AN appeal has gone out urging people to start using the Norbury Theatre - or risk losing it. The Friar Street venue is at best half full during productions and residents have been warned that if the situation becomes any worse, it could close. The theatre
NEW Guesten Hall will be filled with the sound harmonic voices this weekend. The Alcester Male Voice Choir will perform a medley of music at a concert in aid of the Primrose Hospice this Saturday. The choir has been together for 13 years and has a well-earned
YOUNGSTERS from a Worcester nursery enjoyed an unusual day at the beach last week, when the sand and the sea were brought to them. Children from the nursery section of Sunnyside Prep School in Barbourne Terrace built sandcastles and paddled in water in
THE mum of an autistic Worcester boy has cautiously welcomed news that scientists are to investigate possible links between the condition and the controversial MMR jab. Researchers will also look at other environmental risks in the development of autism
WORK has begun this week on a £1.2m scheme to tackle flooding from sewers in Callow End, near Worcester. Six homes that have been flooded by raw sewage as many as five times in the last three years will benefit directly from the work. The risk of sewers
SINGERS wowed the audience in the latest live heat of a talent contest at a Worcester nightspot. The remaining 10 contestants performed hits from the movies at RSVP, each hoping to get one step closer to winning the title of RSVP Idol - and £1,000 prize
BUSINESSMEN who want to make themselves heard are being invited to sign up for a course of lessons from an expert. Barbara Hampel, former model, actress and long-term fundraiser, believes many people are being held back in their career by their fear and
FOUR goals apiece from captain Ed Deacon and Phil Horton gave Droitwich Spa a resounding 12-3 home victory over a ten-man Bromsgrove side in the Mercian Summer League. Spa, beaten 7-6 by Les Miserables in their previous fixture, had a slender 4-2 advantage
A MASKED man walked into the home of an elderly couple and stole cash and a pension book just after 10pm on Sunday. The burglary happened at a house in Forest View, Crabbs Cross. A police spokesman said: "This has left this family very distressed and
IT'S decision day tomorrow for the future of the County Museum at Hartlebury Castle. Under threat of closure for some time, councillors now have to decide whether it is worthwhile spending more than £400,000 to provide better facilities for disabled visitors
Exhall and Wixford are just two games from a Lord's final after a 46 run victory away at Plumtree. On a very green track Plumtree put Exhall into bat and openers Matt Gwynn (41) and Simon Hollands (46) battled hard against some good bowling to build a
July (friendlies) Thurs 15 PERSHORE TN (H) SAT 17 HALESOWEN TOWN (H) TUES 20 COVENTRY CITY (H) TUES 27 HEREFORD UTD (H) WEDS 28 REDDITCH UTD (H) FRI 30 WORCESTER CITY (H) Sat 31 RC Warwick (a) August Tues 10 Pilkington (a) August Sat 14 SAT 21 Sat 28
A 57-year-old man had a bleach-like substance thrown in his face as he walked along a footpath in Fownhope Close, Winyates, between 11.30am-12.30pm last Monday. The man was taken to hospital by ambulance for treatment to his eyes after someone approached
HALF a million pounds has been ploughed into an environmental project to improve open spaces and parks in Redditch. The grant, awarded to Redditch Council, was part of £10m allocated to the West Midlands from the government's Sustainable Communities Project
LABOUR councillors have come under attack for "sitting on" £9,000 earmarked for improving the gardens of flats in Abbeydale. At a neighbourhood meeting, an Abbeydale resident said the overgrown shrubs, trees and grass surrounding her council-owned property
AWARD-winning musical Crazy For You arrives at Birmingham's Hippodrome Theatre for a short run from Monday. Described as "the quintessential all-singing, all-dancing Broadway musical", Crazy For You features classic Gershwin songs including Nice Work
SATURDAY, JULY 17 Birmingham & District Premier League Premier Division 1st XI - Halesowen v Barnt Green (1pm) Premier Division 2nd XI - Barnt Green v Halesowen (1.30pm) Division One 1st XI - Stratford-Upon-Avon v Bromsgrove (1pm) Division Two 2nd
TONIGHT'S (Thursday's) opening friendly for Dave Busst's Evesham United has been switched to Common Road. Originally scheduled for King George's, pitch problems will see Midland Combination neighbours Pershore Town make the short trip into Evesham to
THE County Museum at Hartlebury Castle could close at the end of September, unless £400,000 is found to provide facilities for disabled visitors. The work is required under the Disability Discrimination Act 2004, but the county council has no money to
POLICE in Evesham are appealing for witnesses after a woman fought off thieves who tried to steal her handbag. She was left shocked and bruised after the incident, which happened at around 3pm on Monday, in Battleton Lane, a path leading from Waterside
THE funeral of a teenager who died after he was struck by a car after his high school prom was due to take place today. Bewdley High student Jamie Holden had spent the evening of Thursday, July 1, at the town's Ramada Hotel. The promising student had
BROMSGROVE CC First XI had to battle the weather as they slumped to a losing draw at home to Kenilworth Wardens. Nick Davies' side made 178 off 47 overs but saw the rain come down, allowing the visitors to reach a winning draw total of 120-3 in 25 overs
HIMBLETON CC First XI showed they are a force to be reckoned with in the Worcestershire County League Division Four promotion race with an excellent 73-run victory at Old Halesonians. Dean Oliver's side, who remain third in the table, kept the pressure
BARNT Green CC First XI kept up their push for the Birmingham and District Premier title with a well-timed victory over defending champions Wellington. Green leapfrogged their opponents into second place with a nail-biting Kieran Rees-inspired three-wicket
TONIGHT'S (Thursday's) opening friendly for Dave Busst's Evesham United has been switched to Common Road. Originally scheduled for King George's, pitch problems will see Midland Combination neighbours Pershore Town make the short trip into Evesham to
YOUNG cricketers from Droitwich Spa High School have shown their ability by winning an U14s tournament. The Briar Mill school's team beat South Bromsgrove high by seven wickets to win the fifth annual event at Bromsgrove Cricket Club. South Bromsgrove
RAIN put paid to Cutnall Green CC First XI's crucial top of the table clash in Worcestershire County League Division Five. Matthew Harris' side was due to travel to second place Highley last Saturday for a match likely to have a huge say in the destination
TONIGHT'S (Thursday) opening frie-ndly for Dave Busst's Eve-sham United has been swit- ched to Common Road. Originally scheduled for King George's, pitch problems will see Midland Com-bination neighbours Pershore Town make the short trip into Evesham
WORCESTERSHIRE spinner Gareth Batty has narrowly lost out in the voting for June's Frizzell PCA performance of the month award. Batty was pipped to the post by Warwickshire's Nick Knight, whose outstanding innings of 303 not out against Middlesex at Lords
FORMER British Club 100 kart champion Steve Gray returned to racing after a 20 month absence at Whilton Mill in Northamptonshire on Sunday. The Redditch based 2001 champ missed the whole of last season due to a serious illness but Sunday marked the end
REDDITCH United still have a couple of pitches going for free at the Valley. The club is looking for and under 7,8,9 or 10s team to use their pitches for the coming season. Any clubs interested in the taking up the offer can call the club on 67450.
