Archive

  • 5/7/02 - Easy win for Bailey

    THE first Norwich Indoor Rowing Championships were held at the Carrefour Health and Fitness Centre in Norwich, and was well supported on Sunday in spite of coinciding with the World Cup final! The late start of the event allowed many competitors to watch

  • 5/7/02 - Ladies go up

    TWO ladies tennis teams from Manor Park have won promotion in the Hereford and Worcester County Slazenger Winter League. The B team won Division Three, winning five matches and losing one, and will play in Division Two next season and the D team won Division

  • 5/7/02 - FA Vase draw

    MALVERN Town and Ledbury Town will be at home in the first qualifying round of the FA Vase. Malvern entertain Rainworth MW, Ledbury host Coventry Sphinx while Bromyard Town are away at Bourne Town. Matches are due to be played on Saturday, September 7

  • Gran's kissof life CURE

    A WORCESTER gran who tried suicide after years of suffering what she believed was acne is demanding answers after learning her condition was misdiagnosed. Shirley-Anne Smith could not even kiss her baby granddaughter because of painful, red lumps around

  • Throckmorton rotting carcase timebomb, claim

    LETHAL chemicals are leaking from carcase pits on Throckmorton airfield and threatening water systems, claims a contractor employed to bury animals during the foot-and-mouth crisis. Roger Martin says he fears someone will die as a result of what he has

  • Our schools are 'being cheated'

    THE Government is cheating Worcestershire schoolchildren out of a better education, according to the county's director of education. The accusation comes days after the education directorate was named and shamed for not passing on enough funds to schools

  • Fire crews tackle acid spill

    FACTORY workers in Pershore had to be evacuated after deadly nitric acid was spilled from a drum inside the building. Firefighters in protective suits brought the situation under control at the Schloetter & Co factory, in New Road, yesterday. The

  • Luff argues case for asylum centre sites

    TORY MP Peter Luff is urging Ministers to consider five alternative sites to Throckmorton to house a massive asylum centre. He has written to the Home Office arguing every one of the venues is more suitable than the former Worcestershire RAF base - including

  • Teething trouble for NHS dentist

    PLANS to set up an NHS dentist in Worcester have been thrown out by city councillors. Members of the city council's planning committee yesterday decided the proposed development in Barbourne could not go ahead as it was out of character for the residential

  • Appeal for information on flat fire

    POLICE suspect arsonists may be to blame for a fire in a Worcester flat. Thick smoke was seen billowing out of the home in Teme Road, Tolladine, just after 9pm on Tuesday, July 2. Three fire crews using breathing apparatus were on the scene minutes later

  • School bands battle it out for recording studio

    MELODIC metal and indie rock were two of the diverse sounds bouncing off the walls of a Malvern school when budding rock stars battled it out in a Battle of the Bands competition. Eight groups selected for the final competed at Dyson Perrins CE High School

  • Pupils caught taking drugs

    A NUMBER of Bewdley High School pupils have been temporarily excluded following a probe into lunchtime drug-taking. Headteacher David Derbyshire launched an investigation following an incident on Friday - but stressed not all of those punished had been

  • Horror show brought to life by little monsters!

    BRINGING ghouls, ghosts and literary monsters to life was the aim of a Worcester school in its end-of-term production. St Joseph's RC Primary School in Warndon decided to put on a production of The Rocky Horror Show - although not quite as risqu a version

  • Auction raises £2,000

    A FLYING lesson and the chance to be a reporter at the Evening News were among the bids which helped raise more than £2,000 for a Worcester venue. The Promises Auction which was held at Huntingdon Hall netted £2,104. The money will go towards buying a

  • 5/7/02 - Solanki, Smith in run feast

    VIKRAM Solanki and Ben Smith both scored centuries as Worcestershire's batsmen put Middlesex to the sword at Lord's. Solanki was left unbeaten on 153 when captain Graeme Hick declared on 502 for four -- the second County Championship match in a row in

  • Press are given a first-hand view of murderer's hanging

    AN EXECUTION at the former Worcester Jail in Castle Street was described in detail in Berrow's Journal this week exactly a century ago. Back then, it was the dubious privilege of predecessors of mine as local reporters to attend hangings inside the city

  • 5/7/02 - Scotland win the day at Bransford

    BRANSFORD Golf Club held its annual Bannockburn Trophy with a good turn-out of members for both sides despite some dubious ancestry claimed on the Scotland side. The match was halved after all the matches were played, so the captains staged a putting

  • Unusual hill views are inspiration for exhibition

    A NEW exhibition of photographs and embroidered photographic images is on display at Malvern Hills Arts and Crafts Gallery on Worcester Road. The Hills are More exhibition features new work based on the Malvern Hills by the gallery manager and embroiderer

  • Poet Laureate has words of praise for annual festival

    Poet Laureate Andrew Motion has described Ledbury Poetry Festival as the "best of its kind in the country". The event, now in its sixth year, was launched yesterday (Thursday) by Mr Motion. The poet is no stranger to the market town. In 1999, just after

  • 5/7/02 - Winning start for new cup

    TOM Novell and Duncan McPherson won Tolladine Golf Club's inaugural Jubilee Invitation Cup. The trophy replaces the now defunct annual Worcester Carnival Cup and was competed for by 54 pairs playing to a three-quarter handicap schedule, better-ball format

  • Claims on leaks demand action

    CLAIMS that chemicals could be leaching from the foot-and-mouth burial pits at Throckmorton must lead to urgent action by the authorities. Roger Martin, an excavator driver employed to bury carcases during the crisis, claims both the Department for the

  • 5/7/02 - Extra fixtures

    MALVERN Rangers will have more league fixtures to play next season now that the West Midlands Division One South has been increased by two to 16 teams. At the recent league AGM it was announced that the division would now include the more northern sides

