Saturday, July 31, 2004 HALESOWEN Town and Bromsgrove Rovers drew 1-1 in one of the last pre-season friendlies before the new term kicks off on August 14. Jason Moore opened the scoring for the hosts eight minutes in, capitalising on a Rovers defensive
FREEMASONS have donated more than £3,000 towards the Acorns' fund-raising appeal to build a new hospice in Worcester for life-limited children. A county freemasons Lodge has raised the money through its annual black tie dinner and matched funding from
WEST Worcestershire voters will have the chance to socialise with their MP, Sir Michael Spicer, as he hosts a Meet Your MP drinks party. The event will be a chance for constituents to chat to Sir Michael in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. The event
A GROUP of Worcester musicians will be doing their bit for the Sudan Crisis - by holding a concert in the Malvern Hills this week. The Worcester-based Out of The Ark Soundsystem's Crisis Benefit event takes place at The Octagon Bar in St Ann's Well Caf
A DROITWICH farmer embroiled in a long-running battle with councillors is once again appealing against one of their planning decisions. David Doe, a game-bird keeper, is challenging Wychavon District Council's decision not to allow him to set up a private
A NURSERY near Droitwich is promising a "blooming" good show when it hosts a display of fuchsias next weekend. Webbs of Wychbold will be the venue for the 27th North Worcestershire Fuchsia Society's annual show on Saturday, August 14 and Sunday, August
A WORCESTER bank is urging people to plan ahead for new pension rules aimed at making money matters simpler. The Bank of Scotland, in St Swithin's Street, said the Government was changing the rules on pension schemes to simplify the current "maze" of
FAMILIES are taking part in a host of fun activities during Worcestershire County Museum's month-long event. Everything from brass-rubbing and printmaking to face-painting and tai-chi workshops will be on offer throughout August at the museum, near Kidderminster
THE grieving fiancee of a Kidderminster worker who died after a wall collapsed on him has told the Shuttle/Times and News of the shock and devastation created by the loss of the devoted family man she was due to marry in five weeks. Surrounded by dozens
A MOTHER and her seven-week old baby were taken to hospital with facial injuries after a terrifying robbery and crowbar attack. The incident happened at Drakes Cross Parade, Hollywood, just after midnight on Monday. The woman was carrying her baby son
THE Conservatives have accused the Government of "waging a war on drivers" by using speed cameras to make money, rather than save lives. The party has pledged to review all cameras in England and Wales and scrap those that have not reduced accidents,
REDDITCH CC skipper Danny Protherough thinks his side can avoid relegation despite languishing in the drop zone since the season began. The Bromsgrove Road men notched up their second win in a row against Highway on Saturday and are now just three points
REDDITCH Swimming Club's diddy squad will be gunning for glory next month. The team, all aged between nine and 12, will be competing in the division two final of the Nuneaton and District Junior Swimming League at Wolverhampton Central Baths on September
Redditch United 1 Kidderminster Harriers 4 A TALE of missed opportunities unfolded at the Valley on Saturday as the Reds were made to pay for a handful of chances that went begging. Coca Cola League Two outfit Kidderminster Harriers didn't have the same
TWO contrasting open-air concerts take place at Ragley Hall near Alcester this week, when the impressive site forms the backdrop to performances by a Queen tribute band and an evening of Proms favourites. Friday night sees premier Queen tribute act The
Studley 1 Bromsgrove Rovers 0 A LATE winner from newboy Leon Daniels earned Studley their first win of their pre-season campaign in a bitter battle at the Beehive. With Bromsgrove Rovers' full team committed to playing a Korean University 11 on the same
PERMANENT speed camera sites are set to more than double in the two counties by the end of next March. Twenty-seven permanent sites will be in place across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, according to the Safety Camera Partnership - an increase of 15
A MAN found dead by young campers at a beauty spot was receiving treatment for depression, an inquest heard. The body of Richard Hartman was discovered at the Old Hills, Callow End, near Worcester, last Friday. An inquest heard yesterday how packets of
TEACHERS from across Spain have been refining their educational skills at University College Worcester to help raise pupil standards in English. Twenty secondary school teachers were invited to UCW's campus in Henwick Grove, Worcester, to help further
THE parents of a Worcester toddler who is in remission from leukaemia are desperately seeking for sponsors and cyclists for a charity ride on the world's largest bike. Darren Lambert and Laura Duffy organised the event to raise money for research into
FOR the second year running, the Royal Shakespeare Company has announced a special Festival Proms Week when 200 tickets will be offered daily at the cut price of £10. Between Monday, August 23, and Saturday, August 28, tickets will be available for Shakespearean
Thursday, August 5 Vodou Nation, Birmingham Hippodrome. Until August 7. Tickets from 0870 730 1234. Hamlet/King Lear/Macbeth/Romeo & Juliet, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford. Various dates. Tickets from 0870 609 1110. The Spanish Golden Age: House
BARNT Green CC First XI suffered a rare defeat in the Birmingham and District Premier as they lost by 56 runs at Moseley. Last Saturday's loss was the first league defeat for the Cherry Hill Road side in 15 matches this season and drops them to third
AVONCROFT CC First XI clawed themselves out of immediate danger in Worcestershire County League Division Three by securing a five-wicket success at relegation rivals Martley. Paul Athey's side, who swap places with Martley to hover a point above the drop
HIMBLETON CC First XI lost ground in the Worcestershire County League Division Four title race with a losing draw at home to Alveley. Dean Oliver's side, down a place to fourth, reached 246-6, thanks to Pete Rogers' first century of the season, in reply
A DEBUT century from Spencer Cox helped Avoncroft CC Seconds to a superb seven-wicket victory at home to Martley. Fielding a side of youth and experience, together with two new players, Croft were set 297 to win and passed the target in style, with Cox's
