THE chase is on for Johnny Mullins after the defender was released by Premiership new boys Reading. Kidderminster Harriers supporters' player of the year is likely to attract interest from clubs at a higher level than the Conference. But Mullins,
I'M delighted that Nick Colley has agreed a new contract for next season because he's a very important player for us. Nick always wanted to stay at Worcester and I'm glad it's all been sorted for him and the club. He's enjoyed a really good season
JAI Stanley's Worcester City future should be finalised later today. The 27-year-old is the only St George's Lane player still to accept his new deal for next season. City manager Andy Preece wants to resolve Stanley's future before he goes on holiday
WORCESTER Warriors will be taking part in a revamped Middlesex Sevens in August. All 12 Guinness Premiership clubs will feature in the competition at Twickenham on August 12, with Gloucester the defending champions. The new playing format will see
MATT Mason and Gareth Batty will miss today's County Championship division two game with Derbyshire at new Road (11am) after failing to recover from shoulder and knee injuries. However, director of cricket Steve Rhodes is hopeful they will be back for
SIR - I would be fascinated to know whether or not the persons who persecuted the pump house swans are satisfied with their work. JIM STOTE, Worcester.
A UNIQUE development of four town houses in Worcester has got the go-ahead sooner than expected, thanks to a funding package specially designed to help smaller homebuilders, contractors and first time developers. CALA Finance, the residential funding
SIR - Am I the only person who is sick of hearing about somebody called "Wayne Rooney" and his foot? I don't know the man, have no desire to - and neither do I really care which pop group he sings in! STANLEY PARR, Pershore.
SIR - Having sex in the workplace always means instant dismissal for both parties. Any union official will confirm this. It applies equally to Prescott and us, the hoi polloi. ROGER MARTIN, Badsey, Evesham.
SIR - Home Secretary Charles Clarke has allowed hundreds of ex-prisoners back into the community. So how come he is advocating the destruction of our excellent police by creating a superforce that no one wants? PETER ALCOCK, Upton Snodsbury.
SIR - The treatment Patricia Hewitt received at the nurses' conference was diabolical. She had been invited to speak but was shouted down. I can hardly believe these were nurses and professional people. JOHN SHEARON, Worcester.
SIR - Councillor Mike Layland said on local radio that candidates who stood in the local elections should put people before politics and listen to the man in the street. Quite rightly so, councillor, and we would like you to hear us, but as many councillors
SIR - In response to George Cowley's latest missive, I would rather support a Fluffy Luffy than an adulterous, hypocritical, non-deporting of violent criminals, NHS nurse and doctor-sacking minister of this Labour Government. MARK BRUNNER, Redditch
SIR - It is so sad the way our NHS has failed and must sack medical staff. It is obvious why it is in crisis - it is all too free and easy. Some folk have never paid a cent into the scheme. JOYCE ROSE, Worcester.
SIR - It is quite amazing our Government has announced it will not block a bid from the Russian state-owned gas giant Gazprom which wants to take over British Gas (Centrica). It says it cannot do so because of EU rules on free market access. This means
SIR - My heart warmed to your leader's defence of the homeless (Worcester News, April 28). If in 1980 (after leaving hospital) I hadn't been provided with a rent-free council flat and enough money to live on, I could well have been sleeping rough myself
SIR - Councillor Francis Lankester is reported to be delighted with the £150,000 revamp of Astwood cemetery. Could some consideration now be given to the crematorium, where those who are attending services can often find that there are considerably more
SIR - So the clampers got the motorists who thought they could park for free in Worcester. I do not have the slightest sympathy for these drivers. For a nominal sum, they could have used a proper car park, but by trying to save a couple of pounds they
THE battle to keep the Kays warehouse jobs is over. The best efforts of unions and management have failed and 500 employees now face an uncertain future. By any stretch of the imagination, this is a black day for the Faithful City. Right from the
SIR - Regarding your article about the clamping on the old Courts car park, under the new laws there should be plenty of noticeable, clear and unambiguous signs making the situation perfectly clear. The only two signs that did exist had to be pointed
THE What Not To Wear team is looking for people in the two counties who have lost their spouse or long-term partner in the last two years to star in a new series. The people behind the hit BBC1 show want widows and widowers who are open to changing
SPEEDING drivers will no longer be able to dodge mobile cameras because details of where they will be stationed are to be kept a secret. Until now motorists have been able to find out in advance where speed checks will be carried out each day through
THE vision of a redeveloped Severn waterfront is still part of Worcester City council's agenda, says its leader. Speaking three weeks after the council failed to win £25m of national lottery cash to finance the plan, Coun Stephen Inman said the vision
MORE than 100,000 visitors are expected to flock to Malvern's Three Counties Showground this weekend as the Spring Gardening Show celebrates its 21st anniversary. What began as a small regional flower show back in 1985 has grown to become the first
PEOPLE who put paper in their purple recycling sacks could win £100. Wychavon District Council is offering three cash prizes each month in its Throw Away lottery. Entry postcards will be given away in the Worcester News' sister free weekly newspapers
Dog walkers in Worcester are being asked to take to the countryside with their pets to raise money for people with cancer. Macmillan's Walk Wonders event is taking place over the weekend of May 19-21. The charity is asking people to organise fund-raising
A FORMER Royal British Legion Club in Worcester city centre is set to be transformed into a new dental surgery. Planners gave permission for the grade II-listed three-storey building on St Nicholas Street to be converted. The scheme was given
A LACK of tools has left a village play area looking derelict for five months. Nearly 100 fencing panels at the Plovers Rise playing fields in Kempsey were vandalised before Christmas. Parish councillor David Harrison is willing to give his services
500 staff told they WILL lose jobs Union anger and workers' anguish Plant not viable, says Littlewoods It touched so many lives THE news that catalogue giant Kays was proposing to close its Worcester warehouse came like a shot to the heart
FORLORN Kays workers spoke of their sadness and disappointment after they were told they were being made redundant. Two product managers said the news that 500 were going was broken to them just 10 minutes before they had to tell their staff. Karen
AFTER an agonising nine-month wait, workers at the former Kays catalogue have been told they will lose their jobs. The death knell was yesterday sounded for 500 people at the warehouse department in Bransford Road, St John's, Worcester. The company's
THE internet will be the key to the future success of the former Kays catalogue firm, according to owner Littlewoods Shop Direct. It has announced that part of the reason to streamline its operations is to offer a modern shopping experience to its five