DROITWICH Spa RFC First XV begin their Powergen Intermediate Cup campaign with a trip to Bridgnorth of Midlands Three West (North). Julian Bailey's side is due to make the trip on Saturday, September 18. Bromsgrove First XV receive a bye to the next round
BROMSGROVE RFC First XV have received a bye to the second round of the Powergen Intermediate Cup. Droitwich Spa begin their campaign with a trip to Bridgnorth of Midlands Three West (North) on Saturday, September 18.
ANDY Sinton is to remain part of Bromsgrove Rovers despite signing for another club. The former England international, who spent the final six games of last season with Rovers, has been named as the new player-coach and football development manager at
A SIX-a-side football league in Droitwich Spa is to be extended following a demand for places. The Sunday league at the town's leisure centre, in Briar Mill, will have an extra division added this month to cope with the new teams applying for a place.
SATURDAY morning coaching sessions at Offenham Cricket Club have proved extremely popular with local children. More than a dozen have made use of the excellent facilities and all have become junior members of the ambitious village club that has received
FORMER Test and county cricketers will be pitting their skills against Dumbleton's own talented team on Monday. August 2. The opening match of the club's annual cricket week sees ex-ECB international umpire Ray Julian picking what is expected to be a
TONY Cowley was the hero as Badsey got their County League Division Six title push back on track last Saturday. The all-rounder grabbed three cheap wickets off just two overs as the hosts reached 192-9 off their 45 overs. It should have been a lot more
THIS year's C & G Cheltenham Festival starts next Wednesday, July 21, and runs through until Sunday, August 1. The event sees Gloucestershire welcoming Lancashire, Worcestershire and Kent, while a Jack Russell XI will also be in action n an exciting
RAIN again threatened to spoil Evesham Cricket Club's 150th anniversary celebrations but the host club and the Midland Cricket Conference managed to provide some excellent entertainment in a 40-overs-per-side contest. Skipper Barry Clements ele-cted to
ONLY three unbeaten records remain intact after yet another rain-ruined programme in the Cotswold Hills League supported by John Shepherd Estate Agents. Leamington, Woodbourne and Ashorne are the sides still to taste defeat after second division leaders
EVESHAM were denied victory and 24 points by Saturday's rain when they travelled to Moseley Ashfield for their latest Birmingham League third division clash. Batting first in a reduced overs contest after a delayed start, the visitors fought hard to build
WITH reference to the article about the Catshill mother who has difficulty getting to school in Fairfield because of the overgrown vegetation. According to the Highways Partnership, they cannot cut this down until the vegetation has seeded. This explains
RECENTLY I acquired a copy of your guidebook featuring Droitwich Spa 2004 which I have read most carefully and I wish to convey my congratulations to you and all concerned with this publication. I am not qualified in the history of Droitwich Spa. I was
A RECENT news item stated that a new pension scheme was to be created for two million Muslims. I just hope for a positive response for those who defended this country in its hour of need, and paid their taxes all their working life. Tony Blair will have
HAVING read the response from the secretary of the Royal British Legion to my earlier letter concerning Droitwich's celebrations of the 60th Anniversary of the D-Day landings, it's quite obvious the whole point of the letter has been totally misinterpreted
COULD someone please tell me when Bromsgrove will be joining the 21st century regarding television reception? Saturday July 3 was the date for the Ladies Singles Final at Wimbledon, and yet again we lost all the television channels at a crucial time -
A RECENT news item stated that a new pension scheme was to be created for two million Muslims. I just hope for a positive response for those who defended this country in its hour of need, and paid their taxes all their working life. Tony Blair will have
THE weather for this year's Bromsgrove Carnival and Street Market could have been better, but it certainly did not dampen the spirits of those taking part, or indeed those who turned out and here are just a few words of thanks to all those who have given
by Emily Bridgewater THEATRE-lovers who want to catch a play but can't wait for Bromsgrove's new arts centre to raise its curtain need go no further than the town library. Residents have just one chance to see Ugly Art, by American playwright Terry Roueche
GENEROUS residents are being urged to dig deep and give generously at a charity bash this weekend. The Hop Pole Inn, in Birmingham Road, is holding a money-spinning event in aid of the Selly Oak St John Ambulance this Friday, from 7pm. Kev Rowland and
SCHOOL may be out for summer but there is still plenty of fun to be had at Selly Manor. The popular museum is hosting Clocks, Rocks and Frocks from July 17 to August 31. Visitors are invited to try on a Tudor costume or see what they can find in an archaeological
LAST Sunday's Shake-speare Qualifier, fished at Hampton Ferry on Evesham Town Waters, was won by Shakespeare team member Nigel Davies. Fishing off peg 45 on the Town, the winner brought to the scales four barbel including one weighing in at 10lbs 6ozs
A HOLIDAY to Newquay netted a young Evesham angler a top prize at a junior fishing competition. Eight-year-old Bradley Proctor weighed in with more than 56lbs of fish at Whiteacres to see off all his 120 rivals - both juniors and adult - to take home
I was interested to read Mrs Harper's letter congratulating Mr Dittah on being elected Mayor. In her letter she writes that he is "our Mayor" implying that she lives in our city. I thought that her husband was the Parliamentary Candidate for the Forest
CHADDESLEY Corbett Church will be the starting point of a group of walkers on Saturday week (July 24). The Fairfield Ramblers will then trek to Rushock. They will start at 10.15am. For further details 0121 453 6501.
