CHIPPING Campden residents will have to foot the bill for a parish poll on the town's bid to buy its former police station. Campaigners opposed to the scheme have forced the poll, costing an estimated £1,500 and £2,000 which will have to come from the
STAFF and students at the Cotswold School could be forgiven for putting their feet up after the school received top marks from Government inspectors. The Ofsted report received by the school in Bourton this week was so good that the inspectors couldn't
OPPONENTS and supporters of hunting in the Cotswolds say they will not give up their respective campaigns, despite overwhelming parliamentary support for a hunting ban. MPs voted on the Government's Hunting Bill last week with 387 opting for an outright
TELEVISION cameras will descend on Kidderminster in a live debate on the county health shake-up. An audience of about 50 invited guests from both sides of the health debate will take part in Midlands at Westminster due to be held at Wyre Forest Glades
THE net is closing on moves to force Warwickshire County Council to take responsibility for one of Shipston's historic alleyways. Town councillor Bob White thought last year he had done all he needed to get Dog Alley, which links Telegraph Street and
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers reserves hit the top of the Central Conference League after a crushing 5-1 victory over county rivals Worcester City at Aggborough on Wednesday night. Harriers may have fielded a more experienced line-up but their non-league opponents
Worcester 2, Evesham III 1 EVESHAM third team travelled to local rivals Worcester Norton for the opening match of the second half of the DTZ West Midlands Premier Lea-gue. Evesham were looking to avenge the defeat they received in the corresponding home
INTERNATIONAL hockey and netball was played at Evesham High School when touring teams from Australia took on the Vale pupils. The group of 14-18 year olds from down under were among the cream of Australian youth, being selected from national squads for
THE father of a Bromsgrove boy dramatically rescued from a 180-foot deep quarry thanks to his mobile phone has warned parents to guard against the dangers lurking on their doorsteps. Nigel Cooke, aged 40, spoke out after his 12-year-old stepson, Christopher
A MOTHER-of-five whose home has been burgled three times in less than six months claims she has been "victimised" after installing security cameras. Susan Smith says Elgar Housing Association has sent two officers to her house, in Clare Road, to warn
DRUG dealers near a Worcester primary are causing a "major problem" to those who are trying to turn the school around, it has been revealed. An education panel heard how dealers have been seen near Elbury Mount Primary School. It was failed by an Ofsted
PROPOSALS to move Worcester's Christopher Whitehead High School have been given a public thumbs down. Worcestershire County Council sent out 10,000 leaflets before Christmas, asking for people's views and 15 per cent of people replied. In response to
THE father of a Worcestershire schoolgirl who sued him over her tuition fees will have to foot the legal bill as well. Callum Lavelle was yesterday ordered to pay for the two-day civil trial in which his daughter Nicole sued him for money to attend The
HUNDREDS of people packed a small Kidderminster church to pay their final respects to famous hairdresser Umberto Giannini. Dozens more stood outside St Ambrose RC church in Birmingham Road in the biting wind for more than an hour, mourning the loss of
VILLAGERS living in rural Worcestershire say they are angry that their village has become home to a controversial mobile phone mast. The landlady at The Bell Inn, Lower Broadheath, is leading a campaign against a telecommunications mast being erected
A BRITISH Sugar worker has described how workers have been "knocked for six" at news their 75-year-old factory is to close in 12 months time. The 52-strong permanent workforce were the first to be told of the decision they have been dreading ever since
A PACKAGE of measures has been announced in a bid to tackle Kidderminster's car parking crisis. Possibilities include a park-and-ride scheme to stem the short-term problems when more than 800 spaces are lost with the demolition of the Pitts Lane and Market
TOP jazz musicians, the Denise Lawrence Band, are coming to the Cotswolds for a one-night performance in Moreton. The visit by the band, starring husband and wife Denise and Tony Lawrence,has been organised by the North Cotswold Jazz Society and is at
