Archive

  • Shows in a dream setting

    AUDIENCES at two outdoor performances of Shakespeare were treated to much more than spectacular plays. People flocked to the award-winning garden of Mill Dene in Blockley to enjoy A Midsummer Night's Dream and Much Ado About Nothing performed by professional

  • We'll put the show on right here . . .

    MORE than a dozen youngsters took to the stage last Friday as the climax of a week-long theatre course in Brailes. It was run by playwright Belinda Roberts at the Barn Theatre at her home in the village and attracted 14 children aged between eight and

  • Sport for youth back for millennium only

    A year after Shipston's Sport For Youth Day was wound up because of public apathy, it is being resurrected for a one-off millennium special. This Sunday will see the London Road home of Shipston Sports Club filled with entertainment and sporting activities

  • Legacy aims to help the elderly

    ELDERLY people in Chipping Campden stand to benefit from a new service laid on as a result of a former resident's generosity. Two Tryphena Wood health advisers have already been appointed to help elderly Campden residents to stay in the town as long as

  • Road row threat to carnival

    A COUNTY council official has objected to road closures and the rescheduling of bus services which will be caused by this year's Stourport Carnival parade - sparking fury on the eve of its 75th anniversary. Wyre Forest District Council chairman and Stourport

  • Baldwin bags call-up

    VICTORIA Carpets cricketer Rachel Baldwin played her part in Worcestershire's triumph at an eight-a-side tournament. The 13-year-old was selected for her county in the ECB tournament at Oundle School, Northamptonshire. Worcestershire beat Berkshire, Yorkshire

  • SEX-FOR-SALE TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT

    PEOPLE living in a Worcester cul-de-sac are being disturbed in the middle of the night by men seeking sexual services, it has been revealed. Complaints from residents in Northleach Close, Blackpole, have prompted a joint police and city council probe.

  • Rider dies after race crash

    A MOTOCROSS rider has died after suffering massive chest injuries when his bike landed on him at a Worcester racetrack. Scott Ainsworth was competing at Worcester's Sixways venue last night when he landed badly after a jump. "The bike looks to have landed

  • Sex charge head 'was mentor to me' court is told

    A FORMER Worcestershire boarding school pupil has told a court how a teacher watched him shower before handing him a towel. He was giving evidence against the former headmaster of Bredon School, Colin Wheeler, who denies 24 counts of indecently assaulting

  • City cinema opening postponed yet again

    THE much-delayed Warner Village cinema in Worcester will now not open until November - almost six months later than the date originally set. The £9m cinema complex was originally planned to open on Friday, July 14 this year, a date later put back to Friday

  • High cost of asbestos

    PEOPLE living in Worcester's three tower blocks are bracing themselves for more disruption this month when engineers set about removing asbestos from the high rises. The clean-up exercise at Severn House, Henwick House and Cripplegate House will cost

  • Legal advice plan to battle hospital move

    A LAST ditch effort to fight early closure of hospital services in Kidderminster will be launched tonight when Wyre Forest District Council considers recourse to the law. A recommendation to council policy makers urges them to seek advice on whether they

  • City dentist loses battle against cancer

    A WELL-known Worcester dentist has died of cancer at the age of 57. Bruce Maher had been a partner at Epworth House Dental Surgery in Shrubbery Avenue, for 30 years, until his sudden death from prostate cancer, last weekend. Mr Maher, who was passionate

  • Final push for hospital

    A LAST-ditch sticker campaign to force Labour into a U-turn over the closure of Kidderminster General Hospital is to be launched. Posters and stickers reading "To Blair, Milburn and Lock, we say restore our hospital services now" will be unveiled this

  • Get some close encounters of the classic kind

    A SCIENCE fiction spectacular with spooky sights and sounds comes to Ragley Hall, near Alcester, this weekend. The Performing Arts Orchestra will invade the tranquil surroundings of the stately home on Saturday to perform a space-themed concert. Close

  • Step out on an organised walk

    SATURDAY: Kingham to Moreton - by track and field on this 11 mile walk, starts from Moreton station at 10.30am, catch the 9.55am train from Oxford, (8.48am London Paddington); or the 9.43am from Worcester, (10.03am Evesham). Finishes in time for return

  • Artistic dream comes true for Beryl

    DROITWICH woman Beryl Cook had a dream. It was to travel in a Rolls Royce, visit an art exhibition, meet a real artist and have lunch in a smart restaurant. But Miss Cook, who is disabled, never thought her dream would come true - until she won a competition

  • Named and shamed

    FAMILIES living near a convicted sex offender - who has been named and shamed by a national newspaper - have given their backing to the campaign. Kevin Milton, who is on probation after exposing himself to children this year, is featured on the News of

  • What's On

    THURSDAY: Birmingham: Ty's - Steve Ajao Quartet. Wolverhmapton: Robin R'n'B2 - Beryl Crow. Briereley Hill: Robin R'n'B - Outsider. FRIDAY: Wolverhampton: Robin R'n'B2 - Red Red Wine. Brierley Hill: Robin R'n'B - Maximum Who. SATURDAY: Wolverhampton: Robin

  • Hawken delight

    GOLF: Habberley Golf Club's Men's July Medal results: Division One - Stuart Hawken 78 gross 12 handicap 66 nett, Keith Cosnett 77-9-68. Division Two- Mike Kirby 80-15-65, Simon Hartwell 93-28-65. In the ladies v gentlemen competition the gentlemen came

  • Gardener told to pay compensation

    A GARDENER who defrauded an 85-year old woman of £80 for work he did not complete has been ordered to undertake 100 hours of community service. Cornelius Smith, 21, of Barnfield Road, Stourport, admitted obtaining money by deception and was told to pay

  • Bravo and encore!

    Congratulations to Pershore Town Council for organising the delightful "Last Night of the Proms" concert with fireworks, on Saturday evening at Abbey Park . It was an extremely enjoyable celebration of the millennium, and the many people present, whatever

  • After rural PO threat now it's the High St

    I HAVE read with great concern your full report regarding the closure of the Town Post Office's High Street site. I suppose it is ironic in an area like this that Liz Lynne, our local MEP, and I have been organising petitions against the closure of rural

  • What will happen to the High St site?