I was heartened to read recently in the Evening News of the cross-party co-operation between Michael Foster and Peter Luff over the amendment to the Worcester Rugby Club Early Day motion. However, Mrs Harper's letter to the Evening News on June 29 implies
THE summer fun in Bromsgrove continues this week with a host of exciting activities. On Sunday Cinderford Band will bring music to the Sanders Park bandstand between 2.30 and 4.30pm. Then on Thursday (July 22) Clown Wolly will bring fun and laughter for
ON July 6, 80 members and guests celebrated 40 years of Lickey WI meeting at the parish hall. President, Sue Taylor, welcomed Suzanne Owen, county chair and Janice Jones, organisation chair from the Worcestershire County Federation; presidents of the
I REFER to the article (Evening News, July 7) regarding bus fares and free passes, all of which is very interesting if you have buses in the first place. Bus passes are now of little use to people in this, the Red Hill district, as our last bus was withdrawn
CHAIRMAN Betty Long greeted members and, as usual, amused everyone this time with an anecdote about her creating mayhem at her church recently while endeavouring to read the lesson. She dropped her paper and it fell down a hole at her feet. You can imagine
I SIGNED the petition outside Worcester Crown Court yesterday for the "Fathers-4-Justice" campaign, as they support grandparents as well. I was a primary carer for my grandson for five-and-a-half years, when for no good reason, my son and his partner
OUR usual order of business at our June meeting was reversed, with our two guest speakers providing the first items on the agenda. First was a report by our link delegate Mrs Pamela Griffin on the AGM in Sheffield. Next, Mr V Williams spoke on A Personal
MEMBERS had a very enjoyable evening at Hodge Hill Nurseries. Car boots were overflowing with flowers and shrubs as they left the car park. Our summer outing on August 4 is to Abbey House Gardens, at Malmsbury and Tetbury Lavender Gardens. Tonight, Angela
AFTER four defeats on the bounce, relegation threatened Bidford finally got back to winning ways against Broadway. The rain-affected game, which saw both sides reduced to 35 overs, was going the way of the visitors who lost the toss but raced away with
IT was time for tea at Meadows First School when the children held a garden party for their parents. The youngsters celebrated the end of the school year by inviting mums and dads to enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake, while showing off all their
POSH and Becks made a surprise appearance at a Bromsgrove special school but unfortunately it was not the Real Madrid footballer and his pop star wife. The giant puppets of the celebrity couple were made during an arts week at Rigby Hall School, with
VANDALS are stretching a Bromsgrove cricket club to breaking point after the latest attack. Avoncroft Cricket Club, on Hanbury Road, has been plagued by vandals for more than two years. In the most recent incident, which was discovered on Friday morning
TEARS were shed when a Bromsgrove school closed its doors for the last time. The Mount School closed on Friday after the owner of the building, John Wakefield, decided to convert it into apartments. Teachers, pupils and parents gathered for a service
EURO cash could come to the aid of historic steps in Bromsgrove town centre. The sandstone steps, which run from St John Street to the lychgate of St John's Parish Church, are a famous landmark in the town but are in urgent need of repair. Now sources
ARTWORK worth almost £20,000 was stolen from a Rubery gallery, despite expensive round the clock surveillance of the village. Six original paintings, worth around £2,500 each, and a £1,000 sculpture were taken from gallery and framers Smart Picturecraft
FUNDRAISING youngsters and sportsmen put their best feet forward to raise cash for Sport Relief at the weekend. Go the Extra Mile was the biggest event of its kind and runners all over the country pledged their support to raise cash for those who are
POLICE are urging people not to leave their valuables inside their cars after a spate of thefts from a number of vehicles in Droitwich. Officers are investigating thefts from six vehicles at various addresses in the town from last Friday to Monday. A
MORE than 1,000 pupils have taken part in three days of sport at Droitwich Spa High School. The young athletes competed in track, field and team events at the Briar Mill school this week. Monday saw year eight students do battle, while the year ten events
WYTHALL'S game with Rowland United was abandoned after more wet weather. The Silver Street visitors did post 85 for 3 until the rain intervened. n Five Ways Old Edwardians recorded their second win of the campaign in the Warwickshire League Division Two
RAIN robbed Redditch CC of winning their third Birmingham League Division Three game of the season at the weekend. Playable weather lasted for Redditch's innings as Phil Tongue, Simon Allison and Nev Mason each made their way into the 20s bringing the
CHILDREN at a Bromsgrove school celebrated a duo of awards when they were honoured twice in one week. Four kind-hearted youngsters from Lickey Hills Primary School were given good citizen certificates by Sergeant John Dickinson, of West Mercia community
Cookhill CC's game against Catherine De Barnes on Saturday had to be abandoned after a huge downpour. The visitors had made 159 for 9, talented youngster Bobby Wormington taking 3 for 24 before the weather intervened. Next match away to Kenilworth Wardens
THE flying doctor is about to spread his wings and swoop into Droitwich and Bromsgrove to offer his services to the elderly. Dr John Davies set up a dental practice called The Flying Dentist in Gloucester eight years ago to concentrate on the needs of
A SCHOOL in Ombersley has been left counting the cost after vandals daubed paint across the playground and walls causing more than £3,000 damage. Gill Nixon, headteacher at Ombersley First School, has been left angry and upset at the destruction after
REDDITCH MP Jacqui Smith recently visited the town's B&Q warehouse to look at the company's equality policies. Ms Smith, Minister of State for Industry and the Regions and Deputy Minister for Women and Equality, learnt more about the proactive equality
A DEDICATED Droitwich Spa High School student is set to be rewarded with a highly prestigious national award. Ben Eaves has been chosen to receive the Young Enterprise Founders' Award for Personal Progress at a ceremony at The Savoy Hotel, in London,
THIS three-DVD box set will be a real boon for Elvis aficionados. In June 1968, the King filmed a one-hour special for American TV to lever his way back from the brink of almost total oblivion as a Hollywood musical cash cow. Without it he may not have
FOR those who found the warm and cuddly elements of Love Actually left them feeling slightly queasy, Intermission is the perfect antidote. The film starts with the split of a long-term relationship with cataclysmic results for anyone even vaguely linked
ATHLETES from a Droitwich Spa school have reaped the rewards of their hard work with a series of successes. Witton Middle School pupils combined to win two out of three district championships last month before dominating at a local schools' athletics
ONCE again Ian Hattersley and Roy Turner have given us an evening to remember. For the second year running musicians, under their direction, have filled this beautiful hall with perfect sounds of yesteryear. I overheard an audience member express surprise
YOUNG tennis players have served up success at the Regal Mini Tennis Finals. Bromsgrove and Redditch's U9s C and U10s A team emerged victorious at Bromsgrove Tennis Club last Saturday following months of competition. The U9s (orange section) winning team
NATHAN Crewe's run of bad luck finally came to an end with third place at round seven of the Silkolene 1400 Championship. The Bromsgrove rally river and navigator Mark Ammonds kept their title hopes alive with last Saturday's result at the Quinton Stages
DROITWICH Spa pool star Darrell Bareham continues his International Pool Tour campaign this week. The Worcestershire captain plays Andy Richardson in the qualifying round of the three-day Event Four at Blackpool's Hilton this Friday. Bareham, who narrowly
A BROMSGROVE golf team has seen off their rivals to reach the last four of a local competition. The 17-24 handicap team from Bromsgrove GC defeated Kingfisher Redditch last Saturday to book a semi-final place against Harborne in the Vale and Robinson
EVESHAM Rowing Club is celebrating the selection of six junior athletes to represent Great Britain this summer. Last Friday, a crew of J16 girls travelled to Nottingham for the selection trials for the match against France in Vitre later this month. After
CATCHES win matches and Exhall and Wixford pocketed a trio of top takes to move just two wins away from a dream day out at Lord's, writes Mervyn Collins. The Cotswold Hills League outfit booked a quarter-final place in this year's npower Village Cup after
NEXT Wednesday is the County Air Ambulance Annual Charity Raceday at Worcester Racecourse. This is the third year that the event has been staged at Pitchcroft and fund raising on the day will include a silent auction of racing memorabilia. Tables are
July 13, 1979 A FLYING squad of green-fingered villagers is needed to spruce up the shabby Studley landscape. That's the message from village councillors, who are still reeling from the humiliation of getting no marks in the 1977 Tidy Village Contest.
