Archive

  • Church repair work begins

    WORK is expected to start this month on the first phase of restoration at Earls Croome Church. The parish has raised a third of the £120,000 needed for the complete programme in just 12 months. The money has come from local fundraising, donations and

  • Band aims for place in final

    UPTON Youth Band is hoping to repeat its previous success in two competitions later this month. Members had an exciting time in July, winning trophies at two competitions and playing at Disneyland Paris. The band won the turn-out trophy with full marks

  • Growers overcome season's problems

    GROWERS in Upton defied the weather to produce more entries than ever before at Upton Garden Club's annual show in the Memorial Hall on Saturday. "It was absolutely incredible, because the season has been quite difficult, with everything very late maturing

  • New signs flash out warning to drivers

    A CAMPAIGN to improve road safety around Eldersfield Lawn School has been successfully concluded in time for the new term. Malvern Hills Highways Partnership has introduced a speed limit of 50mph across the common and introduced 'gateways' at both approaches

  • D-Day for pipe organ

    A DECISION on the future of Malvern Priory's ailing pipe organ is expected to be taken at a meeting later this month. The instrument is in dire need of repairs as many of its components have reached the end of their lives. The urgency of taking action

  • Growers keep eye on skies

    WEATHER is occupying the thoughts of growers ahead of the Malvern Autumn Show later this month. Several new plants will be launched at the event, including the penstemon Malvern Springs, featured in the Gazette last week. This will be joined a new sun

  • Sky's the limit for air show

    THE skies above the Herefordshire village of Much Marcle will be buzzing with replicas of some of the world's must celebrated planes this weekend. Herefordshire Model Aircraft Club, in association with the Large Model Association, is staging its annual

  • 8/9/00 - Turner confident record will be maintained

    HEREFORD United Director of Football Graham Turner is confident his side can defend their two proud records tomorrow. The Bulls have yet to lose or concede a goal in six games as they have climbed to third place in the Nationwide Conference. Hednesford

  • Staging night to remember

    An evening of art, food and entertainment is being laid on by the Malvern Youth Theatre on Sunday (September 10). Called Plate Modern, the event will be an upmarket affair with an art show, music and three-course meal at Malvern Youth Centre. Local councillors

  • Role is hands-on

    Preparing for her starring role in the new autumn musical at The Courtyard, professional actress Catherine Grace had a hands-on lesson in the art of pastry making. Catherine will be playing the role of pie shop owner Mrs Lovett in Stephen Sondheim's musical

  • Cotterill heads last gasp winner for Town

    MALVERN Town secured their first victory in this season's Banks's Brewery League Premier Division at Brierley Hill on Saturday, and although Sean Cotterill's winning goal did not come until the 88th minute, this was a game Town should have had sown up

  • Lancett hat-trick boosts Intermilokal

    IN THE opening day of the Sterling Classic Malvern Football League Intermilokal started promisingly against debutantes Callow End Harriers at Lower Howsell Road. On a hard pitch it was at times difficult to control the ball, however there were plenty

  • Historical time for Malvern Ladies

    A HISTORICAL moment for Malvern will take place on Sunday afternoon at Victoria Park when Malvern's Ladies football team play their inaugural match in the Gloucestershire County Women's Football league. The Club's manager, Dennis Coxhead, is assisted

  • Red Lion Falcons defeated

    RED Lion Falcons' debut in the Worcester & District League Division Four was not a memorable one as they were soundly beaten by a well organised St Johns side at Howard Road on Sunday. ST JOHNS SPORTS 5, RED LION FALCONS 0 Red Lion, sponsored by AJ

  • Area good for graduates

    ENGINEERING and technology graduates should look to the Worcestershire area if they want a higher salary, a new report claims. The survey, published by CSU, the Higher Education Careers Services Unit, reveals the Midlands counties offer an average £17,588

  • MEP officially opens new centre of excellence

    STUDENTS will soon be flocking to the county's new centre of excellence for the food and drink industry. Core Food & Drink, part of the Pershore Group of Colleges, celebrated its official opening with a visit by MEP Philip Bushill-Matthews. The MEP

  • £1m grant boost for science park

    A WORCESTERSHIRE science park is to receive a £1m grant from a £3m pot set aside to help innovative and high-growth firms develop. Advantage West Midlands has earmarked the cash for the Malvern Hills Science Park and four other organisations in Birmingham

  • Malvern looking to retain crown

    MALVERN gave notice of their intent to retain the champions tag with a blistering display against a strong Newport side at Spring Lane. MALVERN 36 pts, NEWPORT 5 pts. The Shropshiremen arrived with their usual huge front five, opening with all guns blazing

  • Upton rowers tackle World Vets

    A COMPOSITE rowing crew from the West Midlands has competed at the FISA World Veteran Regatta at Hazewinkel, Belgium. Hazewinkel is a man-made 2000m straight laned course of which 1000m are used for the World Veteran Championships. The veteran B crew,

  • Skittles County Cup under way

    THE Malvern Gazette Malvern Mens Skittles League team play their first County Cup game at home (the Malvern Motor Cycle Club) on Saturday, September 16 with players to meet at the club at 7.30pm. Any new player who wishes to be involved is asked to ring

  • More members for Magic

    MALVERN Magic Basketball Club U14 mixed team is looking for more members to boost its squad for the coming season. The team play in the North Worcestershire League and have regular matches against teams from Bromsgrove, Redditch and Worcester. The club

  • Opening week of pool season

    THE new pool season kicks off this Sunday (Sept 10) with again three leagues and 26 pool teams in the Malvern & District BAPTO run League and over 250 local players competing for honours once again. Threre are three new competitions, the Singles Showdown

