MIDFIELDER Riad Erraji has returned to the Victoria Ground to give Bromsgrove Rovers a much-needed boost. The midfield schemer was set to make his first team return at Rovers in Tuesday night's home game against Leighton Town. Erraji decided to leave
FOUR Opinions gave Chaddesley Corbett trainer Patrick Kennedy his first winner with his very first runner at his local meeting on Saturday.THUNDER OF HOOVES:The main contenders go for broke in the Hewitt International Ladies Open Race. His 10-year-old
A GIFTED Bromsgrove songbird will join three other artists to hold a charity concert for Christian Aid at the Methodist Centre. Soprano Julie Rendell, age 24, will serenade the audience at the Stratford Road venue in Spring Light-Classical Concert on
Bromsgrove Rovers 0 Leighton Town 2 Southern League Division One West BROMSGROVE Rovers slipped to a damaging home defeat on a bitterly cold Tuesday night. Rovers have missed chances and conceded soft goals all season and this game was no different. The
Clevedon Town 2 Bromsgrove Rovers 0 Southern League Division One West By Peter McKinney ROVERS slipped to their first defeat ever to leaders Clevedon Town at a wind swept Hand Stadium on Saturday. In a match ruined as a spectacle by gale force winds and
FIXTURES Harvey World Travel Midland Football Alliance Saturday, March 4, Malvern Town v Boldmere St Michaels (3.00). Saturday, March 11, Romulus v Malvern Town (3.00). West Midlands League Division One Saturday, March 4, Nursing Junior Cup semi-final
BROMSGROVE Rovers manager Rod Brown has made a double bid to bolster his midfield after winger Anthony Maguire quit the club for Hednesford Town on Monday. Brown has put in seven-day requests for former midfield maestro Riad Erraji, who is at Rushall
ACA LIMITED edition figurine of champion racehorse Best Mate has been presented to its owner Jim Lewis. The bone china study of the much-loved horse, who died after a race at Exeter last year, is being produced by Royal Worcester Porcelain. The first
Hockey: Women Redditch 2 Tenbury 1 A GOAL apiece from Becky Southwell and Emma Preston in the final four minutes helped Redditch to snatch a dramatic victory to maintain their title challenge. And this was after Tenbury had taken the lead from a controversial
YOUNGSTERS will be able to try their hand at golf this weekend - and it won't cost them a penny. Children aged from five to 16 are being urged to head to Holberrow Green's Golf Academy where they can take part in the free taster sessions. And if they
Wednesday, March 1 Horrible Histories, Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham. Until March 4. Tickets on 0870 607 7533. Three Sisters, Repertory Theatre, Broad Street, Birmingham. Until March 4. Tickets on 0121 236 4455 or www.birmingham-rep.co.uk Birmingham Royal
STOURPORT firsts kept their Midland Conference promotion push on track when Melissa Kenn-edy's goal sealed a hard-fought 1-0 victory at closest rivals Cannock. The success leaves Holly Lashford's girls needing only five points to secure their elevation
STOURPORT firsts finished all square at National North Division leaders Brooklands during a topsyturvy 4-4 draw. Imran Yousaf scored twice with skipper Phil Lashford and Rob Allen also on target to earn a point which leaves them fifth. Yousaf's two goals
KIDDERMINSTER Cobras were the latest victims of Warley's unstoppable march towards the West Midlands Basketball Premier League title in an 88-59 home defeat. Warley's ball movement and shooting prowess was simply superb, although Cobras did rally to win
BOTH Red Man teams are through to the last eight in the Wyre Forest Trivia Cup, and BCC racked up the highest score of the season - 81 - when they beat Red Lion. Round three results: Rising Sun B 43, Bell 59; Cock A 52, Red Man 60; Rising Sun A 73, Bridge
Wednesday, March 1 CINEMA: Match Point, Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove. THEATRE: The Gathering, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester. THEATRE: A Winter's Tale, John Moore Theatre, King's School, Worcester. THEATRE: Role Play, Swan Theatre, Worcester (until March
OVER the last two weekends this year's County Championships, got underway, in the form of long-distance swims, which were held at Hereford. On February 19, Wyre Forest Swimming Club members who have achieved county times took part in the 800m freestyle
A KARATE club with centres across the Midlands is set to offer self defence classes in Kidderminster, alongside its other martial arts activities. Ruach Karate Club currently meets at the Glades Leisure Centre from 10.30am until 11.30am on Sundays and
HOME, away (Midlands One fixtures unless stated) SEPTEMBER Sat 03 Whitchurch (Powergen National Trophy, Midlands round one) 3-51 Sat 10 BURTON 14-41 Sat 17 Luctonians (Powergen National Trophy, Midlands round two). Sat Dudley Kingswinford 48-12 OCTOBER
TALISMANIC Feckenham striker Lee Ross has been ruled out for a month by a knee ligament injury picked up in last week's Endsleigh Challenge Cup quarter-final at Coventry Sphinx. The striker, on loan from Southern League, Western Division outfit Stourport
NEW players are being sought for a number of junior sides in Redditch. Feckenham Juniors, a club with FA Charter status, are on the lookout for children to join next season's u7s, u8s and u9s. The club will be holding two open afternoons later this month
FOR an evening of classic Gilbert and Sullivan entertainment, try Astwood Bank Operatic Society's production of The Mikado. The group will put on the legendary show from Tuesday until next Saturday at Kingsley College Theatre. Led by producer Joy Vater
Redditch VC Women 3 Evesham United Ladies 0 REDDITCH stretched their unbeaten run to eight games with another fine performance against Evesham. The home side started strongly with both Nat Lawrence and Kate Saint spraying the passes around the pitch allowing
OFFERING a thought-provoking insight into three generations of a Jewish middle-class family, Mike Leigh's Two Thousand Years arrives at the Malvern Theatres next week. Leigh's first play in over a decade, only seven performances will be shown at the Festival
Old Silhilians mens' 1st XI 1 Bromsgrove men's 1st XI 5 MATT Russell grabbed a hat trick as Bromsgrove maintained their winning form in the Coaching Solutions West Midlands Division One on Saturday. The forward's second half hat trick completed a dominant
Wednesday Open, 12 fished, Bank and Middle pools: Jon Cook (Angling 2000) 18lb 7oz (peg Bank 21), Nigel Anderson (Gloucester) 13-5 (Middle 11), Dave Highfield (Moorlands) 12-11 (Bank 17). Thursday Cost-cutter, 10, Middle: Gary Picken (SBS) 21-2 (11),
ROCK band Trigger will grace the stage at Bromsgrove's Artrix on Saturday, supported by two of the area's up-and-coming bands. The band will offer its usual quality performance, including covers from bands such as Queen and Bon Jovi, plus original songs
The only fish caught at the match on the Lyttelton waters was an 11oz roach, caught by R Coles. There will be a match on the Staffor-dshire/Worcestershire canal pegs 35-36 on Sunday, the draw to be made at 8am.
