A MAN drowned after jumping into the River Severn for a £10 bet. Hundreds watched in horror as Lee Muldowney disappeared under the water after Worcestershire's one-day match with South Africa on Wednesday, June 25. An inquest at Stourport-on-Severn yesterday
A MAN smashed his ex-girlfriend's bedroom window by throwing his car keys at them, after she would not let him into her house, magistrates heard. Anthony Bradley, aged 30, admitted a charge of criminal damage when he appeared before Worcester Magistrates
A TWENTY-five-year-old man charged with manslaughter after a railway level crossing tragedy has appeared before a judge at Worcester Crown Court for a preliminary hearing. Adnan Kadir Karam, of Carpenters Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, spoke only to confirm
A CORONER has warned of the dangers of using candles in the home after a man died in a flat fire. An inquest at Stourport-on-Severn heard that 41-year-old Andrew John Green and his 18-year-old daughter, Lisa, battled in vain to flee the blaze which swept
A THEATRE company that is touring the country by canal has cruised into Grimley for a performance tonight. The four actor musicians who make up the cast and crew of the Mikron Theatre Company are touring the country with two of their plays in a 67-year-old
A SPEED limit on a road where a pensioner was fatally injured could be reduced. At an inquest in Stourport-on-Severn yesterday, the family of 67-year-old Valerie Bown asked if it would be possible to impose a speed restriction on the B4208 near Welland
THE traditional benches on Worcester High Street should be preserved during its makeover because they are an important reminder of the city's history. After the city council approved a contribution of £180,000 to the redevelopment of the High Street on
July 28, 1978 CONTROVERSIAL plans to demolish the Abbey High School to make way for a ring road have been backed by Redditch councillors. The council is to 'go it alone' in support of the Abbey route despite a recent reversal of policy by the development
CATTLE are now grazing the Malvern Hills in the latest bid to combat the encroachment of scrub and saplings. Sixteen Galloway cattle have been introduced to the area between North Hill and Wyche Cutting by Malvern Hills Conservators. The hardy Highland
THE funeral of the Herefordshire skydiver who plunged 13,000ft to his death after his parachute was sabotaged will take place tomorrow. Army officer cadet Stephen Hilder, 20, died during a jump at Hibaldstow Airfield, north Lincolnshire, on Friday July
August 1, 1903 JOHN Wharrad, of Edward Street, Redditch, was charged with using indecent language in his own home late on Saturday night. Pc Broom, who stated the facts, said the defendant made use of foul language for a period approaching half an hour
A MAN'S successful sponsored walk has given his Iranian niece the chance to have a vital operation. Ray Asakereh, of St Peter's, Worcester, raised just over £500 by covering the 15 miles from Worcester to Bromsgrove in three hours last Saturday. "I'm
YOUNGSTERS who want to learn about local wildlife should keep their eyes peeled for a new website. Worcestershire Wildlife Trust's junior club, Watch, is now online, featuring all the latest events, information and activities in the area. Organisers also
WORCESTER and Malvern artists are among those celebrating the Malvern Hills this summer at the Foal Yard Gallery. The Malvern Hills - source of inspiration is an exhibition of work by seven accomplished artists. A variety of media, together with the artists
CHILDREN in Worcestershire have much better teeth than their neighbours in Herefordshire, according to a new study. The research, co-ordinated by the British Association for the Study of Community Dentistry, is part of an on-going review of children's
OLD English music and Tibetan prayer flags were all part of the experience when different cultures mixed at Worcester's Stanley Road Primary School. FUNPAC is an annual event to bring a multicultural experience to pupils at city schools Stanley Road and
POLICE have launched a hunt for the driver of a red old-style Rover saloon after a sex attack on a Redditch woman as she returned from a night out with friends. The incident happened on Thursday between 10-10.45pm. The woman, who is in her 20s, was walking
Reviews: HMS Pinafore and The Pirates of Penzance at the Festival Theatre, Malvern. THESE delightful offerings from the pens of Gilbert and Sullivan are both favourites and fun for folk of all ages, and it was good to see such a wide age range in the
A PENSIONER'S husband and son chased a mugger after he grabbed her bag and ran off. The incident happened in Birchfield Road, Webheath, last Tuesday at about 11pm. The woman, who is in her 60s, was walking along the road when a man ran at her from behind
TWO Studley men were attacked in Redditch town centre just after 1am yesterday after a night out. Police were alerted as CCTV captured the assault near the Fisherman's Catch fish and chip shop on Bates Hill. Six men are believed to have attacked the pair
POLICE are seeking information after an attempted burglary at a fishing tackle shop on Saturday, July 5. One man and four youths were seen trying to enter Powells Fishing Tackles on Mount Pleasant at about 8pm but escaped towards the town centre as police
IT was two days before Christmas six years ago that Alan Naylor received the phone call which was to change his life. His doctor had the painful task of telling him he had leukaemia and if he did not go into hospital the next day - Christmas Eve - he
MOVE over Schumacher, make way Montoya because a Redditch woman is vying to become a member of the driving elite in the Formula Woman championship. Natalie Nokes, of Webheath, is hoping to gain a place in the Formula Woman 2004 Mazda RX-8 championship
CURRENT National Champions, Shakespeare Superteam recently returned from Bulgaria where they represented Redditch and England in the World Club Championships. The team finished a creditable fifth out of the 29 countries taking part, missing the bronze
PLANS by Stratford Council for a new fitness suite at Studley Leisure Centre have been scuppered after the authority turned down its own application. The leisure department had applied for outline permission for a new gym at the troubled centre, which
A RICH mix of entertainment is in store for theatregoers as Malvern Theatres announces its new season. Stars including Penelope Keith, Hayley Mills, Ross Kemp, Susannah York and David Essex are lined up for the autumn season, which begins with the Royal
A REDDITCH teenager has been chosen to dance in Coppelia with the English Youth Ballet. Studley High School pupil Xena McCaffrey, 15, trains with the Rutleigh Norris School of Dance and will be busy rehearsing alongside 100 dancers aged eight-18 for the
THE band responsible for the smash hit song Tubthumping are set to perform at Midlands Arts Centre on Saturday. Formed in the 1980s, Chumbawamba are described as "wilfully anarchic, believing punk rock is an attitude rather than a style of music". Chumbawamba
A PLAN to build two blocks of flats a stone's throw from Redditch bus station has been refused by councillors following neighbours' concerns. Barteak Developments had applied to Redditch Council to build two three-storey blocks of flats behind houses
A REDDDITCH Council communications campaign designed to engage residents in the planning of the borough's community strategy could be in line for a prestigious award. The 20:20 Vision campaign has been shortlisted for the Successful Communications Partnerships
A GOALLESS friendly at Common Road hardly seems the sort of contest to inspire optimism for the new season, writes Mervyn Collins. However, the performances of new signings Marc Burrow and Simon Marsh against Moor Green last Saturday will have delighted
THERE'S a chance to help raise funds for the County Air Ambulance this weekend when local footballers turn out for a charity match. Evesham Sunday League outfit Red Horse will take on pub regulars in what is touted to be a light-hearted contest involving
PLAYERS of Campden Town have started preparations for the new season. Sessions take place on Wednesday nights at the Rec from 7pm.