STRATFORD B are all but champions of the Prudden Road Surfacing League after yet another 4-0 win in the Premier Division over Inkberrow A. Despite second-placed Studley A taking a 3-1 victory over FISSC A, they now trail by 11 points and require Stratford
July 16, 1954 WORKMEN were busy this week removing the seats from the ground floor of the Palace Theatre, which is expected to be turned into a roller-skating rink. Mr AJ Wilkinson, the Birmingham man who is planning the rink, has not yet come to an agreement
THE independent consultants dealing with the planning application for a £50 million leisure complex on the site of Abbey Stadium want a string of conditions to be put in place if it is given the go-ahead. An outline proposal for the site, which includes
I WRITE in reply to Mrs Sick and Tired of market researchers (Letters, June 30). If you are in business, I would have thought you of all people would have understood the reason for market research as it benefits people who are in business by researching
MAY I, through your columns, make a brief mention of acknowledgement and register some thanks for the event that happened on and around the recreation ground in Studley recently. Saturday, July 3, brought with it the annual Studley Jubbley. This event
BLIND cricket is a wonderful sight to see. Totally blind and partially sighted athletes use a small football with ball bearings inside to play cricket to a very high standard - as any full-sighted team who have played and lost against them will testify
I AM fed up with reading about people moaning and complaining about the Alexandra Hospital and agree with Mrs Thompson's letter that it deserves our support. I had two stays in the Alexandra this year, the first being admitted through A&E and just
NO, your reader is not alone. I myself was harassed four times yesterday by market researchers outside the Kingfisher Centre. Quite frankly, I felt like telling them in no uncertain terms where to go. I was short of time anyway as I had to pick the children
NOW the Euro 2004 football matches are over and we have seen a wonderful display of patriotism, would all those people who flew the flag on their car windows keep them to fly again on April 23, St George's Day. Name and address supplied
TRIBUTES have been paid this week to two Redditch community stalwarts who have died. Labour group fundraiser and agent Margaret Wharrad died aged 77 on July 3. At Monday's full Redditch Council meeting, a minute's silence was held for Mrs Wharrad, wife
A STORE detective was twice run over as a shoplifter tried to escape from a Redditch carpark. James Smith had followed Wai Chio to his car in the Kingfisher Centre after he stole plates and noodle bowls worth £21. But Chio drove into Mr Smith's legs,
THE retiring president of Redditch Rotary Club, Basil Gardner, handed on the badge of office to his successor, David Hunt, last week. With the centenary of the Rotary organisation in February, David is conscious of the honour of leading the club though
THE Kingfisher Centre has been sold for £212 million to Scottish Widows Investment Partnership. Previous owners Thornfield, which bought the Kingfisher for £95 million in 1999, finally handed the centre over on Friday after months of negotiations. The
AT the May meeting, president Pamela Norman spoke about Alcester Civic Society - The First Forty Years. Reading through 40 years of minutes (13 per year) in preparation for this talk had made her aware of the enormous amount of work done behind the scenes
THE first meeting of the committee preparing for the 2005 Community Arts Festival Event (CAFE) took place on Thursday, July 1. The main purpose of the meeting was to discuss the 2004 event, held in June, to ascertain those areas which were popular and
President Brenda Dainty welcomed members to the June meeting and after a report on the recent successful garden party, held in a member's garden, she introduced the speaker. Harry Scharf, from Solihull, worked in Crown Courts for many years recording
A MAN with a fascination and love for the countryside and environment has joined Redditch Council as duty manager of Arrow Valley Countryside Centre. Nick Martin, 29, has moved here from Sandwell, where he was assistant site manager of Sandwell Valley
CHILDREN at Astwood Bank First School entered the magical world of Alice for their end-of-year production. Year 4 pupils from the Church Road school performed Alice in Wonderland on Tuesday and Wednesday to raise money for Acorns Hospice. Joe Robinson
REDDITCH Council has been accused of making 'empty promises' because a multi-purpose play area for youths in Crabbs Cross and Hunt End has still not come to fruition. Residents at a neighbourhood group meeting last week said they were suffering because
THE authors of a fascinating new book about Redditch in wartime will be signing copies of it on Friday. Alan Foxall and Ray Saunders will be signing Redditch At War at the Redditch Advertiser reception in Church Green East from 11am onwards. The book
AFTER enjoying success at the Henley Royal Regatta, former Evesham Rowing Club member Beverley Gough has now set her sights on more glory at the World Championships. Gough's Eight overcame an American challenge at the Ascot of rowing events earlier this
THE new Alcester hospital could be up and running within two years. Detailed, though not final, plans of the £3 million project were unveiled at a public meeting at Alcester High School on Monday night. These will be submitted to Stratford District Council
TONY McCoy landed the opener at last Sunday's Birmingham Mail Family Raceday at Stratford but that was his only success despite having rides on a trio of favourites. Looking down was the 9/2 winner of the Evening Mail Novices Selling Hurdle, but McCoy
AFTER suffering a tremendous amount of ill fortune in his earlier races, Evesham racing driver Rob Austin is aiming to dominate the second half of the Holiday Inn Seat Cupra Championship. Austin's quest begins at the Croft Circuit near Darlington on Sunday
WELFORD collected maximum points from their Cou-rier League clash with Lill- ington last week to move up the league table. The margin of victory was 62-42 with the highlights being Ian Smith's rink that hit back from 14-4 adrift to record 13 shots in
Evesham and District League THE league's annual general meeting takes place next Wednesday, July 21, at Eve-sham Hospital Social Club, Avonside starting at 8pm. Teams unable to attend are asked to contact match secretary Mike Wells on 01789 772580.