POIGNANCY filled the air as hundreds turned out to pay their last respects to Kidderminster's award-winning hairdresser Umberto Giannini yesterday. Mourners at the 33-year-old's funeral at St Ambrose RC Church included Shatterford rock legend Robert Plant
THE search is on for talented swinging singers - you could win a recording session and a star spotlight in front of a professional orchestra. The talent contest, which comes to Evesham next week, is one of four being held around the Midlands. Contestants
HUNDREDS of people packed a small Kidderminster church to pay their final respects to famous hairdresser Umberto Giannini. Dozens more stood outside St Ambrose RC church in Birmingham Road in the biting wind for more than an hour, mourning the loss of
ON-loan forward Drewe Broughton promised more goals to come after opening his account on his debut at Mansfield. Peterborough United front-man Broughton, 22, is in fine goal-scoring form this season after scoring eight while on loan at Conference sides
SUSAN Smith is an unusual victim of crime. The mother-of-five has been burgled three times in five months at her home in Malvern. During those incidents, burglars have defiled her home and stolen her jewellery and household goods. But 34-year-old Mrs
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers' promotion to the Football League came at a cost of record losses of over £400,000. The club has revealed a deficit of £416,457 for the financial year ending May 31, 2000, when Harriers lifted the Nationwide Conference title. Club
THURSDAY: Birmingham: Ronnie Scott's - Delta. Worcester: Huntingdon Hall - The Codebreakers. FRIDAY: Kidderminster: Library - Worcestershire Jazz Orchestra. Dudley: The Lamp Tavern - Ballroom Glitz. Worcester: Huntingdon Hall - Alan Price. Birmingham:
HOCKEY: STOURPORT have been promoted to the English Indoor Hockey League Premier Division after finishing runners-up to Canterbury. But they had to wait until the last moment at Cocks Moor Woods despite being unbeaten and leading Division One before the
MOTOR SPORT: SPEEDSTER Karl Grove has proved self-promotion can work in sport by securing enough support to become a professional. The 25-year-old will fulfil his dream on Saturday when he flies out to California, USA, for a six-week international training
SNOOKER: KIDDERMINSTER'S Terry Murphy and his Northern Ireland team-mates reached the semi-finals of the televised Nations Cup at Reading. World number 30 Murphy joined captain Joe Swail and Gerard Greene in upsetting the odds by winning their four-team
HOCKEY: THE second half of the DTZ Debenham Thorpe League started this week but freezing conditions meant several fixtures had to be postponed. Kidderminster Boundary first, third and fourth teams were able to play their matches but the seconds and fifths
NETBALL: WYRE Forest boasted a number of netball players involved in Worcestershire's fine win over Sussex in English Counties League Division Three. The Division Four champions came away with a clean sweep as all four teams beat their opposition in Horsham
ROWING: CHADDESLEY Corbett's Tom Meredith has been successful for Worcester Royal Grammar School Boat Club. Meredith won the prize for most improved rower of 2000, while his brother Joe was Pot-hunter of the Year after six wins. The club won the J15 Quad's
MOTOR SPORT: THRIVING Bewdley Motorcycle Club are aiming to encourage more people to become involved in their long list of events throughout 2001. The 53-year-old club, which has more than 350 members, caters for trials, enduro, grass track, moto cross
WORCESTERSHIRE'S cricketers have started to warm up for the 2001 season with regular indoor training sessions. Increasing fitness levels is their first priority under the watchful eye of assistant New Road coach Damian D'Oliviera. And by the time newly
JUDO: SAMURAI Judo Club senior coach Keith Merrick has hit the highest judo grade in Worcestershire after his promotion to sixth dan. The grade is above black belt and many judo players have never seen the belt which is made up of red and white blocks
WORCESTERSHIRE'S cricketers have started to warm up for the 2001 season with regular indoor training sessions. Increasing fitness levels is their first priority under the watchful eye of assistant New Road coach Damian D'Oliviera. And by the time newly
CHESS: BRIAN Sharp has returned to Kidderminster Chess Club for his first match in five years. Sharp took part in the Wolverhampton League Division One fixture at Bushbury, where his draw against Lee Grinsell, one of Staffordshire's leading competitors
