A WORCESTER school which faced closure only three years ago is making steady progress towards a recovery. Elbury Mount Primary School has been found by Ofsted inspectors to be a place where children enjoy learning. But, while the Brickfields school was
Newtown 1, Pershore 1 DESPITE a poor display, Pershore should still have won Saturday's League game comfortably. However, an uncharacteristic inability to score from numerous chances created against spirited, but limited opposition, almost led to a first
EDUCATION chiefs have revealed plans for the school they want to replace Christopher Whitehead. The new multi-million pound state-of-the-art school will be built on land outside the city boundary at Earls Court Farm, Rushwick, if the project goes ahead
HEALTH bosses in Wyre Forest have denied withholding cash to fund 112 threatened hospital beds in Worcester. During Prime Minister's Questions in the Commons yesterday, Tony Blair was warned the Aconbury wing at Worcester hospital's Newtown site could
A DEVASTATED mum has spoken of her family's heartbreak after their soldier son was killed in a hit-and-run tragedy in Thailand. Former Royal Grammar School pupil Paul Woodcock, 23, was hit by a car 200 yards from his home in the coastal city of Pattaya
A TELEVISION crew invaded the Droitwich home of a rugby mad family and transformed their living room into a shrine to the game. The BBC lifestyle show Big Strong Boys spent two days at the O'Brien family home in Ombersley Street West. Designers painted
MOTORISTS are being warned to be vigilant after a wave of car crime hit Worcester. Sixty-six cars were broken into across Worcester during the first three weeks of the year - and 25 per cent were in the city centre. Many could have been avoided if belongings
A RETIRED carpet worker, who suffered from glaucoma and poor hearing, died after he stepped out in front of a car. George Bickley, aged 83, had parked his car on the Stourbridge Road near the junction for Larkhill and Kidderminster, an inquest heard on
EVER despaired of amusing the kids over half-term? Well, help is at hand from the plant mad staff at Webbs of Wychbold. They have planned a fun-packed week of activity afternoons for kids from Monday, February 17 - Friday, February 21, from 2.00pm - 4.00pm
A NATIONAL Health dental service for Tenbury could soon be up and running if a new practice in the town receives the go-ahead. Following the decision to close the only NHS practice in town to all but children and low income groups last November, campaigners
THE large police presence that descended on St. Michael's College at the end of January was part of an exercise and not in response to a serious crime, the college's principal has confirmed. Stuart Higgins said: "It is all part of the agreement we made
MUMS-TO-BE in Wyre Forest have a new option to ease labour pains - Kidderminster Hospital's first birthing pool. And shopkeeper Nicola Roberts christened it last week. The 29-year-old from Tenbury Wells, who gave birth to 6lbs 10ozs Niall, said: "I was
A DISTRAUGHT mother has blamed a clerical error for her no-show at court where she was penalised over her depressed daughter's repeated absences from school. Shirley Wilkinson has launched an appeal after Kidderminster Magistrates fined her £200 for failing
MARVIN Blake and Ross Collins are set to sign for Bromsgrove Rovers tonight. Joint manager Gary Hackett told the club's supporters forum last night that he hoped to secure both players in time for Saturday's trip to Merthyr Tydfil. Blake is returning
THE first of two new nightclubs in the same Kidderminster street is due to open next month, its owners have revealed. The former Time nightclub in Blackwell Street should finally open in March, once work to revamp the premises and entrance area has been
TOP scorer Bo Henriksen admitted his recent wastefulness in front of goal had been playing on his mind after he grabbed Kidderminster Harriers' winner against Bournemouth on Tuesday. Though he fired a spectacular strike at Darlington, the 12-goal forward
A DRAMATIC vision of Bewdley's future will be unveiled at a public forum next week - and every resident of the town is being urged to have their say. The initial findings of a study of the town centre and riverside will be on show at the event, organised
MILITARY crews have been providing emergency fire cover for Wyre Forest amid this year's fresh wave of firefighters' strikes over pay and modernisation plans. After gauging the mood on the picket line at Kidderminster's Castle Road station last week,
A YOUNG mum who was struck down by a rare condition which affected her unborn daughter now wants to help other sufferers. Liz Hipkiss and her five-year-old daughter Eleanor were lucky to survive when Liz contracted Lupus, a devastating immune system disorder
Brass Monkey have been described as a true folk supergroup, and if you want to make your mind up yourself, then catch them when they play live at Worcester's Huntingdon Hall. The band features the talents of guitarist-vocalist Martin Carthy, squeezebox
PARISH COUNCIL: A meeting was held at The Swan Inn. Clerk to the parish council: The council welcomed Jayne Vickrage. Stray animals: There has been an incident of one dog being killed and another injured. It was advised that owners keep their dogs on
VOLUNTEERS: Don't forget Tony Lyon's slides of his Tour de Mont Blanc fund-raising expedition in the Playroom, Wallace House, Evesham on Tuesday, February 18, at 7.30pm followed by cheese and wine, if you would like to come please let the office know
FORMER Kidderminster Harriers manager Jan Molby has thrown his hat into the ring for the vacant Colchester United position. The Division Two strugglers sacked manager Steve Whitton recently and are after a new man to help them break away from the relegation
SATURDAY: The North Cotswold Hounds - meet at Manor Farm, Wormington at 10.45am. The Warwickshire Hunt - meet at Little Orchard Farm, Cherington at 10.45am. MONDAY: The North Cotswold Hounds - meet at Manor Farm, Weston-sub-Edge at 11.45am. The Warwickshire
YOUNG Kidderminster Harriers player John Danby will be handed a stage to impress at Stourport Swifts in the Dr Martens Western Division. The 19-year-old goalkeeper has joined Swifts on a month's loan to initially stand in for Rob Clarke who is suspended
SPORTS EDITOR'S MAILBAG AFTER conceding one of Oxford's goals on Tuesday night of last week, Harriers kicked off again with two backward passes and a third which went into touch. This woeful lack of fire seems to me to be the product of flawed coaching
SUNDAY: Evesham Ramblers - Upton Snodsbury and Broughton Hackett, start 10am for an easy relatively flat five mile walk. Details: Mike 01386 554438. TUESDAY: Stratford Ramblers - The Addingtons/Broadwell, start at 10am for six miles, of an undulating
1st (£1,000) 11978, Shrewsbury; 2nd (£100) 11783, Worcester; 3rd (£50) 18992, Upton-upon-Severn.
