WYRE Forest council taxpayers will have to foot a £1,000 bill for reminders for residents who have failed to return electoral registration forms to the district council. The authority's chief executive, Walter Delin, who is also electoral registration
A 'MEET your MP' plea has been issued by an area community development worker. Ellen Coe urged Oldington and Foley Park residents to take advantage of monthly surgeries with Wyre Forest MP David Lock which began in August. She said: "It's really important
BILL Smith left Orrell without going for his normal pint of bitter at the clubhouse on Saturday. The life-long fan, who had watched in the early 70s as his heroes famously knocked Harlequins out of the Pilkington Cup, had had enough. After seeing his
FRAIL patients at a Worcestershire home will suffer if care staff cannot buy fuel from the emergency services quota it was claimed today. David Attwood said he fears for the safety of 28 mentally-infirm patients as staff run out of petrol, leaving the
THE leader of Worcester's Labour party has denied the county's health service is in the depths of a crisis. Councillor David Barlow told fellow councillors concern over services in Worcestershire had been caused by media hype. He was responding to a motion
A WORCESTER father has hit out at First Midland Red, claiming his son was "nearly dragged down the road" when his foot became trapped in a bus door. Richard Marshall said his wife was getting out of the number 43 bus near their Tunnel Hill home with their
A MAN who lay at death's door during a controversial transfer to Worcester's intensive care unit has spoken of his anger and joy after his miraculous recovery. Tony Page, of Cookley, hit the headlines when he was moved from Kidderminster to Ronks-wood
Diaspora Sefardi Montserrat Figueras THE first thing that strikes you about this CD on the Alia Vox label is how glossy it is - a double album which says style all over it. The second thing is that actually, Diaspora Sefardi could have been condensed
A YOUNG woman who nearly died in a riding accident is embarking on her new career after acting as an "inspiration" to others and being chosen for the star role in a TV programme about head injuries. Twenty-two-year-old Sarah Kemp is starting a three-year
IN response to Mr Foster's letter (Journal, September 7), I write in support of Mr John Stych. As a Chamber we have had over 400 letters from people in Evesham expressing their dismay at the proposed re-location of the Post Office, a view shared by Evesham
I REFER to your report (Journal, August 31) on the dangerous bends on Fish Hill, Broadway. Without the full facts of the tragedy you report I cannot of course comment on this particular case, but the county council must seriously look at the several bends
MAY I applaud through your pages, the decision by Stratford District Council (Journal August 31) not to allow planning permission for the housing development in Barton on the Heath. The farmers/landowners who wish to turn OUR countryside into dormitory
THANK you for printing the report regarding speed signs at Station Road, Pershore. I would like to respond to Geoff Cox, of Wychavon Highways Partnership Unit, who states "Government regulations prevented them from putting up repeat speed signs on roads
I WRITE to endorse the memories of those that spoke to you of their memories of that splendid day of sunshine on April 19, 1984 when HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother opened Elizabeth House, the new offices of the Stratford-on-Avon District Councils
MAY I just thank members of the Broadway Cricket Club who organised and carried out the three days coaching for Broadway children between the ages of seven and fourteen years old. Thanks are also due to The Misses Barrie Trust for financing the event.
I HAD to write to say how much my children and I enjoyed Moreton's Children's Party 2K on Sunday August 27. We can't thank the organiser and fund raisers enough. It was not only fun and exciting, but brilliant as mums didn't need to keep paying for all
I entirely agree with the Rev Barry Collins (Thought For The Week, August 31). Despite what some scientists tell us, I'm certain there is more to us than just a heap of chemicals. GEORGE COWLEY, Windermere Drive, Warndon, Worcester.
TURKS Head's Nick Lawley bagged a hat-trick to help his men send Access Security to their first defeat of the season in Bromsgrove Advertiser/Messenger League Division One. Richard Jones scored twice and Martin Smith netted to complete an enthralling
DROITWICH CC's First XI gained a creditable winning draw and 15 more points when they entertained Hereford-shire side Luctonians on Saturday. It was a fine all-round performance from Paul Bryan's men, who were looking to build on their recent improved
AVONCROFT CC recorded their third win of the season in a seven wicket win over lowly Alvechurch. But the victory still means they will finish in the bottom three ahead of their match against Cape Hill on Saturday. Dismissing the home side for just 58,
MISSING three key players, Bromsgrove Ladies' Hockey Club's First XI did well to draw 1-1 against a Redditch side who play two leagues above. The first few minutes saw Town's defence under a lot of pressure with keeper Ange Burnet making some great saves
BROMSGROVE started in determined fashion but eased off slightly after Sarah Gormley scored early in the first half to put them ahead against Studley. An invigorated Town notched up another four goals in the second half, with Gormley tucking away her second
DROITWICH Spa committed football suicide in injury time and allowed Wimcote to steal all three points. A long punt from the away keeper wasn't dealt with by the Droitwich defence and a Wilmcote forward nipped in at the back post to score the late winner
TOWN were dominant as they overwhelmed Woodbourne with their passing at times sublime. But it was the visitors who took an early lead against the run of play when Stuart Perrott took advantage of a defensive hiccup. This only served to fire Town into
A STUNNING performance from Labour's keeper Shane Bonehill inspired his team to victory in this Bromsgrove and District League Division Four battle. Time and time again Bonehill turned away numerous chances for Queens, but it was Paul Minett who opened
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
THE countryside to the east of Worcester may be undramatic but it is still very attractive in its own quiet way, with good views of the Malverns and Bredon Hill, and several villages where ancient timber-framed houses still dominate the scene. One such
REMOTE from main roads, the lovely riverside meadows, woods and marshes be-tween Bevere Island and Grimley comprise an almost secret landscape known only to those who walk the towpath or travel by boat along the Severn. Bevere Island itself is well known
Inkberrow Reverting to the topic that has been uppermost in all gardeners' minds this year, Mr Tromans said he had sought the help of the Internet to see exactly what weather conditions had been and found the first quarter of the year mild with January
THE family of an 87-year-old woman have spoken of her "extreme distress" after a distraction burglary in which she was robbed of her savings. The Kidderminster pensioner fell victim to a couple aged about 30 who gained access to her home at Greenhill
