Stories for 6 February 2008

Alcester

Awards given for all sport talents

VOLUNTEER worker Peter Clark from Alcester & Ragley Park Cricket Club was one of the proud winners at the sixth annual Stratford-on-Avon District Sports Awards on Friday, January 18.  more...

Santa’s gifts

ALCESTER Round Table raised over £2,000 with its annual Santa Run. The group raised the money for several charities including the Young Firefighters, Macmillan Nurses, Coughton PTA, Friends of Great Alne School, Alcester Scouts, Friends of Haselor School, Saint Nicholas PTA, First Responders and Alcester Nursery.  more...

Smashing film in bid for BAFTA finals spot

A FILMMAKER from Alcester is waiting to find out whether his latest effort has made it into the final of a national competition run by the Orange British Academy Film Awards.  more...

Planning fears end after five years

AFTER years of campaigning and consultation, a line has finally been drawn under the planning dispute over the Great Alne Castle Maudsley site.  more...

Crowds brave heavy rain to enjoy town’s annual pancake showpiece

A LONG standing tradition was upheld yesterday despite the heavy rain as Alcester High street closed down to allow townsfolk - young and old - to take part in the annual Shrove Tueday pancake races.  more...

Business

Poultry ark will enable chickens at home

FOLLOWING Jamie Oliver's recent tirade against factory farming of chickens, a Worcestershire garden and landscape company is hoping to lay a golden egg.  more...

Delight as care home scoops top accolade

HEART of England Housing and Care, which runs Westmead residential care home in Droitwich, is celebrating after earning an Investors in People award.  more...

Tax adviser Liz is made a partner

LIZ Peters has been made a partner in Droitwich-based accountancy practice Ballard Dale Syree Watson LLP.  more...

Cricket

Rhodes for sports evening

FORMER Worcestershire and England Cricket legend Steve Rhodes will be heading a sportsmans evening at Bromsgrove Cricket Club on Friday.  more...

Droitwich 9 Cullompton 23

Out-jumped

Cullompton win a the ball from a line-out.  more...

Focus

Duncan Hughes kicks for goal.  more...

Game over

A Droitwich player is stretchered off.  more...

Game over

A Droitwich player is carried off after suffering a knock.  more...

Side step

A Droitwich player dodges the tackle of an opponent.  more...

Attempted steal

Droitwich stop a Cullompton attack and try to steal the ball.  more...

Collision course

Another crunching Cullompton tackle.  more...

Stop there

A Droitwich player is stopped in his tracks.  more...

Stick the boot in

Hughes connects with another penalty attempt.  more...

Forward pressure

The Droitwich pack bursts into life.  more...

Aerial battle

Droitwich win the line-out.  more...

Fixtures

Hockey fixtures

SATURDAY BODYKRAFT MIDLANDS MEN'S LEAGUE Midlands Premier Division: Bridgnorth v Worcester (1.30pm).  more...

County football fixture round-up for weekend

SATURDAY WORCESTER & DISTRICT LEAGUE Grosvenor Sports v Pershore Manor (D Starkey); Martley Spurs v Hanley Swan (M Francois); University of Worcester v Hallow WMC (M Bullock); Upton Town v Worcester YMCA (P Abram); West Malvern v VBL Sports (N Jeynes).  more...

Football

Draws for Spa and Villa

BARNT Green Spartak endured two Midland Combination Premier Division defeats in the space of a week.  more...

Chelsea off to Chile

FORMER Droitwich Diamond Chelsea Weston is heading to Chile for half-term as England's under-20s football squad begin preparations for November's FIFA Women's under-20s World Cup.  more...

Chelsea off to Chile

FORMER Droitwich Diamond Chelsea Weston is heading to Chile for half-term as England's under-20s football squad begin preparations for November's FIFA Women's under-20s World Cup.  more...

Chelsea off to Chile

FORMER Droitwich Diamond Chelsea Weston is heading to Chile for half-term as England's under-20s football squad begin preparations for November's FIFA Women's under-20s World Cup.  more...

General

Jamie changes chicken-buying habits

HUGH Fearnley-Whittingstall and Jamie Oliver have succeeded in their quest to change Britain's chicken buying habits, according to a new survey.  more...

Junior Sports

Boars shine despite loss

Bromsgrove RFC under-13s junior rugby round-up.  more...

Kidder News Latest

Lorry driver crush death 'accidental'

A LORRY driver was crushed to death beneath the wheels of his own truck after accidentally leaving the handbrake off at a service station.  more...

Skip vehicle driver arrested

THE driver of a skip loader vehicle was arrested on suspicion of stealing lead flashing and piping after the vehicle was stopped heading towards Birmingham on Monday.  more...

Call to save park and ride scheme

RESIDENTS are calling for a rethink over the proposed axeing of Kidderminster's park and ride service, arguing it enhances the town and reduces Wyre Forest's carbon footprint.  more...

Double attack at same address

WINDOWS on a property and vehicle were damaged in two separate night-time attacks in Kidderminster.  more...

Stourport town centre optimism

A REGENERATION chief said there were many reasons to be optimistic about the future of Stourport town centre despite the number of empty and boarded up shops and businesses.  more...

Stourport town centre optimism

A REGENERATION chief said there were many reasons to be optimistic about the future of Stourport town centre despite the number of empty and boarded up shops and businesses.  more...

Stourport town centre optimism

A REGENERATION chief said there were many reasons to be optimistic about the future of Stourport town centre despite the number of empty and boarded up shops and businesses.  more...

Stourport town centre optimism

A REGENERATION chief said there were many reasons to be optimistic about the future of Stourport town centre despite the number of empty and boarded up shops and businesses.  more...

