prison sentence

A CONVICTED sex offender who "groomed" a 14-year-old boy, intending to commit a sexual offence with him, has been warned to expect another prison sentence. more...

Leisure General

Students bring classic musical to Bromyard

PUPILS at Queen Elizabeth Humanities College hope to raise the roof with their rendition of the classic musical Oklahoma! in March. more...

Letters

People aren’t going to get out of cars

SIR - So let's face it... people aren't going to get out of their cars to use the buses. more...

Centres plan may be part of NHS hive-off

SIR - In the last few months, the general practitioner's committee (part of the British Medical Association) has been negotiating with National Health Service employers following the Government's determination to extend opening hours of GPs' surgeries. more...

Excellent evening of entertainment

SIR - Well done once again to Kays Theatre Group for another excellent evening of entertainment. more...

Time for return of the high-rise

SIR - We keep reading about government house-building targets. People naturally get concerned about building on the flood plain and green belt. Surely it is time for the British put away their prejudices regarding high-rise blocks of flats? more...

Spare thought for vulnerable people

SIR - I am the mother of a disabled man who lives at Osborne Court in Malvern, which is to be closed next year. more...

If it’s that good let’s have a poll

SIR - I am amazed at Councillor Richard Udall's letter regarding the EU and the question of British sovereignty. If all this is so good for Britain, why hasn't a referendum been held on whether we should elect these wonderful people to the gravy train? more...

Wake up Stan and move with times

SIR - Why does Stan Parr want us to "survive as an independent sovereign nation?" We are all one world now, Stan - wake up and move with the times. more...

My thanks to the good samaritans

SIR - May I thank all the people who came to my aid on Thursday, January 10 after my fall outside the chemist in St John's. more...

Road safety skills

WHEN Barry McFarland has had his way wrapping schoolchildren in cotton wool, who pray is going to be there to nanny' them after they leave school? (Roadcraft GCSE would be no protection, Shuttle Letters, February 14) Learning to cross the road safely is a life skill, one that they will use everyday for the rest of their lives. more...

Apology not good enough

IMAGINE if you arrive every morning at your place of work only to find that the electric supply has been disconnected and remains that way for say half an hour. more...

School closure

I AM writing to you in my capacity as treasurer of Pencombe Under 5s pre school and Pencombe Mums and Tots. more...

Dogs should be kept off golf course

Regarding the article on "Fairways walkies banned". more...

Long catalogue of traffic problems

LIVING in Redditch as I do it is plain to see that the "ditched" bypass is a sad and inconceivable end to a road situation that would have given Redditch a proper transport system instead of the one we are going to or not going to get. more...

Supersize swim in aid of charity

SWIMATHON 2008, the world's largest swimming fundraiser, has launched in pools throughout the UK, and the event will be supporting Marie Curie Cancer Care for the second year running. more...

Let’s be thankful for our democracy

Regarding the recent letter from M Nazir about no go' areas in Muslim communities, I would like to ask him a question. more...

Angst of choosing a care home

EastEnders' viewers saw the angst and turmoil as Dot helped her husband Jim move to his care home. more...

Modern education methods failing

Given an area of social deprivation, when a local learning and skills profile reveals that eight per cent of the population possess higher education qualifications and that includes Mickey Mouse certificates for courses that no-one fails, with no fewer than 50 per cent of children with Special Education Needs, then to any average imbecile such a pattern would not expect high academic results. more...

Modern education methods failing

GIVEN an area of social deprivation, when a local learning and skills profile reveals that eight per cent of the population possess higher education qualifications and that includes Mickey Mouse certificates for courses that no-one fails, with no fewer than 50 per cent of children with Special Education Needs, then to any average imbecile such a pattern would not expect high academic results. more...

Promises broken on referendum

I AM thoroughly tired of Jacqui Smith and other politicians saying that there is no need for a referendum on the European Treaty because the present draft is "significantly different" from the previous draft. more...

To much hype and spin from our local MP

I WAS rather surprised in the previous week's edition to find a two page spread of the events Jacqui Smith MP has jumped on and lays claim to have been involved with. more...

Memory

100 years ago - February 23, 1908

A SPECIAL musical service, arranged by the members of the Christian Endeavour Society, was held at the Baptist Church on Sunday afternoon. more...