ARSONISTS have stolen and torched a car worth £3,500 after taking it from the owner's home. The Rover 218 saloon was stolen from outside the property in Kidderminster's Brook Street. Arsonists later set fire to it in the town's Springfield Park between
A KNIFE-wielding robber who cut a terrified woman's wrists during a handbag snatch on a Kidderminster estate has been given four years' detention. Drug addict David Ashbery's table knife was sharp enough to break the skin of accounts clerk Gail Lawrence
VANDALS have wrecked a fence running alongside a Kidderminster brook - just two days after it had been repaired with £1,500 of council taxpayers' money following a previous wrecking spree. The district councillor for the area has hit out at the vandals
MOTHER-of-three Jenny Pooler has been sent to prison for eight months by Kidderminster magistrates after 30 conviction for stealing from shops. She had been addicted to drugs for six years and needed help to beat the habit, her solicitor, Paul Hitchcock
A MAN accused of holding an imitation gun to the head of a six-year-old boy has told a court it was false. Steven Poggiani told a jury on Tuesday he never had a weapon but admitted he had twice been prosecuted for threatening behaviour. He said he had
THERE were mixed fortunes for the two Bretforton sides in the top division of the Stratford Alliance, while newcomers Campden Town made it two wins out of two in Herald Division One. Bretforton Sports, a rehash of last season's champions Fleece, defeated
Springfield Utd 0, Pershore Tn U-16 9 TOWN outclassed Sunday's Glouce-stershire League opponents as Matthew Smith and Ben Wright both grabbed hat-tricks. The new look visitors went ahead through skipper Dave Roberts and it was 4-0 at the interval as Wright
Littleton 5, Archdales 2 LITTLETON put last week's defeat behind them with a convincing 5-2 victory over newly promoted Archdales. Littleton dominated the first half with Darren Reeves and Chris Wright constantly pushing forward from midfield to put added
Handrahan Timbers 0, Pershore Town 1 TOWN made hard work of Saturday's Midland Combination Premier Division test but they were relieved to pocket the points after recent troubles. The only goal of the game came from Simon Brain, who blasted a 58th minute
HAVE any Kidderminster residents actually seen Ronkswood Hospital? Do they know its history? Well, let me tell you it is a very unlovely place - rows of Nissen huts joined by long concrete-floored corridors. The Americans built it during the Second World
CLIVE Munslow won the EEIBA Electrical Industries charity match fished at Moorlands Farm. The top six places in the 100-peg event were: Clive Munslow 70lb 10oz (peg Meadow Pool 3), B Jones 65-4 (Bank 24), A Tranter 62-14 (Bank 22), N Cullis 58-0 (Meadow
BRIARS Phoenix are setting a hot pace at the top of Kidderminster and District Football League Sunday Division Four. Their emphatic 8-0 verdict over King Billy on Sunday gave them three wins and a draw from their opening four fixtures. Hartlebury Village
WYRE Forest got off to a dream start in their Midland Football Combination Division Two fixture against Malvern, scoring twice in the first 15 minutes. But they lost their way in the second half and went down 4-2 even though their oppnents were reduced
COOKLEY Under-15s began the new season in Stourport and District Boys Football League in style with a 9-2 victory over County Sports in Division Two. In Division One, Mostyn Rangers convincingly beat Brockmoor Badgers 8-0 while Habberley Hawks won a Wyre
A TEAM from Stourport Youth Football League produced an excellent performance to win a Birming-ham City small-sided invitation competition at St Andrews. The under-10 side progressed through their group and triumphed 1-0 in the final to win a plaque presented
BEWDLEY ran out 3-0 winners when they met Brintons for first time in two years. The first half of their Banks's League Division One South fixture saw chances for both sides, with Matt Grey going close for Brintons and Grant Gibbs for Bewdley. But Bewdley
KIDDERMINSTER Carolians Rugby Club ran out 13-3 winners when they met Shrewsbury at Marlpool Lane on Saturday. The match should have been a first round meeting in the NPI Pilkington Cup, but the visitors conceded the game to their opponents because they
WORCESTER City expect their Dr Martens League Premier Division match at Cambridge City on Saturday to go ahead despite the fuel crisis. City say they will be able to make the 240-mile round trip to Cambridge after receiving assurances from Kempsey-based
WORCESTERSHIRE'S County Championship Division Two promotion bid is in severe danger of running out of fuel after a grim start to their make-or-break match against Northamptonshire at New Road. After allowing the champions to hit back from 96-7 to 260
COACH Rudy Smith is banking on Malvern Rugby Club's players bouncing back from the crushing disappointment of missing out on promotion last season as they lock horns with old rivals Selly Oak. The Spring Lane side were crowned champions of Midlands Two
WYRE Forest transport, council and school services across the district are facing widespread disruption. Journeys to and from school are being threatened, and Worcestershire County Council has introduced a 'snowdesk' helpline used during wintertime to
HEALTH leaders have been busy making contingency plans to ensure the service for patients continues during the petrol crisis. The measure agreed by the West Mercia Constabulary advice group means all non-emergency ambulance transport in Wyre Forest has
A NEW flood warning system has received a guarded welcome from Bewdley victims. But praise for the Environment Agency initiative launched this week was watered down by comments that more could be done. Memories of the unexpected River Severn flood in
KIDDERMINSTER Police hope to be at the cutting edge of dealing with the problem of under-age drinking during a month-long campaign in a town estate. They are looking to call time on the problem after joining forces with the Town Centre Crime and Disorder
A BEWDLEY woman appointed as the first female secretary of the Worcestershire branch of the Royal British Legion is keen to dispel perceptions that the organisation is "fuddy duddy". Sheila Hannon, 67, will take up her new post in January, succeeding
UP to 100 people were expected to gather last night to discuss controversial plans for a community help centre next to a Kidderminster school. Greenhill Action Group was due to spell out its worries when it met at St George's Club, Radford Avenue. They
CONTROVERSIAL traffic lights have been re-set after causing traffic jams when they were switched on for the first time in four months. The lights on the busy A449 at Goldness Corner, Hartlebury, caused mayhem when they were switched on last week. Tailbacks
ALMOST £10 million is being invested in 300 homes by Wyre Forest District Council. The controversial transfer of council housing stock from the authority to a private/public partnership has paid dividends with millions pouring into council coffers. The
A PLAN for 13 new homes in Cleobury Mortimer has raised hopes the area will be better able to meet a growing demand for affordable housing. Parish councillors are set to make a site visit to land at Pinkham after news of a forthcoming application for
COMMUNITY projects throughout Wyre Forest have been boosted by a £64,000 cash share-out from a millennium fund. Carers, Scout groups, playgroups and sports clubs are among organisations to benefit from West Midlands Millennium Festival Awards for All.