LIGHTNING has struck twice in a week for Ashley Giles after he destroyed the West Indies in the Second Test at Edgbaston. The Droitwich Spa resident and England left arm spinner took 5-57, including the wicket of Brian Lara, in the second innings last
PLANS to turn a disused industrial unit in Britten Street, off Bromsgrove Road, into an aquarium and fish shop have been sunk. The applicant also wanted to develop a photographic studio upstairs. But planning officers said the development was inappropriate
WORCESTERSHIRE are facing an uphill battle as relegation-haunted Surrey made an impressive start to the Frizzell County Championship Division One match at the Oval. Surrey closed last night on 299-4 and Mark Ramprakash today completed his third century
WORCESTERSHIRE Academy prospect David Wheeldon has been called up to the England Under 15 cricket squad. The talented young all-rounder has been selected on the back of his outstanding displays at the prestigious Bunbury Festival where he claimed two
LES Hines is being lined up as a fifth summer signing for Worcester City. But the St George's Lane club will have to fight off the attentions of Nuneaton, Redditch and Moor Green if they are to secure his services. The left-back was on show in City's
HEREFORD United continue their pre-season build-up tonight when they host a West Brom XI at Edgar Street (7.45). The friendly pits Tamika Mkandawire against his former club, while Ben Scott will once again bid to stake a claim for the keeper's jersey
WORCESTER Warriors will need to be at their peak of physical fitness just to compete in the forthcoming Premiership campaign, warns Andy Keast. The Sixways coach is overseeing a gruelling pre-season programme designed to get the players in tip-top condition
TORRENTIAL rain came to Stourport Swifts' rescue as two games in as many days proved too tough a test for Dave Titterton's side. Midland Travel Factory Alliance visitors Stourbridge had come from behind to lead 2-1 at Walshes Meadow before the game was
BROMSGROVE Rovers suffered a slender 1-0 defeat at Unibond outfit Willenhall Town in the latest round of their hectic pre-season schedule. But there was more than a touch of luck to Willenhall's winner six minutes from time when John Quilt's shot through
A BUSINESSMAN looking to develop 15 homes on a gas-bottling depot near Astwood Bank is "gobsmacked" Redditch councillors have refused his application. Ultimately, the decision could mean a huge increase in the number of heavy trucks using the narrow lanes
A DISUSED piece of land opposite the entrance to Redditch's Palace Theatre in Grove Street could be developed into an electrical store. The plans, put forward by the Apollo 2000 chain, were given the thumbs-up by councillors on the planning committee
A HIGH standard of rugby is expected at Droitwich Spa RFC's sixth annual ten-a-side tournament. Twelve teams have been signed up for the yearly festival on Saturday, August 14, at The Glyn Mitchell Memorial Ground, in Hanbury Road. As well as two Droitwich
FOR a quarter of a century junior football in Droitwich Spa has been a growth industry. Since the town's club, Droitwich Spa Boys and Girls FC, formed in 1979 the sport has gone from strength to strength and has never really looked back. This year the
HALESOWEN Town and Bromsgrove Rovers drew 1-1 last Saturday in one of the last pre-season friendlies before the new term kicks off on August 14. Jason Moore opened the scoring for the hosts eight minutes in, capitalising on a Rovers defensive mistake
BARNT Green Spartak began their Midland Combination Premier Division build up with a convincing 5-0 win at local rivals and Division One side Fairfield Villa. Spartak, with nine new faces in their 17-man squad, took a 2-0 lead into the interval last Saturday
BROMSGROVE Rovers can look forward to two cup matches with Worcester City. Rovers have been drawn at home to the St George's Lane side in the second round of the Worcestershire Senior Cup after receiving a bye. The Reserves have been paired at home with
THE successful hard work over a number of years by the Primrose Hospice staff and its supporters, culminated in the completion of both their modern extension and the fantastic new palliative care unit at the Princess of Wales Hospital - both of which
HAVING read last week's report I don't feel that KC Promotions were at the same Balloon Festival event that I was at in Cofton Park. For them to say "it was hailed a big success" is incorrect. I would like to know what planet they were from as I don't
WHEN they walk down the local high street holding hands with their husband, wife or partner, do readers feel under any kind of threat? In Britain this simple act is something we take for granted, but in many parts of the world, gay people can be beaten
I HAPPEN to live in what is described as a desirable area, namely Clive Road/Wellington Road, Bromsgrove, yet when walking to post a letter recently, I could easily have mistaken it for a neglected estate where people want only to drop their rubbish.
DROITWICH Spa's water was a resource, which was once highly prized, and the very reason for the town's existence and wealth. Even in my youth, the town swimming pool and brine baths were exotic and exciting places to visit (if you could get in). The water
THE successful hard work over a number of years by the Primrose Hospice staff and its supporters, culminated in the completion of both their modern extension and the fantastic new palliative care unit at the Princess of Wales Hospital - both of which
AS the storm of recent news reports shows, it appears that the only certainty older people and their families face when it comes to obtaining and paying for care is that it will be a confusing and daunting experience. The chaos over who pays for care
CAN I recommend that readers have a look at the excellent new website for Bromsgrove District Council. This is a mine of useful information about the district and nationally, and is a further step in our drive to adapt to the Government's e-governance
YET again, a recent Saturday evening was invaded by the noise of fireworks. Used without thought or consideration for people or pets. Fireworks are a menace - sales should be restricted to between November 1 and November 5 if indeed they should be sold
THE staff of Sidemoor pre-school, Bromgrove, would like to thank all the parents and children for the presents we received at the end of term. Thank you to the committee for all their support in the group over the past twelve months. Good luck to all
I HAPPEN to live in what is described as a desirable area, namely Clive Road/Wellington Road, Bromsgrove, yet when walking to post a letter recently, I could easily have mistaken it for a neglected estate where people want only to drop their rubbish.