CHADDESLEY Corbett are looking for a new manager after Martin Westcott announced his decision to end his 20-year association with the club. Westcott will stand down after the final match of their West Midlands League Division Two campaign after admitting
REDDITCH Music Society's concert series resumes this weekend with a performance from two top musicians. In a slight change to the programme, flautist Judith Hall will now appear with Welsh harpist Deian Rowlands on Saturday at the Ecumenical Centre. Hugh
GILT Edge routed bottom side Plough Dukes in their Kidderminster and District football League Sunday Division four fixture, 8-0. In Sunday Division Two, Hoobrook Crown beat Arley 7-1 in a Wyre Forest derby. A Stourport derby in the semi-finals of the
GOALKEEPER Lucy Cooksey swapped her gloves for her scoring boots as Kidderminster Harriers Ladies Reserves hammered Hinton 11-0 in the Women's County League. With striker Kirsty Sheppard in goal because of a leg injury, Cooksey played up front and fired
CLEOBURY Mortimer Rugby Club could be roared on by up to 1,000 fans at Twickenham after marching through to the final of the Powergen Junior Vase. The Love Lane club have been allocated 750 tickets for the showpiece occasion at the home of rugby on Sunday
WITH the first team taking a break, Kidderminster Carolians second string took centre stage but failed to cope with the limelight as they lost 45-0 to their Hereford counterparts. In the battle of second versus first in the merit table rankings, KCs were
STOURPORT and Chaddesley have provisionally pencilled in their re-arranged North Midlands Division Two South game for April 2. Chaddesley's other outstanding game at home to Clee Hill will be played on March 25, subject to confirmation. A mixed Corbett
WARRIORS' teenage wing Uche Oduoza has returned to training for the first time since straining a quad muscle in January. The 19-year-old speedster is in contention for a return to the first team after being sidelined for the last six weeks with his leg
JAI Stanley admits he may need to bide his time before aiding Worcester City's play-off push. The midfielder enjoyed his first senior start since September 10 on Monday, completing 120 minutes in the Worcestershire Senior Cup penalty shoot-out defeat
DETERMINED Lee Thompson wants to follow Russ Penn in earning a longer contract at Kidderminster Harriers. The diminutive forward has forced his way into the Harriers line-up after a slow start to the season due to personal problems. Thompson, a summer
A WORCESTER-based environmental charity is gearing up for its annual month-long campaign to clean up the city. The Rubbish? Sort It! campaign, spearheaded by the Worcestershire Duckworth Trust, sees volunteers hitting the streets armed with litter pickers
ANGRY residents have spoken out about an application to build 91 homes on a disused oil storage depot in Worcester. At St Peter's Parish Council meeting, residents expressed concerns about Persimmon Homes' application, for the former Ministry of Defence
SOAP stars from Hollyoaks and Coronation Street are set to clash in a charity football match in Worcester. The event, in aid of Leukaemia CARE will take place on Sunday, April 9, at Worcester City Football Club's St George's Lane ground. For those buying
FROM schoolchildren to businessmen and the Dean of Worcester Cathedral, everybody went flipping mad for pancakes yesterday. Workers in Worcester took to the High Street to show off their saucepan skills in a relay race outside the Guildhall. The City
CITY bosses are to lobby Chancellor Gordon Brown for more money for flood defences. A letter pointing out the devastating effects of flooding in the city will be signed by council bosses and sent to the Exchequer. The campaign was started by Worcester
YOUNG performers are due to take centre stage in a Faithful City arts competition. Singers, musicians and actors as young as six years old are rehearsing for the Worcester Competitive Fes-tival being held at the Royal Grammar School. Children of all ages
A DRAFT guide on the future of transport in Worcester and how it ties in with future building developments has been branded "appalling" by city planners. The guide, drawn up by Worcestershire County Council's highways department, helps planners decide
ELDERLY and disabled residents in Wychavon have been reminded to take advantage of a free travel offer. Wychavon District Council has teamed up with the county council and other district authorities to launch a new bus pass, which will allow residents
Droitwich Spa 23 Worcester Wanderers 16 North Midlands Shield INSPIRATIONAL forward Jon Andrews inspired Droitwich RFC to come from behind to beat Worcester Wanderers and book the team's place in the quarterfinals of the North Midlands Shield on Saturday.UNDER
DROITWICH under-11s trounced Old Luctonians 28-0 on Sunday. Huw Selvey opened the scoring, while Ben Burkes, Kieren Priest and Charlie Harrop also touched down. Droitwich under-15s edged Wolverhampton 15-12 on Sunday. Spa showed strong spirit to come
CAREFUL round the halo. The Rev Robin Charles, the vicar of Dines Green, Worcester, celebrates the arrival of a new hairdressing salon in his parish by dropping in to have his locks trimmed. He didn't have to go far. Because Scissor Sisters has opened
A SCHEME that is widening adult participation in learning across Worcestershire has been put forward for a number of awards. The Learning Ambassadors Project, which aims to bring adults back into learning, has been nominated for two upcoming awards ceremonies
DETERMINED Lee Thompson wants to follow Russ Penn in earning a longer contract at Kidderminster Harriers. The diminutive forward has forced his way into the Harriers line-up after a slow start to the season due to personal problems. Thompson, a summer
I WRITE on behalf of the committee and members of the Friends of the Princess of Wales Community Hospital. The Friends have organised the hospital gala since the commencement 25 years ago when it became the hospital gala/carnival. Prior to that, a series
I would just like to put on record my thanks to the generosity of Steve, Vera and the regulars at the Greyhound public house who recently raised more than £170 towards the Kenya orphanage appeal with a charity quiz evening. I was astounded by their support
Should Christians unite to protest about Jerry Springer: The Opera as Neil Bennett suggests (Letters, February 15)? One of the benefits of living in Britain is the freedom granted to each individual to practise his religion in accordance with his conscience
Alcester 15 Harbury 10 IT may have taken three seasons to achieve but Alcester recorded an excellent first victory over their opponents from the division above. Both sides used the opportunity of the break from the league campaign to blood fresh faces
MIDFIELDER Riad Erraji has returned to the Victoria Ground to give Bromsgrove Rovers a much-needed boost. The midfield schemer was set to make his first team return at Rovers in Tuesday night's home game against Leighton Town. Erraji decided to leave
Clevedon Town 2 Bromsgrove Rovers 0 Southern League Division One West By Peter McKinney ROVERS slipped to their first defeat ever to leaders Clevedon Town at a wind swept Hand Stadium on Saturday. In a match ruined as a spectacle by gale force winds and
Fairfield Villa 2 Littleton 1 VILLA booked their place in the next round of the Presidents' Cup by edging out Littleton on Saturday and set up hopes of a treble this season.IN FLIGHT:A Fairfield Villa player advances during Saturday's win over Littleton
Coton Green 1 Droitwich Spa 1 STUART James was on target as Droitwich took a battling point in the Midland Combination Division Two on Saturday. The draw earned a valuable point as Spa continues to edge away from relegation danger. Spa is now tenth in
COFTON Falcons rose to the top of the Advertiser/Messenger League Division One by getting the better of Crabmill 4-1 on Sunday. In Division Two Church Reserves surprised leaders Turks Head by defeating them 4-0. Black Cross moved above Bromsgrove General
WYCHBOLD RBL edged Bromsgrove General 3-2 in the Redditch and South Warwickshire Combination League on Sunday. Austin Ex-Apprentices got the better of Bromsgrove Athletico 3-0. Black Horse edged Grange Athletic 1-0 in the Birmingham County Cup.
