SCENES of madness gripped roads and filling stations yesterday as drivers panicked amid rumours that another petrol crisis was looming. Motorists were urged to stay calm as long queues formed at forecourts across Worcestershire and Herefordshire. Many
WORCESTER chemical firm Norchem has been sold for an undisclosed sum. Entrepreneur Paul Richardson plans to expand the Warndon toxic waste disposal firm after buying it from boss Douglas Feakins. He hopes to invest more than £500,000 in the business,
A MENTALLY-ill man who mounted an horrific knife attack at the flats where he lived has been detained indefinitely under a secure hospital order. Richard Farr, urged on by voices in his head, slashed Paul Dabin with a knife as he returned to Stretford
A SPA petrol station preparing to sell alcohol has fuelled fears the venture may encourage motorists to drink and drive. The Total Droitwich Service Station, in Worcester Road, has been granted a provisional licence to sell booze. Brian Goodreid, of Oakland
A GRIEVING grandfather has thrown his weight behind a national campaign to raise awareness of meningitis after losing his granddaughter to the disease. George Brett says his family is still devastated after three-year-old Kathryn Andrews contracted menin-gococcal
A FATHER who could not support his two children on his part-time earnings from a government agency made fraudulent claims for state benefit, he admitted in court at Kidderminster. Alan Leeke, 52, of Station Road, Bewdley, was bailed for a pre-sentence
RESIDENTS are needed to preserve a medieval Droitwich Spa landmark which could collapse if costly repairs are not completed. St Andrew's Church, in St Andrew's Street, faces an uncertain future unless £750,000 is raised to improve its structure and replace
Might I offer an alternative voice to the supposed universal support for the petrol protesters? Yes! I would like cheaper fuel. Yes! I would like something for nothing. No! I cannot support an attempt to undermine a democratically elected government by
I listened to a lady in a local supermarket supporting the petrol protesters against what she described as the greedy Government, whilst she took all the remaining French sticks (the only bread left) from the rack, leaving the rest of us with none. I
IN response to letters ''Did council help fight?'' and ''Bring back the old days'' (Advertiser, September 6), I would like to write in support of Redditch Council's staff. Our officers work hard to make the decisions of the democratically elected councillors
IT was with sorrow that we read last week about Fred Tomlin, who passed away suddenly. Fred played an important part in the Redditch Carnival for many years. He and his helpers organised the regular open-air pig roast on carnival day, usually starting
THE vandals have won. All Redditch's public conveniences are going to be closed "because of vandalism". At last week's council meeting, the Labour majority, supported by the two Liberal Democrat councillors, rejected a Conservative amendment asking officers
Alcester 19 Claverdon 17 ALCESTER claimed an opening league victory in this hard-fought win over their local rivals - their first against them in four years. The win was marred, however, by injuries to several players, two of which look likely to be long-term
IN A closely fought match, Alcester 3rds were left rueing missed opportunities which would have brought them victory. Alcester's forwards matched their opponents and the try count was also equal with Claverdon edging home by one conversion. The Second
REDDITCH started playing down the slope, with Silhillians taking the lead. Redditch replied with a try from 'Gentle Giant' Gary Carter which was converted by Goodfellow. Redditch were unable to hold Silhillians off during the second half due to their
IT'S HERE! The chance to vote for your favourite business as part of our We're In Business awards. We invited readers to submit their nominations for what they thought was the best firm around. On this page you will find brief profiles of the top five
LAST week's fuel crisis claimed its biggest Redditch victim as the most important event in the town's calendar was called off. Redditch Carnival was cancelled just days before the streets were due to be filled with colour and music for the huge event.
A ROBUST action plan is to be launched at a Church Hill first school after Government inspectors put it under special measures to improve standards. Ravensbank First School, in Wood Piece Lane, was inspected in June and inspectors highlighted many strengths
REDDITCH Wheels Project members are looking forward to a bright future after a recent landmark achievement. The Wheels Project, which created Redditch's skate park in Matchborough, has achieved limited company status and is now awaiting its registered
REDDITCH people without TV licences are coming under the spotlight this month as TV Licensing's Target Zero campaign cracks down in the area. Detection teams are taking to the streets this month in a drive against TV licence dodgers in the B postcode
WHILE Redditch was denied its carnival at the weekend, Batchley residents are due to go ahead with an annual event on Saturday which promises to be the best ever. Cool by the Pool has been run successfully for the last three years between Redditch Council's
A MAJOR police operation to crack down on persistent offenders in Church Hill, Matchborough and Winyates has resulted in a staggering 25 per cent reduction in crime. The revelation comes after officers mounted a huge surveillance and high profile policing
TOWNSPEOPLE packed Redditch Town Hall last Thursday to hear the results of this year's Best Garden Competition. The competition, organised by Redditch Garden Society and town charity Where Next, was judged by Cairi Dyson, Chris Harten and Colin Kershaw
By JULIAN SEVA A REDDITCH company is hoping to revolutionise the way medical staff are employed with the launch this week of a specialist website to speed up NHS recruitment. The medical CV bureau's site, opened on Monday, enables hospital personnel departments
REDDITCH police are appealing for witnesses following a robbery at a Wythall petrol station. A man entered the Fina Garage, Alcester Road, at about 7pm on September 10 and approached the cash desk to offer payment. Once the till was open he produced a
A CENTURY of life was celebrated at the weekend, as a Redditch lady marked her 100th birthday. On Saturday Marie Jobson, a resident of Dorothy Terry House, in Evesham Road, Headless Cross, was joined by family and friends to mark the special occasion,
WORCESTERSHIRE have signed Australian Test paceman Andy Bichel as their overseas replacement for Glenn McGrath next season. The 30-year-old has been snapped up on the recommendation of McGrath and former County captain Tom Moody. Right-arm fast medium
A HEALTHY breakfast was on the menu for hungry Droitwich Spa folk who wanted to support the farming industry. Volunteers at Wychavon Tenants Association, based in Queen Street, hosted a free breakfast last Monday to support district farmers. Fresh produce
OUR We're In Business awards move a step further this week when YOU get the chance to vote for your favourite firm. Our phone poll is set up and the details of how to vote are in our business section on this website.