TRIVIA: RISING Sun Stourport strengthened their grip on the Wyre Forest Trivia League with a victory over Bird-in-Hand but second-placed team, Wren's Nest, were beaten. Results: Bird-in-Hand 50, Rising Sun Stourport 63; Squirrel 36, Angel A 54; Radcliffe
ONE of the men accused of taking part in the attempted robbery at the village post office at Wolverley last June has appeared in court on an assault charge. Wayne Davies, 26, is charged with assault causing bodily harm to an officer at Brinsford Prison
A TEENAGER whose heroin habit cost £20 a day has been fined £150 by Kidderminster magistrates. Christopher Davies, 18, of Hawford Avenue, Kidderminster, had four wraps of the drug, worth £40, when police searched him. He admitted illegal possession and
A PARTRIDGE rearer exposed himself to an eight-year-old girl who called at his home to see his chicks, a jury was told. The victim commented that one chick which was trying to escape was "rather naughty", said prosecutor Walter Bealby. He alleged that
FOR such a well-meaning, hard-working campaigner for the re-instatement of Kidderminster Hospital, David Parry has got it so wrong in thinking that the people of Wyre Forest would support and vote for a proposed Health Concern parliamentary candidate
A LABOURER who had a knife when he was arrested on Kidderminster's ring road is also facing sentence on two other charges. John Dixon, 26, of Victoria Place, Kidderminster, pleaded guilty to possession of the blade in a public place on September 1 last
WITH reference to the article, 'Council Tax increase: now you have your say' in the Journal (January 18), Worcester County Council appear to be trying to pull off a master stroke in buck passing. It goes like this: - Given the choice, none of the options
MAGISTRATES sent a 23-year-old man to prison for a week after he admitted four offences of failing to answer bail. Bail conditions had failed to ensure his appearance in court, said prosecutor Lynn Swain. He had been arrested on a bench warrant and was
Drakes Broughton 1, Norton Rangers U-13 10 FIVE corners in the opening ten minutes set the pattern of play as rampant Rangers reinforced their championship chances. The unbeaten top of the table visitors opened the scoring through Shane Turley but, despite
BADSEY Rangers extended their lead at the top of Herald Division One to seven points after a comfortable 4-0 Stratford Alliance defeat of FISSC. Rob Candy led the way with a brace with Nick Burrows and Scott Sutherland also getting in on the act as Rangers
VICTORY at Bilston on Saturday will see Evesham exact revenge for two earlier defeats while doing their fellow promotion rivals a favour. United's 2-1 win at Atherstone on Monday night - a seventh success in eight league matches on the road - lifted Phil
I FIND it unbelievable that Kidderminster's Spennells estate, which accommodates almost as many people as Bewdley, has no medical centre. An estate that houses a nursing home, sheltered housing, an infants' school, one-parent families, council houses
EVESHAM'S Avon Singers are all at sea for part of their annual concert. However, they'll be home and dry for a musical jaunt through the years in a programme which will take them from music hall to the Beatles and Abba. During part of the first half concert-goers
THE Highways Department display at St Anne's before Christmas included a list of advantages and disadvantages for the various traffic-calming proposals. Ugliness did not feature as a disadvantage. Presumably as part of the safe road plan, a speed-monitoring
RICKY Teale had a good weekend at his workplace, Preston Innovation Woodland Fishery, winning the Saturday event on High Pool, then finishing second on Sunday in a match on Deans and High Pools. Saturday, High, 23 fished: Ricky Teale (Preston Innovation
A TRIPLE substitution paid dividends for Stourport Swifts who netted three second-half goals to beat Cradley 4-0 in the Midland Alliance on Tuesday. The result took rampant Swifts' unbeaten run to six games and pushed them further towards the top five
CHADDESLEY Corbett dealt a huge blow to Bewdley Town's league title hopes when they won a battle at Longmore 2-0. The home side were determined there would be no repeat of the 9-4 thrashing they took from Bewdley earlier in the season. And Chaddesley
A TRIO of Vale sailors who have braved the high seas on three different yachts have been returning to dry land. Richard Williams, a 37-year old Salford Priors man, came home after skippering the 50-foot yacht Ice Maiden. The boat left the UK last September