  • 8/9/00 - McWilliams poised for Rovers bow

    JAMIE McWilliams is poised to make his Bromsgrove Rovers debut in tomorrow's Dr Martens League Western Division game at Cinderford Town (3pm). The midfielder, formerly with West Bromwich Albion, has not figured in the starting line-up so far but gets

  • Bringing the West Country to Worcester

    AMBIENT video projections tend to be the stuff of dance acts like The Prodigy, instead of folk bands. But this is part of the allure of Show of Hands, whose songwriter Steve Knightley returns to Worcester next Friday for his first solo gig. Fans will

  • Playing blues in snakeskin shoes

    PAUL Lamb loves his snakeskin shoes, which is only right when you're the leader of a band called The King Snakes. "I've been wearing them for a long time now. I had them made in Hong Kong," he explains. This is one of the many places the bluesman and

  • DRASTIC CUTS FACING COUNTY

    SOCIAL services spending is spiralling out of control with Worcestershire staring at a near £5m deficit unless drastic cuts are made. A predicted overspend of £2.1m in June has shot up to £4.6m after just five months of the financial year. County council

  • Bowlers heave a sigh of relief

    BOWLERS in Worcester who feared being caught short while playing matches say they are "thrilled" to have been provided with their own portable toilets. Pershore-based Prestige Toilet Hire sent a mobile unit to Brickfields yesterday to provide facilities

  • Drugs 'were wedged in his buttocks'

    A MAN had 59 ecstasy tablets in his boxer shorts and cannabis and amphetamine hidden between his buttocks while he drank in a Worcester pub, a court heard. Drugs with a total street value of up to £1,500 were eventually seized by police after they arrested

  • Numbers fall at reprieved school

    WORCESTER'S troubled El-bury Mount Primary School looks set to halve its number of reception classes amid falling pupil numbers. The school has applied for permission to change from two-form to one-form entry. The proposal is out for public consultation

  • Bridge plunge award upgrade

    A WORCESTER woman who risked her life to save a man who plunged to the ground in front of her car has had an award upgraded by the Royal Humane Society. Sandra Rafi was driving along the M40's fast lane on Tuesday, March 14, when miraculously, she avoided

  • Turn off traffic lights before someone dies

    A COUNTY MP is calling on the Highways Agency to turn off traffic lights on a Worcestershire road before someone is killed. Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff has written to Peter Nutt, acting chief executive of the agency, urging him to switch off the

  • Smugglers ruin trade

    A WINE merchant has called on the Government to do more to stop bootleggers ruining trade. Richard Everton, who runs Everton's of Ombersley, near Worcester, says stores are being stung by criminals plying their under-the-counter trade. He also wants a

  • Plans unveiled to tacklewinter bed pressures

    HEALTH chiefs have unveiled plans to tackle the winter bed pressures that threatened the service last year. Worcester Royal Infirmary was hit with a massive influx of patients struck down by flu. At the height of the crisis in December and January, intensive

  • WEST MALVERN Correspondent: Mr Colin Jackson. Tel: 01684 577604

    NEXT week will see two notable events for St James's Church, West Malvern. Most important will be the arrival of our new Vicar. There will be a Service of Institution and Induction of the Revd Richard Rosoman to the Parishes of St James's and Holy Trinity

  • POWICK Correspondent: Mrs M Allsopp Tel: 01905 830746

    TOMORROW (Saturday) a Scouts & Cubs Sports Fun Day is being held on Powick Playing Field from 2pm. Entry fee for each event is 50p (or £1 for three events). There will also be a barbecue. Also look out for cycle riders tomorrow as the Historic Churches

  • CORSE Correspondent: Mrs U Groves-Smith Tel: Gloucester 840273

    CORSE Parochial Church Council are holding a concert in St Margaret's Church, Corse on Saturday September 30, as their first fund-raising effort towards the cost of work to be done on the east end gable and the porch. And it is hoped the work will be

  • Journey's with Betjeman

    ONE of Britain's best loved poets will be remembered with an evening of verse in St James's Church in West Malvern. Sir John Betjeman, one of the best-known and most popular of Poet Laureates, is also remembered for his love of churches and church architecture

  • Whats on at your local theatre.

    Relatively Speaking - St John's Players. Until September 9, 8pm. Conquest Theatre, Tenbury Road, Bromyard (01885 488575). Verdict. Until September 9. The Swan Theatre Company, The Moors, Worcester (01905 27322). God Only Knows - World Premier, with Derek

  • Under-funded and under pressure

    SOCIAL services has been the Cinderella of local government for many years. Chronically underfunded, facing pressure from successive governments to provide increasing levels of care, and with the status of its social workers undermined during the years

  • Bromsgrove Rovers Football Club

    Formed:1885 President: Charles W Poole Chairman: Keith MacMaster Vice-Chairman: Directors: Harvey Morrison, George Perry, Jack Sharkey, Pete Slater, Jack Stewart Football Secretary: Brian Hewings Manager: Brian Kenning Physiotherapist: Peter Taylor Commercial

  • 8/9/00 - Jackson set to miss out

    CENTRAL defender Leon Jackson could miss out on Redditch United's trip to former club Blakenall in the Dr Martens League Western Division tomorrow (3pm). A back injury could rule out the player - one of a number hoping to line up against the team they

  • 8/9/00 - Brock gamble on cards for Harriers

    KIDDERMINSTER Harriers boss Jan Molby may gamble on playing injured goalkeeper Stuart Brock in tomorrow's Nationwide League Division Three match at Barnet (3pm). It has not been decided yet whether he will be in the starting line-up and close-season signing

  • Panto snub benefits few

    I was amazed to read (Malvern Gazette, September 1) that there is to be no pantomine this year at the Malvern Theatres. There has always been pantomimes in the theatre at Christmas, one week in the year devoted to children, parents and grandparents in

  • Boo and hiss!