MEMBERS of Arden Sailing Club at Defford were kept on their toes by an uncharacteristic north to north-easterly wind last weekend. This provided challenging conditions for the dinghies taking part in the sixth race in the Pursuit Series and the first
POLICE in the Alcester area are taking part in a national campaign to tackle binge drinking and alcohol-related violence. During the six-week campaign, south Warwickshire will see police patrols target weekend town centre drinkers spilling out onto the
SIXTEEN dedicated Evesham Wheelers set off on Sunday morning for the weekly run with the B riders heading off into the rainy lanes of Worces-tershire into a cold headwind. The group passed through Sedgeberrow, Dumbleton, Beck-ford and Bredon and on to
PARENTS in Alcester may be asked to pull together to provide new play equipment for children in the town. Concerns over the long-term suitability of present facilities have made members of Alcester Town Council consider the future of the five play areas
THERE was a carnival atmosphere in Alcester last Wednesday for the annual judging of the Heart of England Britain in Bloom competition. Alcester looked "stunning" in the words of judge Bob Harris, who paid tribute to the welcome laid on by dignitaries
BUSINESS Safety Groups are being launched on two Kidderminster industrial estates. PC Jim Harris of Kidderminster Police said the idea of safe business initiatives was to encourage businesses to work with each other and the police to find long term solutions
A WORCESTERSHIRE businessman is due to meet the Queen tonight after winning a Queen's Award for Enterprise. Adrian Bond, managing director of Euroweigh Ltd, in Martley, near Worcester, is due to attend a reception at Buckingham Palace, along with representatives
BUSINESSES are being urged to get behind what is being billed as the biggest culinary event to take place in Worcester Cathedral since the Middle Ages. The Big Event is a full-day extravaganza that will see more than 1,200 people dine in the nave of Worcester's
FOUR sites across Redditch have been chosen to trial a plastic bottle recycling scheme as part of a £30,000 project. The shoppers car park in Headless Cross, Tesco in Oakenshaw, Sainsbury's in Enfield and Safeway's near Ipsley will all have two purple
REGIONAL development agency Advantage West Midlands has welcomed changes that will strengthen its role, as outlined in Gordon Brown's Comprehensive Spending Review. AWM - which is responsible for economic development, business efficiency and competitiveness
ANDY Sinton is to remain part of Bromsgrove Rovers despite signing for another club. The former England international, who spent the final six games of last season with Rovers, has been named as the new player-coach and football development manager at
AN elderly brother and sister are trying to trace members of their family in a bid to heal a long-term rift - and are looking to Alcester residents for help. They are trying to trace their second cousin, June Walker, and the only information they have
A TOURING side from Korea is to take on Bromsgrove Rovers. A University XI from the 2002 World Cup host nation is currently in England and Aston Villa and Hummel International have arranged for them to play at the Victoria Ground on Thursday, July 29.
JOE Jackson is angry at Grant Beckett's decision to leave Bromsgrove Rovers for Hednesford Town. Beckett, a favourite at the club, left the Victoria Ground for the Dr Martens Premier outfit last Thursday, the same day Rovers started pre-season training
Evesham 5, Old Silhillians 0 YET another outstanding performance saw Evesham continue their excellent Summer League campaign. The visitors had no answer to the fast paced, attacking game that has proved so successful in recent months, while the team blended
Stratford 1, Evesham 2 EVESHAM'S opening Summer League game of the season saw them produce some good constructive play. They attacked strongly in the first 15 minutes when they forced several good stops from the Stratford goalkeeper. Charmaine Mitchell
BRETFORTON Silver band is holding its last night of the proms concert this Saturday. The event, which is now in its sixth year, has become one of the most popular events in Evesham. The band will be accompanied by the Billy Davies Band with guest singers
POLICE in Tenbury are appealing for witnesses after a silver Peugeot 406 and a black Ford Escort were in collision outside the Peacock Inn on the A456 Worcester Road, at Newnham Bridge, at around 12.30pm yesterday. The drivers of both vehicles were treated
ROCK gods Fred Zeppelin will be hitting the high notes at a gig in Bromsgrove this weekend. The country's premier Led Zeppelin tribute band will perform at the Lickey End Social Club, in Alcester Road, next Friday, from 8.30pm. Live music fans can look
AFTER months spent planting, pruning, clipping and cutting, the green-fingered folk of Worcester can now sit back and watch as their efforts to design and create beautiful gardens are judged. Yesterday, judges of this year's Worcester in Bloom competition
SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has celebrated the opening of a temporary new store on Worcester Road, Evesham, with the donation of specialist bikes to a local pre-school. Tesco opened the temporary building this week while a bigger store is built on the same
CHILDREN at a Pershore school had the chance to step back in time when they took part in a Victorian Day. The youngsters, from Holy Redeemer Catholic Primary School dressed up in Victorian costumes and put on a Punch and Judy show as part of the fun event
REDDITCH families have the chance to 'spot a spoof' and win a fabulous prize while helping to raise vital funds for the Primrose Hospice and Cancer Help Centre. Twenty shops and companies in the town have agreed to put a spoof item on display in their
To order, telephone 01905 742269 and ask for Photographic Administration or e-mail wenphotoadmin@midlands.newsquest.co.uk. QUOTE THE SCHOOL NAME AND PHOTOGRAPH NUMBER
To order, telephone 01905 742269 and ask for Photographic Administration or e-mail wenphotoadmin@midlands.newsquest.co.uk. QUOTE THE SCHOOL NAME AND PHOTOGRAPH NUMBER
Review - House of Desires at the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon IF you thought Shakespeare had all the best lines, well it's time to think again. While the Bard was beavering away in Ye Olde England, a group of Spanish writers were making sure that
Review - Salad Days at the Norbury Theatre, Droitwich Spa, until Saturday. TO celebrate the 50th anniversary of Salad Days, the Norbury Theatre in Friar Street, Droitwich Spa, is staging the much-loved light-hearted comedy musical until this Saturday.
THE Jimmy Davis Memorial Day kicks off on Saturday at the Valley Stadium. Redditch United take on the might of Coca Cola League One's Swindon Town in the first friendly of the season for both clubs in a 3pm kick off. Jimmy Davis died in a car crash on
THERE was no horsing around for teenage dressage competitor Vikki Weaver as she was selected for the Midlands Young Rider FEI team at the next UK championships. The 19-year-old ace, who is still seeking a sponsor, has been selected for the under 21s team
REDDITCH Arrows clinched the BSL Division Two South West Championship without even stepping on to a field at the weekend. A fixture congestion meant the only team that could catch the Arrows, Nene Valley Hybrids, were forced to concede a game, and in
REDDITCH racewalker Sharon Tonks' "year of active rest" is fast becoming a year of activity after another meeting on Sunday. The Bromsgrove and Redditch Athletics Club member was invited to the Track and Field Championships and Olympic Trials in Manchester
A MAN with a distinctive mark on the side of his neck attacked a 15-year-old girl as she walked through the town centre at 2pm last Monday. The girl was walking along an alleyway between New College and St Stephen's Church when a man approached from behind
FOLLOWING a shake-up and re-launch of neighbourhood groups, there has been a change in the way applications for grants from the neighbourhood budget need to be made. Each neighbourhood group receives £1,000 from the council every year, which they must
ALVECHURCH boss Neil Bryan has revealed his first new summer signing as Gareth Davies from Highgate United. But the Church manager is still looking to strengthen his Midland Alliance side with two more midfielders and a defender. Bryan said: "We actually
SOME of the greatest names in entertainment will be gracing this season's programme of events at Malvern Theatres. The autumn programme kicks off on September 6 with classic comedy Blithe Spirit, by Noel Coward. Romantic comedy Clouds, by Michael Frayn
A BABY boy whose badly decomposed body was discovered in a bin liner stuffed in a suitcase could have been born to a Polish au pair working for a Worcester couple. The revelation came yesterday when Worcestershire Coroner Victor Round closed the inquest