50 years ago - February 20, 1958

A 14-year-old schoolboy has won a cookery competition. He is Peter Firth, of 152, Plymouth Road, Redditch. more...

25 years ago - February 23, 1983

TEN workers were laid off at a Redditch bicycle firm which closed this week and is facing liquidation. more...

News

Half-back pair win Ruddock backing

WORCESTER Warriors director of rugby Mike Ruddock has given a stamp of approval to the half-back pairing of Ryan Powell and James Brown. more...

Worcester trio named in England 'A' squad

WORCESTER hooker Samantha Dale returns to England Women's A' team to France in Bourgoin (3pm) on Saturday. more...

Rhodes makes player pledge

STEVE Rhodes is determined to start the new county cricket season with an overseas star bowler as his "frustrating" search continues. more...

Double figure lead is Evesham's incentive

VICTORY for Evesham United tonight could hand the title-chasing Robins the perfect ten! more...

Frost threat to tonight's game

EVESHAM United's scheduled Southern League clash at home to Stourbridge tonight is a doubtful starter. more...

Frozen surface halts Evesham's gallop

EVESHAM United's hopes of rattling up a ninth straight win were dashed when tonight's scheduled Division One Midlands clash with Stourbridge was called off. more...

Reds need our support

Dear Editor, As a Redditch United supporter I attended the recent fans' forum, at which there was an encouraging attendance and an interesting exchange of views on a variety of issues, with some understandable disagreements. more...

Reds need our support

Dear Editor, AS a Redditch United supporter I attended the recent fans' forum, at which there was an encouraging attendance and an interesting exchange of views on a variety of issues, with some understandable disagreements. more...

Anguilla loss is Reds gain

Redditch United 2, Workington 0 more...

Anguilla loss is Reds gain

Redditch United 2, Workington 0 more...

Redditch edging to the title

REDDITCH moved another big step closer to the title on Saturday with a 17-3 win at Warley but with nearest rivals Clee - now the only side who can beat the Kingfishers to top spot - also winning, the championship champagne was again put on ice. more...

Redditch edging to the title

Noah'S Ark Appeal

Join my bike ride across Britain for the Noah's Ark Trust

KEEN cyclists are being sought by a man hoping to find others to join him on a 1,000-mile trip spanning the length of Britain as he helps raise money for a Worcester-based charity. more...

I’m doing all I can to help the Noah’s Ark Trust

Alice Bennett may only be nine, but already she is showing a strong sense of community and a drive to raise money for others less fortunate than herself. more...

Philip Serrell

Buyers came from all over world for auction

AS the photograph (far right, top) shows the recent sale of the effects of the late Lady Maria Coventry drew a massive attendance. Prior to sale we had received enquiries from throughout the world with the telephone calls from interested parties coming from as far as America to Australia. more...

Reviews

Review: In The Club at Malvern Theatres

In The Club was a traditional farce and although entirely predictable from beginning to end offered plenty of laughs along the way. more...

Review: In The Club at Malvern Theatres

In The Club was a traditional farce and although entirely predictable from beginning to end offered plenty of laughs along the way. more...

Fuse and Led Zep Too at The Lamb

THE past and perhaps the future of rock strutted its stuff at The Lamb in West Malvern on Saturday, February 16. more...

Round-Up

Henshaw double key for Malvern

MALVERN continue to lead the race for Midlands One after a 29-8 victory over Whitchurch at Spring Lane. more...

Droitwich enjoy their stay at B&B

DROITWICH eventually managed to subdue a stubborn Berkswell and Balsall side at the Memorial Ground to maintain their push for Midlands Three West (South) promotion with a 36-20 success. more...

Turner wants loan duo to stay longer

HEREFORD United boss Graham Turner is hoping that he will be able to extend the loan spells of his new potent strike force of Gary Hooper and Sherjill MacDonald. more...

Robins looking to open up 10-point lead

VICTORY for Evesham United tonight could hand the title-chasing Robins the perfect 10. more...

Hereford and Evesham off

Both Hereford United and Evesham United have had their games called off tonight. more...

Narraway axed by England

WORCESTER-born Luke Narraway has been dropped from the England 22 that will travel to Paris this weekend to face France in the RBS Six Nations. more...

