THE future of Worcester's landmark Art Deco Northwick Theatre is under threat after being put up for sale on the internet. Owner Ian Perks wants to sell the Grade II listed Ombersley Road building - where Oasis once played - for £1m, and would not mind
A SEVEN-year-old girl who was sent away from her doctors with a high temperature was found dead by her mother the following morning. An inquest into the death of Emily Davidson, yesterday, heard how her lifeless body was discovered at her home in Mountbatten
AN inquest has been opened into the death of an elderly pedestrian who was in collision with a Rolls Royce. Francisizek Legierski, a retired carpet fitter from the Czech Republic, died in Birmingham's Selly Oak hospital after he was involved in the collision
ARCHAEOLOGICAL tests are being carried out on a field in Whittington, near Worcester, ahead of a planning application to turn it into a park-and-ride site. Mysterious lines had appeared in the crops at the field next to the Royal National Institute for
Bretforton Summer League Results - July 1: Blockley 2, Shipston 2; Cheltenham 5, Bad-sey 2. July 3: Stratford 0, Eve-sham 3; Bretforton 0, Dro-itwich 0. July 8: Stratford 1, Blockley 4; Droitwich 1, Cheltenham 2. July 10: Badsey 0, Bretforton 3; Ship-ston
A WORCESTER hospice is celebrating a successful bid for almost a quarter-of-a-million pounds of Lottery funding. St Richard's Hospice, on Rose Hill, London Road, teamed up with the Primary Care Trust and the Citizens' Advice Bureau to apply for the cash
THE marquee is being hauled up, tables and chairs are being set out - and barrels of beer are rolling on site by the truckload as final preparations are made for Worcester's fifth beer festival. Organisers behind the city's annual event, part of this
A MAN charged with gross indecency with three girls has appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court. John Grey is accused of carrying out the offences on the girls, two under 16 and one under 14, on separate occasions between Tuesday, December 31, 2001, and
August 14, 1953. THE driver of a Midland Red single-decker bus and the driver of a motor lorry escaped injury when the vehicles they were driving came into collision on the main Alcester-Birmingham Road near Coughton last Friday evening. They were Derick
Forward-thinking residents are being invited to have their say on the future of Droitwich. A special meeting has been arranged for Monday, September 1, to enable townsfolk to comment on the Droitwich Canals' regeneration project. A draft document on the
A MUSICAL Australian is to be installed as the new Vicar of Pershore. The Rev Kenneth Crawford (pictured), who was previously Priest-in-Charge of St Nicholas Church in Warndon, has a degree in music and lists his interests as designing and making ceremonial
A WORCESTERSHIRE pub has kicked up a stink after it claimed it was sold a fish known to cause stomach upsets as high-class sea bass by a national restaurant supplier. David Leach, manager of the Fountain Inn, in Oldwood Road, Tenbury Wells, said he was
A MOTHER is getting together a petition to call for speeding restrictions on her road, after it was excluded from a Safer Routes to School initiative. Dawn Stewart said new speed bumps, which have been placed down the entire length of Tudor Way and Howard
DO you have a priceless heirloom gathering dust in the loft? One way to find out is to take your old objects along to an antiques valuation day in Worcester this weekend. Valuers Philip Serrell, Gabrielle Bullock and Sophie Hutton will be on hand to put
A MAN who sparked a police hunt after going missing was found a month later hanging in the loft of his home, an inquest heard. Twenty-two-year-old builder Matthew Crump's mother reported him missing to police at 7.20pm on February 27. At an inquest into
POLICE and the fire service are investigating a house blaze in Worcester in which it was initially believed people were trapped. Firefighters received a call at about 11.45pm yesterday from a city resident to reports of a house on fire in Ombersley Road
MAKING a difference to people's lives could win a Worcestershire organisation an award. The search is on for voluntary groups worthy of a Queen's Golden Jubilee Award. The annual awards recognise all kinds of groups, from those running community centres
FIREFIGHTERS were called to a spate of bin fires in the city during the early hours of this morning. The first incident happened at about 5am when three bins were reported alight in the Britannia Road and Moor Street area of Worcester, and one fire engine
John Williams and Graham Ward make their full debuts for Harriers who bid for a Carling Cup first round shock at Division One giants Ipswich.John Williams The much-travelled Williams is the lone forward instead of on-loan Andy Bishop, who Walsall do not
NNAMDI Ezulike will miss Worcester Rugby Club's opening league matches after undergoing another knee operation. The Sixways winger, who only recently returned to fitness after summer knee surgery to correct ligament damage, has had a clear-out operation
THIS is the new Bromgrove Rovers home kit for the 2003/04 season. Rovers chairman Tom Herbert and manager George Rooney paraded the latest strip at the Victoria Ground after the team's 4-2 defeat to Hucknall Town last Saturday. The shirt, green and white
BROMSGROVE Rovers will start their quest for FA Cup glory away from the Victoria Ground. George Rooney's side has been handed a trip to either Midland Alliance side Cradley Town or Daventry Town of the United Counties Premier in the preliminary round
THE Mayor of Worcester seems to have an interesting view of heritage. He says the sooner the city's Northwick Theatre is "knock-ed down and quality apartments are built in its place the better". It's difficult to quibble with Councillor Gareth Jones when
REDDITCH United manager Rod Brown is hoping to bury his opening day hoodoo as he takes his side to Dr Martens Western Division newcomers Ilkeston Town on Saturday. The Valley Stadium boss has never had a side start the season with a win but all that could
THE new chairman of a working group overseeing a Worcestershire ophthalmology services review has assured Redditch patients they will be treated fairly - though there will be 'challenging' decisions ahead. The project group has been taken over by Eamonn
REDDITCH golfer Kevin Cook braved thunder, lightning and a thick sea mist to win the Saunders Cup at Trevose Golf & Country Club in Cornwall. The conditions meant the competition was reduced from 36 to 18 holes. And with the two lowest scores tied
STUDLEY manager Mark Chambers is ready to unleash his secret weapon as the Bees kick-off the new Midland Football Alliance season at Stafford Town. Melvin Gourlay signed for the Birmingham Road side at the end of last season but has yet to figure for
THE aim is to finish in the top two according to Redditch United boss Rod Brown who will be pulling out all the stops for his second full season in charge to make sure the Reds live up to their promotion potential. United start their league campaign on
DAME Kiri Te Kanawa will be performing in a special Christmas gala concert at Warwick Arts Centre, it was announced last week. It will be Dame Kiri's second visit to the Coventry venue following her sell-out engagement in 2001. The world renowned soprano