Stourport town centre optimism

A REGENERATION chief said there were many reasons to be optimistic about the future of Stourport town centre despite the number of empty and boarded up shops and businesses.  more...

Action over potholes in Stourport

STOURPORT town councillors have demanded to see a list of road improvements that will be carried out by Worcestershire County Council's highways department.  more...

Lorry crush lorry driver death 'accidental'

A LORRY driver was crushed to death beneath the wheels of his own truck after accidentally leaving the handbrake off at a service station.  more...

Lorry crush lorry driver death 'accidental'

A LORRY driver was crushed to death beneath the wheels of his own truck after accidentally leaving the handbrake off at a service station.  more...

Royal wedding anniversary commemorated

Stourport mayor, Mike Salter, got his hands dirty planting a cherry tree in honour of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh's diamond wedding anniversary.  more...

Commemorative tree in Stourport

Stourport mayor, Mike Salter, got his hands dirty planting a cherry tree in honour of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh's diamond wedding anniversary.  more...

Commemorative tree in Stourport

STOURPORT mayor, Mike Salter, got his hands dirty planting a cherry tree in honour of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh's diamond wedding anniversary.  more...

Call to save park and ride scheme

RESIDENTS are calling for a rethink over the proposed axeing of Kidderminster's park and ride service, arguing it enhances the town and reduces Wyre Forest's carbon footprint.  more...

Call to save park and ride scheme

RESIDENTS are calling for a rethink over the proposed axeing of Kidderminster's park and ride service, arguing it enhances the town and reduces Wyre Forest's carbon footprint.  more...

Former accountant fined for misconduct

A FORMER accountant from Kidderminster who got sums wrong by hundreds of thousands of pounds has been fined and strongly critisised.  more...

Former accountant fined for misconduct

A FORMER accountant from Kidderminster who got sums wrong by hundreds of thousands of pounds has been fined and strongly critisised.  more...

Online poll: Extend civic centre

SHUTTLE Online voters have opted for Stourport Civic Centre as their top choice for Wyre Forest District Council's headquarters.  more...

Online poll: Extend civic centre

SHUTTLE Online voters have opted for Stourport Civic Centre as their top choice for Wyre Forest District Council's headquarters.  more...

Online poll: Extend civic centre

SHUTTLE Online voters have opted for Stourport Civic Centre as their top choice for Wyre Forest District Council's headquarters.  more...

Memorial service for Bewdley businessman

FAMILY and friends of one of Bewdley's longest established businessmen will gather at a Bewdley church for his memorial service.  more...

Latest

COMMENT: It's not been a good week for our MPs

IT HASN'T been a good few weeks in which to be an MP. Dodgy donations, iffy expenses claims, jobs for the boys (and the wives, mothers and second cousins) - the headlines and innuendos have come thick and fast.  more...

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...

Latest travel news

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

Worcester News weather watch

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

Housing plans for countryside

TEN new affordable homes for rent and shared ownership are being planned for an area of open countryside on the edge of Clifton on Teme.  more...

Estate agency is simply the best

A WORCESTER estate agents has scooped a major prize.  more...

We agree with the council, survey says

THE people of Worcester are not prepared to stump up extra cash to bring back weekly food waste collections, the city council has said.  more...

Vandals attack primary school

THE headteacher of a Worcester primary school is outraged over a break-in at the school which has left them without a water-tight roof and with £500 worth of damage to their storage sheds.  more...

I saw kite lift my brother 20ft into the air

THE brother of a man swept 20 feet into the air in a freak kite-flying accident has spoken of the ordeal.  more...

Can you help police over Evesham thefts?

POLICE are appealing for help in their investigations into a series of thefts totalling nearly £2,000 in Evesham over one weekend.  more...

Extended GP hours: ministers are trying to bully us

A WORCESTER GP has accused the Government of trying to “bully” doctors into backing down over extended surgery opening hours.  more...

Malvern teen given Asbo - court

A TEENAGER who brought "chaos" to a Worcestershire town has been given an Anti-Social Behaviour Order.  more...

Pucker-up for Feb 14

ROMANCE was in the air at a charity open day to make sure patients have pearly white teeth when they pucker up this Valentines Day.  more...

From baptisms to Cubs – that’s why our church deserves funds

A church in Worcester has been awarded £3,000 from the parish council towards its renovation programme after arguing that it provides a service to the whole community.  more...

From baptisms to Cubs – that’s why our church deserves funds

A church in Worcester has been awarded £3,000 from the parish council towards its renovation programme after arguing that it provides a service to the whole community.  more...

Relative outraged at hospital ward work

THE relative of an elderly patient has slammed “disruptive” refurbishment work at a ward on the Worcestershire Royal Hospital site.  more...

We're lucky numbers winners

TWO women are in the money after matching three numbers in your Worcester News’ Lucky Numbers game.  more...

Sleeping pill man set off fire extinguishers - court

A 25-year-old consumed a cocktail of lager and sleeping pills before setting off fire extinguishers in a block of flats.  more...

If I keep rowing I’ll make it to Mexico for Girl Guide event

A GIRL Guide leader has been busy trying to row the distance from Stourport to Mexico to raise money for a dream trip.  more...

£8m Sixways expansion announced

WORCESTER Warriors have announced plans for an £8m extension of their Sixways ground.  more...

£8m Sixways expansion announced

WORCESTER Warriors have announced plans for an £8m extension of their Sixways ground.  more...

Father was stranded –- so tried to steal a car to get home

A YOUNG father became stranded in Worcester following a night out, so broke in to three vehicles in an attempt to get home.  more...