POLICE chief Paul West has vowed to fight to keep people feeling safe in their neighbourhoods by continuing his campaign against a merger of the West Mercia force. Chief Constable West spoke to the Worcester News just hours before a high profile television
WORCESTER Amateur Boxing Club members were in action at the annual Worcester Rugby Club show at Sixways. Schoolboy Peter Lloyd faced Alan Davies of Walcott in his debut bout and the city southpaw went to work from the bell, using his right hand jab
MATT Mason and Gareth Batty will miss today's County Championship division two game with Derbyshire at new Road (11am) after failing to recover from shoulder and knee injuries. However, director of cricket Steve Rhodes is hopeful they will be back for
WORCESTER Warriors will be taking part in a revamped Middlesex Sevens in August. All 12 Guinness Premiership clubs will feature in the competition at Twickenham on August 12, with Gloucester the defending champions. The new playing format will see
JAI Stanley's Worcester City future should be finalised later today. The 27-year-old is the only St George's Lane player still to accept his new deal for next season. City manager Andy Preece wants to resolve Stanley's future before he goes on holiday
EDGAR Street's record Conference crowd could be sma-shed tomorrow night when Hereford United battle to reach an elusive play-off final (7.45). The Bulls will move within one step of ending a nine-year Football League absence if they defeat Morecambe
FOOTBALL: The chase is on for Johnny Mullins after the defender was released by Premiership new boys Reading. Kidderminster Harriers supporters' player of the year is likely to attract interest from clubs at a higher level than the Conference. But
WORCESTER Motorcross Club's meet at Tirley was a successful event. All competitors had the chance of three races and Shaun Sabin was especially good in the 125cc experts, riding a Honda. Sabin had three hard-fought races with a third and second before
AUSTRALIAN import Rob McCard stole the show in the Fearnley Factory Shop Worcestershire Sunday Club League. McCard produced an innings of 172 not out off just 88 balls, combining timing with shear power, as he led Barnards Green Firsts to a three-wicket
AN all star Bromsgrove Rovers FC team await either Hoolahans or Ringspanners in the Ashley Read Memorial Shield Final on Sunday, May 14 (11.30am kick off). The two Advertiser/Messenger League sides will play the semi-final at the Victoria Ground on Saturday
WORLD famous opera singer Sir Willard White finishes Bromsgrove Festival on a high at St John's Church on Saturday, May 13 (7.45pm start). One of opera's world superstars the Jamaican born bass-baritone will perform music by Handel, Mozart, Ravel and
ROCK pioneers The Yardbirds perform at Huntingdon Hall on Saturday, May 13 (8pm start). The band that inspired rock music in the 1960s contained Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck. Tickets for the show cost £14 and can be ordered by calling the box
FOLK music band the Furey's brings its national tour to Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre on Sunday, May 14. The band, made up of brothers Eddie, George Paul and Davey, join musician Dave Arthur on stage. The Fureys and Dave Arthur had a string of hits including
NEIL Hunt has accepted an offer to become Paul West's assistant at Eve-sham United, writes Mervyn Collins. The popular Evesham High School educated Hunt resigned as manager of Malvern Town last month and West was quick to snap up his services as the Robins
Review - The Soweto Gospel Choir at the Forum, Malvern UPLIFTING in every way. Voices and a vibrancy that would be hard to better made this a memorable night's entertainment. What came across most was the infectious enthusiasm of the choir. Stirring sounds
PEDESTRIANS and cyclists can enjoy a mud-free woodland stroll thanks to a newly surfaced path. The route, linking the Worcestershire Royal Hospital and County Hall, has been laid with stones. Senior countryside sites officer Dan Barnett said: "We're very
COMMON Road is the scene for four Evesham Hospital and Charity Cup Finals during the next couple of weekends. Littleton and Feckenham Reserves get a hectic end of season schedule under way on Saturday when they contest the Junior Cup Final, kick-off 7pm
PERSHORE Town Girls won the Trophy World Cup during last Sunday's Mercian Festival Junior League's Mini Finals Day. Laura Pearce gave Town's Under-13s an early lead but Ferndale Youth levelled before half-time. There were no further goals during normal
GOLF: Redditch GC Ladies halved their match at Fulford Heath on Friday. But there was disappointment for Redditch Seniors who saw their unbeaten record come to an end when they went down 4-2 at Atherstone in the first leg of the Roger Loach Shield. In
DARTS: There were no real surprises in the first round of the Reddiparts Divisional Trophies. But it was a good day for maximums with seven 180s being scored. The display of the week came in Division C where the Bell came back from trailing 9-4 to win
Wednesday, May 10 Birmingham Royal Ballet presents La Fille mal garde, Hippodrome, Hurst Street, Birmingham. Until May 13. Tickets on www.birminghamhippodrome.com or 0870 730 1234 Present Laughter, Repertory Theatre, Broad Street, Birmingham. Until May
Wednesday, May 10 BROMSGROVE FESTIVAL: Chilingirian Quarter, Hagley Parish Church. EXHIBITION: Photo and Graphic - Prints by Nigel Byde, Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove (until June 10). THEATRE: Birmingham Royal Ballet presents La Fille mal gardee, Hurst
A MOTORWAY support group is looking for backing from residents in Wootton Wawen and Henley. The M42 support group is fighting for the motorway, which is planned to link the Midlands with Oxfordshire. They say the motorway will alleviate traffic problems
WEST End success Festen has arrived at Malvern Theatres this week as part of its national tour to Broadway. Nominated for five Olivier Awards, the play runs at the Festival Theatre until Saturday. It tells the story of patriarch Helge Klingenfelt, whose
JUNIOR FOOTBALL: Alcester Athletic are holding an open day this weekend in a bid to attract more players to the club. And they are particularly keen to recruit players for their new u19s side which they hope to enter into the Birmingham FA Charter Standard
THIS week sees the first amateur production at the town's newly refurbished Palace Theatre. In its own centenary year, Studley Operatic Society opened its production of My Fair Lady last night. The timeless classic, which runs until Saturday, is celebrating
SCHOOLS FOOTBALL: Youngsters from Redditch's St Bede's School have been beaten 3-2 in the regional final of the Coca-Cola Cup. Telford's Kingsmead Technology College ran out winners but St Bede's coach Matt Russell is hopeful his players can pick themselves
LEISURE LEAGUES: Alcoholics Anom continued their push for second place in the Sunday League following their 3-1 win against Chelski. But they needed to claw their way back after conceding an early Chelski goal. Average Joes shocked the Premier Division
WORCESTER Warriors will be taking part in a revamped Middlesex Sevens in August. All 12 Guinness Premiership clubs will feature in the competition at Twickenham on August 12, with Gloucester the defending champions. The new playing format will see the
EDGAR Street's record Conference crowd could be sma-shed tomorrow night when Hereford United battle to reach an elusive play-off final (7.45). The Bulls will move within one step of ending a nine-year Football League absence if they defeat Morecambe.