QUILTERS are putting in a last stitch in time for their first major exhibition. And it will include examples of how they are making a hospital baby unit brighter and more homely. The 40-strong Forest Quilters group who enjoy sewing sessions at Broadwaters
CHILDREN are thought to be behind a blaze at a Stourport beauty spot which firefighters spent more than six hours tackling. Crews were called to Burlish Top at 3.30pm on Monday and left the scene just before 10pm, before returning the following day to
MEMBERS of a Stourport group have joined forces to create a picture history book to mark the dawning of the new millennium in the town. Stourport Civic Society's Images of England - Stourport-on-Severn publication, which is launched on Saturday, features
PLANS to abolish live-in wardens in sheltered homes in South Warwickshire will lead to deaths, warned a former warden at a demonstration last week. As part of a major review of its sheltered homes, South Warwickshire Housing Association wants to replace
PICKETS - FORMER Evesham lorry driver turned public speaker in the guise of John Bull, Ray Egan, joined the picket line at the Kingsbury depot and said he was delighted with the stand the truckers had taken. He said: "I worked as a lorry driver and on
COUNCILS across the Journal area are implementing emergency plans to ensure essential services are maintained during the fuel crisis. Worcestershire County Council has its snowline plan in operation which means schools can ring in with problems and possible
PLANS for a major facelift of Wilmcote village hall received a boost last week when the Carnegie UK 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
THE chaos on the roads began on Sunday when the demonstration began to feature on the news, which sparked panic buying among motorists. Simon Woodings, press officer for the AA in the Midlands, said roads were jammed in Monday's evening rush hour in particular
YOUNGSTERS leaving infant schools behind to head to junior level are doing better than ever across the Stratford area, according to this year's Standard Assessment Tests. Key Stage one pupils, who are aged seven, made continued improvements through last
MARK Roberson continued his good form for Stoke Works at Astwood Fishery in the Bluebell Pool Open with a pole, corn and meat catch of 23-7-0 of carp from peg two. Second place went to Ron Fowler (Weoley Castle WMC) 13-4-0 and third was Alan Hodgkins
ONE of the RSC's hottest young stars of the season - Samuel West - is on a punishing round of rehearsal and performance in double roles. Nothing unusual in that for the RSC's hard-working bunch of actors, many of whom are appearing in several productions
LOOKING ahead to Saturday's big game with Leeds Tykes, my job this week has been to make sure the players do not get carried away with the hype surrounding the match. Leeds, Worcester and Rotherham were the top sides in Premiership Two last season and
IN the latest indictment of the county health shake-up a flying doctor had to hold a man's nearly severed leg for half-an-hour on Sunday before an ambulance crew took over. Barrie Davies is fearful about the state of the ambulance service after the life-and-death
A FURNITURE recycling project, based at a unit in Kidderminster's Lisle Avenue, is designed to provide used and second-hand items to those in financial need. Lottery funding allowed the network to appoint furniture manager Neil Pollard and Lynn Betts
Camphill Old Eds 26pts, Pershore V 7 BOASTING a back line with more than 350 years experience the Pershore side was always going to struggle with the opposition having a much younger line up. The first half saw the home side trying to open the play out
Pershore II 61pts, Upton II 3 UPTON were weakened by the unavailability of some key players and arrived at Piddle Park with 14 players but still committed to fulfilling the fixture. Heydon made the most of an overlap to score wide right in the first ten
EVESHAM'S away clash with Alcester proved something of a disappointment. The opening 20 minutes saw some fierce rucking from the visiting forwards, effort that possibly led to tiredness during the middle period of the game during which time Alcester took
SIXTY years ago the skies over southern England were filled with the drone of aircraft engines as British and German planes fought what was possibly the decisive battle of the Second World War. German bombers and their escorting fighters battled for control
COACH Rudy Smith is banking on Malvern Rugby Club's players bouncing back from the crushing disappointment of missing out on promotion last season as they lock horns with old rivals Selly Oak. The Spring Lane side were crowned champions of Midlands Two
MR Margrett says (You Say, September 5) that the occasional brandy is even beneficial to sufferers of heart conditions. I have a touch of angina and a booklet that states quite clearly: "No drinking, no smoking - as much exercise as possible." GEORGE
Evesham Jubilee AS THE annual trip to Burton-on-Trent saw a coachload of members enjoy their day out even though fishing was not up to the usual standard on the River Trent. Graham Mytton won the Annual Cup ahead of Martin Hunt and Paul Law, who won the
Sept 15 The Yardbirds. The Marr's Bar, Pierpoint Street, Worcester. Sept 16 End of Trail CM Club presents Michael James USA. (Tickets) Royal British Legion Club, Salwarpe Road, Droitwich Spa, Worcs. Kenny Rowland. Barbourne Ex-Service Mens Club, The Moors
CLIVE Smith wrote about the hostility of letters regarding asylum seekers coming into this country. Did he read also in the national Press a couple of weeks ago that white people will be an ethnic minority in Britain by early next century and in London
MORE women than ever before are surviving breast cancer. Prompt treatment offers the best chance of a successful outcome. The NHS Breast Screening Programme routinely calls women between the ages of 50 and 64 for a mammogram every three years. The Government
IN the Evening News of Monday, September 4, Mike Foster MP is reported to have said that the strategy outlined in Investing in Excellence was "going very smoothly" and "whether or not people agree with the changes, it is in the interest of patients that
FURIOUS Charlotte Webb has condemned vandals for putting the lives of her two horses at risk. Last Saturday someone attacked fencing at the field where the Offenham owner keeps Melissa, a two-year-old Shire and a five-year-old Welsh Cob called Flaxon
TEMPORARY classrooms at Vale of Evesham schools have come under fire from an Evesham county councillor. Councillor John Smith has urged the Education/Lifelong Learning Policy Advisory Panel of Worcestershire County Council to pass on a very strong message
LEEDS Tykes' director of rugby Phil Davies brings his side to Worcester Rugby Club on Saturday knowing he could have been in Adrian Skeggs' shoes this season. The former British Lion was approached by Worces-ter in the summer for the vacant Sixways coaching