  • 5/7/02 - Croft takes 5-15 in Sunday friendly

    MALVERN won the toss and elected to bat first in this friendly on Sunday at Regency Road. MALVERN CRICKET CLUB v MOD DERA R Evans and A Cullen opened the batting but did not look comfortable and R Finch removed them both with only 18 on the board. Wickets

  • 5/7/02 -Rain dampens spirits

    BARNARDS Green Seconds took the long trip up to Swindon on Sunday on a cold and blustery English summers day. SWINDON II v BARNARDS GREEN II Batting first, the Green got off to an explosive start and after nine overs were 86-2 having lost both Marc Jones

  • 5/7/02 - Century for Sherliker

    BARNARDS Green Seconds travelled up to Shropshire last Saturday for the WCL Division Three game against Highley. HIGHLEY II v BARNARDS GREEN II Skipper Dick Brown won the toss and asked the home side to bat first on a firm, dry wicket which looked full

  • 5/7/02 - Cooper is West hero

    HAVING lost the toss West Malvern took to the field. With the first ball Bob Blackbourn dismissed B Rendell, bowling well throughout his eight over spell he returned figures of 1-19 only to be outshone by his son Mathew with 1-12. WEST MALVERN v WOODPECKERS

  • 5/7/02 - Double victory for Nomads U11A

    THE Worcester Nomads U11 A side won two games, against Colwall and Barnards Green. Against Colwall, Nomads made 225-4, with skipper James Smith leading from the front with 13 runs. In reply, Colwall couldn't muster the required runs in the face of some

  • Drunken pea-pickers bring shame to town

    THE Avonside town of Evesham was in the news for all the wrong reasons at this time a century ago. The Journal of 1902 explained: "There was a word of warning to the innkeepers of Evesham at the town's Police Court this week. It was again pointed out

  • Dripping treat in cake

    THERE are almost Dickensian overtones to another tale from Berrow's for this week of 1902. "Crowquill," writing exactly a century ago, told Journal readers: "It is gratifying to hear that a beneficial use has been found for the Worcester Workhouse dripping

  • Just Between Ourselves n Review: Malvern Theatres

    WHEN the delayed first night of the latest Ayckbourn play to appear at Malvern Theatres, Just Between Ourselves, finally got underway on Wednesday night it proved worth waiting for. A powercut might have put paid to Tuesday's show but there was plenty

  • Town swings to sound of jazz by the riverside

    A CORNUCOPIA of contrasting musical styles was served up to thousands of festival-goers in Upton last weekend. Those who visited the 17th International Oliver Cromwell Jazz Festival were treated to intri-cate, coruscating solos from the likes of Angelo

  • Revellers raise thousands for NSPCC

    A STATELY summer ball held in Hanley Castle raised an astonishing £17,000 for the National Association for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). The Upton-upon-Severn branch of the charity staged the biannual event at Severn End, on Saturday,

  • Anna pipped to title

    DESPITE missing out on the title of Teacher of the Year, Anna Streather said she enjoyed the experience of being a finalist. The teacher at St Gabriel's with St Mary's Primary School, in Hanley Swan, was picked from colleagues across the West Midlands

  • Driver charged

    A man was arrested in High Street, Upton, at 11.50pm on Saturday, June 29, on suspicion of drinking and driving. He was charged and is due to appear before Worcester magistrates on July 9.

  • Campaigners plan mass protest over asylum plan

    HUNDREDS of villagers will tie ribbons to the perimeter fence of the former Throckmorton airfield to protest at Government plans to build a "super camp" for asylum seekers there. Angry residents will carry placards and attach billboards to the fencing

  • Hall to benefit

    A COFFEE morning is being held in Ripple on Thursday, July 18, to raise funds for the restoration of the parish hall. It takes place at 2 Manor Barns, Station Road, Ripple, from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

  • Fayre boast vintage display

    A VINTAGE motorcycle display will form the centrepiece of a summer fayre and barbecue at St Gabriel's with St Mary's Primary School, in Hanley Swan, on Friday, July 12, from 6pm to 9pm.

  • First night blackout at theatre

    A FIRST night show had to be abandoned little more than an hour before curtain up on Tuesday when a power cut plunged Malvern Theatres into darkness. The cast and crew of Just Between Ourselves, which features popular television host Les Dennis, had been

  • Spare a thought

    ONE can understand Ian Green's delight at the success of the Big Bike show held at the Three Counties Showground on June 22 and 23 (Malvern Gazette, June 30). But has he or any of the other organisers given consideration to local communities when they

  • Off-licence pull-out leaves Church St with another empty shop

    A MAJOR retail chain will be pulling out of Malvern town centre when Bottoms Up closes its Church Street branch next month, leaving the town centre without a dedicated off-licence. Fears have been voiced that the shop unit, in a highly visible part of

  • A joy forever

    HAVING twice in recent issues bemoaned his failure to keep fellow Lib-Dems on board, it is clear that Clive Smith is piqued at their disloyalty. He may be correct in claiming credit for the council he led for making Malvern the second most desirable place

  • Debate challenge

    I must respond to Mike Dixon's letter (Your Letters, June 28) accusing those who democratically oppose regional government of being "impostors". This irrational fear of being challenged is not surprising as those who belong to quangos such as the West

  • Care home manager launches group to combat crisis

    THE manager of a Malvern care home has launched a professional body to represent the industry at a time of crisis. Sue Powell, of the Gold Hill Residential Home in Avenue Road, has set up the National Care Managers Association (NCMA) in response to increasing

  • Hayley picks a winner

    LUCKY Evesham punter Hayley West picked a winner with her outfit for a day at Worcester Races - she walked away with the top prize of Best Dressed Lady. The 33-year-old, who works in accounts at Robert Stern BMW in Springfield Drive, Evesham, thought

  • Talk is cheaper

    IT seems to me the solution to the problem on page 1 of the Malvern Gazette (June 28, "Skatepark may face legal action") can be found on page 17 ("Calm words can prevail where tough action fails"). Speaking as a tax payer, I would prefer my hard-earned

  • Abbey Park gets the gold

    THERE'S gold in the arts for the children of Abbey Park Middle School in Pershore. The pupils were displaying the drama skills that helped earn a top Artsmark Gold award in a school showcase this week at the Forum Theatre in Malvern. Next Monday, headteacher

  • What about a project we all want?