FOOTBALL: The chase is on for Johnny Mullins after the defender was released by Premiership new boys Reading. Kidderminster Harriers supporters' player of the year is likely to attract interest from clubs at a higher level than the Conference. But Mullins
AUSTRALIAN import Rob McCard stole the show in the Fearnley Factory Shop Worcestershire Sunday Club League. McCard produced an innings of 172 not out off just 88 balls, combining timing with shear power, as he led Barnards Green Firsts to a three-wicket
WORCESTER Amateur Boxing Club members were in action at the annual Worcester Rugby Club show at Sixways. Schoolboy Peter Lloyd faced Alan Davies of Walcott in his debut bout and the city southpaw went to work from the bell, using his right hand jab to
MATT Mason and Gareth Batty will miss today's County Championship division two game with Derbyshire at new Road (11am) after failing to recover from shoulder and knee injuries. However, director of cricket Steve Rhodes is hopeful they will be back for
KIDDERMINSTER band, the Amateurs, have high hopes for their latest EP and I can see why they are feeling so confident. The three-song CD kicks off with the title track, which is quite laid-back, with a bold piano sound. Singer Matthew Colley reaches some
A LAVISH set and stunning period costumes take the audience back in time to 1908 for this comic play. Three couples are celebrating their silver wedding anniversaries in the Yorkshire town of Clecklewyke, having all got married on the same day at the
BROMSGROVE CC face a cup and league double header that could get their season off the ground. The Boars will be aiming to notch up their first win of the season in the Birmingham and District League Division One when they take on Wolverhampton at St Goldwald's
BARNT Green CC captain Simon Froggatt will miss this weekend's matches because of injury. The experienced batsman will miss the home game against Kidderminster Victoria in the Birmingham and District League Premier Division One on Saturday, May 13. He
Droitwich 244-6 Bromyard 104 all out BATSMAN Jerome Connor smashed a century to get Droitwich on the winning track in the Worcestershire County League Division One on Saturday at St Peter's Field.READY FOR ACTION: Droitwich Spa Cricket Club's first team
AVONCROFT continued to show no signs of being out of their depth in the Worcestershire League Division Two by holding Hagley to a winning draw on Saturday.BIG SCORER: Nick Passant hit 90 runs for Avoncroft. Nick Passant's 90 and fine bowling spells by
CHADDESLEY Corbett held onto a losing draw in the Worcester League Division One on Saturday. Barnards Green had made 259-9, Corbett replied with 164-9, with Mark Edwards hitting 55. In Division Two Belbroughton beat Kidderminster by 152 runs. Dave Hayward
500 staff told they WILL lose jobs Union anger and workers' anguish Plant not viable, says Littlewoods It touched so many lives THE news that catalogue giant Kays was proposing to close its Worcester warehouse came like a shot to the heart of the city
OMBERSLEY made a solid start in the Birmingham and District League Division Three with a losing draw at Coleshill on Saturday. Duncan Catterall took 3-75 as Coleshill recorded an impressive 176-9 in 55 overs. Captain Dominic D'Oliviera hit 34 and club
FORLORN Kays workers spoke of their sadness and disappointment after they were told they were being made redundant. Two product managers said the news that 500 were going was broken to them just 10 minutes before they had to tell their staff. Karen Weaver
YOUNGSTERS from Evesham and Badsey are following in the footsteps of current England Test star Andrew Flintoff, Marcus Trescothick, Steve Harmison and James Anderson in this summer's Portman Under-15 National Club Cricket Championship. Badsey have already
REIGNING Cotswold Hills League champions Exhall and Wixford started the defence of their crown in imperious fashion last weekend. Playing host to Moreton-in-Marsh, Exhall had an early shock when John Simpson lost his wicket but Matt Gwynn and newcomer
PEOPLE who put paper in their purple recycling sacks could win £100. Wychavon District Council is offering three cash prizes each month in its Throw Away lottery. Entry postcards will be given away in the Worcester News' sister free weekly newspapers
Dog walkers in Worcester are being asked to take to the countryside with their pets to raise money for people with cancer. Macmillan's Walk Wonders event is taking place over the weekend of May 19-21. The charity is asking people to organise fund-raising
A FORMER Royal British Legion Club in Worcester city centre is set to be transformed into a new dental surgery. Planners gave permission for the grade II-listed three-storey building on St Nicholas Street to be converted. The scheme was given the go-ahead
DUMBLETON suffered a brace of league defeats last Saturday with the second string featuring in a thrilling finish at home to Lydney. Chasing 271 for victory, Matthew Cull set the tone with a neat 60 at the top of the order but, with the total at 136-4
SCOTT Marshall marked his league bow for Evesham with an innings of 70 not out that steered Saturday's hosts to a five-wicket Birmingham Premier League second division success. It was an excellent all-round show in drizzly conditions at Avon Street and
A TRY by James Upton and three penalties by Gareth Thomas ensured that Bromsgrove RFC under-19s ended the season by winning the North Midlands Plate on Saturday. The young Boars had to produce a stubborn display in the second half to see off Luctonians
THE chase is on for Johnny Mullins after the defender was released by Premiership new boys Reading. Kidderminster Harriers supporters' player of the year is likely to attract interest from clubs at a higher level than the Conference. But Mullins, 20,
BROMSGROVE RFC have named former player Ross Baxter as the club's first ever forwards' coach. Baxter, who played for the Boars in the 2003/2004 season, was the latest piece to fall into place for head coach Iain Hall's new coaching set up. Bromsgrove's
STOURPORT's Riverside R 'n' B Club will be rocking with the music of Zed Zeppelin and Thin Lizzy tomorrow. Covers band Torque will be returning to the Stourport Boat Club-based venue to play a mixture of classic hard and soft rock. Admission is payable
BEWDLEY Choral Society will be performing their spring concert this Saturday, where they will sing in no less than three languages. The event will be held at St Anne's Church in Bewdley at 7.30pm and is the society's second concert under the directorship
A JAM-PACKED weekend of activities for all ages will help to celebrate the success of a Worcestershire tourist route. The Wilden to Witley Trail attracted more than 1,300 visitors when it was launched following an open day at All Saints Church in Wilden
CAMERAS will be rolling in Kidderminster when an up-and-coming filmmaker's latest project gets under way. Wayne Davies, of St George's Terrace, has finished the script for his latest film, which has been inspired by British movies from the late 1970s
SANDWICH week begins on Sunday and is being billed as the best thing since sliced bread. To celebrate Worcestershire County Council is encouraging residents to mark the event with a picnic at one of the designated sites in the county. There are more than
A HISTORICAL landmark near Kidderminster will be holding a cyclists' day on Sunday. Admission for visitors arriving at Harvington Hall on their bikes will be half price. Further information is available on 01562 777846.