WORCESTER City expect their Dr Martens League Premier Division match at Cambridge City on Saturday to go ahead despite the fuel crisis. City say they will be able to make the 240-mile round trip to Cambridge after receiving assurances from Kempsey-based
A SIGNED portrait of Ferenc Puskas, the Hungarian footballer famous for humbling England in the 1950s, is just one of the pictures due to be sold off at a fund-raising auction. Other works that are likely to catch the eye include a signed portrait of
A SOUTH Warwickshire county councillor who wants to see a reduction in accidents along the A46 is urging the area's parishes to write to the Highways Agency. Councillor Brian Slaughter recently told Bidford Parish Council that it was time to act following
A PERSHORE man's vintage motorbike saw off competition from around the world to win a trophy at a major show. Terry Richardson, of Woodward Road, entered his 1929 Ariel 500 in the original bike category at the recent Great Dorset Steam Fair and won his
SIXTIES Top of the Pops DJ David Jacobs and internationally acclaimed jazz singer Salena Jones will be helping celebrate the formal re-opening of the Lifford Hall in Broadway on Saturday, writes Pat Smith. There's a whole day of celebrations planned for
FUN loving punters from the Vale and beyond are signing up for a wacky wellie challenge. The Wot No Horse, Wellies Course Fun Run will be held at the Vale of Evesham Show, at Moyfield Riding School, South Littleton on September 24, at 5pm, in aid of the
Mr Carry On: The Life and Work of Peter Rogers, by Morris Bright and Robert Ross (BBC Worldwide, £15.99) THEY became an institution as British as roast beef, warm beer and cricket on the village green. The snooty intelligentsia may have mocked and rebuked
BROMSGROVE CC's First XI were denied a superb victory, which would have secured their Birmingham and District Premier League Division One future, when their match against Leamington was marred by poor sportsmanship and weak umpiring. Chasing 237 for victory
IT'S unusual for a defender to be a team's leading goalscorer - but that's exactly the situation Bromsgrove Rovers are in. Mark Burrow, a right-back by trade, claims the tag so far with three identical headers to shoot him ahead of Peter Sutton and Richard
WESLEY Euley, Droitwich Spa's overseas player this season, plays his final match for the club this weekend before returning to South Africa on Monday. The 20-year-old, who has impressed in his first season as a wicket keeper and a left-handed middle-order
Falling, by Elizabeth Jane Howard (Pan, £6.99) DAISY Langrish is looking for peace, a place to forget her traumatic past, the end of a passionate second marriage, problems with her daughter and somewhere she can settle down to a spot of serious writing
Knotted Loette Harding, (Hodder & Stoughton, £16.99) MOTHERS - most-times a wonder, oft times a curse - who'd have 'em. Suzy Winslow's mother is playing up, or should I re-phrase that to read playing around. At 60-something she has decided that she
X-MEN Kristine Kathryn Rusch and Dean Wesley Smith (Pocket Books £5.99) THE publishers have leapt on an approaching Hollywood bandwagon by issuing what the chain calls a "novelisation". Any sci-fi fan worth his or her salt knows a blockbuster of the same
The Palace of Tears Alev Lytle Croutier (Hutchinson, £12) SCHEHERAZADE'S A Thousand and One Nights is well known for the web of delightful tales told in Arabia, and The Palace of Tears reminds me forcefully of the lure of the East brought (almost) up
ICOMB residents have stepped in to restore a village feature that has not worked for almost 50 years. Three residents, Heather Harries and Stephen and Joy Moss, stumped up the cash to have the old village pump restored by Bourton blacksmith Timothy King
THERE'S a new sound in Temple Guiting thanks to a generous gift from Devon. Parishioners at St Mary's Church have been enjoying the sounds of a new organ, or rather a restored one, originally built in 1873 but given to Temple Guiting by the trustees of
REPEATED acts of vandalism in Shipston have angered and frustrated town councillors. The latest outbreak came last Saturday night when vandals damaged a seat in Telegraph Street and left a trail of smashed bottles and litter in the nearby car park. The
FARMER David Oughton is calling on councillors to help keep him in business by letting him relocate his Lower Swell farm. Mr Oughton believes that if Cotswold District Council will not allow him to develop the existing Rectory Farm site for housing and
DROITWICH Spa Rugby Club's newly formed under 15s Girls Tag Rugby Team have been invited to compete against the country's top teams in a national tournament this weekend. The 14-strong squad will head off to Guildford to compete against 15 of the country's
A WOMAN with a natural talent for organisation has pledged to bring a Wyre Forest advice service up to date for the 21st century. And Kate Bennett is relishing the task after being installed as manager at Kidderminster's Citizens Advice Bureau on New
LIGHT winds and hot sun greeted visitors to the Arden Club at Def-ford on Sunday. Hosting it's annual Comet Open Competition, the club attracted 16 competitors from as far afield as Chester and Merthyr Tydfil as well as from other local clubs. The first
EVESHAM'S young archers gave further substance to their growing reputations when all six returned from the Junior County of Worcester and West Midlands Championships with gold medals. The rounds were twelve dozen arrow Bristols with the event being hosted
THE glorious weather encouraged 28 members out on Evesham Wheelers club run last Sunday. Leaders Andy Bolton and Phil Cooper led two separate groups for differing abilities on a route through Harving-ton, The Lenches, Rad-ford, Inkberrow, Bradley Green
Pershore II 2, Droitwich II 2 PERSHORE'S second string opened the new season with a competent, if yet uninspiring friendly draw against local rivals Droitwich. After a bright start Pershore found themselves a goal down when a right wing cross slipped
EMPLOYEES at a new £32m state-of-the-art dairy in Droitwich will have a recognised trade union. Robert Wiseman Dairies, which plans to create around 500 jobs when the dairy opens at the Stonebridge Cross Business Park next spring, has entered a nationwide
A WORCESTER beauty salon has been awarded an honour which has been compared to a Michelin star. For the second year running Beautique, in Friar Street, has been granted Crown Salon status by French skincare specialists Guinot. Only 50 UK salons out of
THE five-month refurbishment project at engineering giant Joy Mining was due to be unveiled today - less than a year after the firm was poised to pull out of the city. Worcester Mayor, Councillor Mary Drinkwater, was scheduled to officially open the company's
SLICK singing and dancing and some not-so-silky acting graced the stage but shortcomings in the thespian abilities fail to matter in this rip-roaring homage to the decade of long cars, long skirts and short records. In terms of a fun night out it cannot