    I HAVE now attended a few meetings of Bromyard Town Council and have been lobbying for Herefordshire Council to reject the plans for the proposed skateboard park on Bromyard playing fields. Having attended a number of these meetings, I can honestly say

  • Peer forced to pay access fee

    A COUNTY peer spoke up this week in the House of Lords during a debate on the Countryside and Rights of Way Act. Lord Faulkner of Worcester said that when he sold his house on Castlemorton Common, he had to pay a charge to Malvern Hills Conservators for

  • Uncharitable acts

    AS a trustee of the charity ARCOS (Association for Rehabilitation of Communication and Oral Skills), I often park in the adjacent car park. On this particular day as I was calling in to ARCOS I momentarily forgot to place my disabled parking disc on the

  • Great responsibility

    I'D like to agree with Graham Gardener's vigorous comments (Your Letters, June 28) about parish councillors and the new Code of Conduct. I too have listened to the argument that we as volunteers should not need to be subject to such rigorous regulation

  • Let's put safety first

    I AM sorry Mr Harris (Your Letters, June 28) took umbrage at my letter about dog dirt. I do not own a dog but I do recognise how useful and companionable they can be. I felt the endless repetitive, tiresome letters by the dog dirt brigade missed important

  • Army pair take over

    THE Malvern Salvation Army centre on Newtown Road welcomed its new leaders last week. Captains Steven and Melanie Smith arrived at the centre on Thursday (June 27), to take over from previous captains, David and Tracey Pegg, who have moved to take over

  • Big Brother's Tim makes up for late arrival

    WHILE all around him are sinking into the lure of bitchiness, Big Brother's Tim Culley has been making his mark by being blessedly nave and straightforward. Over the weekend the 23-year-old from Upton ended up on the rich side of the house on his own,

  • Suicide verdict in train death

    A LEDBURY woman who was hit by a train near Col-wall last year committed suicide, a coroner's jury decided. Anne Parker, aged 37, died when she stepped in front of a Hereford-Paddington express just before dawn on November 5, 2001. The inquest this week

  • Top marks for Cruise in star's latest report

    Minority Report works because it successfully combines a good thriller story with science fiction surroundings. With Steven Spielberg behind the camera and Tom Cruise in front of it we should expect great things, and this film does not disappoint. The

  • Grant bid for town cinema

    A LEDBURY theatrical group has applied for a £10,000 grant to give the town its first permanent cinema for 50 years. Ledbury Amateur Dramatic Society (LADS), which owns the Market Theatre, has asked the town council for the money to install a big screen

  • One of town's greatest assets

    A KEY feature of the region for over 200 years, business at the Three Counties Agricultural Society, has never been better. Shaking off the effects of foot and mouth disease, the society's showground on Blackmore Park Road has adapted and diversified

  • Village sees return of old 'lengthsman'

    FOOTPATHS are to be kept tidy and drains unblocked in a Malvern Hills village as part of a pilot scheme that will see a return to methods not used for decades. The job of a lengthsman, who used to be employed to keep villages tidy, is to be revived by

  • Burgess rallies England

    KIDDERMINSTER'S Grant Burgess unleashed a powerful finish to stun Channel Islander Angus McKinnon as England stormed to the Home International Bowls title in Worthing last night. Burgess, from the Gilt Edge club, operated at number three to Torquay's

  • Book is a tribute to Britain's resistance

    THE untold story of a clandestine fighting force set up in the face of the expected Nazi invasion of Britain is told in a new book. The Mercian Maquis: The Secret Resistance Organisation in Herefordshire and Worcestershire during World War II is the fruit

  • Chef puts skills to test in India

    A RETIRED Malvern chef was among volunteers from Worcestershire who helped an international charity celebrate 30 years of work in the Third World. Maurice Bunton, a former hotel proprietor, joined British Executive Service Overseas (BESO) for a recent

  • Vintage day at Shelsley

    CARS of yesteryear take the spotlight as Shelsley Walsh stages a two-day hillclimb meeting this weekend. Tomorrow sees the Vintage Sports Car Club (VSCC) bring hundreds of their pre-war cars to Shelsley for their annual one-day event. Then on Sunday the

  • Traffic fears are a priority

    TRAFFIC has emerged as the main cause for concern after a public consultation exercise in Cradley. Villagers were asked for their comment as part of the process to produce a Parish Plan. The Cradley and Storridge Parish Plan Steering Group found that

  • Saints on the road

    WORCESTERSHIRE Saints make the short journey to play local rivals Gloucester Warriors tomorrow in the totalrl.com Rugby League Conference. Saints will approach the game with renewed heart, having held leaders Hemel in the first-half last week and come

  • 'We really need to break our throwaway habits'

    EVERY time you tie up a black bag full of rubbish for the weekly collection, a little elf should sit at your ear pleading that you rethink the way you live. They should ask that you look at each and every object being discarded, to be buried in some unseen

  • Testing draw for Wolves

    WORCESTER Wolves have been handed a tough draw in this season's National Basketball Trophy. They are in a group with three teams from the higher-graded National Conference - Coventry Crusaders, Plymouth Raiders and Oxford Devils - as well as Division

  • 5/7/02 - Testing draw for Wolves

    WORCESTER Wolves have been handed a tough draw in this season's National Basketball Trophy. They are in a group with three teams from the higher-graded National Conference - Coventry Crusaders, Plymouth Raiders and Oxford Devils - as well as Division