A FORMER RAF ground engineer who served in the first Gulf War still has twice the maximum recommended amount of mercury in his body, an inquiry has heard. On the first day of the hearing into the so-called Gulf War Syndrome, Russell Walker, of Dunkirk
BARNT Green CC First XI are two victories away from their second National Knockout final in three years following their latest rapid fire victory. The Cherry Hill Road side, runners-up in 2002, won by six wickets at Liverpool Premier League team Ormskirk
HOUSEHOLDERS have been warned to be wary of over-charging by aggressive workmen offering to resurface household drives. South Worcestershire Police issued the warning following two incidents on Monday. The first occurred at an address in Droitwich Road
A WOMAN whose dead body was found in the River Severn in Bewdley was suffering from depression at the time of her death, a Worcester coroner has revealed. Janet Cooper, aged 65, of Lambourne Drive, Bewdley, died of injuries consistent to drowning and
THE number of patients diagnosed with a life-threatening hospital "superbug" has soared in Worcestershire, a new name-and-shame report has revealed. Officials have blamed a continuing lack of cleanliness and hygiene in hospitals for the rises. However
A SCHOOLBOY is quickly climbing up the success ladder after winning his way through to a national competition. Eight-year-old Adam Hawksworth has won the South England and South Wales regional round of the British Youth Climbing Championships and will
POLICE are appealing for help in tracing a "highly vulnerable" Worcester woman who has gone missing from her home at the YMCA, in Henwick Road. Mary Stone, also known as Mary-Ann Stone, is aged 55, but due to health reasons believes that she is 16 and
THE much-loved and well-respected Evening News deputy sports editor Tony Moore died of a rare case of septicaemia, a coroner has revealed. Tony, who was just 40, had been an integral part of our sports team for more than a decade. He was discovered at
Thursday, July 15 The Tempest, The Gardens of Hall's Croft, Stratford. Until July 24. Tickets from 01789 299221. Summer Showcase, The NEC Group, Birmingham. Tickets from 0870 9094133. Why is John Lennon Wearing a Skirt? The Cresent Theatre, Birmingham
DROITWICH Spa CC First XI continued their unbeaten run in Worcestershire County League Division One with a winning draw at home to Luctonians. Steve Walsh's side, last beaten on June 5 at home by Pershore, secured their third winning draw of the season
AVONCROFT CC First XI produced another disappointing performance in the field as they fell to a home seven-wicket defeat against Coombs Wood. Croft, promoted with their opponents from Worcestershire County League Division Four last season, had won this
ALL Stars Football, Worce-stershire's first FA Charter Standard Soccer School, is staging summer camps at two venues during the school holidays. Drakes Broughton Village Hall and Pershore Town FC are the venues for the one and three-day courses with then
ANOTHER victory for Droitwich Spa CC's Sunday First XI kept them six points clear at the top of the Worcestershire Sunday League. The 67-run win at Redditch in the latest round of matches maintained Martin Woodward's side's 100 per cent record after eight
FAMOUS stars will be stopping at Barnt Green CC this Friday as part of a tour. Sir Viv Richards, Phil Tufnell, Richie Roberts, Henry Olonga and Mark Waugh will be among the internationals on show when the Lashings Cricket Club take on an MG Rover Group
SPEEDING tickets will no longer be issued to Redditch paramedics on their way to 999 calls. Paramedic Frank Knight has welcomed changes announced by health minister Rosie Winterton meaning fines will no longer be sent to ambulance trusts if emergency
VALLEY tenants Birmingham City Ladies have recruited an England International to add to their growing ranks. Twenty-three year old Rachel Yankey is the biggest signing in the club's history according to Blues Ladies boss Marcus Bignot. He said: "This
DROITWICH Spa RFC First XV begin their Powergen Intermediate Cup campaign with a trip to Bridgnorth of Midlands Three West (North). Julian Bailey's side is due to make the trip on Saturday, September 18. Bromsgrove First XV receive a bye to the next round
REDDITCH United Ladies FC held their annual awards evening on Friday, July 9. Tessa Whittingham took the first team manager's player award while Natalie Raggio-Taylor was handed the players' player award. Referee's player award went to Rachel Hopkins
A TOURING side from Korea is to take on Bromsgrove Rovers. A University XI from the 2002 World Cup host nation is currently in England and Aston Villa and Hummel International have arranged for them to play at the Victoria Ground on Thursday, July 29.
BARNT Green Spartak are warming up for their Midland Combination Premier campaign with six friendly matches. Spartak, who have already added Hardip Dhanda and Naveed Arshad to the squad, start on Saturday, July 31, with a match at Fairfield Villa (2.45pm
MARTIN Johnson grabbed a handful of wickets as Per-shore consolidated top spot in Division One of the Worcest-ershire County League on another rain-hit afternoon. Visitors Bewdley elected to bat on a rain-affected track. The game was reduced to 34 overs-per-side
THE following waters have been booked by the Birmingham Anglers Association for contests. Saturday, July 17 - Avon - Pershore L/B; Severn - Knowle Sands, Danery, Brook Section, Hampton Loade 'B' 1, 2, 3, Stanley 3, 4, Arley R/B, Arley L/B 4, 5, 6, Trimpley
THE strawberry season got under way in Bromsgrove last week and was expected to be a fortnight shorter owing to the poor crop resulting from last winter's severe weather and the recent very hot spell. At Asborough's Fruit Farm, at Burcot, 2,000 pick-your-own
BOTH urban and rural councils in Bromsgrove were experiencing problems recruiting dustmen to carry out the fortnightly refuse collections from 8,000 homes in the district, At present, it was being done by 22 men using four carts but as more homes were
A SHOCKING suicide was the main talking point in Bromsgrove this week. On Sunday, William Morris, 56, a bootmaker from Worcester Street, was found in his shop with his throat cut just hours after attempting to take his own life by swallowing strychnine
RESPONDING to the recent letters "Mum fears for kids safety" and "It's a safe area", I would like to publicise the ongoing work of CATSHILL2020. The objectives of this voluntary committee are to identify, enhance and develop opportunities towards the
COUNCILLOR Nick Psirides finds my letter of June 16 intriguing - I find his reply delusory. That Bromsgrove District Council was in serious difficulties when he was replaced as leader in May 2002 is a matter of record. That there have been improvements
THE first Droitwich Spa Music Festival has come to an end and I would like to put on record a heartfelt thanks to all the volunteer organisers and sponsors for providing such a wide array of music events across the town for the whole week. The week culminated
CAN anyone please tell me who is the bright spark in the planning department at Wychavon that placed the smelly, fly infested, wasp attracting rubbish bins next to where people sit in Victoria Square? Are they involved in the decision making for the revamp
THE weather for this year's Bromsgrove Carnival and Street Market could have been better, but it certainly did not dampen the spirits of those taking part, or indeed those who turned out and here are just a few words of thanks to all those who have given
RESPONDING to the recent letters "Mum fears for kids safety" and "It's a safe area", I would like to publicise the ongoing work of CATSHILL2020. The objectives of this voluntary committee are to identify, enhance and develop opportunities towards the
COUNCILLOR Nick Psirides finds my letter of June 16 intriguing - I find his reply delusory. That Bromsgrove District Council was in serious difficulties when he was replaced as leader in May 2002 is a matter of record. That there have been improvements
WITH reference to the article about the Catshill mother who has difficulty getting to school in Fairfield because of the overgrown vegetation. According to the Highways Partnership, they cannot cut this down until the vegetation has seeded. This explains
THE first Droitwich Spa Music Festival has come to an end and I would like to put on record a heartfelt thanks to all the volunteer organisers and sponsors for providing such a wide array of music events across the town for the whole week. The week culminated
RECENTLY I acquired a copy of your guidebook featuring Droitwich Spa 2004 which I have read most carefully and I wish to convey my congratulations to you and all concerned with this publication. I am not qualified in the history of Droitwich Spa. I was