EVERY year, 245 children in the Worcestershire area need someone to care for them while they are unable to live with their own families. Foster carers offer vital support to some of society's most vulnerable children, offering a happier life and fostering
I HAD to chuckle when reading of our modest MP's decision to withdraw from BBC1's Question Time programme last week - where she was due to appear as a panel member - in order to allow David Davies to appear. I doubt very much that Julie Kirkbride had
LAST week's front page cannot pass without comment. So, according to our two local Tory MP's, they have championed the cause of a new super railway platform for Bromsgroves commuters! That's really interesting because as far as I'm aware at the last General
IT seems Rita Dent, PA to Ms Julie Kirkbride, is almost as confused about health issues as is Bromsgrove's MP. Her letter last week stated that the Kidderminster Hospital was closed under the Labour government. Many Bromsgrove residents (myself included
REGARDING Mr Carter's letter about Birmingham's Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, I agree it is exemplary having experienced many student placements there whilst training to be a nurse. Staff are pro-active in teaching and nursing standards are very high, but
IT is with concern that I read yet another letter and newpaper article stating that all residents of Charford are living in fear. Surely it is only a minority of people who actually live here in Charford who really feel that way. The area is not the '
TWELVE months ago the last remaining British owned volume car maker Rover ceased production with the loss of six thousand jobs, while our roads and footpaths continue to be congested by noisy Peugeots. Last week it was announced that the Ryton factory
FIRSTLY, let me ask the people of Bromsgrove to give three cheers to the local council. First one - for robbing pensioners and the disabled of the small privilege of parking charges, £30pa for the privilege, anywhere in town car parks. Second one - for
I AM incensed by the recent comments of the Worcestershire County Council road safety manager, John Dakin. At Charford First School we have a travel plan committee dedicated to trying to ease the problems of cars around the school .We have an ongoing
Oswestry 10, Kings Norton 15 KINGS Norton lifted the first ever North Midlands Vase with this hard-fought victory over Shropshire side Oswestry at Stourbridge. And they suffered an early set-back when Oswestry opened the scoring after just four minutes
WOODRUSH u16s have won the prestigious Midlands Rugby Sevens tournament held at Syston, Leicestershire. The Wythall side, coached by Rupert Cure, dominated the tournament beating quality teams from Hinkley, Lutterworth, Syston, Belgrave and Leicester
Fairfield Villa 1 Heather Athletic 0 FAIRFIELD Villa put the icing on a brilliant season by winning the Presidents' Cup on Thursday, May 4. Stuart Hall's first half goal at Brocton FC made sure Villa's excellent season had a silver lining. Victory in
Droitwich Spa 2 Archdale 73 1 (after extra time) AARON Parr grabbed a winning penalty to seal the Worcestershire Nursing Cup for Droitwich on May 4. Parr's extra time strike sealed a remarkable turn around for Droitwich and clinched a silver tinged finish
I WAS served with a parking ticket on April 24 outside Lloyds TSB Bank in Droitwich. My disabled badge could be clearly seen on the dashboard, my crime was to have a 'senior moment' and forget to display the clock. Is this how they treat elderly disabled
I AM very concerned about the untidy state of Colford Walk. Particularly the section from Celvestune Way which leads down to the garage on the Worcester Road, and runs parallel to the rear gardens of properties in Witton Avenue. It would appear that many
WE are very dismayed and saddened to think that nothing has been done to make the Westlands roundabout safer for pedestrians to cross. There are many young families from Westlands who use this route. It is no good councillors viewing this area at mid-morning
THERE was nothing to choose between the leading trio at Evesham in last Saturday's new medal competition for the Rotary Cup presented by Pershore Rotarians. The course was in great shape and the top trio all carded net scores of 68 but it was in form
A BROMSGROVE singer's dream will come true when she makes her stage debut in a West End show. Melissa Bedford, aged 22, will be a lead vocalist in the Sunday Night Live talent showcase at Her Majesty's Theatre in London, on June 25. The gifted singer,
FARCE and confusion are set to abound on a Droitwich Spa stage. Comedy Caught in the Net, written by Ray Cooney, begins a four-night run at the Norbury Theatre on Wednesday, May 17. The production is a sequel to Run for your Wife, staged at the Friar
Library, Kidderminster - From Magical Realms, until June 5. Touching First Base, Saturday until June 3. Library, Stourport - Faces and Places, until April 29. Openingshot until May 31. Library, Bewdley - Aspects of Art, until May 19. Museum, Bewdley -
THE Whitsun and Spring Lakes were used for the Summer Trophy competition staged at Lenches Lakes last Sunday. A beautiful bronze sculpture by the late David Hughes accompanied by a full day ticket was the prize for the Fly Fisher catching the heaviest
THE May meeting of the club sees a slide presentation with a local flavour entitled It Started Near Here. This will be given by Oxfordshire-based Phil Darlaston. Phil, who has links to this area, will be giving us a presentation of his slides and a look
A DOG from Catshill - of all places - will be hoping for a round of a-paws when she makes her stage debut later this month. White West Highland terrier Beth has been selected for the starring roll in a production of 'Annie' at the Crescent Theatre in
REDDITCH opened their Birmingham League Division Three campaign with a narrow one wicket victory at home to Kings Heath. But it was a close call at the end of a game that could have gone either way. The visitors batted first and made a positive start
LONELY landscape gardener David Abbott (Mark Ruffalo) moves into his spacious new San Francisco apartment. He's in no mood for company, which is why he is so shocked to suddenly encounter emergency room doctor Elizabeth (Reese Witherspoon). To add to
LOVING passengers waved goodbye to their favourite bus driver, as he pulled away from Bromsgrove for the last time. Ray Marriott, from Halesowen, has spent 14 of his 38-year career driving the 202 through Bromsgrove. He retired on his 63rd birthday. Ray's
MAYBE it's when you expect too much that you are just guaranteed to be disappointed, or maybe this was just not my kind of thing, but the show was definitely not the rip-roaring spectacular I was expecting. To walk into a half-empty auditorium is worrying
SCOTT Walker has become something of a cult figure in recent years, his chart-chasing pop days replaced by darker, less commercial offerings. This collection shines the spotlight on his earliest work together with a huge selection of songs from the Walker
RUSSIAN director Timur Bekmambetov reinvigorates post-Soviet cinema with this breathtaking horror-thriller adapted from the novel by Sergei Lukyanenko. On the streets of modern day Moscow, witches and warlocks are locked in eternal combat. During the
A MOTHER of two is furious at the shoddy state her house has been left in by workmen employed by Bromsgrove District Housing Trust. Jane Watson says the contractors Mansell and the BDHT have made her family's life a nightmare after failing to complete
A PLAN to hand a windfall of more than £400,000 to two 'outside' organisations to fund major sports and recreation projects in Bromsgrove, was fiercely criticised this week. One grant is for £300,000 to construct an all-weather pitch at the private Bromsgrove