  • Acclaimed singer returns to Hereford

    ACCLAIMED Irish folk singer Cara Dillon returns to Hereford next week, when she performs at the Courtyard Arts Centre on Wednesday, July 10. Together with the piano, guitar and fiddle of Sam and Seth Lakeman, Cara will be using the voice that won her

  • School music is not all orchestras

    SOME of the top school bands in the county gathered at Dyson Perrins CE High School last week, dispelling any myths that school music is only orchestras and choirs. Eight groups from six schools and a youth centre gathered on Friday, June 28, to contest

  • Town swings to sound of jazz by the riverside

    A CORNUCOPIA of contrasting musical styles was served up to thousands of festival-goers in Upton last weekend. Those who visited the 17th International Oliver Cromwell Jazz Festival were treated to intri-cate, coruscating solos from the likes of Angelo

  • Not the Africa I once knew

    WHEN I lived in Zambia in the 1970s we used to go to Malawi to stock up on essentials that were regularly unobtainable on the Zambian Copperbelt, where we lived. It was, in those days, regarded as a land of plenty in a region dogged by inefficiency, corruption

  • It's a grim sign of the times

    THE other day it was necessary for me to visit an NHS establishment in Worcester. There, on the wall, was a notice that read: "Abuse of staff, either verbal or physical is not acceptable and may lead to prosecution of offenders." What sort of society

  • My suspicions over Diglis Basin scheme

    DIGLIS Basin is one of Worcester's most significant developments for years and being negative about it simply won't do. But fairminded people, glancing over the outline plan, are bound to have their share of guarded suspicions. First, the number of proposed

  • Cinemas

    Malvern Cinema: Minority Report (12) Daily 7.30pm, Sun 7pm, Sat & Sun 3pm. Odeon Worcester: Previews - Scooby-Doo (PG) Sat/Sun only 12.00, 2.00, 4.00, 6.00, 8.00 (Free list suspended); Minority Report (12) 11.30, 2.30, 5.30, 8.30 (Free List Suspended

  • Exhibitions in and around Worcester

    Elgar & Royalty exhibition at The Elgar Birthplace Museum, Crown East Lane, Lower Broadheath, Worcester from April 23 - October 31. Celebrating Worcester's Royal Connections exhibition at The Elgar Birthplace Museum, Crown East Lane, Lower Broadheath

  • Bidford body - reaction

    BIDFORD residents were shocked and concerned after the body of a man was found in a village lane yesterday. Warwickshire police have now started a murder investigation after the body of a white man be-lieved to be about 30 was found in Grafton Lane by

  • Bidford murder - latest

    AN incident room in Stratford has been set up by Warwickshire police after the body of a man was found near Bid-ford. A murder investigation is continuing after the body of a white man who was partially covered by sheeting, was discovered by a man walking

  • Body found in Bidford

    WARWICKSHIRE Police have launched a murder investigation after the discovery of a body near Bidford at about noon yesterday. The white man, thought to be about 30-years-old, has yet to be identified and a post mortem by a home office pathologist was due

  • What's on

    Theatre July To July 6-Just between Ourselves by Alan Ayckbourn at the Festival Theatre, Malvern Theatres. 2.30pm and 8pm. £10-£18. Box Office (01684) 892277. 7-Jubilee! at the Forum, Malvern Theatres. 7.30pm. £9/£8/£5 (U16). 8-13-Snakes & Ladders

  • Office politics and the human jungle

    OFFICE politics, such as power struggles or affairs between staff, is costing British business £7.8bn a year, a new report has claimed. The average workplace loses an hour's productivity a day because of problems such as tension and arguments. Research

  • 5/7/02 - Hillstone display athletic skills

    HILLSTONE School, Malvern College, athletes have enjoyed success in district, county and national competitions. A record number of six pupils, Frankie Jones, Lottie Coleman, Katie Sloane, Kate Wallwork, Nnenna Kaklu and Justin Barauskas, qualified for

  • 5/7/02 - Elkin forces way into Grand Prix

    EXCELLENT results in the 125cc British National Championship by Christian Elkin, have been rewarded with a wild card entry into the 125cc class at the British Grand Prix. Elkin will be competing against 30 of the best riders in the world including reigning

  • 5/7/02 - Bowls trip

    NINE members of Manor Park Bowls Club enjoyed perfect weather and bowling conditions at Weston-Super-Mare Bowls Tourn-ament, which started on June 23. The tournament lasts a week and is primarily for men to play singles, pairs and triples, but there is

  • 5/7/02 - Boswell is the only one under

    DUE to a strong wind blowing into riders faces on the return leg from the M50 to Worcester times were generally slower than the last event when VC Sevale held their Kinnersley 25 time trial. The only rider to dip under the hour was winner Brian Boswell

  • 5/7/02 - Scotsmen(?) lift trophy

    BRANSFORD Golf Club held the Bannockburn Trophy on Saturday which saw a good turn out for both sides but some dubious ancestry on the Scots side. The match was halved after all the results were in so the captains had a putting competition which was won

  • 5/7/02 - Opening tournament success

    ONE hundred and forty four members competed in the tournament held to mark the opening of the Worcestershire Golf Club's new clubhouse. The competition was marked by two shotgun starts, the first at 8.30am and the second at 2.30pm. Peter McEvoy, the past

  • 5/7/02 - The generation game

    IT was a family affair for a mother, daughter and grand-daughter who all won trophies at the Malvern Ladies Skittles League's annual presentation night held at the Bank House Hotel, Bransford, last week. Julie Farnell, who won no less than nine different

  • 5/7/02 - Phil Birch cruises to 129no in derby fixture

    NEWLAND entertained local rivals Hanley Castle & Upton in a keenly fought WCL Division Five derby seeing Newland emerge with a winning draw in yet another run feast on the Newland track. NEWLAND v UPTON & HANLEY CASTLE Newland won the toss and

  • 5/7/02 - Home draw in Powergen Cup

    NORTH Midlands Cup holders Malvern RFC have been given a home draw in the qualifying round of the Powergen Senior Cup on August 31. Malvern, who won the county cup for the first time in May when they defeated Aston OEs in the final at Stourbridge, will

  • 5/7/02 - Fixtures ...