DAVID Leatherdale is in line for an unexpected return to Frizzell County Championship division two action for table-topping Worcestershire ag-ainst Glamorgan at New Road tomorrow. The all-rounder, who has played in just two Championship games so far this
WORCESTERSHIRE hoisted themselves out of the National League Division One relegation zone thanks to a thril-ling three-run victory under the Duckworth-Lewis system against title-chasing Glamorgan Dragons at rain-hit New Road last night. The disappointed
WORCESTER'S Simon Archer made a winning start to the men's doubles at the World Badminton Championships in Birmingham. Archer and his new partner Graham Hurrell swept aside Greek pair George Patis and Theodoros Velkos 15-5 15-3 in just 23 minutes in their
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers step up their pre-season tonight when they take on Paul Merson and his new Walsall team-mates at Aggborough (7.30pm). The former England star is expected to be in the Saddlers line-up to face a Harriers side who have impressed in
BUDDING young cricketers can improve their skills at a course being organised by the Strat-ford club. Aimed at boys and girls aged seven to 11, daily sessions will be staged at Swan's Nest Lane starting on Monday, August 11 for five days. Qualified coaches
PERSISTENT rain around teatime brought frustration for the majority of local cricketers last weekend. However, Evesham's second team and Fladbury's senior side managed to beat the elements and their opponents but the weather decimated the Cotswold Hills
Children at Watt Close Modern School were to get lessons in printing with the recent installation of a printing machine. The machine cost £120, a substantial portion of which was donated by the parent-teacher association. Major and Mrs Holt gave a new
DEAR EDITOR - I too am a Stoke Prior resident and it seems to me that the idea proposed by the parish council regarding the Ryfields Road garage site is not at all ludicrous but could well be extremely beneficial to our village. At the moment the youngsters
DEAR EDITOR - Over the past few weeks I have read in your paper on several occasions of the ongoing talks regarding the Bromsgrove Rovers Football Ground. There is talk about relocating the club to other accommodation. This I would be totally against.
DEAR EDITOR - In answer to the True Supporter, on behalf of the Bromsgrove Rovers Supporters Society I would like to say that all the society wants is an open discussion with some truthful answers. As the ground was left to the people of Bromsgrove, surely
DESPITE the holiday season, a strong field contested the July monthly medal at Craycombe last Saturday. The course withstood the early evening downpour and remains in superb condition. The event was won on countback from two rivals by Dave Everett, playing
BROADWAY Golf Club's ladies' Mail On Sunday team earned a place in the seventh round when a thrilling 2-1 victory at Cirencester earned them a home date with Creigiau from Cardiff. In the Daily Mail Four-somes, Jenny Bruton and Pam Hooper were narrowly
Wednesday, July 30 Children: Double Act, Alexandra Theatre, Station Road, Birmingham. Until Sunday. Film: Drunk on Women and Poetry, Cinemac, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, 6pm. Show: Miss Saigon, Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst Street, Birmingham. Until
A STROLL in the scenic Spa is on the cards for ramblers this summer. The Fairfield Ramblers will be walking around Dunhampstead, near Droitwich, on Saturday, August 9. The walk will start at the Firs Inn, in the village, at 10.15am and take approximately
SLITHERING snakes, fearsome ferrets and birds of prey will be keeping youngsters out of trouble next month. Hartlebury Castle, the county museum, is hosting a day of animal antics to round off the summer holidays on Monday, August 25. It will run between
WOULD you love the chance to see the famous Warwickshire Bears captain Michael Powell in action or watch Melvyn Betts or Nick Knight hit a few wickets with their famous bowling arms? Well, here's your chance! Banks's, the most popular beer in the Midlands
DAVID Leatherdale is in line for an unexpected return to Frizzell County Championship division two action for table-topping Worcestershire ag-ainst Glamorgan at New Road tomorrow. The all-rounder, who has played in just two Championship games so far this
I LAUGHED and chuckled all the way through The Phillpott File (Evening News, July 21) - it was a real tonic. As I've said before, John Phillpott could compete favourably with the writers in the late, lamented Punch. GEORGE COWLEY, Worcester.