Thursday, August 14 The Codebreakers (lecture), Huntingdon Hall, Worcester. Tickets from 01905 611427. Friday, August 15 TOP Summer, The Other Place, Stratford. Until August 31. Tickets and brochures from 01789 403439. Medford (band), Drummonds, Worcester
DROITWICH Spa Cricket Club First XI kept the Worcestershire County League title in their sights with a crushing 107-run defeat at struggling Pershore. Paul Bryan was the star of the batting show, hitting a magnificent 122 not out en route to 276-4 declared
WORCESTERSHIRE off-spinner Gareth Batty has become the first player from Bromsgrove Cricket Club to be named in the England Test squad. Batty has been drafted into the 13-man squad for the third Test against South Africa, which starts at Trent Bridge
CUTNALL Green Cricket Club kept up the heat on the Worcestershire County League division five leaders with a five-wicket defeat of Knighton-on-Teme. Matthew Harris' side won the toss and put the hosts in for last Saturday's match. In the sweltering heat
DAMIEN Beattie is poised for a surprise return to Common Road as injuries, suspension and unavailability threaten to wreck Evesham United's plans for the new season, writes Mervyn Collins. Currently training at Forest Green, the Australian goalkeeper
MATT McCann made 169 but Himbleton Cricket Club First XI still lost by six wickets to Worcestershire County League division four leaders Harborne. McCann's century formed the major part of the hosts' 292-9 but Harborne, helped by D Rankin's 159 and S
KABIR Ali struck three early blows as leaders Worcestershire made a great start to their Frizzell County Championship division two clash with Yorkshire at Scarborough today. The paceman trapped Matthew Wood (4) lbw in the first over and dismissed Anthony
NEWCOMER John Williams is set to make his full debut for Kidderminster Harriers in tonight's Carling Cup first round clash against Division One Ipswich Town at Portman Road (7.45). The former Coventry, Wycombe and York striker was drafted on as a second
WORCESTER City manager John Barton has revealed that the club rejected a cash bid by rivals Bath City for Jon Holloway. The defender, who last season attracted the attention of Nationwide Conference side Forest Green Rovers, is a key member of Barton's
HEREFORD United romped to a 5-1 win over Forest Green Rovers last night with a stunning performance in the Nationwide Conference at Edgar Street. The Bulls ripped apart their Gloucestershire rivals with a dazzling display, which had Rovers manager Colin
The John Barton column THESE summer breaks seem to be getting shorter and shorter but that's fine by me because I'm relishing another crack at the title. Five weeks of pre-season has passed quickly and it's now down to the serious business of producing
DAMIEN Beattie is poised for a surprise return to Common Road as injuries, suspension and unavailability threaten to wreck Evesham United's plans for the new season, writes Mervyn Collins. Currently training at Forest Green, the Australian goalkeeper
A SMALL Spa bakery has hit the big time after securing deals to supply bread to some of the region's top football clubs. Quality Crust Bakehouse Ltd, in Droitwich's Salters Shopping Centre, produces nearly 10,000 rolls and 500 loaves every week of the
TWO goals in two second half minutes could not stop Bromsgrove Rovers losing their final pre-season game. George Rooney's side went down 4-2 to Unibond Premier Division outift Hucknall Town at a sweltering Victoria Ground last Saturday. Gary Ricketts
THIS is the new Bromgrove Rovers home kit for the 2003/04 season. Rovers chairman Tom Herbert and manager George Rooney paraded the latest strip at the Victoria Ground after the team's 4-2 defeat to Hucknall Town last Saturday. The shirt, green and white
A LACK of penetration in attack once more exposed Pershore's shortcomings on another woeful weekend. Visitors Droitwich made the best possible start to Saturday's Crusader County League clash as openers Dug-gan and Bryan added 168. The latter went on
Ipswich took the lead within seconds of the start of extra time after a mix-up in the Harriers defence. A long ball caught out the visitors with Stamps' header dropping on the edge of the area for Bowditch to lob home an easy goal over the stranded Brock
THE sudden death of councillor James Beckenn, who had been chairman of Bromsgrove District Council for less that three months, shocked townsfolk. Cllr Beckenn, who was aged 58, lived in Hagley. BROMSGROVE'S MP Hal Miller had plenty to keep him occupied
NEWCOMER John Williams is set to make his full debut for Kidderminster Harriers in tonight's Carling Cup first round clash against Division One Ipswich Town at Portman Road (7.45). The former Coventry, Wycombe and York striker was drafted on as a second
DEAR EDITOR -- Plans to build a fun pub and fast food shops in Chawson Valley, Droitwich, close to Westwood, were reported recently. A councillor objecting to proposals and your reporter seem unaware of several important facts about the site and its history
DEAR EDITOR - Do Bromsgrove's town planners ever use buses or taxis? I think not. Crown Close is supposedly a bus station and taxi-rank. The rank consists of five staggered spaces on the right-hand side of the road which means passengers have to get in
Pre-season friendlies Sat July 19 Bromyard (a) 7-1 Ball 3, Robinson, Giddings, A Wright, Wood. Wed July 23 Studley (h) 1-3 Ball Tues July 29 Westfields (h) 1-1 Wood Sat Aug 2 Bilston (a) 6-1 Ball 4, Sayer, Wood Tues Aug 5 Stourbridge (h) 4-1 Robinson
CURRENT ladies champion at Evesham, Kirsty Law again proved her prowess when claiming the girls title at the club's Junior Open. The 15-year-old then took her place in the English Girls' Under-16 Championships when she lost at the quarter-final stage
THE youngest player in the field won one of Evesham Golf Club's oldest trophies - the Baker Cup. The best score posted from the morning round was a net 73 but, in the afternoon, things really began to hot up. The first group back in the clubhouse contained
KABIR Ali struck three early blows as leaders Worcestershire made a great start to their Frizzell County Championship division two clash with Yorkshire at Scarborough today. The paceman trapped Matthew Wood (4) lbw in the first over and dismissed Anthony
REDDITCH businesses can join the recycling revolution and turn used printer cartridges into cash for Acorn's Children's Hospice. The charity has teamed up with Recycle King to provide a free printer cartridge recycling scheme, which could raise thousands
A FREE business awareness day to help firms get the best out of Broadband internet connections will be held on August 26. The day is being organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Business Link Herefordshire and Worcestershire. A spokesman said: "Broadband
A COUNTRYSIDE walk around picturesque Fairfield will take place next weekend. Energetic residents are invited to join the Fairfield Ramblers on Saturday, August 23, for the two-hour trek. The group will meet at the Fairfield Island, off the Stourbridge
Evesham Jubilee Society THE next match will take place on Sunday is a Stillwater Shield contest at Morton Springs, Studley. Members uncertain of the venue are asked to meet at the old post office at 6.30am. Bookings are also being taken for the annual