BRINTONS retained top spot in the Banks's Brewery League Division One South with a 3-1 victory over Lye Town at the Oldington ground. The leaders began well with a shot by Jordan on five minutes forcing a save from the away keeper. However, Lye nearly
MOST Kidderminster and District Football League Sunday matches were postponed but the majority of Saturday's fixtures went ahead. In the Subsidiary League, Premier side Wyre Forest thrashed Division Two opponents Tenbury Reserves 8-1, ensuring a play-off
BEN Banes, Dan Lavender and Russell Wright were all hat-trick heroes in Mostyn Rangers U-17's massive 12-0 victory over Meadow Park. The game was one of few Stourport Boys League matches that escaped the weather at the weekend. And the victory, in which
THE top two teams in Kidderminster Six-a-side League Division One battled it out in a key clash. Leaders Horsefair beat second-placed Comberton 4-1 in a tense battle, while Dream Team beat Peacock 7-4. In Division Two, Three Lions roared as they continued
INMATES at Long Lartin prison "cued" up to test their snooker skills against some of the world's top players. Seven-times world champion Stephen Hendry, Jimmy "Whirlwind" White and up-and-coming prospect Marco Fu visited the jail to play informal exhibition
PRESSURE on hospital beds should be eased, thanks to an injection of Government cash - but the social services cutbacks, in the wake of a £4.6million overspend, are still hitting hard. The Government has pumped £2million into the county and, since the
STOURPORT Cricket Club's pre-season indoor net practices start on Wednesday from 8pm at Abberley Hall School. The club runs two Saturday teams in the Worcestershire County League and Sunday and Wednesday teams in the local Stainweld League. New players
ASTON Villa's fifth successive league defeat in the 2-1 setback against Leeds last night means they have collected only seven points from the last 33 and dreams of qualifying for Europe via the Premiership are fast becoming unrealistic. But Villa manager
MALVERN Rugby Club manager Peter Woods is hoping fan power can inspire his side into the Intermediate Cup quarter finals and on to Twickenham. The Spring Lane club entertain Kettering on Saturday, kick-off 2pm, with Woods hoping supporters can lift his
DAVID Wellavize, John Ruda and Tom O'Brien have been included in the Midlands 18-Group Clubs rugby union squad for a training weekend at Stowe School from January 26 to 28. Wellavize, a full-back or winger, and centre Ruda both play for Bromsgrove and
WORCESTERSHIRE'S cricketers have started to warm up for the 2001 season with regular indoor training sessions. Increasing fitness levels is their first priority under the watchful eye of assistant New Road coach Damian D'Oliviera. And by the time newly
NOEL Chance should make a rare visit to Yorkshire pay off tomorrow. The dual Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning trainer can meet the expenses for his journey from Lambourn to Doncaster by collecting the Harworth Handicap Chase with Kurakka. His gelding ran a
THE former Bishop of Worcester, the Rt Rev Philip Goodrich, has died in hospital after a short illness. Bishop Philip, 71, who retired from the diocese in 1996, was Bishop of Worcester for 14 years from 1982. The father-of-four, who sat in the House of
A HERB garden at an historic Elizabethan house will flourish again thanks to the skills of workers replacing pipework using the same methods as their 18th century forefathers. Work on a vital new drain over the kitchen garden at Harvington Hall is underway
A FORMER Wyre Forest miner has been digging into the history of the industry to write a book on the subject. Robert Evans of Dunley Road, Stourport, can trace his family roots in the mining industry back by hundreds of years. He has joined forces with
100 years ago January 26, 1901 STRATFORD: It appears that the telegram bringing the fatal announcement reached the town about eight o clock and soon after the minute bell of the Guild Chapel was tolled, a muffled peal on the parish church bells being
100 years ago January 26, 1901 MORETON: The sad news of the death of the Queen was received in Moreton about 7.30 on Tuesday evening with the profoundest regret. Through the kindness of Lady Clementine Mitford, the public were, in the morning, informed
TRIBUTES will be paid to those who suffered under Nazi oppression when a new memorial is unveiled on Saturday. The first National Holocaust Memorial Day will be marked by prayers, poetry and floral tributes on the green behind the cenotaph at St Mary's