Weather upsets league matches

HEAVY overnight frost accounted for much of the Evesham Sunday League programme with all the division one matches being postponed. more...

Twelve-year-old Ben has two holes-in-one

A TALENTED 12-year-old gol-fer is celebrating after shooting an amazing two holes-in-one in a week at The Vale Club. more...

Clarke will lead GB at Europa Cup

WORCESTER-born skier Andrew Clarke will lead Great Britain at the Europa Cup next week. more...

Hereford beat City yet again

WORCESTER City Women missed out on a place in the County Cup semi-final with a 3-1 defeat against Hereford Phoenix. more...

New move to have parking bans lifted

RESIDENTS in Barnt Green are attempting to reverse parking restrictions in Fiery Hill Road. more...

All set for the inspectors

BROMSGROVE District Council is hoping its efforts to upgrade its housing service will be recognised. more...

The appliance of science

BUDDING scientists at a Bromsgrove school were celebrating after winning a national competition. more...

Kind hearts

BIG hearted Rubery youngsters raised cash for a worthwhile cause by staging three live entertainment events. The youngsters belong to Youthworcs, a group of young people aged from 11 to 19 who meet for various activities at Rubery Youth Centre in New Road. They organised three gigs including a panto and raised the sum of £250 for their adopted charity last year which was Leukaemia Research.This year's charity is Cancer Research. more...

Minibus appeal

AN appeal to raise cash to buy a minibus for youngsters at a special school in Bromsgrove has been given a welcome boost. A fundraising event at Tamanna Exclusive Asian Cuisine, in High Street, Bromsgrove, organised by Colette Hims - a teaching assistant at Rigby Hall Special School in Aston Fields - added £400 to the total. Thanking all who took part the organisers said the evening was a great success, and the owner of the Tamanna, Chunu Miah, gave half of the evening's proceeds to the appeal. Donations were also received from the Droitwich and District Snooker League and people who were unable to attend. more...

The gift of reading

THE faces of youngsters from a Bromsgrove pre-school spoke volumes when they delved into Bookstart treasure chests from the town's library. more...

The voice of youth

MATTHEW Parsons and Bradley Smith, from Bromsgrove, have been voted on to the Worcestershire Youth Cabinet by their peers. more...

Have your say on car parking

OLDER Bromsgrove residents are being given the chance to air their views on concessionary parking and other controversial topics directly to Bromsgrove District Council's chief executive, Kevin Dicks. Mr Dicks is set to attend the Bromsgrove branch of the Older People's Forum on March 13. Ever since the council announced it was scrapping concessionary car park passes, senior citizens have been up in arms. Now the chairman of the forum, Charles Bateman, is calling on as many people as possible to pack the hall at the Methodist Centre in Stratford Road at 10am to voice their concerns. more...

Walk on

WADDLING toddlers are needed for a sponsored charity walk this April. The Meningitis Trust is staging the ninth toddle waddle and children under five are needed for the event. Funds raised will go towards the charity, which provides ongoing support to families affected by meningitis, which kills more under fives than any other infectious disease in the UK. Toddle waddle organiser Steve Williams said: "Over the last eight years this event has raised £2million for the trust." To obtain a pack, and organise you own toddle waddle, visit www.meningitis-trust.org/toddlewaddle or call the trust's special hotline on 0845 644 0184. more...

Search for talent

ORGANISERS behind this year's popular Droitwich music festival have already begun their search for top town talent. more...

Travelling back to Tudor times

A GROUP of children found themselves transported back to the time of the Tudors during a special history project. more...

Double figure lead is Evesham's incentive

VICTORY for Evesham United tonight could hand the title-chasing Robins the perfect ten! more...

Pacers lose out after topsy-turvy clash

A TOPSY-TURVY contest saw the Pacers lose 36-22 to WCT Juniors in their latest Worcestershire Indoor Netball League clash. more...

Leading lady offering golf advice

ALISON Nicholas, a winner of 15 events on the Ladies European Tour, will be on hand to offer coaching at Twyford Golf Centre. more...

Marksman Matthew adds to tally of goals

MATTHEW Layton added to his impressive season's goal tally in the Stratford Alliance with one of two hat-tricks last Saturday. more...