A DROITWICH Spa country and western club will welcome yet another award-winning artist next weekend. Dixon J. Scott (right) will perform for the first time for members of the End of the Trail Country Music Club on Saturday, August 14. His new band, The
I WISH Coun Tibbutt wouldn't quote Latin. I don't know what Semper Fidelis means. GEORGE COWLEY, Worcester. It means 'always faithful' - Letters Editor
JOHN Norwood says we should forgive and forget about Iraq because Tony Blair had been fed faulty intelligence. How strange it is that the Butler report blames no one for this so-called faulty intelligence. We live in an accountable society, Mr Norwood
IT'S not surprising that MP Mike Foster should express dissatisfaction with the two-tier system of local government (Evening News, Tuesday, July 27). To many of us working in local government at the relevant time, the Redcliffe-Maude recommendations seemed
AT the July meeting, outgoing president Honor Craig handed over the chain of office to incoming president Patricia Phillips. Honor was extremely grateful for the tremendous support she had received from all members of the club during her year in office
CYNTHIA Cauldicott welcomed members and visitors. After congratulating the month's birthday girls, she introduced the guest speaker, Colin Bowden. The theme of his talk and slide show was A Cruise to the South Pacific on board HMS Britannia. Colin told
JULIE Kirkbride, MP, was guest speaker at the club's meeting at Amphlett Hall. She was welcomed by the chairman, Bob Black, and her talk was entitled My Work in Parliament. At the conclusion of the talk she answered many lively questions from members
TOP of the table Astwood Bank grafted hard to defeat fourth placed Belbroughton in their own backyard on Saturday. Belbroughton padded up first and posted 141 for six from their overs but the Sambourne Lane men easily reached the target with three wickets
STARS from the world of films, TV and sport gathered in Bromsgrove on Friday to say Auf Wiedersehen to famous actor and former professional wrestler Pat Roach, who died after losing a six year battle against throat cancer. It was his express wish in the
ON April 20, 1999, two students entered Columbine High School armed with explosives and guns. Within 30 minutes, 12 fellow pupils and a teacher were dead and 23 were injured. The boys then turned the guns on themselves leaving a legacy of devastation
FUSCHIA growers from all over the country converged upon Bromsgrove for a celebration of flowers and finery. More than 200 growers took part in the annual British Fuschia Society show at South Bromsgrove High School, in Charford Road, last Saturday. The
WITH just seven games left of the season Five Ways Old Edwardians look dangerously close to relegation after another loss on Saturday. Despite posting another 200 plus score against Ambleside, Five Ways Old Eds lost by five wickets as the visitors reached
There was sweet revenge for Exhall and Wixford as they crushed Wellesbourne - the only team to beat them in the league this season - by 10 wickets. Opening bowlers Steve Kerby and Syd Keen made light work of the visiting batting as both bowled through
A SEVEN-year-old boy saved his baby sister's life when the inflatable seat she was using in the family pool capsized. Two-year-old Alicia Southerton of King Edward Road, Sidemoor was playing in the 15-foot pool on Monday with brothers Connor, aged nine
VISITORS to Hanbury Hall can enjoy a day of bee keeping, environmental activities and nature crafts. Wild about Wildlife will take place on Saturday, August 7 and Sunday, August 8. Members of the Worcester Beekeepers group will be on hand to answer questions
A CHARITABLE Spa youngster is set to pull out all the stops to raise much-needed cash for the Sudan Crisis appeal. Sammy Spencer, daughter of town councillors Kate and Terry Spencer, has decided to put on a table top sale to raise money for the one million
MID-WORCESTERSHIRE MP Peter Luff and Bromsgrove MP Julie Kirkbride were welcomed with open arms as guests to the Worcestershire National Farmers Union (NFU) in Hanbury. The pair visited Gordon Few's Ditchford Bank Farm, in Hanbury, to discuss the state
A DRUG user went on a spending spree with a credit card he had found and clocked up almost £250 in purchases. Michael Littlewood, from Charles Henry Road, Droitwich, spent a total of £247.84 in ten different shops last November, after finding an Abbey
FOUR ladies from Bromsgrove Town Bowling Club will again represent Worcestershire in the Ladies National Finals. Doreen Osbourne, Olwyn Craddock, Jean Grove and skipper Joy Morgan compete along with a team from Broadway in Leamington Spa today (Wednesday
A NEW secretary is being sought by the Droitwich and District Snooker League after a shock U-turn. Following the league's annual general meeting last month, Mark Sadd, of Droitwich Snooker Centre B, took over but has since relinquished the post. The move
August 3, 1979 Redditch town centre residents who have united to fight plans to build a warehouse near their homes have lost the first round of their fight. Clive Road householders are resisting proposals for a light industrial plant by British Rail.