BROMSGROVE Advertiser/Messenger readers are being given the chance to name a new pub which is opening in the town centre this summer. The Barracuda Group is opening a pub at 11-13 High Street, the former Halfords store and the adjacent vacant shop. It
YOUNGSTERS are set to have a splashing time this summer as work on the town's water play area continues on schedule. The facility, at the rear of the Lido development, is now taking shape and will be free to use when it is up and running. The Spa will
FUNDRAISERS still have time to enter this year's local leukaemia charity fun run which takes place this Sunday (May 14). So far there have been more than 200 entries for the 18th annual event, which is organised by Leukaemia Research's Bromsgrove and
GREEN minded pupils discovered what happens to recyclable rubbish once it leaves their homes, writes Chris Flavell. The youngsters from Droitwich Spa High School visited the Hill and Moor materials recycling facility (MRF) near Pershore thanks to the
A SCHEME launched in Bromsgrove to tackle persistent levels of violence and disorder in the town centre and Charford area is proving very successful. Town police joined forces with local licensees and the Bromsgrove Community Safety Partnership in February
HARDWORKING carers from a Spa group lunched out with the town's mayor. Fifteen members of Droitwich Carers Group met mayor Richard Morris and the mayoress at the Spring Meadow pub, off Primsland Way. The group is one of the charities the mayor supported
Astwood Bank took time out of their recent Worcestershire League Premier Division campaign to line-up for the camera. Pictured along the back row are ( from left): Dennis Freeman, Ian Bowes, Jon Summers, Adam Lidiard, Andre Jagielski, Paul Boycott and
WYTHALL suffered a disappointing 125-run defeat in their first home game of the season. Visitors Bulkington romped to a 208-9 total in their Warwickshire League Division Three game before having their Silver Street hosts dismissed for a paltry 84. Meanwhile
THE three members of a gang, who kidnapped a Spa man and robbed him at gunpoint of his car and cash, have been remanded in custody. Qamran Ali, Budr Manir and Balal Shaheen, who come from Worcester, had denied kidnapping and robbing their victim last
AN environmentally friendly project has been hailed for its work in transforming the community. Thanks to grants of almost £1million from the Big Lottery Fund, which were given out by the Countryside Agency, a number of projects - including one at Spring
Ashes hero Ashley Giles was the star attraction at a special charity cricket tournament. Droitwich Spa Cricket Club, based in St Peters Fields, was packed out when it held the event, which raised cash for the club and four of the mayor's charities. More
NEIL Hunt has accepted an offer to become Paul West's assistant at Eve-sham United, writes Mervyn Collins. The popular Evesham High School educated Hunt resigned as manager of Malvern Town last month and West was quick to snap up his services as the Robins
PERSHORE Town failed in their bid to overcome holders Malvern Town in Tuesday night's Worce-ster Infirmary Senior Cup Final. Two mistakes proved costly on a night when the Midland Combination side again showed the qualities that promise optimism for next
JAI Stanley's Worcester City future should be finalised later today. The 27-year-old is the only St George's Lane player still to accept his new deal for next season. City manager Andy Preece wants to resolve Stanley's future before he goes on holiday
FLYFORD Flavell batsman Tom Green smashed the club record in a Sunday's high scoring clash at Kempsey. Green hit 167 off just 96 balls to help the visitors overhaul Kempsey's 252-3. And, it could have been even better for both player and club had a home
BROMSGROVE'S Sally Larner became the top junior girl gymnast in Britain when she won a major competition at Wembley. The 12-year-old, from Echells Close, was the youngest competitor at the Thames Television Junior Gymnastics Championship, yet she won
THE first BNP councillor on Redditch Council has spoken about his aims. David Enderby beat long-time Labour councillor Albert Wharrad to take the Winyates seat in Thursday's local elections. A Winyates resident himself, Mr Enderby said he was aware he
Abbey: Colin MacMillan (Con) 578; Alan Mason (Lab) 545; John Stanley (Lib Dem) 543. Astwood Bank & Feckenham: Michael Chalk (Con) 1,112; Robin King (Lab) 312; Graham Pollard (Lib Dem) 337. Batchley: Christopher Hennessey (Lib Dem) 325; Betty Passingham
MOURNERS flocked to Redditch Crematorium to pay their respects to disabled Winyates man Craig Evans. More than 150 people, many wearing football shirts as Craig had requested, attended the funeral service on Thursday afternoon. Some mourners were friends
REDDITCH MP Jacqui Smith, who landed a top job in the Cabinet in Tony Blair's reshuffle last week, has pledged to keep her constituency her top priority. The former Schools Minister was given the demanding job of Chief Whip last week in the swift shake-up
SIR - Having sex in the workplace always means instant dismissal for both parties. Any union official will confirm this. It applies equally to Prescott and us, the hoi polloi. ROGER MARTIN, Badsey, Evesham.
A COUPLE of hardworking youngsters who deliver the Advertiser will take time out from their paper round to represent Redditch at the 21st World Scout Jamboree. Tom Phillips and Jess Mills have been chosen along with 10 other Scouts to represent the town
SIR - Councillor Mike Layland said on local radio that candidates who stood in the local elections should put people before politics and listen to the man in the street. Quite rightly so, councillor, and we would like you to hear us, but as many councillors
POLICE and Trading Standards officers in Redditch hit back at doorstep crime when they joined forces for Operation Rogue Trader. The aim of the nationwide crackdown on April 26 was to target distraction burglars and other potential doorstep criminals.
ASTWOOD Bank Carnival Week kicks off this Saturday with an All Star Variety Night at Ridgeway Middle School. Carnival queen Leanna Horne will be crowned at the event, which also features singing, dancing, a comedian and a magician. Friday, May 19 - the
SIR - So the clampers got the motorists who thought they could park for free in Worcester. I do not have the slightest sympathy for these drivers. For a nominal sum, they could have used a proper car park, but by trying to save a couple of pounds they
A GROUP of Redditch friends-turned-filmmakers are hoping to take the industry by storm. James and Peter Butler and a host of other family and friends who make up A Little Balloon productions have produced The Tales of Mavis trilogy. The fantasy films
SIR - Regarding your article about the clamping on the old Courts car park, under the new laws there should be plenty of noticeable, clear and unambiguous signs making the situation perfectly clear. The only two signs that did exist had to be pointed
YOUNG Redditch rock band Felton is urging as many people as possible to vote for them when they appear on BBC Midlands Today today. The 16 year olds have made it to the final of the School of Rock competition and stand to win £600 for their high school
A THREE-pronged celebration marked the launch of an Alvechurch fundraising appeal. The St Laurence Bell Restoration Fund was officially launched by Bromsgrove MP Julie Kirkbride on Saturday, April 29. The Bear Hill church needs to raise at least £60,000
STAFF from Redditch Council have been busy sprucing up Arrow Valley Park in a bid to secure a Green Flag Award for the second year running. The Battens Drive park won the prestigious award last year, and inspectors are set to return in June to check standards
PATIENTS at the Bridge Surgery in Evesham Road are to benefit by a new telephone system that should drastically cut down the engaged tone when they phone for appointments. The new telephone number - 0844 477 1758 - has been in operation since Friday.