HISTORIANS have been awarded £3,625 to carry out a survey in Droitwich Spa. The Dodderhill Parish Survey Group will receive the money to help members investigate the history of their parish. The group has 12 members and applied for the Local Heritage
WORCESTERSHIRE have signed Australian Test paceman Andy Bichel as their overseas replacement for Glenn McGrath next season. The 30-year-old has been snapped up on the recommendation of McGrath and former County captain Tom Moody. Right-arm fast medium
A CONMAN stole cash from a Droitwich Spa pensioner after tricking his way into her home. The thief knocked at the woman's door, in Ploughmans Piece, Westlands. She let him in after he told her he worked for the water board. He asked her to turn on the
A STEAM rally held in Hanbury at the weekend was described as the best ever despite the fuel shortage. The two-day event at the Vernon Arms pub, in Droitwich Road, attracted more than 2,000 people. Exhibits included steam engines, wagons, classic cars
TWO brothers used a stolen car to carry out a day-long burglary spree, Worcester Crown Court was told on Monday. Mark Mellor, aged 22, of Gooch Close, Stourbridge, was jailed for two-and-a-half-years. He admitted car theft and four burglaries. Anthony
WORCESTERSHIRE have signed Australian Test paceman Andy Bichel as their overseas replacement for Glenn McGrath next season. The 30-year-old has been snapped up on the recommendation of McGrath and former County captain Tom Moody. Right-arm fast medium
ADRIAN Skeggs is facing an injury crisis ahead of Saturday's National Division One clash at Manchester. Worcester Rugby Club's director of coaching could be without ALL of his recognised first team centres as the Sixways side look to continue their impressive
WORCESTER City slipped to seventh place in the Dr Martens League Premier Division after losing 3-2 at Bath City last night. It was their first defeat in five matches and extended their miserable record against Bath, who have not lost to Worcester in their
BROMSGROVE Rovers' participation in this year's FA Cup ended as they put on another meek display against Oldbury United. On Saturday they should have won despite a poor performance, only a last-gasp equaliser denying them, but last night's replay saw
THE Birmingham Stage Company has scored a star-studded coup by securing legendary actors Honor Blackman and Donald Pickering to play the leading roles in comedy Mademoiselle Colombe. The stars will be performing at Birmingham's Old Rep Theatre until September
NEEDING just one point to claim the championship, Redditch claimed maximum points when defeating Old Elizabethans by 25 runs in the last match of the season. Put into bat, Redditch made a poor start but Dan Protherough 37 and Luke Wells made a century
IN the last league match of the season, Redditch put into bat on a damp wicket lost two early wickets. Then Spencer Cox, 43 and Geoff Eley, 16, added 30 for the third wicket. Chris Taylor with an excellent 49 not out, with support from skipper Paul Baker
FINAL TABLES Birmingham & District League Division Two P W D L A Pts Himley 26 11 6 3 6 282 Worcester 26 11 6 3 6 270 Pelsall 26 11 4 5 6 262 Studley 26 10 5 4 7 254 Water Orton 26 7 8 7 4 238 Moseley Ash 26 6 8 8 4 225 Hampton 26 8 5 7 6 221 Kings
IT'S okay for Conservative politicians to make cheap swipes at our officers and elected members who work and also give hours of their own time to the community. Mr Luff should do more fighting the corner for Worcestershire. Vulnerable elderly, child care
WORCESTERSHIRE have signed Australian Test paceman Andy Bichel as their overseas replacement for Glenn McGrath next season. The 30-year-old has been snapped up on the recommendation of McGrath and former County captain Tom Moody. Right-arm fast medium
BOOK lovers will be pleased to hear that a new leaflet of winter events at Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa libraries has been published. As part of the events Droitwich Spa Library, in Victoria Square, will welcome Michael Richardson and Penny Randall on
LITERARY enthusiasts are invited to see actress Kim Hicks present a selection of short stories and poems by an American writer in Stoke Prior next Friday. The performance, entitled "Couples", by Dorothy Parker, will be hosted by Words, a Bromsgrove organisation
The five businesses nominated are featured on this page. Simply call 0845 124 0050 then enter the PIN number of the business you are voting for. The PIN number is found within the company's individual profile. Leave your name and a daytime telephone number
Do you love shopping? If so we are offering you the chance of a lifetime, a fantastic eight-day shopping trip to Toronto and Niagara Falls. All you have to do to have a chance of winning is to vote for one of the businesses profiled on this page. Simply
'KIND to all animals and friendly to humans' is the motto at Clent Hills Veterinary Group, which has been nominated in our competition. The practice, in Stourbridge Road, which was taken over in 1996 by partners Alan Edwards and Rodney Stroud, employs
WHEN David Hewston started keeping five chickens in his back garden, in Bromsgrove, 40 years ago, he hardly 'eggs-pected' to become a major employer. But now with a staff of 55, Bumble Hole Eggs, in Fockbury, which he owns and runs with his son Andrew
FAMILY-RUN Bromsgrove printers Focal Image were praised for their commitment to charity. The business, which offers customised printing on everything from mouse mats to motor vehicles, gives discounts to charities for T-shirts and promotional materials
Thursday September 21 l Music: Think Floyd, Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, Cheltenham, 7.30pm. l Music: Holst Birthday Concert, Pitville Pump Room, Cheltenham, 8pm. l Drama: Mademoiselle Colombe, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham. Until Sept 30.