FRIDAY: 12.15pm, The Showman's Guild of Great Britain - annual luncheon of the Midlands Section at The Ramada Hotel, Birmingham. SATURDAY: 10am, launch of the Stratford Town Design Statement at the Town Hall. SUNDAY: 9.50am, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough
PARISH WALKS: The next walk will be on Sunday, February 9, meeting at the Jubilee Tree at 2pm for a 3-4 mile walk. MOBILE LIBRARY: Residents are reminded of the Gloucestershire Mobile Library visits to Willersey. The next are tomorrow and February 21
SOCIAL reformers at Worcester battled at this time 100 years ago to persuade the city's magistrates against renewing the licence of a prominent pub. It was the Malt Shovel at All Hallows, a lively tavern which stood in the shadow of All Saints Church
THE tale of two boy pickpockets at Worcester, sounding very much like something from a Charles Dickens novel of Victorian times, was told at the City Police Court exactly a century ago this week. The Journal of 1903 fully reported the case under the heading
1803: We are sorry to hear that the Commissioners are so dissatisfied with the financial conduct of John Taylor, late a mercer in the High Street of this city, that they have had him committed to Newgate Gaol. On Sunday last, the fanaticism of a poor
ALVECHURCH manager Andy Hibbert received a boost last night with league leaders Leamington held to a 2-2 darw at third from bottom Alveston. Leamington, who visit Lye Meadow in the first leg of the Willie Knibbs Challenge Cup semi final on Saturday, are
THERE should be nothing but praise, today, for the amount of hard work put in by the staff at Worcester's Elbury Mount Primary School. The latest Ofsted report on its performance reveals more strengths than weaknesses and judges the school's capacity
A VALENTINE'S night at a top Hereford club will be getting pulses racing in more ways than one. Naughty But Nice will be getting clubbers in the mood for love when it gives away a free Valentine cocktail for anyone who arrives before 10pm. Special sexy
HER name was Lola... the opening words of Barry Manilow's 1978 hit are familiar to more than one generation and the song, with its dramatic love story, was later transformed by the singer into a full-length musical which will be on stage in Cheltenham
HOCKEY: The bad weather devastated the weekend's National Hockey League Division One programme with just one game surviving. Bottom club Stourport's visit to mid-table Chelmsford was called off but the team one place above them, Barford Tigers, were beaten
THURSDAY: Birmingham: Symphony Hall - CBSO. Wolverhampton: Wulfrun - Ross Noble-Sonic Waffle. Robin R'n'B2 - The Acoustic Strawbs. Warwick: Arts Centre - Lunchtime Concert. FRIDAY: Wolverhampton: Robin R'n'B2 - A-Tom-Ic Jones. Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton
JUDO: A powerful display from John Connor brought him a silver at the tough Welsh Open Judo Championships among four medals for Samurai Judo Club. Connor started with almost exhibition judo as he threw players easily to make the quarter-finals where his
MOTORSPORT: Nathan Freke had a disappointing outing after failing to leave the grid in the final of the PF International Winter Series second round at Rotax Max due to a clutch problem. After finishing second in the first meeting, the Kidderminster karting
ATHLETICS: Sunday brings the seventh running of Amazing Feet Running Club's ROC Fencing Wyre Forest 8 with 400 runners booked in. The tough multi-terrain event has no spaces left for any other entrants. Meanwhile, runner of the year Brian Humphries was
SWIMMING: A host of newcomers made their gala debuts as Wyre Forest Swimming Club juniors competed in the Ross Diddy League first round at Worcester. Forest finished last from four teams but their swimmers, mainly from the B and C grades, gained four
SNOOKER: Snooks A have crept up to within three points of Snooks B, leaders of the Kidderminster and District Monday League. Both teams had 5-0 wins, over Legion and Pockets F respectively. Other results Div One: Franche B 3, Franche D 2; Pockets B 3,
RESTORED bus services which provide a lifeline for some Stourport residents often do not turn up - and can be over-crowded when they do, it has been claimed. The 760 and the 211 routes, which run from Lickhill to the town centre and Kidderminster, have
MOTORSPORT: Kidderminster's Terry Taylor was a proud man at Bewdley Motor Cycle Club's trial on Sunday as his sons proved they were a chip off the old block. T Taylor, a one-time top motocross and trials rider, watched Kevin win the intermediate class
A CHURCH must find a further £50,000 before a huge renovation scheme can begin. Work at Stourport Methodist Church, Parkes Passage, had been due to start last autumn but the cost of the reconstruction rocketed from £350,000 to more than £500,000. It has
The story of Frank Abagnale Jr shows that teenagers really can make their dreams come true - as a Pan Am airline pilot, hospital doctor or qualified lawyer. The smooth-talking schoolboy just skips through the film, one step ahead of his FBI pursuers,
NETBALL: Worcestershire suffered a 54-34 defeat in English Counties League Division Two at Lancashire. Losing 29-17 at half-time, the county switched positions for Jo Brennan, Karen Greenfield, Jaydee Hunt, Nina Russell, Helen Webb and Carrie Fearby.
A CHARITABLE group from Stourport has given a cash boost to three good causes. The Wilden Lodge of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes handed over £1,800 at a presentation evening at its Royal British Legion headquarters in Stourport on Saturday
Stepped onto the bench last season after the release of Brendan Murphy and was needed to make two substitute appearances, including a league debut at Luton. The Stoke-born teenager has been playing for the U-19s, including during their fine FA Youth Cup
Another Mr Versatile, long-serving Smith signed for Harriers in 1997 for £19,000 from non-league rivals Bromsgrove Rovers. Smith's performances in non-league earned him three caps for the England semi-professional team as well as a Nationwide Conference
A VIOLENT teenager who used a beer glass as a weapon has been banned from two Kidderminster pubs and sent to custody. Joseph Chapple launched an unprovoked attack on Alex O'Reilly in the Red Man leaving him needing 13 stitches in face injuries. He told
THREE men are awaiting sentence at Worcester Crown Court for involvement in a Kidderminster street fight. Mario Sorano, 23, of Linden Avenue, Kevin Kilkenny, 20, of Grasmere Close, and Wayne Talbot, 23, of Baskerville Road, all Kidderminster, were remanded
A 21-YEAR-OLD man has appeared in court in Suffolk charged with causing the death of a former Kidderminster man in a hit-and-run incident. Wayne Goode, 28, was killed in a New Year's Day accident in Sudbury. The father-of-one lived in Ipswich with his
Scott joined Harriers on a non-contract basis in late January and made a solid Football League full debut against Bournemouth in defence. The former Walsall player has not had much luck this season with a shoulder injury meaning he made no appearances
A GANG of muggers knocked a man to the ground and stole his mobile phone in the early hours in Kidderminster. The victim was talking on his phone in Sutton Park Road at 3am on Saturday when he spotted three men following him. As he turned to look at them
After starting off as a trainee at Liverpool, Williams was released at the age of 19 to return to his native Wrexham. The Wales U-21 international played on-off for the Second Division club but made a good impression with many for his uncompromising style
Summer signing Parrish has enjoyed three promotions before from Division Three, twice with Northampton Town and once with Chesterfield. The competitive left-footed midfielder with an eye for goal turned down a one-year deal with Chesterfield to sign for
Vastly-experienced Flynn took over the captaincy in Mark Blake's absence after putting pen to paper on a year's deal before the first league game with Lincoln. The influential central or right-sided midfielder is known for his tough tackling and will
A woman has been banned from a Kidderminster pub for two years after admitting making threats of violence. Ellen Murrihy, of Hawford Avenue, Kidderminster, has been excluded from the Comberton Arms and ordered to carry out 60 hours of community service
A 27-year-old Stour-port woman is facing trial on charges of supplying heroin. Louise Grange, of Limetree Walk, is accused of supplying the drug to two people in December. She was remanded in custody and the case will be sent for trial at Worcester Crown
Lawson Crisp, of Woodward Road, Kidderminster, was banned from driving for 12 months and fined £100 and £65 costs after admitting drink driving in Stourbridge Road, Kidderminster.