I READ with interest and confusion Councillor Mark Shurmer's letter regarding rewarding council tenants who leave their house in a reasonable state (Advertiser, July 28). Mr Shurmer assures us the £150 cost is not taken from the council taxpayers and
BRINGING back free bus travel for pensioners and the disabled will cost at least £1 million, according to the Conservatives on Redditch Council. And as there is "no pot of gold", it could lead to an above-inflation rise in council tax, warned Tory group
A REDDITCH man is heart-broken after thieves stole lights from the grave of his mother, who died suddenly at Christmas. Harvey Bennett, from Lakeside, visits the grave of his mum, Dorothy Ball, at Redditch Cemetery, Bordesley Lane, with his wife on a
I SEE in your paper Redditch Council is wasting more council taxpayers' money on doing up tenants' gardens because they are too lazy to do them up themselves. In 12 month's time, they will be back as bad as they were before. The council should spend time
UP to 30 youngsters a day are taking part in a summer activity programme at Woodrush Sports Centre. Active Zone runs every day from 9am-3pm for five-13 year olds, who take part in a variety of workshops from sporting activities to quad biking and art
I HOPE the low-life, selfish people who stole from my mother, who lives in Bredon House on the Woodrow Estate, read this letter. I need you to understand you have destroyed my mother's confidence and trust in people. She loves to sit in her little garden
REDDITCH police will be putting antisocial behaviour legislation into effect from tomorrow in the Lakeside area. From 6am on Thursday, the new laws will come into effect in a defined area for three months. This means officers have powers to disperse groups
A TALENTED NEW College student has been taking a slightly saucy look at fine art after basing her work on a fusion of fashion and performance and drawing her inspiration from wartime vintage pin-ups and the underground fetish scene. HND fine art student
THE speaker at the last meeting was Muriel Hayes, whose talk was entitled Letters to a Victorian Lady's Maid. Miss Hayes has published a book of the letters from her grandmother, Polly, born in 1854, to her grandfather, which gave an insight into life
The ringleader of a riot inside Blakenhurst Prison two years ago has been sent to a mental hospital under an order made at Worcester Crown Court. Judge Andrew Geddes said medical reports showed 23-year-old Stuart Benson was suffering from a psychopathic
THE Women's Section meeting opened with the chairman giving reports and discussion on the future programme. Speaker Harry Gresty spoke about Stanley Holloway in a talk entitled The man and His monologues. This was interesting and amusing. Mr Gresty told
BROMSGROVE Golf Club has reached the quarter-finals of the West Midlands League after winning Zone C. Despite a disappointing 3-1 defeat at Kings Norton last Tuesday, the Stratford Road club clinched the zone courtesy of a better games difference ahead
A SKIP hire firm from a village on the outskirts of Redditch has been fined £10,000 for depositing, keeping and treating waste on land without the correct authorisation. John Wood, trading as Lower Park & Redditch Skip Hire, pleaded guilty at Redditch
THE latest plans to demolish the historical Duke of Marlborough pub in Studley and develop a residential home have been opposed by Studley Parish Council. The parish council has formally objected to the size of the proposed home, which would see the end
MEMBERS of staff from the languages department at NEW College are gearing themselves up for the start of the Athens Olympic games which kick off on August 13. The games will bring together competitors from across the globe representing many nationalities
READERS are being asked for help to solve a mystery over the disappearance of photographs taken at the 1913 opening of the Palace Theatre. Photographs and drawings are needed to help the redevelopment of the theatre, which is expected to begin in February
PITCHEROAK Golf Club has undergone a £200,000 facelift and is now attracting more than 500 youngsters a month who want to take up the sport. More than 23,000 rounds a year are now played at the Redditch Council-owned nine-hole golf course, off Plymouth
GREIG Centre trustees have been set strict deadlines to speed up the proposed redevelopment of the community facility. A business plan must be approved by the end of September and a building contract awarded by the end of March next year - or Stratford
A LEADING accountancy body has warned that bankruptcy is "no quick fix" to debt. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) said a "new regime" had been introduced which made bankruptcy easier to enter into, and get out of. However, ACCA
OGL Computer Services Group, in Stourport-on-Severn, has become an authorised reseller for BlackSpider, an anti-spam and anti-virus service for IT networks. Neil Morris, director at OGL, said the service was a "vital offering" for its customer base. "
THREE talented hairdressers have been short-listed for the Midlands finals of the prestigious Hairdresser of the Year awards. Tim Scott-Wright and Andrea Beers, both from Lisa Shepherd Midlands, in Kidderminster, and Peter Prosser, from Peter Prosser
BUDDING Walt Disneys spent time last week creating their own animation in Studley as part of a family support project. Escape Workshops and the Stratford Family Support Team are running an exciting series of professional artist-led workshops in Studley
PLANS for major extensions to Bidford Grange Hotel and Golf Club go before district planners tomorrow and look set to be turned down. Owners of the club want to add another 70 bedrooms, two function rooms, a bar, swimming pool and other leisure facilities
ALCESTER Flower Club celebrated its 40th anniversary recently with a garden party at the home of one of its members. The club was set up in 1964 by Phyllis Coleman, who sent a letter to prospective members to find out what interest there was. Early meetings
POLICE have warned people to be wary of bogus salesmen after a Bidford woman had a visit from a man claiming to be from a well-known double glazing company. The man walked up the side of the woman's house with a notepad and clipboard. After a short conversation
FORGINGS manufacturers Garringtons, employers of 1,600 workers, were to be affected by a national strike. The work force was to answer a call for strike action from 18 engineering unions supporting a claim for better pay and shorter hours. But Garringtons
BROMSGROVE firm JK Bradshaw was responsible for the first major building to be finished of the re-planned Coventry city centre, which was destroyed during the war. It was a contemporary designed hairdressing salon. The firm carried out the work in less
TWO Birmingham men appeared at Bromsgrove Police Court on a charge of illegal gambling. Thomas Marsden, of Bordsley Park Road, Birmingham, and James Bridgwater, of Green Lane, Black Heath, were charged with playing a game called 'backing the colours'
Tuesday, August 3, 2004 A GOAL from a free-kick five minutes from time decided this match.
