100 years ago June 16, 1900 THE school summer holidays in Bromsgrove were fixed this week to run from July 12 until August 13. But this was on the understanding that if pea and strawberry crops looked like maturing earlier, the chairman of the town's
HE sudden death of William Llewellyn, from Elmshurst, a Bromsgrove worthy in the true sense, saddened many townsfolk. 100 years ago June 9, 1900 THE sudden death of William Llewellyn, from Elmshurst, a Bromsgrove worthy in the true sense, saddened many
FIFTY students who worked hard through the winter learning French and shorthand were put to the test during end of term exams. 100 years ago May 19, 1900 FIFTY students who worked hard through the winter learning French and shorthand were put to the test
THE Easter holidays were marred by gale force winds which never let up from Good Friday through to Tuesday. Even the oldest Bromsgrove residents could not recall such a "boisterous Easter", the Messenger said. It seriously disrupted outdoor activities
ALTHOUGH no longer a rarity on the roads, a motor car still attracted considerable attention. 100 years ago March 24, 1900 ALTHOUGH no longer a rarity on the roads, a motor car still attracted considerable attention. So Bromsgrove residents were excited
CECIL Harmsworth, mid-Worcestershire's Liberal candidate in the forthcoming General Election, spoke to supporters at a rally in Aston Fields, Bromsgrove. 100 years ago February 17, 1900 CECIL Harmsworth, mid-Worcestershire's Liberal candidate in the forthcoming
THE guardians at Bromsgrove's workhouse advertised in the Messenger for a cook. The successful applicant could expect a salary of £20 per year to include board, food and washing -- but not beer. 100 years ago January 20, 1900 THE guardians at Bromsgrove's
ROMANTIC, moony-spoony, pale and interesting this Romeo and Juliet is not. Michael Boyd's production is muscular, passionate and, above all, angry. The fury literally explodes on to the stage in the opening minutes of the play as the Montague and Capulet
UNCONFIRMED reports via a Boer source claimed Capt Vernon, son of Sir Harry Vernon, from Hanbury Hall, had been killed at Mafeking, in South Africa. 100 years ago January 6, 1900 UNCONFIRMED reports via a Boer source claimed Capt Vernon, son of Sir Harry
THERE was a very rare occurrence at Bromsgrove's Magistrates Court on Tuesday -- there were no cases to try. The Messenger noted that the pair of white gloves customarily presented to the chairman on such occasions were also absent. 100 years ago December
GLOUCESTERSHIRE police are blaming late-night drunkenness for the county's increase in violent crime. The latest Government figures reveal that in Gloucestershire offences involving violence increased at a rate almost double the national average. The
HILL walkers from Baptist churches in the Cotswolds joined forces to conquer the UK's tallest peaks. Here's looking at you: Some of the Chipping Campden Baptist Church members who walked the Three Peaks. A group of 30 hikers, aged between 15 and 60, from
GREEN-FINGERED pupils in Bledington have been getting to grips with the primary school's new garden. Dig this: Tending the vegetable plot at Bledington are Heather Pearson, Joe Jarvis, James Crook, Madeline Milhench, Helen Lee and Vanessa Lee. The garden
WELL-known veteran campaigner Molly Jelly has fallen victim to a conman who sweet-talked his way into her house and stole £150. Now the former councillor, who admits the incident has "knocked her for six" has spoken out in a bid to warn others as she
HEALTH bosses in Gloucestershire say they are re-examining the future of patient transport in the county in the wake of criticisms from voluntary groups. Groups such as the North Cotswold Voluntary Help Centre have complained of massively increased workloads
ALFRED Harrison and his wife, Emily, of St John Street, were brought before Bromsgrove Petty Sessions for causing unnecessary suffering and injury to the health of their seven children. 100 years ago October 7, 1899 ALFRED Harrison and his wife, Emily
THE trials and tribulations of farming have been well-documented as the industry struggles to cope with the effects of a devastating recession. Some farmers have been forced out of business and others have chosen to sell up, but many of those who have
THE eighth annual Aston Fields produce show was held in the billiards room at the workmen's club. Entries were good despite the drought. 100 years ago September 3, 1899 THE eighth annual Aston Fields produce show was held in the billiards room at the
THE Guardians at Droitwich workhouse received a letter that had gladdened their hearts. It was from a former child inmate who some years ago they had sent to Grimsby to learn the fishing trade. The youth said he was progressing well and wished to be remembered
AROUND 200 of Bromsgrove's aged poor enjoyed a trip to the Lickey Hills in wagons supplied by the town's gentry. 100 years ago August 5, 1899 AROUND 200 of Bromsgrove's aged poor enjoyed a trip to the Lickey Hills in wagons supplied by the town's gentry
THE day trip season was in full swing this week. A party of pauper children from Bromsgrove's workhouse enjoyed a memorable day at Weston. 100 years ago July 29, 1899 THE day trip season was in full swing this week. A party of pauper children from Bromsgrove's
CHEEKY birds were reported to be nesting in a Lickey letter box. A wren and tit were sharing a nest and between them had laid more than 25 eggs. 100 years ago July 15, 1899 CHEEKY birds were reported to be nesting in a Lickey letter box. A wren and tit
A FIRE was discovered in a cowshed near All Saints Church, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove, by neighbours who raised the alarm. 100 years ago July 8, 1899 A FIRE was discovered in a cowshed near All Saints Church, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove, by neighbours who raised
A PENALTY contest with a difference to see who could score the most goals from five shots was to be one of the highlights of a visit to Bromsgrove by the internationally acclaimed Lord Sangers' circus. Bromsgrove Rovers' star player J Grice would pit
WALTER Horsfield of no fixed abode was hauled before magistrates at a special court on Saturday charged with being drunk in Windsor Street, Bromsgrove, Unable to pay the 2s 6d (12.5p) fine, he was jailed for seven days. 100 years ago June 17, 1899 WALTER
A NUMBER of young boys found themselves in the dock at Bromsgrove Magistrates' Court charged with damaging half-an-acre of mowing grass belonging to town butcher Samson Weaver, at Kidderminster Road, worth 1s (5p). 100 years ago June 10, 1898 A NUMBER
A MESSENGER editorial reflected on the choice of Bromsgrove's Barnsley Hall estate as the location for the new county lunatic asylum. 100 years ago June 3, 1899 A MESSENGER editorial reflected on the choice of Bromsgrove's Barnsley Hall estate as the
GEORGE Jones, of Burcot, was charged at Bromsgrove Petty Sessions with allowing a dog to be out in Blackwell without a muzzle. 100 years ago May 20, 1899 GEORGE Jones, of Burcot, was charged at Bromsgrove Petty Sessions with allowing a dog to be out in
HARRY Bott and Joseph Wilmott, both from the Strand in Bromsgrove, were hauled before town magistrates charged with causing sixpence (2.5p) worth of damage to the town's cricket pitch on Recreation Ground at Parkside by playing football on it. 100 years
A CHILD pauper at Bromsgrove workhouse had been given ten strokes of the birch rod for wilful disobedience and kicking the children's attendant. 100 years ago March 11, 1899 A CHILD pauper at Bromsgrove workhouse had been given ten strokes of the birch
NEWS of the gale damage that had been caused to the main tent at Bromsgrove's Infectious Diseases Hospital at Hill Top on January 12 had appeared in an American newspaper the very next day. 100 years ago March 4, 1899 NEWS of the gale damage that had
SHAMED Marcus Liddell, a brakeman with the Midland Railway living at Blackwell, spoiled an unblemished 33 years' service record when he appeared before Bromsgrove magistrates. 100 years ago February 18, 1899 SHAMED Marcus Liddell, a brakeman with the
NORTH Bromsgrove Urban District Council received a report from the medical officer of health, Dr Cameron Kidd, about the town's very own modern Robinson Crusoe. It said that Dr Kidd had inspected the Woodcote-based hut of pedlar Clark, who lived in a
GEORGE Simpson and his pal Henry Abbot described as ''two naughty little boys'' from The Vines in Droitwich, would rue the day they broke into the National School and stole pens and rubbers. 100 years ago January 28, 1899 GEORGE Simpson and his pal Henry
BROMSGROVE magistrates declared their sorrow at having to impose a 6d (2.5p) fine on William Carr who failed to muzzle his dog in High Street. 100 years ago December 17, 1898 BROMSGROVE magistrates declared their sorrow at having to impose a 6d (2.5p)
THE distressing case of an infant girl, who died after falling onto an unguarded fire, was heard at an inquest held at the Golden Cross, Hotel, Bromsgrove. 100 years ago December 3, 1898 THE distressing case of an infant girl, who died after falling onto
LABOURER Samuel Ellis, aged 16, pleaded guilty to maliciously setting fire to a stack of straw at Stoke Prior Farm Reformatory School. The remorseful teenager apologised to the court for trying to implicate another boy, called Faber, who was innocent.