    I FEEL the need to protest at the proposed closure of the Main Post Office in the High Street, Evesham and relocate it in the Co-op, Riverside Centre. Your correspondent points out the inconvenience to old people (and young people) coming into town by

  • Such a busy time for Trojan horse

    GET out your buckets and shovels, dear readers, Worcester's Trojan horse is heading Kidderminster's way again (albeit at a canter rather than a gallop due to the speed restrictions on the A449). Worcester's first gift was a small share in the use of its

  • Move is simply to save more money

    MAY I use your letters page to take issue with some of the comments about the proposed Post Office move that are contained in the pamphlet given to customers, and on the billboard in the Post Office. In paragraph 2 of the leaflet we are told the new premises

  • News was dreadful blow for town

    IT was certainly the good and the bad news in last week's Journal. The dreadful blow that the Post Office is moving, to a site which is quite unsuitable for the elderly and disabled. Nowhere to get a car anywhere near, too far for many who live at the

  • It's your money

    Last week in your report on Mike Oborski's decision to take a pay cut as leader of Wyre Forest District Council he was quoted as saying "... The Labour Party can go to hell! I do not take criticism from councillors who voted for huge rises themselves

  • Man faces crown court

    MAGISTRATES have refused bail to a 20-year old Stourport man facing crown court trial on two burglary charges. Paul Carpenter, of Park Crescent is accused of breaking into a house at Wilden and stealing cash and valuables worth £11,000. He is also charged

  • In favour? What about the rest of us

    WITH reference to the letter on riverside parking (Letters, July 20). It states that the majority of Severn Side North residents are in favour of pedestrianisation along this road. What about the rest of the residents of Bewdley? For more years than I

  • Addict stole from shed

    A DRUG addict looking for saleable goods to finance his habit broke into a garden shed in Inn Lane, Hartlebury, and stole a £200 hedge trimmer. He also stole slabs worth £65 from the manufacturers' secure compound at Stourport, magistrates heard at Kidderminster

  • MP silent as Commons debates health services

    I READ with interest the full word-by-word Hansard record of the adjournment debate on "Hospital Services (Worcestershire)" in Westminster Hall on July 25. Inevitably debate centred almost entirely on the implications of the planned destruction of services

  • Hectic schedule

    A HECTIC schedule of pre-season friendly matches comes to a close for Stratford Town next Tuesday night. They entertain Midland Combination side Feckenham when manager Lennie Derby will get a final chance to ponder over team selection for the Midland

  • Hot spot visit for picture judge

    A SNAP-happy photographer has described the "proudest moment of his career" after returning from judging a prestigious international competition. David Johnston, of Heightington Place, Stourport, ran the rule over the 26th Algarve Photographic Salon,

  • Backing change for the better

    IN reply to the letter from Conrad Bourne attacking health campaigners, I wonder if he even attended any meetings concerning the downgrading of Kidderminster General Hospital. If he did, he could not have been paying attention as on numerous occasions

  • Open verdict after river death fall

    A DUNKIRK war veteran found floating face down in the River Severn had fallen in before, an inquest heard. George Watts, 89, was seen floating in the river 300 yards upstream of Bewdley Rowing Club. He had taken his dog out for a walk on Friday, July

  • Man died in bike crash

    A MAN was killed in a collision involving three motorbikes and a car on the main Kidderminster to Bridgnorth Road on Sunday. The A442 in Shatterford was closed for three hours while two ambulances and Air Ambulance rushed to the scene of the accident

  • Angling round-up

    CARL Williams landed 23 rainbows to 2lb using buzzers while Trevor Jackson caught 16 to 1lb 8oz on a white fritz, both fishing the Wyre Dell Lake. Martin Johnson landed 21 to 1lb 8oz using a black buzzer, while Peter James from Stourport bagged 18 to

  • Stalwart defender relishing Harriers' league challenge

    MARK Shail regards his move to Kidderminster Harriers as a return to his roots after a seven year spell with Bristol City. The 33-year-old has signed a two year deal with Harriers and is set to play a key role in the club's debut season in the Nationwide

  • Bretforton villagers remember

    A TIME capsule is to be buried under Bretforton Recreation Ground so future generations can see what life was like in the 20th century. It is filled with objects, messages and pictures from groups ranging from the playgroup, school, sports club and church

  • Gym closure is 'threat to our health'

    GYM users in Pershore hope their combined muscle will persuade Wychavon councillors to provide a temporary gym when Avon Valley Leisure Centre closes for refurbishment in September. Dan Harley from Pensham Hill, who is campaigning for a temporary gym,

  • Curiouser and curiouser

    THE Mad Hatter hosted a special end of term tea party at Dunnington School and invited all his friends to the school's summer production. All the youngsters helped recreate Lewis Carroll's tale of Alice for family and friends over three days to celebrate

  • Last days in Broadway for furniture firm staff

    WORKERS at Broadway furniture maker Gordon Russell have made some tough decisions about their future following an announcement in June of the company's move to Worcester. Operations project manager Christian Parn said about 30 workers had decided to move

  • Ducros doubles up

    RECORD signing Andy Ducros hit two goals as Kidderminster Harriers eased to a 3-0 win over Stourport Swifts at Walshes Meadow last night. The £80,000 man pounced in the 63rd minute when he latched on to an Ian Foster pass and notched his second in the

  • Gun chase drama for marathon men

    A FATHER and son have returned home from their epic journey across the continents in memory of a "gentle giant" who died in a motorcycle accident. Sixty-two-year-old Bob Eaton and his son Richard, 31, have arrived back from Oman to their Bewdley home

  • It's Great to be back

    THE Spa's very own 'Marathon Man' is pulling on his running shoes again after a break because of injury. Ashley Philbrick, of Hawthorne Walk, kicked of a rigorous training regime on Monday because he is hoping to take part in the Great North Run in October

  • Turner delays striker decision

    HEREFORD United Director of Football Graham Turner is to delay a decision on whether to sign striker Dai Thomas after fresh claims that he was involved in crowd trouble at Euro 2000. The 24-year-old, currently on Cardiff's books and previously with Swansea

  • Much cause for encouragement

    WORCESTER City put up an encouraging display despite going down 3-1 to Bristol City in their latest friendly at St George's Lane last night. City more than held their own for most of the match against their Second Division visitors, whose side was littered

  • Misty Eyed is focused to win

    Bargain-buy Misty Eyed has a clear chance of boosting her earnings in the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother's 100th Birthday Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood tomorrow. The Paris House filly cost a mere 2,300 Irish guineas yet has already amassed £22,000 from

  • What's cooking?

    Hi there Kids - what's cooking? Well you can be with our latest great happenin' Holidays idea. Monica Lock, from Evesham College has come up with these yummy ideas to get you creating in the kitchen and brought in a couple of friends to demonstrate. We've

  • Parsonage sale furore

    CHURCH plans to sell off a historic parsonage in Abberley have caused outrage among villagers. The Church of England is to sell the Old Parsonage, St Michael's Church, because it would cost too much to bring it up to acceptable security standards. The

  • Cash threat to skate centre

    A MAJOR venture to set up an indoor skateboarding and BMX track in Kidderminster is under threat unless the public comes to the rescue. The plan by business couple Guiseppe and Jane Belmonte to build a 9,000 sq ft Roll 'n' Ride centre in Stadium Close

  • 'Turfed out of a job' - claim

    A COUNCIL turfed out of a grass cutting job is seeing "100 complaints a week" about untidy verges. Wyre Forest District Council mowing services operators area is said to have been snubbed despite offering a bargain deal to Worcestershire County Council

  • Petition sparks a 'war of words'

    A BITTER war of words has developed between Wyre Forest MP David Lock and district council leader Mike Oborski after the MP branded a 161 per cent pay rise in members' allowances "a disgrace". Mr Lock has asked fellow Labour party members and other supporters

  • River 'police' spark furore

    FEELINGS are running high in Bewdley over plans to save swans by restricting angling on a town stretch of the River Severn. Residents of Severnside North and South are unhappy with proposals that they hand over their fishing rights to the Kidderminster

  • Bike blow for Tom

    AN out-of-work farmhand from Malvern has been grounded after a thief sped off on his beloved £1,800 mountain bike. Now Tom Morris fears his job prospects have been dealt a blow for the time being because he is struggling to find transport for interviews