CASUALS appeared well on the way to victory in the Evesham Indoor League when they had rattled up 42 from just three overs in reply to Stanton's 114-3. However, the innings collapsed in dramatic fashion and the chasers were shot out for just 71. John
AUDIENCES in Bourton have the chance to step back to the days of flares, psychedelia and golden eggs next week. Golden eggs? That's all part of the fun in the Bourton Panto Group's new production, which hits the stage next Monday. This time the cast,
Amateur drama and operatic societies, youth groups and schools should be polishing their acts ready for not just one, but two prestigious dramas in Worcestershire this year. The Worcestershire Theatre Festival is due to take place at the Norbury Theatre
THE buzz is back at the club after two superb results this week. Saturday's 56-18 victory over Henley was followed up on Tuesday night by the Warriors' 34-12 win at Northampton.
HOSPITAL chiefs who have agreed a £9 million NHS bid to pay for a major facelift at Kidderminster Hospital have been slammed for "scandalously" wasting taxpayers' money. An outline of an acute hospitals trust board plan to go before Worcestershire Health
LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY: The first speaker of the new year was Mr Julian Foord, the curator of Harvington Hall, which is situated between Droitwich and Kidderminster. Mr Foord provided a fascinating insight into the perilously anxious times during Henry
PARISH COUNCIL: At the parish council meeting held on January 17 councillor John Worby, chairman, welcomed fellow councillors Winnard, Crowther, Hiden, Gill and Kirkland. Also in attendance was county councillor Adrian Hardman, district councillor Peter
HISTORY SOCIETY: Bourton Local History Society met last week on a cold and frosty night. Chairman, Mr Fred Brush, welcomed members and then gave details of the programme for the New Year. Mr Brush then introduced the speaker, Mr James Turtle, from the
PARISH COUNCIL: Report of the parish council meeting held on December 12: Mr W G Kelly had applied for renewal of existing planning permission W95/1485/COU for change of use of Spring Bank House from a private dwelling to a residential home for the elderly
ST MARY'S CHURCH: The church is about to start a new Alpha course. This series of six meetings explains itself as 'an opportunity to explore the meaning of life'. It follows up the special mention of Alpha in a recent speech by the Archbishop of Canterbury
PARISH MEETING: There will be an open meeting tomorrow (Friday) in the village hall at 2.30pm organised by the parish council. The meeting has been called to discuss road safety and traffic control measures which might benefit the village. Everyone with
GARDENING CLUB: Moreton Gardening Club held their first meeting of the year in the WI Hall. The chairman, Frank Sanders, welcomed the members and introduced the speaker for the evening, Mr Robinson from Bewdley, his subject being Wildlife Photography.
NCCPG: (National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens). At our well attended meeting on January 9, Mr Michael Jefferson-Brown the well known grower and breeder of lilies showed beautiful slides and inspired many to grow better lilies. Of
LIONS: The Lions wish to thank all their generous supporters who donated to their market collection and the sleighs on their various routes around the villages before Christmas. Many thanks also to all the volunteers for turning out on some cold, wet
Evesham, Wednesday CABBAGE tundra £2.70 to £2.80 crate, savoy £2.70 to £2.80 crate, dutch white £1.80 crate, spring £6 to £6.50 20lb, january king £1.60 to £1.80 six, sprouts £3 to £4.80 20lb, leeks £3.50 to £3.80 10lb, purple sprouting £1.70 to £2.20
ONE of Wyre Forest's most prestigious manufacturers is shedding jobs after falling victim to a strong pound in foreign markets. Up to 40 employees are in line to go at Stourport ceramics company Morgan Matroc in a slimming down operation likely to affect
A SURPRISING number of well-known district names appear in the latest list of super-rich people in the Midlands. Kidderminster carpets boss Michael Brinton, ranking high among industrial money makers at 29th on the list and with an estimated £55 million
POINTS make prizes and Mike Whiteford and Gary Bristow certainly made it count in southern Spain. The Evesham Golf Club pair were invited to play in the Pyr Marbella Captains Trophy at Alcaidesa club and they topped the stableford scoring charts to win
Stephen Davies has been appointed branch manager at HSBC Bank, Bewdley. Mr Davies, who lives in Kidderminster, was formerly business banking manager at the Stourbridge branch. He takes over from Jayne Ray.