WANNABE wizards are invited to Bromsgrove Library tomorrow (Thursday) for a Harry Potter extravaganza. Youngsters aged between six and 11 can join in the magical fun at the Stratford Road library from 2pm onwards. A second Harry Potter event will be held
HUNGRY teddy bears, and their owners, are invited to a special summertime picnic later this month. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens, in Edgbaston, is holding the afternoon of exciting activities on Wednesday, August 27, between noon and 3pm. Along with
I HAVE a friend in London who travels free all over the capital on buses and trains - he does not even pay for the pass! OAPs in Worcester have a concession but must pay for a pass and are limited very much on distance. If it's good enough for OAPs in
CLUB members thoroughly enjoyed an evening with tree surgeon Andrew Needham. Andrew, who works for the Wyre Forest District Council, advised the club on all aspects of tree diseases, correct planting, conservation and aspects of the laws involved. The
AS a national mental health charity, we welcome the recommendation made by the Local Government Ombudsman that people who have paid for care and support, when they shouldn't have been charged, are entitled to repayment with interest. However, it is important
AT the July meeting, outgoing president Marion Neale passed on the chain of office to Honor Craig. Marion thanked members for their support during her year of office, especially secretary Margaret Tanner, whose help had been invaluable. She was pleased
WHILE many revelled in the recent hot spell, one group of people has been praying for the sun to take a temporary break. Temperatures in the high nineties have presented local growers of that ever-popular plant, the fuschia - millions of which grace hanging
ENERGETIC youngsters can now go and show off their moves at the town's new £60,000 skate park. It opened at King George Playing Fields on Thursday, and features a selection of ramps for skate boarders to hone their skills on. Wychavon District Council
A WARTIME wedding was still a wonderful experience for this happy couple, who celebrated 60 years of wedded bliss last Thursday. Eric and Ivy Morgan, of Orchard Croft, Barnt Green, married on August 7, 1943, at St John's church, when Eric was on short
Coventry Cathedral Ruins Until August 23 THE people of Coventry are rightly proud of their long history of producing Mystery Plays and Belgrade Theatre has undertaken the task of putting on the event every three years. This year's event was a collaboration
THE hub of a rural Spa community is earmarked for an upgrade and villagers are being urged to have their say on plans. The trustees of Salwarpe Village Hall are hoping to make the facility more user friendly and need to raise around £175,000 for improvements
by Emily Bridgewater A SEX shop is to open despite a storm of opposition from nearby residents. The shop is due to open in Bristol Road South, Rednal, and will be an unwelcome surprise to many local people who believed such plans had been abandoned. Earlier
BRANCH post offices at Market Place in Bromsgrove town centre and at Sidemoor will shut next month as part of a national programme of urban closures. The Post Office is restructuring and modernising its national network of more than 9,000 urban offices
THE cost of repairing the crumbling fabric of Bromsgrove's 12th century parish church and renovating the organ has doubled. In February the St John's Landmark appeal was launched with the aim of raising £500,000 in 18 months to carry out urgent repairs
HEWELL Cricket Club is planning a memorial to long-serving treasurer, Mick Langfield who died earlier in the season. Langfield was involved in a number of sporting groups in the town, including Redditch United where he was secretary. Donations an be made
POLICE raided homes in Bromsgrove during a secret operation, which resulted in the arrest of five people. Operation Dynamic, which was run last Wednesday, was targeted at offenders who had committed violent crimes. PC Andrew Holliday organised the swoop
SUN worshippers are urged not to swim in the Spa's canals, streams and pools, to cool down this summer. With the current spell of hot weather, British Waterways is reminding people to enjoy the inland waterways in safety and ensure children are supervised
RESIDENTS with a passion for the past are being invited to look around a historic High Street treasure. Droitwich Spa Civic Society is holding viewing days at possibly the oldest, non-religious building, in the town. The building now houses fireplace
(12A) A wonderful swashbuckling, action packed and funny film starring gorgeous Johnny Depp who plays the most eccentrically camp pirate imaginable. Anyone who watches this will be treated to two hours of pure unadulterated entertainment guaranteed to
DROITWICH council tax cheats have received a stern warning by courts to pay up or else. Worcester magistrates sentenced Swallow Place resident Gordan Kenny, 38 to 56 days in prison last Wednesday for failing to pay his council tax. Kenny has failed to
Young Mark Joseph is basically a one-man band who performed, recorded and produced everything on this his debut album. Respect is due for that, for at 22 there's not too many people around who could go it alone and pull off what he has. What's more remarkable
CONSIDERED by many fans to be the best Next Generation Trek film since First Contact, this deserved to do so much better at the box office. But it bombed and its poor performance may just spell the end for this particular franchise as the cast were left
RED Piranha Racing rider Simon Andrews had one of the best rides of his career at Oulton Park last Sunday as he stormed through the field from tenth to third in a thrilling race. The Vale biker was knocked off the front row into fifth during qualifying
THESE summer breaks seem to be getting shorter and shorter but that's fine by me because I'm relishing another crack at the title. Five weeks of pre-season has passed quickly and it's now down to the serious business of producing performances, winning
WHEN I think back to my summer holidays I can vividly remember the awful feeling of utter boredom, writes Kate Hughes. It's raining, your mates are on holiday, and you keep getting under your mum's feet. All in all I couldn't wait to get back to school
THE Tenbury Show was blessed with glorious August sunshine, coinciding with the start of another heatwave after showery days. It was just as well that the big programme of livestock judging was completed in the morning with a cooling breeze before the
TOUCHING tributes have been paid to a 21-year-old football star from Redditch who was killed in a car crash in the early hours of Saturday. Former Arrow Vale High School pupil Jimmy Davis had a glittering career ahead as a professional footballer and
A MIDWEEK Medal for Pershore Golf Society saw members playing at Stratford Oaks in perfect weather and course conditions. Alan Ormrod stormed to victory with a brilliant net 66, to leave Peter Dodd runner-up for the second successive event. Third was
PATIENT care at Pershore Cottage Hospital will benefit to the tune of £600 thanks to last season's Pershore Hospital Charity Cup. The latest donation means that almost £6,000 has been raised for the hospital and Air Ambulance over the past ten years.