WORCESTERSHIRE'S County Championship Division Two promotion bid is in severe danger of running out of fuel after a grim start to their make-or-break match against Northamptonshire at New Road. After allowing the champions to hit back from 96-7 to 260
PEOPLE across Redditch have spoken of their devastation and heartbreak after the most important event in the town's calendar had to be cancelled because of the fuel crisis sweeping the nation. Redditch Carnival has been cancelled just three days before
KIDDERMINSTER Cricket Club produced a dismal display when they were shot out for just 78 as Cannock clinched the Birmingham and District Premier League title on Saturday. Luckily the town side had already guaranteed their place in the top flight because
BEWDLEY Cricket Club's honours hopes in the Worcestershire County League Division Two nosedived on Saturday when they were comprehensively beaten by Lye, one of their rivals for a promotion slot. Batting first, Bewdley quickly slipped to 8-3, with big
CUTNALL Green beat Cape Hill Victoria by eight wickets in their penultimate match of the season in Division Four of the Worcestershire County Cricket League, and are now in fifth place. Cleobury, who are currently down in ninth place, beat fourth-placed
PLAYERS in Stourport Cricket Club's youth squads will be able to face fast bowlers and leg spinners in safety in the future, thanks to a £100 community grant from West Midlands Co-op. The club, which is based at Walshes Meadow, Stourport, is spending
EMERGENCY services staff will be able to fill up with fuel at a Worcester petrol station today following a delivery. Lower Wick's Jet station was due to open between 1pm and 4pm for emergency staff to top up tanks. Police escorted a tanker to the station
PANICKING shoppers do not need to stock up on bread and milk, insists a Worcester war veteran. Merchant seaman Dickie Valentine has urged people to remember that millions managed to survive on limited stocks of food and fuel during the war without panicking
HEALTH chiefs say Worcestershire will be able to cope for the next 24 hours, despite the fuel crisis. But the situation will become "extremely serious" from then on, Worcester MP Mike Foster said today. The short-term reassurance comes after Health Secretary
PEOPLE living or working in Worcestershire and Herefordshire have been warned that public services are likely to deteriorate during the next 48 hours. With no significant supplies of fuel expected across the counties members of the public are being urged
THE District Auditor will not take action against Worcester councillors despite claims they have wasted taxpayers' money by cancelling the city's Millennium Quayhead Scheme. Labour leader, Coun David Barlow, alerted auditor David Rigg about the aborted
THE ex-partner of a Worcester man was forced to lie in terror next to him after he split her lip open and imprisoned her in their home. Days later, Melissa Roberts was left with a black eye as Edward Fitzherbert-Stewart hurled racist abuse at her in Wyld's
A WOMAN was in intensive care today after the car she was driving was in a collision near Stourport-on-Severn. Michele Lawrence, of Petersfield, Droitwich, was taken to Ronkswood A&E with multiple injuries after the Citroen Saxo she was in was in
Sing, Ye Heavens - Hymns For All Time The Cambridge Singers SO few people attend church these days that the last time many of us may have sung a hymn was during those early-morning assemblies at school. Picture the 600 shuffling feet and barely moving
Mozart - Solemn Vespers Collegium Instrumentale Brugense. Capella Brugensis YOU can't beat a bit of Mozart. I say, you can't beat a bit of Mozart. What always amazes me is that the young genius is supposed to have heard his works in his head, fully formed
Happy and Glorious Various YOU might just have noticed that it is the Queen Mother's 100th birthday on Frida. Together with the celebratory supplements, programmes, parties and mugs, a collection of music representing the last 100 years has also been
Debussy - Works arranged for 10-string guitar Anders Miolin AS the late John Lennon famously sang - turn off your mind, relax and float downstream. And here you might have found the perfect music to do that to. Alternatively, you might turn off and relax
OPPONENTS of plans for a £40 million waste incinerator in Kidderminster have warned there should be no let-up in their campaign despite the news British Sugar has had second thoughts. Stop Kidderminster Incinerator leaders said a planning application
A LETTER last week made me realise younger and newer residents may not know that before its move to High Street the Post Office was in Evesham Market Square. This being a central position it was enjoyed for many years by the 'Loikes o wee' for its position
Worcester and District Football League Division One Fox and Goose (2) 8 Portobello (3) 3 FOX and Goose were stunned by three Portobello goals in the opening stages. Defensive lapses let in Portobello striker Lee King, who blasted in two goals in the first
SPORTS took the lead in the second minute, after a mistake from keeper John Slade. Spartak controlled the game from then on and after 22 minutes were level, when Brown hit a 25-yard free kick into the top corner. Sports could not cope with the attacking
Garringtons Sunday FC (7) 14 Thomas Brothers (0) 0 PREMIER Division Garringtons took 25 minutes to open the scoring against Division Five outfit Thomas Brothers in Round One of the Terry Cup. But it was well worth the wait as Craig Riley scored a fine
IT was HDA who settled the earlier of the two sides but Fairfield came more into it and, on the half hour mark, went close on two occasions with efforts by Paul Newbon and Luke Thomas. In the final ten minutes of the first half, Fairfield put HDA under
WHATEVER you think about the rights and wrongs of protesters trying to change Government policy from the solidarity of the blockade, the fuel crisis has hardly covered Britain and the British in glory. In truth, we've seen the best in the national character
THE Woolhope Dome, as geologists call it, rises above the rivers Wye and Frome to the east of Hereford. It's a roughly circular outcrop of ancient Silurian limestone, covering several square miles and standing proud of the younger, softer, more easily
ONE of the most enjoyable aspects of this week's varied walk to the south of Droitwich is the Droitwich Barge Canal, engineered by James Brindley and opened in 1771. Its purpose was to connect Droitwich with the River Severn at Hawford, thus providing
Though this walk begins and ends in Gloucestershire, it mostly explores a forgotten corner of Worcestershire - the gentle green countryside tucked away between the M50 and the River Severn north-west of Tewkesbury. At the centre of this is Bushley Green
Cropthorne CROPTHORNE WITH CHARLTON VILLAGE HALL: The contract for the extension work to the village hall building, providing additional changing room and shower facilities etc., has now been signed and building work will commence on October 2. It is