    WHAT no panto, Malvern has goofed again. No more boos and hisses. Bats to you Nic Lloyd. MRS M RICHARDSON, Newtown Road, Malvern.

  • Mix-up over costs

    OH how I wish that all the work carried out on the Bosbury Church and detached tower had cost a mere £10,000, as stated in your report of August 25! Our contractor would be inundated with work - and out of business just as quickly! In truth, we had budgeted

  • Musical treat

    I would like to thank Malvern Hills District Brass Band for an excellent performance in the Winter Gardens last Sunday. Everybody had an enjoyable time, especially the toddler in blue denim dungarees who danced to three tunes and entertained the crowds

  • Men not safe

    ALTHOUGH osteoporosis is widely considered to be a disorder affecting women, 1 in 12 men will develop the condition during their lifetime. The National Osteoporosis Society (NOS) has produced a new booklet called Osteoporosis in Men, to offer detailed

  • Loan deal put on ice by City

    WORCESTER City boss John Barton has missed out in a bid to bring in a Nationwide Conference midfielder on loan. Barton, whose squad is ravaged by injuries, was hoping to bolster his line-up before tomorrow's Dr Martens League Premier Division home clash

  • Brock gamble on cards for Harriers

    KIDDERMINSTER Harriers boss Jan Molby may gamble on playing injured goalkeeper Stuart Brock in tomorrow's Nationwide League Division Three match at Barnet (3pm). It has not been decided yet whether he will be in the starting line-up and close-season signing

  • Moretti's title hope after Sixways move

    NEW hooker Andrea Moretti is promising an Italian job on Saturday as Worcester begin their quest for glory. The former Petrarca star, who signed in at Sixways last month, is confident his new side can lay the ghosts of seasons past to rest and clinch

  • Paddlers rewarded with trophies

    Nearly 70 paddling members from Worcester Dragon Boat Racing Club descended on Peterborough Rowing Club for the final league round of the season. The club entered four crews, Worcester Dragons in the open premier, Worcester Too and Worcester Ladies in

  • 8/9/00 - Brock gamble on cards for Harriers

    KIDDERMINSTER Harriers boss Jan Molby may gamble on playing injured goalkeeper Stuart Brock in tomorrow's Nationwide League Division Three match at Barnet (3pm). It has not been decided yet whether he will be in the starting line-up and close-season signing

  • Car door accident

    CAR PASSENGER Alison Bennett opened her car door and sent a cyclist flying, magistrates at Evesham were told yesterday (Thursday). Bennett, aged 39, of Hemmingway, Fairfield, Evesham, pleaded guilty to opening the door dangerously on May 11 and was fined

  • Gossip leaves a bitter taste

    WE all enjoy a good gossip. Most of the time, it seems harmless enough, but what happens when the gossip mutates into something far more hurtful? That's the dilemma faced by flatmates Derrick (James Marsden), Jones (Lena Headey) and Travis (Norman Reedus

  • 8/9/00 - McWilliams poised for Rovers bow

    JAMIE McWilliams is poised to make his Bromsgrove Rovers debut in tomorrow's Dr Martens League Western Division game at Cinderford Town (3pm). The midfielder, formerly with West Bromwich Albion, has not figured in the starting line-up so far but gets

  • Green lay Lye low

    THE Green 1st XI returned to winning ways on Saturday when they beat high-flying Lye by four wickets in the Worcestershire League Division Two. BARNARDS GREEN 1ST XI v LYE 1ST XI Winning the toss the Green asked the visitors to take first knock. They

  • Ramblers clear the drop

    ON Saturday Malvern Ramblers entertained Alvechurch & Hopwood First XI at Regency Road. MALVERN RAMBLERS 1ST XI v ALVECHURCH & HOPWOOD 1ST XI Alvechurch captain John Clifford won the toss and put Malvern into bat. Richard Neale and Mark Baugh

  • Colwall Seconds are runners-up

    COLWALL 2nds secured runners-up spot with a comprehensive victory against Wootton Bassett 2nds on Saturday. WOOTTON BASSETT 2ND XI v COLWALL 2ND XI Colwall captain Russ Bennett won the toss and inserted Wootton Bassett. On an unpredictable wicket Eddie

  • Two centuries for Nomads

    THE Nomads weekend was successful with two victories and the bonus of two centuries on Sunday. The quest for promotion to division one of the Worcester-shire Clubs league continued with a six wicket win over Stourport and the Sunday 1st team defeated

  • Colwall's six-a-side champs

    COLWALL Cricket Club held their annual 6-a-side tournament on Bank Holiday Monday. From the group matches in the senior event Hereford Nomads, Bell, Worcester Nomads and holders Malvern Ramblers progressed to the semi-final stages. In the first semi-final

  • Dream of a ticket offer

    ONE hundred years after Elgar's Dream of Gerontius was first performed, an anniversary concert is taking place in Birmingham. Tickets were allotted by ballot but Lillian Stockton of Malvern Festival Chorus has managed to lay her hands on 16, which she

  • Potter Jon stages solo show

    EASTNOR potter Jon Williams is awaiting the opening of a major solo show at the Oxford Gallery. He has been preparing for the Oxford show for two years, putting aside the best of his pieces as they emerge from the kiln. Mr Williams described the Oxford

  • A thrilling start to autumn season

    Phychological intrigue as Kidderminster's Rose Theatre starts its autumn season with the thriller Dead Guilty. The theatre's residential group, The Nonentities will be performing Richard Harris' gripping story about the relationship between a dead man's

  • Town in action..