WOW! When I sped along the Fox end of Birchfield Road at the lunatic speed of 36mph and then had the audacity to complain at the system of fines and penalty points, little did I realise what a nest of self-righteous vipers would be poised to spit their
THROCKMORTON Clay Pigeon Club's home shoot last month included the Summer Cup competition. Shot on the Compact Sporting Layout, it was set up to test the most experienced shooters. Club captain John Tarplee made his intentions clear by posting an early
JIMMY Davis signed as a trainee with Manchester United in July 1999. Man United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "You could not meet a nicer and more bubbly character than Jimmy Davis. "He was a player with real potential, that's why we sent him to Watford
A MAN who was shot in the head as he drove through Redditch town centre had a ball bearing removed from his scalp more than a week after being given the all-clear by doctors. Adrian Stretch waited for more than five hours at Worcester Royal Hospital's
REDDITCH youngsters can demonstrate their awareness of environmental issues by taking part in a Gold Award Scheme. Worcestershire Wildlife Trust's children's club 'Wildlife Watch' is holding an event at Arrow Valley Countryside Centre on Sunday to help
THE article and letters regarding the Birchfield Road speed trap made interesting reading and in the main the police are right, it is a fast stretch of road going towards the highway. But the most dangerous area is the Foxlydiate Lane onto Birchfield
A NEW flag for England? (Letters, August 6). Has the heatwave fried everyone's brain? England has either gone to the dogs or the States. First it was the joining of the Common Market, the French government telling Britain what to sell and how much, then
A REDDITCH couple celebrate 60 years of marriage tomorrow. Hazel and Ernie Roberts, both 80, of Sillins Avenue, Lakeside, were married on August 14, 1943, at St Laurence's Church in Alvechurch. Mrs Roberts was originally from Wolverhampton but moved to
Success in harness ANOTHER highly successful day of harness racing at Hanley Swan last Sunday means the sport has raised nearly £7,000 in three years for Acorns Children's Hospice. Since veteran racer Dave Shellam, from Callow End, first had the idea
CONTRACTORS working on NEW College's multi-million pound development project will be pulling out all the stops to ensure the new buildings are available to students starting courses in September. Vice-principal Sara Nugent confirmed this week the new
A GROUP of brave people from Redditch pulled together in tandem to raise thousands of pounds for a leukaemia charity. After being diagnosed with leukaemia six years ago, Astwood Bank resident Alan Naylor decided to plough all his efforts into raising
GEORGE Rooney faces a selection puzzle for Bromsgrove Rovers' season starter with half of his preferred players out of action. Rovers begin their Dr Martens Western campaign against Taunton Town at the Victoria Ground this Saturday (3pm). But the boss
A LAKESIDE play area has had its equipment removed following complaints from residents about youths drinking there. Moans about youngsters' behaviour at the play area behind Sillins Avenue led to the council removing about £15,000 of equipment, including
A SMALL Spa bakery has hit the big time after securing deals to supply bread to some of the region's top football clubs. Quality Crust Bakehouse Ltd, in Droitwich's Salters Shopping Centre, produces nearly 10,000 rolls and 500 loaves every week of the
REDDITCH is included in a new directory of countryside routes. The free guide book called Walking, Cycling and Riding in Worcestershire has been launched by the county council's Countryside Service. Its three sections include a directory of leaflets,
YOUNGSTERS have been taking part in fun activities at Arrow Valley Countryside Centre in a summer holiday play scheme. It has been running for three weeks and has involved arts and crafts, as well as explorating the natural world. Last week, children
HOPES of a Broadway victory at the National Express All-England Cham-pionships were foiled last Friday when Sue Davies lost out in the Two-Wood singles final. Davies, the first member of Worcester-shire Women's Bowling Association to reach the final of
BROOM trainer Tony Carroll has eclipsed some of the country's leading handlers during the past fortnight. Three wins and six places from 14 runners let Carroll ahead of the likes of Sir Michael Stoute, Sir Mark Prescott and Henry Cecil ahead of Satur-day's
THE Where Next Association is bidding a fond farewell to a trustee who resigned last month. Ann Pyne has served the association for many years and also spent time as chairman of the board. A Where Next spokesman said: "Ann has made an immeasurable contribution
DAVID Brenda, a pupil at King Edward VI School in Stratford, won the Norfolk Open Sabre competition last weekend. The 18-year-old from Alcester received the trophy from his younger brother, Richard, last year's winner. Amazingly, David, Richard and twin
BROADWAY visited Worcester BC on Sunday morning to play Gilt Edge in the semi-final of the Vernon Turner Cup. Despite a fighting win from Colin Cooper's rink, 22-15, they went down by 37 shots to their highly fancied opponents who will now play Worcester
BIDFORD recorded two wins in the space of three days when they entertained opponents from Gorseinon and Cheltenham. The Welsh tourists were defeated by ten shots in last Thursday's five-rink match, while Saturday's six-rink clash with Cheltenham Spa ended
THERE will be an open evening for all local players on Monday night (8pm) when a mixed pairs competition will be staged. Excellent prizes will be on offer at Hampton WMC together with a trophy for the winners. Pick yourself a partner and book in by ringing
Evesham and District FC THIRTEEN members sent 192 birds to Win-canton on August 9, liberated at 9.45am into a very light south east wind. 1 & 2 G Carter 1415.67 & 1410.39; 3 M Beale 1405.64; 4 Mrs J Heckingbottom 1403.16; 5 G Watts 1399.03; 6
BRIAN Newton proved to be more than two minutes quicker than his nearest opponent during Evesham Wheelers' ten-mile Time Trial that on the Teddington/Toddington course last Wednesday. A dry and warm evening promised relatively quick times, but this proved
AN interpreter has been called in to help Redditch firefighters carry out vital work within the town's large ethnic minority community. The move comes in an attempt to make sure fire crews can carry out home fire safety checks with residents who cannot
BUSINESSES in Worcestershire are putting the final touches to their trade stands for this year's Southport Flower Show. Exhibitors will capture a national market as visitors from across the UK take the opportunity to sample local produce. Six firms from
THE merits of alternative therapies are often a source of great debate. Those who claim to offer a cure are sometimes seen as dangerous by the mainstream medical community. But others who just claim to offer palliative therapy, such as acupuncture, are
MALVERN could house one of Britain's most environmentally-friendly buildings when the third phase of Malvern Hills Science Park is complete. The park has applied for planning permission to build a two and three-storey building off Geraldine Road, in Malvern
A FREE fun day takes place at the Kingfisher Centre on Tuesday. The event, organised by Redditch Jobcentre along with Surestart, Homestart and the Children's Information Service, is being held from 10am-3pm. There will be face painting, balloon modellers
PLANT pots stolen from an Alvechurch sheltered housing scheme have been replaced after a fund-raising event on Friday. The Advertiser reported last month elderly residents at the Tanyard Close scheme were upset after the pots, donated by Hillside WI to
A NEW group spearheading improvements to one of Worcester's best-loved parks is meeting tomorrow night. As well as the creation of an environmental centre in the former Waterworks Pump House, the Friends of Gheluvelt Park group will discuss the city council's
THE overgrown cyclepath that a cyclist has blamed for an accident which landed him in hospital has been cut back by the council. Simon Freebairn blamed the overgrown brambles on the path along Cotswold Way, opposite Worcester Heat Systems, for the accident
August 11, 1978 BREWERS hope that Redditch's newest pub will look like one of its oldest when it opens. Although it will be incorporated into the largest new town estate, the Book and Candle in Church Hill will have an olde worlde feel about it, being
A GARDEN fete is being held at Beechwood residential home, Holly Green, Upton-upon-Severn, this Saturday. The event, which takes place from 2pm until 4pm, is being held by the Friends of Beechwood.