THE long running problem of the terrible condition of Dodford's narrow and unmade roads looked set to be resolved. 100 years ago November 5, 1898 THE long running problem of the terrible condition of Dodford's narrow and unmade roads looked set to be
A RISING tide of anger over dying swans in Bewdley could bring a halt to centuries of angling on the town stretch of the River Severn. Proposals to ban the sport from sections of the river by Bewdley's historic bridge are to be put before a special meeting
DROITWICH boys Fred Day, Fred Wallace, Henry Medley and Frank and Dennis Williams were hauled before Spa magistrates charged with wilfully damaging Charles Winnall's walnut tree. Wallace was fined 6s (30p) Frank Williams 4s (20p) the others 2s (10p) each
THE Salvation Army had approached Bromsgrove council with a view to buying a plot of land at the end of Mill Lane near the brook on which to build a barracks. However, some councillors were very concerned about plans to develop every available open space
JOSEPH Gill got more than he bargained for when he offered to fight any man in the huge crowd which gathered to watch his drunken antics in Bromsgrove High Street. 100 years ago October 8, 1898 JOSEPH Gill got more than he bargained for when he offered
WORCESTERSHIRE Health Authority has rejected a call from hundreds of doctors for an investigation into the county health shake-up which will see the downgrading of Kidderminster Hospital. Despite the most widespread medical opposition yet to the authority's
BROMSGROVE Cricket Club's annual dinner was due to take place tonight at the Golden Cross Hotel, in Bromsgrove, chaired by William Corbett. 100 years ago October 1, 1898 BROMSGROVE Cricket Club's annual dinner was due to take place tonight at the Golden
LOUD snoring from a shed in Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove, prompted PC Hemming to investigate. He found Amelia Jackson, of no fixed abode, blind drunk and fast asleep. 100 years ago September 24, 1898 LOUD snoring from a shed in Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove
PLANS to build a major indoor skateboarding and BMX park in Kidderminster have been given the green light. The idea for a Roll 'n' Ride centre at a former agricultural store near Kidderminster Harriers Football Club won the unanimous backing of district
TARDEBIGGE man John Penrice, due to start a two-year course at Saltley Training College, was presented with a handsome Gladstone bag and volumes of books for his service at Lord Windsor's School. 100 years ago September 17, 1998 TARDEBIGGE man John Penrice
TRAMP George Lee's excuse to Droitwich magistrates that he was a ''broken down tradesman,'' and therefore not used to manual work, failed to impress them. 100 years ago September 10, 1898 TRAMP George Lee's excuse to Droitwich magistrates that he was
TWO children named Elvins and Marshall were seriously injured in The Hill End area of Droitwich Spa. 100 years ago September 3, 1894 TWO children named Elvins and Marshall were seriously injured in The Hill End area of Droitwich Spa. They had been chasing
A PROPOSAL to deny multiple sclerosis sufferers a vital drug through the NHS has been blasted by the president of the district MS branch. Ron Morter, of the Wyre Forest MS Society, said the cost-cutting plan to refuse beta interferon treatment to all
THE annual licensing brewster sessions were held at Bromsgrove magistrates' court. In his report, Supt Jeffrey said in the Bromsgrove division there were 73 licensed premises for a population of 16,671. 100 years ago August 27, 1898 THE annual licensing
A SERIOUS accident befell Mrs Wood, wife of the landlord of the Royal Oak pub, in Catshill, Bromsgrove, as she made her way up the stairs to bed. She dropped the lamp she was carrying which immediately exploded setting light to her nightclothes and severely
A MAN has been jailed for more than eight years after being convicted of causing the death of his 19-year-old nephew by dangerous driving, and driving while banned. Jim James was also banned from driving for life after the jury at Hereford Crown Court
CARPET industry leaders have piled into battle over "outrageous" claims that carpets cause asthma. The Kidderminster based Carpet Foundation, which represent 12 top manufacturers, has reacted angrily to claims made by a group named the Healthy Flooring
DROITWICH Spa resumed its annual sports day which was not held last year because of the jubilee celebrations. A crowd of around 2,000 visited Mr Stephens' meadow to watch the events which ranged from pony racing to a one-mile cycle race. Prize money amounting
A WORCESTERSHIRE MP is so "fearful" over the future of hospital services in the county he has demanded a debate so Government Ministers can be put on the spot. Peter Luff, the Tory MP for Mid-Worcestershire, has secured a debate in Westminster Hall next
BOOK early for a spectacular outdoor concert next week and the summer could take off in a big way. Malvern's English Symphony Orchestra is repeating its American Celebration at the Three Counties Showground - a repeat of its hugely successful event at
TWO tuneful twins from a musical family are going their separate ways this autumn. Ready for pastures new: Josie and Anna Korner. Musical youths Anna and Josie Korner, both 18, of Manor Farm Cottages, Ashton-under-Hill, have earned places at different
ENOCH Banner, of Lickey Rock, was summoned for not sending his child to school regularly. The child had made only two appearances out of a possible 70. He was fined 5s (25p). 100 years ago July 2, 1898 ENOCH Banner, of Lickey Rock, was summoned for not
VILLAGERS have raced to a £6,000 cash boost after a famous motorbike event was resurrected. Great Witley's legendary Red Marley Hill Climb was back on the racing calendar for the first time in 30 years in April and was so successful, more than £6,000
A PLEA by Bromsgrove Cycling Club to the town council for permission to put up warning signs near two notorious hills in the district was refused. 100 years ago June 11, 1895 A PLEA by Bromsgrove Cycling Club to the town council for permission to put
HOUSEWIVES in Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa were reeling over Thursday's latest halfpenny increase in the cost of bread. In the past few weeks the price of a loaf had risen by one penny halfpenny because of the rise in the cost of wheat. 100 years ago
A SERIOUS accident befell Joseph Meadley, a 52-year-old worker at the Stoke Works Salt Union. He was badly scalded when he stumbled and fell into a vat of boiling brine. 100 years ago May 7, 1898 A SERIOUS accident befell Joseph Meadley, a 52-year-old
AN accident of a serious character happened to a youth named George Harry Vale of 1 Westbourne Terrace, Worcester Street, Bromsgrove, while cycling at Redditch. 100 years ago April 30, 1898 AN accident of a serious character happened to a youth named