ON Sunday, the final round of the Midland Hill Climb Championships takes place at Shelsley Walsh, near Worcester, and some local competitors are set to take part. The meeting takes place at 10am, with practice from 9.45am the previous day. Local drivers
Redditch 3 North Staffordshire 0 REDDITCH Hockey Club had a changed fixture when Bromsgrove had to cancel due to a member of their first team getting married. Redditch therefore entertained a strong North Staffordshire first team, brimming with talent
WORCESTERSHIRE disproved the prophets of doom by fielding a successful squad for their first match of the British Dart Organisation's Inter-Counties Championships at home against Oxfordshire. Match award winners were Pam Jones for Womens B with 15.03;
REDDITCH Sailing Club held their Sunday morning races on September 17 and officer of the day Chris Ogg set a simple triangle for the first race, which suited the majority of the helms. It was a good race by B and J Grubb in their Merlin rocket. The second
ANDY Tinsley, from Astwood Bank, took 8th and 11th places in his two races at Mallory Park's British Championship rounds on Sunday. His eighth spot in the Superstock event saw him beat 20 riders to finish at an average of 98.77mph over the 26 laps on
PETROL stations in the Bromsgrove area say things have returned to normal today after the fuel crisis and deliveries are coming in regularly. Despite yesterday's panic buying amid rumours that the blockade had resumed, no petrol station has reported a
A FORMER cycling champion from Bromsgrove is set to raise money for charity when he competes in his first race since being treated for cancer. Jim Varnish, aged 36, of Rutherford Road, Aston Fields, who was world cycling speedway champion in 1985, was
THE Labour Party in Bromsgrove has chosen its candidate to fight the next General Election, the Advertiser/Messenger can exclusively reveal. He is 53-year-old county and district councillor Peter McDonald, who was the party's candidate in the last General
IN reply to the Rev D G Griffin's letter (You Say, September 11) I always read G Cowley's letters, which I find very good. However, I find Mr Griffin's hurtful and I feel very angry about what he said about the pensioners. I am one of those people. I
REGARDING David Barlow's references to the correspondent who "misunderstood" the facts (You Say, September 12) I would say there is no misunderstanding about the now-cancelled Quayhead scheme. If this represents the best on which David Barlow and his
I AM sorry J A Daniels should have misconstrued my opening words ( You Say, September 11) which were quoted from the original article in justification for the modernisation mania that swept away historic Lich Street, College Street and much of picturesque
I WOULD like to applaud the hundreds of farmers and hauliers who took part in the recent demonstrations against the rising cost of fuel. The lawfulness and humility shown by these protesters is highly commendable. They have gained public sympathy and
WORCESTERSHIRE have signed Australian Test paceman Andy Bichel as their overseas replacement for Glenn McGrath next season. The 30-year-old has been snapped up on the recommendation of McGrath and former County captain Tom Moody. Right-arm fast medium
THE strength of any good football club is a good team on the pitch and the assembling of a good team off it. Having been laid low by a knee operation and being instructed not to go out and about, Mick Tuohy and Graham Selby took over the reins at Cambridge
Massey Ferguson 1 Studley BKL 3 THE Bees kept their unbeaten league record intact against a disappointing Massey side and only some indifferent finishing coupled with the home keeper's sparkling performance kept the scoreline down. James Hayden put BKL
ALVECHURCH stormed to a thrilling win against tenants Kings Heath with a double from Dean Meyrick and other goals from Paul Court and Andy Hicks. Yet it looked odds on three points for the home side before they squandered a two-goal lead in the final
THREE Year 10 boys from Arrow Vale Community High School and Specialist Sports College have been signed up for the 2000/2001 season by Birmingham City's Football Academy. The lads, all Blues fans, were part of the School's very successful County Cup winning
Saturday, September 23 DR MARTENS LEAGUE WESTERN DIVISION REDDITCH UNITED v RC Warwick 3pm ko FA VASE 2ND ROUND QUALIFYING Long Eaton Utd v ALVECHURCH 3pm ko MIDLAND FOOTBALL COMBINATION PREMIER DIVISION FECKENHAM v Northfield Town STUDLEY BKL v Highgate
Redditch & South Warks Combination League BSA Cup round 1 Kings 4 Lakeside 2 Swan Alvechurch 2 Webheath 1 Protex 2 Tardebigge 4 Jim Fleeman Cup round 1 Hewell Rd Ath 3 Redditch Megabowl 2 Worcester Royal Infirmary Cup round 1 Westbury Celtic 2 Fairfield
HEADLESS Cross Ladies FC got their season off to a good start, winning two of their first three games. Firstly Cross took on Aston Villa Veterans and came away with a good 3-2 victory, thanks to two goals from player of the match Beth Jarrett and one
I WOULD like to thank the many friends who read of my 100th birthday in the Advertiser/Messenger and sent greetings. I was pleased to receive so many good wishes from people who knew me. I often think about old times at Catshill and have many happy memories
ALVECHURCH began the match in lethargic fashion and as a result found themselves 1-0 behind after only five minutes. However, as the game progressed the midfield of Keighley, Carroll and Morrison began to stamp their authority and a fine solo run and
THE 2000 North Worcestershire Bikeathon was an outstanding success and the organisers would like to thank all those involved. First and foremost are the 800 cyclists who came from all over the county and beyond and who pledged the amazing sum of £30,000
GOOD passing and movement led to three well-worked goals finished by Jack Kings, Jack Pugh and Spencer Yates. A fourth and possibly goal of the season from Dave Phelan struck the back of the net just as the final whistle went and was not allowed. Good
KINGFISHER Jets drew an entertaining game having opened the scoring in the second half through Gavin Long. The Jets found themselves under pressure as Crusaders fought back and eventually took the lead. Max Rippington then equalised before Gavin Long
ROCKETS produced a winning comeback to record their first league win against Sporting. Down 2-0 after 10 minutes, the Rockets pulled one pack just before half-time. Then in the second half they went ahead with well taken goals from Danny Carr (2), Thomas
THIS was an improved performance in an end-to-end game with plenty of chances being created. Although Solihull took the lead, Feckenham soon began to flow ending with the first half all square at 2-2. After half-time Feckenham started to dominate in the
THIS was the first meeting between the two sides in the League Shield. Church started well and the first 15 minutes was even and then Church made some mistakes and Evesham scored three times in five minutes. Church tried hard to get back into the match
A COMPETITIVE game saw the two sides evenly matched for the first 20 minutes. Feckenham were then awarded a penalty which was put over the bar and the home side took the lead just before half-time. Crusaders seemed to gain in confidence with Lee Crowley