    SATURDAY, September 9 BANKS'S BREWERY LEAGUE Premier division: Malvern Town v Gornal Athletic. TUESDAY, September 12 BANKS'S BREWERY LEAGUE Premier division: Warley Rangers v Malvern Town (7.45pm). SATURDAY, September 16 BANKS'S BREWERY LEAGUE Premier

  • Weekend teams ..

    MALVERN RFC Saturday, September 9 1st XV v TBA (in pool). Kick off 3pm. No. 2 Dress Code. T Allies, D Handy, S Cooper, D Short, C Smith, S Taylor, M Gaubert, D Hill, D Sparrey, S Philips, D Beech, N Bruton, G Richards, J Callow, A Longley, P Hart. 2nd

  • Union celebration a bad idea

    MARK Simpson, prospective parliamentary candidate for Wyre Forest, appears to favour a celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Union of Great Britain with Ireland on January 1, 1801. This is a crazy notion even by the standards of parliamentary candidates

  • My baptism of fire in first three months

    IN my first three months as a councillor I have learnt that it isn't all fun and games but that part of the cost of public office is that one's views can easily be distorted by omission. Among several glaring omissions in Paul Stammer's report of my speech

  • Countryside life at its happiest goes on show

    VAST crowds defied the weather forecasts and flocked to Moreton Show last Saturday to enjoy a feast of north Cotswolds country life. In the end the weather gods looked kindly on proceedings and only two brief showers interrupted what for many people was

  • Goat show seeks home

    GOAT exhibitors at Moreton Show come from far and wide, but some come from just over the road. David and Valerie Baker, from Moreton, certainly fall into the latter category, keeping a flock of seven goats very close to the showground. They took three

  • It was horses, horses, horses for show day

    HORSES galore were on show at this year's event from tiny Shetlands to huge shire horses and everything in between. Classes included qualifiers for the Horse of the Year Show in the mountain and moorland classes which attracted a massive entry. Local

  • Beacon landmark restored

    MALVERN Hills Conservators have taken steps to avoid a repeat of the theft of part of the toposcope on Worcestershire Beacon. The original engraved plate, which gave a panoramic guide to landmarks seen from the top of the Hills, was stolen earlier this

  • Stolen drugs danger warning

    DRUGS that could prove fatal in the wrong hands have been stolen from Lloyds Chemist in Barnards Green Road. Cases of drugs were being picked up from the rear of the shop and delivered to elderly, when the driver accidentely left one behind. He returned

  • Clubhouse move gives better view

    BETTER views of the 18th fairway should result from the new position proposed for Worcestershire Golf Club's £1 million clubhouse at Malvern Wells. Planning permission for the development was granted in May, but the club now wants to resite the 1,000

  • Save our Brownies, plead youngsters

    BROWNIES and Rainbows in Malvern are appealing for supporters to help keep their packs going. Three packs had to close in May and now the 6th Malvern Brownies are also threatened with closure. A year ago they had 16 members, but they are now down to five

  • Station tea room takes the biscuit as Britain's best

    LADY Foley's Tea Room, at Great Malvern railway station, has won the Station of the Year Good Grub award for the second year running. A panel of judges, led by celebrity chef Loyd Grossman, said the tea room's "friendly staff deliver service with a smile

  • Labour picks new candidate

    A COLWALL solicitor could become Leominster's first elected Labour MP if he is voted in at the next general election. Stephen Hart, aged 50, has been chosen as the party's prospective parliamentary candidate, with the aim of succeeding Peter Temple Morris

  • Clean sweep by youngsters

    CHILDREN in the Elgar Avenue area of Malvern have seized the initiative and cleaned up their own streets and gardens. Neville Stones, a member of the newly-formed Elgar Association, said the streets were looking really messy, so some of the youngsters

  • Jack's still on song after 75yrs in choir

    A SERVICE in Malvern Priory later this month will celebrate 75 years in the choir for Jack Lewis. Mr Lewis, who now lives in North Malvern, was born and brought up in the town and attended Lyttelton School, in what is now the Lyttelton Rooms. Attendance

  • Show last for Anna

    THE Wyvern Cat Club All-Breed Championship Show tomorrow (Saturday) will be the last as show manager for Anna Bailey. The club was founded in 1984 to cater for cat lovers in Herefordshire, Worcestershire and north Gloucestershire and Ms Bailey, from Hanley

  • Bishop named

    THE new Bishop of Dudley, the second most senior clergyman in the Diocese of Worcester, was announced by the Prime Minister's office on Monday. The Rev Canon David Walker, a parish priest in Rotherham, will succeed the Rt Rev Dr Rupert Hoare, who has

  • Water feature name chosen

    INSPIRATION for Malvern's new water feature came from a supermarket, a hydropathic doctor and a 100-year-old resident. After deliberating over the suggestions sent into the Malvern Gazette by local residents, the judging panel decided the water feature

  • Tories stage walkout over jibe

    TORY district and town councillors walked out of a meeting of the Joint Councillors' Forum on Tuesday night. Alex Stewart-Cleary said the walkout was triggered by an attack on fellow Conservative Beryl Hickling, by Lib Dem member Graham Myatt. "Coun Myatt's

  • Hills' beauty ranks highly

    THE Malvern Hills have been named among the most beautiful areas of Britain in a national ramblers' magazine. Country Walking, which is published monthly, asked its readers to nominate their favourite area of outstanding natural beauty. And the Malvern