  • In gear for vintage vehicle day out

    VINTAGE vehicle enthusiasts can treat themselves to an ideal day out and do their bit for charity at an annual event in Wolverley. And Wolverley Vintage Rally organiser Phil Stanford is aiming to attract at least 1,000 people to the seventh staging of

  • Pledge to pedestrians

    LAST ditch steps to persuade highways authorities to create a pedestrian only zone along a picturesque riverside area were agreed at a Bewdley Town Council meeting. The council discussed an outcry among conservationists and some residents along Severnside

  • From the Cotswold archives

    100 years ago - August 4, 1900 TEWKESBURY: There was a number of burglaries in Tewkesbury last week. Mr H A Papps had food and beer stolen from his premises at Orchard House. Miss E Clarke, of York House restaurant also had food stolen. Police suggest

  • Watch the world go by

    A RUINED stately home in Great Witley has become home to the first permanent sculpture park in the West Midlands. Linjammet Frink was on hand at the opening of the Jerwood Sculpture Park at Witley Court on Monday to showcase eight bronze pieces by his

  • 03/07/00 - Rooney happy despite defeat

    BROMSGROVE Rovers manager George Rooney was satisfied with his team's performance as they went down 4-0 at home to Second Division Walsall in their latest friendly last night. Rooney fielded 20 different players, including several triallists, at the Victoria

  • Storm leaves players looking to heavens

    THE fixture between Shipston and Broadway fell victim to the localised thunderstorms with the contest interestingly poised. Rain the previous evening had left the wicket very green and home skipper Greg Burrows had no hesitation in inviting the visitors

  • Rain stops play

    ADLESTROP were strongly placed in their home match against Rodmarton in division two of the Cirencester League on Saturday when rain came and washed out the game. They had amassed a formidable 200-6 with all their batsmen making useful runs and Alan Walker

  • Pershore scoop the league title

    PERSHORE are champions of the Worcestershire Sunday Club Cricket League after beating Barnt Green in a run feast at the Birmingham League side's ground on Sunday. Batting first, the home side got away to a whirlwind start reaching 104-1 from only 19 overs

  • Regards to Malvern

    BROADWAY actor Peter McEnery doesn't have far to travel for his current role. He is now appearing as Claudius in the National Theatre's production of Hamlet which opened in Malvern yesterday (Wednesday) and runs until August 12. A leading member of the

  • Out and About

    TICKETS are now on sale for the next Wilson Roberts Productions play, Peter Whelan's award winning The Herbal Bed. The play, which will be performed in Hall's Croft, where the play itself is set, has been cast with actors from around the town. The play

  • Pounds for public poetry

    WORCESTERSHIRE libraries are being awarded a grant of £63,000 to make new poetry more exciting and available to library users. The money has been donated by the Government's department for culture, media and sport and the Wolfson Challenge Fund and will

  • 03/07/00 - Royals fail in floodlit experience

    WORCESTERSHIRE Royals' latest floodlit experience turned out to be anything but illuminating as Northamptonshire Steelbacks inflicted a crushing seven-wicket National League defeat at Wantage Road. Even Glenn McGrath -- on his last county appearance before

  • A winter warning by health chief

    A HEALTH chief has spelt out warnings Kidderminster Hospital could not get through another winter safely as an acute service. A blunt message from NHS Hospital Trust chairman Harold Musgrove said clinical cover in Kidderminster was so fragile one consultant

  • Swift legal opinion will be sought by council

    FROM PAGE ONE It would be the second time the health authorities have faced the possibility of legal action against hospital reorganisation after the failed Save Kidderminster Hospital attempt in 1998 to force a judicial review of the plans. Mr Oborski

  • Badsey's day of floral fun

    FOR a small community Badsey knows how to celebrate in style. The village's flower show is a real hardy perennial which has reached 99 appearances and delights residents and visitors alike. Last Saturday afternoon, the recreation ground in Sands Lane

  • Birlingham

    PARISH COUNCIL: Chairman, Councillor John Worby, welcomed all present. It was decided to defer the election of vice-chairman to the next meeting. Matters arising: Potholes - the clerk was instructed to advise Wychavon re these including bottom of Short

  • Bretforton

    PARISH COUNCIL: County Council: Councillor Tom Bean reported on the structure plan. He said he opposed the extension at Twyford Countryside Centre because it was contrary to county and district policy. District council: Coun George Bourne advised that

  • Condicote

    CHURCH NEWS: On Sunday, there will be Holy Communion at St Nicholas Church, at 9.30am, to be taken by the Rev Edgar Hyde. The open gardens weekend, flower show in the church and teas in the hall, raised £867 for church funds. Church members bade farewell

  • Eckington

    GARDEN CLUB: Many members and friends attended a garden party last month at Court Gate Cottage, Manor Road by invitation of Mr David and Mrs Walton. All present appreciated the lovely garden, with its water features and unusual plants. Enthusiasts joined

  • Evesham

    EVESHAM AND DISTRICT CRIB: Crib Drive next Monday, at 8.10pm, in aid of the Macmillan Unit at Evesham Hospital, £3 a pair. First prize £10.

  • Longborough

    ST JAMES'S CHURCH NEWS: On Sunday Holy Communion will be taken at 8am by the Rev David Ashburner with Evening Prayer, at 6pm to be taken by Peter Mason. There is no children's service this month. The monthly pattern of services from September onwards

  • Mickleton

    PARISH COUNCIL: Matters arising: Councillor Coldicott had found a litter bin suitable for the junior playing field. Arrangements will be made for Mr D Moss to concrete the bin in a suitable place and for Coun Stow to organise weekly emptying. Following

  • Moreton

    NORTH COTSWOLD FRIENDSHIP CENTRE ARP O50: Members spent a day at the fire college in Moreton. They were met by Michael Kernan QFSM, honorary historian and archivist for the Fire Service, and after tea/coffee and biscuits he gave an illustrated talk on

  • Pershore

    ARP O50: Mrs S Joynes gave a talk on musical instruments. Members were amazed at her exceptional talent and knowledge of her subject, giving demonstrations of her ability by playing all of the instruments she had brought along with her. The chairman gave

  • Wellesbourne

    FLOWER CLUB: Members were delighted to have a return visit by Ann Hingley who had some wonderful ideas and a beautiful display of Dahlias and other summer blooms. Everyone enjoyed the demonstration The next meeting is on August 16, in the village hall

  • Produce

    Evesham Wednesday CABBAGE duncan £1.80 to £2.50 crate, primo £1.60 to £3 crate, savoy £4 crate, cauliflower £4 to £5 doz, beans broad 15p lb, dwarf 50p to 75p lb, stick 60p to £1 lb, calabrese 30p to 35p lb, peas 20p to 50p lb, courgettes 5p to 10p lb

  • Stock

    Gloucester, Monday GLOUCESTER Market report Standard lambs to 75.4p (average 70.2p), medium to 77.6p (71.2p), heavies to 71.3p (66.4p). Rearing calves, Hereford bulls to £117 (£88), heifers to £49 (£20), Friesian bulls to £122, Limousin bulls to £193

  • Join the club for a boost in business

    JOINING the committee of a business group has proved to be a bright career move for a Kidderminster designer. Judith Bissell has worked as a theatre set designer, including a stint with Birmingham Royal Ballet and the Welsh National Opera. Now she is

  • Theatre

    Grand, Wolverhampton - Boeing-Boeing until Saturday. Peril at End House Tuesday until August 12. Malvern Theatre - Hamlet until August 12. Alexandra, Birmingham - Playdays Thursday until Saturday.