STRONG interest was shown in antique pottery and porcelain at Brightwells of Leominster ceramics sale, held on Wednesday, July 21. A small Georgian cider mug, dating to the late 18th Century, attracted five telephone bidders and went for £3,600. The mug
EDUCATION chief June Longmuir has hit out at MP Mike Foster for "playing party politics" over Worcestershire's schools. Miss Longmuir, county council cabinet member for education, accused the Labour MP of electioneering after he questioned the LEA over
TEACHERS from Spain have been refining their professional skills at a Worcester college to help raise pupil standards in English. Twenty secondary school teachers visited University College Worcester's Henwick Grove campus as part of Spain's Bilingual
A NEW scheme designed to cut the need for patients having to give the same information over and over again was launched at Alcester Hospital last week. Under the nationwide Single Assessment Process (SAP), each person has an orange folder in which all
ALCESTER hosted its first market towns forum recently, when 60 regional representatives gathered at the town hall to discuss initiatives and enjoy an awards ceremony. Advantage West Midlands presented awards to four towns in the region, in categories
VILLAGERS and dignitaries inspected the newly refurbished church hall in Bidford at an open day to mark its re-opening. Work began on the £80,000 overhaul in January and was completed in June. It includes a new roof, windows and floor and the building
POLICE are appealing for the victim of an assault to contact them following reports of a fight in Smallwood. Officers were alerted to the incident in Millsborough Road just before midnight on Wednesday, July 21. A man had a cut arm but left the scene
STUDLEY police want to hear from people who saw a collision between a Ford Ka and an Audi A4 on the Redditch Road on Saturday morning. Neither of the women drivers, who both come from Studley, were injured in the collision. Anyone who can help can call
MARK Robinson scored four times as Bromsgrove Hockey Club shared 14 goals with Kidderminster in their latest Mercian Summer League outing. Julian Court's side drew 7-7 against the Worcestershire League leaders in an end-to-end battle at Bromsgrove School
REDDITCH Days Of Thunder racer Mike Luck finally managed his first top ten finish in round eight at Rockingham at the weekend. And to add to his success the Winyates Green driver was also the best placed rookie racer in the field in the second race of
REDDITCH United are preparing for their penultimate friendly against Stourbridge FC tomorrow night (Thursday KO 7.30pm) but all manager Rod Brown wants is for the season to get underway. The Reds boss will be eager to put things right after Saturday's
Redditch United Women started their pre-season campaign off with a win against Worcester City at Studley FC. The new look United has welcomed new players Kim Brown from Racing Club Hibernian LFC, Gemma Perry from Knowle LFC and Claire Parker, a former
Headless Cross Ladies and their newly formed reserve team is still looking for new players in all positions. Last season's double winning team is looking for both experienced and improving players . The ladies have started training at Pathways Pitches
By John Brenan A HEAVILY-pregnant mum died suddenly in the maternity ward at Worcestershire Royal Hospital before her baby was born - only to lose his battle for life days later. Lisa Stefanovic was found collapsed in the delivery suite at the Royal just
BALLOT papers will arrive, this week, with Worcestershire's Fire Brigade Union members asking them whether they support a strike. Talks between union officials and Local Government Minister Nick Raynsford's negotiators ended in failure after both sides
THE people of Worcestershire have been left to mop up as more than half the month's expected rainfall hit the county in a few hours. Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade received around 80 calls for help in a four-hour period, from about 4.30pm yesterday
THOSE who dream of conquering Everest can practice for their mission at Worcester's new indoor climbing centre, due to open this weekend. Vertical Limits, adjoining the Simply Active gym at Shrub Hill, has been designed to provide 50 graded routes suitable
FAMILY favourite Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat returns to Birmingham's Hippodrome Theatre from Monday with H, from award-winning pop group Steps in the title role. H is taking a two-week break from his acclaimed performance as Joseph in
A TRAIN fare structure that penalises adults for travelling with a child has baffled and angered Worcester grandparents taking their granddaughter on a visit to London. Tony and Diana Bethell wanted to take Heidi for a weekend during the holidays using
THE village of Offenham, near Evesham, has won the title of Worcestershire Village of the Year 2004. Cleeve Prior and Chaddesley Corbett were runners-up in this year's competition, which is organised by Community First and sponsored by Calor. Judges spent
MUSIC lovers are spoilt for choice next week at Malvern's Festival Theatre, when consecutive evenings feature operatic pieces in Pure Puccini followed by a celebration of songs from West End and Broadway shows in A Night at the Musicals. On Friday, August
GENEROUS gifts donated to our county men and women who are voluntarily risking their lives in war-torn Iraq are on their way to the troops. In May, 21 soldiers from the Worcestershire 104 Regiment of the Territorial Army said tearful goodbyes to their
SATURDAY, AUGUST 7 Birmingham & District Premier League Premier Division 1st XI - Old Hill v Barnt Green (12.30pm) Premier Division 2nd XI - Barnt Green v Old Hill (1pm) Worcestershire County League (all 1.30pm start) Division One 1st XI - Netherton
BARNT Green CC First XI go into this Sunday's National Knockout semi-final confident of reaching their second final in three seasons. The Cherry Hill Road side, runners-up at Edgbaston in 2002, travel to Derbyshire side Ockbrook and Borrowash for a last
DROITWICH Spa CC First XI still have their sights fixed firmly on the Worcestershire County League Division One title. Steve Walsh's side, who travel to basement side Netherton this Saturday, are currently second in the table, 30 points behind leaders
A FANTASTIC all round display from Kadeer Ali saw Bromsgrove CC First XI get their promotion battle back on track with a massive 189-run victory over Aston Unity. The Worcestershire star took a comprehensive 8-31 to skittle the visitors for 86 after firing
DROITWICH Spa CC First XI kept up the pressure on Worcestershire County League Division One leaders Pershore after a resounding 105-run victory over fourth place Chaddesley Corbett. Aided by a Jerome Connor century, Steve Walsh's side took a maximum 24
CUTNALL Green CC First XI moved another step closer to the Worcestershire County League Division Five title after a home nine-wicket victory over Alvechurch and Hopwood. With four games to go, Matthew Harris' unbeaten side leads second place Highley by
DROITWICH Spa CC First XI are strolling towards the Worcestershire Sunday League title without having to hit a ball. For the second week running Spa's opponents, this time Astwood Bank, have conceded their fixture, handing the St Peter's Fields team an