A travel agent from Kidderminster has been named trainee of the year after completing a year of exams. Tamsin Elliot, who works for Co-Op Travel, was one of 10 trainees who successfully completed a year long course to achieve NVQ level two certificates
I READ with interest the continuing arguments for increases in the council tax in order that the current level of services can be maintained. It should be noted that since 1997, the council tax that I am paying has risen by more than 30 per cent, resulting
WORCESTERSHIRE'S cricketers have started to warm up for the 2001 season with regular indoor training sessions. Increasing fitness levels is their first priority under the watchful eye of assistant New Road coach Damian D'Oliviera. And by the time newly
MALVERN Rugby Club manager Peter Woods is hoping fan power can inspire his side into the Intermediate Cup quarter finals and on to Twickenham. The Spring Lane club entertain Kettering on Saturday, kick-off 2pm, with Woods hoping supporters can lift his
CLIFFORD Lord wrote a very enthusiastic letter, in support of the playing field in Droitwich Road(You Say, January 15. May I remind him, next time he is watching a game of football on the new playing field, to reflect on the following: 1 The old playing
I'M not sure whether or not we are supposed to be impressed by your front page story (Evening News, Tuesday, January 16), where the Jeavons family gave up hunting after their property was invaded by riders and hounds, terrifying their cat and their eight-year-old
CLIFFORD Lord made a very valid point concerning the sports field on the Droitwich Road. He said that many people were quick to attack proposals, but once seen to be a success, very rarely admitted that they have been mistaken and then praise the scheme
HEREFORD United may have to sell more of their star players to ease a financial crisis. The Bulls' board of directors have issued a statement outlining the club's "critical" situation, following criticism by fans of the recent £12,500 sale of defender
REFORMED rock band UXB are hoping for a night to remember at their next gig in Kidderminster. The town band say they are ready to make a lasting inpression on their faithful fans at the gig in the function room above the Corn Exchange pub. The members
ACCORDING to our critics, the Shuttle/Times & News should carry a health warning - this newspaper can seriously damage your health! Accusations of frightening people out of their wits with our coverage of the county health debate have been levelled
KIDDERMINSTER-born Norman Broadfield found his mind wandering back to his home town while sitting in a hotel room in Santiago, Chile, last September and his creative instinct took over. Sports fan Norman, who was on a business trip for carpet firm Brintons
WHEN journalist Mark Higgitt decided six years ago to tell the story of a forgotten ship sunk in the Falklands war, little did he realise it would take him on an epic journey involving nearly 100 interviews, 160 hours of tape and 800,000 words of research
THE chief executive of Stratford and Warwick Hospitals has resigned following a lengthy probe into alleged irregularities in the administration of waiting list figures. Andrew Riley gave in his notice on Monday, just over three months after he was suspended
PLANS to abandon the refurbishment of Stratford District Council's headquarters in favour of a brand new building could lead to sweeping cuts to council services, warned a councillor this week. Peter Moorse, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, said
ONE of the Midlands most traditional industries is set for a boost thanks to a new partnership between Whichford Pottery and South Warwickshire Training. The two have linked up to offer career opportunities to young people aged between 16 and 24 in the
BUSINESSES in Moreton are stepping up their efforts to ease the town's parking problems after a survey showed that scores of cars are left in the town all day every day. Moreton Business Association carried out the survey after a public meeting last month
A STRATFORD woman celebrated notching up her century last week with special birthday wishes from mayor Juliet Short. Coun Short joined friends and family of Katie Kingham to toast her 100th birthday at the Hylands House residential care home in Warwick