THE chief executive of Bromsgrove District Council has been urged to consider calling in the police to investigate "serious allegations" claimed to be in a report into activities at the Council House. The call came from Cllr Peter McDonald (Uffdown and
GOOD housekeeping has led to Bromsgrove District Council being no longer in the red. The authority has made an early repayment of its long-term external loans totalling £1.5m. Council leader Cllr Nick Psirides (Con, Norton) said: "I am delighted that
TOWN Tories have welcomed a copy of the Conservative Party's manifesto -- Believing in Britain -- which they feel relates to Bromsgrove. The draft document has been circulated throughout Bromsgrove's Conservative Association and members are set to meet
SEPTEMBER 6 was birthday night . Kay Downing entertained members with a series of monologues which took the form of a trip around the British Isles. She illustrated them with a variety of costumes and props. The committee had made cakes to celebrate the
AN investigation has been launched after a mobile phone was smuggled into Blakenhurst Prison, near Bromsgrove. It was found on a routine search of the privately-run prison at Tardebigge. There are fears it could have been used to evade call monitoring
THE first meeting of the new season was attended by 21 members and one guest. There were several apologies due to holidays and other commitments. Members were asked to promote and sell tickets to friends for the fashion show which is being held at the
A DAREDEVIL optician from Bromsgrove dressed for the occasion to raise cash for charity. Alan Caley, of King Edward Road, abseilled down the side of Banks's brewery, in Wolverhampton, on Saturday. As a member of battle re-enactment group The Raggers he
THE September meeting took place on a warm sunny afternoon. Speaker Rev Colin Such brought beautiful machine embroidered vestments he had specially designed and made for his ordination. He explained the significance of each item and each embroidered panel
A VISITOR from the tropics made a flying visit to Winchcombe this week to create a puzzling mystery for one Cheltenham Road resident. Mrs Frances Hunter was sitting at her home on Monday (September 18) lunchtime when she saw a tiny bird hovering near
THE fight to secure open space in Blackwell for use as a recreation ground could soon be over after it was agreed detailed negotiations could get under way. Determined Lickey and Blackwell Parish Council has been campaigning to secure a ten-acre site,
THE September meeting was held at St Luke's Memorial Hall. A short service was followed by an interesting talk by Mrs Judith Morton on 'Parenting Beyond the Millennium,' which compared family life in the 20th century with today's families and behaviour
AN energetic prisoner is getting in training to complete a marathon challenge to raise cash for a Catshill school. Peter Beaumont, who is serving time at Hewell Grange Prison, in Tardebigge, plans to run a marathon around the grounds of the jail. The
ON August 31, after details of the future programme and minutes were read out, a quiz evening took place. These are popular and most members took part. The main quiz of the evening was so hard that members had been given some weeks to complete it. The
A PRINT worker who kidnapped a 17-year-old girl and forced her to perform a sex act has been jailed for four and a half years. Matthew Fowler subjected the victim to an eight-hour ordeal in his car before returning her to Bromsgrove. She believed he was
BARNT Green villagers have welcomed a new minister after spending more than a year without one. The Rev Peter Worth has moved from Foleshill Baptist Church, in Coventry, to take over Barnt Green Baptist Church. It is quite a change coming from one of
PRESIDENT Jo Chandler was taking a well-earned holiday so the meeting was chaired by vice-president Josie Morgan. Thanks were given to all the ladies involved in the float for the Wythall Carnival and they were congratulated on being the winners. Speaker
A WELL-KNOWN Bromsgrove man is hoping his trip to the Labour Party conference in Brighton will prove fruitful. Athol Deakin, who runs Market Hall-based Bromsgrove Shrubs, is hoping to speak on the subject of football transfers at the televised annual
YOUR No.1 newspaper has splashed out to foot the bill for hundreds of T-shirts for a swimathon in aid of a Bromsgrove hospice. The Advertiser/Messenger has stumped up funds to pay for 200 of the specially designed souvenir tops. Swimmers taking part in
CASH from our appeal will provide a lifeline for volunteers working tirelessly to steer the Pamela May out of troubled waters. Senior skipper and trustee Ben Lee co-ordinates the day-to-day running of the project and it has become a full time occupation
A PHONE box outside Lickey Post Office used by drunks and people performing indecent acts has been removed after an 18-month battle. Post office owner Gill Byatt campaigned for the box to be taken away after it was used as a lookout during three robberies
KIND-HEARTED celebrities and golfers clubbed together at a charity tournament in Bromsgrove to raise £10,000 for the Primrose Hospice. On Sunday the John Lowe and Frank Worthington Celebrity Golf Tournament was staged at Bromsgrove Golf Club. It was won
Tuesday, September 19, 2000 BROMSGROVE Rovers' participation in this year's FA Cup ended as they put on another meek display against Oldbury United. On Saturday they should have won despite a poor performance, only a last-gasp equaliser denying them,
AT a meeting of Bromsgrove Rural District Council, the chairman, the Rev C Stockdale, mentioned an outbreak of scarlet fever at Stoke Pound where the inspector said four people were removed to the Infectious Hospital without notification being sent to
A FESTIVAL featuring live bands such as box office favourites King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys kicks off at the Greig Centre next weekend. The three-week event, called Alcester Music Live 2000, is being held at the Kinwarton Road venue in place of the
A JOB fair in Hereford Town Hall has been hailed a success after 15 jobs were snapped up on the day. The Autumn Jobsfair drew more than 600 visitors, many of whom are to be made offers over the next few days. Employers at the fair included Marks &
BROMSGROVE Rovers' participation in this year's FA Cup ended as they put on another meek against Oldbury United. On Saturday they should have won despite a poor performance, only a last-gasp equaliser denying them, but last night's replay saw their Midland
CHILD car seat checks in Bromsgrove have revealed the lives of town youngsters are being put at risk. Tests were carried out earlier this month at the Asda store, in Recreation Road, as part of an initiative between Worcestershire County Council and the
"COMPLACENT" public sector bodies in Worcestershire have been ordered to end their token efforts to stop racial inequality and enter the battle in earnest. The majority of councils, the health authority and leading county businesses have all been accused
A FORENSIC scientist has told a rape trial jury at Worcester that DNA found on a shop assistant's trousers could only match one-in-a-billion men. Valerie Tomlinson testified that 30-year-old Peter Beckford's DNA profile was detected in a semen sample