August 15, 1903. Headless Cross, St Luke's Church - The repairing of the floor on the south side of the middle aisle of this church has been carried out by Mr J Shrimpton. Some time ago, it was noticed that a partial subsidence had taken place at this
A "MOMENT of madness" put and 18-year-old's bright future into jeopardy when he celebrated his new career in the RAF, Worcester magistrates heard. Richard Brace was enjoying his last big night out in Worcester on Sunday, June 30, when he decided to drive
A TRANSSEXUAL man awaiting a sex change operation was found dead at his Worcester home after collapsing as a result of hormone drugs, an inquest heard. Telephonist Suzanne Ford, aged 47, formerly known as Steven Havercroft, was found by police lying on
A 61-year-old Worcester man is appealing for anyone who finds his bible to contact him. Malcolm Jeffs, from Barbourne, lost the black leather King James Newberry Bible, which was given to him after his grandfather died, on Sunday, August 3, between 11.45am
A POPULAR country-music act will be making their first appearance in Droitwich Spa this weekend. The End of the Trail Country Music Club has invited Cardy and Coke to play in the Spa this Saturday night. Club organiser Wilf Saunders said the group is
A TALENTED town musician has blown her own trumpet so well she has been offered places with two prestigious youth orchestras. Sarah Todd, of Lynden Road, auditioned for both the Midland and Worcestershire youth orchestras and was delighted to be offered
A SPECIAL edition Harley Davidson motorbike has been stolen from a garage in Highley Close, Kidderminster. Police have now released details of the theft, which took place between 4pm on Monday, July 28 and 11am the next day. The motorbike, a white 883
PROUD dog owners will be able to enter their pooches into an variety of categories at this month's Upton-upon-Severn Water Festival. A dog show with nine classes is taking place on bank holiday Monday, August 25, at 11am in Upton-upon-Severn sports field
A HOST of celebrities turned up for a charity golf day in the sun in Worcester to raise money for an animal hospital. Dennis Waterman, star of Minder and The Sweeney, was joined by football pundit and former Republic of Ireland captain Andy Townsend,
Saturday, August 9, 2003 TWO goals in two second half minutes could not stop Bromsgrove Rovers losing their final pre-season game. George Rooney's side went down 4-2 to Unibond Premier Division outift Hucknall Town at a sweltering Victoria Ground last
GEORGE Rooney faces a selection puzzle for Bromsgrove Rovers' season starter with half of his preferred players out of action. Rovers begin their Dr Martens Western campaign against Taunton Town at the Victoria Ground this Saturday (3pm). But the boss
ABBEY Golf Club held their 4th Open Championship in July, sponsored by Johnson's Volvo. The 150 competitors had the chance to win a car for a hole in one on the 11th, this was not won but the event was nevertheless a huge success. Chairman Dave Cooper
THE Planning Inspectorate has overturned a Redditch Council decision refusing permission for a large housing and industrial development in Lakeside. The land in Arrowdale Road, which was occupied by Quinton Hazell Automotive Ltd, was the subject of an
Alvechurch start their Midland Football Alliance campaign at Chasetown on Saturday with manager Andy Hibbert hoping for good news on the injury front. Striker Brett Fitzpatrick is struggling after taking a knock on the calf while his attack partner Keith
To help overcome the shortage of referees in the County, three courses have been arranged for anyone wanting to take up the whistle. The sessions will be held at the Worcestershire FA in Droitwich with the first pencilled in for 7-9pm on August 22 and
ONE of television's best loved on-screen couples team up once again in an Alan Ayckbourn comedy at Malvern's Festival Theatre next week. John Challis and Sue Holderness, who played Boycie and Marlene in Only Fools and Horses, star in How the Other Half
FECKENHAM start their Midland Combination season against Coventry Sphinx on Saturday. And manager Lee Adams then has another tricky game on his hands - a trip to promotion hopefuls Rugby Town on Tuesday evening. "We have a really tough opening against
THE Royal Shakespeare Company presents a special season of more than 30 events in Stratford over the coming weeks. TOP Summer, which runs from this Friday to Sunday, August 31, features an eclectic programme of entertainment, including drama, live music
AN orchestra which has been thrilling audiences with concerts and dances for more than 35 years returns to Malvern's Forum Theatre on Saturday. The Syd Lawrence Orchestra's line-up of trombones, trumpets, saxophones, rhythm section, bass and drums as
Wednesday, August 13 FOOTBALL Pre-season friendly - Barnt Green Spatak v Bromsgrove Rovers Reserves (7.45pm). Saturday, August 16 CRICKET Birmingham & District Premier League First XI Premier Division - Old Hill v Barnt Green (12.30pm). First Division
PROLIFIC Cutnall Green Cricket Club batsman Neil Fletcher continues to amaze after hitting an incredible career-best double century 259. Fletcher, aged 25, smashed 34 fours and 12 sixes on his way to the record total as his side posted 401, another record
NICK Davies compiled a remarkable 115 in searing temperatures as Bromsgrove Cricket Club First XI recorded one of their highest run chases to date. Nick Husbands' side reached their target of 258 with nine balls to spare to defeat Sutton Coldfield by
AVONCROFT Cricket Club Firsts XI took a major step towards promotion from Worcestershire County League division four after a nail-biting three-wicket home victory over Hanley Castle and Upton. Croft, without influential skipper Paul Athey and David James
JEROME Connor's unbeaten 96-ball 138 helped Droitwich Spa Cricket Club's Sunday First XI to a convincing nine-wicket success against Chaddesley Corbett at St Peter's Field. The visitors were restricted to 180 thanks to some tight Spa bowling and fielding
AN ASTON Villa Old Stars XI will provide the opposition for Stratford Town at Masons Road on Sunday afternoon. The action gets under way at 3pm when the likes of Nigel Spink, Gordon Cowans, Dennis Mortimer, Garry Shaw, Mark Walters and Paul Birch are
BARNT Green Cricket Club First XI were knocked off the top of the Birmingham Premier League with a draw at Knowle and Dorridge last Saturday. Matt Dallaway top scored with 49 as Lyndon Jones' side reached 204-8 in reply to the hosts' 238-6.
PATIENT care at Pershore Cottage Hospital will benefit to the tune of £600 thanks to last season's Pershore Hospital Charity Cup. The latest donation means that almost £6,000 has been raised for the hospital and Air Ambulance over the past ten years.