    SATURDAY CRICKET WEST OF ENGLAND CLUBS GLOS/WILTS Division One: Colwall v Wooton Bassett. Division One 2nd XIs: Wooton Bassett II v Colwall II. WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY LEAGUE Division One 1st XIs: Luctonians v Bromyard. Division One 2nd XIs: Bromyard II

  • 5/7/02 - Shelsley Walsh set for action

    THIS weekend sees further action at Shelsley Walsh Speed Hill Climb in Worcestershire as the MAC reached the half way point of the season at the historic venue. Tomorrow (Saturday) will see the Vintage Sports Car Club (VSCC) bring 100's of their pre-war

  • 5/7/02 - Colwall eyeing Village KO run

    COLWALL Cricket Club will be hoping to progress in the National Village Championship knockout on Sunday (July 7) when they entertain Northampton-shire champions Isham at Stowe Lane. Worcestershire, Herefordshire & Powys group champions for the ninth

  • 5/7/02 - Malvern slump at Bewdley

    MALVERN slumped to a seven wicket defeat at Bewdley after a disappointing batting performance meant they were always struggling in this WCL Division Two game. BEWDLEY 1ST XI v MALVERN 1ST XI Malvern lost three early wickets, Mark Baugh taking an ambitious

  • Man threatened to kill partner

    A DRUNK man who returned to his Droitwich home to find police officers comforting his scared girlfriend, threatened to kill her. Kenneth Crow's long-term partner called the police as she was scared of him returning home drunk and violent. Worcester magistrates

  • 12 years for firebomber

    A TEENAGE ice cream salesman convicted of petrol bombing a Worcester house has been sentenced to 12 years' detention. Sajad Hussain wanted revenge after a 15-year-old girl accused him of sexually assaulting her. He and two accomplices - who have never

  • Married virgin's TV sex confession

    A 57-YEAR-OLD Tenbury woman has appeared on a TV chat show and admitted she is still a virgin. Margaret Austin said that, despite 33 years of marriage, she had never had sex with husband Bill. Mrs Austin revealed her lifestyle on a show entitled We don't

  • You can't build houses here, say councillors

    PLANS to build a housing estate in St John's have been thrown out by city councillors. Members of the Worcester City Council planning committee yesterday decided the proposals for 39 apartments and eight three-storey town houses at Henwick Halt were against

  • Students show that they care

    STUDENTS from Worcester and Droitwich have been telling other schools how their community projects have fared at a national conference. Elgar Technology College and Droitwich High School were both awarded cash grants from the Barclays New Futures awards

  • Agency staff cost NHS dear

    COSTLY agency staff used across the NHS in Worcestershire has helped a mental health body go £250,000 into the red, after just two months of spending. Plans from the Worcestershire Mental Health Partnership Trust are already in place to remove the reliance

  • Good teaching earning praise

    A WORCESTER school has been praised for its good teaching and ensuring the abilities of all pupils are addressed. But standards in one subject at Northwick Manor Infants' School were found to have fallen since the last Ofsted inspection. Information and

  • Ambulance drive was 'too long to save life'

    A MAN who died at his Kidderminster home while an ambulance was on its way from Worcester could still be alive if help had arrived sooner, it has been claimed. The ambulance took 18 minutes to reach Wesley Billingham from Worcestershire Royal Hospital

  • Students see the sights in exchange visit

    GERMAN students have been enjoying the sights of Worcester and beyond, thanks to a well-established link between the city and its twin town of Kleve. They are heading back home today after a fun-packed stay with pupils from King's School and the Royal

  • Widow's plea for return of statues

    A DISTRAUGHT widow has made a heartfelt plea for the return of four stone animals taken from her husband's grave. Susan Knight was stunned to find thieves had taken the statues when she went to water flowers on her husband Brian's grave at Hampton Cemetery

  • Schools claim top status

    SCHOOLS across the county have been praised for their commitment to staff. Fifteen schools across Worcestershire have achieved Investors in People status. It is the only national standard on people management for companies and organisations to help improve

  • Car attacked with hammer

    A BLAZING row between a man and his ex-girlfriend over the custody of their children led to his new partner launching a hammer attack on a car. Furious Sophie Stanford overheard the slanging match between her boyfriend Alex Drake and his ex. So as soon

  • Flood prevention starts

    A FLOOD storage reservoir designed to protect houses in Worcestershire is now being constructed. The first part of the Environmental Agency's Kidderminster Flood Alleviation Scheme is underway to help prevent flooding for 129 houses. The storage area

  • Shabby island to be given facelift

    TIDYING up the centre of Powick looks set to become a joint project between Powick Parish Council and Malvern Hills Highways Partnership. District councillor Tom Wells was so concerned about the shabby state of the "island" at the centre of a gyratory

  • Don't let the rape stop you

    THESE walks don't always work out as planned, especially in the east of the county, which has more than its share of neglected and deliberately obstructed footpaths. This one is a case in point. The original plan for a Pershore-based exploration of Besford

  • Malvern Town FC - Fixtures/Results - 2001/2 season

    FIXTURES RESULTS EXPRESS & STAR LEAGUE - West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division 18/8/01: Smethwick Rangers 2, Malvern Town 6 (R Gore 3, S Walker 2, S Davies). 21/8/01: Malvern Town 0, Kington Town 3. 25/8/01: Malvern Town 2 (A Shepherd,

  • 5/7/02 - Home draw in Powergen Cup

    NORTH Midlands Cup holders Malvern RFC have been given a home draw in the qualifying round of the Powergen Senior Cup on August 31. Malvern, who won the county cup for the first time in May when they defeated Aston OEs in the final at Stourbridge, will