Father was stranded — so tried to steal a car to get home

A YOUNG father became stranded in Worcester following a night out, so broke in to three vehicles in an attempt to get home.  more...

Council approves controversial spending cuts

A CONTROVERSIAL programme of spending cuts has been approved by Worcester City Council following the tightest of votes at the Guildhall.   more...

City council approves controversial spending cuts

A CONTROVERSIAL programme of spending cuts has been approved by Worcester City Council following the tightest of votes at the Guildhall.   more...

Arrests made over alleged metal thefts

TWO men were arrested in Droitwich today on suspicion of stealing high value metal from their employer.   more...

Salon holding on to its crown for a ninth year

WORCESTER beauty salon has scooped another top award. Beautique in Friar Street was presented with 2008 Crown Salon status at the annual Guinot Crown Salon Awards in London.  more...

Smoke alarm saves OAP's life

AN elderly lady in Worcester had to be rescued from a fire in her home.  more...

Ideas galore at wedding fayre

THIS Sunday brides and grooms will have the chance to track down some great ideas for their weddings.  more...

Ideas galore at wedding fayre

THIS Sunday brides and grooms will have the chance to track down some great ideas for their weddings.  more...

BB gun accused remanded - court

A YOUTH has appeared in court after allegedly shooting a teenager in the face with a ball bearing gun.  more...

Homeless shoplifter in "cry for help" - court

A HOMELESS man stole drinks from a shop as a cry for help, a court heard.  more...

Homeless shoplifter in "cry for help" - court

A HOMELESS man stole drinks from a shop as a cry for help, a court heard.  more...

Worcester News weather watch

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

Worcester News weather watch

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

Man who groped women wins appeal

AN IT specialist who groped two Worcester women on the street has had his potentially life-long jail term overturned on appeal.  more...

Award for sea cadets

EVESHAM Sea Cadets were presented with an outstanding national award at their unit headquarters in Shinehall Lane, South Littleton.  more...

John meets crew which helped save him

EVESHAM Town Councillor John Payne was reunited with paramedics from the County Air Ambulance for the first time since he was airlifted to hospital following a car crash last year.  more...

Rail users seek meeting

LOCAL rail users have called for a top level meeting with First Great Western rail bosses to highlight the serious and continuing problems for travellers on services to London.  more...

Improvements on way on death road

MARKER posts will be placed on an Evesham road in the next couple of weeks, following calls to improve its safety.  more...

Future of centre to be decided this week

THE profoundly disabled members of Pershore Care Centre will find out on Friday if the service they use is to close.  more...

Latets

Cash boost for students

REDDITCH student councillors have scooped another cash boost to help them show off the wealth of culture that can be enjoyed.  more...

Prosecutions for fly-tipping

TWO Redditch residents have been convicted by Redditch Magistrates Court for fly-tipping.  more...

Broken leg man lifted to safety

A MAN out walking with his wife in the Redditch area has been airlifted to safety after falling and breaking his leg.  more...

Historical swashbucklers

PUPILS from Oakhill First School brought together two periods of history as the Vikings met the pirates.  more...

Bright new library gets thumbs up

YOUNG bookworms at Inkberrow First School are in for a treat as the school has opened its new library.  more...

Bright new library gets thumbs up

YOUNG bookworms at Inkberrow First School are in for a treat as the school has opened its new library.  more...

Woman duped by bogus caller

A BOGUS caller stole £200 from a pensioner's account after talking her into parting with her cash card and pin number.  more...

Poster campaign warns against staff assaults

POSTERS bearing the slogan "Your Choice of Treatment" are to act as a warning to residents of the consequences of attacking ambulance staff.  more...

Call to join the Relay for Life

ON your marks, get set, go! Redditch's third Relay For Life is coming to town and teams of marathon men and women are wanted.  more...

Motorist targets clamping refund

By Helen Clarke A WOODROW man has vowed to do everything in his power to get a refund for the £120 he was forced to pay clampers who targeted him in Trafford Retail Park.  more...

Second hand scheme success

JACQUI Smith recently visited a scheme which re-uses household goods and furniture rather than see them sent to the tip.  more...

Motorist targets clamping refund

A WOODROW man has vowed to do everything in his power to get a refund for the £120 he was forced to pay clampers who targeted him in Trafford Retail Park.  more...

Second hand scheme success

JACQUI Smith recently visited a scheme which re-uses household goods and furniture rather than see them sent to the tip.  more...

Baptist Lent talks

A SERIES of talks will be given at Cookhill Baptist Church during Lent featuring special guest speakers.  more...

Music for all through sign

A CHARITY that travels the country promoting sign language through song is coming to Redditch.  more...

Mother’s quest for truth

THE mother of a man who died in HMP Blakenhurst weighing less than seven stone has met with MP Jack Straw to discuss her son's death.  more...

Stay vigilant over conmen

RESIDENTS are being warned to be on their guard after a man called at an elderly woman's house in Redditch claiming to be from the council and took a large sum of money.  more...

Violent boyfriend convicted

A REDDITCH man pleaded guilty to assaulting his then girlfriend after a drunken argument led to violence.  more...

Questions for the minister

LAST week Redditch MP and Home Secretary Jacqui Smith had a special visit from Matchborough Youth Forum.  more...

Cash payouts for lorry drivers

A Redditch lorry driver has been awarded more than £14,000 compensation for unfair dismissal after alleging that a contract lost by his firm caused him to lose his job.  more...

Winners on every side

AFTER hearing about the four firefighters, two of them from Alcester, who died in the Atherstone-on-Stour warehouse fire, Palace Theatre staff held a prize draw to support their families.  more...