l Dog fouling at the entrance to Westwood Park. The dog fouling bin, placed at the entrance to Nuffield Drive, should have been placed 350 yards away at the Westwood Park, allotment entrance where it can be used. l The lido - less attractive than in the
I have just returned home from a very enjoyable, inexpensive evening at the Norbury in Friar Street, Droitwich Spa. Well done to all concerned. I look forward to the next film. Duchess of Hamilton via email
The land at the war office in Droitwich does not belong to the MOD. It was lent to it during the war with the agreement that once it had no use for it it would be returned to the family that owns it - the Evertons This has not happened even though the
Luton 76 Bromsgrove 25 Midlands Division One BROMSGROVE RFC suffered their biggest defeat of the season as Luton routed them on Saturday The Boars were ran ragged by an inspired Luton side that scored 11 tries. Defeat is another disappointing blow for
Nearly 60 years of railway photography - that is the subject of the March meeting, which will be a slide presentation with Wolverley-based Mike Paine. Mike will be taking us on a journey through the years and around the world in search of steam. Mike
MEMBERS of the Bromsgrove Ramblers Association are gearing up for a six mile walk around Kings Norton this Sunday (March 5). For more details contact John on 01527 821065 or Jean on 01527 875385.
THE AGM of Chaddesley Corbett Gardeners' Club was well-attended. The guest speaker John Williams gave a talk and slideshow about hellebores. John's knowledge of the history and range of this much-loved plant and his extensive collection of slides were
AT our first meeting of 2006 the speaker was Judy Berrow and her talk was entitled Starting from Scratch. With the aid of an accompanying slide show she took us through the whole process of buying up a dilapidated listed tythe-barn with outbuildings plus
THE first show of the 2006 season was held at All Saint's Hall, Burcot Lane. This was judged by Allan Taylor and saw a very large entry of 122 dogs. The best in show winner was Miss Wilkinson's whippet bitch handled by her father Paul. Reserve best in
FARMERS angry at the price they receive from major supermarkets for their milk protested by handing out free bottles to customers as they left one Bromsgrove store. Dairymen, with the help of a couple of cute five-month old heifer calves - Polly and Anna
A £63 MILLION project to create seven new schools in the Bromsgrove area is now officially under way following a special ceremony on Monday. While some works have already begun on the scheme to create the new schools for the district, the actual opening
A TALENTED schoolboy, who was killed during a motorbike race, is to be honoured by football teams across the area. Chris Jones died last year after crashing at a race in Lincolnshire. The youngster, from Stoke Prior, near Bromsgrove, was seriously injured
THE owners of an Indian restaurant were fined a total of £8,000 after a room used to store food and equipment was infested with mice. Srigobinda Deb and Nikil Ranjan Das, who own the Chennai restaurant on Kidderminster Road, Dodford, were also ordered
A WYCHBOLD care home for adults with learning difficulties has successfully opposed a compensation claim by a former support worker who alleged the management's attitude caused her to leave the job. Sian Baggus, of Bromsgrove, made a compensation claim
THE landlord of a Spa pub has vowed to stick to his guns despite receiving hate mail following a car-clamping row. Duncan Edwards, manager of the Spring Meadow pub in Primsland Way, angered some Droitwich motorists last month when a clamping firm was
THE sister-in-law of a pregnant Droitwich woman has hit out at housing chiefs after her relative was left homeless. Twenty-three-year-old Joanne Paterson used to live at the Droitwich Single Homeless Project, a hostel in Ombersley Road, until it was closed
IT'S always good watching films you haven't heard of, so you can approach them with no preconceptions. Which is great if the film is a previously unheard of yet brilliant work of art, yet not quite so enjoyable if the reason the film was unheard of is
SEVEN former high school classmates meet up after almost three decades apart for the wedding of Bridget and Bill, high school sweethearts who were separated in their youth and found each other again. The wedding is made even more poignant because Bridget
Redditch United 1 Alfreton Town 0 NEW signing Richard Adams had to be content with a place on the bench as Redditch boss Gary Whild stayed loyal to strike partners Craig Wilding and Rory May, the pair who battled so well to claim a share of the spoils
HUNDREDS of campaigners took to the streets in a second protest march against the proposed downgrading of the Alexandra Hospital. Protesters marched through Bromsgrove town centre on Saturday to speak out against possible cuts, including the loss of services
CONTROVERSIAL plans to merge Redditch and Bromsgrove Primary Care Trust (PCT) with other trusts were greeted with a resounding "No" by councillors this week. At a meeting on Monday, Redditch councillors voted unanimously to keep the PCT as it is. Members
THE chairman of the savethealex campaign, Neal Stote, has vowed to keep on fighting following Saturday's successful protest march. Mr Stote told the Advertiser more campaigns were being planned until the threats to local health services disappeared. "
YOUNGSTERS from Sunny Days Pre-school in Greenlands took a walk on the wild side when they got the chance to get a close-up look at some unusual reptiles. Rebekah Robins from Aqua Finatics in Poplar Road, Batchley, brought along a leopard tortoise, a
A TARDEBIGGE church will welcome a star to its congregation on Sunday when Pete Waterman leads the service of morning prayer. Churchwarden at St Bartholomew's Church Michael Price said the Pop Idol judge, railway buff and music mogul was an acquaintance
I WAS impressed with many of the the letters in last week's issue (Advertiser, February 22). Steve Mulvale's correspondence on the AIR Festival was the first to catch my eye. I can't agree the festival was "an unrivalled financial disaster" though. What
AS the cold weather continues, Redditch Council is reminding residents of a service which allows vulnerable people to feel more secure in their homes. The Lifeline Community Alarm Service consists of a telephone alarm and a pendant. One press on either
I AM writing concerning the planning inquiry into the proposed new chimney at Mayfield Farm, Hopwood, which finished last week. If granted, the owner proposes to diversify the farm into a rendering plant with a thermal oxidiser and chimney, processing
HAVING read the letter from Nick Bowler, (Advertiser, February 22), I would like to add that Wirehill Wood walkers have used the Rockford Close path, now closed by Redditch Council, for more than 20 years. This is the second route into the woods that
SIR - I must say a big thank you to our hospital for the treatment and care I received on my recent stay there, particularly in Severn Ward and the intensive care unit. The care and attention I received was remarkable. One hears so many bad reports about
SIR - Many of your readers will have served in the Army during the 1940s and 1950s as National Servicemen - the "virgin soldiers." Some of us completed our service in the Pay Corps in the UK, Germany and many other parts of the world. An RAPC "Old Boys
THEATRE lovers can do their bit for the town by helping at the newly-refurbished Palace Theatre when it re-opens in April. The Alcester Street theatre is looking for volunteers to work in the kiosk, bar, cloakroom and coffee room, as well as performing