  • 5/7/02 - Jinks hits form in hard-earned draw

    WORCESTER Nomads earned some much needed WCL Division Two points with this hard-earned draw at home to Brockhampton. WORCESTER NOMADS v BROCKHAMPTON The visitors posted 267, largely thanks to Parker with 107 and Walker with 78, sharing a second-wicket

  • 5/7/02 - Nomads II well beaten

    NOMADS Sunday Seconds crashed to a resounding defeat at the hands of visiting Wellesbourne. WORCESTER NOMADS II v WELLESBOURNE Chasing a total of 208-2, thanks largely to Jarrett's unbeaten 115, Nomads were never in the chase. Earlier Paul Ranscombe was

  • 5/7/02 - Juniors

    THE Malvern opening pair of Dovey and Croad put on 48 before Croad fell lbw to Nicholson. MALVERN CRICKET CLUB U14s v WORCESTER U14s Poole batted with confidence and when Dovey was out for 23 Hall helped move the score until Poole was finally out for

  • 5/7/02 -College XI in an emphatic victory

    MALVERN College 1st XI continued their recent run of good form with an emphatic eight wicket win against Rugby School last Saturday largely thanks to an unbeaten century by Ben Edkins. MALVERN COLLEGE v RUGBY SCHOOL Malvern batsmen have been through a

  • Press are given a first-hand view of murderer's hanging

    AN EXECUTION at the former Worcester Jail in Castle Street was described in detail in Berrow's Journal this week exactly a century ago. Back then, it was the dubious privilege of predecessors of mine as local reporters to attend hangings inside the city

  • News Items Down The Years

    1802: To Country Gentlemen and Others - Try Hunter's Restorative Balsam of Life and Health to cure the Deplorable Decays and Weaknesses brought on by dissipated pleasures, hard drinking and too powerful courses of mercury. The Balsam has been well known

  • Marina firm rebuffs fears over £3m plan

    CRITICISM of a leaflet released by Walton Marine clarifying details of the proposed expansion of Upton Marina has been rebuffed by the company's managing director. Published last month to reassure residents and traders about aspects of the £3 million

  • Wriggly racers add to the fun

    MAGGOT racing, a model truck driving challenge and a personal appearance from 'Cher' will be taking place at the Friends of Upton Primary School's summer barbecue tomorrow (Saturday). Fifteen-year-old Amy Storrock, who will be marshalling the wriggly

  • Appeal hits cash target

    A TARGET set by Upton-upon-Severn Deanery to raise money for a Kenyan school over a year has been achieved in just six weeks. A collection held during the jazz festival church service on Sunday (June 30), attended by more than 100 people, raised £1,200

  • Art aid for hospital

    AN exhibition of paintings takes place at at Hanley Swan Village Hall on Saturday and Sunday, July 13 and 14. The event features work by Malvern Terrace Artists. Proceeds will go to the League of Friends of Malvern Community Hospital. The exhibition runs

  • Garden party planne

    A GARDEN party takes place at Baughton Court, in Earls Croome, on Sunday, July 21. It is being held in aid of Hill Croome Church, from 3pm to 5pm. Admission is £3.50 and donations of cakes, raffle prizes or help on the day should be directed to Kate Bachelor

  • The show must go on

    I totally agree with your front page comment regarding the future of Malvern Theatres (Malvern Gazette, June 21). This region is so very fortunate to have such an attractive complex, beautifully positioned and offering top rate theatre with famous star

  • On the trail of Malvern's history

    WORK has begun on developing a trio of new trails and guides to help illustrate the rich geological history of the Malvern Hills. The work is being funded by Severn Waste and Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Beauty and developed and published by the

  • Death robs family of devoted father

    A SON has paid an emotional tribute to a devoted father whose death in a tragic accident in Malvern has "robbed" his young family. Trevor Dyke, 61, from Kidderminster, was hit by a motorbike while letting his three-year-old son out of the car for a toilet

  • Vale man's cruelty case

    A 61-year-old man from the Vale of Evesham is to appear in court next week in connection with alleged offences of cruelty on pupils at a former independent registered school. The man has been charged with 17 offences of cruelty, alleged to have taken

  • Not anti-European

    Richard Spires (Your Letters, May 10) seems to have got it all wrong when he refers to your "anti-European correspondents". Yes, there are many of us who want to see Britain out of the European Union, but that doesn't mean we are anti-European. We do

  • £60,000 to fight drugs

    THE Malvern Hills area has received a grant of almost £60,000 to help in the battle against drugs. The award of £58,600 comes from the Home Office's £70m Communities Against Drugs fund and will be used to try and break the link between Class A drugs and

  • Appeal to relatives

    I live in South Wales but my great grandfather came from Ledbury. His name was Alfred Cale and he was born in 1856 to John Cale and Elizabeth Cook. John, I believe, was born in Kempsey, Worcestershire, in 1831 and Elizabeth in Ledbury in 1836. Both Alfred

  • Mass protest over asylum camp

    HUNDREDS of protesters are expected to march on Throckmorton this Sunday after the Government turned down an offer of compensation to villagers. From 12noon, they will tie ribbons to the perimeter fence of the old RAF airfield in protest at Government

  • Found dead by husband

    A MALVERN woman found dead by her husband died of natural causes, an inquest has heard. Worcestershire coroner Victor Round recorded the verdict on Thelma Beardsley, who was found by her husband on their bedroom floor on Sunday, May 26. He said the 67

  • Low water pressure to be fixed after months of delay

    RESIDENTS in part of Malvern Link who have had to put up with water supply problems for months should see an improvement today (Friday) Those in Redland Road and Redland Close have suffered low water pressure every morning since last December. Some have

  • What a nerve!