  • Rugby training times

    CHIPPING Norton Rugby club have announced dates and times for their training sessions. The senior men train on Tuesdays from 7pm, with the senior ladies starting at 7.15pm on Wednesdays. The U-16s and the U-14s both train at 7pm on Tuesdays, while the

  • Events taking place in and around Worcester

    Social Ballroom and Sequence Dancing with Mr Music. Aug 4. 8pm-11pm. Regal Commu-nity Centre, Tenbury Wells (01543 502722). Tea Dances (In aid of Malvern & District Age Concern). Aug 4. 2.30-5.00pm. Please do not arrive before 2.20pm. The RSRE/Civil

  • Colston enjoys tales from the riverbank

    EWMC Kevin Colston had a very good winning weight on the day. Fishing on the club water at Cropthorne at peg 27, he caught mainly perch on the stick float for a weight of 5lbs 7ozs, all caught in the first half of the match. Phil Preston in peg 15 was

  • Your day to day guide to the best sounds around

    Aug 5 Carvin Jones (Blues from the USA). The Marr's Bar, Pierpoint Street, Worcester. Unit - five piece band from Worcs, Scally-wags, Worcester Road, Link Top, Malvern. Aug 6. Judder. The Dragon Inn, The Tything, Worcester. Song Writers Show Case (call

  • What's on at your local theatre

    Godspell - WODYS. August 1-5. The Swan Theatre, Worcester (01905 27322). Hamlet. August 2-12. Royal National Theatre, at Malvern Festival Theatre (01684 892277). The Wonderful West End. August 5. 7.30pm. The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury (01684 295074). Puff

  • They reject word of God

    I WAS delighted to have elicited a response to my letter of July 12 from George Cowley, whose letters regularly grace your pages. I would like to respond and clarify one or two points. When I said "the evil spirits of liberalism" I totally meant it. Liberalism

  • Grateful for help from the police and CPS

    MY brother and I recently attended the trial of Niall McAuliffe, the driver of the lorry that killed my parents on Fish Hill in Broadway on September 9, 1997. This was a culmination of nearly three years hard work by the West Mercia police and the Crown

  • 03/07/00 - Much cause for encouragement

    WORCESTER City put up an encouraging display despite going down 3-1 to Bristol City in their latest friendly at St George's Lane last night. City more than held their own for most of the match against their Second Division visitors, whose side was littered

  • 03/07/00 - Telford match dates confirmed

    TELFORD United are to play their first six home Nationwide Conference games of the new season at Worcester City's St George's Lane ground. Telford struck a ground-sharing deal with City last month for their opening home games, while work on upgrading

  • Fred may meet his role model

    A SPECIAL guest just might pop up at a performance by one of the Midlands' best known tribute acts in Stourport next week. Fred Zeppelin will be harking back to the days of Kevin Keegan perms and flared jeans when they drop into The Outback in the town

  • Glam rock in line-up

    WYRE Forest bands will have a heavy presence at Brierley Hill's famous Robin R'n'B Club until the end of the year. Mike Sanchez, who recently announced a solo show in Hartlebury on August 9, will be bringing his new band, which he has formed after splitting

  • Celtic folk by the riverside

    A MIXTURE of musical treats will be among the entertainment planned for Riverside Meadows in Stourport as part of a summer spectacular this month. A blend of "lively Celtic folk music" will be performed by The Bucket Band on Sunday between noon and 4pm

  • School praised for 'U-turn' results

    PUPILS at a Kidderminster school which two years ago was near the bottom of performance league tables have been praised for their excellent SATS results. Birchen Coppice Middle School headteacher Wendy Taylor said the "hard work and commitment" of staff

  • Happy birthday Ma'am

    UNLESS they have spent the past month on a Martian holiday then most Journal readers will know that tomorrow (Friday) is another remarkable day in the life of one of the country's best-known senior citizens. Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother will mark

  • Your money starts to come in for lifesavers

    BIG-HEARTED Journal readers are already responding to the St John Ambulance appeal launched last week. Cheques donating money towards the appeal to replace the Evesham brigade's worn-out ambulance have started arriving at our offices in Briar Close and

  • Summer action

    SCORES of youngsters got to grips with the beautiful game at a summer football camp organised by FA-qualified coaches at Stratford Community Sports Centre last week. The under-16s enjoyed coaching and tournaments, had a go at ball juggling and took part

  • Town traffic ban is delayed

    STRATFORD District Council has shelved plans to pedestrianise the Bridge Street area. Funding has been halted for the time being after consultation with Warwickshire Transport Strategy committee. Senior planner for the district council, Paul Harris said

  • Council cuts costs but not quality of service

    STRATFORD residents will be getting better value for money after a top department at the district council managed to shave £60,000 off this year's spending without affecting its service. The planning department looked at ways to save the cash after the

  • Prison officers in protest

    LONG Lartin prison officers held a two hour vigil yesterday (Wednesday) morning as part of a national protest against Government plans which could see private companies take over. Inmates were left in their cells instead of attending classes or the gym

  • Double Dutch

    Stratford racing driver Patrick Pearce scored a fine pair of wins in the Pirelli Porsche Classic Championship at Zandvoort, Holland. Pearce set the class three pace during qualifying in his Haynes Publishing-backed Porsche 911T, even though this was his

  • In the slipstream of a Tour great

    Stratford Cycling Club ANOTHER series of first class 10 mile time trial results were achieved by Stratford CC riders in open races over the weekend. At St Neots on one of the fastest 10 mile courses in the country, both Robin Corder and Trevor Acreman

  • Robinson boosts Euro tour kitty

    Jeremy Robinson did his best to miss another cut, but still ended up with another £2,300 in his European Tour kitty. The Evesham golfer dropped shots at his last two holes at the TNT Dutch Open, but a 36 hole level par finish earned him the chance to

  • Matthew takes the honours

    Broadway Golf Club A THRILLING end to the 36 hole gross handicap club championship ended with junior Matthew Mills taking the honours for the second year running in a closely fought battle with Mike Humpston and John Haines. Matthew is now going to America

  • No repeats for trainer

    Stratford Races There was no repeat show for Welford trainer Barbara Waring and Cotswold jockey Warren Marston at Stratford last Saturday. After joining forces to land a winner earlier last month Marston had to be content with a second place on Fair Toto

  • Sailors enjoy a breath of fresh air

    Evesham Sailing Club LAST Sunday at Evesham Sailing Club nine boats enjoyed the warm sunshine, with two races, one offering frustration and the other the best sailing has to offer. The first race took place in almost flat calm conditions with the whole

  • Wood sees the trees to win two years in a row

    Evesham & District Wheelers Evesham Wheelers staged their annual open 25 mile time trial for the Ted Warmington trophy last Sunday. After a last minute change of course due to road works on the planned Wickhamford to Bishops Cleeve course, the event