BROMSGROVE'S fire brigade won a long battle to get a hose drying pole. On Thursday, one which was more than 50 feet tall was put up in Market Street. 100 years ago April 23, 1898 BROMSGROVE'S fire brigade won a long battle to get a hose drying pole. On
GOOD Friday in Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa was the balmiest and sunniest in living memory and without the keen east wind so often associated with this holy day. As usual on Bank Holidays, the Lickey Hills were a magnet for thousands of visitors from
PUBLIC-SPIRITED Finstall residents had dug deep into their pockets for a variety of good causes. In the past 15 months, they had raised £130 for a new altar screen in St Godwald's Church, and £45 for brass gas standards to improve the church's lighting
A VERY busy week on the match scene started on Monday evening with the Broad Acres Open, where Redditch matchman Chris Newton (New End AC) showed his continuous record at the venue by taking a top catch of 30-12-0 of carp by alternating corn, maggots
THE Messenger was first with the news, both at home and further afield. The paper had arranged for Saturday's boat race result to be telegraphed to its office, where it would be displayed in a window. 100 years ago March 26, 1898 THE Messenger was first
FIREMEN from Bromsgrove rescued a cat stuck 90ft up an elm tree at Snake Lake, Fockbury, where it had been for two days. Fireman Gilbert Wheeler scaled the two ladders which had been lashed to the tree and edged his way along a branch to bring the pitiful
BROMSGROVE magistrates heard pals George Court and Charles Whitehouse, both from Worcester Street, were ''as drunk as each other'' when a constable spotted Court attempting to push Whitehouse home in a hand cart. Whitehouse fell over the handles, tipping
ANOTHER rabbit coursing event was set to take place on land near the Golden Cross pub in Marlbrook at the weekend. 100 years ago February 19, 1898 ANOTHER rabbit coursing event was set to take place on land near the Golden Cross pub in Marlbrook at the
THE harsh regime of a Victorian prison was preferable to life ''outside,'' it seemed. Elizabeth Fisher from Bournheath was brought before Bromsgrove magistrates, charged with causing £1 worth of damage to a door. 100 years ago February 5, 1898 THE harsh
A CALL for an all-party task force to sort out a delayed multi-million pound Kidderminster town centre development has been rejected. Wyre Forest District Council's ruling administration ruled out the proposal, stating it could not help the process and
A POLICE patrol car was unwittingly driven on to the forecourt of a garage while an armed hold-up was in progress, a jury was told. Peter Lewthwaite had taken a knife and a gun with him on the raid at the Shell service station in Wychbold, opposite Webb's
BARNT Green Third XI made Bromsgrove's bowling attack look mediocre on Saturday when they amassed a score of 227-4 from their 50 overs in a West Midlands Championship top of the table clash. Green's top three did the damage, starting with a 128 run partnership
Sports editor TERESA PHILLIPS pays tribute to this year's Bromsgrove Sports Performance Fund recipients - and explains how the scheme works. SO there's nothing going on in the Bromsgrove area, huh? No achievements to celebrate? Well, try telling that
MORE than £10,000 worth of property was stolen from a Stourport home during a burglary on Monday night. The loss of china, computer hardware, jewellery and a video recorder from The Slad, Wilden, was discovered on Tuesday morning at 9 am.
SPRINGFIELD was delighted to be chosen as one of the last year's mayor's charities. So on behalf of the users of mental health services, they extend many thanks for the most generous donation of £2,000 from the former mayor. Complimentary therapies play
A TEENAGER on a gun charge has been bailed for a report to be prepared. Leon Laga, 19, of Bewdley Hill, Kidderminster, pleaded guilty to possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause the fear of unlawful violence last August. At Worcester Crown
I WOULD just like to thank all those involved in the organising of Evesham Summer Festival. Despite the changeable weather we still managed to have a good time. I hope similar events will be repeated next year. RAY EDWARDS, Pershore Road, Evesham,
EVESHAM'S Millennium Festival is now completed. On behalf of the committee I would like to thank all those who put in a huge amount of work over the last few months to ensure its success. New ventures are always fraught with hazards and complications
PUBLIC help with a police crackdown on house burglary has cut incidents by 17 per cent in the first three months and brought more burglars to book. But police are braced for a seasonal increase over the rest of the summer unless people heed warnings not
WALKERS in Ilmington can carry on enjoying spectacular views of Edge Hill after the Government agreed to keep a stretch of footpath open as part of a scheme to keep more rights of way open. The path at Hill Farm, which spans just 0.2 miles was originally
A GROUP of King Edward VI Grammar School boys set off for an adventure in the rainforests and mountains of Peru at the weekend. KES pupils Matt Austin (left) and Hugh Jackson who were among those who left for Peru last Saturday. The main aim for the group
MUSICALS, storms and some good old-fashioned blood, guts and treachery will form the Royal Shakespeare Company's up-and-coming winter season. The company revealed on Tuesday that six new productions will grace the stages of the main house, the Swan and
CAN readers help us with our research into the UFO phenomenon, with regard to tracing the whereabouts of Mrs Mary Hill, who was the caretaker of the Baptist Church in Bewdley during 1977, and reported, along with many others, an "object" hovering next
I MUST explain to Mr Townley (Letters Page ,July 13) that I cannot take the credit for planning and developing services for Worcestershire patients in Birmingham. Until the early 70s, Kidderminster was a satellite of the Birmingham Hospital board, and
AN INSURANCE broker, formerly from Bishampton near Pershore, has been jailed for 18 months for stealing almost £200,000 from his wife's cousin. Sixty-two-year old Keith Wallace, who lives with his mother in Melton Mowbray, pleaded guilty at Warwick Crown
VITAL strands are missing from the Government's proposed lifeline for saving thousands of struggling village post offices from being forced out of business, landowners have warned. The Country Landowners' Association has urged Trade and Industry Secretary
THE letter from Dr Richard Herbert, consultant anaesthetist at Kidderminster Hospital (Kidderminster Shuttle, July 13) in which he stated that the early transfer of inpatient orthopaedic surgery from Kidderminster Hospital to Castle Street Hospital, Worcester
EVESHAM Gymnastic Club is looking for a new coach to replace Maxcine Durrant, who is stepping down after 26 years in the post. Gym'll fix it: Maxcine Durrant with Jack Gardner, Emily Rogers, Jenny Ella and Clare Chambers. Over the years Maxcine has coached