WAR has been declared on bogus homeworking schemes which promise generous financial rewards, but are nothing more than cash-spinning scams from unscrupulous organisers. Warwickshire Trading Standards officers swarmed into Stratford on Monday to make the
WORCESTERSHIRE'S cricketers have started to warm up for the 2001 season with regular indoor training sessions. Increasing fitness levels is their first priority under the watchful eye of assistant New Road coach Damian D'Oliviera. And by the time newly
WORCESTERSHIRE'S unemployment rate last year was the lowest since 1992, according to a set of "vital statistics" for the county. The latest spot-check on the economy, published by the county council and the Chamber of Commerce for Herefordshire &
MASSIVE losses were recorded when a major downpour of rain hit Redditch on Tuesday. QC Print Services in Moons Moat have lost £800,000 worth of machinery to torrential rain and floods to the factory floor. The rain seeped through the roller shutters at
AFTER Worcester's 40-13 demolition of Leeds Tykes back in September, few would have believed the Yorkshire side would take the National One title race to the wire. However, Phil Davies' side have shown great character to come back so strongly and, aided
FLOODS and the falling value of the Euro have hit the Cotswolds' tourist trade over the last 12 months. Visitor numbers have fallen as British visitors stayed at home because of the bad weather and foreign tourists went elsewhere because of the unfavourable
CHIPPING Campden schoolboy Liam Roberts had a close shave when he decided to help with some charitable fund-raising. Liam, aged 16, has raised £936.93 for the Macmillan Cancer Relief Fund after friends, family and fellow pupils sponsored him to have both
DAVID Lock has vowed to intervene amid fears of huge council tax rises for Wyre Forest folk. The Wyre Forest MP made the pledge after the district council warned of big council tax rises by Worcestershire County Council, which make up the bulk of the
FARMERS from across Gloucestershire are calling for badger-culling trials to be speeded up to stop the spread of bovine TB. To date cattle farmers in the north Cotswolds have not suffered as much as many others in the county from the disease, but they
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers chairman Lionel Newton has quashed talk of an imminent ground move and insisted: "We will only leave Aggborough on our terms." Mr Newton, who took over the Harriers hot-seat two years ago, admitted he had been approached by a developer
THE gauntlet has been thrown down to the minister responsible for refusing Kidderminster a town council to visit and "see for herself why it should be formed". Kidderminster Civic Society chairman Nick Hughes has asked the Parliamentary Under Secretary
FORTUNES have changed somewhat for Harriers since their last clash with Mansfield Town on Boxing Day. Harriers bossed the home game against the Stags and extended their unbeaten Division Three run to four games. But the 1-0 scoreline should have been
SPENNELLS Valley Cricket Club are toasting the Millennium Festival Awards For All Fund after being handed a £4,330 grant. The club will use the cash boost for a new all-weather wicket and mobile practice nets at their Wilden Village home ground. And they
AROUND 200 headteachers have met county MPs at Parliament to urge them to consider offering schools an interim payment through the education funding crisis. Coachloads of heads from high, middle, primary, and special schools in Worcestershire made the
A TRAFFIC scheme to create a safer route to a Worcester school is to go ahead - but without the controversial road humps originally intended. Worcester city councillors last night agreed to reduce speed limits around Red Hill CE Primary to 20mph - just
FIFTY-eight in-lamb ewes were killed after straying on to a railway line and being struck by a train. Horrified witnesses described the aftermath as resembling a "battle site". The track at Droitwich, was closed for more than 13 hours on Monday, after
BOY George, Culture Club frontman turned international DJ, is coming to Worcester. He is due to play a set at the Torch nightclub on his first visit to the Faithful City on Friday, February 9. The date is his last in the UK before he heads off the United