  • On-form young archers enjoy a colourful day

    EVESHAM Archery Club's junior members were in fine form when they travelled to Swindon for the Junior National Championships. Shooting a Bristol five round, Matthew Haines, aged eight, recorded 1052 and was first compound bow archer in the under-nine

  • Two podium finishes as Matt puts on Sunday best

    Matt Neal put on his Sunday best to race to two podium positions in rounds 17 and 18 of the British Touring Car Championships at Donington Park. The Hanbury driver, at the wheel of the Pershore-based Team Dynamics Nissan Primera, finished second in both

  • Company's Jewson venture

    BRITAIN'S biggest timber, builders and plumbers merchant has joined forces with an Evesham company to improve its service to contractors. Graham, in Elm Road, has revamped its store layout to take advantage of the new partnership. Graham products will

  • Theatre helps fire up new recruits

    FIREFIGHTERS from Chipping Norton are going to the theatre to help find some fresh recruits. Members have been invited to join in the celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of the first show at Chipping Norton Theatre and to use the event to help their

  • Trigger Happy TV sparks police anger

    THE makers of a top Channel 4 comedy landed in hot water after filming for a spoof comedy show - in the wrong county - brought down the wrath of Gloucestershire police. The sketch for the hit show, Trigger Happy TV, which uses unsuspecting members of

  • Yobs make life here 'a misery'

    RESIDENTS living near a village playing field are calling for action to stop youths making their lives a misery with bad behaviour. Their complaints reached a head with six 999 calls to police on one night last month when a woman was struck in the eye

  • Braced for sandbag row

    A FEARED backlash by Bewdley residents looks set to stop councillors from scrapping a 26-year emergency flood service. Wyre Forest District Council had considered stopping the distribution of sandbags to people living alongside the River Severn - which

  • Stone ease to win

    STONE kept the pressure on Worcestershire County League Division Four leaders Cape Hill Victoria with a 107-run home victory over Fladbury on Saturday. The win gave Stone a vital 24 points and leaves them third, three points behind the leaders. Batting

  • 03/07/00 - Rooney happy despite defeat

    BROMSGROVE Rovers manager George Rooney was satisfied with his team's performance as they went down 4-0 at home to Second Division Walsall in their latest friendly last night. Rooney fielded 20 different players, including several triallists, at the Victoria

  • Title hopes blown apart by leaders

    BEWDLEY Cricket Club's title challenge went up in smoke on Saturday as county league Division Two leaders Worcester Nomads beat the third-placed side by 33 runs. Chasing 192 for victory, Bewdley were skittled for 158 with only Mark Bennett (32) and Mark

  • Postmaster 'will not face charges'

    FRIENDS of a Wolverley postmaster have welcomed news that the "gentle giant" will not face charges for stabbing an armed robber to death. West Mercia Police last week announced Richard Watkins would not face prosecution over the death of 28-year-old Scott

  • Hospital site taken off the asylum list

    UP to 150 asylum seeking families will not be housed in Wyre Forest after intervention by district MP David Lock. Home office minister Barbara Roche has taken the Lea Castle hospital site off a provisional list for a reception centre of asylum seekers

  • Final push for hospital

    A LAST-ditch sticker campaign to force Labour into a U-turn over the closure of Kidderminster General Hospital is to be launched. Posters and stickers reading "To Blair, Milburn and Lock, we say restore our hospital services now" will be unveiled this

  • Tesco discusses new store hopes

    TESCO has opened negotiations with Worcester City Council about replacing Christopher Whitehead High School with a supermarket. Mark Middleton, the council's head of planning and economic development, had been invited but was unable to attend the meeting

  • Race man hit in face

    A WORCESTER racecourse steward was punched in the face after he asked a drunk to move on, a court was told. Victim Tudor Venning-Smith was attacked by Albert Smith who was only released from prison on licence in February. Smith, aged 24, who was a resident

  • COUNCIL DEFIES BID SNUB

    A SCHEME for a controversial community centre which was refused Government funding is set to take off. The plan for Worcestershire's first purpose built multi-community services centre on land at a Kidderminster school would be built with County Council

  • AND FINALLY: Street party to mark Queen Mum's birthday

    PREPARATIONS are in full swing for a street party in Worcester to mark the Queen Mother's 100th birthday. Pinkett Street, in Northwick, will be a riot of colour on Sunday to celebrate the milestone. And the organisers believe they are the only street

  • Probation for drunk gunman

    A BRAVE policeman cornered a teenage gunman as he ran amok in a Kidderminster street, a court was told. Drunken Leon Laga, who was suffering from mental problems, armed himself after a row with his mother and broke into a neighbour's home. But as he emerged

  • Judge gives chalet burglar a chance

    PROPERTY worth more than £5,500 was taken in raids on four holiday chalets alongside the River Severn on one afternoon. One of the burglars was arrested as he walked from Holt Fleet, near Worcester, towards Kidderminster, said Tim Sapwell, prosecuting

  • Seeking bands

    BANDS on the look-out for a big break might get help from a record company which is hunting new talent. Some Bizarre is looking for a new name to add to its stable, which has already enjoyed number ones with acts like Depeche Mode, Soft Cell, The The,

  • Jazz at castle

    HANG on to your hats, the Sudeley Castle joint will be jumping this weekend. A spectacular evening of summer swing is in store at the castle, thanks to the young musicians from Gloucestershire Youth Jazz Orchestra. They will be recreating the sounds of

  • GARDENS OPEN THIS WEEK ....

    GARDENS open in aid of the National Gardens Scheme: SUNDAY: Barn House, Upper High Street, Broadway, teas, 10am to 6pm. 94, Fairfield Road, Evesham, tea, 2pm to 6pm. The Priory, Kemerton, nr Tewkesbury, teas and plants, 2pm to 6pm. Wings Cottage, Kemerton

  • It's right! We don't know we're born

    TURN one page on from the spread of early 21st Century free speech and opinion published below, and you'll come across a story which reads like a collision between Bravo Two Zero and Boy's Own. The fascinating evidence of a secret army operating undercover

  • Rockets fly to new heights

    THE fortunes of Rock Rockets have gone into orbit with six of the best. The under-11 five-a-side football team - all pupils at Wribbenhall Middle School - have won six trophies in the last seven months. They started with the Cleobury Indoor League autumn

  • Drunk teen gunman was cornered by PC

    A BRAVE policeman cornered a teenage gunman as he ran amok in a town street, a court heard. Drunken Leon Laga, who was suffering from mental problems, armed himself after a row with his mother and broke into a neighbour's Kidderminster home. But as he

  • Doorman 'knocked out teeth'

    A DOORMAN headbutted a would-be customer outside a Kidderminster nightclub and caused serious injuries, Worcester Crown Court heard. David Knight knocked out several of David Nicklin's teeth in an incident when he was refusing him entry to Time in Blackwell

  • Eight plus points for the move

    I WOULD like to make the following points following the comments made by John Stych regarding the moving of the Post Office. 1) The Post Office has not always been in the High Street. If my memory serves me well it was in the Market Square for many years

  • Admitted assault

    MAGISTRATES have given a conditional discharge for a year to a father who broke his wife's nose in a fight over a child's broken toy. Darren Kimberlin, 30, of Wood Street, Kidderminster, admitted assault causing bodily harm to his wife Caroline. He was