Tall target-man who made an immediate impact with his aggression, spirit and goal-scoring on being signed for £50,000 from Peterborough in January 2001. Despite his disciplinary problems, Broughton is a first choice when fit and wins a lot of aerial challenges
Steven Pritchard, of Stourbridge Road, Kidderminster, was fined £75 and ordered to pay £118 costs after being caught with a meat cleaver and kitchen knife during an attempted burglary at a Kidder- minster house. Pritchard admitted entering the property
NOT many anglers braved last week's mid-week weather so only two events were held at Moorlands Farm Fishery. Mark Lucas won the Saturday event and Mike Henshall was the winner on Sunday. Saturday, Bank and Island Pools: Lucas 17lb 3oz (Island peg 16),
A player with an impressive reputation in homeland Denmark, Henriksen signed a two-and-a-half year deal at Aggborough in February 2002. The flamboyant striker, who impressed in an initial three-month loan spell with an immaculate first touch, signed from
KDAA Wednesday: M McGuinness 6-6, P Cook 5-3, P Field 4-4, P Marzumier 3-14. On Sunday, a match will be held on Larford specimen lake with a 9.30am draw and anyone interested can call 01299 871735 for details.
WINTER League round four: Trevor Wills 4-7, Steve Oakes 3-9, Reg Bastable 1-7. League to date: Oakes 7, Wills 20, Gary Owen 23. On Saturday, the five-a-side team match is open to individual Lyttelton members and the draw is at 8am at The Woodman.
Travelling on a train without paying the fare has cost two Kidderminster men more than £100. James Lavelle, of Ismere Way, was caught without a ticket at Kidderminster Railway Station in June. He was fined £26, ordered to pay £100 costs and compensation
DROITWICH Canal is the venue for the next contest on Sunday, February 2, with a 9am draw at the Ombersley Way access. The next club meeting is on Monday at the Waggon and Horses, Wribbenhall.
A CONTEST is on Sunday on the Staffordshire/Worcestershire Canal, bridges 19-20, with an 8am draw.
PEOPLETON Juniors has become only the third club in Worcestershire to be awarded the Charter Standard Develo-pment Award. The club boasts numerous volunteers who help run seven teams in the Evesham Amba-ssador and Mercian Elgar Leagues. Under the chairmanship
THE Health Concern-dominated Wyre Forest District Council oversees an administration which has been identified as having the worst waste recycling record in Worcestershire. It has failed to put an effective policy in place over the last two years, despite
A CURRENT inability to finish cost Chaddesley Corbett three points in a 2-0 home defeat to Bridgnorth Town Reserves in West Midlands League Division One South. The villagers started brightly for once and bossed the midfield for 30 minutes but failed to
HAYE Farm: Barry Chesson 81-5, Dean Ashcroft 22-1-8dr, Joe Cox 20-2-0, Roy Carter 20-0-0. The next contest is on Poole Hall's Abbey Pool on Sunday, meeting at 8am.
BEWDLEY Town have a major catch-up job on their hands after playing six games less than Hinton following Saturday's postponement. Their game at Lye Town Reserves fell foul of the weather, while stuttering Hinton slipped up 4-3 at struggling Malvern Town
Birdseye Sports Evesham Sunday League ODDFELLOWS Arms, starved of success since they were formed two years ago, reached the last four of the Bluck Cup with a surprise win over Defford and Besford. The Oddies scored through Paul (2), Harris (2), Sears
Burlish 8, Evesham Utd Ladies 2 DESPITE an encouraging start against the league leaders, Evesham's defensive frailties were again their downfall as they crashed to a heavy defeat in Sunday's Wyvern Associates League Cup. United took the game to their
Enville 1, Littleton 3 LITTLETON kept up the pressure at the top of Midland Combination Division Two after Saturday's hard-fought win. The table toppers made the best possible start with a goal in the opening two minutes when an astute pass from Simon
I WAS surprised to read in the Shuttle/Times & News letters page of such strong objections to the notions of fortnightly waste collection. Given the savings it would yield and the amount of general household waste produced in a week, it struck me
ARLEY jumped three places up the Kidderminster and District League Sunday Division Two table to sixth with a 9-2 thrashing of Wordsley Cat. Also on the move were Gilt Edge who left penultimate place in Division Five with a 3-0 win at Harriers Arms. In
A 92-YEAR-OLD cyclist who was found lying in the road in Lower Moor with serious injuries is recovering in hospital this week. Police are appealing for information on how Eddie Robbins from Salters Lane came to be injured. The pensioner was rushed to
I HAVE been following comments related to car and motorcycle parking and access to Severn Side North in Bewdley with interest. I would like to point out to those who complain about the nuisance of motorcyclists who park there in the summer months that
BURLISH Olympic boss Dave Glass believes his team's lethal attitude in front of goal could prove crucial come the end of the season. Olympic, already top of the Kidderminster and District Women's League, remain in control of the Wyvern Associates League
I HAVE to echo the letter regarding park-and-ride in Kidderminster (Shuttle/Times and News, January 2). I was very hesitant to use the service, but it has proved to be brilliant. I get to work quicker and with less hassle than ever. Go on everyone. Give
WITH regard to Catchem's End junction in Bewdley, I was appalled at the apparent lack of concern for the residents of Kidderminster Road by the Highways Partnership at the traffic-calming meeting held at Shaw Hedge Centre. The partnership statement that
Evesham Utd 5, Shepshed Dynamo 1 A FIVE-goal return made it many happy returns for United boss Phil Mullen as he celebrated his 50th birthday in style at Common Road on Tuesday night. The Robins rattled up their biggest win of the season and made it nine
Elmley Castle U-8 0, Evesham Utd 2 EVESHAM recorded their second win of the season after Ben Scarrott put them ahead midway through the first half. Elmley attacked well but couldn't manage to get past debutant keeper Daniel Lamb and defenders Alexander
A HONEYBOURNE teenager was found to be over the drink-drive limit after reversing her friend's new car into a wall. Tara Ballard, aged 18, had been drinking with Sarah Roberts at a pub in Evesham, Worcester magistrates heard. Julie Rosamond, prosecuting
Severn City 1, Evesham Utd Girls U-11 3 UNITED'S girls won a place in the Mercian League Cup Final last Saturday despite going a goal down. Millie Stanley was the hero with a trio of powerful strikes to complete a hat-trick that booked a final place against
STAFF and students at Prince Henry's High School are celebrating a virtually spotless Ofsted report. The education watchdog's first inspection since March 1997 has given it an excellent write-up, calling it 'a very good school'. It praises everyone, from
Eynsham 4, Evesham Utd U-12 6 UNITED recorded their tenth win of the season to get within a point of league leaders Witney. The visitors took the lead after 13 minutes when Lance Smith threaded a through pass for Rob Andrew to run on to and shoot past
PEOPLE are needed to join Worcestershire Football Association's level two coaching certificate course which is geared towards working with seven to 14-year-olds. It will be held between Monday, May 17, and Saturday, June 22, running from 9am until 5pm
DAVID Train, the Fladbury man behind the MAIN ideas about transforming Britain and the West through education, is contacting all national leaders with his vision for the future. "By putting these ideas forward, it may even prevent us going to war," Mr