NNAMDI Ezulike will miss Worcester Rugby Club's opening league matches after undergoing another knee operation. The Sixways winger, who only recently returned to fitness after summer knee surgery to correct ligament damage, has had a clear-out operation
Harriers good work was undone seconds into injury time when Reuser's long ball caused confusion in their defence and Stamps headed the ball back to the edge of the area for 17-year-old Bowditch to lob home his first goal for Ipswich over a stranded Brock.Stuart
SHELSLEY Walsh is gearing up for its three-day festival of speed hillclimbing this weekend. The festival runs from Friday until Sunday at the historic Teme Valley hill with a host of attractions. Flying Scotsman Graeme Wight junior, fresh from his winning
AS has been the case with most triathlon events during the past few weeks, the annual Worcester Sprint Triathlon was held in sweltering temperatures. The race had a record number of competitors travelling from various parts of the country. The race venue
NEWLY-promoted Droitwich Spa RFC First XV have found themselves with two more teams to play next season after Midlands Three West (South) was increased from ten to 12 teams. Spa, runners-up in Midlands Four West (South) last season, now face 22 league
GEORGE Rooney faces a selection puzzle for Bromsgrove Rovers' season starter with half of his preferred players out of action. Rovers begin their Dr Martens Western campaign against Taunton Town at the Victoria Ground this Saturday (3pm). But the boss
DROITWICH Spa face a hectic start to their Midland Football Combination division two campaign with seven games in three weeks. Kevin Blaber's side, who finished third last time around, open at home to West Midlands Police Reserves at King George Playing
FOUR new teams will be looking to stir things up when the new Bromsgrove and District Advertiser/Messenger Football League kicks off this Sunday. Dog and Pheasant, Cofton Celtic, Droitwich Red Lion, and Rubery RBL have all signed up for the new campaign
FOUR goals from Kaye Mason and Anna Morgan helped Fairfield Villa Ladies demolish Evesham United Ladies 11-1. Despite missing six first team regulars last Sunday, the visitors took just two minutes to take the lead through stand in striker Mason, who
BARNT Green Spartak were beaten by the odd goal in five in their latest pre-season friendly against landlords Alvechurch. Alvechurch took the lead on 20 minutes but it only took GJ Sigh's side five minutes to level through Jahizah Campbell's penalty.
NORTHFIELD Starlets Veterans held their Tuesday event on Moorlands Farm's Meadow pool. Heading a close score sheet was 77-year-old Ken Hall (Northfield) who pole fished meat in the margins of peg 13 for 59-12-0. Second was Brian Dickinson (Kidderminster
FATHER and son Martin and Neil Goodwin both hit Cotswold Hills League centuries at Twyning last Saturday. The opening pair added 218 before 46-year-old Martin retired with heatstroke having made a magnificent 119. After cooling off in the shower, he watched
WATERS booked by the Birmingham Anglers' Association. Saturday, August 16 Avon - Manor Farm 2, Barton, Cleeve Prior 4, Pershore L/B, R/B, Nafford 5; Severn - Underdale, Knowle Sands 1, 2, Eardington, Danery, Hampton Loade 'B' 1, 2, 3, 4, Stanley 1, 2,
WYCHBOLD'S new post war housing estate, a mix of private and council houses, was officially opened by Archdeacon Wilson - chairman of Droitwich Rural District Council. De Wyche Park had been built on a 13-acre site alongside Chequers Lane. Tenants were
THE Worcestershire Poultry Farm, based at Tardebigge near Bromsgrove, was fast gaining an international reputation for producing quality birds. Some prize White Leghorns had recently been exported to Ireland and 27 had been dispatched to Cape Colony,
DEAR EDITOR -- Having just suffered our third power cut in less than a week, is it not time that the electricity distributor Aquila Networks was called to account and asked to explain exactly why are they providing such an appalling service to the Bromsgrove
DEAR EDITOR -- I wish to applaud P J Wilson's letter suggesting that Bromsgrove's rail station be relocated to the old Garrington's site. What a first-class idea! Bromsgrove, where I grew up, would not be alone in considering such a move. Oxford is considering
DEAR EDITOR -- How many people visiting Bromsgrove are having problems because the footpath at the rear of ASDA (Church Street) is often blocked by lorries belonging to the store or the construction site? I feel people should be aware of the potential
DEAR EDITOR -- May I take this opportunity to thank all the people of Bromsgrove who contributed towards the recent house -to-house and flag day collections held in Bromsgrove and apologise for any intrusion into their privacy. St John Ambulance, like
DEAR EDITOR -- May I express my thanks to the unknown person who on July 21 found a bankbook that I had dropped in the ASDA car park and immediately returned it to the bank. Within the hour I was informed it had been handed in thus reliving me of some
DEAR EDITOR - Like us, did other readers wonder why Wychavon wants such an upmarket new superstore in Droitwich? With us, did other voters question district councillors wanting to build it over tourist car parks near the canal basin? And did local people
SOME students will inevitably be disappointed by tomorrow's A-level results and, for those who do not achieve the required grades, clearing can be an unsettling period. I know because, not too many years ago, I was there. The best advice I was ever given
Back row From left, Peter Sutton, Kevin Banner, Mark Benbow, Sam Bowen, Steve Hillman, Darren Henry and Richard Tompkins. Middle row From left, Tom Nelson, James Dyson, Paul Wyatt, Ross Collins, Ian Gandy, James Hill and Steve Pope. Front row From left
A MIDWEEK Medal for Pershore Golf Society saw members playing at Stratford Oaks in perfect weather and course conditions. Alan Ormrod stormed to victory with a brilliant net 66, to leave Peter Dodd runner-up for the second successive event. Third was
THE Vale Golf and Country Club hosted its annual Ladies Open Greensomes when almost 100 players represented no fewer than 34 clubs. Honours proved very much family affairs with the top two prizes being won by mother and daughter combinations. In first
Ipswich started the second half in a hungry mood with Wright releasing England Under-21 international Bent who was only denied by a great block from the advancing Brock in the 49th minute. Another excellent piece of defending from summer signing Willis
VOLUNTEERS from the grass roots of English rugby are being given the chance to dine with Clive Woodward's England team before they fly off to the Rugby World Cup this autumn. The England players will be given a glittering send-off at a dinner held in
Wednesday, August 13 Film: The Little Polar Bear, Cinemac, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, 1pm. Music: Lunchtime Organ Recital, All Saints Church, Deansway, Worcester, 1pm. Show: Miss Saigon, Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst Street, Birmingham. Until September
ANIMAL lovers are in for a treat at Hartlebury Castle later this month. Visitors to the Worcestershire County Museum will be invited to get to grips with slithering snakes, fearsome ferrets and wise owls on Monday, August 25. The Animal Antics event will
SUMO-wrestling, shooting and street dance are just some of the exciting activities on offer at Sanders Park next Monday afternoon. Teenagers are invited to be good sports in the Kidderminster Road park at the weekly Manic Monday event, courtesy of Bromsgrove
CLOWN Jetto will be mystifying residents in Sanders Park tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon. The free-to-all magic show will be staged in the Kidderminster Road park from 2pm until 3pm. Peteza the clown will also wow crowds at the same venue and time on Thursday
EVER since the Middle Ages, all precious metals sold in Britain have had to be sent to one of our four assay offices for hallmarking. This is a system that guarantees the quality of the metal and which is recognised across the world. However, we now learn
ALTHOUGH D E Margrett (You Say, July 31) was right that a number of large British companies favour joining the euro, this is largely for their own convenience, and does not necessarily mean that it would be in the interests of the country as a whole.