  • Remand for raid charge men

    TWO men accused of taking part in a post office raid have again been remanded in custody to await committal for crown court trial. Neal Frost, 32, from, Brook Street, Wall Heath, and Wayne Davies, 25, of Himley Road, Dudley, are charged with attempting

  • Opening was a status symbol

    IT was with a deep sense of regret that I read your report of the impending closure of Evesham Post Office. I was Head Postmaster of Evesham when the new office was opened in 1962 by the Mayor, Lt-Col Richard Burlingham, who made the first purchase at

  • More than just a business

    SO we are to have a Post Office inside a supermarket. No doubt both parties to the deal see something in it for them: and if two businesses can agree on a profitable deal, why should we complain? But the Post Office is not just a business. It exists,

  • A forfeit for a clean-up

    I SEE from your newspaper that local councillors have given themselves a pay rise. My belief is that they should forfeit their present payments, so that this very dirty and sad town can be cleaned up. One example of this is a litter-strewn walkway of

  • Robins are shaken and stirred

    Evesham United 1, Bury 6 EVESHAM'S new striker Sam Bowen was sidelined by a back injury when the Robins put in a creditable performance against Nationwide division two side Bury at Common Road on Tuesday night. Bowen, who is a former Worcester City player

  • Blaming anyone but themselves

    THE attempts by the Labour Party to bamboozle the public knows no bounds. David Lock has acclaimed the "whopping" increases in spending on public services announced in the budget. He glosses over the fact that they come after three years of starving those

  • A game of spot the difference

    I AM glad that Mr Lock in his Letter from Westminster of July 20 refers to the difference between "substance" and "spin". He then proceeds to make various statements which he considers to be "substance", but prove to be "spin" - "9,000 extra police officers

  • A sporting success

    Sedgeberrow C of E First School's year three football team were celebrating after winning a tournament.

  • Second pre-season defeat

    Pershore Town 0 Boldmere St Michael 4 PERSHORE Town suffered their second pre-season friendly defeat against Midland Alliance members Boldmere. Three of the visitors goals were simple tap-ins, the first in the 12th minute when Neil Hollaway netted, then

  • Understanding the downgrading

    A SENTENCE in a current leaflet from a political party reads as follows: "Kidderminster Hospital will stay, emergency services led by an A and E Consultant are being retained..." An apparently contradictory statement appears in the leaflet from Worcestershire

  • Loyal birthday greetings from the Vale

    THE Journal has teamed up with pensioners, businesses and organisations across the town to celebrate the Queen Mother's centenary tomorrow (Friday). Special guests from across the Vale will enjoy an afternoon of entertainment at the Red Cross Centre in

  • Schoolgirl joins the playtime flintstones

    HISTORY student Laura Lane has gone to the top of the class after discovering a 5,000-year-old relic - in the playground! The eight-year-old was scrabbling around St Oswalds First School's playground when she came across the flint believed to have originated

  • Kirsty's family say thank you

    THE family of one of the Pershore teenagers killed in a car crash at Cropthorne last month have spoken of the support and kindness from townsfolk which carried them through the tragedy. The family of 14-year-old Kirsty Goodes from Fulbert Road spoke about

  • Didn't they bloom well

    NO MATTER how successful Evesham schools were with their end of term results this year, they certainly got 10 out of 10 for community spirit. Young people from 11 schools and colleges planted more than 9,000 plants in their school grounds to help Evesham

  • Stamps injury hits Molby's plans

    SCOTT Stamps is rated at only 50-50 to make Kidderminster Harriers' Division Three opener with Torquay United. The left-back picked up a thigh strain during Harriers' pre-season tour of Denmark and is now battling to be fit for the August 12 date. If

  • They're still around to play

    HARVINGTON Pre School finished for summer on a high note, a year after fearing it would have to close its doors for good. The pre-school organised a week of fun and games with a different theme for each day before the youngsters finished for the summer

  • Fladbury's winning ways

    FLADBURY Flower Festival and village walkabout proved another big success last weekend. Chairman of the organising committee, John McKay said: "We are now well into our twenties and had well over 2,000 people here again this year. What we try to do is

  • Biggest event yet

    WYCHAVON Festival of Brass had to wrestle with its own success this year with 73 entries for the 60 places in the prestigious event. Bands from across the country oversubscribed the entry limit for the festival at Pershore High School on September 24.

  • 03/07/00 - Ducros off mark as Harriers win

    ANDY Ducros broke his duck for Kidderminster Harriers with two goals in their 3-0 win at Stourport Swifts last night. The club's record signing, snapped up from Nuneaton Borough for £80,000 last month, grabbed two second half goals on his first start

  • Crafty children on the make

    YOUNGSTERS ditched the world of high technology and went back to the roots of Japanese culture as part of a fun-filled holiday club. Origami -- the Jap-anese art of folding paper -- was one of the activities enjoyed at Droitwich Library, Victoria Square

  • Hotel protesters angry at council

    DISAPPOINTED Droitwich residents living near St Andrew's House Hotel have written to complain about Wychavon District Council's handling of a recent planning appeal - after a Government inspector granted permission to build.Controversial plans to extend

  • Sherry carries County hopes

    ALAMGIR Sheriyar takes over as Worcestershire's number one strike bowler from absent Glenn McGrath for the County Championship Division Two match at Northampton starting tomorrow. McGrath jets out to Australia at the weekend to play in a series of indoor

  • Royals fail in floodlit experience

    WORCESTERSHIRE Royals' latest floodlit experience turned out to be anything but illuminating as Northamptonshire Steelbacks inflicted a crushing seven-wicket National League defeat at Wantage Road. Even Glenn McGrath -- on his last county appearance before

  • Ducros off mark as Harriers win

    ANDY Ducros broke his duck for Kidderminster Harriers with two goals in their 3-0 win at Stourport Swifts last night. The club's record signing, snapped up from Nuneaton Borough for £80,000 last month, grabbed two second half goals on his first start

  • Riaz enjoys his best spell ever

    A SIX-wicket haul including a hat trick and 68 runs has won Worcester Nomads' Azmat Riaz the Evening News/Duncan Fearnley Cricket Sales Ltd. Cricketer of the week award. His efforts ensured that his side earned a draw in a friendly match against Birmingham

  • Telford match dates confirmed

    TELFORD United are to play their first six home Nationwide Conference games of the new season at Worcester City's St George's Lane ground. Telford struck a ground-sharing deal with City last month for their opening home games, while work on upgrading

  • 'Pig-feed' claim denied by firm

    AN investigation is underway at a district contractor to discover if out-of-date chocolate meant for pig feed was used by confectionery giant Cadbury. The Birmingham-based firm ordered the probe after claims that R and JB Higgins, of Chaddesley Corbett

  • Market plans fun for town shoppers

    A SERIES of events to highlight British Markets Week is set to take place in Kidderminster. Competitions, free gifts, face painting and "hunt-the-Pokemon" will be among the activities arranged by market traders at Worcester Street in the town. They aim