    HAVING just returned from Bromyard Leisure Centre, where I regularly donate a pint, along with 120 other local folk, 'horrified' would be an understatement to express my feelings at hearing that a traffic warden in Bromyard had the nerve to place a ticket

  • We are not idle toffs

    IN reply to the letter from Jan Mountford (Your Letters, June 28) on the subject of hunting and animal rights in which she made several claims against hunting but then failed totally to substantiate any of them, the extraordinary obsession with 'class

  • One-stop shop plan unveiled by councils

    MALVERN Library could be the base for a "customer contact centre" for district and county councils if plans now being discussed get the go-ahead. Worcestershire County Council and Malvern Hills District Council are talking about the creation of a one-stop

  • Rethink by heads

    MALVERN headteachers have joined colleagues across Worcestershire in opting to put pressure on the Government over equal education funding instead of pursuing a costly legal battle. Last year, the heads and governors from Dyson Perrins, The Chase and

  • Golden event set for repeat

    A COMMUNITY fete in Poolbrook to celebrate the Golden Jubilee proved so successful that organisers are to repeat it next year. Hundreds of people turned out to enjoy stalls, martial arts, Scottish dancing, competitions, face-painting and sideshows on

  • Charity's costs to be hit by law

    A MALVERN charity fears it will face problems in re-launching a furniture redistribution scheme unless it gets help to cover costs incurred by new legislation. Community Action, based on Church Street, wants to restart the scheme for people in need as

  • Opinion

    THIS week the Government sought to open a debate on the introduction of a universal identity card scheme, under which everyone over 16 would be issued with a personal number and registered on a national database. We hope it turns out to be a more high

  • Sale is chance to own masterpiece

    PROFESSIONAL and amateur artists from Malvern are being asked to provide examples of their work for a charity sale. The postcard size paintings will be auctioned anonymously, so that buyers could end up with a work by a 'famous' artist. Proceeds will

  • Thought for the Week

    WHEN Solomon was made King of Israel God asked him what he would like to be given. He did not ask for great riches, conquests, long life or even a spin-doctor. He asked for understanding to discern between good and evil. So God, pleased with Solomon,

  • Solanki, Smith in run feast

    VIKRAM Solanki and Ben Smith both scored centuries as Worcestershire's batsmen put Middlesex to the sword at Lord's. Solanki was left unbeaten on 153 when captain Graeme Hick declared on 502 for four -- the second County Championship match in a row in

  • Steps taken to uncover the past

    STEPS are being taken to awaken people to the historic treasures hidden beneath their feet with a series of guided walks. Worcestershire County Council's archaeological service is running the Walkpast 2002 programme on Sundays during summer and autumn

  • Tim will 'miss the buzz'

    MANY years ago, probably more than either of us care to remember, when I started on the Evening News, one of my first assignments was to cover the sports day of King's School, Worcester, held on a gorgeously sunny summer afternoon on the playing fields

  • Bickerton suffers bogey bonanza

    WORCESTERSHIRE'S John Bickerton looked almost certain to miss the cut in the Smurfit European Open Golf Championship at the K Club near Dublin today. After yesterday's disappointing five over par 77, which left him trailing the leaders by ten shots, Bickerton

  • Parrot trio fail to finish Elite race

    SPORT like the British weather can be so fickle. This time last year the Parrot Print trio of Andy Lyons, Danny Axford and Worcester's Gavin Poupart were celebrating their ninth, 12th and 17th places in the British Elite Cycling Championships, this year

  • World champ Anna claims Norwich win

    HANLEY Swan's Anna Bailey tasted victory in the Norwich Union Indoor Rowing Championships. The World Champion was in fine form, representing the Old Wrecks Indoor Rowing Club, when she took first place in the women's 50-59 heavyweight category with a

  • All the top movies and where to catch them

    MINORITY REPORT (12): See review. Odeon, Worcester 11.30, 2.30, 5.30, 8.30. UCI Merry Hill (11.15 Sat/Sun) 1.30, 2.30,4.45, 5.45, 8.15, 9.15 (11.20 Fri/Sat only) Warner Village (11.00 Sat/Sun only) 2.15, 5.30, 8.45 Sat late 11.50. Malvern Theatres 7.30

  • The Damned crash in

    PUNK legends The Damned will crash into Worcester tonight (Friday) for a one-off gig at The Marr's Bar. Led by Captain Sensible, the band appears thanks to local Harley-Davidson dealers MOTEX, who have created a Damned-themed Deuce motorbike to appear

  • Wicked way to celebrate G&S

    CRIMINAL waxworks brought to life, love, and the songs of Gilbert and Sullivan feature in the production at Bromyard's Conquest Theatre. At 7.30pm on July 18, 19 and 20, Worcester Gilbert and Sullivan Society will perform Fraser Charlton's Wicked Waxworks

  • Music events will aid appeal

    THE Malvern Priory Organ Appeal is hosting a Weekend of Music on July 12-14, supported by William Boughton and the English Symphony Orchestra. The weekend starts on Friday, July 12, at 7.30pm, with an evening of chamber music featuring works by Beethoven

  • BBC Singer to launch festival

    THE voices of the BBC Singers will open Cheltenham's International Festival of Music and Fringe tonight (Friday), at 7.30pm, in Gloucester Cathedral (tickets £4-£22). Tomorrow begins with oboist Nicholas Daniel and pianist Julius Drake at 11am in Pittville

  • Be prepared

    MEMBERS of the 7th Bromsgrove (Finstall) Cub and Scout groups have been working hard to put their promises into action. By taking part in a recent bag packing stint in ASDA, they not only raised cash for themselves but also boosted the funds of the Primrose

  • Schools' future lies in shape of pyramid

    COUNCILLOR June Longmuir can't be accused of mincing her words. The cabinet member for education at Worcestershire County Council has a clear vision of what schools should be like in the future. And she's not afraid to let us hear her opinions. Members

  • She made valid points

    COUNCILLOR Mary Drinkwater's fine letter (You Say, June 27) made valid points regarding Beech Avenue being suggested as suitable for a dental surgery by D E Margrett in his recent letter. Beech Avenue is a high-class housing estate. The inhabitants pay