A promise became reality when rotary club members started work on improvements to the Charford Scout hut. Kind-hearted members of the North Worcestershire Rotary Club, based in Bromsgrove, came to the rescue when fundraiser Richard Lethbride approached
REPLYING to Fiona Sampson (You Say, August 5) how many more warning signs does she need to warn her about speeding? If she were driving along the Bromyard Road she was already in a 30mph area and should have stuck to the limit. Speed limits are imposed
I AM in total agreement with the excellent letter from Terry James (You Say, July 30). UKIP and fellow travellers constantly demand referendum on a European Constitution and membership of the European Union. But the UKIP is totally wrong when it claims
THE Droitwich Spa Carnival weekend was a busy occasion for the club. A tombola and other activities helped turn a modest profit and raise funds for club activities but it was also a fun day out for all those members who manned the stall. At the July meeting
I AM truly astounded by the attitude of many of your correspondents towards our European cousins and our European Union homeland. We hear repeated please to "keep the pound" and "remind independent" but the truth of the matter is it's our destiny to abandon
Our July meeting to bring our year's programme to an end was to have been held in Angela Kovacevic's garden but the rains came and we had to move inside. It was still a great evening - a large attendance including five guests enjoying summer refreshments
HUNDREDS of supporters are expected to pack into Astwood Bank's Sambourne Lane ground for the biggest day in the cricket club's history in 30 years. The Worcestershire League side play host to Yorkshire club Streethouse on Sunday (2pm) with a dream date
A new initiative to make fresh fruit and vegetables more accessible to residents and support local growers has been launched by a town family centre. The Cactus Healthy Living Centre, which is part of the Multi Agency Resource Centre in Humphrey Avenue
CAMPAIGNING Spa residents have set up a petition to block plans for a cycle path in a busy residential estate. Angry residents are up in arms over a draft proposal by Worcestershire County Council contractors, Helcro to add a new cycle path to the Chawson
GLORIOUS sunshine and a packed programme of events watched by fun seekers galore, ensured the curtain raiser to Bromsgrove's annual Street Theatre season got off to a great start. The first of the four weekly events to be staged on the Recreation Ground
A DROITWICH Spa bass guitarist is heading for chart success with exciting new band Speedway. Tom Swann, aged 21, joined the Scottish group just a month ago and has been on a rock 'n' roll rollercoster ever since. His proud parents John and Carol, of Charlecot
A DROITWICH family pet stole the hearts of judges and won a tasty doggy bag at a large county competition. Kane, a cross German Shepherd/Labrador, strutted his stuff at the Evesham Canine Defence League dog show and scooped a first prize. He wagged off
READERS reacted swiftly to our exclusive front page story last week - revealing a plan to develop the current home of Bromsgrove Rovers Fooball Club and adjacent land. As soon as the paper hit the streets we received many calls, several from residents
By SARAH CHAMBERS THE Jobcentre in Droitwich Spa could shut to make way for a more streamlined service - offering both employment and benefits advice. The St Andrew's Street branch currently employs ten people and is helping around 300 residents find
Alcester & Ragley's hopes of playing Premier Division cricket next season were given a massive blow as they were crushed by title rivals Moreton-in-Marsh in their Cotswold Hills League clash. The home side batted first and were dismissed for a paltry
AN angry Spa councillor has this week hit out at town stores who fail to cater for the disabled and elderly. Droitwich Spa town councillor John Cook (Lab - Droit.West) told the Advertiser action is needed to make lives easier for the town's disabled.
A FATHER of three young children died when his motorcycle was in collision with a car on a rural road near Droitwich Spa. Paul Smith, aged 34, from Walls Road, Stoke Prior, was involved in a collision on the B4090 between the Vernon Arms and Red Lion
Redditch suffered a disappointing seven-wicket Birmingham League Division Two East defeat at Penkridge on Saturday, the batsman again struggling for runs. Dan Protherough and Richard Stokes produced a 28-run partnership for the opening wicket before the
GRANDPARENTS turned out in their scores for a popular, annual event at a Droitwich Kindergarten. Bubbly tots from the Droitwich Spa Nursery and Kindergarten off Worcester Road entertained around 60 grandparents with a tea-party and musical concert on
A former RAF airman, who helped a Canberra jet fly into the record books, will be reunited with an old colleague - thanks to an article in the Advertiser/Messenger. Brian Crook, of Stourbridge Road, said he was "flabbergasted" when he saw the story about
By SARAH CHAMBERS AN incensed town councillor has branded the layout of new homes for older residents socially and morally repugnant. McCarthy and Stone handed the town council planning committee four similar sets of blueprints to redevelop Whittingham
A father-of-five who fiddled £30,000 state benefit over a two-and-a-half year period, has been jailed for 15 months at Worcester Crown Court. Martin Wood made legitimate claims for income support and incapacity benefit in 1998 but did not reveal later
TOWN residents will be left dazzled by a stunning exhibition of colour photographs this summer. The digital photograph exhibition, by Mike Challender is now open at the Droitwich Spa gallery, upstairs in the Victoria Square library. Mike said: "There
(12) THIS adaptation of the popular stage musical is a rollicking rollercoaster of a ride with music, dance and drama. Set in 1929, this is a story of adultery and murder and the air is rife with the stench of corruption. Performer Velma Kelley (Catherine
BROMSGROVE cyclist Joe Rowe was in superb form at the latest meeting of the Halesowen Track League. Rowe, riding for Wyre Forest Cycle Racing Club, held on for second place in an exciting 500-metre sprint last Friday and followed it by attacking from
(15) MERYL Streep and Nicolas Cage drew me to this film, but a pile of ironing kept me awake enough to see it through. It's a very clever film, very virtuous and thought-provoking, but dear me, so boring. I've had more pleasure thinking it through afterwards
DORIS Byrne was the overall competition winner at Bromsgrove Golf Club's annual fun day. Her victory on 41 points, ahead of John Powell, Mike Thomas, Jeff Rushton and Jenny Simnett on equal 38 points, crowned a successful August so far for Doris after
MEMBERS of Evesham Archery Club recorded a magnificent set of results at the Worcester County and West Midlands Championships. Lisa Illingworth scored 1106 out of 1296 to take both the County and West Midlands titles at Great Arley. Clubmate Linda Haines
TRIATHLETE James Fletcher of Evesham Swimming Club has been selected to compete for Great Britain in the World Age Group Triathlon Championships to be held in New Zealand in December. The event comprises a 1500m open water swim followed by a 40k bike
Hard-working Harriers deservedly went in level at the break after frustrating Ipswich's slick-passing game.Adam Willis who had a fine first half in the Harriers defence. Indeed Harriers probably had the best chance of the half in the 38th minute when
CURRENT ladies champion at Evesham, Kirsty Law again proved her prowess when claiming the girls title at the club's Junior Open. The 15-year-old then took her place in the English Girls' Under-16 Championships when she lost at the quarter-final stage
AUSTRALIAN pair Darren Treloar and Justin Plastead stormed to victory in the 1000cc sidecar event at the Worcester Grasstrack Club meeting. The Aussies proved too strong for their British counterparts and in front of a large crowd the very competitive
EVESHAM Rowing Club's ladies B team had a disappointing result on the clay courts at Bromsgrove. However, the players bounced back to defeat both Hallow and Stourport to end the season on a high. Scores (v Bromsgrove): Lorna Thompson & Gill Stevens