GREEN fingered folk in and around Redditch are being urged to sharpen their shears in readiness for the borough's popular gardening competition. Residents have supported the event for the past 40 years and organisers hope they will receive even more entries
A SOUTHCREST teenager who has been involved in the Astwood Bank Carnival all her life has been chosen as the face of this year's event. Leanna Horne, 18, will be the 2006 carnival queen. Committee members have described her as "committed to the ethos
A PROFESSIONAL mosaic artist has been working with pupils at Feckenham First School to help them capture the essence of their community's nature in a piece of art. Tina Farrimond has helped the youngsters create a visual representation of their village's
FOREST friendly visitors helped clear a piece of woodland for youngsters at a Matchborough school. A team of volunteers from npower went to Matchborough First School as part of a community scheme to clear a nearby part of woodland for use by pupils at
THREE men who took part in frightening late-night attacks in Stratford town centre have escaped being jailed because of the time it took for their case to be dealt with. Instead, they were ordered to do unpaid work after they had pleaded not guilty at
THE troubled finances of the county's health services will be under the microscope again at a meeting on Monday. The county council's health and overview scrutiny committee will look at the recovery plan for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust's
A GROUP of Alcester and Redditch women visited the Royal Albert Hall in London to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Keep Fit Association. The energetic ladies, who got together to improve their fitness levels, trained for a number of weeks
CHAIRMAN Jenny Johnson gave a warm welcome to members to the meeting on March 9 and introduced speakers Sheila Warner and Sharon Phillips, whose subject was Life Coaching, which is aimed to help find directon and decision to a possible change in life.
RIDER Paul Prince continued his excellent start to the second by coming second in Beacon RCC's mountain time trial. The Wyre Forest cyclist from Bromsgrove conquered the gruelling 39 mile course from Martley to Bromyard in an impressive one hour, 41 minutes
AT the April meeting, members welcomed back Bernard Pumfrey to give an illustrated talk on the country houses of Derbyshire and Staffordshire. He started at Bolsover Castle, with its magnificent keep that is in the top three English Heritage attractions
AT the April meeting, Denzil Smith gave a talk entitled Then & Now. He reminisced about childhood memories and holidays, told some tales of his family life and has a wonderful sense of humour. The competition followed the theme, with members bringing
A REPORT was given on the annual council meeting, giving more information about the proposed WI magazine. Ann Widdecombe MP had been a great speaker at this meeting. Hopwood did not win any competitions but collected three raffle prizes. The luncheon
AT the April meeting, members reported on the annual council meeting, the Lucy Hingley Lecture and a theatre trip to see The Mikado. The regular book club meetings, cinema trips, strollers' group and ladies' sunday lunch group are all going well. Sue
DELICE welcomed members and a visitor from Inkberrow, Stella Wallis. Miriam reported on the charity walk for St Richard's Hospice - seven members had taken part and had enjoyed a slightly damp and muddy morning. Pam and Delice had attended the AGM of
DISCERNING pupils at Woodfield Middle School are helping to choose which children's science book should win a top award. A group of eight youngsters at the Studley Road school have been casting their expert eyes over six books shortlisted to win the Royal
AS part of their duty to Redditch, the choir sang as usual at the annual Civic Service. This year was the 50th anniversary of the twinning of Redditch with Auxerre and French visitors who came over to take part in the celebrations attended the service
BREASTFEEDING mums will be eligible for a complimentary brew in one of three Redditch coffee shops. To mark National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, Debenhams, Muffin Break and Poppins are all offering mums the chance to enjoy a free cup of tea or coffee
A REDDITCH charity stands to benefit from a first birthday bash being held for a Bromsgrove pub. Redcaps (The Redditch and District Cerebral Palsy Support group) will receive the proceeds from a night being held at The Country Girl Inn in Stoke Prior.
WORCESTER Warriors will be taking part in a revamped Middlesex Sevens in August. All 12 Guinness Premiership clubs will feature in the competition at Twickenham on August 12, with Gloucester the defending champions. The new playing format will see the
GREEN-fingered thieves have broken into a Salford Priors nursery and stolen a large display of hanging baskets. Floral displays valued at more than £1,000 were taken in the early hours of the May Bank Holiday Monday at the Goll's Nursery in Pitchill.
Prudden Road Surfacing League CHAMPIONS Stratford-on-Avon are already beginning to draw away from the pack at the top of the Premier Division after they defeated FISSC 4-0 to move five points clear at the top of the table. Nearest challengers Studley
THREE members of Evesham Swimming Club, Linda Hill, Alison Usher and Liz Murphy, were in action last weekend at the Midland Masters Meet in Leamington. They all produced great performances when setting season's best times. It was Murphy and Hill's first
EVESHAM Rowing Club sent seven lifters to the first weightlifting competition of the year at Bristol last week and came away with some very impressive results. Entering their first competition ever were novices Kirsty Merchant, Sara Howe, Chloe Farrar
BROADWAY made a winning start in two national competitions when defeating Oldington in the Two-Rink competition and Barbourne in the EBA Top Club competition. Oldington - an amalgamation of the old Chainwire and Brin-tons clubs in Kidderminster - were
THE Dr Teeth Big Band are stopping off in Alcester to entertain. Having just signed a record deal, the band (pictured) are on top form and will bring their own version of jive, jazz, rhythm and blues to Alcester Grammar School. Supporting the Doctors
AN Alcester mum whose soldier son has just been shipped to Iraq has criticised her local MP for not doing more to try and stop the war. Lynda Holmes, of Seymour Road, spoke to the Chronicle in March before she went to protest at a mass anti-war rally
A BIG day awaits the Kidderminster Valentines Choir who have been helped to get in good voice ready for their performance at a famous London venue later this year. The group has received a £300 Co-operative Community Dividend towards sheet music which
ATHLETIC Grammer School students are celebrating this month after coming top of an indoor rowing league. The Alcester schools rowing club - group 'ONE' - came first after completing six rounds of indoor rowing between September and March. The students
LOCAL historian Ralph Richardson will be giving a rare insight into the life of a Victorian country parson with a talk on the Rev Francis Kilvert at The Greig tonight. The talk is based on the Rev Kilvert's diary. The Alcester and District Local History
A SUPPORT group which works with bereaved parents is appealing for help to prevent its closure. Parents Experiencing Adult Loss (PEAL) collected £284.38 at the town's Morrisons store on April 30 but support services manager Diana Williams said they needed
PEARCE William John Billy Of Droitwich. Peacefully on May 4th, 2006, aged 82 years. Devoted husband of the late Marie, dear father of Jacqui, Allan, Tom and Anthony and a much loved grandad and great grandad. Funeral Service at St Nicholas Church, Droitwich
ETHERIDGE Nicola Treasured and happy memories of a loved daughter who was taken from us on May 10th, 1982. Gone but not forgotten. Mum, Dad and Family. Published in paper 10/05/2006
WORLD famous opera singer Sir Willard White finishes Bromsgrove Festival on a high at St John's Church on Saturday, May 13 (7.45pm start). One of opera's world superstars the Jamaican born bass-baritone will perform music by Handel, Mozart, Ravel and
ENGLISH string visionaries the Maggini Quartet perform at the Artrix as part of Bromsgrove Concerts' season on Friday, May 19 (8pm start). The foursome follow up their 2004 concert in Bromsgrove that proved to be a massive success. The group continue
ROCK pioneers The Yardbirds perform at Huntingdon Hall on Saturday, May 13 (8pm start). The band that inspired rock music in the 1960s contained Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck. Tickets for the show cost £14 and can be ordered by calling the box
A BUSINESS that started with clothes alternations has blossomed into an Aladdin's Cave of haberdashery. Sew-Fab in Alcester Street (opposite the main Redditch Post Office) is the Place to go for clothes alternations, curtain making, tapestry work and