Taking care of yourself

WORKERS at a Redditch firm were going green at a company wellbeing event where environmentally friendly living was on the agenda.  more...

Referendum for residents

VOTERS in Redditch will be some of the first in the country to to say if they think Britain should hold a referendum on the revised EU constitution.  more...

Anger at slurs on town

REDDITCH councillors as well as Home Secretary Jacqui Smith have stepped up to defend the town's name after a series of attacks in national newspapers.  more...

Parlez in Paris for students

STUDENTS from Kingsley College will be jetting off to Paris to talk about climate change.  more...

Letters

EUtakesprecedence over laws of the UK

SIR - I wonder how many of those, including Councillor Richard Udall and Philip Bushill-Matthews, who try to extol the virtues of the treacherous European Union as the only answer for the future of the United Kingdom and criticise myself and others in our attempts to bring out the truth are aware of how a new EU directive can become law?  more...

EU takes precedence over laws of the UK

SIR - I wonder how many of those, including Councillor Richard Udall and Philip Bushill-Matthews, who try to extol the virtues of the treacherous European Union as the only answer for the future of the United Kingdom and criticise myself and others in our attempts to bring out the truth are aware of how a new EU directive can become law?  more...

Who exactly is in charge of our laws?

SIR - Before MPs resume their debate on the Treaty of Lisbon they may care to look at its Declaration 17, which claims that EU treaties and laws have primacy' over the laws passed by their own Parliament.  more...

Remember what it was like pre-1973

SIR - What if we never had gone into the Common Market in 1973? I wonder what we would have been?  more...

Where exactly is town of Ledbury?

SIR - On January 26 you featured a full page advert Welcome to Ledbury' which described Ledbury as: "the West Midlands town that's perfect for a great day out".  more...

Since when is road private property?

SIR - As somebody who lives in a busy avenue and does not have a driveway, I sometimes have trouble finding space to park my car. Often people park in front of my house, meaning that I have to look for a space further down the street. It amazes me when people block the spaces outside their houses with wheelie bins in an attempt to keep them for themselves. Since when is the road private property?  more...

Brutal act to target our school

I AM writing to express my sheer disappointment and frustration at the actions of a dictatorial council, who despite a massive shake-up of the education system in Wyre Forest have brutally chosen to target our local school, Lickhill Primary, for closure to balance their books.  more...

Parking blindness?

REGARDING last week's article Council defends parking stance', I would like to back up John Dalloway on his protest.  more...

Education is key to road safety

BEFORE Nigel Knowles gets too carried away with his ludicrous idea of 20mph speed limit outside schools, he should have considered the wider implications this scheme will have on Kidderminster.  more...

Missing kids – it’s not parents’ fault

AS a parent of four children who all attended St Mary's School, I feel I need to comment on the story Mums' fury as kids go missing," Shuttle, January 24.  more...

Shock as school ‘passes the buck’

I WAS totally shocked by some of the letters in last week's Shuttle. How dare they blame two small children for leaving the school grounds.  more...

Unsung sporting heroes – until now

MY wife sprung a surprise 40th last week in Bewdley. It did come as quite a shock, well being 40 always is, but more so because my birthday was in October and secondly the fact that I live some 4,000 miles away in Dubai.  more...

LEA CASTLE: Retaining service is main priority

I MUST respond to the letter from S Godwin (Lea Castle already sold off?) in last week's Shuttle to put the facts, as far as I know them, straight.  more...

Reds really need your support

IF ever there was a time to get behind your home town football club, it is now.  more...

Chance to rake in the cash...

IF the borough council is short of cash they should enforce the law against parking cars on pavements which carries a fine of £1,000 and can be enforced by traffic warden or community police officers and so does not need the involvement of police time.  more...

Jinnah was no guerilla

I WAS interested to see in the letter from Also concerned' that the road to the new Redditch mosque has been named after a Muslim guerrilla'. Surely he does'nt't mean Mohammad Ali Jinnah?  more...

Sending out a mixed message

I AM in total agreement first of all with Reverend Kelso and Dr Nasir. To name a road or area would be a complete injustice as I would respect the individual who may live in such and be a welcomer of the Christian message despite the majority.  more...

Good and bad in all areas

IN reply to last week's letter in Your view by M Nasir I must ask what world does he live in?  more...

Spare a thought for pedestrians

WELL done to Trafford Park for signs Warning Pedestrians'.  more...

Family helped make the town

FURTHER interest in Lionel Britton was stirred when the Advertiser recently ran a story about him.  more...

Politics created name problem

THE comment from our MP, Jacqui Smith - This time I will not depend on the Conservative-controlled county council to consult on the new name' (of the prison) is pretty pathetic coming from someone we expect to display a more mature and professional attitude.  more...

Vicarage views

MANY thanks to the Advertiser/ Chronicle for publishing my request for information about The Old Vicarage, Studley, in early December.  more...

Your support for children welcomed

WE would like to publicly thank all of your readers who supported the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) in 2007.  more...

Many a slip twixt a ‘burger and lips

WALKING through the Kingfisher Shopping Centre with my husband on Wedneday, January 30, I slipped and fell on some spilled relish from a burger - thick tomato sauce and slice of gherkin!  more...

Music

A big sound to aid the age

A BIG band concert is being held in Worcester on Friday in aid of Indpendent Age.  more...

Big band sounds set for Palace return

THE internationally renowned Syd Lawrence Orchestra play a show at Redditch's Palace Theatre as part of their 40th anniversary tour on Friday.  more...

Musical education

THE Elgar School of Music in Deansway, Worcester hosts the first of two fascinating illustrated talks on British Music tomorrow night, prompted by the 50th anniversary of the death of the English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams.  more...