  • Cockerel's on Death Row over crowing

    AN Upton family's pet cockerel is facing destruction because of complaints about its early morning crowing. Derek Hickman, of Greenfields, Tunnel Hill, is angry at the way council officers have investigated the alleged noise nuisance, saying they have

  • Chief Constable defends policing of town

    CHIEF Constable Peter Hampson has confirmed his faith in the new policing arrangements for Upton. A letter from former district councillor Betty Williams prompted Mr Hampson to express his support for the system of beat management and road policing now

  • Sunday school success

    A SUNDAY school launched last weekend at Upton Parish Church attracted 14 children and their families. The youngsters, aged two to 13, joined the congregation for the beginning and end of the 9.30am service. During the service they had their own meeting

  • Schools in mounting space crisis

    ALMOST half of Worcester's schools are teaching in temporary classrooms, a new report has revealed. Eleven out of the city's 27 primary and high schools are listed as having temporary buildings. The worst case is at Northwick Manor Infants School where

  • Police release ravine mystery man

    A MAN whose bloodstained car was discovered around 100 feet down a ravine sparking a massive hunt has been released by police after questioning. Officers have been trying to piece together Eric Spalding's movements since the discovery of his car on Tuesday

  • Over 65 and feeling fine

    ALMOST one in five people in Worcestershire is more than 65 years old and that figure is growing. And while the proportion of people aged over 75 and 85 is a lot smaller, at 7.1 per cent and 1.7 per cent respectively, these percentages are rising at an

  • LONGDON Correspondent: Mrs Eileen Moss. Tel: 01684 833256

    A REMINDER that the next Longdon Churchwomen's Fellowship meeting takes place on Wednesday, September 13. Members should meet outside Longdon Village Hall at 7pm so transport to Tewkes-bury can be arranged. Bridge Builders begins again on Sunday, September

  • HOLLYBUSH Correspondent: Mrs R Bolton Tel: 01684 833287

    CONGRATULATIONS to everyone involved in the preparation and running of Hollybush Church Fete. The weather was super and we were able to sit outside enjoying each others company and the superb surroundings, not forgetting our re-vamped Church Room. A special

  • FORTHAMPTON Correspondent: Gill Warner Tel: 01684 292395

    CORSE Parochial Church Council are holding a concert in St Margaret's Church, Corse on Saturday September 30, as their first fund-raising effort towards the cost of work to be done on the east end gable and the porch. And it is hoped the work will be

  • BIRTSMORTOn Correspondent: Mrs R Bolton Tel: 01684 833287

    OUR 700 Celebrations have come and gone and we are left with wonderful memories of a wonderful weekend enjoyed by so many friends old and new. We are indebted to Nigel and Rosalie Dawes for the loan of their superb gardens and grounds and to Nigel especially

  • Turn off traffic lights before someone dies

    A COUNTY MP is calling on the Highways Agency to turn off traffic lights on a Worcestershire road before someone is killed. Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff has written to Peter Nutt, acting chief executive of the agency, urging him to switch off the

  • Portrait of insecurity

    THIS week's film at Malvern Cinema is High Fidelity (15), adapted from Nick Hornby's best-selling novel. Although eyebrows were raised when it was announced the action had been transferred from North London to Chicago, High Fidelity is by all accounts

  • God Only Knows, Malvern Theatres

    A LITTLE corner of Tuscany enlivened a wet and windy Malvern but holiday spirit disappeared in a lively and fascinating foray into the darker recesses of the Christian faith and Roman Catholic Church. A full house was testament to the combination of a

  • Critics should try it

    I REALLY do think it is time that the continual criticisms of the efforts of district and town councillors, and of expenditure authorised by them for what they see is for the benefit of the community they serve, should have some response in their defence

  • Don't sacrifice zeal

    As one of the councillors responsible at the time for giving the go-ahead for the various enhancements around the town, I have read the comments regarding them over the past few weeks with interest, particularly your latest edition, which confirmed what

  • Praising carnival

    I WOULD like to take this opportunity to thank the committee for another tremendous effort in organising this year's Ledbury Carnival. All the comments I have received have been very positive and supportive of this year's event. I am only involved in

  • Memorable event

    I FEEL I must put pen to paper regarding this year's Ledbury Carnival. What a truly wonderful, memorable occasion. The weather was perfect and, looking down on the great number of people, everyone laughing, joking, eating super pork rolls or beefburgers

  • Band says thanks

    MAY I take this opportunity, through your paper, of expressing the thanks of Malvern Hills District Brass Band to all the members of the public who attended the four free concerts in Priory Park over the summer. The response by the public was absolutely

  • Petition under way

    I WAS pleased to read the letter from Mr Ian Morris (Malvern Gazette & Ledbury Reporter, August 25), in which he points out some of the disadvantages of this country being in the European Union. It is widely feared that at the meeting to be held in

  • Angered by claim

    I WAS angered to read (Malvern Gazette, August 25) that the Liberal Democrat leader of the district council was claiming credit for persuading the Conservative Group to open up Executive Committee meetings to the public. It was a Liberal Democrat-controlled

  • Comment

    THERE'S great news for the Malvern Hills area this week and one which is both exciting and challenging. The fact that DERA has begun the process of upgrading its site in Malvern is welcomed on a number of fronts. The prospect of 1,000 new jobs is good

  • Turner confident that record will be maintained

    HEREFORD United Director of Football Graham Turner is confident his side can defend their two proud records tomorrow. The Bulls have yet to lose or concede a goal in six games as they have climbed to third place in the Nationwide Conference. Hednesford