A LACK of penetration in attack once more exposed Pershore's shortcomings on another woeful weekend. Visitors Droitwich made the best possible start to Saturday's Crusader County League clash as openers Dug-gan and Bryan added 168. The latter went on
VOLUNTEERS from the grass roots of English rugby are being given the chance to dine with Clive Woodward's England team before they fly off to the Rugby World Cup this autumn. The England players will be given a glittering send-off at a dinner held in
LAST weekend saw two intrepid members of the Defford-based Arden club trek off to West Wales to take part in the Angle RNLI Regatta. Sailing took the form of two short back-to-back races with the third after a short pause for the finishing of the cruiser
DESPITE numerous problems, the 25 members of Tenbury Wells YFC are lying fifth in the county championships with just a few events left. Losing two chairmen and a vice-chairman in the space of six months has been difficult, but the club has pulled together
PENSIONERS could soon have to pay to use buses if an option to introduce fare charges is given the go ahead by Redditch Council. Currently the council injects about £600,000 a year to bus operators in the town for a concessionary fare scheme which provides
FINANCIAL difficulties led to one of Redditch's bus operators being put into administration last month. Lion Speed, which traded as Pete's Travel, went into administration on July 9 but the business and assets were sold to Probus Management Ltd on the
WYTHALL carnival-goers were treated to a host of attractions at the annual event on Sunday. The carnival was held on the football pitch at Wythall Park and featured 12ft tall wrestlers the Battling Cumberland Giants as the main entertainment. Others included
THE cost of training a regular soldier, sailor or air force member is extremely expensive; their subsequent years of experience, re-training and development even more costly. Thank goodness so many of them make their skills, knowledge and experience available
AS a resident of Terry Close and a daily user of Easemore Road, I feel I need to voice my concern about the speed humps in Easemore Road and the lack of respect being shown by bus drivers to car drivers. I had a very close encounter with a bus at the
THEY'VE been there for about 10 months, by my reckoning. They could be an adventurous piece of modern art. Or maybe surplus stock erected to keep the county council workers occupied while they're not painting inappropriate white lines. Yes, I'm talking
Letters in last week's Advertiser raised important questions about the leadership of our council - and the consistency of its politicians. First, the Liberal Democrats. Councillor Diane Thomas and I jointly spoke to local radio after the council elections
A NEW Tesco Express store is set to replace a One Stop shop in Lodge Park, it was revealed yesterday. The Shakespeare Avenue shop will close on Saturday, August 30, for conversion work to be carried out and will re-open as Tesco Express on Monday, September
A FORMER Chief Executive of Redditch Urban District Council, who cemented relations with Redditch Development Corporation, has died. After leaving Redditch Council, Pat Rust MBE joined Wychavon District Council in 1973 in time for its launch the following
MORE than 1,000 people attended a Caribbean family fun day at Redditch United Football Club on Saturday. The event, organised by the Descendants of Windrush and funded by Awards for All, featured steel bands, reggae music, gospel singers, stalls, cricket
WORCESTER City manager John Barton has revealed that the club rejected a cash bid by rivals Bath City for Jon Holloway. The defender, who last season attracted the attention of Nationwide Conference side Forest Green Rovers, is a key member of Barton's
TWENTY teams from across the country will gather at Droitwich Spa Rugby Club this Saturday for the fifth annual ten's tournament. Sides from as far afield as Surrey, Yorkshire and South Wales will take part in the league format event at the Glyn Mitchell
IS your head full of wizard ideas and inventions? If so, you could win £500 worth of fantastic prizes from PC World and be a VIP guest at the opening of the new PC World store at Crossley Retail Park in Kidderminster on Saturday, August 23. We are looking
ADVANTAGE Alcester's planned High Street enhancement scheme has been shelved for at least two months. Advantage West Midlands has told the town regeneration team they need more details before they hand money over for the project. Advantage Alcester project
AUSTRALIAN pair Darren Treloar and Justin Plastead stormed to victory in the 1000cc sidecar event at the Worcester Grasstrack Club meeting. The Aussies proved too strong for their British counterparts and in front of a large crowd the very competitive
Evesham and District Association THERE will be a meeting for clubs at Wallace House Community Centre next Tuesday night from 7.30pm. Entries will be accepted for the new season and clubs are asked to send along a representative on a night when the formation
WORCESTER Triathlon club's annual sprint event at Droitwich on Sunday proved to be successful for local triathletes of all ages. In the children's biathlon event comprising of a 100m swim followed by an 800m run, Tegan Parsons claimed victory in the eight-year-old
Evesham and District League THERE are vacancies for two teams in the league this year, and it is not too late to join. Ring match secretary Mike Wells on 01789 772580 or attend Monday night's meeting at Evesham Community Hospital Social Club (8.15pm)
LAST weekend saw two intrepid members of the Defford-based Arden club trek off to West Wales to take part in the Angle RNLI Regatta. Sailing took the form of two short back-to-back races with the third after a short pause for the finishing of the cruiser
PARKING in one Alcester road is driving people mad. Church Street residents, who do not have designated spaces, have been parking in the road for the past 20 years without getting a ticket - despite there being parking restrictions in place. The restrictions
THROCKMORTON Clay Pigeon Club's home shoot last month included the Summer Cup competition. Shot on the Compact Sporting Layout, it was set up to test the most experienced shooters. Club captain John Tarplee made his intentions clear by posting an early
A COMPETITION has been set-up for Alcestrians to design a Latin inscription for a table tomb which will house the new heating boilers at St Nicholas Church. The tomb, about 48 inches wide by 30 inches high, will be sited by the entrance to the chamber
RESIDENTS have come forward to support Ragley Hall's fireworks displays after people complained about them. The Chronicle reported last week how residents were fuming because of constant noisy firework displays at the stately home and how they had been
A CALLOW Hill woman has certainly been turning the tables on her opponents after scooping silver in the European Veterans Table Tennis Championships. Margaret Dignum, 61, won the medal in the over-60s category at the championships in Courmeyer in Italy
TALENTED youngsters will be returning to play on their home turf for Feckenham's very first grand Rock Picnic this month. Headlining the event will be Vest, supported by WUB, Footprint and Out of Bounds. About 14 years ago, St John the Baptist Church
GRANGE Lane in Alvechurch will be closed for more than six weeks while work to strengthen the bridge deck over the River Arrow is carried out. The road was shut to through traffic on Monday and will be closed until Friday, September 26. The strengthening
IT may have been summertime but the living wasn't easy in Cookhill on Saturday as the village recorded its second highest temperature since records began - a sizzling 34.5 degrees centigrade - just one degree less then the all-time high recorded on August
RESIDENTS in the heart of Astwood Bank are worried a new housing development on the main road through the village could have a major impact on an already congested route. Plans have been submitted by Leon Building Services to build six houses and eight
OUTLINE plans to build a new church in Wythall have been recommended for approval - despite concerns from residents and strong objections from the parish council. Land off Silver Street has been earmarked for the development and the application is a renewal