WORCESTERSHIRE County Council has approved plans for the extension and refurbishment of a caretaker's bungalow at St Stephen's First School to form a Surestart centre for Abbeydale and Riverside families. Surestart is a government initiative set up to
NEW signing Colin Hoyle was thrown to the Wolves last night as a Molineux XI tore Worcester City to shreds. It proved a St George's Lane baptism of fire for the ex-Burton Albion man drafted into secure City's back line. Unfortunately for Hoyle, Wolves
A HIGH standard of rugby is expected at Droitwich Spa RFC's sixth annual ten-a-side tournament. Twelve teams have been signed up for the yearly festival on Saturday, August 14, at The Glyn Mitchell Memorial Ground, in Hanbury Road. As well as two Droitwich
WORCESTERSHIRE Academy prospect David Wheeldon has been called up to the England Under 15 cricket squad. The talented young all-rounder has been selected on the back of his outstanding displays at the prestigious Bunbury Festival where he claimed two
BROMSGROVE Rovers star Kevin Banner (pictured) needed 14 stitches and surgery to remove glass after he sustained head injuries in a car crash. The midfielder was taken to Selly Oak Hospital after his black Vauxhall Corsa was involved in an accident with
NEW signing Colin Hoyle was thrown to the Wolves last night as a Molineux XI tore Worcester City to shreds. It proved a St George's Lane baptism of fire for the ex-Burton Albion man drafted into secure City's back line. Unfortunately for Hoyle, Wolves
BROMSGROVE Rovers can look forward to two cup matches with Worcester City. Rovers have been drawn at home to the St George's Lane side in the second round of the Worcestershire Senior Cup after receiving a bye. The Reserves have been paired at home with
BROMSGROVE Rovers are going truly global after having a match televised in Korea. Parts of last Thursday's 4-1 defeat to an impressive Korean Universities XI at the Victoria Ground, watched by about 100 people, was filmed by broadcast company KBS and
FAIRFIELD Villa have been handed an away tie in the Worcestershire FA Junior Cup. Villa are scheduled to play at Cookley Social in the first round on Saturday, September 25 (3pm). Droitwich Spa travel to Feckenham Reserves in the same competition. Meanwhile
DROITWICH Spa's water was a resource, which was once highly prized, and the very reason for the town's existence and wealth. Even in my youth, the town swimming pool and brine baths were exotic and exciting places to visit (if you could get in). The water
I WAS surprised to receive in the post, a new "Vehicle Registration Document", supposedly to replace my almost identical existing one. Apparently, this has been issued "on orders from the EU". Why? The letter with it says "it is to harmonise documents
AS the storm of recent news reports shows, it appears that the only certainty older people and their families face when it comes to obtaining and paying for care is that it will be a confusing and daunting experience. The chaos over who pays for care
CAN I recommend that readers have a look at the excellent new website for Bromsgrove District Council. This is a mine of useful information about the district and nationally, and is a further step in our drive to adapt to the Government's e-governance
YET again, a recent Saturday evening was invaded by the noise of fireworks. Used without thought or consideration for people or pets. Fireworks are a menace - sales should be restricted to between November 1 and November 5 if indeed they should be sold
THE staff of Sidemoor pre-school, Bromgrove, would like to thank all the parents and children for the presents we received at the end of term. Thank you to the committee for all their support in the group over the past twelve months. Good luck to all
DEMOCRACY died in Bromsgrove last week. With the connivance of the Tories, the leader of a group of four councillors is now the leader of the opposition in preference to the leaders of two groups of six councillors. The person voted as the new leader
I WAS surprised to receive in the post, a new "Vehicle Registration Document", supposedly to replace my almost identical existing one. Apparently, this has been issued "on orders from the EU". Why? The letter with it says "it is to harmonise documents
HAVING read last week's report I don't feel that KC Promotions were at the same Balloon Festival event that I was at in Cofton Park. For them to say "it was hailed a big success" is incorrect. I would like to know what planet they were from as I don't
WHEN they walk down the local high street holding hands with their husband, wife or partner, do readers feel under any kind of threat? In Britain this simple act is something we take for granted, but in many parts of the world, gay people can be beaten
DEMOCRACY died in Bromsgrove last week. With the connivance of the Tories, the leader of a group of four councillors is now the leader of the opposition in preference to the leaders of two groups of six councillors. The person voted as the new leader
WORCESTER Warriors will need to be at their peak of physical fitness just to compete in the forthcoming Premiership campaign, warns Andy Keast. The Sixways coach is overseeing a gruelling pre-season programme designed to get the players in tip-top condition
BROMSGROVE Folk Club has picked up a prestigious award. The well-established club were named winners of the 2004 West Midlands Folk Federation (WFFM) Award for outstanding contribution to the music scene. Club organiser and spokesman Bob Bignell collected
THE fancy footwork of 12 friends helped two town women scoop a coveted line-dancing award. Janet Bayliss and Zoe Jenner-Jones won third prize in a line-dancing choreography competition held at Walsall Town Hall last month. They had to design a dance,
Wednesday, August 4 Film: Shrek 2, Cinemac, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston, Birmingham, 1pm. Children: Summer Fun Workshop, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston, Birmingham. Also on Thursday and Friday. Show: Vodou Nation, Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst Street
I VISITED possibly the largest recycling centre in Worcester, County Hall car boot sale. I went with my husband, a regular car booter who has already started having withdrawal symptoms at the talk of its closure. It was not the best of weather, a little
WE were very pleased to welcome two new members to our July meeting and hope they will make many new friends. There were several reminders to be followed up: (1) our water quiz forms should be filled in and sent to the address on the bottom of the form
I AGREE with E A Bond (You Say, Wednesday, July 28) the courts not only do not gain the whole picture when it comes to children's wishes and the contact they want with certain parents, but, in some cases, completely ignore the wishes of children. There
ON Saturday, July 24 my husband and I went for an early evening walk round town. What we saw had to be seen to be believed. Down the side of the church on the Cross - where the Citizen's Advice Bureau used to be - was rubbish, ankle-deep down the steps
FIVE people, including a 13-year-old girl, have been charged in connection with the murder of disabled Bromsgrove man Andrew Lammas. Andrew Edwards of Austin Road, Charford, was charged with the murder of 44-year-old Mr Lammas, also of Austin Road, between