  • Woodpecker win for Burton

    ANDREW Burton and Rob Morgan (Kington/Acton Burnell) won their fourth consecutive Woodpecker Stages Rally, taking their Peugeot Cosworth to a 64 second victory. The rally, sponsored by Listers Subaru of Hallow, featured stages in the forests around Ludlow

  • Worcester girls win Fours call

    WORCESTER Rugby Club will have the largest number of players on show at the inaugural Women's Super Fours Championship this weekend. Fifteen members of the Sixways first team squad have been selected for competition which features the top 100 rugby players

  • Millenary for St Leger

    TAKE Millenary to give John Dunlop his third success in the Rothmans Royals St Leger at Doncaster tomorrow. The Arundel trainer has won the world's oldest Classic with Moon Madness in 1986 and Silver Patriarch 11 years later and the improving Millenary

  • Warren peace

    Upton Warren is best-known for its sailing centre and the adjacent nature reserve. These are both on the east side of the A38, but to the west of the road, behind the pub, is the village itself, a tiny place with attractive houses and a mediaeval church

  • Winchcombe asks for £50,000

    WINCHCOMBE Town Council is seeking more than £50,000 from Tewkesbury Borough Council to support community projects. Councillors at last Wednesday's meeting, were asked to suggest the schemes and projects they would like the borough council to include

  • Cash boost for Wilmcote hall

    PLANS for a major facelift of Wilmcote village hall received a boost this week, when the Carnegie Trust announced it was donating £5,000 towards a new stage. Chairman of the village hall trust, Jennie Barrie said the money would come in particularly handy

  • What s on at your local cinema.

    SNATCH (18): Guy Ritchie-directed heist thriller starring Brad Pitt. Odeon, Worcester. 1.50, 4.15, 6.35, 8.55. UCI Merry Hill, (1.30, 2.10 Sat/Sun Only), 4.00, 4.45, 6.15, 7.10, 8.50, 9.30. Fri/Sat late 11.10. X-MEN (12): Comic-book heroes brought to

  • Unbeaten century for Tim Riley

    DESPITE a superb unbeaten century by Tim Riley, Colwall rounded off their league campaign with a 15 run defeat to Wootton Bassett on Saturday. COLWALL v WOOTTON BASSETT Batting first at the visitors took time in adjusting to the Stowe Lane pitch scoring

  • Young Chaundy hits 123no

    ON a much brighter day than expected at Mathon Court, West Malvern opened the batting. WEST MALVERN CC v WORCESTER LAWYERS After a slow start and early wicket loss of Jon Harris for seven, the partnership of Eddie Bray and Phil Chaundy steadily gathered

  • Successful tour saw just one defeat

    BARNARDS Green enjoyed a successful tour to Dorset/Hampshire last week with six enjoyable games. A party of 21, all Green regular members, stayed just outside Bournemouth and experienced excellent weather until it broke late on Friday. On Sunday the Green

  • Ramblers and The Fossils in draw

    THE Fossils' found it very difficult to score against the Ramblers' opening attack of Richard Cullen and Nick Dennis and had struggled to six runs when Cullen bowled Robbins in the eighth over. Clark then struck two boundaries but fell to Cullen. MALVERN

  • Cricket teams ...

    MALVERN RAMBLERS CC Sponsored by Crusader Sport & Leisure Worcester Saturday, September 9 1st XI v Barnards Green (Away). Meet at BGCC 12 noon . Start 12.30pm.P Young, D Arnold, N Thompson, M Baugh, R Francis, S Carter, A Arnold, R Neale, G Hawker

  • Towering talents tackled by ESO

    FRESH from a successful open air concert at the Three Counties Showground, the English Symphony Orchestra is now turning its attentions to a new season featuring work by Schubert and Beethoven. Five concerts have been scheduled between now and March at

  • Choir's busy season ahead

    BROMYARD and District Choral Society are preparing for a busy autumn season. This begins tomorrow (Saturday) with a concert as part of Whitbourne Church Flower Festival at 7.30pm and continues with the group's annual meeting at the St Peter's Church room

  • Uniting country in song

    SINGERS interested in taking part in a national event are being invited to attend taster sessions in Malvern in the next two weeks. Sing 2000, a Millennium Commission Lottery project, will include local, regional and national events, ending with a concert

  • Iain takes up baton for Mozart season

    MALVERN Festival Chorus is entering its 82nd season under the guidance of a new musical director. Iain Sloan has stepped into the shoes of the choir's former conductor, Rory Boyle, and says he is really looking forward to working with the chorus. Mr Sloan

  • Festival's line-up to crown 'em all

    Organisers of the Bromyard Folk Festival are confident that the Millennium line-up will enable the event to keep its crown as the UK's top traditional event. Now in its 33rd year, the folk celebration even has its own theatre, The Court, on the new main

  • Blockhead tag is badge of honour for trio

    TO call the Wilko Johnson Band blockheads is no insult but a badge of honour for the trio of musicians. The line-up for this year sees drummer Monti joining Wilko Johnson and bassist Norman Watt-Roy, reuniting three musicians who played together as members

  • Sell-out success

    SELL-OUT performances by Joan Armatrading and Robert Plant ended the 12-day Ross International Festival. As the dust settles on the fifth festival, organisers have declared themselves happy with the event, which generated record 40,000 ticket sales. Big

  • Baton is poised for group's new season

    WORCESTER Festival Choral Society has announced its programme for the new season with three concerts and a share in a fourth. The group, under the baton of Adrian Lucas, has a distinguished history, being founded in 1861 and through its association with

  • 8/9/00 - Town look to get back on track

    MALVERN Town hope to return to winning ways in the Banks's Brewery League Premier Division at home to Gornal Athletic tomorrow (3pm). Manager Joey Rawle is likely to welcome back John Hayes and Simon Judge, but Joe Maidment, Steve Walker, Andy Shepherd

  • Events taking place in and around Worcester.