Real touch of brass

THE latest concert in the Music For You Series at Droitwich Spa's Norbury Theatre features a performance from nationally acclaimed award winning brass band Sovereign Brass.  more...

Time to rock with The Hamsters

ROCKERS The Hamsters return to the Artrix in Bromsgrove for a second time on Sunday, performing the music of Jimi Hendrix, ZZ Top and their own material.  more...

A big sound to aid the 'age'

A BIG band concert is being held in Worcester on Friday in aid of Indpendent Age.  more...

Musician Gwyn makes date close to home

SHOW-stopping performer, Gwyn Ashton, will take to the stage at a Wolverley pub this weekend.  more...

Joolz and co chill out at charity fundraiser

A NIGHT of classical, jazz and funk music will be held in Bewdley next month to raise money for charity.  more...

Keep on moving at nostalgia night

FANS of Northern Soul music are warming up for a night of non-stop dancing and nostalgia at a Wyre Forest leisure centre.  more...

News

Star lock says no to Bristol bid

WORCESTER Warriors fought off interest from Guinness Premiership rivals Bristol to secure second-row stalwart Craig Gillies on a long-term deal.  more...

Warrriors announce ambitious east stand plans

THE best development in club rugby across Europe - that is Worcester Warriors' exciting vision for the future.  more...

Rovers move for duo

BROMSGROVE Rovers are poised to swoop for Halesowen Town's Nick Amos, but will have to wait until the end of the season if they are to lure former Birmingham City ace Paul Devlin to the Victoria Ground.  more...

Table toppers deserve your support

NOW is the time for the people of Evesham to take the 30-mile round trip into Worcester and show the town's football team your support.  more...

Munday extends Worcester stay

HARRIERS centreback Jon Munday's loan to Blue Square North side Worcester City has been extended until the end of the season.  more...

Munday extends Worcester stay

HARRIERS centreback Jon Munday's loan to Blue Square North side Worcester City has been extended until the end of the season.  more...

Munday extends Worcester stay

HARRIERS centreback Jon Munday's loan to Blue Square North side Worcester City has been extended until the end of the season.  more...

Harriers tipped to frustrate Gulls

Kidderminster were again frustrated by the one of the division's strugglers last weekend, failing to break the deadlock in a goalless draw with Northwich, however there were plenty of positives to be taken from the performance, especially where the Harriers debutantes were concerned, even if the result wasn't the one they were seeking.  more...

Rawle sets sights on survival

NEW Malvern Town manager Joe Rawle has set his sights on keeping the club in the Southern League.  more...

Robins praises team effort

MALVERN director of rugby David Robins was jubilant after his side's 15-13 victory at Hereford.  more...

Noah'S Ark Appeal

We’ve all flipped during pancake charity dashes

SHROVE Tuesday sprinters flipped - and dropped - pancakes as they took part in a dashes across the city.  more...

Reports

Fury at late ref call

Mangotsfield 1
Rovers 1
  more...

Malvern Town 1, Dunstable Town 5

MALVERN crashed to a heavy defeat in Joe Rawle's first game in charge.  more...

Hereford 13, Malvern 15

ADAM Dixon nailed a last minute penalty to give Malvern an impressive 15-13 Midlands Two West victory over rivals Hereford at Wyeside.  more...

Reviews

Outstanding evening

Review - Legal Fiction at the Festival Theatre, Malvern, until Saturday THIS is a theatrical highlight. It's a delectable double-bill of comedy beautifully written by John Mortimer of Rumpole fame, and delightfully delivered by Edward Fox and Nicholas Woodeson. Fox is brilliant as a retired' judge - stage presence personnified.  more...

Richard Taylor'S Weekly Column

February 7, 2008

I ACHIEVED the almost impossible last week by attending two meetings at the same time!  more...

Round-Up

Worcs on travels

WORCESTERSHIRE face Nottinghamshire on Sunday in the Midland Youth Championships at Calverton Miners Welfare (2pm).  more...

Porto ‘B’ continue to prosper

LEADERS Portobello B' beat their A' team 5-2 in the Worcester Friday Night Winter Invitation Darts League.  more...

Poorly vicar and chaplian to retire

A WORCESTERSHIRE vicar and chaplain to West Mercia police will retire after almost 10 years in the job.  more...

The woman who wouldn’t let floods stop her working -- and other heroes of the health service

HIGH flyers from the world of health who have helped treat people with HIV and battled through the floods to get to work were presented with prizes at Worcestershire Primary Care Trust's first achievement awards.  more...

Students dish out six of the best

WORCESTER Men's Thirds crashed to a 6-1 defeat at home to Birmingham University in the BodyKraft Midlands Premier Division.  more...

Nicole’s strike not enough

WORCESTER Women's Firsts held Hampton-in-Arden to a 1-1 draw in the Midland Premier League.  more...

Evesham’s woes are eased with derby joy

THE fates of both local sides took a step towards inevitability when Evesham thrashed Pershore 5-2 to take themselves clear of any lingering relegation concerns in BodyKraft West Midlands One.  more...

Ace Allen slams home hat-trick in thriller

ROB Allen slammed home a hat-trick for Stourport's Men Firsts as they came out on top in a seven-goal thriller in their National North clash with Barford Tigers.  more...

Skipper keen to up the efforts

ALTHOUGH England Women racked up an impressive 55-0 victory against Wales in the opening RBS Six Nations championship clash, skipper Catherine Spencer says her team must make further strides to improve their game if they are to achieve an unprecedented third Grand Slam this season.  more...