ONE of the Black Country's leading comedians, Tommy Mundon, will be performing in the lecture theatre of Bromsgrove School, Worcester Road, on September 17, at 7.30pm. Tommy's tales of everyday life around Tipton, Cradley Heath and the other Black Country
IT is unbelievably arrogant and ignorant to suggest that only Westerners are capable of living under a democratic system. This attitude forgets that our country is not perfect and also has a tremendous amount of social problems. Living in this country
MEMBERS arrived for their July meeting to find out there was a power cut, however, much to everyone's relief, the power was quickly restored and the meeting was able to commence without too much delay. The president, Hazel Aston, warmly welcomed 28 members
I'M saddened that G K Ryland (You Say, Monday July 14) really believes there is no God. Last year I cried out to Jesus when I was going through the most painful time of my life. The situation I was in caused me to ask questions. Then I realised that Jesus
YOU publish many letters from around the UK from members of the UK Independence Party. I think they should rename themselves the UK Anti-European Party. They're rabidly anti-EU on the subject of UK independence and, yet, when it comes to independence
TWENTY-ONE ladies gathered together at Salwarpe Village Hall for the July meeting on a sweltering evening to hear our speaker, Mrs ES Noble talk about Kings, Queens and Mistresses and were welcomed by the president Margaret Donnelly. The business for
THE decision to go to war with Iraq was made by George W Bush and supported by Tony Blair many months before the actual invasion took place. The charade of going to the United Nations to seek some sort of legality for the decision was never going to interfere
Astwood Bank's cricketers head to Staffordshire this weekend hopeful of taking another step on their way to the final of the National Village Knockout Cup. And skipper Alex Robinson is hoping that the travelling supporters will again cheer them to success
WASTING taxpayers money is just one of the key criticisms of Bromsgrove District Council highlighted in a damning new report, published today (Wednesday). The Audit Commission Corporate Governance report, the Advertiser/Messenger can exclusively reveal
A teenager who found it impossible to live on her own set ablaze her council flat, Worcester Crown Court heard. Katie Warner caused £3,000-worth of damage to her ground floor home in Austin Road, Bromsgrove. She was looked after by a foster mother she
A BROMSGROVE man got a slice of the action in bowling over the South African cricket team when his bakery cooked up a birthday feast. Colin Guntrip is a confectioner at Quality Crust, in Droitwich, which baked cakes for four members of the team, which
A PROPOSAL to create 800 jobs in a village near Bromsgrove has been slammed by a district councillor. Over 100 villagers turned out to a meeting at Fairfield Village Hall to discuss plans to build a business park at Wildmoor Quarry. Cllr Chris Scurrell
TOWN Tory MP Julie Kirkbride was asking 'anyone for tennis?' when she launched the district council's summer sport and activities programme for children. Bromsgrove Sports Development Unit is running mini tennis coaching courses for six to nine year-olds
FEARS have emerged that proposals for the £9m canal restoration won't deliver the grand opportunities the town first hoped. £1m pledge Jon Axe, a Droitwich Canals Trust director, has accused Wychavon District Council of 'selling off the family silver'
A FURIOUS Rubery resident, who has endured sewage in his back garden for the last four years, has finally been told he will have to deal with it himself. Graham Holloway has been passed from pillar to post as he persisted to find someone to take responsibility
THIS film had its 15 minutes of fame due to the fact star George Clooney gets his kit off and lucky audiences get to see his behind. But it deserves to be seen for so much more as it is a thought-provoking effort from director du jour Steven Soderbergh
COUNCIL tenants in Bromsgrove are to benefit from a £49 million repairs and improvements programme after voting in favour of transferring their homes to a new housing organisation. A total of 68.2 per cent of those eligible to vote took part in the secret
AN international cricket team was bowled over when a Droitwich Spa bakery cooked up a birthday feast for players. Quality Crust, in Salters Shopping Centre, baked cakes for four members of the South African Cricket team, which has been playing England
JUNIOR maths whizzes at Catshill Middle School have outstripped past pupils with an amazing set of results. Challenge The UK Junior Maths Challenge is organised by Leeds University and the Meadow Road school has had its best results for 10 years. Sam
A SPATE of vandalism on a town industrial estate has left the owner of a Bromsgrove company at the end of his tether. Mike Luke of CSS Worksafe in Buntsford Park Road, arrived at the premises yesterday morning (Tuesday) to find a skip full of builder's
Disappointed Redditch captain Nev Mason saw his side beaten by the weather in their clash with Birmingham League Division Two (West) leaders Smethwick. Some inspired bowling had the home side reeling until a stubborn last wicket partnership helped repair
REPORTS emerged of several UFO sightings over Hanbury. The two strange glowing objects were seen at around 9pm last Tuesday at Hanbury and around the Mitre Oak on the A449 towards Worcester. Suggested explanations range from hot air balloons and flares
ALLING foul of late night licensing laws has led to costly fines for the owners of a town take-away. Adem Ayham, aged 33, and Kemal Gul, aged 24, of King Kebaburger, were hauled before Worcester magistrates on Monday. They pleaded guilty to breaching
Wythall were just 21 runs short of a vital win before the rain washed out their Warwickshire League Division Three match with Solihull Municipal. The visitors posted just 108 and an unbeaten 42 from Nick Tongue took the Silver Street side to 88-1 from
DEMOLISHING the defunct Droitwich Spa Adventure Playground looks set to cost the taxpayer £10,000. Wychavon District Council was due to consider the future of the King George Playing Fields facility last night. (Tuesday) Members of the authority's executive
By EMILY BRIDGEWATER A BROMSGROVE woman is enjoying a well-earned rest after completing a marathon fundraising challenge. Jess Hawkesworth was one of four women who completed all six of the Race for Life events in the Midlands area, including the race
Bowlers Simon Edmunds, Bobby Wormington and Andy Fennell took three wickets apiece as Cookhill made a dream start in their Cotswold Hills Division Six game with Claverdon Seconds. But after dismissing the home side for 87, Cookhill's hopes of grabbing
POLICE are threatening to ban troublesome youths from certain quarters of the town in a bid to slash vandalism and underage drinking. With the school summer holidays underway, parents are being told to keep closer tabs on their sons and daughters to ensure
THE Welsh wizards are on the hit list resurgence once more with the help of some Phantom Power. It's been an unbelievable two years since the last, and arguably best, album Rings Around the World, and boy, did they need it. They say time flies when you're
A wonderfully kitsch Love Boat-style opening sets the scene for this film which, in the best tradition of B-Movies, is so awful it's good. Universally hated by critics, the expectation of enjoying this was very low and that's perhaps why I was pleasantly