A FIFTEEN-year-old boy was viciously punched and kicked by an older youth who stole his bicycle and rode off. The offender punched the youngster in the face before kicking him to the ground during the brutal attack in the Aldi store car park in Green
TWO disabled Kidderminster people have been left without transport after heartless thieves raided their homes. In separate incidents, a specially adapted powered tricycle was taken from the garage of 46-year-old paraplegic Julian Davies, and a wheelchair
A MAN facing burglary charges involving property worth almost £12,000 has been sent for trial at crown court. Paul Carpenter, 20, of Offmore Road, Kidderminster, is accused of raids on homes in The Slad, Wilden, and Bradley Thursfield Court. Town magistrates
TWO teenagers who kicked a Kidderminster man to death outside a Worcester hostel for the homeless while high on heroin have been sentenced to a total of 14 years detention. Father-of-four Thomas O'Brien of Kidderminster, died from bleeding in the brain
WORCESTERSHIRE'S County Championship Division Two promotion bid is in severe danger of running out of fuel after a grim start to their make-or-break match against Northamptonshire at New Road. After allowing the champions to hit back from 96-7 to 260
A POLICE dog intercepted a drunken man who ran away after fighting in a street at 1am, Kidderminster magistrates heard. Carpet worker James Crisp, 25, of Offmore Road, Kidderminster, was fined £250, with £55 costs, after he admitted threatening behaviour
BURGLAR Mark Simpson was caught after police followed a trail of sawdust to a Kidderminster garden. The 22-year-old had carried out a number of raids on neighbouring properties to feed a drugs habit. But during a break-in at a garage adjoining a house
Malvern Rangers 1, Bishampton Utd 0 FOR the second week running Bishampton returned from their travels pointless, and only have themselves to blame for this defeat after missing several good chances to win the game. Malvern were the first to get into
Evesham United 1, Bilston Town 2 IT had to end some time and, in reality, it was better that United's fabulous unblemished start to the season ended in a knockout competition. However, defeat is always disappointing to accept and the manner of Tuesday's
LAST weekend saw the first round of the Evesham Sunday League's Tewkesbury Sports Knockout Cup. There was only one surprise resulted with Division Four Mountinneers defeating second division Blockley Sports with goals from Hunter (2), Diston and Churchen
FUEL crisis permitting, Evesham United will be bidding to bounce back from one knockout blow by making progress in the FA Cup on Saturday. Phil Mullen's side is likely to be boosted by the presence of twin strikers Sam Bowen and Dean Roberts at Gloucester
Shepshed Dynamo 0, Evesham United 3 SATURDAY'S triumph made it six successive wins for Phil Mullen's magnificent men. United's table toppers emerged triumphant from the toughest of tests - on paper - against the team in second place but it all proved
THE Very Tired Resident of Severnside North (Letters, August 24) has my sympathy. I live in Bewdley on a road with much passing traffic. By Bank Holiday Sunday lunchtimes, dozens of motorbikes have already gone roaring past. Several expressions come to
AT a quick glance - if you have just arrived from Mars - the generosity of the Labour leader, who has pledged to hand out his allowance to charity, will fill you with great hope. Fortunately, the people of Wyre Forest don't come from Mars, and have much
I AM usually a quiet and unassuming person. However, I am shocked at the news of the Governm-ent's decision to pour money into the millennium project at a time whey my fellow townspeople are seeing the downgrading of their hospital which, indeed, was
THE item "London rail link booster" in the Kidderminster Shuttle on August 17, reported Chiltern Trains' forthcoming service as Kidderm-inster's first direct service to London. According to the book The Railways of Stourbridge, Kidderminster enjoyed direct
STOURPORT Swifts bounced back to winning form in the Midland Football Alliance when they pipped Willenhall 3-2 at the Walshes on Tuesday night. The town side had turned in a disappointing performance when they were beaten 2-0 at home by Chasetown on Saturday
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers Ladies came through the extra preliminary round of the AXA FA Cup when they beat Tamworth 3-2 on Sunday. Julie Freeman scored for Harriers in the first minute, running onto a though-ball from Emma Bowdler, and finishing off inside
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers made an impressive start to the season in the Premier Division of the Midland Floodlit Youth League with a 5-0 victory over Atherstone United. Adams scored twice and there was one goal apiece for Pierce, MacVarish and Webster. Harriers
AN adventurous teenager is planning an intrepid trip to Central America and wants support from charitable Droitwich Spa residents. Kate Raine, of Broughton Green, must raise £3,500 to fund a five-month expedition to Belize. The 18-year-old, who completed
FOUR workers from Upton Warren trekked 100 miles dressed as the Three Musketeers and D'Artagnan to raise money for needy children. Sporting employees from MCM Window World, in Worcester Road, took part in the Heart FM - Run for Home event on Sunday. They
KIDDERMINSTER Carolians Rugby Club went through to the second round of the NPI Pilkington Cup without kicking a ball on Saturday. Shrewsbury were due to visit Marlpool Lane for a first round tie, but conceded the game because they said they were unable
WORCESTERSHIRE'S County Championship Division Two promotion bid is in severe danger of running out of fuel after a grim start to their make-or-break match against Northamptonshire at New Road. After allowing the champions to hit back from 96-7 to 260
LEEDS Tykes' director of rugby Phil Davies brings his side to Worcester Rugby Club on Saturday knowing he could have been in Adrian Skeggs' shoes this season. The former British Lion was approached by Worces-ter in the summer for the vacant Sixways coaching
WORCESTER'S Robert McCracken has decided to campaign as a super-middleweight boxer in the future in the hope that he can secure a new world title shot. The former Commonwealth middleweight champion made an unsuccessful bid to try and win the WBC world
THE Stourport and District Football League has called off all of its matches this weekend because of the fuel crisis. The postponements includes all mini soccer matches on Saturday and 11-a-side junior games on Sunday. Other local leagues could follow
HEREFORD Rugby Club's skipper Jason Lewis is hoping the fuel crisis does not prevent Scunthorpe visiting Belvadere Lane on Saturday. Lewis is concerned his side's stop and start season does not cut out again as Hereford continue to misfire. The Wyeside