A CARPENTER has been left struggling to support his family after "scum" ransacked his home. Lee Merry, aged 28, was holidaying with his family at a cabin in Wales when their house in Worcester was broken into last weekend. Tools valued at £1,000 were
A WORCESTER woman has hit out at motorists who subject her to "intolerable abuse" as she rides her horse along a main road each morning. Pam Howes, of Blackpole, rides her horse along a stretch of the B4084 road, between Spetchley roundabout and White
ORGANISATIONS throughout Worcestershire and Herefordshire have received almost £350,000 in the latest round of Lottery grants. The Millennium Festival Awards gave cash to a total of 103 good causes in the region - 75 from Worcestershire received £248,477
FIRE officers are warning people of the dangers of chip pans following two fires in Worcester in a week. Firefighters from Worcester's White Watch were called to a second floor flat in Drake Avenue, Dines Green, yesterday afternoon. One person was slightly
A MAN charged with the kidnapping of a young woman has been sent for trial at crown court. Christopher Humpidge, 24, who lives off the Birmingham Road near Blakedown, is accused of detaining the woman against her will at a country cottage near the village
DESPERATE drivers were panic buying at Droitwich petrol stations after rumours that blockades had resumed. Spa Service Station manager David Guest said trade was back to normal at the Hanbury Road forecourt until lunchtime yesterday. He added: "It just
MAD panic! It's not often we round on the good folk of Worcester and its surrounding communities. But today's an exception. Because the scenes of desperation at many of the county's filling stations yesterday simply beggared belief. Sparked by an ill-considered
Through your columns, I would like to thank the six people, all total strangers, who came to my aid when my dog received a serious injury in the pond in Morton Stanley Park. First, the two couples who stayed with me and helped administer first aid; their
LAST week, the Labour group on Redditch Council forced through their proposals for the latest package of cuts to services, made necessary by their systematic overspending in the past. The Liberal Democrat councillors, Diane Thomas and Nigel Hicks, didn't
MY opposition to the recently introduced "cabinet system" in local government has been spelt out in these columns, along with grave concerns in respect of the effects of such a system, when I believe that transparency is necessary to protect integrity
IF a week is a long time in politics -- then three weeks can seem like an eternity in football. And that's certainly been the case at Worcester City, who during that space of time have rose from the depths of despair to the fringes of the Dr Martens League
Silhillians 46 Redditch 1sts 19 THIS was Redditch Rugby Club's first match in the league after being promoted and playing against the experienced Silhillians. Redditch took a full 30 minutes to settle into the game. During this time Sils put Redditch
A WOODROW woman died at the Alexandra Hospital on Sunday after waiting for nearly five months for social service funding for a nursing home. Last week, cancer sufferer Mary Tovey, 84, was told she would never leave the hospital because the disease had
A TOWN health group has expressed fears over the knock-on effect bed blocking at the Alexandra Hospital will have. The move will mean elderly patients waiting at the hospital will now be forced to wait even longer, taking up beds. Redditch and Bromsgrove
REDDITCH youngsters are set to benefit from a £600,000 development programme to provide 85 play areas in the town over the next three years. Redditch councillors voted to invest in 55 purpose-built, well-equipped play areas, plus an additional 30 unequipped
SHIRE horses are to be drafted into action to help take out fallen trees from a Rowney Green wood. Worcestershire County Council's countryside service, together with Peck Wood, has employed the use of the horses from Sunday to Monday. The trees will be
POLICE are appealing for members of the public to come forward in an effort to halt the rising tide of vandalism sweeping Redditch schools. Redditch and Bromsgrove police have teamed up to investigate a number of incidents where damage has been caused
REDDITCH skate park has hit another setback after thieves broke into the office and stole about £500 of equipment. The thieves struck between Saturday night and Sunday morning when they broke in through a window in nearby sports changing rooms at Arrow
ANGRY Redditch taxi drivers have hit out at the council after claiming trade was affected after the sudden move of their rank last week. The taxi rank had been in its Plymouth Road position for 30 years before Redditch Council made the decision to move
A REDDITCH man has raised more than £1,000 for charity after giving up the booze for three months. Michael McElroy, of Greenlands, gave up his favourite pint of mild to raise the money for Redditch Catholic Handicap Fellowship. On Saturday, the window
A TOWN bus service is to be upgraded and improved following complaints from frustrated customers. Extra buses are to be introduced to the Matchborough circular route after a huge recruitment campaign by First Midland Red, which is suffering a staffing
TWO Redditch organisations have won substantial grants as part of the Millennium Festival Awards for All. Youngsters at Busy Bears Pre-school, based in Salop Road Community Centre, should now be able to play outside after the group received £1,659 for
PLANS to create a £35,000 play area to help the recovery of sick children at the Alexandra Hospital have hit a stumbling block after a plea to the National Lottery was refused. The League of Friends had been raising funds for the playground for several
A NATIONAL charity for people who have sustained brain injuries is setting up a base in Redditch. Headway North East Worcestershire is an informal support service for people who have acquired a non-degenerative brain injury since birth, and also offers
CALLS are being made to increase the salaries of paramedics after a Conservative parliamentary spokesman spent a shift with Redditch crews. Karen Lumley spent a 12-hour shift with one crew last Thursday but she said during the time they only had two official
A REDDITCH company is forging its way into the future after being sold for £42.5 million. The buyer of HDA Forgings, based in Windsor Road, is the Mettis Group, now renowned as a major indepedent specialist engineering group. HDA is a specialist forging
REDDITCH service representatives are breathing a sigh of relief that the potentially crippling fuel crisis ended when it did. About 30 operations were cancelled at the Alexandra Hospital but a spokesman believes had the crisis continued, the situation
TOWNSFOLK are being urged to plan escape routes from their homes in case a blaze breaks out. The move comes as part of Fire Safety Week which was launched today in an attempt to reduce the number of lives lost in house blazes. Redditch fire station's
PEOPLE across Redditch are reflecting on a decade of shared knowledge as the Feckenham Forest History Society celebrates its 10th anniversary. The society meets once a month and a variety of established speakers come to enlighten members with their historical