INTIMIDATION from the pulpit was just one way Pershore Abbey officials tried to silence opponents to their plan to replace Victorian pews with modern chairs, it has been claimed. Sue Clasen, an advocate of retaining pews, said church intimidation, including
A PERSHORE publican has launched an ID card scheme in an effort to stamp out anti-social behaviour and underage drinking. Since last Friday, unless they can show one of the Plough Inn's identity cards to door staff, drinkers are not allowed into the High
LONG Marston was hit by a wave of Mini-mania at the weekend, when hundreds of enthusiasts gathered at Avon Park Raceway to celebrate the style-icon's last year in production. Best of British: Dave Coxon with some of the Minis at the rally. The British
A STEADY hand was demonstrated by brothers Daniel and Luke Trotman at St Richard's C of E First School summer fete. Switched on: Daniel and Luke Trotman at St Richard's School Fete. They were among the crowds at the event, which was organised by the school's
BUDDING artists abound in Pinvin First School, according to government inspectors. Talented: Samuel Sephton, Michaela Phillips, Michael Baldwin, Rebecca Williams, Laura Piercy and Craig Walters with head teacher Pat Trivett and senior teacher Sally Martin
THE New Year started well for the institute. In January, we had our party, when nearly 50 members and friends enjoyed plenty of good food and company. To crown a splendid night, Christine Paterson entertained us with what she called 'hazards of entertaining
A BROADWAY resident was quick to snap up an 8ft long oak crocodile at a craft fair in the village last week. The croc, made by John Plumb from Stanway, was just one of the many fascinating items on show at a craft exhibition at the Lifford Hall, which
THE members were welcomed to the 44th birthday meeting by president Maureen Smith. Names were taken for the visit to Spadesbourne Theatre on May 8. It was agreed that Easter eggs would be collected at the April meeting for distribution to a children's
IF you'd been down Long Hyde Road, South Littleton, on July 11, you would have had a surprise. Teddy bears and munchkins. Hannah Tustin, Hannah Cowen, Alexander Kempton and Georgia Cother enjoy the picnic. For that was the day toddlers from Munchkins
YOUNGSTERS at the Lenches Pre-School Group showed their paces to parents at their fun sports day at Westol Hill Farm, Rous Lench. Athletic: A young runner hits the finishing tape. Children aged from two-and-a-half to four took part in a variety of races
TWO young businessmen in Drakes Broughton are struggling to come to terms with their fish and chip shop going up in flames last Thursday. At about 4.30pm the cooking range at the Perfect Plaice caught fire and despite attempts to put it out, flames and
THE club entered the new Millennium and its 28th year with a successful annual members' lunch at Bromsgrove Golf Centre. Members were welcomed by president Alan Tonkinson who also presented the sports trophies for 1999. The winners were Bill Perkins (
EVESHAM Town Council is joining forces with Pershore Town Council to support a Wyre Piddle by-pass. At their last meeting Evesham councillors heard that without the support of the town and Pershore, the bid for a bypass in 2001 could fail again this year
ONCE again it was a great pleasure to welcome back as guest speaker Kenneth Hughes, an official Heart of England tourist guide. He shared with us his knowledge and enthusiasm for the many beautiful and historic buildings and their treasures to be found
MEMBERS met in the Friends Meeting House in March. With business over, we came to the entertainment section. Janice Boswell was unable to attend to give a talk but our good friend Brian Sadler kindly stepped in with one of his excellent slide shows. His
PRESIDENT Pat Meredith welcomed members, two visitors and two new members to the March meeting. She also thanked Audrey Court for her work at the trade stand. The guest speaker was Pearl Prior who gave an interesting talk and demonstration on making porcelain
A BUS stop became the scene of a town centre drama when a swarm of visitors refused to buzz off! But nervous travellers waiting for the First Midland Red service from one of the stops outside Kidderminster's Swan Centre need not have worried. The gathering
THERE were no holds barred when martial arts champions gave Bewdley schoolchildren a demonstration of their skills. Wribbenhall Out of School Play Scheme, which is attended by pupils from Wribbenhall First and Middle schools, invited Tsunami Karate Club
A LACK of sunshine failed to prevent the annual Bewdley in Bloom competition from blossoming into a high standard display this month. Judges saw a good entry for all 15 main classes with an extra section this year for people with small to medium sized
A SCHEME to bring sunshine into children's lives has been launched in Wyre Forest. Holiday fun starts with a bang on Saturday when Wyre Forest summer activities kick of with a lesson in African drumming. Leisure officers at Wyre Forest District Council
100 years ago July 21, 1900 Stratford: ON Tuesday evening, an al fresco concert, organised by the members of the local Choral Union and Town Band, was held in the New Place Gardens. The concert was both musically and financially a success and the attendance
A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build 19 homes in Stourport has finally won district backing as a public inquiry into the long-running saga looms. The scheme for the homes at the junction of Lodge Road and Lion Hill was rejected in May when Wyre Forest District
COUNCILLORS have gone against the advice of planning officers and refused proposals to turn a set of Kidderminster offices into a restaurant. The application by investment and pension consultant company KL Plester to change the use of its two end premises
VILLAGERS in Cookley are celebrating after winning a prestigious county competition to mark efforts in the community. The Cookley 2000 Millennium Festival Committee beat off more than 20 competitors to win the Community Pride contest, as well as a millennium
JAZZ enthusiasts should head for the Swan Inn, Chaddesley Corbett, tomorrow. Providing super smooth entertainment from 8.30pm to 11pm are London-based Vintage Jazz. There will not be a jazz event at the New Inn, Bournheath, this Sunday because of a private
STARS in Your Eyes hits a village pub this summer with appearances by four leading cabaret acts. The Tardebigge is the venue -- and admission is free. Ricky Martin makes an appearance tonight in the guise of Daniel Diego and, on July 26, Paul Doody presents
GO under-cover with The Reflections this week. The Hanbury-based tribute band are in action at the Ewe and Lamb, Hanbury Road, Stoke Heath, this Friday from 9pm. Admission is free.