CAN anyone please tell me who is the bright spark in the planning department at Wychavon that placed the smelly, fly infested, wasp attracting rubbish bins next to where people sit in Victoria Square? Are they involved in the decision making for the revamp
HAVING read the response from the secretary of the Royal British Legion to my earlier letter concerning Droitwich's celebrations of the 60th Anniversary of the D-Day landings, it's quite obvious the whole point of the letter has been totally misinterpreted
COULD someone please tell me when Bromsgrove will be joining the 21st century regarding television reception? Saturday July 3 was the date for the Ladies Singles Final at Wimbledon, and yet again we lost all the television channels at a crucial time -
CUBA'S hottest male ballet star, Carlos Acosta, dances in his Olivier-nominated show, Tocororo - A Cuban Tale, at Birmingham Hippodrome next month., The production, which broke box office records at Sadler's Wells last summer, will sizzle with the vibrancy
Evesham and District Disabled AC and Partnership's MEMBERS visited Bill's Lake at Sedgeberrow on Sunday when they enjoyed a most enjoyable five-hour match in the fifth round of the Wooffs Summer League. The changeable weather made consistent netting difficult
AN IMPORTANT meeting of club delegates takes place at the Servicemen's Club at Bengeworth next Wednesday evening from 8pm. Officials of clubs affiliated to the Evesham and District Association are urged to attend when next month's annual Wychavon Festival
Wednesday, July 14 Show: The Rat Pack, Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst Street, Birmingham. Until Saturday. Show: MDCC Open Air Theatre, Botanical Gardens, Westbourne Road, Birmingham. Show: Hamlet, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, 7.30pm. Show: Kiss the Ceiling
THE National Trust has opened a booking line for the Birmingham Back to Back houses exhibition because they anticipate considerable public interest. As the demand from visitors to tour the properties is expected to be high - and due to the size of the
AT our meeting on June 17, we were delighted to welcome Georgina Burrell, whose demonstration was entitled Moving Pictures. Georgina's demonstration was based upon the black and white era of film and television, and she interpreted six different film
LIKE many residents of West Worcester, I am delighted by the thorough restoration of the Victorian fountain, returned to former glory in the centre of Cripplegate Park. The picture in the Evening News of the mayoral group marking its rededication sent
VERONICA Collette, the guest speaker of the evening, invited members to follow in the steps of Crocodile Dundee when she gave her talk and slide show of her exciting safari to Kakdu national park in Australia. Together with five other intrepid explorers
The Government has just announced that the first referendums to decide whether we want regional assemblies will be held in November. Although the West Midlands is not to be one of the first let us make plain that the purpose of regional assemblies is
Regarding "There's no smoke without fire," (Evening News, June 16), what Mr Spiteri said, in his original letter is "These alarming findings have to be seen in the context of 30 years of government's efforts..." Couldn't some of that knowledge of "30
TWO pensioners died after a horrendous head-on vehicle collision in Stoke Wharf on Saturday. Herbert and Joan Pollitt, of Raglans Court, New Road, Bromsgrove, died in hospital after the two-car smash. Mrs Pollitt aged 79, was driving a blue Hyundai Amica
AN energetic Sidemoor man donned his running shoes and raised more than £400 for charity. Tony Vine, an employee at Harris Brushworks in Stoke Prior, took part in the 'Timberhonger 10k' and collected £403 for the Princess of Wales Community Hospital.
YOUNGSTERS at a town school explored multi-cultural arts with a range of dance, drama, music and sculpture. Children at Millfields first went off-timetable and spent the week with a different artist each day. Pupils had the chance to try their hand at
THE landlord of a town watering hole donned a chef's hat, stoked up the barbecue and raised pots of cash for charity. Richard Scott, of the Red Lion, handed over £750 each to the Primrose Hospice and the County Air Ambulance following a host of money-spinning
Some would say I have been a little too generous to have granted this film two whole stars. It is, after all, concocted from that all-too-familiar American recipe of nice guy, bad girl and nice girl-who-saves-him, mixed with a sprinkling of slapstick
THE headteacher of Bromsgrove's failing high school will step down from his position at the end of this week. Clive Pemberton, headteacher of North Bromsgrove High School, has accepted a new job at County Hall in Worcester. He will leave this Friday but
by Emily Bridgewater SCHOOL will soon be out for summer but there will be no time for boredom with a host of exciting activities to keep youngsters far from trouble. Bromsgrove District Council is launching a fun-packed programme of sporting and other
A SPECIALIST call centre has been set up to deal with residents' complaints about the new refuse collection service, despite claims that the system is improving. Now, when irate townsfolk phone Bromsgrove District Council to make a comment about the service
FROM coffee mornings and jumble sales to sky diving and wing-walking -- these are just some of the hundreds of ways kind-hearted Droitwich residents can raise money for St Richard's Hospice. The Droitwich Spa Advertiser announced last week it has linked
A DISTRICT councillor has slammed residents of his own ward for sharing their problems with the Advertiser/Messenger rather than their elected representative. Councillor Geoff Hulett (Lab-Catshill) phoned our offices to complain about stories of Catshill
A TEACHER has admitted performing a sex act in front of two young girls in a Droitwich park. Dominic Peberdy, of Frankley Avenue, Halesowen, admitted a charge of engaging in a sexual activity in the presence of a child when he appeared before Worcester
GRAVESTONES in Bromsgrove cemeteries are to be given a colour coding and owners will be told if they are classed as a risk to public safety. The categories range from white - meaning the memorial is very dangerous and needs flattening - to green, which
JUST one point separates Astwood Bank and Alvechurch and Hopwood in the Worcestershire League Division Two after an odd weekend. Alvechurch lost for just the third time this season after three wicket defeat at the hands of Hagley. Meanwhile, Astwood Bank's
IT is all too easy to take our modern world for granted. Most of us never give a second thought to turning on a light or sleeping in our beds without the fear of bombing. We live in a world of fully-stocked fridges, hot and cold running water and central
A RETIRED fork-lift driver from Droitwich has returned from ten hard weeks of study at Oxford University. Horace Coward, 73, has proved it's never too late to pick up new skills after enrolling on a course which looked at ageism in the 21st century. The
I THINK these poor boys are a bit confused and Busted's to blame as usual. Being on holiday for a couple of weeks I missed the delight of seeing these guys get to number one in the charts with 5 New Colours In Her Hair and no doubt superb Top of the Pops
A NIMBLE-FINGERED Spa woman has put her creative talents to the test to create a beautiful sugarcraft sculpture for a forthcoming exhibition. masterpiece, the tallest in Britain at 6ft 6ins tall and 4ft wide. Cassie Brown, who also works at the Raggamuffins
IT'S fun, it's sweet, it'll knock you off your feet! Now if you were not reading that last line in an exaggerated American chant, while clapping your hands and bracing yourself to jump cleanly on to a friend's shoulders, then this is not the film for
JOHN Bickerton will not play at this year's Open Championship after failing to make the cut at the Barclays Scottish Open. The Droitwich Spa golf professional carded a second round four over par to go with his first round even par 71 to leave him three
BROMSGROVE cyclist Howard Jones took fourth place in his category at the League of Veterans racing cyclist road race last Sunday. Jones secured his finish in the C category over four laps of an undulating 11-mile circuit at Wyre Forest Cycle Racing Club's
IT took 53 years but there was finally a happy ending for former Redditch man Gary Sealey, who was searching for the mother he never knew - but there was sadness too. Three weeks ago, the Redditch Advertiser told the story of 58-year-old Mr Sealey, a
IT has not taken long for the lunatics to assert their control on the council. I was appalled - as I am sure many are - of the ridiculous proposal to give £150 to council tenants who leave their property in a habitable condition. (Advertiser, July 7).