A STUDLEY woman is bringing fashion from a bygone era to the Midlands with the start of the first Vintage Clothes Fair in Moseley this weekend. Jeanette Laight is starting the market with business partner Geoff Waldron, aiming to provide vintage clothing
SIR - In response to Martin Staines' recent letter asking "has anybody noticed how Perdiswell Park, the green and open space of a few years ago, gradually became a fence and footpath nightmare?" the answer is most emphatically yes. As someone who has
AT the January meeting, Anita and John Ruffell kindly stepped in at short notice when the planned speaker had to cancel. They gave an excellent audio visual show on such topics as the Alcester Picnic 2000, Arrow Church and Hillers Railway. Further afield
REDDITCH'S clean team has slashed the number of complaints of fly tipping and dog fouling by a third in the last year. The council's two environmental enforcement officers Dave Bennett and Claire Boylan have tackled the issues by increasing their patrols
LOCAL people turned out in force last weekend to highlight their concerns about proposed cuts to hospital services. Health services and welfare provision will always evolve for better or for worse, and Bromsgrove has certainly seen many changes during
BUS users are being urged to think back to the end of January when a driver had £140 of takings snatched. Police are appealing for information following the theft from the 57 People's Express bus on Friday, January 27, at about 4pm. The driver stopped
MEMBERS met at Malt Mill Lane Community Centre for the February meeting President Pauline Vining welcomed them and two visitors from Aston Cantlow WI, one of whom was to be the speaker for the evening , Nicki Chatterton, and the other, Gwen Comfort, her
RESIDENTS mourning the loss of a loved one can look forward to a new service based in the town. National bereavement charity Cruse is setting up a monthly surgery at the Sandycroft Centre in West Avenue, Smallwood, allowing people to book appointments
FOUR Opinions gave Chaddesley Corbett trainer Patrick Kennedy his first winner with his very first runner at his local meeting on Saturday.THUNDER OF HOOVES:The main contenders go for broke in the Hewitt International Ladies Open Race. His 10-year-old
A GROUP of charitable children from Redditch were recognised for their efforts in a special ceremony. The youths won awards during the first run of Worcestershire County Council's Tryangle scheme, which celebrates the efforts and achievements of young
BROMSGROVE Golf Centre's junior coaching programme received the stamp of approval from the sport's governing bodies.HOLE LOT OF WORK WITH CHILDREN: Bromsgrove Golf Centre director Philip Morris (left) celebrates Bromsgrove's Golf Mark award with regional
MEMBERS were treated to a nostalgic and appropriate evening of romantic songs at February's meeting, which was held on St.Valentine's Day. President Lynne Reading introduced the speaker, Mr Hibbs, who had brought a wide selection of songs spanning more
TIME is running out to get hold of tickets for Astwood Bank Operatic Society's production of The Mikado. The Gilbert & Sullivan masterpiece will run at the Kingsley Theatre from Tuesday until next Saturday. Led by producer Joy Vater and musical director
THE February meeting was opened with a request from the president to take part in a national nature watch survey. The speaker was Bernard Mills, an avid collector of all things connected to Kay's of Worcester. A John Skarratt had originally traded in
THE Alcester & District branch held a successful cheese and wine evening on Friday, February 3. Mr Bev Bevins gave an interesting talk entitled The Cotswolds - wool towns and villages. A sum of £760 was raised for the charity.
AN Alvechurch woman was the target of a postal scam. She was sent a letter, claiming to be from Hong Kong, telling her she had come into money but would need to provide her bank details in order to claim it. She was suspicious so contacted the police
THE February meeting got off to a flying start with a crisis. The demonstator who had been booked called the day before the meeting to say she had been taken ill and would not be able to make it. Members Lesley Vanezis, Yvonne Tibbetts, secretary Chris
THE AGM of the Alcester branch was held on Wednesday, January 25, at Spingfields, Hertford Road, Alcester. Chairman Sue Adams reviewed the year and reported two successful social events had been held but most time had been devoted to the local and general
A BUNCH of energetic friends will be getting into a lather at a charity car wash later this month. Julie Senior, Rachel Walmsley, Julie Ingram and Sharon Clarke will be joining firefighters at Redditch Fire Station in Birmingham Road for the money-spinner
MEMBERS were pleased to welcome six visitors to their monthly meeting, which proved to be lots of fun and laughter. Margo Davies's subject was The Benefits of Keeping Fit. She told how women, and the occasional man, have kept fit over the past 50 years
COMPETITION judges who labelled Studley "sad and neglected" last year will be advising residents of the improvements that can be made in time for the 2006 contest. Studley in Bloom organiser Justin Sayer is inviting villagers to talk to one of the Heart
AT the February meeting, Tim Bridges returned to give a talk on the Parish Churches of Worcestershire. Using examples of churches from the local area, he traced the development of different types of church architecture from Saxon times to those built
ALVECHURCH and Wythall residents will be given the chance to raise any issues of local concern at a meeting next week. The Partners and Communities Together (PACT) meeting will be held at Alvechurch Sports and Social Club, The Square, Alvechurch, at 7pm
THE first meeting of 2006 organised by the Redditch and Alcester group saw Richard Icke make a return visit to present a show called Steam Around the Regions. Most of the photographs had been taken from 1961-64 and the first part covered the West Coast
MEMBERS were welcomed to the February meeting by president Margaret Aldridge. Speaker Rob Kingscott, from Johnson's Coaches of Henley, gave a talk with slides on coach tours. The raffle was won by Vera Radford and Edna Taylor. The competition for an item
BUDDING entrepreneurs will be in Redditch town centre on Saturday as they compete in the Young Enterprise Trade Fair. Teams of 16 and 17-year-olds from Woodrush High School, NEW College, Trinity High School, St Augustine's Catholic High School, Kingsley
FOR the February meeting, members were treated to an insight into the fascinating life of Rosemary Prosser. In a talk entitled From Farm Records to Criminal Records, Rosemary took members on her journey as a farmer's wife, police sergeant and now race
THE 22nd birthday was celebrated at the February meeting and there were visitors from the newly enlarged Ipsley with Crabbs Cross WI, Sheila Bishop and Janice Jones, from the executive in Worcester, Jackie Gregory, AGWW representative, and WIA Janet Clemas
Friday, March 3 Quiz night in aid of the Where Next Association's new building appeal at Trinity High School, Grove Street, from 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 per team. More details on 69955. Saturday, March 4 Concert organised by Redditch Music Society at
AFTER an excellent lunch on Wednesday, February 8, speaker Cathy Long talked about Young Carers. Cathy lives in Loxley and has been involved with the Young Carers for six years and as project manager is involved in direct work with children, arranges