TEENAGE songstress Eloise is doing her bit to prevent a popular Bromsgrove club closing down. The 18-year-old from Aston Fields will be appearing at a fundraising summer concert at the town's Royal British Legion Club, in Birmingham Road, on Friday July
AN Evesham charity shop chain hopes donations will be flying high again soon with the introduction of a new scheme. The Association of Charity Shops' Kitemark, will soon appear on all of the charity's collection sacks. An increase in the number of bogus
A TWO-day riverside spectacular will take place in Pershore this weekend and organisers are promising a host of activities for the whole family. The event, which includes flower arranging, bell-ringing and badge-making among the attractions, begins at
Thursday July 20 Cinema: Not One Less (U), mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham. Cinema: Maybe Baby (15), Warwick Arts Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry. Cinema: The Straight Story (U), Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry. Drama: The Collector, mac, Birmingham
A CRISIS in the county ambulance service is on the cards as the D-Day for the downgrading of Kidderminster Hospital looms. Frontline ambulance staff have revealed the perilous state of affairs at Ronkswood Hospital, Worcester, where Kidderminster paramedics
AN hourly bus service between Worcestershire's three hospitals is set to be up and running in early September. "We're investing more than £285,000 in providing these new hourly bus services to ensure that public transport links are provided between the
TWO district councillors have been appointed to a health monitoring group. Health Concern councillor Frank Baillie and Conservative Vera Tomlinson have been appointed to the Health Watch Council which will oversee the Health Watch group. Wyre Forest District
PALE Minnie Driver lies stricken in a hospital bed, desperate for the heart transplant that will keep her alive. For David Duchovny and Joely Richardson, on the other hand, life could not be better. Richardson, as zoo worker Elizabeth, woos the glitterati
THE pleasures of a Chipping Norton pantomime are a fresh experience for the man who has slipped into the general manager's seat at the town's theatre. Christopher Durham, the new manager at The Theatre, Chipping Norton. Christopher Durham has been at
CULTURE vultures who love the great outdoors are being invited to a performance of Shakespeare's The Tempest at the Festival Opera House, Longborough, near Stow, next week. The performance by the Festival Players Theatre Company is taking place at 7.45pm
WAS the Bard barmy? That's the subject of a new production being staged at Stratford's Civic Hall on July 25-27. The ACTual Reality Theatre Company is presenting Madman William as part of the RSC Shakespeare Festival. The play, by Naomi Wallace, is set
FRIDAY CLUB ANNIVERSARY: Tomorrow (Friday) the Friday Club meet at 3pm at the Royal British Legion Hall for a 50th anniversary celebration. GARDEN OPEN: On Saturday, the garden at 23, Park Farm, Bourton will be open from 2-6pm with teas and various stalls
PARISH COUNCIL: People will be able to donate a tree in memory of a relative or friend for the millennium woodland to be created at the top of Keyte's Lane. The land has been given by coun Michael Gaden and Mrs Gaden and the Towler Trust and £3,000 has
CHURCH NEWS: On Sunday, there will be a service of Holy Communion at St Nicholas Church at 9.30am to be taken by Rev John Parkinson. VILLAGE HALL PROGRESS: Recent fund raising events have contributed almost £800 to the New Village Hall Fund. The fun day
PARISH COUNCIL: Report of the parish council meeting held on June 27. Planning application W00/0659/0 from Crownhawk Ltd for demolition of bungalow and construction of two bungalows at Wooden Wonders, Upper Street was not objected to in principle. However
ST JAMES' CHURCHYARD: There was quite an encouraging turn-out for the scheduled cleaning and tidying of the churchyard (both churchyards, in fact) last Saturday morning, with representatives from the Horticultural Society as well as the church itself.
WEDNESDAY CLUB: The club was delighted to be, once again, in the lovely garden of Ilmington Manor for its annual garden party. Our friends from Stretton Silver Club had come to be with us. The proceedings were enhanced by the presence of the Ilmington
SCHOOL NEWS: Parents evening is tonight (Thursday) in the school, with the children telling of their excursions throughout the year at 6.30pm followed by the Governors report at 7pm. CHURCH NEWS: A record amount of £4,000 plus was raised at this year's
WEDNESDAY CLUB: Forty or so members were a little intrigued to find the chairs, for the afternoons meeting had been arranged like an amphitheatre around three sides of a table placed centrally and wondered what all this had to do with Chinese Brush Painting
INTEREST AND LEISURE CLUB: The club held their annual Summer Fair at the Redesdale Hall on July 15 - all the proceeds were in aid of Moreton-in-Marsh Hospital and the Gloucestershire Air Ambulance. There were many stalls, competitions and also refreshments
EMBROIDERERS' GUILD: Stour Valley branch of the Embroiderers' Guild held the July meeting at Stour Court. The speaker was Linda Collins who brought and talked about her collection of children's clothes which were dated 1840 - 1940. The collection showed
Gloucester, Monday GLOUCESTER Market report standard lambs to 95.6p (average 87p), medium to 102.3p (89.5p), heavies to 81.6p (80p). Rearing calves, Hereford bulls to £143 (£56), heifers to £30 (£21), Friesian bulls to £34 (£11), heifers to £88 (£88),
Evesham Wednesday CABBAGE duncan £2 to £3 crate, primo £3.30 to £3.60 crate, savoy £4, red £3.80 doz, cauliflower £4 to £5 doz, beans broad 12p to 18p lb, dwarf 80p to £1 lb, stick £1.80 to £2.20 lb, calabrese 30p to 44p lb, peppers 45p lb, peas 35p to
AFTER supporting the club as a teenager, Steve Thomas has just landed his dream job - as Kidderminster Harriers' new media development manager. The 25-year-old, who used to watch his Aggborough heroes from the terraces, will now be the man who deals with
A MARLBROOK hotel conference porter has received the company's Star of the Year Award. Lee Smith, of Aston Fields, works at the Hilton Bromsgrove, Birmingham Road, and scooped the prize at the firm's annual ceremony, in Birmingham. It was hosted by Brookside
A WOMAN was found safe in a southern county at the weekend a week after she went missing. Valerie Trappet, 51, of The Lodge, Olive Grove, Stourport, a rehabilitation centre for people with mental disorders, disappeared when she went on a trip to the shops
A CHATTY Bromsgrove shop assistant has been recognised for her hard work for a charity which offers help and support to terminally ill children and their families. Mary Shaw works in Acorns' store, in High Street, and scooped the award for most persuasive
A BROMSGROVE printing firm has stepped into the European market after being selected by an Italian-based technology company. Focal Image, in Broad Street, was spotted by the UK manager of Henkel who was scouring Europe to find a supplier capable of producing
A MARATHON charity drive from Arabia in memory of a popular rugby player is due to end next Saturday. The father and elder brother of former Stourport Rugby Club member David Eaton, killed in a road accident in September last year, are expected to arrive
A GP will be boosted with a £5,000 cash injection if he is named top of the docs. Clive Prince, of Bewdley Medical Centre, has been shortlisted for a major title in the Doctor of Year awards a year after another partner at the practice took top prize.