Evesham Utd U-9 3, Warndon Villages Beavers 0 EVESHAM were unable to convert early chances into goals as the Warndon keeper thwarted them. It was going to take something special to beat him and it came from a James Bearcroft corner which was controlled
THE new owner of Evesham's Waterside Hotel has dismissed rumours that it is to be closed or turned into a workers' hostel. Dr John Randall, managing director of Middle Littleton-based Kanes Foods, bought the hotel last month and has said he wants to keep
SATURDAY (3pm unless stated) NATIONWIDE LEAGUE DIVISION THREE Carlisle United v KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS DR MARTENS WESTERN DIVISION STOURPORT SWIFTS v Rugby United WEST MIDLANDS LEAGUE DIVISION ONE SOUTH BEWDLEY TOWN v Ludlow Town Reserves (1.45pm) WYRE
PLANNING chiefs have given the go-ahead to a scheme that will see a Vale hotel gain an extra 20 bedrooms. Stables at Wood Norton Hall, near Evesham, will gain a combined two-storey and single-storey extension to accommodate the extra bedrooms, to add
VALE villagers have called for a review on lorry legislation to minimise the impact of heavy goods traffic on rural life. Members of the South East Worcestershire Transport Forum want to see the law regarding lorries using rural roads changed as the present
THERE could be few complaints after Kidderminster Carolians lost 16-0 at Aston Old Edwardians in a Midlands Three West (North) top-of-the-table clash. The encounter did not live up to expectations and KCs never looked entirely settled despite a spirited
THERE was mixed news for North Midlands One sides over the weekend. Stourport drifted into the bottom two after losing their vital clash of the strugglers at Redditch 22-5. Richard Gough scored a push-over try in his return from injury. Meanwhile, Cleobury
TYLER Peters grabbed two tries as Chaddesley U-11s beat Old Yardlians 35-0 in their first home game of the season. Aggressive tackling from the villagers denied a larger pack, while James Needham, Ben Bower and Owen Lloyd scored the other tries. They
HEAVYWEIGHT forward Craig Quinnell is back in the Worcester Warriors pack as the National One leaders travel to Bedford. The 20-stone flanker returns to the side after missing the weekend 57-5 win over Manchester with a nerve problem in a bicep. The 32
WORCESTER Norton women's delight at their convincing 5-0 win over North Stafford was doubled with the discovery that their two closest rivals in the race for the Midland Premier Hockey League title, Charnwood and Belper, had both lost. This leaves Worcester
At a short extraordinary meeting it was decided not to make any change in subscription fees. Two weeks previously, the ladies had presented a programme about Heroes, so it was the men's turn to illustrate Heroines. Terry Seal began with Tam O'Shanter's
On January 27 the club hosted an inter-club competition with Bridgnorth Camera Club. Judge John Lacey, from Bromsgrove, placed Kidderminster the winners by a small margin. Meetings are held every Monday at 8pm in Baxter Church hall, Kidderminster. On
On Sunday there will be two rides. The A ride to Ironbridge Gorge, starts at 9am from The Green, Blakebrook. At 9.30pm the B ride will leave The Green for a journey to the New Inn, Oreton. Cyclists should take a packed lunch. On Tuesday, a slide show
Members or anyone interested in joining the group are asked to note that future meetings will be held on the third Monday of the month. The meetings will take place at Holy Innocents Community Centre, Kidderminster, from 2pm until 4pm. For further information
YOUNG people in Broadway are a step nearer to a £30,000 skate park now firm plans have been drawn up. About ten young villagers attended a Broadway Parish Council Meeting to present the plans to members in the hope that they would win approval and make
Old, unwanted or broken jewellery is being donated to Heart Research. Members are asked to bring any unwanted items to the March meeting. Several members are knitting jumpers and vests to send to The Gambia. Names are now being taken for patchwork classes
The next meeting will be on Thursday, February 13, starting at 7.30pm in the Social Day Centre, New Street. Guest speakers will be conservation officer Simon Roper-Presdee, and Steve Singleton, who is tourism and economics development officer of Wyre
THE Volcano Community Choir will be taking part in the annual Bulb Sunday Concert at St James's Church, Birlingham this Sunday at 3pm. The choir will be led by Hilary Davies and readings will be by members of Birlingham Drama Group. The programme is being
On Tuesday, the featured film is George Washington, directed by David Gordon Green. Set in the southern states of America, this is a story of young adolescents, capturing their confusion, the need to belong, and the search for meaning in their lives,
An outdoor meeting has been organised for Sunday. Members will visit Upton Warren, where the warden is Arthur Jacob, meeting on the reserve car park. On Thursday, February 13, there will be an indoor meeting in the Corn Exchange, Kidderminster Town Hall
EMPLOYERS of men and women who help ensure the unique quality of the British countryside and its wildlife continue to flourish are being asked to nominate them for a major award - Gamekeeper of the Year. Britain's top gamekeeper will be honoured at the
ENVIRONMENTAL work funded by Defra's Countryside Stewardship Scheme has started to help one of Britain's most endangered mammals. The water vole, probably best loved as Ratty in Kenneth Grahame's Wind in the Willows, was once common on river and streams
A CANCER charity is set to be boosted by a mayor's unusual decision to change his chosen good cause. Bewdley's first citizen Frank Baillie has linked up with Wyre Forest band Tom the Frop - which boasts his town council colleague Max Keen among their
CRICKET evenings continue at Worcestershire next Tuesday when the guest will be the ECB's Chief Inspector of Pitches. Chris Wood was appointed in 1998 after a period working at The Oval and is responsible for ensuring a uniform high quality of pitches
PUNCH DRUNK LOVE (15): Unlikely pairing of director Paul Thomas Anderson (Boogie Nights, Magnolia) and funnyman Adam Sandler (Mr Deeds, The Wedding Singer) galvanizes a delightful and quixotic romantic comedy. The Odeon, Worcester 1.30, 4.00, 6.15, 9.00
DR Richard Taylor is to ask questions in Parliament amid fears patients with complaints will be left "in limbo" by the axing of an influential health watchdog. Community Health Councils are being scrapped after 29 years. The service, which represents
A WYRE Forest-based project caring for sick and dying children has won nearly £800,000 lottery cash. Wyre Forest Primary Care Trust, which runs children's services for Worcestershire and Herefordshire, has been given the funding for its Orchard Project
MUMS-TO-BE in Wyre Forest have a new option to ease labour pains - Kidderminster Hospital's first birthing pool. And shopkeeper Nicola Roberts christened it last week. The 29-year-old from Tenbury Wells, who gave birth to 6lbs 10ozs Niall, said: "I was
A DENTAL practice about to withdraw many NHS services has had to repay a modernisation grant. The undisclosed sum was paid to Salmon and Light in Stourport last year as part of a £330,000 package for county dentists to upgrade practices. But the money
DEAR EDITOR - Christmas 2002 has come and gone, and I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone in the town of Bromsgrove for their generosity to The Salvation Army which enabled us to serve many people in the community. This year
100 Years Ago February 7 1903 The very large and enthusiastic Liberal meeting held at Evesham on Wednesday shows a notable revival of Liberal feeling in the constituency after a long sleep. Not before since its great defeat in 1895 has the Liberal party