IT is a particularly busy time for members, who are not only taking part in club activities on a fortnightly basis but are heavily involved with various competitions. The quarter finals of the National Speech and Evaluation Contest took place at the beginning
ON February 21, members were entertained by Midlands photographer Dr Anne Sutcliffe. She delivered a presentation entitled What's New Pussycat, an interesting title as none of her photographs were of cats. During the presentation, Anne demonstrated her
OLD and new members attending the February meeting enjoyed an interesting talk by Dave Bates, dahlia correspondent for Garden News. Mr Bates, who has appeared on BBC's Gardeners World and is a national show winner and judge, gave a fascinating insight
THE February meeting was an informative and amusing talk by Andrew Stumpf, regeneration manager for British Waterways. He began by saying any canal restoration would probably take 30-40 years. He said 200 miles of canal have been restored over the last
MEMBERS have enjoyed two excellent slide presentations, one by Ian Andrews on British wildlife and one by Malcolm with his varied subjects. The third slide competition was won by David Keel with Into the Unknown. John Lacey was second with A Day on the
SHOP owners in Alcester are worried building work to the town will scare customers away. Work to improve the walkways in the town's tueries began earlier this year and the Market Place enhancements will start in early March. Catherine Hughes, who owns
AN application for a controversial plan to build new houses in Welford has been refused. The plan by South Warwickshire Housing Association to build 34 houses, including 17 for sale to local people, 17 affordable homes, six live-and-work units for businesses
RADIO and satellite navigation equipment has been stolen from an industrial unit in Alcester. Thieves smashed the front window of a transit van parked outside Arden Car Audio on the Arden Business Centre to move it forward, before ramming the front shutters
A SHOPPERS' guide to Alcester is being produced to promote the town's great shopping potential. The booklet will contain details and photographs of every business that has applied to be included. It will be sent to every household and business in Alcester
PLANS to merge Warwickshire Police with neighbouring constabularies into a single force have been put on hold. The county police authority decided against requesting the voluntary move following a meeting with the Home Secretary. Charles Clarke had asked
THE question: When is a crossing not a crossing? The answer: When it is in Alcester High Street. If there were a Gobbledygook Olympics, the official utterances on this subject appearing on the front page of the Alcester Chronicle (February 22) would surely
THOMPSON To Doctor Mark and Fleur Thompson, God's gift of a son, Joseph John Gruffydd. Born February 10th at Llandrindod Wells. Dear brother for Harriet and Emily. Published in paper 01/03/2006
CROSS Rosemary Elizabeth The Family wish to thank all Relatives, Friends and Neighbours for the cards and messages of sympathy received in their sad loss. Special thanks to all who attended the funeral and to the Reverend David Sherwin for a lovely service
PRODGER Vira nee Moule Passed away February 23rd, 2006, aged 83 years, after an illness courageously borne. An inspiration to us all. Wife of the late Cyril, a wonderful mother of Gail and Connie and cherished grandmother and great grandmother. The Funeral
DEAKIN Ivor Died February 29th, 2004. It's two long years, we are still missing you so very much. God bless. Love from all your girls, Rithy, June, Wendy, Lynne and Sue. Published in paper 01/03/2006
BROMSGROVE band Trigger are set to rock the Artrix on Saturday, March 4. The local favourites will perform tracks from album Call to Arms as well as covering hits by Bon Jovi and Queen. Joining Trigger will be two local bands who have battled through
THE Artrix arts centre will be transported back to World War II on Friday, March 3 when We'll Meet Again comes to Bromsgrove. All the 'Hitz from the Blitz' will be performed, with songs by Vera Lynn, Gracie Fields, Donald Peers, Bing Crosby, George Formby
A GIFTED Bromsgrove songbird will join three other artists to hold a charity concert for Christian Aid at the Methodist Centre. Soprano Julie Rendell, age 24, will serenade the audience at the Stratford Road venue in Spring Light-Classical Concert on
Wednesday, March 1 Horrible Histories, Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham. Until March 4. Tickets on 0870 607 7533. Three Sisters, Repertory Theatre, Broad Street, Birmingham. Until March 4. Tickets on 0121 236 4455 or www.birmingham-rep.co.uk Birmingham Royal
Wednesday, March 1 CINEMA: Match Point, Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove. THEATRE: The Gathering, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester. THEATRE: A Winter's Tale, John Moore Theatre, King's School, Worcester. THEATRE: Role Play, Swan Theatre, Worcester (until March
THE English Touring Theatre is back at Malvern's Festival Theatre this week with Alan Bennett's splendid work - The Old Country Timothy West, Jean Marsh and Simon Williams star in this witty and bitter-sweet tale. Timothy West plays Hilary, a man who
From the creative team behind the current West End hit High Society comes Cole Porter's greatest musical Anything Goes at the Birmingham Hippodrome from March 6-11. Set on the luxury liner SS American as it sails from America to England, Anything Goes
MEMBERS of the Bromsgrove Ramblers Association are gearing up for a six mile walk around Kings Norton this Sunday (March 5). For more details contact John on 01527 821065 or Jean on 01527 875385.
PRODUCER Rick Rubin was the man responsible for giving Johnny Cash a new lease of life in his dotage. Now he looks set to do the same for Neil Diamond. The man whose country rock sound made him a household name on both sides of the Atlantic, stopped touring
GONE are the days when the beautiful Julie Andrews flies into your house on her umbrella, gently singing songs to teach your children how to behave - armed with her carpet bag packed with excitingly large objects and a magic potion to make you feel better
IT'S always good watching films you haven't heard of, so you can approach them with no preconceptions. Which is great if the film is a previously unheard of yet brilliant work of art, yet not quite so enjoyable if the reason the film was unheard of is
SEVEN former high school classmates meet up after almost three decades apart for the wedding of Bridget and Bill, high school sweethearts who were separated in their youth and found each other again. The wedding is made even more poignant because Bridget
MUSIC lovers in Worcestershire will have something to suit tastes at Huntingdon Hall this week. The Worcester venue has two differing gigs, which are sure to get the toes tapping. On Thursday, March 2 Christine Collier and Dave Kelly will perform their
FOR an evening of classic Gilbert and Sullivan entertainment, try Astwood Bank Operatic Society's production of The Mikado. The group will put on the legendary show from Tuesday until next Saturday at Kingsley College Theatre. Led by producer Joy Vater
OFFERING a thought-provoking insight into three generations of a Jewish middle-class family, Mike Leigh's Two Thousand Years arrives at the Malvern Theatres next week. Leigh's first play in over a decade, only seven performances will be shown at the Festival