TRIBUTES have been paid to a "very lovely lady" - Wyre Forest's oldest resident - who has died at the age of 106. Minnie Clements, of Brookdale Nursing Home, Kidderminster, died on July 5, a month after her 106th birthday. A spokesman for the home said
AMATEUR photographer Geoffrey Hayward has snapped up a holiday of a lifetime after winning a national competition. Mr Hayward, of Churchill, won £2,500 worth of holiday vouchers when he came out on top of the Daily Telegraph/Jessops Photography 2000 competition
TO open this silver anniversary concert, the Mayor of Kidderminster, Councillor Nigel Knowles, presented a shield to Husum Musical Director, Thomas Wiese, before Rod Summers gave a brief history of the orchestra. Wiese conducted the first item, the overture
HERE'S an offer you can't refuse -- a night out with the fun lovin' Fairbourne Dodders. The thriving theatre group is returning to the boards next week with its summer production, Fish Out Of Water. Penned by Derek Benfield and directed by Sheila Baggott
SIXTH formers from schools across Wyre Forest will receive a lesson of a different kind when they take part in a conference about human rights next week. The event at Stourport High School on Tuesday will begin with a talk given by Dr Robin Morris from
A FLOATING theatre company plans to "barge" in on two canalside pubs next week. Duffy and Jane Marshall, of Day-Star Theatre, will be bringing two of their plays to Wolverley's Lock Inn on Sunday and The Black Star in Stourport the following day. The
ORGANISERS of Kidderminster's very own Last Night of the Proms are aiming to hit the high note by reaching the £100,000 mark for charity in its millennium concerts. So far £92,250 has been raised for Kemp Hospice, Kidderminster Hospital League of Friends
A SCHOOL hopes its summer fair will be the springboard to a cash bonanza for a swimming pool where hundreds of schoolchildren learn their first strokes every year. The swimming pool at Franche First School, Kidderminster, serving nine schools in the area
A FORMER councillor has been thrown off the board of governors of a Kidderminster school for non-attendance. Mike Kelly, who lost his seat on Wyre Forest District Council in May, has been disqualified as the authority's representative at St John's First
LAST Friday saw the end of an era when Shipston shoe-repairer Norman Turville put away his last for the final time to end almost a century of family history. End of an era: Shoe repairer Norman Turville, who has just retired. Mr Turville and his wife,
THE new health centre will provide about 60% more space for doctors and health workers and will ensure patients have the best possible facilities, says trust chairman John Calvert. Discussions between the doctors, health authority and trust have been
WORCESTER City fans have until Friday to buy season tickets at a discount. Prices for the ground are £115 for adults and £65 for children and senior citizens, while for the stand tickets are £135 for adults and £85 concessions. After Friday, all prices
IN the top of the table Worcester Evening Cricket League Division One clash Pearmen triumphed by six wickets over Malvern Ramblers. Chris Jones struck the vital blow for Pearman bowling Rob Francis for a duck before L. Jones 5-7 and Geoff White 3-20 ran
THE saga of Worcestershire's controversial NatWest Trophy clash with Gloucestershire looks set to drag on until at least tomorrow night. The County's fate in the competition has been thrown in doubt following Gloucestershire's claim that young paceman
A SMALL portion of our young develop serious mental illness while at school or college or university. Often the illness is hard to diagnose and it can go on for many years before it is recognised. Sadly, outbreaks of schizophrenia or manic depression
June 25 was Rubery New Millennium Half Marathon day. Around 100 runners took off from Rubery Leisure Centre, in Holywell Lane, and completed 13.1 miles in two laps which included Beacon Hill, Monument Lane, Rose Hill and Rubery village. The event was
100 years ago July 14, 1900 EDWIN Docker, north Worcestershire coroner, held an inquest at the Turk's Head pub, in Worcester Road, Bromsgrove, into the death of Edward Wallis, of Peter's Finger. The nailer died the previous week in unusual circumstances
EDWIN Docker, north Worcestershire coroner, held an inquest at the Turk's Head pub, in Worcester Road, Bromsgrove, into the death of Edward Wallis, of Peter's Finger. The nailer died the previous week in unusual circumstances. His wife, Ann, said the
A FEW months ago, supporters of Bromsgrove Rovers and people of the town were asked to make contributions to pay off a debt to Customs and Excise and thus keep the club in business. This money was raised and the debt paid off with several hundred generous
THE guardians at Bromsgrove's workhouse were concerned and surprised at hearing that a town boy, suffering for three days with a broken arm, had been refused treatment at the Cottage Hospital. 100 years ago November 18, 1899 THE guardians at Bromsgrove's
FREDERICK Brown, a boy from Stoke Prior, was hauled before Bromsgrove magistrates charged with letting off a firework in Worcester Street. 100 years ago November 11, 1899 FREDERICK Brown, a boy from Stoke Prior, was hauled before Bromsgrove magistrates
BROMSGROVE'S Bailiff Herbert Millington called a meeting at the town's Drill Hall to launch an appeal for money for the widows and orphans of British soldiers fighting in the South African war. 100 years ago November 4, 1899 BROMSGROVE'S Bailiff Herbert
BELBROUGHTON boy Percy Willetts, of Mearce Farm, was slowly recovering after falling from a fowl roost. 100 years ago October 28, 1899 BELBROUGHTON boy Percy Willetts, of Mearce Farm, was slowly recovering after falling from a fowl roost. The poor chap
AN order forcing all Bromsgrove dogs to wear muzzles while being walked in town streets was lifted after lengthy discussions by the Board of Agriculture. 100 years ago October 21, 1899 AN order forcing all Bromsgrove dogs to wear muzzles while being walked
SHIPSTON In Bloom organisers are determined not to allow vandals to scupper the town's chances of picking up top floral honours. Judges appointed by the Heart of England Tourist Board are due in Shipston tomorrow (Friday) to view the town for the annual
BROMSGROVE was justly proud of Mr Cound of the town's Lillie Cycle company. This week he was awarded a diploma by the Parisian Inventor's Academy for coming up with the idea for a centrifugal hub. 100 years ago October 14, 1899 BROMSGROVE was justly proud
CHILDREN at Brailes Primary School are celebrating after unveiling the results of a year-long project. All smiles: Teacher Lynette Kay with Charlie Hollies-Everret, Liam Hayes, Julie Lawrence and Amy Philips. Work on a massive patchwork measuring 81 square
THREE youths from Aston Fields, Albert Juggins, Thomas Clements and Charles Dyer, found themselves in front of Bromsgrove magistrates charged with causing 6d (2.5p) worth of damage to a fence belonging to Edward Quinney. 100 years ago September 30, 1899
TWO pauper boys at Bromsgrove workhouse, described as "incorrigible", were to be given the birch by the master for their misdemeanours. 100 years ago September 23, 1899 TWO pauper boys at Bromsgrove workhouse, described as "incorrigible", were to be given
INTREPID travellers, many of them Bromsgrove residents, set up what was thought to be a record by visiting Cherbourg on the continent and returning home in a little over a day. 100 years ago September 16, 1899 INTREPID travellers, many of them Bromsgrove
WEDNESDAY'S thunderstorms caused havoc and flooding over a wide area of the district. At Lower Clent, water running off the hills made the road between the Woodman Inn and the police station impassable. And at Droitwich, floodwater and sewage extended
IRISH tramp Joseph Masterson's plea that he had just finished a spell working for Blackheath sewage works cut no ice with Bromsgrove magistrates when he appeared before them charged with begging in High Street. 100 years ago August 19, 1899 IRISH tramp
BROMSGROVE was soon to say goodbye to Professor Fawke, a veteran of the Crimean War, who fought and was injured in the Charge of the Heavy Brigade at Balaclava. 100 years ago June 22, 1899 BROMSGROVE was soon to say goodbye to Professor Fawke, a veteran