Longview frontman Rob McVey talks of his admiration of Bob Dylan and the hippy Love God's musical influence can be heard throughout the band's debut album. Dreamy lyrics abound through the 12 tracks held together by some sweet tunes. But while Dylan packed
THIS boy has done it, seen it and bought the t shirt - and he's still just a teenager. Well at least he sounds like he has and he raps like he has after seeing just the past 18 years of his life through the eyes of an east London lad. Dizzee Rascal's
l A touring side from Dubai were in action in Redditch this week. Youngsters from the Dubai United Cricket Club took on RAWAL - a junior side based at Trinity High School. The tourists, who have played five other games on their tour of the Midlands, were
BUS passengers have been dealt a double whammy this week with sweeping fare increases and news of cuts in daytime services from September. A major shake-up by First bus company could see a "significant" cut in the bus fleet, meaning frequency reductions
THREE wickets apiece for Tom Bales and Lee Wilks helped reduce Kington to 150-7 before rain ended Pershore's hopes of Crus-ader Worcestershire County League success last Satur-day. Skipper Trevor Ridings asked the visitors to take first knock at The Bottoms
POLICE have charged a 75-year-old man with murder after the discovery of a woman's body at her house in Mickleton Close, Oakenshaw, last Wednesday. A post mortem showed 69-year-old Sheila Ann Lochlin died of asphyxia. Police and ambulance crews went to
WITH regard to being fined for speeding along Birchfield Road (Letters, July 23). It is not necessarily a fixed camera that caught the correspondent, it could have been the Speed Check Van. These are springing up everywhere, including the A435 approaching
I WRITE in response to Ian Fidler's letter concerning penalty points (Advertiser, July 23). I am 20 years old and due to a new law of recent years, I have lost my licence for receiving six penalty points within two years of passing my test. I had completed
I WAS very interested in the two correspondents who bemoaned the "hidden" 30mph speed limit that applies to the busy single carriageway of Birchfield Road in the heart of built-up Redditch. (Letters, July 23) As one writes, "Indeed, there is not even
AMOST colourful flag appeared over Redditch Town Hall on Saturday, July 19, which I recognised as the flag of Jamaica. I was informed by the information desk at the town hall that a civic reception was being held in honour of a visit by Maxine Roberts
FIVE youngsters who are still suffering as a result of the world's worst nuclear disaster had a day out to remember on Sunday thanks to Hatton Country World and the Redditch Advertiser. Every year, a group of children and their parents are invited to
June 11 was our AGM. New officers were elected as follows:- Marion Buchanan (president); Joan Woodfield(vice-president); Brenda Williams (treasurer); Gill Huddelstone (speaker's secretary); Betty Bullock (press officer); Jan Heeley, Leila Titchmarsh,
REDDITCH youngsters with an interest in wildlife can find out what is going on in the area now Watch - Worcestershire Wildlife Trust's junior club - has gone online. There are three groups in the county which run regular fun activities to encourage children
THERE were celebrations at a Lodge Park school as a member of staff was congratulated for two decades of excellent service. Brenda Pratt has been the lollipop lady at Oak Hill First School for 20 years, building up trust and friendship with staff, pupils
FORMER Everton room-mates John Barton and Gary Megson pit their sides against each other tonight when Worcester City entertain First Division West Brom (7.45). Megson, who saw his side lose 2-0 at Wrexham last night, has named a squad that includes out
A RETIRED Redditch teacher is setting up a clinic which she says can improve the quality of life of disabled children with various conditions. Pauline Clarke, of Lakeside, is a qualified Bowen Therapist and uses a technique of gentle and precise touch
EVESHAM'S junior sculling squad travelled to Strathclyde Water Park near Glasgow for the National Championships. This is the premier event for club rowers and the competition was fierce. In blustery and sometimes stormy conditions, the Evesham members
THE final week of the Prudden Road Surfacing League saw the championship go to Stratford C despite dropping a crucial point to Littleton. Stratford took to the court knowing that Inkberrow, at home to bottom team Tan-worth, were expected to win 4-0. This
SKIPS Terry Raffin and Peter South both recorded eight-shot scores in Welford's senior side's easy win over Littleton. The hosts won on five of the six rinks, only failing to make it a whitewash on the final end. The visit of Worcester Vice-Presidents
SPEED cameras are an emotive issue as the letters page of the Redditch Advertiser this week and last will attest. Only at the weekend, a speed camera on the A435 in Coughton was torched. Last week, the Advertiser was contacted by a number of motorists
Evesham and District League REGISTRATION for the new pool season will take place at Evesham Hospital Club on Friday, August 8 from 7pm. New teams are welcome. Ring 01386 47285 for more details.
RACE Officer Dave Bowen set a tricky course for the afternoon's racing at Arden SC at Defford. Having to contend with wind, varying in strength and direction, the small fleet had many a near capsize but all managed to stay upright. Commodore Richard Drink-water
THE league staged a special charity crib drive at Evesham Community Hospital Social Club to raise money for the League of Friends of Evesham Community Hospital in memory of Iris Davis. Thanks to the generosity of her friends who played, and others who
NATWEST staff in Worcester are supporting local and national charities by donating directly from their pay packet. The High Street bank is also helping out by "double matching" any contribution employees make through the bank's Give As You Earn Scheme
A HEREFORD chicken processor has helped one young boy's dream become reality. Sun Valley Foods has given 10-year-old Joseph Rushton £600 to buy a new computer so he can communicate verbally with other children and more easily do his schoolwork. Joseph
Wythall is gearing up for its annual carnival on Sunday, August 10. The festivities at Wythall Park will be held on the football pitch, Silver Street, and start at 2pm. 12ft tall wrestlers the Battling Cumberland Giants will provide the main entertainment
A SUPER great-granny from Studley notched up her 100th birthday last Wednesday. Maud Lewis, of Four Acres residential home in the village, received her royal telegram on the morning of her centenary. Mrs Lewis, originally from Cheshire, celebrated with
THE Palace Theatre has for the first time received a cash boost from another source other than Redditch Council. It was announced on Monday a deal had been confirmed with Worcestershire County Council in which the Alcester Street theatre will benefit
FANS of TV's Robot Wars can see the stars of the show for real at an exciting event at Redditch Town Hall next week. Some of the heavyweight robots featured fighting it out on the show - like Tornado, Pussycat and Chaos - will be at an exhibition on Saturday
MORE residents have voiced concerns over a waste transfer station in Rowney Green. The Advertiser reported last month people living in Dagnell End Road and members of Abbey Park Residents Association were gearing up to fight plans for the station at Lower
REDDITCH'S newly refurbished Magistrates Court will be officially opened by HRH The Duke of Gloucester in the autumn. The Duke will arrive at the Grove Street court at 1.40pm on September 16, where he will be greeted by bench chairman Gordon Reddish.