THE Shuttle/Times and News-backed Keep 'Em Out! campaign to deter distraction burglars goes "on tour" next week to hammer home the message to vulnerable old folk. A short play and talk about the dangers of letting strangers in will be given to luncheon
POLICE are hunting a pair of conmen who got into the home of an elderly Kidderminster woman - and made off with £140. The crime - which occurred in Offmore Road at about 12.25pm on Monday - bore all the hallmarks of a "classic" distraction raid, with
Alexandra, Birmingham - La Boheme, Thursday and Friday. Carmen, Saturday. Symphony Hall, Birmingham - An Evening of Music and Dance from the Ballet, Saturday. Hippodrome, Birmingham - Aladdin, until Sunday. The Mysteries, Tuesday until February 15. Repertory
SIXTIES pop idol, Adam Faith is on stage in Stratford this month and Malvern in April, staring in the comedy, Love and Marriage. Adam is delighted to be coming to the area and can't wait to tread the boards at the Stratford Memorial Theatre from February
MOST people today would never dream of getting into a car and not belting up for the ride. To the younger generation of drivers and passengers it is almost an institution: you get into a car, you put your seatbelt on. So it came as a surprise to learn
n IN reply to The Phillpott File, I was of the same era and, in 1956, my aunt made me a superb Davy Crockett hat from her mother's old fox stole. With this headgear, I was surely "King of the Wild Frontier!" The Davy Crockett craze swept Britain with
AS a life-long Conservative, I never usually agreed with Harold Wilson. The American President of the day wanted troops to fight with the Americans in Vietnam, so he asked Mr Wilson if he'd send troops, and how many. The reply was "None! Not even a platoon
AFTER the previous criticism rained on Stephen Inman, the wonderful news given by him at full council (Evening News, January 28) was that the Swan won't disappear. Now comes an even bigger challenge for New Labour councillors Roger Berry, Paul Denham
THE January meeting got off on a happy note. The president Maureen Smith gave a cheery welcome and wished everyone a happy New Year. She thanked all the members who helped to make the Christmas meeting such a success, giving special thanks to the ladies
BOOKWORMS in Bromsgrove are in for a treat thanks to a newly-refurbished mobile library. The library on wheels has had a new access lift installed and the outside has been decorated with a colourful mural depicting children reading. The mobile library
THE CREAM of the town's talent will take to the stage in a community production to boost coffers at the Norbury Theatre. Supporters are staging the 'Norbury Review' and hope to repeat the sell out success of January's Cinderella pantomime. Finances at
A TV crew invaded the Spa home of a rugby mad family and transformed their living room into a sporting shrine. The BBC lifestyle show Big Strong Boys spent two days at the O'Brien family home in Ombersley Street West. Designers painted the lounge in England's
A BROADWAY pensioner, who demanded her £60 fine back after speeding along Station Road, has criticised West Mercia Police for dragging its feet over her claim. Seventy-nine-year old Irene Thompson from Broadway Park, was fined £50 and given three penalty
THE Oxford Apollo presents Ellen Kent and Ballet International's production of The Nutcracker from next Monday until Saturday, February 15. It is a return visit for the National Ballet, it will be bigger than a year earlier, with a company of 120, including
RESIDENTS in upper High Street, Broadway want double yellow lines removed to be able to park outside their homes. Since the bypass was built the top of the High Street has become a quiet cul-de-sac with no through traffic. Now many householders believe
TOWN leaders have publicly answered concerns about the Lido Pool and the future Spa health provision. Burrish Street resident Mark Heel lodged a round of questions with Wychavon District Council's overview and scrutiny committee, which met at Droitwich
DROITWICH Spa's Kirsty Butcher is off to a flying start in her new career with the Royal Air Force (RAF). The 22-year-old has passed out from recruit training at RAF Halton, near Aylesbury, as the best recruit on her flight. Kirsty, a former sales assistant
A CHAWSON church leader has taken the unusual step of making a personal plea to vandals and thieves to stop attacking a community centre. Hundreds of people use Blake Avenue hall every week but frequent damage and break-ins are putting its future in doubt
GREEN-thinking householders are asked to back an independent kerbside recycling scheme coming to Droitwich Spa. Worcestershire Community Recycling (WCR) aims to promote eco-friendly methods of reusing rubbish - and collect cash for charity. Within the
OUTDOOR types seeking wet and wild times need look no further than a canoe club making a splash in Droitwich Spa. Wyre Forest Canoe Club just banked a £4,600 windfall from the National Lottery and has a stash of new equipment for beginners. They're now
JOHN Bickerton has collected £15,000 after finishing joint 11th at the Heineken Classic in Australia. The Droitwich Spa golfer shot a final round of 69 at the Royal Melbourne course to finish on a nine under par total of 279, six shots adrift of winner
Evesham 0, Pershore 41pts EVESHAM'S dreadful season scaled new heights after Saturday's heavy reverse at the hands of their fiercest rivals. Seemingly doomed to relegation, the Avon Street hosts were shown no mercy by their county foes who ran in six
Evesham Utd 5, Shepshed Dynamo 1 A FIVE-goal return made it many happy returns for United boss Phil Mullen as he celebrated his 50th birthday in style at Common Road on Tuesday night. The Robins rattled up their biggest win of the season and made it nine
BACK in the early 1980s a Hereford film-maker made a documentary about the protest against a cruise missile base that was considered so dangerous that ITV refused to screen it nationally. When Jane Jackson's Common Cause was finally screened it was in
WITNESSES to a collision between a pensioner and a taxi are being sought by police. A woman pedestrian, who was walking across the junction of Hoo Road and Comberton Hill, Kidderminster, was hit by a brown Vauxhall Vectra on Monday, January 27 at 9.55am
TALKS were due to start this week between management and unions on the threat of redundancies at an historic Kidderminster printing firm. Up to 40 jobs face the axe at GTCheshire and Sons in Coventry Street after the firm lost a major order. Management
AMERICAN firefighters have warmed the heart of a retired Bewdley counterpart with a special transatlantic gift. Former town mayor Paul Gittins was "chuffed" to receive an engraved plaque from the Southern Platte Fire Protection District crew in Missouri
Evesham 0, Pershore 41pts EVESHAM'S dreadful season scaled new heights after Saturday's heavy reverse at the hands of their fiercest rivals. Seemingly doomed to relegation, the Avon Street hosts were shown no mercy by their county foes who ran in six
Pershore Tn U-11 7, Stratford Utd 1 TOWN returned to form with a seven-goal salvo that was started by Stephen Smaylen's early strike. The scorer added two more before the interval and another from Sam Hopkins left Pershore in command. Max Hitchens hit
PARISH councillors are hoping that a safety check on a piece of playground equipment could save them from getting embroiled in a costly legal battle. Salford Priors Parish Council has contacted RoSPA to carry out a safety inspection on a climbing frame
IT was a g'day for a cancer charity as generous pupils at a Kidderminster school - inspired by an Australian teacher who is suffering from the disease - boosted vital research funds. Students at Sion Hill School handed over a £2,000 cheque to Jan West