LORD Kintyre is in fine form and can land his fourth victory on the trot in the Dubai Airport World Trophy at Newbury tomorrow. Winner of the Weatherbys Super Sprint over course and distance as a juvenile, the five-year-old has had his problems and only
BROMSGROVE Rugby Club's First XV contested their 'friendly' with Kenilworth as keenly as any other with, regrettably, some early experiences of the new laws on foul play. Despite all the disruptions, the Finstall Park outfit put up a heartening and spirited
CHARITY organisers have praised the generosity of Wyre Forest people as boxes of gifts for orphans and the destitute of Romania continue to roll in "thick and fast" in response to an appeal. The Shuttle/Times & News has become one of the focal points
CHANGING affairs for the better in an area of Kidderminster with above-average crime and unemployment rates is no easy task. However, a determined drive to reduce crime and vandalism, improve quality of life and offer employment routes in Oldington and
A CAR dealer had an arresting experience when four scantily-clad policewomen demanded a ride in his own car. Simon Rayner had no time to take down the particulars of the babes in blue when they stormed his house, handcuffed him and took his keys. However
A STOURPORT archer was on target for European gold for the second successive year. Ron Harvey spent five days battling heavy rain, strong wind and treacherous terrain in Scotland to scoop top spot in the bowhunter recurve class in the European Field Archery
JIM and Mandy Sylvester were both beaten in singles finals in the Bewdley Tennis Club Championships, but took the mixed doubles title. Jim also became men's doubles champion with Steve Owen. The singles title was regained by John Keith, the 1998 winner
A NEW Kidderminster nightclub is set to open its doors next week after councillors ignored objections and gave it the go-ahead. Members of Wyre Forest District Council's licensing committee approved Chris Clegg's application for an entertainment licence
THE Environment Agency's has launched a different flood warning system in a bid to end confusion caused in the previous one. The red, amber and yellow codes have been scrapped in the wake of a review following the Easter 1998 floods which revealed many
A MURDER mystery in true am-dram style will be on offer next week when Stratford's Phoenix Players ham it up in their new production, which follows the trials and tribulations of an amateur production. The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild
THE fuel crisis in the Vale is likely to get worse before it gets better with many crucial services facing disruption. Nearly all the area's filling stations are dry and West Mercia Police, heading the multi-agency response to the crisis, was yesterday
STAFF and pupils at Stratford High School said goodbye to two hard working and long-serving governors as they stood down last week. Jenneffer Gregg and Michael Gledson retired last Thursday after spending five years in the hotseat on the school's board
FUEL shortages are starting to bit deep in the north Cotswolds with fears for the region's health and social services. There was hardly a petrol pump open anywhere in the region yesterday (Wednesday) after panic buying left most filling stations without
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
PERSHORE narrowly avoided defeat when they visited top of the table Redditch in Saturday's Worcestershire County League Division One clash. Batting first on a distinctly damp wicket, Redditch found the bowling of Martin Johnson difficult to get away and
A STRONG Worcestershire XI narrowly defeated Elmley Castle in a benefit match for Stuart Lampitt. After the loss of David Leatherdale for a duck, county duo Richard Illingworth (102) and Ryan Driver (97) assumed control and set the platform for a formidable
EVESHAM hosted its 11th Father and Son Open competition on Sunday. Glorious sunshine and calm conditions contributed to some excellent scores throughout the day. More than 40 various club's were represented among the 120 competitors, some travelling from
IT'S getting desperate for Jeremy Robinson if he is to retain his European Tour card. The Evesham golfer overcame back niggles prior to and during the Canon European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre to finish tied 70th after scraping through Friday's cut.
Pershore 13pts, Stratford 14 EIGHTY minutes of intense and fast flowing action finished with Pershore feeling themselves very unlucky not to have progressed to the next round of the NPI Cup. After a good opening day victory they came into this match full
A CHRISTMAS jobs fair is being held in Kidderminster this weekend as the countdown to the festive season begins. Jobhunters have the chance to search for part-time and full-time positions on offer at district stores during the Christmas period by going
Evesham 8pts, Trinity Guild 3 EVESHAM made hard work of their first round NPI Cup encounter on Saturday at home against Trinity Guild winning by a narrow margin. In truth the margin should have been bigger but Evesham failed to convert their many opportunities
THE SACRIFICE of the courageous pilots of the Royal Air Force, the ground staff who serviced the aircraft and civilians who built them will be specially remembered this year, the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The epic events over Southern
MAJESTY and beauty are not words you would usually associate with the Cold War, but if you mention the Avro Vulcan, just about anyone interested in aviation will go glassy-eyed and sigh about one of the most magnificent aeroplanes ever to grace the skies
WORCESTERSHIRE'S County Championship Division Two promotion bid is in severe danger of running out of fuel after a grim start to their make-or-break match against Northamptonshire at New Road. After allowing the champions to hit back from 96-7 to 260
YOUR correspondent, B Pratley, (You Say, September 5) is probably unaware that the bylaw to which he refers applies only to swimming in canals and in the vicinity of locks. A subsequent resolution purporting to extend it to other waterways is in all probability
Take Two (Social Group for the Unattached). Meet Wednesdays and weekends. For details (01905 428567 or 27415). Gardeners Markets - good selection of hardy plants. Sept 15. 9.30am-1pm. The Church Room, Upton-Upon-Severn. Gardens Open (In aid of National
I THINK the NHS has made a wise move in placing members of the Queen's Alexandra Nursing Service at Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham. If the new Worcester hospital could offer positions to QA nursing staff I am sure it would take us a step further to having
Last Night of the Proms - The Magdalene Orchestra. Sept 16. 7.30pm. Saint Georges Church, Barbourne, Worcester (01905 28580 ) Maddy Prior and Friends. September 16. 7.30pm. The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury (01684 295074). Chamber Music - Centre Stage. Sept