Catshill remain top after victory

CATSHILL B clung on to top spot in the Bromsgrove Ladies Darts League after a 7-2 win over Labour C.  more...

League setback for Bromsgrove

Hockey round-up.  more...

Pete has chain pulled

A SNAPPED chain proved costly for Pete Banham as he made his return in the penultimate round of the West Midlands Cyclo Cross league at Wolverhampton's Aldersley Stadium.  more...

Season gets off to a flyer

THE West Midlands point-to-point season got off to a flying start when 144 horses competed in a marathon 10-race card at Chaddesley Corbett on Sunday.  more...

Solid finish at cross country

BROMSGROVE and Redditch Athletics Club's under-13 girls held their own against tough opposition to finish in 18th place overall at the Midland Cross Country Championships in Newbold Comyn near Leamington.  more...

Art show

ART lovers are being invited to an exhibition at St John The Baptist's Church in Bromsgrove. The event, showing the work of Geraldine Wall and Constantina Wood, takes place on Wednesdays from 9am to 9pm and on Saturdays from 11am to 3.30pm. It runs from this Saturday until March 8.  more...

Wedding exhibition is a big hit

CROWDS flocked to the latest Advertiser/Messenger wedding exhibition, which was held last Sunday at the Hilton Hotel, Bromsgrove.  more...

School’s not big enough

SOME pupils moving into the new Meadows First School in Bromsgrove will find themselves in mobile classrooms because the building is not big enough to accommodate them all.  more...

Helping to drive local businesses

TOWN businesses are being offered the chance to gain expert advice on their doorstep as part of a new free scheme.  more...

Doctors protest at plans to extend their surgery times

DOCTORS in Bromsgrove were among about 100 across Worcestershire who turned out to protest about the Government's move to make them extend their surgery hours.  more...

Laurence’s flying visit

POPULAR TV presenter Laurence Llewelyn Bowen dropped in on Bromsgrove's Avoncroft Museum to record a programme for BBC Radio 4.  more...

Drugs seized in raid

POLICE have seized cannabis with a street value of £2,000 following a drug raid in the town.  more...

Aldi set to open

DROITWICH Spa is set to get a jobs boost when discount shopping is brought to the town.  more...

Enjoying a magical time

TOWN tots enjoyed a magical extravaganza at their pre-school.  more...

The end of an era

DROITWICH is mourning the loss of Annie Sandles, who was three-times mayor and the town's last surviving honoury freeman.  more...

Make history

THE next talk of Droitwich History and Archaeology Society will be held today (Wednesday, February 6). The event, at 7.30pm at Droitwich Community Hall, Heritage Way, will feature an illustrated talk by Tony Osbourne on One Hundred Years of Cars at Longbridge.Entry costs £2 for members and £3 for visitors.  more...

Double up to make it a family affair

THE Gilder family landed a memorable double at the Evesham club's Indoor Championships when they claimed both the ladies' and gents' titles.  more...

Double up to make it a family affair

THE Gilder family landed a memorable double at the Evesham Archery Club's Indoor Championships when they claimed both the ladies' and gents' titles.  more...

Top of table clash marred by broken leg

Birdseye Sports Evesham and District League SUNDAY'S top of the table first division clash was marred by a broken leg sustained by Ambassador's Mark Young.  more...

Five's a winning number as goals flow in Alliance fixtures

FIVE was the popular number for winning sides in the Stratford and District Alliance last Saturday.  more...

Travellers share a ten-goal thriller

Droitwich II 5, Badsey Ladies 5 UNBELIEVABLY, honours were shared at the end of Saturday's ten-goal thriller.  more...

Trophy double for girls

EVESHAM's girls travelled to Old Leamingtonians and returned home with two trophies.  more...

Visitors carry on winning

THE Under-13s of Evesham visited Alcester last Sunday looking to maintain their unbeaten run this season.  more...

Mixed day on road

EVESHAM Under-8s tag team braved the bitter wind to play two matches at Alcester last Sunday.  more...

Eight for Harry as Tens pile up tries

HARRY Howells helped himself to eight tries - the best individual of the season - as Evesham Under-10s walloped Alcester by 16 tries to nil.  more...

Today's events

Wednesday The Wells Club Bingo Quiz at The Wells Club, Malvern Wells Village Hall, Wells Road, Malvern. 8:00pm. £1 per person. Bookings 01684 560279.  more...

Boy subject to anti-social behaviour order

A 14-year-old Malvern boy has been banned from using or riding any motor vehicle and trespassing on private gardens in the town.  more...

Flight delays Thai visit

A VISIT to Thailand by a team of volunteers from Malvern got off to a poor start this week when its flight from Heathrow took off 12 hours late.  more...

Car crash closes road

THE main road between Malvern and Ledbury has been closed closed to traffic after a car overturned.  more...

Car crash closes road

THE main road between Malvern and Ledbury has been closed closed to traffic after a car overturned.  more...

Car crash closes road

THE main road between Malvern and Ledbury has been closed closed to traffic after a car overturned.  more...

Malvern Town 1, Dunstable Town 5

MALVERN crashed to a heavy defeat in Joe Rawle's first game in charge.  more...

Hereford edged out by last-gasp penalty

ADAM Dixon nailed a last minute penalty to give Malvern an impressive 15-13 Midlands Two West victory over rivals Hereford at Wyeside.  more...

Hanson is spot kick king for Keys 04

KEEPER Wayne Hanson was the hero as he saved five penalties in Keys 04's Presidents Cup victory over Lionel Lions.  more...

Malvern to kick-off FA workshops

THE Worcestershire Football Association is staging five consultation workshops in an effort to take the sport forward across the county.  more...