    The Ghost Walk of Worcester - A night of history and mystery. Fridays and Saturdays, 8pm. More Info (01905 759499). The Somers Traditional Folk Club - South Worcs. Every Friday. 8.30pm-11pm. The Albion, 48 Bath Road, (A38), Worcester (01684 575704). Worcester

  • Our future truly hung in balance

    This year is proving to be a remarkable one. Not only are we celebrating the new Millennium, but for many this has poignant memories as it is the 60th anniversary of The Battle of Britain. The dramatic events of 1940, when Britain was facing the threat

  • Litter Lout

    THE other day, I saw an elderly woman on a narrowboat throw an empty carton into the River Severn. It's not just young people who drop litter, you know. JIM STOTE, Worcester.

  • Packing a punch

    IN reply to Mr Spiteri (You Say, August 26), the favourite books on my shelves are novels by Iris Murdoch, Graham Greene and P G Wodehouse. I also own a few volumes of Punch. I do have a collected volume of Shakespeare, but hardly ever "dip into it".

  • Protect our green spaces

    HOW I admire fighters. Now I read that even the WORMS are turning in Hallow Road. The mobile phone company wanted permission to erect a mast in a lay-by in Hallow Road and concerned residents tried to stop them. To the successful protestors in Hallow

  • The Tories have learnt nothing from history

    THE Tory candidate for the Wyre Forest bemoans the lack of official celebrations next year for the 1801 of the Act of Union (Evening News, August 25). Does his party ever learn anything from the history he is so keen to champion? Many Scots, Irish and

  • Cattle: a time to rebuild

    WHEN it comes to beef on the hoof, South Devons are among the most competitive classes in the cattle rings, with several local herds regularly entering their best stock. The Northwick Estate at Blockley is rebuilding its herd of South Devons, which was

  • DERA plan to create 1,000 jobs

    A MULTI-million pound scheme to change the face of Malvern's Defence Evaluation and Research Agency has been unveiled. The project, aimed at bringing the site into the 21st Century, brings with it the prospect of up to 1,000 new jobs. DERA has just submitted

  • 8/9/00 - Credit to all says top boss Mullen

    EVESHAM United boss Phil Mullen says others should take most of the credit for his side's superb start to the season. Mullen has won the Dr Mar-tens League Western Division Manager of the Month award for August, after United won all four matches during

  • Lib Dems call for 'openness'

    A NEW political structure giving councillors more responsibility and opening up meetings is to be proposed by the Liberal Democrats next week. Two weeks ago, the majority Conservative group at Malvern Hills District Council released a statement saying

  • Officer's suspicions lead police to stolen antique table

    A self-employed businessman was found in possession of a £3,250 antique table just hours after it was stolen in a smash and grab raid. Police discovered the Edwardian ladies' writing table in a van belonging to 36-year-old Arthur Arnold. He told a jury

  • Nick fired by challenge

    MALVERN ambulance man Nick Dyson is burning with enthusiasm for a hot challenge set by St Richard's Hospice. The 41-year-old ambulance technician has volunteered to take part in the hospice's charity Fire Walk on September 28. He will walk with bare foot

  • Grant helps Ark to remain afloat

    A charity supporting bereaved children and young people has been awarded a grant by BBC Children in Need. The Noah's Ark Trust as been given £25,957 towards the salary of its child and family bereavement manager for the next two years. Lady Rachel Coventry

  • Sally takes on MHHYAT job

    A NEW volunteer co-ordinator has been appointed at the Malvern Hills Homeless Young Adults Trust (MHHYAT). Sally Helder will be developing and expanding the network of volunteers to support residents aged 16 to 25 at the MHHYAT Foyer, in Spring Lane.

  • 8/9/00 - Moretti's title hope after Sixways move

    NEW hooker Andrea Moretti is promising an Italian job on Saturday as Worcester begin their quest for glory. The former Petrarca star, who signed in at Sixways last month, is confident his new side can lay the ghosts of seasons past to rest and clinch

  • 8/9/00 - Loan deal put on ice by City

    WORCESTER City boss John Barton has missed out in a bid to bring in a Nationwide Conference midfielder on loan. Barton, whose squad is ravaged by injuries, was hoping to bolster his line-up before tomorrow's Dr Martens League Premier Division home clash

  • Trio complete moorland test

    THREE Chase sixth-formers completed the challenging Lyke Wake walk across the North Yorkshire Moors last week. Ian Bryant, John Forsdike and James Wallbank had to navigate from Osmotherly, on the western edge of the moor, to Ravenscar on the east coast

  • Sunshine show attracts 1,500

    AROUND 1,500 people enjoyed the attractions of the Alfrick and Lulsley Show last Saturday, as the sun shone on the event. Organisers believe the number of visitors was slightly up on last year. The other evidence of support was a record entry of 200 for

  • All aboard for award

    A bus service around the Malvern Hills has been nominated for a top industry award. The Malvern Hills Hopper gives tourists - and locals - the chance to travel a circular route around the Hills and between Malvern and Ledbury every Sunday and Bank Holiday

  • Mixed response to six-term year

    PROPOSALS for a six-term school year have met a mixed response from local head teachers. The proposals have been put forward by the Local Government Association, which says it would allow exams such as GCSEs and A'levels to be held earlier in the year