POLICE are investigating an arson attack on a derelict house in Portway just after midnight last Wednesday. The incident happened at the detached three-bedroom house known as The Croft on Alcester Road near Beoley. Police said they believed the house,
REDDITCH Neighbourhood Watch has warned townsfolk to be on their guard against bogus water-board officials who have been targeting homes in the area. Over the last two weeks there have been several incidents where two men in their 20s have called at houses
A MATURE student at NEW College has proved language barriers need not stand in the way of a chosen career, after becoming one of only five people to be awarded a prestigious national Learning Works Award. Sanara Choudhury, 39, of Batchley, had always
A NEW headteacher has joined the ranks at Arrow Vale Community High School and he is raring to go. Chris Leach, 40, has taken up headship at the Matchborough West school following former headteacher John Smith's move to a community college in Leicestershire
A MASSIVE boost in funding has seen waiting times for council house adaptations for disabled Redditch residents slashed by half, according to council officers. The council increased its "equipment and adaptation" budget from £75,000 to £250,000 per annum
THE fuel crisis caused "minimal disruption" to life in Droitwich Spa - despite the initial panic. Petrol stations across the town reported they were fully stocked up yesterday morning. A West Mercia Police spokesman said the situation was continuing to
A TOP amateur boxer from Droitwich Spa has been given two years' detention for being involved in drug dealing in a nightclub. Apprentice bricklayer Matthew Greening had represented England and captained a national team against Russia and Germany. He started
A DROITWICH Spa woman was this week recovering in hospital after a car crash. Michele Lawrence, of Petersfield Drive, suffered multiple injuries last Wednesday afternoon when the Citroen Saxo she was driving was in collision with a Leyland DAF lorry on
THIEVES stole a bouncy castle worth £2,000 from The Swan pub, Droitwich Road, Martin Hussingtree, in the early hours of Monday. The blue and yellow bouncy castle was manufactured by Beetee.
WORCESTER'S Simon Archer and Jo Goode were left to rue a missed opportunity as they lost in the Olympic Games badminton semi-finals. The mixed doubles pair held match point against the Indonesian number one seeds in the second set but could not finish
A SPA family were frightened in a popular town park when they were confronted by about 20 rats. Alex and Sandra Philpott, of Shepherds Rise, Westlands, were feeding ducks at Vines Park with his two young children when they spotted the rodents in nearby
West Brom pulled off the shock result of the night in the Worthington Cup with a 2-1 success at Premiership strugglers Derby. Former Kidderminster Harriers star Lee Hughes won the free-kick which led to Neil Clement's equaliser two minutes after the break
WORCESTER City opened their wins account in the Midland Floodlit Youth League Southern Division with a 2-1 win at Malvern Town last night. The home side led 1-0 at half-time but City hit back well after the interval to clinch victory with strikes from
OMAHA City, who appears to be improving at the grand old age of six, can take the Group Three Charlton Hunt Supreme Stakes at Goodwood tomorrow. Brian Gubby's fine servant is a standing dish at the Sussex track and gave a superb performance on his latest
Fordhouses beat Studley by 48 runs STUDLEY won the toss and asked Fordhouses to bat. The wicket was very wet, making it difficult for the bowlers but Studley did bowl badly until Mark Lewis took control to take six wickets. Nevertheless, Fordhouses were
FECKENHAM Cricket Club ended their first season in Worcester County League division two after relegation last year in mid-table sixth position. Their last game on Saturday against Malvern Ramblers was called off due to the fuel crisis. Spokesman Steve
Worcestershire Care Group, based in the 400-year-old Warwick Hall, in Bromsgrove, was nominated for its forward-looking approach to residential care. Dianne Ewin set up the group 13 years ago with her accountant husband, Stephen, after working as a nurse
STAFF at Bromsgrove's Edinburgh Woollen Mill were delighted to hear they have been nominated for a We're in Business Award for their "wonderful service." The shop, in High Street, which sells a wide range of clothes for men and women, opened nearly five
INKBERROW rider Leslie Law has won an Olympic Silver medal in Sydney as part of the Great Britain Equestrian Three day event team. Leslie, aged 34, who runs a stable in Inkberrow with his partner, previously suffered disappointment at the Atlanta 1996
A couple of news items to start with this week: Derek Hopkins is running another of the popular NIAC open at Skilts pool on Sunday. Call him on 450450 to book in but hurry because I hear the pool has been fishing very well lately and all the spare places
A NUMBER of local club athletes ventured north to Bradford to represent Worcestershire in the British Inter-Counties and AAA Championships. Twenty-one-year-old James Bowler from Alcester showed just how much he had improved over the last 12 months by
WORCESTERSHIRE have signed Australian Test paceman Andy Bichel as their overseas replacement for Glenn McGrath next season. The 30-year-old has been snapped up on the recommendation of McGrath and former County captain Tom Moody. Right-arm fast medium
MORE political con tricks, this time from the Liberals. "Freedom in a liberal society" is the title of their new manifesto. How they try to con the public. What gall to make such a statement, when it is well known that they wish to destroy the pound and
ONCE more, it is essential that I reply to Julian Thake. The actual breakdown of British exports for 1999 was as follows: Eurozone 54.3 per cent; EU non-euro states 4.3 per cent; Western Europe, non EU countries 3.9 per cent; other OECD countries 5.5
FOR Mr Nielsen's information, we've been down that socialist road before. Remember Wilson's "pound in you're pocket" and old Callaghan's "crisis, what crisis"? It didn't work, it won't work in the EU either, and it's dragging us down with it. See how
SO it's not on "bed blockers" where the huge money waste has gone, nor the very frail elderly needing a bit of personal "home help." Far too much has been doled out for children, apparently £100,000 a year for a child's keep. These days, parents split
6 WHEN I became a county councillor in 1996, I was shocked to discover how very badly funded Worcestershire had been - and still is. We have lobbied the present Government hard and often to give this county a fairer deal, but year on year, we see Worcestershire
ADRIAN Skeggs is facing an injury crisis ahead of Saturday's National Division One clash at Manchester. Worcester Rugby Club's director of coaching could be without ALL of his recognised first team centres as the Sixways side look to continue their impressive
PEOPLE may wonder how we have survived for six years without an appeal for funding for the Pamela May. Our basic costs are in excess of £3,000 per season, leaving little for engine repairs, general maintenance, painting, fuel, tea and coffee. Our main
FECKENHAM FC have fallen victim to the recent fuel crisis, with their matches on Wednesday against Pershore Town and Saturday against Romulus both postponed.