Rhianna is the winner at raceway

RHIANNA Purcocks has won the inaugural junior karting championship at Herefordshire Raceway.  more...

Trainer Hobbs off the mark with double

A TOTAL of 144 horses competed in a marathon 10-race card on a bitterly cold Sunday afternoon at Chaddesley Corbett.  more...

Gooderham has worlds in sight

EMMA Gooderham, Malvern Joggers' top long distance runner, excelled herself with a personal best time at the Empney marathon near Gloucester.  more...

Youth in court after retail park shooting

A YOUTH has appeared in court after allegedly shooting another youth in the face with a ball bearing gun.  more...

Hunt is on for skydive daredevils

A MALVERN woman has signed up for a special sponsored skydive event for St Richard's Hospice.  more...

Hunt is on for skydive daredevils

A MALVERN woman has signed up for a special sponsored skydive event for St Richard's Hospice.  more...

Ice cream business scores highly

THE owners of a family-run ice cream business are celebrating after receiving top marks in the new Scores on the Doors hygiene ratings.  more...

Crash deaths ruled accidental - inquest

VERDICTS of accidental death were recorded this week on two teenagers who died following a car crash at Bransford last year.  more...

Fair will help fund rescue units

IF you have a love of fine living and an eye for a bargain, then next week is your chance to help two volunteer rescue services which did so much to help in last year's floods.  more...

Entries invited for museum competition

YOUNG writers and budding historians are being urged to take part in a competition to mark the opening of Malvern Museum.  more...

Mardi Gras fever reaches school

IT was the youngsters at The Groves Primary School that brought colour to an otherwise dreary Tuesday with a bright and cheerful Mardi Gras day parade.  more...

Roundup

Munday extends Worcester stay

HARRIERS centreback Jon Munday's loan to Blue Square North side Worcester City has been extended until the end of the season.  more...

Harriers tipped to frustrate Gulls

Kidderminster were again frustrated by the one of the division's strugglers last weekend, failing to break the deadlock in a goalless draw with Northwich, however there were plenty of positives to be taken from the performance, especially where the Harriers debutantes were concerned, even if the result wasn't the one they were seeking.  more...

Rugby

Back down to earth

Droitwich 9
Cullompton 23
EDF Senior Vase sixth round  more...

Schools News

Vandals attack primary school

THE headteacher of a Worcester primary school is outraged over a break-in at the school which has left it without a water-tight roof and with £500 of damage to storage sheds.  more...

Poetry master meets his fans

A CHILDREN'S poet has visited a Worcester primary school to give children a special creative workshop.  more...

Society

Bewdley

ALL SAINTS' AND WRIBBENHALL TOGETHER - On January 28, Emma Caddick, a speech therapist, gave a presentation on the benefits gained from using skills easily learned to improve a child's speaking ability. Unfortunately Sue from the Parent and Partnership Services was unable to attend.  more...

Bewdley

ALL SAINTS' AND WRIBBENHALL TOGETHER - On January 28, Emma Caddick, a speech therapist, gave a presentation on the benefits gained from using skills easily learned to improve a child's speaking ability. Unfortunately Sue from the Parent and Partnership Services was unable to attend.  more...

The Changing Environment

Water and the Weather

Without water there would be no life and no weather, precipitation would not occur, no fog, frost or dew formation and certainly no clouds. Water is a complicated substance because it can exist as a solid, a liquid and a gas. The solid is called ice, the liquid is called water, and the gas is called water vapour. To change from a solid to a liquid (to melt) or a liquid to a gas (to evaporate) requires energy. This energy may come in the form of warmth from the sun or from rising temperatures caused by the wind blowing in from a warmer area. If the wind blows in from a colder region, the temperature drops and the water vapour condenses back into water droplets. If the temperature falls below the freezing level 0c 32f, the water droplet freeze.   more...

The Gallery

Year 8 Observational Drawings of Birds of Prey

By Amy Madders, Elgar Technology College  more...

Year 8 Observational Drawings of Birds of Prey

By Stephen McAngus, Elgar Technology College  more...

Year 8 Observational Drawings of Birds of Prey

Jola Brocka, Elgar Technology College  more...

Year 8 Observational Drawings of Birds of Prey

By Kira Thomson, Elgar Technology College  more...

Year 8 Observational Drawings of Birds of Prey

By Philip Hudson, Elgar Technology College  more...

Year 8 Observational Drawings of Birds of Prey

By Kelsie Cowell, Elgar Technology College  more...

Year 8 Observational Drawings of Birds of Prey

By Lewis Butterworth, Elgar Technology College  more...

Theatre

Dad’s Army is on the march

A STAGE adaptation of the cult classic, hit comedy Dad's Army, starring Leslie Grantham is to embark on a national tour commencing at the Hackney Empire, London, on Wednesday week and will perform at a further 16 venues until June.  more...

Dad’s Army is on the march

A STAGE adaptation of the cult classic, hit comedy Dad's Army, starring Leslie Grantham is to embark on a national tour commencing at the Hackney Empire, London, on Wednesday week and will perform at a further 16 venues until June.  more...

This Life - Special Reports

Now it’s easier for you to give blood – and help to save lives

BLOOD donation sparks mixed reactions. From the zeal of the die-hard donor to fears from those who see it as some form of torture ritual from the Middle Ages.  more...

Now it’s easier for you to give blood – and help to save lives

BLOOD donation sparks mixed reactions. From the zeal of the die-hard donor to fears from those who see it as some form of torture ritual from the Middle Ages.  more...

Now it’s easier for you to give blood – and help to save lives

BLOOD donation sparks mixed reactions. From the zeal of the die-hard donor to fears from those who see it as some form of torture ritual from the Middle Ages.  more...