CRICKET evenings continue at Worcestershire next Tuesday when the guest will be the ECB's Chief Inspector of Pitches. Chris Wood was appointed in 1998 after a period working at The Oval and is responsible for ensuring a uniform high quality of pitches
EVESHAM Casuals leapt to the top of the WCB Indoor League when they demolished an out of sorts Dum-bleton last week. Evesham were quickly into their stride with 26 off the first two overs and Gregory and Mitchell then showed some delicate touches in taking
AN elderly man who died while crossing a busy main road was probably not wearing his hearing aid, an inquest heard. Widower George Bickley, 83, was hit by a car on Stourbridge Road, Kidderminster, on October 3 and died from "shock and haemorrhage due
Evesham and District League THE draw for the semi-finals of the Consolation Cup was made earlier this week and the ties will be played next Monday. Masons Arms v Golden Cross Inn B, Fairfield Inn v Hampton WMC. There is a crib drive at The Wheatsheaf
VOLUNTEERS in Kidderminster are in line for extra help thanks to a £54,000 lottery grant. The cash will be used by Community Action Wyre Forest to pay for a qualified project co-ordinator to help with its work in placing volunteers with community groups
A MAN upset at separating from his wife sent a suicide note to a friend's mobile phone before killing himself, an inquest heard. Anthony Cope, a 34-year-old self-employed builder, died on December 14 on farmland at Elmley Lovett. He had hooked up a pipe
A PACK of insulin taken during a raid at a Kidderminster home could prove fatal in the wrong hands, warned police. A grey "pen" containing the drug - which is used to control diabetes - was taken during a burglary at a house in Dunlin Drive on Sunday
WYRE Forest's music scene appears to be in a healthy state, with an increasing number of venues across the district providing a stage for its many bands. Each year the length and breadth of the country, countless young people come together with the aim
TWO big charity concerts are set to vie for Wyre Forest music lovers' attentions when they take place on the same night this month. Kidderminster ladies' choir The Valentines are linking up with the Cradley Heath Male Voice Choir to set the ball rolling
AUDIENCE members will be urged to solve the crime being acted out by Stourport Library Writers at the town's library tomorrow. And members did not have far to look for the inspiration for the script - the action follows a writers' group over the course
I WAS pleased to have an adjournment debate last Monday on the subject of Worcestershire's NHS hospitals. This allowed me to point out to the House that as an Independent I am in the unique position of being able to support the Government when it gets
A SERIES of five lessons will start next Thursday, February 13, at the six-rink village venue. Sessions will last for 90 minutes and the cost for the handful of tries is just £5. Contact C Woolhead on 01789 268772 for more details. Welford enjoyed two
A TRIO of top ten finishes at the county cross country trials will see Evesham High School represented at national level next month. Dan Keen is a definite starter at the National Championships on March 8, while Intermediate boys Philip Rose and Christian
LATEST action in the Tewke-sbury Sports League saw Nomads close the gap on leaders Alpina Bush Cutters after an assured display in a 12-3 win against East Street Five. Ady Williams, Glyn Craze and captain Ian Keen all remained unbeaten on the night as
Evesham and District Association THE top two sides in Division Two met at Littleton where Wyre Netting came out victorious over the Loopers. The losers were without both Bruce Ford and Martin Brown while the visitors were missing captain Graham Gooderham
A HOME fixture at Throck-morton CPSC marked the start of the 2003 Winter Series. Blustery conditions for the Skeet round tested all the top shots but Phil Clarke made his intentions clear scoring a maximum to take him to the top of the leader board. Scoring
TEN Evesham Whee-lers took part in the faster paced A run to Wellesbourne Airfield. Mark Brazier led the group through Bad-sey, Bretforton, Mick-leton, Hidcote, Admi- ngton, Crimscote, Ettington, past Walton Hall and on to the Airfield for coffee. The
A RESPECTED figure in the British mortgage industry has accepted an invitation to join the board of Droitwich-based The Mortgage Group (TMG). David Johnson, who has 20 years experience in the industry, joins TMG immediately with a remit to explore and
Bretforton 1, Lansdown 3 BRETFORTON made a slow start and allowed Lansdown to score from a short corner after only five minutes. The lead was soon doubled with Bretforton again caught cold at the back. The villagers found it difficult to get into their
BIKERS brought the streets to a standstill yesterday as two leather-clad funeral cortges came to Worcestershire. The funeral of a biker who married his sweetheart in a race against terminal cancer was held in Evesham. Meanwhile, a member of the Worcester-based
THE success of the Worcester Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBO) is seen as a key element for police as they tackle disorder in the community. In his performance report for south Worcestershire, Chief Supt Simon Adams praised the role of officers and
HOME Office Ministers have defended the ''laughable'' grant increase handed to West Mercia after police chiefs said it would lead to a huge increase in council tax bills. Chief Constable Peter Hampson and senior finance officials yesterday visited Westminster
There are many good walks around Tenbury Wells, but this is one of the best. It includes panoramic views from peaceful Haws Hill, to the south of Tenbury, and Kyre Park Garden, which has lots to offer the visitor. The garden was laid out in 1754 and has
A WORCESTER school that has endured a turbulent past has turned itself into a place where children enjoy learning and are continuing to improve. Elbury Mount Primary School was found by Ofsted inspectors to be raising standards at a faster rate than other
WHEN the famous Twin Towers of Wembley stadium are finally demolished tomorrow, it will end a little-known relationship with Worcester. Worcestershire man Harry Braithwaite was the chairman, platelayer and watchman for the construction company McAlpine's
WANNABE entertainers from Worcester could soon enjoy a passport to the sun, thanks to an international agency. The Dutch agency, which is working closely with JobCentre Plus, is scouring the city for people to work as holiday entertainers at resorts in
THE relocation of Malvern Health Centre and a town GP practice is the first proposal to emerge from the local health service reviews. South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust chief executive Mike Ridley said consultation would start soon on the sale of
A SIXTY-FIVE-year-old man was devastated to find his wallet containing more than £400 had gone missing from a hospital safe while he was receiving treatment. Reginald Holding was rushed to Worcestershire Royal Hospital with chest pains. Mr Holding, was
A STROLL along the Severn could become bloomin' marvellous, if an ambitious project to renovate three neglected parks is given the green light. Worcester City Council is tabling a bid for Heritage Lottery funding to spruce up Cripplegate, Gheluvelt and
BILL Wiggin has called for radical changes to the asylum system. The Conservative MP for Leominster wants the Government to take action to secure the country's borders at this time of heightened tension. He also set out a series of proposals to improve
PUBLIC transport in some of Herefordshire's remotest areas will be boosted following the awarding of a major grant by the Government's Rural Bus Challenge Competition. Herefordshire Council will receive £794,000 over the next three years to develop four