  • Showjumper hurt by falling horse

    A SHOWJUMPER competing in The Pony Club nationals was taken to hospital after her horse fell on top of her. Nicola Stevens was competing in the jumping and showing section of the two-day event at Malvern when the accident happened yesterday. New Forest

  • Cash grants will aid safety scheme

    A STRATEGY to cut crime and improve quality of life includes plans to offer grants to win help from the public. The incentive scheme to encourage people to become more involved in fighting crime and disorder follows months of detailed planning by police

  • Birthday party is a first for Rupert

    YOUNG and old have been flocking to what is believed to be the only exhibition in the country celebrating the 80th birthday of world-famous Rupert the Bear. County Museum at Hartlebury Castle is hosting a whole treasure trove of artefacts from a private

  • From the Stratford archives

    100 years ago - August 4, 1900 STRATFORD: Agricultural forecasts from Stratford-on-Avon for this year's harvest suggest that Barley is undoubtedly the best crop of the season and stands well, but from want of rain the sample is unlikely to be of good

  • From the Evesham archives

    100 years ago August 4, 1900 Evesham: AT County Petty Sessions Joseph New, a gardener from Bengeworth, was summoned for allowing his horse to stray at Aldington. He admitted that the horse was on the road. PC Welsh said he saw the horse on the Offenham

  • Man's body found under bridge

    A MAN found hanged from a canal bridge in Cookley is thought to have taken his own life. Police say there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of Karl Billingsley, 28, whose body was discovered by a passer-by at a bridge on Austcliffe

  • 03/07/00 - Ducros off mark as Harriers win

    ANDY Ducros broke his duck for Kidderminster Harriers with two goals in their 3-0 win at Stourport Swifts last night. The club's record signing, snapped up from Nuneaton Borough for £80,000 last month, grabbed two second half goals on his first start

  • Stuck to the task

    LEAGUE leaders Kineton, having inserted Badsey, bowled well and reduced the visitors' run tally to 47-4 at mid-point of their innings. Bainton (10-2-17-0) bowled his overs straight through, ably supported by N Weston (6-4-16-1) and B Weston (5-4-1-2).

  • 03/07/00 - Sherry carries County hopes

    ALAMGIR Sheriyar takes over as Worcestershire's number one strike bowler from absent Glenn McGrath for the County Championship Division Two match at Northampton starting tomorrow. McGrath jets out to Australia at the weekend to play in a series of indoor

  • A real tree-at

    THE picturesque setting of Batsford Arboretum is the venue for an al fresco performance of Richard Brinsley Sheridan's The Rivals tomorrow (Friday). Satirising 18th century pretensions and sentimentality, the play features larger than life characters

  • Catch the latest from Birds of Prey

    THE first play in the Birds of Prey company's new season of new drama will be Shrink Resistant, penned by Stratford psychologist Kristina Downing-Orr. It is the first of three modern works to be presented by the radical company, which aims to showcase

  • See work by Chippy artist

    CHIPPING Norton artist Judith Yarrow is mounting an exhibition of her work in the town later this month. Her paintings and prints will be on show in Chipping Norton Theatre Gallery from August 22 until September 17 and the exhibition is called Elemental

  • Mum's despair as unit says 'no'

    AN AGONISED mother close to giving birth was told to call another hospital because her booked place at Ronkswood Hospital had gone. Shell-shocked Victoria Preece was in great distress as she waited more than 20 minutes for the hospital to find her a place

  • Proposed timescale for downgrading

    WORCESTERSHIRE Acute Hospitals NHS Trust has revealed the latest timescale for changes in hospital services now "under consideration" and "likely to be implemented" as follows: Trauma and Orthopaedics inpatient services to relocate from Kidderminster

  • Family bitter over 'op' dash

    THE son of a critically ill man who had to undergo a 17-mile transfer to another hospital in the wake of the decision to close Kidderminster Hospital's intensive care department has spoken of the "irony" of his father's ordeal. Tony Page, 64, was moved

  • Badsey

    FLOWER SHOW: Near record entries helped Badsey Flower Show to build on the success of recent years to put on another attractive show. The exhibits were again of a high standard and the marquees were opened by Lucy Atkinson, the show queen, who also presented

  • Bourton

    CHURCH FETE: Today (Thursday) Sherborne Church Fete is due to take place in the Victoria Hall from 10am-4pm. Stalls and refreshments. Keith Fuller, the glassblower, will also be present from 9am-5pm giving demonstrations and exhibiting his wares. VILLAGE

  • Chipping Norton

    HOLIDAY ROADSHOW: The Oxfordshire Association for Young People hosts a holiday roadshow for children aged 8-13 at Enstone Village Hall, from next Monday until August 11. Whether you are sports silly or craft crazy, you'll have plenty of fun activities

  • Harvington

    FIRST SCHOOL: End of year prize-winners: Community spirit award: Sophie Small; highest academic achiever: Chloe Mason-Brown; kindness and consideration award: Lauren Donovan; progress: Anna Johns; maths award: Chloe Mason-Brown; music award: Sophie Small

  • Pinvin

    PARISH COUNCIL: The 1999/2000 accounts have been approved and presented to the auditors for approval. Councillors have agreed to support the application by the Coach and Horses for rural rate relief. There is now a 40mph speed limit on Upton Snodsbury

  • Willersey

    VILLAGE FORUM: Matters discussed were: The increase in the volume of heavy-goods vehicles through the village and a report from the county council on its weight-restriction negotiations; the Bledisloe Cup best kept village competition; the millennium

  • Ragged way to a craft revival plan

    THE art of rag rug making is being revived by a Kidderminster mother-of-three. Sue Rowe of Yellowhammer Court, is launching an exhibition at the town library to put her work on show. The event, Art in Fact, will also display the artwork of fellow students

  • JET-SKI RESCUE BOY IS HAILED AS A HERO

    A PLUCKY ten-year-old boy from Barnt Green has been hailed as a hero after he jumped on his dad's jet-ski to save a family. Matthew Dyson, who rescued a family from the sea Matthew Dyson, a pupil at Bromsgrove Lower School, was enjoying a day at Abererch

  • Exhibitions in and around Worcester

    Changing Pages Brit-ish and American Moveable and Pop-Up Books. July 29-Sept 17. Cotton Gallery, Mac, Cannon Hill Park, Bir-mingham (0121 440 3838). Images of Worcester-shire - Still life, land-scapes and town scenes. July 31-Aug 31. Droit-wich Spa Library

  • Never in the field!

    JOHN Phillpott writes (Evening News, July 25) of films that distort history. I admit my knowledge of history is very patchy - but I do know that in 1066, Sir Winston Churchill discovered penicillin. GEORGE COWLEY, Warndon, Worcester.