Frost threat to tonight's game

EVESHAM United's scheduled Southern League clash at home to Stourbridge tonight is a doubtful starter. more...

Frozen surface halts Evesham's gallop

EVESHAM United's hopes of rattling up a ninth straight win were dashed when tonight's scheduled Division One Midlands clash with Stourbridge was called off. more...

Mixed fortunes for Pirates

THE Pirates of Pershore enjoyed mixed fortunes last Sunday morning then they faced opposition from Tewkesbury. more...

Ben's six-try blitz fits the bill!

Old Richians 0, Evesham U-11 40pts FIRED up from the previous week's efforts, Evesham hit the starting blocks running and Ben Jones opened the scoring after three minutes when he finished off a move involving Nathan Pallet, Kieran Sherwood and James Thomas. more...

Weakened side overrun on the road

Old Patesians 28, Evesham U-12 7pts ON A cold, crisp but very sunny Sunday, Evesham travelled to Cheltenham Junior College but were stretched to field a team due to the half-term holiday. more...

Today's events

Tuesday Tai Chi class with Altair at Northleigh School, St Peters Road, Malvern. 7.30pm. Details www.altairedstates.co.uk or 01684 562528. 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...

Latest Herefordshire Planning Applications

THE following Planning Applications were made to Malvern Hills District Council on February 14, 2008:- DYSON PERRINS - Four No new dwellings (demolition of one dwelling). 70 Yates Hay Road, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 1LH for Mr R Duke, MRD Developments, Solitaire, Danemoor Cross, Welland, Malvern, WR13 6NJ per Adrian Hutt Architects, Turnpike Corner, 50 London Road, Worcester, WR5 2DL. more...

Latest Herefordshire Planning Applications

Council facing maladministration charge over bridge

COLWALL residents continue to fight for the replacement railway bridge they believe will finally restore normality to their village. more...

Council investment in Northern Rock is 'safe'

NEWS that troubled bank Northern Rock has been nationalised will not affect a �1 million investment by Malvern Hills District Council. more...

Pancake funds reach £2,500

THE first Malvern Pancake Race, organised by the town's Rotary Club, has been deemed a great success. more...

New health centre set to open

MALVERN'S newest health centre opens its doors to patients on Monday, February 25. more...

Organists from far and wide head to Priory

Organists from near and far will be coming to town to play Malvern Priory's 3,000-pipe, four-manual organ recently restored by Nicholson's. more...

Organists from far and wide heading to Priory

Organists from near and far will be coming to town to play Malvern Priory's 3,000-pipe, four-manual organ recently restored by Nicholson's. more...

Singles event is first of a kind

A WEEKEND dedicated solely to single people is to be held in Malvern next month, the first of its kind in the country. more...

Helping hand for children's charity

MALVERN Festival Chorus has handed over a cheque for £1,168.26 to the Chernobyl Children Life Line. more...

Drawing tips from the best

DENNIS the Menace made a fleeting appearance at Malvern Library when a Beano illustrator dropped in to offer some drawing tips. more...

Student found carrying drugs

A COLLEGE student was caught with drugs - after riding his bike without lights. more...

First-time buyers get housing help

FIRST-time buyers in the borough are being thrown a lifeline by Redditch Council and its housing partners. more...

Moggie miracle – Ralph returns!

A MIRACULOUS moggie has been left with eight of his nine lives after being found 20 miles away from home. more...

Martin kept his cool on slopes

AN army officer from Redditch has shown his cool at the Army's UK divisional ski championships in France. more...

Benefit fraud man convicted

A MAN who committed benefit fraud totalling nearly £5,000 has been found guilty at Redditch Magistrates Court. more...

Helen plans to go the distance

A CHURCH Hill woman will be putting her best foot forward and taking part in three long distance runs in aid of the RSPCA. more...

Half a million hits on events website

FROM raving in Redditch to belly dancing in Bromsgrove a website listing events and activities is proving a hit with users. more...

Valuable DJ equipment taken

THIEVES broke into a business in the centre of Redditch and stole DJ equipment worth £1,000. more...

Council joins sport stint

REDDITCH Council is giving people the chance to don their running shoes for a good cause as it hosts a Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile event next month and people can register to take part now. more...