DEMONSTRATIONS of cutting casualties out of cars and showing how quickly a blaze can spread in a living room entertained and informed more than 200 people on Saturday. Firefighters at Bromsgrove's Windsor Street station held an open day to raise awareness
A BROMSGROVE man pleaded guilty to driving after having consumed more than twice the legal limit of alcohol. Wayne Goddard, of Austin Road, Charford, appeared before Redditch Magistrates Court last Friday charged with driving his Vauxhall Nova while under
A HOLIDAY in Bromsgrove ended in misery for South African couple Derek and Val Wakefield when they had two cameras including film of their daughter's wedding stolen on a visit to Avoncroft Museum. The couple, both 49-year-old schoolteachers, had stopped
THE popular curate of St John's Parish Church, the Reverend Michael Rogers, is leaving for pastures new. Mr Rogers has been appointed reverend of a five-village parish shadowed by the Malvern Hills. The rural villages are Pendock, Berrow, Eldersfield,
STARS from the world of films, TV and sport gathered in Bromsgrove on Friday to say Auf Wiedersehen to famous actor and former professional wrestler Pat Roach, who died after losing a six year battle against throat cancer. It was his express wish in the
A FIT nine-year-old will show what a good sport she is when she joins her teenage sisters for a three-mile charity run. Alice Alton will run alongside Rebecca, 17 and Olivia, 14 in the Flora Light Challenge for Women, a sponsored fun-run in Birmingham
SPA girl Guides have been dealt another harsh blow in their long slog to save their Droitwich meeting place. The Guides, who meet in Acre Lane, have been locked in talks with Wychavon District Council for two years in a bid to save their hut and extend
BROMSGROVE Golf Club has reached the quarter-finals of the West Midlands League after winning Zone C. Despite a disappointing 3-1 defeat at Kings Norton last Tuesday, the Stratford Road club clinched the zone courtesy of a better games difference ahead
A THREE-year-old boy set his parents' Charford house on fire after playing with a lighter. And firefighters also had to brave the flames to rescue the family's dog. The toddler had been playing with the lighter and accidentally set light to an upstairs
MID-WORCESTERSHIRE MP Peter Luff and Bromsgrove MP Julie Kirkbride were welcomed with open arms as guests to the Worcestershire National Farmers Union (NFU) in Hanbury. The pair visited Gordon Few's Ditchford Bank Farm, in Hanbury, to discuss the state
RESIDENTS in Droitwich are being given special crime prevention leaflets and fridge magnets to make them feel "Safe & Sound" at home. Even though the town and the rest of Wychavon has one of the lowest crime rates in the West Mercia police area, local
COOKHILL got back to winning ways with an eight-wicket victory over Calverdon on Saturday in Division Six. Batting first, Claverdon scored 201 for 8 with Bobby Wormington taking 5 for 34. In reply, Cookhill passed the target with 11 overs to spare, thanks
SPA residents will no longer be able to register births and deaths in Droitwich if a proposal to close the town's register office is given the go ahead. Worcestershire County Council has announced it wants to transfer services to Worcester by next spring
THIS is the sound of the future. Forget all the crashing, thrashing guitar-driven din and the melancholy and desperation in anything softer and listen to sounds that are actually joyful and make you feel better about the world. Bebel is bringing Bossa
IT'S difficult to gauge what sort of film this is supposed to be. At its barest it is the true story of the love affair between Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes, two of the most celebrated poets of the twentieth century. Behind the smoulder though you are
THERE'S not quite as much gore as Kill Bill but it's damn close. Set in 19th century Japan, Zatoichi tells the story of a blind wanderer who stumbles across a village ravaged by gang warfare. But the blind man ("Beat" Takeshi) just happens to be a master
A really good live album is a pretty rare commodity nowadays and certainly this offering from the Chilis smells more of 'quick cash-in' than 'great performance worthy of release'. It's just over a month since the band, still riding high on the success
IT'S been a difficult year for one-man band Mull Historical Society, what with being dropped from record label Warner's. But with third album This Is Hope, Colin MacIntyre has shown he is unfazed by the recent changes with his latest work reflecting a
JOHN Bickerton failed to make the cut in his latest PGA European Tour event. The Droitwich Spa golf professional's rounds of 75 and 73 left him four over par at the Scandinavian Masters and out of a place in the final two days. Bickerton drops four places
RIDERS from Droitwich Spa and Bromsgrove will be taking part in a pony club event this weekend. Croome Pony Club's Parents' Association is holding a fun show with showing classes, jumping, handy pony and gymkhana games this Sunday. The show, to raise
JULY has been a disappointing month for Ombersley Golf Club's ladies with three defeats. The team lost matches against Bromsgrove, Wharton Park and Abbey Park. Some pride was salvaged by Janet Gore who made an eagle at the par four eleventh at Wharton
NEW signing Colin Hoyle was thrown to the Wolves last night as a Molineux XI tore Worcester City to shreds. It proved a St George's Lane baptism of fire for the ex-Burton Albion man drafted into secure City's back line. Unfortunately for Hoyle, Wolves
ASSEMBLY workers were the employees in most demand by town firms over the last 12 months, according to the latest wage rate survey published by Redditch Council's economic development service. The survey found 166 positions at an average wage of £5.65
August 8, 1954 Constable AW Brown, of Mappleborough Green, who holds the distinction of being the longest serving policeman in Warwickshire, is to retire at the end of this month. Mr Brown has been stationed at Mappleborough Green for over 17 years and
August 6, 1904 THE children attending Ridgeway Council School, with their mothers, teachers and friends, had their annual treat on Thursday of last week. The scholars assembled at the school at half past two and accompanied by their teachers, were met
ABOUT 20 Redditch Town Hall staff yesterday received letters telling them their jobs are at risk. But Council Leader David Cartwright says he hopes fewer than six will be lost in a major shake-up to save £1 million. At an extraordinary meeting of the
AT the meeting of Redditch Council's planning committee, called on July 19 to consider proposals for Bordesley Abbey Meadows, I made the following points: Planning is sensible anticipation. No planning issue can be viewed in isolation. The huge proposed
KAREN Lumley is right to point out the need for us to reduce violent crime (Letters, July 28). Most of the sharp increase is the result of binge drinking, a habit that seems to be purely an English pastime. Crime in general, though, is of course lower
EARLIER this week, we returned home from holiday and on opening our Advertiser to catch up, we find Redditch appears to be turning into a grim mixture of Bangkok, Sodom and Gomorrah and Las Vegas (Letters, July 28). We know we've indulged in some good