Children's Theatre - Stodge & Podge. September 16. 2.30pm. Norbury Theatre, Friar Street, Droitwich (01905 770154). Off The Wall - Polka Theatre & David Glass Ensemble. Sept 16. 2.30pm & 7.45pm. Swan Theatre, The Moors, Worcester (01905 27322
BRITAIN'S 19 million over-50s had their hopes for anti-age discrimination legislation dashed when Lawrie Quinn's Ten Minute Rule Bill for an Age Equality Commission failed to make its second reading. This was despite the fact that it had received all-party
COULD there be greater irony? Patients for whom beds cannot be found at Ronkswood are sent to Kidderminster General instead, (Evening News, September 2). Surely this is the exact opposite situation to that envisaged by the big-wigs who run the NHS in
BARNT Green CC finished the season on a high note with a confident five-wicket win over Harborne. The victory ensured 18 points and a respectable mid-table position for the Cherry Hill Road outfit and also sent Harborne back down to Division One after
WORCESTERSHIRE'S County Championship Division Two promotion bid is in severe danger of running out of fuel after a grim start to their make-or-break match against Northamptonshire at New Road. After allowing the champions to hit back from 96-7 to 260
PC Mick Dickens, a fast response car driver will be plodding the beat next month for St John Ambulance. PC Dickens, from Pershore, is embarking on a lone 60-mile trek around Worcestershire, starting from Evesham on October 16. On his travels he will call
French Saxophone Concertos Daniel Gremelle (saxophone), Antoine Cure (trumpet) and the Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra THERE is an old joke about naming 10 famous Belgians. You know the one - there's Poirot and then.....er? Well, here's one not everyone
MATTHEW Vaux-Harvey, of Stourport Athletic Club, came third on Sunday in the AAA National 10k road championships in Bradford. This was his best performance to date, as he beat several British internationals on the hilly two-lap course, smashing his personal
KIDDERMINSTER Hockey Club goalkeeper Andy Moore was on target in a 2-1 victory over Stourport. He put his side ahead but Stourport levelled the scores after the interval. Good work from Moore and Chris Pace kept Kidderminster in the game as Stourport
SAMUEL Pepys was a man who looked out of his London window and saw England's destiny unfurl before his eyes. Few can have been as blessed as this most revered of chroniclers, this man who committed his thoughts to paper during an age when the foundations
Blitz on Britain 1939-45, by Alfred Price (Sutton, £20) SIXTY years ago this month Britain was fighting for its very existence against the might of the German military machine. Outnumbered but undaunted, the pilots of the Royal Air Force daily hurled
Cinderford Town (0) 0 Bromsgrove Rovers (1) 1 ROVERS took three valuable points away from home thanks to an early strike from defender Mark Burrow. Bromsgrove forced two corners in quick succession and from the second one in the tenth minute, Burrow found
THIS year's North Worcestershire Multi-Terrain 10-Mile race on Sunday, October 1 has been cancelled for safety reasons. It is hoped the run, organised by Bromsgrove and Redditch Athletics Club, will be back again next year. For more details, contact Roger
YOUNGSTERS in Winchcombe could soon have somewhere to 'chill out' on dark winter evenings. Town Councillor Judith Pugh, who is working with parents and youngsters in the town to set up a coffee bar, told her fellow councillors last week that such a facility
EXCITED children in Winchcombe have been welcomed to their new school this week. Winchcombe Abbey Church of England Primary School opened its doors for a new term on Monday, bringing together the town's infant and junior pupils on one site. The school
Droitwich Firsts 12 Old Halesonians Firsts 14 Intermediate Cup Round One A SIZEABLE crowd at Hanbury Road watched Droitwich First XV get knocked out of the Intermediate Cup in an entertaining clash. Halesonians applied the early pressure and Droitwich
CLEOBURY Mortimer pulled off a shock victory in the first round of the RFU Intermediate Cup when they beat visiting Newport 11-8 in an absorbing contest. The last time the teams met three years ago Newport won the Shropshire Cup tie 77-3 and the home
WINGER Andy Bourne collected two tries as Stourport Rugby Club scored a 24-15 home victory over Bishop's Castle in the first round of Tetley Bitter Vase. Stourport took an early lead with two Richard Dorrell penalties but the visitors hit back with a
TWO stars in the car is the only way to describe Bromsgrove pairing Nathan Crewe and Chris Clifford The duo are celebrating after winning the 1400 class Heart of England Rally Championship at the famous Listers Woodpecker Rally last weekend. And their
IT must have been one of the hottest days of the year on the river on Sunday as Evesham Club crews had to make the best of a fickle breeze from the south over a long course set by Mike Long. Peter Green won both races which were part of the Lionel Cooke
Bidford Ladies 7, Ilmington 2 SEVEN goals gave Bidford the best of starts to their new season in a match that showed striker Lisa Workman has lost none of her goal touch. She hit a hat-trick and her first half brace and further strikes from Sarah Powell
AFTER the adulation of victory at Brands Hatch a fortnight earlier, Matt Neal failed to recapture his winning form as he slipped to two seventh placed finishes. Two Independent wins in the penultimate round of the Auto Trader British Touring Car Championship
EVESHAM'S Train brothers are jetting off to Sydney today in their quest for canoeing gold at the Olympic Games. For Steve (38) and Andy (36), it will be their fifth successive Olympiad and their best result as a pair has been a sixth place finish in Atlanta
LAST weekend James Calado from Cropthorne competed in the Inter Nations Kart Championships which this year was held in Ireland. He had been selected to join a team of this country's top formula cadet drivers to compete against the best from Scotland,
OLYMPIC fever caught up with an Offenham couple on their recent trip to Australia. Eric and Brenda Marsh were driving from Sydney to Brisbane when they heard that the Olympic torch was going to pass through Port Douglas. The pair decided to join the crowds
IT'S said to be the most important meal of the day, yet nearly a quarter of the British population skips breakfast every morning. Whether you eat a bowl of cereal, a slice of toast or a full English fry-up there's no doubting that it sets you up for the
YOU could forgive the organisers of Wychavon Festival of Brass for blowing their own trumpet. From small beginnings, the festival has grown to the stage where it is now the leading one-day entertainment contest in the country. Indeed, brass band enthusiasts
CHILDREN tend to be the most fussy of eaters, making parents feel frustrated that they're not getting the nutrition that they need. Well High Street store Marks & Spencer is aiming to end the hair-pulling and teeth- clenching meal moments. They've