A CLASSIC solution to people dossing at a Worcester car park is on the cards. Classical music echoing around the newly-refurbished St Martin's Gate car park could deter vagrants, a city councillor has suggested. Ian Imray made the suggestion after a similar
THE show just had to go on for 11-year-old Helen Willis - despite the fact she fractured her wrist. Helen, a pupil at King's Hawford School, Worcester, suffered a hairline fracture of the wrist when she fell while practising a dance routine before Monday's
TRIBUTES are being paid at County Hall following the sudden death of Worcestershire County Council's public relations manager. Kevin Galloway, who was 42, died after a suspected heart attack last Thursday. He was married to Maria and had two children,
THE father of bullying victim Emma Smith is prepared to give her school one more chance and send her back in September after a Government pledge to take action. New DfES guidelines, which come into effect in September, demand closer consultation between
EVESHAM awarded honorary vice-president's recognition to Sam Witheford (ladies secretary) and Carol Cherry (ladies fixtures secretary) and also to long serving playing members Chris Vince and Bob Miles at the club's annual general meeting. Other awards
A COUPLE with the surname Gardiner were yesterday invaded by the team from a surprise garden TV programme. BBC's Garden Invaders called on Marcus and Caroline Gardiner, of The Hill Avenue, Worcester, to completely transform their rear yard. The programme
A MARRIED waiter raped a 19-year-old girl at the restaurant where he had been working, a jury at Worcester Crown Court was told. She went to Pundits in Old Street, Upton-upon-Severn, to try and obtain a lift to Malvern to see her former boyfriend about
A COUPLE has vowed never to travel by rail again, claiming the attitude of staff at Worcester's Shrub Hill station ruined a trip to London. Keith Bartlett, who has a serious heart condition, said staff refused to help carry his luggage and on the return
July 31, 1953 CHILDREN attending Mappleborough Green Church of England School were presented with Coronation five shillings before breaking up for their holidays last Friday. The gifts were handed to Miss Carratt, the headmistress, by Mr T Humphries on
BRITAIN'S premier Led Zeppelin tribute band will be back in Bromsgrove next month. Fred Zeppelin will be churning out classic rock hits including Whole Lotta Loving and Dazed and Confused'at the Stoke Prior Country Club on Friday, August 15. And fans
A woman threw a brick through the window of a Worcester resident's house in a "blind rage" over concerns about a relative visiting the house, magistrates heard. Forty-three-year-old Pamela Jauncey admitted causing criminal damage when she appeared before
COUNTRY music fans in Droitwich Spa are in for a treat this Friday. The former lead singer of popular country act Rawhide will be appearing with his new band, Hombre, at the Royal British Legion Club, in Salwarpe Road. Rawhide appeared at the club around
RUNNING three marathons in as many months is the arduous task facing a 59-year-old Malvern man, who hopes to raise thousands of pounds to help cancer sufferers. Mike Humm will have clocked up a total of 78.6 miles after he competes in the Wolverhampton
ORGANIST Keith Hearnshaw will be performing at the final Lunchtime Summer Concert in Bromsgrove today (Wednesday). The concert is due to be held at St John's Parish Church, off the Kidderminster Road, from 1pm onwards. As usual, admission is free, and
MUSICAL delight will be provided for the residents of Droitwich Spa by the Celebration Reed and Brass Band later this month. The performance, which is sponsored by Droitwich Spa Town Council, will take place at the ancient Lido Park, in Worcester Road
A WOMAN was left concussed and bleeding after being hit over the head with a bottle in a Hereford nightclub. The assault happened in the back bar of Play nightclub, Blueschool Street, in the early hours of Sunday, July 27. Police want to speak to anyone
A BENEFITS fraudster landed himself a court bill of more than £800 after appearing before Worcester Magistrates Court. Andrew Tomkotowicz faced three charges of benefit fraud. Magistrates fined him £50 and ordered him to pay prosecution costs of £393.09
POLICE are hunting a robber who kicked a man in the head before stealing his property. The incident took place on the Evesham Road, near The Park Inn, on Tuesday, July 22, just after 11pm. The victim had his head kicked and the robber made off with his
SAD to say, but there's a dismally familiar ring about the complaint voiced by rail traveller Keith Bartlett over Worcester's Shrub Hill station. The place has improved to a degree since the dark days when the Cotswold Line Promotion Group damned it -
BURGLARS caused extensive damage during the fourth raid in less than a year on Redditch Cricket, Hockey and Rugby Club. The break-in happened some time after midnight last Sunday at the Bromsgrove Road club and was discovered by a member who opened up
FORMER Liverpool and West Brom favourite David Burrows is on his way to Studley FC. The 35-year-old, best known for his honours with Liverpool, had a look around the club yesterday and was set to make his debut for the Bees against Halesowen Town in last
SEVERAL homes across Redditch were burgled over the weekend after downstairs windows or doors were left insecure. Police have warned householders to double-check their home security after being called to four separate break-ins. A police spokesman said
POLICE are appealing for information after youths tried to steal a child-size motorbike from a five-year-old boy in Church Hill North. The incident happened at 8.15pm on Tuesday, July 15, as the child was riding his Honda off-road motorbike on the grass
Striker Carl Fairhurst could be struggling for the start of Feckenham's new league campaign. The forward, who returned to the Millers following a spell with defunct Midland Combination rivals County Sports, injured his ankle during his side's 4-0 midweek
Sunday side Redditch RBL are on the lookout for new players to strengthen their squad. The team were promoted to Division Three of the Redditch & South Warwickshire Combination last season. Anyone interested in linking up with the side should call
ALAN Naylor has organised a wheel-ey mammoth challenge to raise cash to help other people with leukaemia. After much searching, he managed to track down a 25-seater bicycle (pictured above) - one of the largest cycles in the world. And he has now encouraged
A GROUP which offers support to residents who have had heart problems has spent thousands of pounds and many hours training to help keep people healthy. Redditch Hale and Hearties, which runs keep-fit classes and support meetings, has just spent £4,000
Redditch United take on League of Wales side Port Talbot at the Valley Stadium on Saturday with manager Rod Brown expecting the toughest test yet for his players. The south Wales outfit finished mid-table last season and are currently on a pre-season
Studley 0, Redditch United 0 Redditch United and Studley maintained their unbeaten pre-season run after sharing the spoils in a head-to-head at Birmingham Road. United tried out five different strikers but still failed to break through some solid Studley
Alvechurch skipper Paul Smith is set to miss the start of the season after suffering a knee injury in his side's latest pre-season friendly. The Lye Meadow captain could be out for up to two months after damaging his knee ligament in the 1-1 draw with