ROCK band Trigger will grace the stage at Bromsgrove's Artrix on Saturday, supported by two of the area's up-and-coming bands. The band will offer its usual quality performance, including covers from bands such as Queen and Bon Jovi, plus original songs
THE successful Soul Caf has found itself a new venue at Redditch's Club Ventura, ready for a gig on Saturday at 8pm. The night will include two live bands, the town's own Common Ground and Walsall-based group Anam Caras. Both bands bring their own style
REDDITCH Music Society's concert series resumes this weekend with a performance from two top musicians. In a slight change to the programme, flautist Judith Hall will now appear with Welsh harpist Deian Rowlands on Saturday at the Ecumenical Centre. Hugh
BAFTA nominated know-it-all Mark Steel brings his original blend of history and comedy to Bromsgrove's Artrix centre on Friday, March 10. Steel brings his national Vive La Revolution show to Bromsgrove following on from the success of the book with the
DEUCE Bigalow (Rod Scheider), male prostitute, returns in this sequel which does not even live up to the meagre comic offering that its predecessor Deuce Bigalow Male Gigolo turned out to be. But I suppose at least in this film Deuce takes his merry,
A WARM and comforting album with a hint of her old charm, Beth Orton's fourth release is a delight to listen to. Comfort of Strangers has a charming and chilled out feel which shows her talents to their fullest - her writing skills and music ability -
HEMMING Albert Harry Bert Of Droitwich. Suddenly at home on February 22nd, 2006, aged 82 years. He will be sadly missed by his sister Dorothy Dorf, Relatives and Friends. Funeral Service at Worcester Crematorium on Tuesday, March 7th, at 11 a.m. No flowers
HUGHES PEPLOW Donna and Simon Donna and Simon would like to announce the safe arrival of their miracle Baby Boy, Kai. Born February 26th, 2006, weighing 5lbs 12ozs. A baby brother for Jack. Thanks to all at The Royal Worcestershire Hospital and a special
HUGHES PEPLOW Donna and Pep Congratulations on the birth of your baby boy Kai. Well done Donna. Love Claire, Jase, Stacey, Casey-Joe and Cobie. xxxxx Published in paper 01/03/2006
OAKLEY Fred Passed away March 1st 2004. Beloved husband and dear father. Time passes, Memories stay, Loved and remembered everyday. All our love, wife Joyce, Michael, David, Philip and Families. Published in paper 01/03/2006
WILKS Dorothy Treasured memories of a dear mother, nan, and great nan, Passed away one year today. Sadly missed by Brenda, Dorothy, Jack and Familes. Published in paper 01/03/2006
COLBURN David Richard Passed away March 1st, nine years ago today. Still sadly missed. Mother and Family. Published in paper 01/03/2006
Bromsgrove Rovers 0 Leighton Town 2 Southern League Division One West BROMSGROVE Rovers slipped to a damaging home defeat on a bitterly cold Tuesday night. Rovers have missed chances and conceded soft goals all season and this game was no different. The
WARRIORS' teenage wing Uche Oduoza has returned to training for the first time since straining a quad muscle in January. The 19-year-old speedster is in contention for a return to the first team after being sidelined for the last six weeks with his leg
BROMSGROVE band Trigger are set to rock the Artrix on Saturday, March 4. The local favourites will perform tracks from album Call to Arms as well as covering hits by Bon Jovi and Queen. Joining Trigger will be two local bands who have battled through
THE Artrix arts centre will be transported back to World War II on Friday, March 3 when We'll Meet Again comes to Bromsgrove. All the 'Hitz from the Blitz' will be performed, with songs by Vera Lynn, Gracie Fields, Donald Peers, Bing Crosby, George Formby
MUSIC lovers in Worcestershire will have something to suit tastes at Huntingdon Hall this week. The Worcester venue has two differing gigs, which are sure to get the toes tapping. On Thursday, March 2 Christine Collier and Dave Kelly will perform their
SHOPPERS and pubgoers in Redditch should be on their guard against counterfeit notes, police are warning. On Friday, a man handed over a fake Scottish £20 note at a pet shop. This follows several reports of fake £10 and £20 notes being handed over in
A PAIR of bikes was stolen from a garden in Knowle Close in Church Hill South. Thieves broke in and took the bicycles overnight on Wednesday, February 15. One of the stolen items has since been recovered but a second, red, silver and black men's Apollo
MIDFIELDER Riad Erraji has returned to the Victoria Ground to give Bromsgrove Rovers a much-needed boost. The midfield schemer was set to make his first team return at Rovers in Tuesday night's home game against Leighton Town. Erraji decided to leave
IT was two in, two out at the Valley Stadium this week as Redditch United manager Gary Whild shuffled his side ahead of two crucial games in three days. And the Reds boss is keeping tabs on a third player who could bolster the Bromsgrove Road club's bid
KINGS Norton warmed up for this weekend's crucial league clash with Evesham by taking a week off. The Hopwood side welcome the North Midlands One (South) leaders to Ash Lane on Saturday (ko 2.30pm) and coach Ian Jackson knows a win is vital to keep their
HEAVY defeats in succession at Rushall A and Stourbridge B leave Kidderminster Chess Club B side battling against relegation from Division Two of the Wolverhampton and District League. Results (Kidderminster names first) - Kidderminster 0.5, Rushall 5.5
TREBLES from John Collymore and Matt Squires saw Harriers D to a 6-4 victory over Kidderminster Table Tennis League leaders Jims Gym A. Second-placed Harriers A were unable to take advantage of this to close the gap, as they were beaten 7-3 by Jims Gym
KIDDERMINSTER kickboxer Drew Neal has maintained his grip on a British title by winning it for the sixth successive year. The 26-year-old personal trainer had that familar winning feeling when he swept aside challengers at the WAKO British Champi-onships
WAGGON A struck a critical blow to Waggon B's chances of closing the gap on league leaders Bliss Gate in the Banks's Bewdley Darts League. Waggon B were struggling from the start with Duncan Taylor and Craig Hopkins losing the opening two legs. The title-chasers
DESPITE his insistence he does not care where his side finish in relation to Alvechurch, Studley manager Kevin Rowlands admitted it would be satisfying to get one over on their neighbours when the two come head-to-head at the Beehive on Saturday (ko 3pm
KIDDERMINSTER and Stourport Athletics Club chairman Bob Ashwood is standing down. Ashwood has made the decision because of his sports commitments at a national level. Vice-chairman Joe Dourneen has been appointed as his successor. Ashwood has held the
BROMSGROVE School's under-18s indoor girls' hockey side was officially ranked as one of the country's top teams after reaching the finals of the National Championships. The team battled through the group stages to reach the final of the tournament, where
Despite bad weather which made fishing difficult, Furnace's regular John Newton won the Sunday Open with 39lb 4oz of fish off peg 30. Close behind him was Kevin Williams, fishing for MCM Meats off peg 22 for 36lb of fish. To fish the open book in on 01299
There will be a delegates meeting on Tuesday at Chainwire Club, starting at 8pm. The annual meeting will be held at Chainwire Club on Tuesday, March 27, also at 8pm. Delegates are asked to attend, with at least one association member.
Round six of Winter League: Ian Tetsall 11-8, Stan James 10-10, Brian Hill 9-8, Peter Knowles 8-9. The final round will be fished at Elmbridge on Wednesday, draw 9am, fishing 10am until 2.30pm.