MAY I say how pleased I will be when the Dolphin Centre's pool reopens. I have been swimming there for at least 15 years and have always found the staff helpful and on the whole friendly. I agree the husbandry in the changing rooms could be better but
THE current reaction to the obscene elements of tax in motor fuels highlights the need for the electorate to vote for any party which dares to raise the rates of income tax and wipes out (as far as EU dictates allow) unfair indirect taxation. The barely
THROUGH your newspaper I would like to ask for volunteers to help the Royal British Legion with the Poppy Appeal this year. Nationally, the Royal British Legion raised £18.7m and Droitwich Spa raised £9,265.93 which was up on the previous year. I can
WHILE I appreciate the need for CCTV surveillance cameras (Inside Story, August 30), I can't help feeling it is a bit like what George Orwell predicted. GEORGE COWLEY, Worcester.
MAY I thank the staff at Ronkswood A&E Dept and Worcester Royal Infirmary where I found myself over the Bank Holiday weekend. My husband and I were on holiday in Worcester when I twisted my ankle and fell. The treatment I received was wonderful. E
WELL done pensioner Harry Green for his fight against the unknown official who instigated that ridiculous road layout scheme in Foregate Street. It seems that cyclists are fair game for the police if they cycle on the pavement and if they cycle on the
AN outstanding performance from Harriers saw excellent teamwork give a 3-0 half-time lead. In the second half Harriers maintained the pressure and despite courageous defending from Alvechurch, Harriers added a further six goals. Scorers were Richard Jennings
I REFER to Peter Nielsen's recent letter. If he is so disenchanted with Britain why does he not remove to one of those European countries he so admires where he would obviously be much happier among his friends. Bon voyage, Peter. R A BULLOCK, County
THIS was a lively contested local derby with chances at a premium, Dan Bearcroft providing the only shot on target for either side in a frenetic first half, just shaded by the home side. The second half saw Headless take their chances well and Luke Simcox
HEADLESS started brightly, going 3-0 up within 15 minutes. They then took their foot off the gas and went in at half-time 3-2. In the second half they came back and won 5-2 with goals from Tom C, Josh W, Steven P, Daniel R and Daniel D. Man of the match
THIS was a physical battle with both teams having chances in a goalless first half. The tempo never let up and Steve Roche broke the deadlock with a well taken goal. Ashley Verity made it 2-0 and Rangers looked on their way. Lapal kept fighting and got
KINGFISHER started slowly, going 1-0 down to a lively Maypole. Kingfisher got back into the game through a superb strike from Alister Killingsworth. Kingfisher then took the game to Maypole with a spirited team performance and lead 4-1 with excellently
AFTER beating Bordesley comprehensively in the league last week, Colts put on a poor performance to allow Rovers to progress to the next round of the League Cup. Colts did create one or two chances early on and if one of these had found the net perhaps
FAMILIES in Belbroughton will have something to crow about this weekend when a popular annual event brings the village to life. The Scarecrow Weekend runs from 11am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday and visitors will be able to enjoy a host of fun activities
charities locally and nationally have had their funds boosted thanks largely to the untiring efforts of an 83-year-old Bromsgrove woman. Since the beginning of January, Marjorie Foster, from Providence Road, Sidemoor, aided by a willing band of helpers
AN urgent appeal for cash to carry out repairs to the crumbling sandstone fabric of a Bromsgrove church has met with a good response. In July, worshippers at All Saints launched an initial appeal for £50,000 to repair the stonework of the tower and other
THE protest wasn't just cobbled together when Belbroughton campaigners opposed to plans to build a house in the middle of a conservation area voted with their feet. Fifteen residents, along with approximately 150 pairs of shoes, turned out when members
SHOPKEEPERS in Bromsgrove are feeling the strain following the petrol crisis. A lack of customers and problems with deliveries has meant some businesses have lost a lot of money and been forced to lay off staff. The proprietor of the Country House Pantry
TOE-TAPPERS are invited to join Bromsgrove Folk Club and take part in 'Singin' and Suppin' sessions at The Ladybird pub. Hosted by Fairfield Folk, the club holds regular guest nights at the pub, in Aston Fields, on the second and last Thursday in every
FAST cars in Burcot are set to come under the spotlight if a speed monitoring scheme is put in the village. Next Monday Bromsgrove Highways Partnership Forum is set to discuss a complaint made by a villager about speeding traffic. The resident called
A COURAGEOUS Rubery heart patient and the nurse who helped her through the illness have reached new heights to meet a goal of raising money for charity. Denise Winters, of Lickey Road, and her nurse, Linda Barratt, a cardiac rehabilitation sister, at
THE Friends of Astwood Bank Royal British Legion, together with members from Astwood Bank Club, held a successful open flower show . Robert Mogg won the cup for the highest number of points in show and also a cup for most vegetable points. The Graham
THE CLOSURE of Evesham Post Office came under fire at the Liberal Democrat conference at Bournemouth. Speaking at a meeting organised by the Post Office on Tuesday, Robert Browne, prospective Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate for Evesham, told of the anger