  • Ups and downs of funicular plans

    A LOOK back through the files of the Malvern Gazette from when the town last stood at the beginning of a new century provides evidence that some things seem destined never to come to pass. The edition of September 7, 1900, reveals the latest installment

  • At home to science

    INTEREST in science has always been a part of Malvern, particularly with so many of the finest scientific minds in the country having made the town their home over the past 60 years. The success of The Magic Ear exhibition, charting the early days of

  • 'Town like Blackpool'

    THE number of B&B signs in Upton is making the town look like Blackpool, according to a local councillor. Coun Eric White made his remark at a meeting of Malvern District Council's southern area planning committee. The committee approved an application

  • Echoes from the Past

    100 Years Ago When a tramp refuses to perform the allotted task of stone-breaking at the Tramp Ward, in return for a night's food and lodgings, the matter is not allowed to pass with his refusal. He is brought before the magistrates and is invariably

  • Cinemas

    Malvern Cinema: High Fidelity (15) Daily 7.30pm (except Wed 13th), matinees Sat 9th, Sun 10th & Wed 13th 3pm. Boys Don't Cry (18) Wed 13th only 7.30pm. Odeon Worcester: w = Wheelchair accessible. Scary Movie (18) 1.30, 3.30, 5.45, 8.00; The Flintstones

  • Warden's son was eyewitness to raid

    AN eyewitness to the bombing raid on Malvern on the night of September 4, 1940, was Ken Davis, now of Pound Bank Road. And, ironically, the raid helped him do his bit to help buy the Malvern Spitfire. Mr Davis' father, Raymond, was sector ARP warden for

  • Bombs fail to dent morale

    WHILE the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Britain is rightly marked with a series of TV documentaries, there is a local anniversary that also deserves a mention. On September 4, 1940, bombs landed in Malvern, causing damage to property and making the

  • Book tribute to pilots

    BATTLE of Britain pilots helped a local aviation historian to launch his 60th anniversary tribute to "The Few" at the weekend. The daughter-in-law of Air Chief Marshall Lord Dowding was on hand, together with 15 pilots and about six ground crew, to help

  • Churchill's speech made us feel heroes

    EVER since he was a young boy Charles Stavert had dreamed of donning a pair of flying goggles and taking to the skies. Little did he know at the time that there would be plenty of opportunities to fly in defence of his country during the Second World

  • Historic buildings support open event

    CHURCHES and other historic buildings across Herefordshire and Worcestershire will be opening their doors to the public on Saturday and Sunday, September 16 and 17. More than 2,000 buildings nationwide will be taking part in the Civic Trust's Heritage

  • Chicken shed jibe over College plan

    A PLAN for a new teaching block at the former Malvern Hills College was described as looking like a farm building at a planning meeting this week. Members of Malvern Hills District Council's southern area planning committee deferred a decision on the

  • Priests celebrates 50 years

    PARISHIONERS at Malvern's Holy Trinity Church helped the Rev Edward Cox celebrate five decades as a priest last Sunday. Although retired, Mr Cox has helped out at a number of parishes, particularly during interregnums. Holy Trinity's interregnum finishes

  • Theatre goes for mix of national and local productions

    THE autumn season at Worcester's Swan Theatre promises a wide variety of theatrical experiences for all ages, mixing plays specially created for the venue with the most interesting national productions. The season kicks off on Wednesday (September 13)

  • Your complete Entertainment Guide for the area

    Theatre September To Sept 9-God Only Knows by Hugh Whitemore at the Festival Theatre, Malvern Theatres. 2.30pm & 8pm. Tickets £12-£22, Concs £1. Box Office (01684) 892277. To Sept 9-Relatively Speaking by Alan Ayckbourne at the Conquest Theatre, Bromyard

  • Town gift early lead

    MALVERN Town suffered a disappointing home defeat at the Langland Stadium on Tuesday night, when visitors Ludlow punished Town severely, particularly in the first 20 minutes, when two defensive errors gifted the away side a two goal lead. MALVERN TOWN

  • Athletic's first point

    MALVERN Athletic collected the first point of their Midland Combination division two season with this hard-fought draw at Barnt Green Spartak. BARNT GREEN SPARTAK 2, MALVERN ATHLETIC 2 Athletic took the lead in the 18th minute when another good run from

  • Disappointing game for Rangers

    AFTER a run of three friendly matches without defeat, including a creditable draw against a Malvern Town XI, Rangers came down to earth with a bump when they entertained league newcomers Archdales 73 in their first Saturday Premier Division fixture of

  • Keyz make a flying start

    AN opening Worcester & District Sunday League division four victory for Keyz was sweet after struggling last season in division three with just one victory to their name. NORTHWICK SWANS RES 2, KEYZ 2000 4 The match started at a blistering pace and

  • Langland Sports open with two fine victories

    LANGLAND Sports enjoyed a successful opening weekend in the Worcester & District Football League winning both their matches. On Saturday Langland visited Powick for a division one encounter and came away victors 4-2. Stu Harvey grabbed a hat-trick

  • Charity skittles competition raises another £1,804

    THE Malvern & District Motor Cycle & Light Car Club are very proud of their annual charity skittles events held at their Beacon Clubroom in Link Way. Every year since these tournaments first began in 1989 they have been a resounding success both

  • Cup win for Zena Lloyd

    THE Worcestershire Golf Club's ladies section's Jack Campbell Cup stableford was played over 16 holes this year and won by Zena Lloyd with 37 points with the runner-up being Brenda Jones on count back from Janet Long with 36 points. Dry favourable weather