THE Jamaican High Commissioner visited Redditch last week for a formal dinner with the mayor and other dignitaries. Her Excellency Maxine Roberts was at the town hall for the function and spoke to more than 150 guests. Redditch Community Relations Council
THE story of the life and death of Jesus will be woven together with stories from the Old and New Testaments in a spectacular outdoor production next week. The Mysteries 2003 follows on from the internationally acclaimed Millennium Mysteries and is a
NODDY and his friends will be appearing in a new show at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre next week. The show, Noddy and the Magical Day, is set on Tessie Bear's birthday and runs from Thursday, August 7 to Saturday, August 9. Performances are at 10.30am
WORCESTER'S Swan Theatre is the venue for the Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Youth Society's Annie Get Your Gun. The popular Irving Berlin musical features well-known songs such as Anything You Can Do, You Can't Get a Man With a Gun, I've Got the Sun
Thursday, July 31 Antiques for Everyone, Birmingham NEC. Until August 3. Tickets from 0121 767 4789. Toy and Train Collectors' Fair, Birmingham NEC. Tickets from 01526 398198. Richard III, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford. Various dates in July and
SLOPPY defending and a series of dead-ball successes left Evesham United nursing a 4-2 friendly hangover on Tuesday night. Marc Burrow gave the Robins an early lead from a corner but Hinckley levelled through Jamie Lenton and then went 2-1 ahead courtesy
SOCCER is always looking for more referees and what better place to start than in your own neighbourhood - at real grassroots level! No football match should take place without a qualified referee and the local branch of the Referees' Association could
A REDDITCH employment and training initiative has launched a new awards scheme to honour individuals and companies who offer excellent customer care. REDI's retail & customer care training initiative 'Redditch Retail Professionals' is based in the
THE young and young-at- heart of Redditch have been brought together in a ground-breaking video made after comments given through the council's 20:20 Vision Community Strategy. The 'Teen-Ages' Intergenerational Video Project involved a group of older
FORMER Everton room-mates John Barton and Gary Megson pit their sides against each other tonight when Worcester City entertain First Division West Brom (7.45). Megson, who saw his side lose 2-0 at Wrexham last night, has named a squad that includes out
GEORGE Rooney is facing up to the loss of Ian Stevenson who broke his ankle in Saturday's draw with Stockport County. Bromsgrove Rovers' manager described it as a 'massive blow' after the player impressed during the early part of pre-season. Rooney's
ROYAL Grammar School Worcester have once again struck gold at the highest level. Rowers had a highly successful time over the past two weekends at national trials, the National Championships and at Burton Regatta. Pride of place in the trials for the
A JAMES Wood equaliser spared Stourport Swifts' blushes last night as they drew 1-1 with Midland Alliance outfit Westfields at Walshes Meadow. Wood, who won the Midland Alliance golden boot with Oldbury last term, led the front-line well in this landlords
SLOPPY defending and a series of dead-ball successes left Evesham United nursing a 4-2 friendly hangover on Tuesday night. Marc Burrow gave the Robins an early lead from a corner but Hinckley levelled through Jamie Lenton and then went 2-1 ahead courtesy
A GOALLESS friendly at Common Road hardly seems the sort of contest to inspire optimism for the new season, writes Mervyn Collins. However, the performances of new signings Marc Burrow and Simon Marsh against Moor Green last Saturday will have delighted
IT took Evesham a mere 24 overs to skittle Bromyard last Saturday but victory hopes were denied when persistent rain meant the Crusader Worcestershire County League promotion chasers were unable to start their reply. The result leaves Jon Gregory's side
Cotswold Hills League Results Premier Division: Wellesbourne v Exhall & Wixford 200-9 rsp; Tanworth v Stratford Bards 170-4 rsp; Overbury v Shipston 177-6 rsp; Broadway v Kineton 126-7 rsp; Twyning v Bidford 160-5 rsp. Division One: Norton Lindsey
Bromsgrove District Council's crackdown on rent defaulters was paying off. Over the last year the council had warned tenants about the prospect of having their goods impounded by the bailiffs and the result was a £3,000 drop in arrears. Five hopefuls
The town was in holiday mood and Bromsgrove Cycle Sports was to be the premier vacation fixture in the district. A programme had been arranged which would be hard to beat for variety and fun, according to the Messenger. Three challenge cups were to be
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers step up their pre-season tonight when they take on Paul Merson and his new Walsall team-mates at Aggborough (7.30pm). The former England star is expected to be in the Saddlers line-up to face a Harriers side who have impressed in
of two I read your front page article 'Baby Unit Could Move' with interest. However, the report seems to have missed the central issue here, this is not that Bromsgrove mums might have to travel to Worcester but rather that critically sick babies will
DEAR EDITOR - The article entitled "Bid to oust Tory fails" from the Advertiser/Messenger of July 3, once again demonstrates how petty, party political point-scoring comes before the interests of public service and in this case, before the interests of
CHILDREN spend most of their school life looking forward to the summer holidays - but not every parent relishes the break in the same way. With weeks to entertain and amuse the offspring, it is easy to try and organise too much, or, at the other end of
MATTHEW Mills failed to make it a nap hand of men's titles at Broadway Golf Club last Sunday when he lost out at the final hole after a 36-hole thriller. Steve Gilks was crowned club champion after firing in a birdie at the last t add a round of 71 to
THE pairing of James Batchelor (15) and Henry Burling (12) won the annual Moseley Foursomes Junior Open. This is the first time that representatives from The Vale Golf and Country Club have won this prestigious event, which has been held over 36 holes
GROWING up in the 1980s, wearing terrible clothes and feeling very awkward around the opposite sex, are the ingredients of a play being staged in Droitwich Spa. The Norbury Youth Theatre is hoping to stage a production of the hilarious coming-of-age comedy
WORCESTERSHIRE hoisted themselves out of the National League Division One relegation zone thanks to a thril-ling three-run victory under the Duckworth-Lewis system against title-chasing Glamorgan Dragons at rain-hit New Road last night. The disappointed
AN EXHIBITION of paintings and drawings by Bromsgrove artist Dorothy Wheeler will be on show at the town library this summer. The show, which is made up of impressions of landscapes, village scenes and old buildings, runs until Saturday, August 23. It
YOUNGSTERS will be enthralled by the tale of Mother Goose and her nursery friends at Bromsgrove Library this Friday afternoon. Punchinello's Puppets will be putting on the show for tots aged between two and five-years-old, who must be accompanied by a