Winter League team positions, going into round four: Peter Hardiman, Mick Carrick and Mick Charlesworth 122 points; John Hodgetts junior, Vern Wright, Steve Farley 113; Keith Moss, Roger Lewis and Alex Hardiman 89; Ian Moss, Des Ravenhall, Dave Mould
THE successful Soul Caf has found itself a new venue at Redditch's Club Ventura, ready for a gig on Saturday at 8pm. The night will include two live bands, the town's own Common Ground and Walsall-based group Anam Caras. Both bands bring their own style
Steve Raynor won the contest on the canal with a 5oz 4dr catch. Dennis Moles came third with 0-2-12. Others: Geoff Wilkes 0-2-4, John Haycock 0-1-0, Rob Mountford 0-0-8, Trevor Hyrons and Mick Swalwell did not weight in. The next contest will be on Sunday
Kingsnordley Mallards Pool: Richard Broadhurst 21-13, Pete White 17-6, Frank Guest 2-1, Ray Evans 0-7. On Sunday there will be a contest on t he river at Bewdley, KDAA waters at Dowles. Members should telephone the secretary for details on 01562 824651
BEWDLEY Town's second team boss Richard Downey has praised the club's "crucial continuity" after seeing several of his reserve team rookies successfully step up to the first team. Russell Godfrey has earned rave reviews during his rare outings for the
Moorlands, Bank Pool: S Campbell 15-14, E Rowe (Old Bear) 13-15, Rowe (Old Bear) 10-7, Decker (Chainwire) 4-12, J Brown 3-8.
Haye Farm: Dave Parry 26-9, Barry Chesson 12-4, Kevin Driver 10-12. The next contest is at Haye Farm on Sunday - anglers to meet at 8am.
STOURPORT Swifts host Hemel Hempstead Town on Saturday knowing they must start converting chances and finish teams off to stay in the Southern Football League Division One West. Swifts were held to a goalless draw by visitors Swindon Supermarine on Saturday
Washing Pool, 18: Harry Diubek 31.5-0, 15.55-0, 11.9-0. The next contest will be at Wassell Grove on March 12, draw at 7.30am.
THE Globe Trotters were in goal-scoring mood in Kidderminster Six-a-side League, thrashing Musketeer 15-0. Other results: Ads Lads 2, Artois Athletic 0; Cookley Wanderers 7, Missfits 0; Inter Street 3, Stourport Youth 2; Viaduct 1, Masters 7; Loom &
JUBILANT skipper Paul Harding believes the tantalising trip to Twickenham is a richly-deserved reward for Cleobury Mortimer Rugby Club and their fans. Harding is still pinching himself that he will be leading the village team out at the home of English
Mat Kendrick joins the all-conquering Cleobury army on a nerve-tingling semi-final trip to the capital. London Exiles 14, Cleobury Mortimer 15 CLEOBURY'S Twickenham final opponents, Dorking, beware! The Mortimer men's not-so-secret weapon threatens to
KIDDERMINSTER Carolians under-14s go into Sunday's North Mids Plate semi-final in confident mood after a 24-0 win over Hereford. But they will be without star player Charlie Evans whose serious injury took the gloss off the result. Before he was stretchered
THE Crusader Worcestershire Cricket League will have a new look for the 2006 season as well as a host of new clubs. Pershore will be returning to Division One after a stint in the Birmingham and District League and Monmouth, Wormelow and a Colwall Third
EVERGREEN Hanley Swan athlete Anna Bailey took another gold medal at the 25th World Indoor Rowing Championship, blitzing the Olympic regatta distance of 2,000 metres in seven minutes and 40 seconds. Bailey, a multi-medal winner at British and World Championship
A GALAXY of cricketing stars are set to decend on Colwall Cricket Club in July as the Worcestershire County League side take on the world-famous Lashings team. In a recent meeting with Colwall, Lashings vice-chairman Roger Dakin said the likes of Saqlain
SWIM sisters Verity and Chloe Naughton have caught the eye of county selectors. The Pershore High School pair have been selected for Worcestershire's elite swimming squad. Verity, 17, and Chloe, 16, have impressed while competing for Worcester Swimming
CARL Shaw pocketed the highest break of the Nationwide Doors and Windows Worcester Invitation League. But the Stephen's 'G' player's team went down 3-2 to St John's 'L' in Division One, despite his fine 49 break. St John's fellow relegation candidates
TWO prestigious independent girls' schools are to merge and sell off property resulting in job losses. Malvern Girls' College and St James's School, both in Malvern, will amalgamate in September. More than £8m will be raised by selling off St James's
WORCESTER MP Mike Foster wants people to think about doing more to help combat climate change - including growing fruit and vegetables. He said growing food in the back garden rather than going to the shops would reduce carbon dioxide, which in turn helps
A KEEN Worcester biker will head out on to Europe's highways, crossing 10 countries in 10 days in the name of charity - just as soon as he passes his driving test. Iain Mackintosh, service development manager for Birmingham's Age Concern, is set to take
CULLING badgers is not the way to protect cattle against bovine TB and it could even make the problem worse, according to Worcestershire Wildlife Trust. "A cull would be bad for badgers and bad for farmers," said the trust's director Colin Raven. "Bovine
A COUPLE celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary commemorated the happy occasion by planting a Worcester Pearmain apple tree at Lower Smite Farm, Hindlip, near Worcester. Hal and Margaret Crowther, from Bromsgrove, were among 50 people who saw 12 more
THE vice-chairman of St Richard's Hospice is getting into top gear ready to cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats to raise money for the charity appeal. Consultant professor Richard Lewis will be making the 1,000 mile trek in memory of a family friend
TWO players from Bromsgrove helped England teams to victory in the latest rounds of the RBS Six Nations over the weekend. Former Bromsgrove pupil Matthew Mullan was part of the England under-19s side that trounced Scotland 36-5 on Saturday. Former South
Bromsgrove 2nd XV 17 Bridgnorth 2nd XV 29 SPIRITED Bromsgrove produced a second half fight back, but were shot down by Bridgnorth at Finstall Park on Saturday. The Boars met their match against a side captained by former Finstall player Ross Baxter. The
IT was two in, two out at the Valley Stadium this week as Redditch United manager Gary Whild shuffled his side ahead of two crucial games in three days. And the Reds boss is keeping tabs on a third player who could bolster the Bromsgrove Road club's bid
I WOULD like all your readers to know how hard-nosed Bromsgrove District Council is. I recently took my mother shopping in Bromsgrove, she is nearly 80-years-old and is suffering from emphysema, asthma and arthritis making it hard for her to walk far
WE are urged by the local council to recycle as much household waste as possible. I am in total agreement with this policy. Yet last Thursday the local council collection services ignored my containers of cans, bottles, plastic and newspapers without
WE should not, nor should we want, to become complacent about the disposal of our waste. Thankfully, we receive encouragement from our council in our endeavours to recycle, by the provision of wheelie bins and boxes. Why is it, then, that this encouragement
THE government minister responsible for communities and local government, David Milliband, recently hosted a meeting in Birmingham to discuss the future role and reform of local councils. Unfortunately, he forgot to invite anyone from Bromsgrove District
Bromsgrove Rovers 0 Leighton Town 2 Southern League Division One West BROMSGROVE Rovers slipped to a damaging home defeat on a bitterly cold Tuesday night. Rovers have missed chances and conceded soft goals all season and this game was no different. The
FAIRFIELD Villa FC manager Paul Oakes believes cup tied new signing Dean Merrick might be his side's secret weapon in their bid for the title in the Midland Combination Division One. Merrick, who joined from Oakes' previous club Northfield Town last week