WHILE most young people are accused of being irresponsible, a Worcester teenager says he positively thrives on responsibility. David James has spent the past three years manning the phone lines for Youthline, a free, confidential information service for
RAZZLE, dazzle them is the keynote for audiences keen to see the latest theatrical production from Tenbury High School. AUDIENCES for 'Dazzle' will be invited on board the starship Sunburster One for an inter-stellar trip, courtesy of planet Homeworld
A DEVASTATED mum has spoken of her family's heartbreak after their soldier son was killed in a hit-and-run tragedy in Thailand. Fay and Ross Woodcock, of Bewdley, are mourning the loss of Paul, 23, who was hit by a car 200 yards from his home in the coastal
SPRING flowers will be starting to bloom at a Tenbury garden that will be opening to the public later this month. Kyre Park, near Tenbury Wells, is opening its gardens to the public in aid of the National Gardens Scheme. The 29 acres of landscaped gardens
CONCERNED Vale residents turned out in force to ask questions about the future of the county's health services and Pershore Cottage Hospital. They packed Wychavon Civic Centre last Thursday to fire questions at the chief executive of the South Worcestershire
EVERYTHING'S coming up snowdrops at Burford Church and it's not only a seasonal treat for the locals as the popular winter flora is catching the eye of passersby as well. Maureen and John Porter from Hagley called in at the church after seeing the roadside
Saturday, February 1, 2003 AFTER being displaced from Dr Martens Western top spot following three months leading the pack, Bromsgrove Rovers could only manage a goalless draw against third placed Weston-Super-Mare at The Victoria Ground. The visitors
TWO post offices are set to close in the first phase of slimming down services in Kidderminster. Customers at Broadwaters and Bewdley Road branches now have until the end of the month to lodge objections or they will close for good in April. Broadwaters
HUNDREDS of Kidderminster people have rallied round to try and save a threatened community centre from the bulldozer. More than 500 supporters signed a petition in the first week of the campaign to keep the Horsefair Community Centre in Broad Street open
RESIDENTS have just one week to secure the future of a ground-breaking scheme which has helped them "fight back" against crime. The neighbourhood warden initiative in Broadwaters, Kidderminster - launched in 2001 as the first of its kind in the district
WORKMEN finally arrived to fit safety handrails at a man's home eight months after he died. The Wyre Forest Community Housing staff were told by Harold Perks' wife Wendy they were too late when they turned up at the house in Stretton Road, Kidderminster
TWO Wyre Forest schools feature in a list of the country's top primaries compiled by national inspection leaders. Chaddesley Corbett Endowed First School and Burlish Park First School are acclaimed for their success by the Government's chief inspector
A COUPLE devastated by the loss of their only child who drowned in a neighbour's swimming pool have dedicated themselves to preventing similar tragedies in the future. Chris and Tammie Gowans' two-year-old son Matthew died last summer after he wandered
MUSIC-lovers will be able to enjoy a trip down memory lane when The Solid Silver 60s Show hits the road once again. The show is on its 18th National tour, and features some of the big names of 1960s - The Searchers, Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich
PARISH COUNCIL: The parish council had not met in full in January. At a brief meeting held to discuss estimates, the chairman, Mr Derrick Grainger said that he had received a complaint from Steve Jenkins of Draper's shop about dog owners. It transpires
TOTS: Tots at Harvington Baptist Church is the name given to the new fortnightly gathering for children of four years and under, and their carers. Begun in the latter part of last year, the get-together takes place in the church on alternate Thursday
PARISH COUNCIL: The January meeting of the parish council, chaired by coun Tony Wilkins, heard a report from Mr Maurice Ribbans on the December meeting of the bus users' group. He said that the timetables in the Ilmington bus shelter were now correct
FAMILY FUN: A pantomime is the essence of family entertainment and there were families in abundance at the Inkberrow Players production of Babes in the Wood which played to packed houses at Inkberrow Village Hall, last weekend. It was not only in the
A FARMERS' Market on the doorstep is the aim of Nick Dickenson who has launched Pastures New on the Bond Industrial Estate at Wickhamford, Evesham. Customers can call for a brochure listing products grown or produced in and around Worcestershire and have
FILM AT NUMBER 8: With Pershore and District Film Society, Casablanca, cert (PG), 1hr 45mins. GALLERY AT NUMBER 8: Currently showing, until February 22, an exhibition of Chinese brush paintings by local artists. TRAINING COURSES: February 14 - Helping
THE following garden will be opening in aid of the National Gardens Scheme for the first time: MONDAY, TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY: 11, Weston Road, Bretforton, 3m SW of Evesham on main Weston Road to Chipping Campden, 11am to 4pm. Many different kinds of snowdrops
HARRIERS 1 BOURNEMOUTH 0 IAN Britton was happy to point out Kidderminster Harriers have now beaten all of last season's Division Two teams in the current campaign. And the Harriers manager was especially delighted to see his defence, including two newcomers
A TOUCH of 'magic' was brought to the December meeting when Gerald Hughes entertained with his many tricks, assisted by members of the audience. After an interval for wine, coffee and mince pies the festivities continued with a 'Christmas Olympics' and
cold, snowy January evening. Birthday posies were presented by Joan Green, president, to Jeanne Ore and Val Calder. Kay Aldis gave news of absent members and reported that Christmas cards had been sent to ex-members no longer living in the village. Details
THE meeting held on January 14 in the village hall was held by the newly-elected president who had returned from her foreign travels. She thanked those who had stood in for her in her absence and reported that she had again had a wonderful time in New
T the January meeting Garth Lowe gave a talk and slide show on Bats and Badgers. Many questions were asked and members were told that bats are harmless creatures and will not fly into one's hair - which is a fear passed down the generations. The photographs
A GRUESOME account of the deadly deeds and last moments of two women was given by Berrow's Journal this week exactly a century ago under the heading "Baby Farm Women Executed." "Anne Walters (54) and Amelia Sach (29) were hanged at Holloway Prison this
WORCESTER councillors were clearly disturbed about the eroded state of the river banks through the city at this time half-a-century ago. Berrow's Journal for this week of 1953 explained that the city council was particularly worried about the condition
STUDLEY'S top six clash against Stourbridge was postponed last night ten minutes before kick-off. At 10.30am the pitch was covered in snow and ice but was in perfect condition by the time of the 4.30pm pitch inspection. The referee decreed it playable
Stinking fumes! The 'stinking fumes' I refer to are at the traffic lights at the corner of Station Road, Pershore. On school days at leaving time, this road is blocked with stationary traffic back as far as Racecourse Road. The problem is of course the
WORCESTER'S Marr's Bar will be kicking off the weekend in style with Bubba, an eight-piece group from Hereford. The band will bring their fusion of acid jazz, funk and R&B when they play the Pierpoint Street venue tonight. Bubba have recently been