MARTIN Johnson grabbed a handful of wickets as Per-shore consolidated top spot in Division One of the Worcest-ershire County League on another rain-hit afternoon. Visitors Bewdley elected to bat on a rain-affected track. The game was reduced to 34 overs-per-side
ALL Stars Football, Worce-stershire's first FA Charter Standard Soccer School, is staging summer camps at two venues during the school holidays. Drakes Broughton Village Hall and Pershore Town FC are the venues for the one and three-day courses with then
July 16, 1904 JACOB Ruckstall, who formerly occupied a good position as clerk or foreign correspondent with a local fishing tackle firm but who has recently fallen on evil times, was charged with being drunk on licensed premises on July 6th. Defendant
MEMBERS of Arden Sailing Club at Defford were kept on their toes by an uncharacteristic north to north-easterly wind last weekend. This provided challenging conditions for the dinghies taking part in the sixth race in the Pursuit Series and the first
Pre-season friendlies Wed July 14 Cinderford (a) (7.30pm) Sat July 17 Gloucester (a) (3pm) Wed July 21 Bristol City (h) (7.45pm) Sat July 24 Walsall (h) (3pm) Mon July 26 Worcester (a) (7.45pm) Wed July 28 Wolves (h) (7.45pm) Sat July 31 Redditch (a)
I WAS also of the opinion expressed by Mrs KJ Thompson (Letters, June 30) concerning the Alexandra Hospital until my recent stay there. Following a visit to my GP, who suspected quite a serious condition, I was referred to the Alexandra. I should have
BUDDING musicians in Redditch will be offered free music lessons during the summer holiday thanks to funding of £3,000. Nigel Clark, the former frontman of popular 90s band Dodgy, will be running the lessons with the help of cash from Kingsley College
DEAR Mr Duck and Mr Jack Daw (past letters). I am sorry to hear you nearly lost your home. I almost lost my home too but a local human intervened. A petition against the demolition of my home - a lovely, comfortable tree containing my nest between Lygon
REDDITCH Council houses will not be transferred to independent social landlords. But the move prompted some heated political debate in the council chamber on Monday. Conservative Mike Braley said he was "ashamed" to be a councillor when he looked at the
THE owner of an elderly horse which was viciously slashed has described those who did it as 'sick'. Roger Prince said he could not understand the mentality of those who attacked his 27-year-old mare, Amber, which was kept in a field off the Alcester Road
A FORMER award-winning Redditch businessman and his friend are facing long jail terms after £60,000 worth of cocaine was found stashed in an empty office in Worcester. A jury on Friday convicted businessman Paul Mills and Mark Burson of conspiring to
REDDITCH fire station will not close and jobs will not be lost, despite the Government's decision to force Hereford and Worcester Combined Fire Authority to cut its budget by £1 million. On Thursday, Local Government Minister Nick Raynsford announced
NEW College's Hospitality and Catering students received awards for their efforts at a special presentation ceremony on Friday. The event, held at the Peakman Street campus, was supported by the Midlands Association of Chefs (MAC), with president Peter
GARY Willis is adamant he will not be that afraid when he jumps from a plane at 13,000ft on July 27. The 43 year old says his total blindness means the height will not concern him when he takes the leap for charity with the famous Red Devils Parachute
AT the meeting held at the home of Mrs Madge Rose, members enjoyed listening to Karen Tither, who gave a talk and demonstration on reflexology. Maureen Hill won the Raffle. Tomorrow's meeting will be a cookery demonstration by John Pugh.
AT the meeting on June 17, members welcomed Georgina Burrell, whose demonstration was entitled Moving Pictures. The demonstration was based on the black and white era of film and television and she interpreted six different titles. The arrangements were
THE pressure has already started to show at Redditch Citizens Advice Bureau following a funding cut made by the council earlier this year. In an effort to focus on its core services, the bureau has had to make major cuts to its specialist services, resulting
A MOBILE custody unit which deals with offenders on the street was not actually used at all when it was drafted in for the first time in Redditch at the weekend. Operation Clampdown was launched last week to tackle alcohol-related violence in the town
JOHN Bickerton will not play at this year's Open Championship after failing to make the cut at the Barclays Scottish Open. The Droitwich Spa golf professional carded a second round four over par to go with his first round even par 71 to leave him three
YOUNG Kim Van Golen is helping to get a newly extended children's health service off the ground this year with a chirpy little bee which will be used at the official launch. Kim, 12, from Winyates, is one of the children which the new Orchard Service,
THE town's All Women's House joined forces with community agencies last week to encourage wider participation of women in sports. Staff from the house teamed up with SureStart, Action Sport and the Racial Equality Council to hold the event at Abbey Stadium
ANGRY Crabbs Cross residents accused police of not doing enough to curb the rising tide of anti-social behaviour in the area. At a neighbourhood group meeting last week, residents said they had repeatedly telephoned the police to report incidents of yob
THE Olympic Games get under way in Athens next month and former Chip-ping Campden School pupil Louise Bond-Williams will be hoping to win gold for Great Britain. Her preparations received a huge boost at RAF Cosford last weekend when she retained her
OLYMPIC medal hope Leslie Law flies out to Athens early next month when final preparations for an assault on an equestrian gold medal will take place. A member of Great Britain's team of five riders, Law is currently undertaking final training on board