Bolehall Swifts 4 Barnt Green Spartak 1 MIDFIELDER Jae Martin saw red as nine men Spartak suffered their biggest loss of the season in the Midland Combination Premier Division on Saturday. Martin's dismissal and an injury to Emad Bouanane meant that Spartak
Bromsgrove Rovers Reserves 3 Oadby Town Reserves 1 JAMES Forrest bagged a brace as Rovers beat Oadby in the Midland Combination Reserve Division on Saturday. Forrest struck in the 38th and 59th minutes, with Ryan Molesworth sandwiching a goal in between
GOALSCORERS 10 - Hadland, Banner, Dyer. 6 - Barnes-Homer. 5 - Danks, Davis. 4 - Porter, Moore. 3 - Curtis, Szewczyk. 2 - Smith, Ramsay, Johnson, Maguire, Reynolds. 1 - Collins, Mitchell, Geohaghan, Willetts, Hurren, Benbow, Williams. ADVERTISER/MESSENGER
THERE is a growing body of opinion against the unbridled growth and sameness of cities and small rural towns. It seems Droitwich Spa is now well and truly on the same path. O little town of Droitwich, How sadly will you change. Big bucks are coming to
Every time I hear the words minority group, I realise that the protection of these minority groups has been long favoured by New Labour and its human rights off-spring, but they have sadly overlooked the indigenous race of England. I mean the people born
BAFTA nominated know-it-all Mark Steel brings his original blend of history and comedy to Bromsgrove's Artrix centre on Friday, March 10. Steel brings his national Vive La Revolution show to Bromsgrove following on from the success of the book with the
THE English Touring Theatre is back at Malvern's Festival Theatre this week with Alan Bennett's splendid work - The Old Country Timothy West, Jean Marsh and Simon Williams star in this witty and bitter-sweet tale. Timothy West plays Hilary, a man who
From the creative team behind the current West End hit High Society comes Cole Porter's greatest musical Anything Goes at the Birmingham Hippodrome from March 6-11. Set on the luxury liner SS American as it sails from America to England, Anything Goes
OUR young lads gave everything against Moor Green in the Worcestershire Senior Cup semi-final and I could not be more pleased with them. The Moors fielded a very strong side, using the same squad of 16 that played Stalybridge Celtic last Saturday, so
There was a busy start to the February meeting with notices being read out by the secretary giving news of the spring lunch, a trip to the theatre and the county quiz in which four members are competing. We were also told about the art and walking holiday
The Spadesbourne Ladies celebrated February with a difference this year. As their usual 'home' ie Bromsgrove Golf Centre, is temporarily out of action due to refurbishment, members decided to do something different. This was achieved in a very enjoyable
FINSTALL WI's first meeting of 2006 was well attended. President Jill Findon hoped that the programme for 2006 will have something for everyone. Jerusalem was sung and the minutes were read by secretary Mary Limmer, one of two secretaries, Ann Parr being
The February meeting of the Worcester & Birmingham Canal Society was an informative and amusing talk by Andrew Stumpf, the regeneration manager for British Waterways. He began by telling us that any canal restoration will probably take 30 to 40 years
STUDENTS at North Bromsgrove High School will be rockin' the boat as they stage their production of Guys and Dolls. The show, which features songs such as 'Luck be a lady tonight', 'Sit down, you're rockin' the boat' and 'If I were a bell', will run from
HUNDREDS of campaigners took to the streets of Bromsgrove in protest against threats to local health services. Protesters marched through the town centre on Saturday morning, to speak out against possible cuts, including the downgrading of services at
PRODUCER Rick Rubin was the man responsible for giving Johnny Cash a new lease of life in his dotage. Now he looks set to do the same for Neil Diamond. The man whose country rock sound made him a household name on both sides of the Atlantic, stopped touring
TWO Tory district councillors representing town wards have voiced their despair at not being listened to by representatives of giant mobile phone companies who want to erect masts in the area. They say their opinions and objections put forward by them
SPRING will soon be bursting out all over for staff at Hanbury Hall - midway between Bromsgrove and Droitwich - who are raring to welcome the coming season's buds and blossoms with a Spring Walk - to celebrate the new life of cancer survivors. The hall
A TOP scheme has been launched to tackle night-time violence and disorder in Bromsgrove town centre and Charford. Police in Bromsgrove have joined forces with local licensees and the Bromsgrove Community Safety Partnership to launch the project. The aim
WORCESTERSHIRE County Council caused no surprises when it set a council tax increase of 4.94 per cent for the coming financial year. As had been widely predicted a meeting of the full council agreed the increase last week. It equates to a £42 rise on
A TALENTED Droitwich Spa schoolboy, who was killed during a motorbike race, is to be honoured by football teams across the area. Chris Jones died last year after crashing at a race in Lincolnshire. The youngster, from Stoke Prior, near Bromsgrove, was
A DROITWICH Spa band is setting out to capture the spirit of the nation during this year's World Cup. Droitwich musician Philip Wood hopes he and his fellow members of Blind Granny's Taxi Nightmare can help England reach fever pitch during the World Cup
A man who lived alone was threatened with a meat cleaver and robbed after a Droitwich trio walked into his home. The intruders wanted to retrieve 'a private photograph' taken by Keith Evans, Worcester Crown Court heard. But the situation quickly got out
GONE are the days when the beautiful Julie Andrews flies into your house on her umbrella, gently singing songs to teach your children how to behave - armed with her carpet bag packed with excitingly large objects and a magic potion to make you feel better
DEUCE Bigalow (Rod Scheider), male prostitute, returns in this sequel which does not even live up to the meagre comic offering that its predecessor Deuce Bigalow Male Gigolo turned out to be. But I suppose at least in this film Deuce takes his merry,
A WARM and comforting album with a hint of her old charm, Beth Orton's fourth release is a delight to listen to. Comfort of Strangers has a charming and chilled out feel which shows her talents to their fullest - her writing skills and music ability -
A BROCKHILL family has been left homeless after three years of flooding from faulty plumbing at their brand new house has rendered it uninhabitable. Policeman Chris Franks, his wife Kate and their two young children have been living in a hotel after their
THE owner of the three Redditch nurseries shut without warning by education watchdogs has pledged to fight the decision. Rosie Twomey has criticised Ofsted for closing Rosies Day Care Centre in Woodrow, Rosies in Church Hill and Paddington's in West Avenue
UNTIL 12 months ago, I was a Redditch resident for 35 years. I now reside in Yeovil, Somerset. The reason for my letter is I now realise just how much there is going for Redditch people when it comes to amenities and entertainment. The truth is, there
REDDITCH Council agreed a three per cent hike on its portion of council tax this week. But Tory leader Carole Gandy criticised the ruling Labour group for applauding the lower than average increase following the recent emergency cuts to services in the
SIR Digby Jones was the guest of honour at a Washford business. The Director General of the Confederation of British Industry made a flying visit to compressed air unit manufacturers CompAir to see the latest in engineering design on Thursday. While at