FRENCH farce comes to The Theatre Chipping Norton next week when Michael Friend Produc-tions presents Game Pie. It is an English version of Georges Feydeau's Monsieur Chasse. The play revolves around a deceiving husband, a passionate wife and a hapless
DARTS: Confident darts ace Steve Webb is looking to capitalise on his successful step-up to the Worcestershire darts scene. The 32-year-old from Cutnall Green was promoted to the A side, who lead English Counties League Division Three, after a string
HOCKEY: Kidderminster's results hit new lows when they handed North Staffordshire their first win of the season in DTZ League Midlands One. The 3-0 defeat at the bottom-of-the-table team followed the previous week's 2-1 beating of Solihull Blossomfield
MOTORSPORT: Wyre Forest rally crews will be aiming to make an impression across 45 miles of Gloucestershire at the Wyedean Forest Rally on Saturday. Hartlebury's John Pardoe and co-driver Stuart Bethell are targeting success in the B9 class of the Silkolene
ATHLETICS: Mark Roberts and Elizabeth Dourneen were the most successful Kidderminster and Stourport members at the Hereford and Worcester Cross Country Schools' event at Bredon School. Roberts came second in the junior category, ahead of Aiden Doureen
WHEN the latest Six Nations contract sent out the clearest message yet that the BskyB gravy train had hit the buffers, Gloucester's players may not have given the subject too much thought. Last month, though, it was top of their priority after, staggeringly
SNOOKER: When the teams lying second and third in the Kidderminster Wednesday League met, Franche A widened the gap between them. They reduced the deficit behind top side Snooks A to nine points with a 5-0 victory over St Johns B. Other results: St Georges
SUPPORT for traffic calming to safeguard lives in a Stourport street is growing, residents claim. As reported last week in the Shuttle/Times and News, people living in Mill Road want the measures to slow down cars which use the route as a short-cut between
VOLLEYBALL: Cleobury Mortimer surprised holders Tettenhall Tigers with a 3-2 home victory in the West Midlands League to maintain their 100 per cent home record. Jessica Hinwood and Charlotte Mann made impressive debuts as Cleobury took the match 25-23
DARTS: Rising Sun stretched their unbeaten run to five wins on the trot in the Banks's Bewdley Darts League when they beat a strong White Swan team 5-2. Brenda Perry's side got off to a flyer when M Link, R Mason and A Brown all won, leaving R Jones and
BOWLING: Tornadoes blew away all opposition in the Gilt Edge Short Mat League with a convincing 28-8 victory over Squirrel and a 40-2 hammering of Stourport. The win over Squirrel included a hot-shot six from Jeff Wallis, Geoff Bradley and Martin Davis
CHESS: Kidderminster Rooks kept challenging for the Worcester and District League Division Two title, winning 2.5-1.5 at Redditch. Results (Kidderminster first): P Thomas 0, B Drummond 1; K Durnell 0.5, M Daniels 0.5; W Pugh 1, P Church 0; TY Pountney
TRIVIA: Hare and Hounds beat Queen's Head 76-65 in the Kidderminster League. Other results: Red Man Extras 56, Station 59; Franche Village Club 43, Red Man BCC 64; Seven Stars 58, Boars Head 52; Harriers Arms 32, Eagles Nest 62. Wyre Forest Cup: Bird-in-Hand
Released by Aston Villa, Brock signed for Harriers in September 1997 after a short spell at Northampton Town where he failed to make an appearance. He made his Harriers first-team debut in November of the same year and has proved himself a fine shot-stopper
Digby is a vastly experienced keeper who was signed before the first game of February against Bournemouth in order to add his know-how to a young defence. The Sheffield-born shot-stopper started off as an apprentice at Manchester United but never played
Stamps started with Torquay United despite being brought up in Birmingham and his obvious talent earned him a £10,000 move to Colchester United in 1997. The left-footer moved to Harriers on a free in September 1999 after playing in the Second Division
Rangy Ayres joined Harriers as a youth-team player from Walsall but progressed to the reserves after impressing at the heart of the defence. A big future is predicted for the youngster who signed a two-year deal and made his competitive debut in the tough
The third player signed by Ian Britton on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers this season, following Mark Clyde and John Melligan. Stocky six-foot defender Coleman, only just turned 20, has been a regular reserve teamer for Wolves but is yet to break into
A MAN in his stockinged feet chased a burglar out of a Kidderminster house and along the street in a late-night incident. Ken Smith, a 38-year-old forestry consultant, heard a noise in the kitchen while he sat watching TV with woodcarver girlfriend Kathryn
The son of former England goalkeeping legend Peter spent two seasons at Hartlepool before his free transfer move to Third Division opposition Harriers. An attacking midfielder who also filled in at wing-back, he moved from Plymouth Argyle to Coventry
Bennett was a then club record buy of £30,000 from rivals Bromsgrove Rovers in January 1999 and proved a goal-scoring menace to Conference opponents in the title-winning season. The ex-England semi-professional international signed a two-year deal at
Thieves who broke into a Kidderminster house turned on taps causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage. They broke into the Caldwall Crescent home between 2.30pm and 7pm on Friday, January 24, by forcing the back door - which will cost £650 to repair.
Signed on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers for the season, the creative Dublin-born playmaker has made a good impression and extended his deal for a second month. Restricted to reserve appearances at the Division One club, his manager Dave Jones wanted
Ex-England youth and schoolboy international Ducros has been used by Harriers both behind a front-two and in attack. He was a record signing for £80,000 from Nuneaton Borough in July 2000 after only 12 months at the Conference side. The diminutive Ducros
A BUSINESS suspected of making and distributing counterfeit computer software has been raided by police. A "significant amount" of computer products was seized from the un-named Bewdley firm. It was targeted in a joint operation last Wednesday by West
A man who drove off from two Kidderminster petrol stations without paying, has been conditionally discharged for 12 months. Simon Comfort, 23, of Drakes Crescent, Kidderminster, admitted charges of stealing petrol worth £11.28 and £4.66 from the Esso
Has joined Harriers on loan for the season from Division One side Walsall to gain experience of first-team football. A prolific scorer in the youth teams at the Bescot Stadium, Bishop also found the net for the reserves this season but was yet to make
ON the Masters Lake, there were six anglers who caught 12 trout between them with an average weight of 5lb with the best flies viva and fritz lures. One angler caught a 9.75lb trout with a viva, while two others each caught four with a pink fritz, one
An 18-month road ban has been imposed on a teenager who was caught drink-driving in Chapel Street, Kidderminster. Eighteen-year-old Russell Nash, of St John's Lane, Bewdley, admitted the offence after a test showed a breath alcohol reading of 72 compared
POLICE have issued a warning after two women posing as social workers examined a young baby after calling at a Kidderminster home. The pair struck at a house in the Horsefair at about 11am on Tuesday, persuading the mother to let them in before examining
Charles Pugh, of Jubilee Drive, Kidderminster, has been banned from the road for a further 12 months and ordered to carry out 100 hours of community punishment after admitting driving while disqualified. He also had to pay £55 costs.