AN EXHIBITION of pictures by the Droitwich Spa Photographic Society will start this Friday. The prints will be on show at the Wychavon One-Stop shop, in High Street, until Friday, August 15. The society's new season kicks off on Monday, September 8, and
Evesham & District Disabled AC & Partnership's THE climax to the club's Evening Summer League was fished at a local private lake last Thursday. The winner came off of the corner peg six with Wayne Panting recording an easy victory with a net of
THE July garden meeting was held at Dunhampstead Manor, the home of Mary Gray. In spite of the weather forecast we had a glorious summer afternoon. Our president, Margaret Shearer, welcomed us as we sat in the shade and a few important notices were given
WHAT an eyesore the award-winning fountains have become on Sunday afternoons. After a nice stroll by the river, what do visitors come upon? Naked children running in and out, sitting on the fountains and making a mess of the area and being a nuisance
ON a very hot and humid evening, the president Maureen Smith welcomed the members to the meeting. Kath Davis was given a special welcome. She is now the group co-ordinator. It was agreed that the social evening at Catshill W.I had been a very enjoyable
CHEERFUL chairman, Betty Long welcomed over 50 members and visitors (one came from Canada) to the July meeting. After the minutes were read and the treasurer's report given, Joan English announced details of our next outing, on September 24 by coach to
A Rednal shopkeeper who has suffered months of verbal abuse and vandalism has joined forces with the police to tackle anti-social behaviour and under age drinking. Martin Robbins, the proprietor of the Spar supermarket in Edgewood Road, is waging a campaign
A POLICE investigation has been launched after a body was discovered in an Wychbold garden. The dead man was found at 7.20am yesterday by officers in rural Crown Lane. Police would not reveal how the body came to be found - or the identity of the man.
PROUD gardeners have been rewarded for their green-fingered efforts in this year's Droitwich Spa in Bloom competition. The event, now in its twelfth year, attracted scores of entries and judging proved a tough task. Droitwich Spa Town Council organises
THE chief officer responsible for the financial department of Bromsgrove District Council has resigned. Andrew Fisher, director of financial services has worked for the council since 1979 and has been promoted throughout that period. He became chief accountant
A WOMAN whose pub glassing attack left her victim scarred for life deserved her five-year sentence, Appeal Court judges ruled today. Joanne Sarah Dempster slashed Laura Mitchell's face with a broken bottle, leaving her so badly disfigured that she believes
DISGUSTED residents stormed out of Bromsgrove's Council Chamber after a proposal to create a new steering group to decide the future of the Rover's Victoria Ground, was turned down. There was outcry from the public gallery after the Conservative members
LIVING for one another has proved a successful way of life for a Spa couple celebrating the golden years of their marriage. Harold and Teresa Ingram marked 50 years together with a special mass at Sacred Heart RC Church where Harold is head altar server
BROMSGROVE'S Tory MP Julie Kirkbride was first to post mail in the newly acquired letterbox outside Marlbrook Post Office. Residents of Marlbrook had written to the Royal Mail requesting they relocate the posting box from the former Post Office on Marlbrook
Mark Lewis stunned Birmingham League Division Two East leaders Walmley with a five wicket haul as Studley turned on the style at Washford Fields. And with skipper Brandon Miller also chipping in with three wickets, an unlikely win looked to be on the
A TALENTED young artist from Bromsgrove has used creative thinking to come up with a winning design for Bromsgrove District Council's Street Theatre competition. Eleven-year-old Perri Wilkes from Aston Fields Middle School in Drummond Road fought off
A TOWN mum is diving in at the deep end to raise cash for sick children but needs some expert coaching to make a big splash. Debi Wainwright wants to complete a sponsored swimathon on April, 30 2004, in memory of her son Alistair, who died aged six, from
RATS, mice and creepy crawlies that give Droitwich Spa householders nightmares are to be tackled by a new gang pest experts. Changes are afoot within Wychavon District Council's Pest Control Service. It has just awarded Throckmorton-based Premier Pest
A TINY community near Droitwich Spa has united to save a unique landmark and place of worship. A campaign has launched to save crumbling St James' Church at Oddingley, which is now around 800 years old. More than £170,000 is urgently needed for vital
COMMUNITY leaders are due to make a decision on the short-term future of Droitwich Magistrates Court tomorrow (Thursday). Worcestershire County Council, which owns the disused Ombersley Street East building, is seeking permission to use it for temporary
Jane's Addiction appear to have pulled off one of the best rock comebacks since Elvis re-emerged wearing that dodgy black leather in 1968. For a band formed at the back end of the 80s and who split after 1990's remarkable Ritual De Lo Habitual album,
YOUNG players from Evesham made their mark at this year's county ranking trials. Evesham High School was the venue for what produced a feast of table tennis action with both boys and girls showing their paces. Rachael Sellick took second spot in the combined
LAST weekend was an important one in the Triathlon calendar with the first of the 2004 Madeira World Championship Age Group Qualification races being held in Milton Keynes and Salford, Manchester. Lee Perry, of Team Tri UK Gatorade racing at Salford,
POLICE are appealing for witnesses to another robbery at the One Stop convenience store in Alcester Road, Studley at about 10.40pm on Saturday, 20 July. Two men entered the store, one of them armed with what is believed to have been a knife and the other
HINDLIP sees grasstrack racing return to the big time on Sunday with probably the biggest meeting held in the area for many years. To those who are new to the sport, it is similar to speedway but, in place of a shale track, it is performed, as the name
THE two letters about speed cameras in Birchfield Road (Advertiser, July 23) seem to be about a Redditch which is on another planet. However you go into Birchfield Road by car, you surely cannot miss the large 30mph speed restriction signs on all the
THE final week of the Prudden Road Surfacing League saw the championship go to Stratford C despite dropping a crucial point to Littleton. Stratford took to the court knowing that Inkberrow, at home to bottom team Tan-worth, were expected to win 4-0. This
PERSISTENT rain around teatime brought frustration for the majority of local cricketers last weekend. However, Evesham's second team and Fladbury's senior side managed to beat the elements and their opponents but the weather decimated the Cotswold Hills
AGE is no barrier to speed, fine driving, and close competition. That's the spirit of the Vintage Sports Car Club members who will do battle at Prescott Speed Hill Climb this weekend. The meeting has drawn a superb line-up of vintage cars, all of them
Evesham and District League REGISTRATION for the new pool season will take place at Evesham Hospital Club on Friday, August 8 from 7pm. New teams are welcome. Ring 01386 47285 for more details.