  • Front seat passengers

    I READ with interest comments made by Mrs I Chambers about the front seats on Midland buses. I advise the lady is very careful when sitting on the left side front seat as I have been thrown off, needing hospital treatment. When on this seat I am told

  • The real villains are cat owners

    N K CHANCE'S letter about Malvern Hills becoming a dog toilet and S L Phelps' letter regarding cats prompts me to defend dog owners. I think dog owners are to be congratulated. Most now seem to pick up their animal's deposits. The real villains are cat

  • Abbey Park gets the gold

    THERE'S gold in the arts for the children of Abbey Park Middle School in Pershore. The pupils were displaying the drama skills that helped earn a top Artsmark Gold award in a school showcase this week at the Forum Theatre in Malvern. Next Monday, headteacher

  • Arts Ball

    TODAY'S picture was sent in by R Fish of Tayson Way, Malvern and was taken in the late 1950s or early 60s at the Arts Ball, held in the Shire Hall. The float was made by Worcester Scooter Club, (nickname The Worcester Saucers) and was titled 99 Clonk.

  • Axe set to fall on rail line

    THE prospect of Malvern losing one of its railway lines was preoccupying members of the local council 50 years ago. They were reacting to the decision by British Railways to drastically cut services on the line from Great Malvern to Ashchurch, near Tewkesbury

  • Court is lenient after suicide attempt

    TO modern minds, the notion that trying to kill yourself might be a criminal offence may well seen rather strange. But it was an offence a century ago, as the pages of the Malvern Gazette indicate. The town magistrates had to deal with the case of labourer

  • Echoes from the Past

    100 years ago Of late, improvements have been effected in the Promenade Gardens which cannot fail to escape the attention of those who are accustomed to visit them. A wooden railing of a rustic appearance, and quite in keeping with its surroundings, has

  • Paul set to take another step up ladder of success

    IT'S probably one of the more obscure facts of the rock music scene, but did you know Paul Nicholas - he of the shock of blond hair, Just Good Friends and Dancing with the Captain - used to play piano in Screaming Lord Sutch's band? Well, how's about

  • Cruise stars in new blockbuster

    STEVEN Spielberg's science fiction blockbuster Minority Report (12) is showing for a fortnight from today (Friday) at Malvern Cinema. The film stars Tom Cruise as Detective John Anderton, a police officer in the year 2054, when law enforcement has access

  • Mega Moby on the road to Academy

    THERE seems to be no stopping Moby - everything the man touches turns to gold. The phenomenal success of his albums 18 and Play is testament to his ability to be able to touch the souls of people with his musical ability. Now, Moby fans have the chance

  • Events taking place in and around Worcester

    n First Marks play & arts activity programme at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, for children aged 0-2. To find out more or to book a place telephone 01905 25371. n Access all Areas, preview evening at the Museum

  • Gigs in and around Worcester

    The Damned. The Marr's Bar, Friday, July 5. Wayne Rivers. Sketchley Sports & Social Club, Saturday, July 6. Rainbow's End duo. Barbourne Ex-Servicemen's Club, Saturday, July 6. Ruthless Blues. The Marr's Bar, Saturday, July 6. Jeff George. Barbourne

  • Classical and Easy Listening

    RNLI Concert by Royal Air Force St Athan Band with Siriol Williams, Soprano at Spetchley Park, Worcester on Saturday July 6. Tickets can be obtained by post from Mr. P H F Edwards, 8 The Lees, Malvern WR14 3HT Upton Arts Music Group Concert presented

  • Whats on at your local Theatre

    Just Between Ourselves starring Les Dennis and Jean Boht. July 2-6. Malvern Festival Theatre. Details from Box Office on 01684 892277 or email www.malvern-theatres.co.uk) Republic Youth Theatre present West Side at The Courtyard, Hereford July 10-12.

  • McCarthy halts travels

    best-selling writer and travel show presenter Pete McCarthy is appearing at Worcester's Huntingdon Hall next week. The author of McCarthy's Bar, which sold more than 500,000 copies in less than a year, is bringing his award-winning brand of humour to

  • Are you getting all ready to pucker up?

    Are you ready to pucker up and delight someone you fancy? If not - why not? Kissing is therapeutic - it produces those feel-good endorphin thingys - you can nearly always kiss a child better, and it is nice. So, in the words of the song "If it feels good

  • House boom shows no sign of abating

    HOUSE prices in six regions of England are now more than 20 per cent higher than they were a year ago, according to the latest national survey. The Midlands is among the three regions showing the lowest percentage gains, with a 15.74 per cent increase

  • Customers' tasty time in Torquay

    A WORCESTERSHIRE company has said "thank you" to its customers by entertaining them to dinner in Torquay, Devon. The family-owned Egbert Taylor business, based at Elmley Lovett, near Kidderminster, has been making containers for waste management companies

  • 5/7/02 - Ledbury swimmers celebrate inaugural bronze medals

    JUBILANT Ledbury swimmers sang all the way home from the PGL Final at Worcester having fought off tough opposition to fulfill their aim of winning bronze medals in their first year in this league. Team captains, Katie Rolfe and Thomas James proudly carried

  • 5/7/02 - Superb wins for both MCS teams

    MATHON, Cradley & Storridge Tennis Club (MCS) Men's B team travelled to play local rivals Ledbury A Tennis Club and came away from Ledbury's Gloucester Road courts with a 3-1 victory. The Ledbury pair of Patrick Brazil & Jeff Johnson started the

  • 5/7/02 - Opening tournament a success

    ONE hundred and forty four members competed in the tournament held to mark the opening of the Worcestershire Golf Club's new clubhouse. The competition was marked by two shotgun starts, the first at 8.30am and the second at 2.30pm. Peter McEvoy, the past