Travel

Book early for summer savings

WITH rising fuel and tax bills and the distinctive British weather to contemplate, everyone needs a summer holiday to look forward to.  more...

Villages

Welland

THE first item this week takes place at the Three Counties Showground - Severn Hall on Wednesday, February 13 from 10.30am - 3.30pm. Celebrity opening by the famous Flying Doctor. Enjoy an easy day's shopping and support two local rescue services: The Air Ambulance and The Mercia Inshore Search and Rescue Services. A great selection of high quality clothes, shoes and accessories, toys, games and gifts for house and garden. Current stock and ends-of-lines all at HUGE DISCOUNTS off normal prices. Shop and drop at the parcel crèche. Refreshments by Relish. Entrance: Adults £3; 5-15s 50p. Entrance via main gate (Yellow). Plenty of FREE PARKING on the spot. Organiser: Charlotte Carver of Scheherazade www.bidderscroft.com; www.charityfairsassociation.co.uk The next item this week, concerns publicising the Malvern Hills Bridge Club, which meets every Thursday night at The Pheasant at 7pm. Details are available from the chair, Angela Lane on 01684 594379. A host is available, should you come by yourself.  more...

Wellington Heath

QUIZ Night at the Farmers Arms on Sunday nights seems to be really taking off. This time there were lots of fun questions and the winning team was SUED (Mr and Mrs Shirley) who won by eight points. This is the second time they have won. For anyone who is interested in taking part Quiz Night is on Sunday nights and starts at 7pm with a curry supper and the quiz starting at 8.15pm. Chinese Night on Thursday nights seems to be very popular too. James asked me to remind you about Valentine Night, there are still a few tables left if you are interested in booking.  more...

Staunton

STAUNTON and District Over 60s Club members were specially entertained at their anniversary party for our one and a half hours by Joe Childs at the organ playing all the old favourite tunes. An excellent buffet lunch followed which had been prepared by Nan Bevan and Jean Barry.  more...

Powick

LAST Sunday morning a family service to celebrate Candlemas was held at St Peter's Church, Powick when the vicar Reverend Sue Irwin led the worship. A special candle from Worcester Diocese to mark the beginning of Lent was lit by Paul Higgins (churchwarden). During the service a recorded message for Lent from the Bishop of Dudley was heard. Special guests at the service were members of the Malvern Company Boys' Brigade and Girls' Brigade together with their leaders Captains Paul Hearn and Jean Griffiths, who are based at Somers Park Avenue Methodist Church, Malvern. The band of bugles and drums led the brigade members from the Red Lion car park up the church drive to the service. The company standards were carried by Dominic Gurney and Stacey Burley and presented to the vicar. Captain Paul Hearn explained how the Boys Brigade came to be founded by William Alexander Smith 125 years ago in 1883 and before the Boy Scouts movement was founded. The Malvern Company was formed 20 years ago when Captains Paul and Jean became leaders and they are about to retire after 20 years with the Malvern group. Meanwhile standard bearer Stacey Burley has gained her Young Leaders' Certificate. Members of the brigade read the lesson and took the collection, while Julia Davis read the Gospel and Jean Griffiths led the prayers. David Purdon gave a spirited address based on the Boys Brigade motto Sure and Steadfast and the symbol of the anchor. The final hymn was Will Your Anchor Hold? After refreshments in the church at the end of the service the band played once more to the delight of the congregation.  more...

Colwall

THE first Lent Lunch will be held on Tuesday, February 12 at Chevenham. Soup, cheese and home-made bread will be served between noon and 1.30pm.  more...

Bosbury

BOSBURY WI meet on Thursday, February 14 at 7.30pm at the parish hal. The speaker on Quilting is Amanda Wright, who exhibits her work nationally.  more...

West Malvern

NEW names appeared among the winners at the January Cricket Club Quiz, with the main prize going to Paul Smith's team, while the potboiler was won by Saturday cricket captain Kevin Gilbert and his table.  more...

What'S On

Where to go (February 6-February 15)

Wednesday February 6 MUSIC: Bromsgrove Boys Make Joyful Noise, Artrix Centre, School Drive, Bromsgrove.  more...

You can find a home

VALENTINE'S Day - February 14 - will see the British Trust for Ornithology launch the twelfth annual National Nest Box Week, sponsored by Jacobi Jayne.  more...

Zoo'S And Other News

Valentine’s Day at Twycross Zoo

Valentine's Day is fast approaching and what a better way to spend it than with a romantic stroll around Twycross Zoo with the one you love? Our many animal families would love you to visit them on cupid's special day. Take a look at the three week old triplet pygmy goats in Pets' Corner or watch Suntangha the baby hand-reared Lar gibbon become the sweetheart of the watching crowds.  more...

Valentine’s Day at Twycross Zoo

Valentine's Day is fast approaching and what a better way to spend it than with a romantic stroll around Twycross Zoo with the one you love? Our many animal families would love you to visit them on cupid's special day. Take a look at the three week old triplet pygmy goats in Pets' Corner or watch Suntangha the baby hand-reared Lar gibbon become the sweetheart of the watching crowds.  more...

Valentine’s Day at Twycross Zoo

Valentine's Day is fast approaching and what a better way to spend it than with a romantic stroll around Twycross Zoo with the one you love? Our many animal families would love you to visit them on cupid's special day. Take a look at the three week old triplet pygmy goats in Pets' Corner or watch Suntangha the baby hand-reared Lar gibbon become the sweetheart of the watching crowds.  more...

  
Restrict search to 6 February 2008