AT THE beginning of July, the club staged an outing to Rosemoor in Devon. This being one of the RHS' prestigious gardens, affiliated societies like the Alcester Club can have a free trip once a year for members. It was a long journey to make in one day
TEMPORARY orders which give police the power to disperse gangs are still proving effective more than two months after running out. But police are warning the Section 30 orders, which also allow them to escort loitering youngsters home, can quickly be
REPRESENTATIVES from a Redditch charity and other brave souls from town organisations will be getting a taste of what is faced by homeless youngsters when they take part in a sponsored sleep-out. Nightstop, based in the Ecumenical Centre, provides emergency
DESPITE the poor weather, the July garden meeting was held at the home of Carol Clark. Members were entertained by homeopathic practitioner Emma Rippin, one of the first to gain a degree in holistic therapies at Leamington, one of only two universities
HOME, away (Dr Martens Division One West fixtures unless stated) JULY Tue 20 Stratford Town (Friendly) 1-1 (Frost) Sat 24 AFC TELFORD (Friendly) 2-1 (Szewczyk 2) Tue 27 HEDNESFORD TOWN (Friendly) 1-2 (Frost) Thu 29 KOREA UNIVERSITIES XI (Friendly) 1-4
FOLLOWING the highly successful 10th anniversary dinner at Redditch Golf Club last month, the club returns to its regular meeting programme today when one of Yamaha's top demonstrators, Richard Bower, will give a concert using instruments from the new
AT the July meeting, Richard Hartley gave a talk and slide show on Stanhopea orchids. These are amazing plants, with the flower spikes growing downwards so they require planting in hanging baskets or mounting on bark. He brought a selection of plants
THERE was a superb turnout for Studley's annual wheelbarrow race on Sunday and the weather was glorious too. Starting from The Bell, teams of two hared around each of the village's pubs as fast as possible, stopping off for a half pint on the way. Bob
MAY I, through your columns, thank all those who attended and supported by sending donations, providing food or giving raffle prizes, the charity barbecue in aid of Cure Leukaemia, organised by district councillor Jean Luck and Hilary Woolley at the home
IT is seven years since I was lucky enough to be elected as Member of Parliament for Redditch, Feckenham, Inkberrow and Cookhill. In that time, I have met about 2,500 people at my surgeries to hear directly about their concerns and problems. I have correspondence
TROUBLE in a Southcrest subway is still making people's lives a misery - two years after residents started campaigning for a solution. At a recent neighbourhood group meeting, residents said they constantly faced antisocial behaviour from drug-taking
A COMPANY boss has been ordered to pay compensation to another man for breaking his nose with a headbutt after they had left a party at the same time. James Gaitens had gone to the party in Studley with Andrea Barr - and objected to victim Paul Redman
A REDDITCH dad has spoken with pride of his son who is currently serving with the British Army's Royal Engineer Regiment in Iraq. Private Jonathon Reilly, 22, a former Arrow Vale High School pupil from Winyates East, did his training with the Parachute
A "MISTAKE" by Stratford District Council could result in car parking charges being introduced in Alcester and Bidford. The proposed charges are part of the district council's decriminalisation of parking which is to be introduced in October and were
THE generous folk at Hatton Country World have once again come up trumps after being asked to provide a day of fun and frolics for youngsters from Chernobyl. Every year, a group of people from Inkberrow and the Evesham area raise enough money to bring
TRIBUTES have been paid to an "excellent soldier" who spent the last 14 years of his life in Alcester. Lt Col Patrick Winter OBE died in Pitchill Nursing Home, Salford Priors, on Friday after a long illness. He was 78. Lt Col Winter joined the army during
PARISH clerk Eric Mitchell has proved he knows his stuff. He has been awarded a certificate in local council administration by the Asessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA), which means Salford Priors Parish Council is a step closer to achieving quality
A BLIND fundraiser is on the way to collecting £3,000 after a successful sponsored parachute jump. Gary Willis, 43, of Church Hill, did a tandem jump from 13,200 feet last Tuesday with the famous Red Devils at the Duke of Gloucester Barracks near Cirencester
THREE people were seriously hurt in a collision in Welford on Sunday morning. Police and fire crews were called to the accident, at about 6am on Long Marston Road, when a Nissan Micra and a Volkswagen Polo were in collision. The driver of the Micra, a
POLICE in Warwickshire hope to cut the number of motorcycle accidents on the county's roads with a summer speed campaign. Safety cameras will be used at weekends and during the evening on weekdays to monitor speeds and dangerous driving at danger spots
A CLOTHING retailer is trying an innovative selling method with outlets based at motorway service stations. Leisurewear giant Cotton Traders has chosen the RoadChef at Strensham Services on the M5 northbound carriageway. The 600sq ft store stocks Cotton
Kingfisher Rotary Club is asking residents and businesses to help them support the people of Sudan and Bangladesh by producing life-saving aqua boxes. When disaster strikes, lack of clean water is the most common problem and without it, waterborne diseases
A BROMSGROVE construction firm has been named runner-up at the Learning and Skills Council's (LSC) first national Modern Apprenticeship Awards for medium sized employers. Weaver plc's group planning manager, Jeremy Lydiatt, said the firm's commitment
A REDDITCH charity desperately needs support from residents if it is to cope with the ever-increasing calls for help it receives each year. Carers Careline helps people who spend a large part of their time caring for a friend or relative who is elderly
A TRADITIONAL company is using modern technology to make sure its award-winning cider stays fresh and delicious to the last drop! H Weston & Son Ltd, which has been making cider since 1880, has launched its organic vintage vider in a three-litre "
A FUN-filled day of music, dance and sports is coming to Redditch on Saturday. The multicultural Family Fun Day, organised by the Descendants of Windrush, was made possible by a £2,000 grant from the Co-operative group's Community Dividend Fund. It kicks
BROMSGROVE Rovers star Kevin Banner (pictured) needed 14 stitches and surgery to remove glass after he sustained head injuries in a car crash. The midfielder was taken to Selly Oak Hospital after his black Vauxhall Corsa was involved in an accident with
BROMSGROVE Rovers are going truly global after having a match televised in Korea. Parts of last Thursday's 4-1 defeat to an impressive Korean Universities XI at the Victoria Ground, watched by about 100 people, was filmed by broadcast company KBS and
BROMSGROVE Rovers can look forward to two cup matches with Worcester City. Rovers have been drawn at home to the St George's Lane side in the second round of the Worcestershire Senior Cup after receiving a bye. The Reserves have been paired at home with