IT was game, set and match when two star players from Inkberrow Tennis Club took the Special Olympics 2003 in Dublin by storm and met James Bond himself. Adam Hodgson, 23, from Marlbrook and Neil Samuels, 27, from Worcester, were picked from thousands
REDDITCH Big Brother star Steph Coldicott yesterday told the Advertiser she was desperate to get back to her home town. Steph, of Winyates Green, escaped eviction to spend nine weeks in the Big Brother house before being the ninth person to leave during
THE man responsible for the controversial Sainsbury's traffic island changes had to face the wrath of motorists at a heated public meeting. County council head of highway maintenance Paul Jameson faced a barrage of criticism from drivers demanding the
FOLLOWING the article that appeared in the Advertiser on July 23, 'Motor Firms Cash Blow', I would like to clarify the following points. Although the Birmingham to Worcestershire High Technology Corridor was developed as a result of the Rover Task Force
SOME people thought a minority Conservative council would be unable to get anything much done between now and next May. It is true our opponents are dragging their feet on some important changes we want to make. But we have just won a vital battle which
Our July meeting took the form of an evening visit to Henley in Arden, where the Guildhall and the Heritage Centre were specially opened for us. High Bailiff Alan Robson welcomed us in the Guildhall and talked about the history of the building and of
SOAP star Kay Purcell is looking forward to her first "evil panto" role as the Wicked Queen in Palace Theatre production Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Well-known as Cynthia Daggert in Emmerdale, Kay has also starred in Coronation Street, Casualty,
BLAKENHURST Prison is to undergo a major expansion with the building of a new wing. The men's prison, which has 880 category B prisoners in 600 cells, is to get another 180 cells, which will create more than 60 jobs in the process. The news is a welcome
THE July meeting was a lovely afternoon with Mary Smallman giving a talk and slide show on Draculas together with advice on how to grow them. There was also some of these weird plants for sale. There is no meeting in August. The next meeting will be on
THE Mayor of Redditch saw some unexpected crown jewels when he attended the Queen's Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. Kieth Boyd-Carpenter and his wife Val watched as a gutsy 17 year old streaked across the lawns in front of an 8,000-strong crowd last
HINDLIP sees grasstrack racing return to the big time on Sunday with probably the biggest meeting held in the area for many years. To those who are new to the sport, it is similar to speedway but, in place of a shale track, it is performed, as the name
THE first of what promises to be an annual challenge clash between the men and ladies at Littleton took place last Saturday. Club captains Maureen Ford and John Lynes decided that bottles of wine would be better reward than a trophy and the refreshment
AFTER 15 ends of this 18-end Concorde Ladies League match, Broadway trailed 39-28. However, aided by 13 shots on the last three ends from Viv Hall, Yvonne Hopkins and Betty Kirk and seven shots from Sue Davies who had earlier scored just one on the first
MARTIN Hall's comeback season continued when he collected five points in the Strat-ford CC road race held on a hilly course around Kineton. In the 65-mile race, the Cycle Stuff rider was in the first break on the second lap but was soon brought back by
AGE is no barrier to speed, fine driving, and close competition. That's the spirit of the Vintage Sports Car Club members who will do battle at Prescott Speed Hill Climb this weekend. The meeting has drawn a superb line-up of vintage cars, all of them
Evesham and District Flying Club NINE members sent 129 birds to Swainswick on July 26, liberated at 10.45am in a very light sought west wind. 1 A Newman 1446.57; 2 G Buttle 1441.98; 3, 4 & 5 H Taylor 1428.30, 1421.26 & 1413.30; 6 & 7 G Buttle
Vale of Evesham Dominoes League THE league's annual general meeting will take place at Evesham WMC next Wedn-esday starting at 8pm. All teams wishing to enter this season are invited to attend. New teams will be made welcome. Broadway and District Darts
EVESHAM Wheelers held its annual open 25-mile Time Trial last Sunday in conditions that appeared to be perfect after 24 hours of heavy rain. However, the wind picked up to make conditions tough on a new course which could be described as sporting but
STAY safe is the police advice being given to thousands of Redditch youngsters for the summer holidays. Parents have been advised to teach children how to react in risky situations and to teach them important 'Do's' and 'Don'ts'. Schools liaison officer
CONNELLS most successful employees enjoyed a taste of the high life recently when the company whisked them off on an all-expenses-paid trip to Monte Carlo as a reward for making it a record year. The residential lettings company has offices in Foregate
THREE Redditch youngsters are celebrating after putting their way to one of the most famous golf courses in the UK. Craig Kesterton, 16, Andrew Apperley, 17, and Jimmy Elliott, 15, (pictured left) from the Kingfisher Golf Club are the regional winners
THE next company ruler or keyring you pick up could have once been someone else's drinking cup, now that a Worcester company has started watching its waste. Yamazaki Mazak, based at Warndon Business Park, has found a new way to re-use the 7,000 plastic
FORMER drug users across the county are set to benefit from a new service providing mentoring support and help in addressing the problems they may face in finding work. progress2work is a partnership between Jobcentre Plus and Turning Point which offers