Review - Festen at the Festival Theatre, Malvern (until Saturday) COMPELLING, gripping, absorbing, electrifying - words that quickly come to mind regarding this first rate production. A modern tragedy that grabs you and refuses to let go - not that you
Review - The Soweto Gospel Choir at the Forum, Malvern UPLIFTING in every way. Voices and a vibrancy that would be hard to better made this a memorable night's entertainment. What came across most was the infectious enthusiasm of the choir. Stirring sounds
The value of swimming is recognised by canine hydrotherapist Jeanette Flitcroft. with the establishment of "Splash Paws Canine Hydrotherapy" in Astwood Bank. Jeanette has many years experience with dogs and has seen how hydrotherapy can help keep an animal
HUMPHRIES Shoes started business in 1862 when Walter Humphries opened a shop in Evesham Street, Redditch. He and an assistant made boots and shoes by hand on the premises. Four generations later the business is still going strong and also has a second
of the family to join father Malcolm and brother, also named Malcolm, in the expanding Studley-based heating and plumbing business M&M Heating. After several years touring the country as a trainer for Ferroli Boilers, Jason is joining the family firm
Bransons is a family-run business and has been established for fourteen years. They specialise in cane and conservatory furniture with exclusive designs, quality and style. They have recently introduced a replacement cushion service giving customers an
Redundant in Spring 2005, Helen Elvins looked at her career and decided that the best way forward would be a complete change of direction. The Advanced School of Hypnotherapy provided that change, allowing her to train as a Clinical Hypnotherapist and
"Picture This" on Unicorn Hill (behind Hemming's Estate Agents) is a family run photography & framing business. Abby & Ken Stonehall are a husband & wife team that have found a special way of combining their skills. Whilst Abby has established
Since setting up this business in September 2005, Rover-trained Chaz Kyle and his partner Sally Huebner have gone from strength to strength by developing sincere relationships with their customers and offering a professional and affordable auto service
Wednesday, May 10 Birmingham Royal Ballet presents La Fille mal garde, Hippodrome, Hurst Street, Birmingham. Until May 13. Tickets on www.birminghamhippodrome.com or 0870 730 1234 Present Laughter, Repertory Theatre, Broad Street, Birmingham. Until May
Wednesday, May 10 BROMSGROVE FESTIVAL: Chilingirian Quarter, Hagley Parish Church. EXHIBITION: Photo and Graphic - Prints by Nigel Byde, Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove (until June 10). THEATRE: Birmingham Royal Ballet presents La Fille mal gardee, Hurst
THIS week sees the first amateur production at the town's newly refurbished Palace Theatre. In its own centenary year, Studley Operatic Society opened its production of My Fair Lady last night. The timeless classic, which runs until Saturday, is celebrating
STEPHEN Sondheim's unique and celebrated musical Sweeney Todd arrives at Solihull Arts Complex this week. The Solihull Theatre Company (STC) production started last night and runs until Saturday, telling the tale of the legendary demon barber of Fleet
KIDDERMINSTER band, the Amateurs, have high hopes for their latest EP and I can see why they are feeling so confident. The three-song CD kicks off with the title track, which is quite laid-back, with a bold piano sound. Singer Matthew Colley reaches some
A LAVISH set and stunning period costumes take the audience back in time to 1908 for this comic play. Three couples are celebrating their silver wedding anniversaries in the Yorkshire town of Clecklewyke, having all got married on the same day at the
THE hero in Pirates of the River Severn has a honeymoon to forget in a presentation of the play coming to Abberley. Good prevails over evil in the end, however, with disguised cabin boys, real pirates, a giant sea monster and the power of love all intervening
THE Birmingham Chamber Orchestra will be performing at St George's Church, Kidderminster on Saturday. Tickets are available from 01746 780788.
BEWDLEY Choral Society will be performing their spring concert this Saturday, where they will sing in no less than three languages. The event will be held at St Anne's Church in Bewdley at 7.30pm and is the society's second concert under the directorship
CAMERAS will be rolling in Kidderminster when an up-and-coming filmmaker's latest project gets under way. Wayne Davies, of St George's Terrace, has finished the script for his latest film, which has been inspired by British movies from the late 1970s
SANDWICH week begins on Sunday and is being billed as the best thing since sliced bread. To celebrate Worcestershire County Council is encouraging residents to mark the event with a picnic at one of the designated sites in the county. There are more than
A BROMSGROVE singer's dream will come true when she makes her stage debut in a West End show. Melissa Bedford, aged 22, will be a lead vocalist in the Sunday Night Live talent showcase at Her Majesty's Theatre in London, on June 25. The gifted singer,
FARCE and confusion are set to abound on a Droitwich Spa stage. Comedy Caught in the Net, written by Ray Cooney, begins a four-night run at the Norbury Theatre on Wednesday, May 17. The production is a sequel to Run for your Wife, staged at the Friar
Rose, Kidderminster - When We Are Married, until Saturday. Alexandra, Birmingham - Rocky Horror Show, until Saturday. The Jungle Book, Tuesday until May 20. Hippodrome, Birmingham - La Fille Mal Gard, until Saturday. MAC, Birmingham - Pandora's Box, until
MAYBE it's when you expect too much that you are just guaranteed to be disappointed, or maybe this was just not my kind of thing, but the show was definitely not the rip-roaring spectacular I was expecting. To walk into a half-empty auditorium is worrying
SCOTT Walker has become something of a cult figure in recent years, his chart-chasing pop days replaced by darker, less commercial offerings. This collection shines the spotlight on his earliest work together with a huge selection of songs from the Walker
COMPOSER and musician McConnel paints an effective portrait of how it feels to live with Tourette's Syndrome. Significantly, the author's condition remained undiagnosed until he was 32, with obsessional routines and bizarre behaviour dominating a large
A BIG day awaits the Kidderminster Valentines Choir who have been helped to get in good voice ready for their performance at a famous London venue later this year. The group has received a £300 Co-operative Community Dividend towards sheet music which
BROOKES Ray Ex Manager of MSF and ex Licensee of Barbourne Inn, Portobello, also the Coach & Horses. Passed away in hospital on May 4th 2006, aged 79 years. Beloved husband of Jill, a much loved father and grandfather. He will be sadly missed by all
CLEWS Irene nee Parker Of Hall Close, Worcester. Peacefully in hospital on May 8th, after a short illness, aged 80 years. Wife of the late George Clews. Much loved mother of Ron and Jean, mother in law of Lynda and Terry and a dear grandma, great grandma
STEPHENSON Clifford Cliff Passed away peacefully in hospital on May 8th. Beloved husband of the late Susan, he will be sorely missed by his Sisters and their Families. Funeral service will take place at Worcester Crematorium on Tuesday, May 16th, at 2.30
ROBERTSON Thomas Bob Passed away suddenly but peacefully at Worcestershire Royal Hospital on May 6th, aged 88 years. Dear beloved husband of Betty and a loving father and grandfather. Funeral service will take place at Worcester Crematorium on Wednesday
DAWSON Arthur Allan September 1920 - April 2006 Vicky Emily Dawson would like to thank all Friends and Family who attended Allan's funeral service on Wednesday May 3rd 2006. Vicky, Andrew and Debbie, Caroline and Rick very much appreciate all the kind
SYNNUCK Brian Passed away one year ago today. Sadly missed by all the Family. God bless. Published in paper 10/05/2006
A BULLY who hit his seriously ill girlfriend during an argument has been warned he will be given no more chances to avoid a prison sentence. James Portman gave Sharon Tierney a backhander in the chest which left her in great pain, said Nicolas Cartwright
AN Oakenshaw South man's battle against Multiple Sclerosis could see him travelling to Holland for pioneering treatment - if enough funds are raised. Joy Mayrick and her husband Don, from Bidford, are currently collecting cash for their 47-year-old son
A CHURCH Hill couple are doing their bit this weekend to help raise cash for an Alvechurch teenager. Jane and Martin Adams, from Donnington Close, have helped organise an Autograss racing event on Sunday in aid of Andy's Fund - set up to help Andy Perrygrove
PREPARATIONS are in hand for the Birdwatchers Summer Fair 2006, being hosted at Redditch's own Arrow Valley Country Park. In a coup for the town, the international event will descend on the park on June 3 and 4, attracting visitors from across the UK.