A DRINK too many cost tramp Elizabeth Grimshaw a week in jail. She was brought before Bromsgrove Petty Sessions charged with being drunk and disorderly in The Strand where she swore at a police officer when he asked her to 'clear out of town.' She was
AN inquest into the death of Ernest Hobrough, son of William Hobrough, engineer to the canal company, Bridge House, Stoke Prior, returned a verdict of death by misadventure, after he was found dead at home in the bath. 100 years ago May 17, 1899 AN inquest
BROMSGROVE Urban District Council backed a call from the Retail Newsagents and Booksellers' Union which was upset at members having to work on Sundays. 100 years ago May 3, 1899 BROMSGROVE Urban District Council backed a call from the Retail Newsagents
GUARDIANS at Droitwich Spa's workhouse were advertising for a labour mistress. The salary was £20 per year with board, lodgings and washing thrown in. An extra allowance of £2.10s (£2.50p) per annum was on offer in lieu of a beer ration. 100 years ago
WILLIAM Newbould, of Hill Top, Bromsgrove, was fined five shillings for driving a wagon which he had no control over in High Street. PC Lloyd said at the Bromsgrove Petty Sessions he saw a dray loaded with manure coming down the road with the driver asleep
BROMSGROVE man Mr Caldwell, of Station Street, was brought before the town's petty sessions charged with being drunk in New Road. The defendant had been summoned 12 times previously and was fined 2s 6d (12.5p) and 5s and 6d (27.5p) costs. 100 years ago
CATSHILL lad Isaac Garfield appeared at the county quarter sessions in Worcester charged with stealing a cycle worth £7 from Henry Milman, of the Victoria Hotel in Barnt Green. 100 years ago April 8, 1899 CATSHILL lad Isaac Garfield appeared at the county
A BEGGAR was sentenced to hard labour after assaulting the landlord of the Navigation Inn in Stoke Prior. William Hurt, a fitter from Walsall, was sentenced to 21 days' hard labour for begging a penny for a pint of beer and another 21 days for assaulting
AN inquest jury returned a verdict of accidental death on 24-year-old Clara Williams and expressed sympathy for her relatives. The house parlour maid was killed by a train as she crossed the line, near the level crossing, at Barnt Green railway station
THE Co-operative grocery shop that had opened in Aston Fields four years ago with just 14 members was going from strength to strength. Now, it boasted having 180 shareholders who during the last quarter had spent £820 in the shop. Dividends paid out to
FOLLOWING advice is not always the best option as is illustrated by the case of John Ward, a tramp, who was charged with stealing an overcoat from High Street clothier Arthur Ballard. 100 years ago February 4, 1899 FOLLOWING advice is not always the best
ON Monday about two hundred old, destitute and unemployed people in Droitwich Spa enjoyed their annual treat at Salter's Hall. 100 years ago January 21, 1899 ON Monday about two hundred old, destitute and unemployed people in Droitwich Spa enjoyed their
THE temporary tented isolation hospital at its exposed site at Hill Top, Bromsgrove, caught the full force of last week's gales. Part of the specially constructed windbreak had given way and wrecked one of the tents causing £300 worth of damage. No one
ASSISTANT mistress of Finstall School Miss Mountford handed in her resignation at a meeting of Stoke Prior School Board. 100 years ago January 7, 1899 ASSISTANT mistress of Finstall School Miss Mountford handed in her resignation at a meeting of Stoke
BUTCHERS in Droitwich Spa and Bromsgrove had been busy preparing their shop window displays for the annual meat shows staged in both towns. Sides of beef, pork, mutton and poultry of all descriptions occupied every inch of space as butchers prepared for
SHOP staff in Bromsgrove were looking forward to an extra long Christmas break this year. Stores would close late on Saturday night, Christmas Eve, and open again on Wednesday. The town council had also decided to switch market day from Tuesday to Wednesday
SIDEMOOR woman Rebecca Faithful was charged with taking two shirts off another girl's back in a bizarre case heard at Bromsgrove Magistrates' Court. 100 years ago November 26, 1898 SIDEMOOR woman Rebecca Faithful was charged with taking two shirts off
ASTON Fields man, Arthur Batchelor, was found lying on his back in a drunken state in New Road, Bromsgrove. Mr Bachelor apologised to Bromsgrove magistrates and was found guilty of being drunk and fined 2s 6d (12.5p) with 6s (30p) costs. 100 years ago
SHOPKEEPERS who fear their town is the last outpost in a Wyre Forest battle against thieves will test a radio defence system. Bewdley has been warned it could become a target for shoplifters from Kidderminster and Stourport where a radio system between
A 20-PAGE illustrated account of the opening of Millington Laboratory at Bromsgrove School, was on sale from the school for 1s (5p). The book, issued to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Mr Millington's headmastership, had various portraits of the school's
STOKE Works was in mourning this week for Joseph Barratt, aged 13, and his sister Lizzie who drowned in a small reservoir attached to the salt works where their father, William, was a coal emptier. 100 years ago August 6, 1898 STOKE Works was in mourning
JOHN Edwards, a salt hawker, and his wife, Agnes, had good cause to regret using obscene language in Vines Lane, Droitwich, when they were each fined 5s (25p) with 8s 6d (42.5p) costs by Spa magistrates. The couple were given the choice of paying up or
A HICCUP in the mechanism operating the chimes of Bromsgrove's St John's Parish Church clock sent them into overdrive at midnight on Thursday when they played a selection of tunes continuously for 30 minutes. They began with two minutes of ''Tom Bowling
PROTESTERS agai-nst Kidderminster's proposed incinerator have been assured there will be at least eight weeks' consultation once a planning bid is submitted in September. Worcestershire Cou-nty Council's head of county waste services Jeff Romanis told
UNDER the heading 'the navvy and the policeman' the Messenger reported a court case involving George Palmer, a navvy employed at the Frankley Reservoir. Palmer was among a party of navvies causing a disturbance. 100 years ago July 9, 1898 UNDER the heading
DANIEL Amiss, from Worcester Street, appeared before the court charged with being drunk in High Street. PC Carter's evidence was that the defendant was very drunk, staggering around the road and was a great annoyance to pedestrians. 100 years ago June
A CONVICTED arsonist who started a fire in his own flat in a bid for attention has been jailed for three years. Ricardo Pooler had five previous convictions for arson and had previously been given custodial sentences totalling six years. The firebug used
THE large number of vagrants seeking relief at Droitwich Workhouse had put a strain on resources. The master asked the governors for permission to substitute the morning gruel ration to eight ounces of bread instead. 100 years ago June 18, 1898 THE large
A LARGE number of people in sombre mood gathered at Bromsgrove's Drill Hall for a memorial service for statesman Mr Gladstone who had died on Ascension Day. 100 years ago June 4, 1898 A LARGE number of people in sombre mood gathered at Bromsgrove's Drill
JOHN Townsend from Worcester Street, Bromsgrove, fell foul of the by-law prohibiting use of bad language in one's own house -- if it could be heard by the public. 100 years ago May 28, 1898 JOHN Townsend from Worcester Street, Bromsgrove, fell foul of
BROMSGROVE Hockey Club held its first annual dinner at the Golden Cross Hotel. The chair was occupied by veteran sportsman Mr R A Swayne, vice chairman was Mr W Corbett. 100 years ago May 21, 1898 BROMSGROVE Hockey Club held its first annual dinner at
THE Plough and Harrow pub at Catshill was sold privately for £1,665 by Bromsgrove auctioneer Edward Rabone, just prior to it coming under the hammer. 100 years ago April 2, 1898 THE Plough and Harrow pub at Catshill was sold privately for £1,665 by Bromsgrove
''YOU could have had someone's eye out,'' the chairman of Bromsgrove magistrates' bench told Hanbury youth Fred Cleverley when he was brought up charged with shooting a stone from his catapult across the road near Dodderhill Common. 100 years ago March
ELECTIONS were to take place on Tuesday for Worcestershire County Council. Well-known candidates included philanthropist Job Leadbetter, who was standing in Bromsgrove against lint manufacturer William Corbett. 100 years ago February 26, 1898 ELECTIONS