Day for job seekers

ACCOUNTANCY, finance and office professionals looking for the right job are to get a helping hand. more...

Appeal after night assault

A MAN was assaulted in Redditch after he was approached by two men who asked him for a cigarette. more...

Touch-screen box is a first for force

VISITORS to the Kingfisher Centre can access the latest crime prevention advice from West Mercia Constabulary on a new interactive information stand. more...

Cash boost for website

ALVECHURCH Village Society (AVS) has won an It's Your Community grant of £800 from mobile phone company O2 to develop a community website this year. more...

Be entertained and raise funds

RESIDENTS have the chance to enjoy a performance from a popular town choir while raising money for two good causes. more...

Youths cast their votes

REDDITCH youngsters were among those who turned out to cast their vote in this year's Worcestershire Youth Cabinet and UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) elections. more...

Hundreds marked Chinese New Year

HUNDREDS of revellers were in Redditch last weekend for the first ever town-wide Chinese New Year party. more...

Meeting on budget plan

WORCESTERSHIRE County Council will meet tomorrow to discuss its budget plans for the next financial year. more...

Bag baked in bread shock

A REDDITCH shopper got a shock when he sliced open a loaf of bread he bought in Tesco and found a plastic bag baked into it. more...

Community cash award for skatepark

HOME Secretary and Redditch MP Jacqui Smith visited Redditch Skatepark to meet young bikers and members and present them with £1,000. more...

Schools

Stars shone at Icons contest

WANNABE stars shone brightly at St Augustine's Catholic High School during its third annual Pop Icons competition. more...

Schools News

Theatre group help with arts challenge

A WORCESTER-based theatre company has said it is ready to help schools meet the Government's new objective to provide all children with five hours of cultural activity per week. more...

Pupils win places at Oxford and Cambridge

PUPILS in Worcestershire are snapping up places at two of Britain's most reputable universities. more...

Choir sings in some of Italy's famous places

Malvern St James' school choir is pictured leaving for Italy where it spent the half-term holiday in some of the most famous venues. The choir visited the Teatro del Sale and the Duomo in Florence, the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Ancient Pantheon in Rome. The group, 40 singers in all, were accompanied by Malvern St James' director of music Lynne Lindner, herself an accomplished soprano. She said: "It is vital that we inspire our pupils, teaching them is not enough. Singing Puccini in the Pantheon or Rossini in Teatro del Sale makes the connections for them." more...

Professor’s post is first in country

THE University of Worcester has appointed the UK's first professor of perinatal education. more...

Elgar children take to the catwalk

PUPILS at the Elgar Technology College staged a special fashion show as part of their Enterprise Day. more...

Winners of talent show record CD

PUPILS at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School and nursery, Droitwich, have recorded their own CD following an X-Factor-style competition. more...

Society

Blakedown

WI - Since this was the eve of St Valentine's Day, June Gordon provided a heart shaped flower arrangement for the president's table. Four new members were given welcome packs. more...

Sports Zone

Boys and girls, do you want to learn how to play golf?

What with all the pressure from those that "say" we must get our kids into fitness it is really quite a challenge to us parents to encourage the little darlings off the sofa and from in front of the play station to actually go out and do as we were encouraged to - "do something less boring instead!" more...

This Week In........

February 16-23

This week in 1958: more...

Upton

Now booking for Folk Festival weekend

DETAILS of this year's Upton Folk Festival have been announced. more...

Villages

Longdon

LAST Sunday the annual Lent Lunch was held at the Vicarage. The event was well attended and raised over £140 for the support of young people in Africa. Thank you to all who came to support this event and especially those who helped prepare food for the occasion, your help was much appreciated! more...

Wellington Heath

THE ceilidh on February 9 was very well attended and enjoyed by all. Thank you to all those committee members who provided excellent food and also to Ros and Patrick who did a fantastic job of running the bar. more...

Colwall

THE next Lent lunch will be held at the Ale House between noon and 1.30pm on Wednesday, February 27. more...

Powick

IT was with much sadness that the parish has heard of the passing of Reverend Douglas Walker of Callow End. In his retirement he gave freely of his time to take services across the benefice, and especially while the church was awaiting a new vicar. He will be remembered as a member of the Royal British Legion and in taking Remembrance Day services. more...

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