BSTRATFORD'S petrol forecourts ground to a halt yesterday(Tuesday) after a false warning of fresh blockades sparked a stampeded by motorists fearful of being left high and dry again. Welsh independent radio station, Red Dragon, reported yesterday (Tuesday
MORE than 40 elderly mental health patients are to be relocated to Bromsgrove's hospital after asbestos was discovered in the ceiling of their current home. Worcestershire Community and Mental Health NHS Trust, which runs the Princess of Wales Community
LAST Wednesday, at the Greig Hall, Sylvia Palmer, of Sylvia's Florist in Alcester, assisted by her daughter, Wendy Holloway, gave a beautiful, colourful and inspiring flower arranging demonstration. Interspersed with useful tips and humorous comments,
A NEW anti-litter scheme, which will also help youngsters with their sums, has been developed as part of a Millennium maths scheme. Maths 2000 is a joint scheme between Bromsgrove District Council and Worcestershire Cou-nty Council with help from Alvechurch
THE first meeting after a short summer break was an active and social evening of skittles at The Swan in Studley. Team, individual and novelty competitions ensured a lively evening. Some members of the Redditch branch also attended a Consolidation Day
HOUSE plants were the subject of the September meeting, when Philip Aubrey, of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, was speaker for the evening. He gave an excellent talk on all aspects of house plants, including how to propagate them. The evening was full of
TOWN residents are being urged to have their say on services provided by the district council. Bromsgrove District Council's best value customer survey 2000 will be dropping through letterboxes from Monday and council bosses are calling on people to make
RESIDENTS in Bromsgrove are being urged to take basic crime prevention measures following a spate of opportunist burglaries in the town. The call comes from Bromsgrove police after a series of incidents in which offenders have entered homes through unlocked
CUSTOMERS of a Bromsgrove-based furniture firm have been reassured their purchases will arrive on time despite a blaze causing £250,000 worth of damage at a Midland factory. Woodmans Country Pine Ltd's managing director, Chris McElevey, told the Advertiser
WORKERS have dug in to clear trees, bushes and shrubs in front of Lickey End First School to make way for parents and children -- thanks to a kind-hearted shopkeeper. As part of the scheme which began last Wednesday, benches will be put in areas outside
REDDITCH Cricket Club won the Worcester County League Division One Championship in style on Saturday, taking maximum points in the last game of the season against Old Elizabethans. Delighted first team captain Guy Muspratt said: "Winning the league was
REDDITCH United boss Rob Smith has turned his attention to bringing a new striker to the club after watching his side squander a hatful of chances before bowing out of the FA Cup, beaten 3-2 at home by Belper Town. Paul Danks, Ian Bennett and skipper
September 22, 1900 On Monday, the employees of Messrs J Warner and Sons Hewell Works, journeyed to Bidford by brakes, where a most enjoyable day was spent. Fishing, boating and picnicing was indulged in etc. In the evening the party adjourned to Holland's
September 23 1950 A 16 feet by five and a half feet embroidered hanging depicting scenes from Biblical stories was the outstanding exhibit in the Redditch School of Art Exhibition held in the schoolrooms at the end of last week. It was made by a member
September 19, 1975 APIECE of cheese, one out of six portions in a packet bought in Redditch town centre, turned out to be mouldy when opened up by a seven-year-old girl. The county analyst's report on the segment of cheese described it as "a diffused
Friday, September 22 Think Floyd: The Echoes Tour 2000, Palace Theatre. Tickets from 65203. Hamlet, The Other Place, Stratford. And September 23. Tickets from 01789 412655. Saturday, September 23 The Syd Lawrence Orchestra and Singers, Palace Theatre.
STAGE star and acclaimed solo artist Michael Ball returns to play at the NEC Arena. The singer, whose talent has been showcased in musicals such as Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera and Aspects of Love, will perform at the Birmingham venue on Sunday
UNION leaders at a troubled Droitwich firm have promised non-members they will be represented along with paid-up employees in redundancy talks. Andy Taylor spoke out after a confrontation between a union rep and non-union employees at engineering firm
PROPOSALS by the Liberal Democrats to give sole village pubs a mandatory 50 per cent rate relief, has been welcomed by local landlords. The party wants local councils to be allowed to increase this rebate to 100 per cent. The Liberal Democrats, at their
Tuesday, September 19, 2000 WORCESTER City's four-match unbeaten run came to an end last night as their Bath City bogey struck again. A 3-2 defeat saw them slip down to seventh place in the Dr Martens League Premier Division. They didn't really deserve
WORCESTERSHIRE have signed Australian Test paceman Andy Bichel as their overseas replacement for Glenn McGrath next season. The 30-year-old has been snapped up on the recommendation of McGrath and former County captain Tom Moody. Right-arm fast medium
PLANS by Redditch Council to save £1.3 million will see a five per cent charge increase for all services, the sale of land and the closure of public toilets in town. The decisions are the last phase of the extensive Focus on the Future cost-cutting exercise
THE final phase of Focus on the Future will see the loss of more borough jobs, with 60 council posts having been lost in all during the three-year review. But the council is confident it can avoid more redundancies as it initiates an ambitious redeployment