BROMSGROVE'S parish nurse was set to receive a one-off subscription of two guineas, courtesy of the guardians at the town's workhouse. 100 years ago February 12, 1898 BROMSGROVE'S parish nurse was set to receive a one-off subscription of two guineas,
SIDEMOOR man Henry Ward was brought before town magistrates accused of discharging a stone from a catapult in Crabtree Lane, endangering passers-by. 100 years ago January 29, 1898 SIDEMOOR man Henry Ward was brought before town magistrates accused of
COUNCILLORS have awarded themselves huge hike in allowances amid stormy scenes. The ruling administration of Wyre Forest District Council voted for the 161 per cent rise in allowance budget, which is a result of Labour Government policy. However, the
THE increases were the result of recommendations by an independent panel which studied information and interviewed Wyre Forest district councillors. It recommended the abolition of attendance allowances to be replaced by a basic allowance in line with
SATURDAY: The wardens from the Cotswold AONB Partnership will be leading a five-mile walk exploring Foxcote and Larkside and the tale of two Royalist families. The walk leaves the Howard Arms, Ilmington (213437), at 9.30am and will be led by Stephen Wright
In aid of the National Gardens Scheme: SUNDAY: 94, Fairfield Road, Evesham, teas, 2pm to 6pm. St Egwin's Cottage. Norton, near Evesham, teas and plants, 2pm to 5pm. TUESDAY: Tinpenny Farm, Fiddington, near Tewkesbury, plants, noon to 5pm. WEDNESDAY: Tinpenny
PORTFOLIO holders in the new district council structure have been told to get their act together. Former Wyre Forest District Council leader Jamie Shaw was aghast to find one of the portfolio holders, who hold cabinet positions, absent at a meeting while
THE RSPCA has struck out at "selfish" owners who are creating a massive surge in stray and unwanted cats. Danemere Kennels at Tibberton, near Droitwich, has announced it is at crisis point with 130 cats in its care and boarding and veterinary costs averaging
PEOPLE living on a Droitwich estate were due to find out today whether or not they will have to put up with another invasion of mobile phone masts near their homes. A water tower in a field behind Laurelwood Road, Primsland, has been peppered with a variety
n Witley Court, Great Witley - The Tempest Wednesday. Crescent, Birmingham - Music On Stage until Saturday. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers Tuesday until July 29. The Authorised Version until Saturday. Repertory, Birmingham - Present Laughter until Saturday
WITH Worcestershire enjoying batting success on the neighbouring New Road ground, Avoncroft's batsman comfortably achieved a draw, albeit a losing one, after being set the stiff target of 232 by Old Vigornians. Batting first on a beautiful looking wicket
BUZZING Bromsgrove First XI recorded their first league victory over Highway in devastating fashion on Saturday as they secured a 137 run victory at St Godwald's Park. Opener Jamie Campbell and Paul Duffy (74) put on 156 runs for the second wicket. A
DROITWICH Spa First XI's recent poor form continued on Saturday when they were beaten by Kington by five wickets at St Peter's Fields. This latest Worcestershire League Division One defeat means that Spa's promotion hopes have slipped even further away
SCHOOL teams in the U14s age group competed in a tournament at St Godwald's Park, home of Bromsgrove Cricket Club, on Friday. Teams were entered by North and South Bromsgrove Highs, Waseley Hills High and Droitwich Spa High. Each team played each other
MAGISTRATES in Kidderminster imposed a fine of £540, with £35 costs and a six-month ban, on a driver who failed to acknowledge a court summons. Andrew Addleton, 21, of Addenbrooke Crescent, Birchen Coppice, was convicted in his absence of driving his
THE driver for a party of nightclubbers was almost three times over the alcohol limit when he was arrested at 2am. Gavin Shuck claimed in court that his orange juice had been spiked with double measures of vodka. Shuck, 32, of Dowles Road, Rifle Range
WE are a small group of people very interested in the delightful books written by Warwick Deeping, (1877-1950), probably the best known being Sorrel and Son written in 1925 (which went into at least 41 editions and was still in print in the 1970s) and
YOU kindly published my letter criticising the lack of thought given to the safety of cyclists in the recent traffic calming scheme on The Link, near to Halfords. May I, through your column, thank our listening county council, and Councillor Tom Wells
A FIREFIGHTER told a jury how a gun was pointed at his head by a "ranting and raving" pub landlord during a River Severn mooring dispute. Geoffrey Dixon alleged that Roger Hill, 55, licensee of The Hampstall, Astley Burf, near Stourport, threatened to
COULD anyone throw any light on the matter of the toilets under the Riverside Centre car park being closed on what should have been one of the busiest weekends of the year recently? For that matter why have they been closed all year? I can understand
IN reply to Iris J Pethick's letter of July 13, Explosive Finish. How wonderfully put together and so much to the point, was that letter. Yes, I agree 100% the human race has no place for anything else, except selfishness. JOSEPHINE ALCOCK, Albert Road
I WAS very sorry to have missed The Evesham Boat Festival this year, as I consider it to be one of the main events that take place in Evesham annually. However, I was disgusted to read Explosive Finish in your Letters to The Editor of July 13 with the
A PLAN to install a cash machine in the front of a Kidderminster shop has been rejected following fears of crime and disturbance. The Halifax bank wanted to put the cashpoint at the Stars News shop and post office in Sutton Road. However, councillors
Can I take this opportunity through your paper to give my eternal thanks to everyone who has been involved with the various events which have taken place over the last couple of weeks. On behalf of the townspeople and my fellow councillors, I would like
TWO teenagers who killed a Kidderm-inster alcoholic in the street after a row, pleaded guilty to manslaughter this week. Victim Thomas O'Brien, 47, suffered four blows to the head which resulted in bleeding inside the brain. He died on August 27 last
VILLAGERS in Upper Brailes enjoyed a weekend-long celebration after they heard plans for a hillside housing development had been thrown out for good. It was announced last week that developers Johnson and Johnson's bid to overturn Stratford District Council's
STRESSED headteachers in south Warwickshire are being driven to drink because of spiralling pressures in and out of the classroom, according to a recent survey. According to the National Association of Head Teachers poll, one in six heads and deputies
IT was definitely a case of love me, love my horse when Wickhamford rider Carolyne Ryan-Bell got married last Saturday. Carolyne, of Wickhamford Manor, could not bear to leave her retired advance eventer Hooray Henry II out of all the fun, so she hitched
I WRITE in response to a letter in last week's issue. I am deeply saddened that Chas Townley finds the continued attack on the Worcestershire Health Authority by Professor Pollock of University College London, disturbing. Is this not the second letter
HONEYBOUNRE Carnival has been hailed by organisers as a great success. V for victory: Helen Dexter, Julie Haywood and landlady Jane Thompson on the Thatched Tavern float. Co-ordinator Douglas Rushton said it was "a fantastic day - one of the best we have
SEVERNSIDE North is one of the most picturesque parts of Bewdley. Residents and visitors love to walk along the quay side to look at the river and to feed the ducks and swans. For some time this has not been possible at weekends because of up to 40 motorcyclists
RESIDENTS in the Port Street area of Evesham are bombarding the district council with letters of objection to a snooker hall in the old Kwik Save building. Neighbours packed a house in Lower Leys last Thursday to draw up an action plan after they heard
ON the television show Mrs Merton asked Debbie Magee: "What first attracted you to millionaire Paul Daniels?" I think a similar question could be posed to Councillor Mike Oborski of the Liberal-Save Our Hospital Party. What made him decide to become the