THE River Severn - From the Source to Bridgnorth was an entertaining talk by Brian Draper MBE. Stunning aerial photography, together with Mr Draper's delightful commentary, revealed the Severn's route. A packed Greig Hall had an enjoyable tour from high
THE friends and family of a Winyates man who lost his battle against cancer three years ago will be teeing off to raise money for a fund set up in his name. A mammoth golf tournament in memory of Lee Thorp will take place at Abbey Park Golf Course on
A SOUTHCREST pensioner has criticised the lack of explanation he and other residents received after they had a complete power blackout for three hours. Bentley Close resident Brian Higgins, aged 70, said they had still received no apology or explanation
THE battle to keep the Kays warehouse jobs is over. The best efforts of unions and management have failed and 500 employees now face an uncertain future. By any stretch of the imagination, this is a black day for the Faithful City. Right from the start
THERE has been change in the line up of district councillors representing Alcester and Studley. Liberal Democrat Susan Juned defended her Alcester seat with a majority of 1,033 votes, beating Conservative candidate Paul Martin by almost double his 566
A VALUABLE group that offers help and advice to families with special needs children could fold through lack of support. Parents hold coffee mornings twice a month to enable families to share their problems over a cup of tea or coffee - but now the group's
A YOUNG chorister from Redditch has helped launch the 112th season of the BBC Proms held at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Eleanor Nixon, from Callow Hill, is a member of the City of Birmingham Symphony Youth Chorus, one of eight choirs performing at
THE subject of the April meeting was Moving My Garden by Elaine Horton, from Gloucestershire. Elaine said she lived in a strange cottage, with 17 outside walls and a 400-yard lane leading up to the cottage which is not wide enough to get a lorry through
A REDDITCH teenager who shot a schoolboy in the neck with an air rifle has been sent to detention for 15 months at Worcester Crown Court. The pellet penetrated 14-year-old Marcus Rowbotham's skin close to his jugular vein and he had to undergo surgery
FANS of horse riding from across Worcestershire descended on Chaddesley Corbett to watch the latest meeting of the Point-to-Point series on Sunday. Hundreds from the county came to the Wheatland club's meeting at the Kidderminster Road venue. And they
THE April meeting was attended by 18 members. The president welcomed a new member, Mrs Maynard, of Jubilee Court, and was pleased to see Margaret Bartram back after her recent operation. The speaker was Jan Wade, who gave an interesting talk about her
HOSTS Bromsgrove Swimming Club took full advantage of competing at the Dolphin Centre to finish second in the McDonalds trophy gala. Bromsgrove finished runner-up 27 points behind Stourbridge. The team notched up 15 first places and 14 second spots in
AT the March meeting, Janine Hall gave a demonstration entitled Mary Mary, in which she depicted famous Marys from history. Janine made six beautiful arrangements, which were raffled at the end of the afternoon. For more details, visit the website www.bromsgroveflowerclub.org.uk
ON April 10, Rob Cole from Meadow Farm Nursery gave an amusing and informative presentation on how, by chance, his business developed at Feckenham. He gave a practical demonstration on sowing perennials from seeds and surprised members with his method
BARNT Green A lost 6-4 to Droitwich Print in the Bromsgrove, Redditch and District Table Tennis League Division One. Trevor Simmonds won three for Print, while Gordon Nicklin bagged two wins. Rob Hatherley won three matches for Droitwich Tigers in the
BROMSGROVE based cycling team MJS Racing's youngest recruit came second in the second round of the Junior National Omnium series. Jack Hibbard finished runner-up in the second round of the event, which was held at Welwyn last Saturday. The 17-year-old
SAILING: Bob Suggitt won the senior dinghies race in Barnt Green Sailing Club's Wednesday Evening Pursuit Series. He was followed by Tim Jobson in second and Rob Lennox in third. Robin Brown won the sailboards and Alex Kalinski came first in the cadet
YOUNGSTERS at Tardebigge First School got involved in May Day celebrations. Children at the Church Lane school had their very own May Pole and danced round it as well as enjoying a fete and bouncy castle. Headteacher Sue Helps said children from all years
THE after-lunch speaker on Wednesday, April 12, was Lt Col Gerald Lesinski, who talked about the Lord Leycester Hospital in Warwick. Gerald is married with two sons who are both reading history at university. He was in the Grenadier Guards for 35 years
A CHEER of delight came from children at Tardebigge First School when they were presented with the prestigious Green Flag. The award was handed to pupils at the Church Lane school in recognition of three years commitment to improving their local environment
STUDENTS at the Redi Centre swapped brush strokes for chicken breasts when they cooked a slap up meal for guests at their art exhibition. It was the first time managers at the Smallwood training centre had staged the slap up meal for invited guests after
A NEW member visited the April 24 meeting for the first time, expecting to sit back and enjoy a relaxing evening chatting with other gardeners over a cup of tea. But fate had other ideas - the expected speaker didn't arrive and seeing the disappointment