  • Classical and easy listening - a guide to what's on near you

    Ralph Meanley and David Mackie. August 5. 7.30pm. Great Witley Church, Worcs (01299 896437). Syd Lawrence Orches-tra and singers. August 12, 7.45pm. Forum Theatre, Malvern Thea-tres (01684 892277). Tosca. August 17. Fes-tival Theatre, Malvern (01684 892277

  • Needing facelift

    PAUL Stammers (Evening News, July 24), says Will Scott is drawing up a hot list of city centre buildings needing a facelift. How about making the new development opposite the Guildhall one of these properties? M SIMPKINS, Droitwich Road, Fernhill Heath

  • Obsession with supermarkets

    THAT model of Worcester to which David Birtwhistle refers (Evening News, July 24) relates to the 17th Century. St John's is not included for the simple reason that the Westside was not part of the city at that time. In fact, Worcester Arts Workshop is

  • A fine win helps to lift Stratford gloom

    STRATFORD swept majestically to an easy victory over bottom-of-the-table Smethwick, the 18 points taking them back into third spot behind Cannock who lost and Walsall who won. Smethwick were asked to bat first and a stubborn opening partnership of 32

  • Dixieland jazz band ready for show date

    A SEASONED Midlands jazz band will be giving a performance in Harvington this month. Five-piece Dixieland band The Jazz Ramblers, formed by Kidderminster guitarist and vocalist Brian Mellor in 1993, will be at The Dog Inn in the village on Tuesday, August

  • 03/07/00 - Turner delays striker decision

    HEREFORD United Director of Football Graham Turner is to delay a decision on whether to sign striker Dai Thomas after fresh claims that he was involved in crowd trouble at Euro 2000. The 24-year-old, currently on Cardiff's books and previously with Swansea

  • Happy Birthday Ma'am

    STRATFORDIANS have got every reason to be thinking of the Queen Mum with fondness on her 100th birthday tomorrow (Friday). She charmed the pants off them when she named the town's new council offices Elizabeth House 15 years ago at the age of nearly 85

  • Special people who boost thin blue line

    CLOSING time on a Friday night in Evesham, and the scene is familiar - one repeated in small towns across the land. Groups of mainly young men and women are heading home after a night on the town, calling at takeaways or congregating around the taxi ranks

  • Ancient manuscript unveils the secret of the Mosham Meadow

    TWO Vale historians have unlocked the mystery of Mosham Meadow, the place where weary soldiers pitched their tents the night before the historic Battle of Evesham in 1265. Michael Barnard writes that as he travels along the Old Worcester Road beneath

  • Pony club rallies to the cause

    FUN and games, mixed with some serious learning, were on the agenda for the annual North Cotswold Hunt Pony Club five day rally last week. The rally is the main teaching event of the year run by the club at Springhill, near Broadway. Youngsters aged 11

  • Bonny baby winners keep it in the family

    BOUNCING baby Brandon won the hearts of Bromsgrove Advertiser/Messenger readers who voted him bonniest tot of the Millennium. Brandon Hinson with his proud parents, Hayley and Martyn Hinson The Sidemoor youngster came top in the under nine months category

  • It's a Life Church but not as we know it

    MEMBERS of the Word of Life Christian Centre took the Church to the people last weekend in a millennium Praise in the Park festival in Stratford. Fun activities were held on the recreation ground from last Friday afternoon until last Sunday evening while

  • Now apologise say taxi drivers

    CLASHES between Stratford's taxi drivers and the district council continued this week. Last week the drivers were outraged when they received letters which they say appeared to accuse them of using their vehicles for indecent acts with the opposite sex

  • Tim's the toast of the town

    TO TOURISTS and residents Stratford is the town with everything - but it was missing a toastmaster until newly-qualified Tim Parry stepped forward! Mr Parry, of Rushbrook Road, will be joining David Tilt Associates, with whom he received his training,

  • District is under fire over school

    HOLD-UPS at Stratford District Council's planning department are threatening Bidford's proposed new school. That was the message from the village's county councillor Brian Slaughter at Monday's parish council meeting. He said: "Unfortunately it now looks

  • 03/07/00 - Judge and Shepherd at double

    Malvern Town recorded a comfortable 5-1 victory over Hellenic League Premier Division side Harrow Hill in their latest friendly at Langlands Stadium last night. Two goals each for Simon Judge and Andy Shepherd, and one from Martin Philpotts, ensured that

  • Campaign starts to keep PO in High St

    EVESHAM retailers and town councillors have vowed to fight to keep the town's post office in the High Street following a local outcry. Town councillor and owner of Bunty's gift shop, John Stych said: "I have not seen so many angry people in Evesham since

  • stratford: £3m to cut out poverty

    COMMUNITY groups and voluntary organisations all over south Warwickshire, including Stratford, have scooped £3m to help address problems of rural deprivation. The South Warwickshire Together Partnership, know as PIE, joined forces to make a bid to Advantage

  • Cotswolds: Peace campaigners welcome backing

    CAMPAIGNERS have welcomed a decision by district councillors to voice strong objections to plans for a massive increase in gliding activity at RAF Little Rissington. Members of the development control sub-committee (north) voted almost unanimously yesterday

  • A good, strong aggressive row

    Stratford Boat Club Fresh from their debut at the National Championships, Sharon Orr, Kate Allred, Katherine Lapworth, Tracy Upchurch and cox Leena Gade had a great row in the first round of Henley Town and Visitor's Regatta on Saturday. Competing in

  • All ship-shape and Bristol fashion

    Stratford Athletic Club's mens' teams had another successful day in their division five fixture of the Midland League at Bristol when they finished in third place - their best ever position in this division. The opening event of the day brought success

  • The gremlins strike again for racer Pete

    Blockley racer Peter Cate's jinks struck again on Sunday in the latest round of the Autobytel Lotus Elise Championship. Cate had settled for a tenth place finish in Sunday's second race of the weekend when his throttle cable snapped on his Anadin sponsored

  • They came from far and wide

    Broadway Golf Club VISITORS from 20 clubs from as far afield as Bakewell and Saunton joined with local lady members to compete for prizes in the 18 hole Open held at Broadway. In conditions that were good, but rather hot down the bottom part of the course

  • Dramatic ending

    South Warwickshire Summer Tennis League Division One Results in recent weeks have conspired to make the final week of the season a dramatic one, and so it proved. Relegated FISSC lost 4-0 to a rejuvenated Stratford B team, who have finished the season

  • Hedgehogs to slug it out for water firm

    WATER giant Severn Trent will use hedgehogs in its latest weapon against its slug invasion. Following in the footsteps of organic strawberry growers, the utility is to encourage the prickly creatures on to its sites in a bid to keep the pests at bay.

  • Sheep welfare code welcomed

    SHEEP farmers were celebrating today after a new Government code of practice forcing European producers to stick to stringent welfare standards was launched. Livestock producers hit hard by the farming crisis have long campaigned for a "level playing

  • Toning-up for that break in the sun

    ARE you one of the thousands of people fed up with Worcestershire's unpredictable weather? If so you could be planning to head off for far distant sunnier shores. It may just be a few weeks until you bare your body on the beach, but the likelihood is

  • Villages put on a Swell event

    A SWELL event brought crowds flocking to a church fete last Saturday. The fete proved a big success and raised a grand total of £2,378.82 in aid of the two St Mary's Churches in Upper and Lower Swell. The fun and games began with a lunchtime pig roast

  • Future of Fire College secure

    THE future of Moreton Fire Service College is secure after the Government put an end to years of speculation it could close. The college's operations have been the subject of a long-running Home Office review with announcements much delayed, but speaking

  • Church filled with colour and perfume

    VISITORS and residents alike flocked to St Edward's Church in Stow last weekend to admire the beautiful blooms on show in the church's flower festival. The event, which included several musical performances in the church, proved a big success and raised