A LEADING vet has warned his firm may pull out of town amid mounting anger in the Kidderminster business community over a car parking crisis. Graeme Shepherd, a partner at the Comberton Place surgery of Charn-ock, Gough and Shepherd, said plans to turn
THE Vale is bursting into song. Two workshops aimed at lifting the spirit and discovering the joy of singing are taking place in the next few days. The Women Into The Millennium group kicks off with a workshop at 42 High Street, Evesham, tomorrow (Friday
THERE is nostalgia by the lorry load at Cheltenham's Everyman Theatre. Rockin' on Heaven's Door on February 6-8 will bring four great legends back to singing life. The sounds of Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran will be recreated
YOU can't get much further from Britain's Celtic fringe than Shipston, but the town is set to host a major festival of Celtic music next month. The festival is the fifth annual Celtic reunion and has been organised by the Cotswold-based Celtic Spirit,
ADIE Smith was shocked by his bizarre own goal in Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Brighton but the week's off-field action was also a surprise. Smith admitted he had not expected the shock transfer-listing of six more players last week. But the midfield man,
SATURDAY: Wardens from the Cotswold AONB Partnership lead a 10-mile walk exploring Over Norton, Salford, Cornwell and Churchill. Leaves Chipping Norton Town Hall at 10am and will be led by Martin and Lucy Squires. SUNDAY: Symonds Yat area - rivers, woods
A THIRTY-ton pile of conifer cuttings on a Stourport road has been described as a danger to drivers. Kidderminster Police say the latest incident which saw a giant pile of garden waste dumped in Larford Lane, Astley, was the tenth of its kind this year
THE County Museum has gone mobile taking the history of health and medicine around Worcestershire. The museum, based at Hartlebury, has visited libraries, schools, town centres, supermarkets and day centres to commemorate the last 150 years of western
ATHLETICS: THREE Wyre Forest runners qualified for the National Schools Cross-country Championships in the county competition at Bromsgrove on Saturday. Alison Young, of Bewdley High School, Elizabeth Dourneen, of King Charles I High, and Steve Truelove
MEMBERS of Stourport Rotary Club are busily preparing for three more fund-raising events as they continue their schedule for the year. The group has decided to launch an annual fishing contest among fellow county rotary clubs. This year's event at Hawford
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers' promotion to the Football League came at a cost of record losses of over £400,000. The club has revealed a deficit of £416,457 for the financial year ending May 31, 2000, when Harriers lifted the Nationwide Conference title. Club
ATHLETICS: HUSBAND and wife team, Rob and Norma Edwards, braved the snow in the first Cotswold Canter. The Amazing Feet Running Club couple recorded times of 47 minutes 14 seconds and 55-00 on a course that attracted more than 300 runners despite a longer
SNOOKER: ST GEORGE'S A extended their Dot Comm Wednesday Snooker League lead over British Sugar A to three points with a 4-1 victory over their title rivals. Full results: Pockets Z 3, St Georges B 2; British Sugar B 3, St Johns C 2; St Georges A 4, British
GOLF: THE year at Habberley Golf Club ended well for the Harrison family with Alan and Jan winning the Mixed Winter League. Alan Harrison also won the Division One December Stableford. Mixed Winter League: Alan and Jan Harrison 60 nett, Frank Link and
TABLE TENNIS: RB Iron suffered their first defeat of the season in Kidderminster Table Tennis League Division One. They were beaten 8-2 by a strong Harriers F team who boasted the unbeaten Lewis Siket. The Harriers F side enjoyed 8-2 scorelines, recording
GROUPS involved in a project to cut burglary in a deprived area of Kidderminster are celebrating a Government windfall of more than £10,000. The Kidderminster Anti-Burglary Scheme also aims to tackle social isolation in Broadwaters with the help of the
A MAN was caught with 10 Ecstasy tablets in a Kidderminster nightclub, Worcester Crown Court heard. Nicholas Harrold, 26, of Drake Crescent, Kidderminster, had three tablets on him in Mirage and seven in his jacket. Police found another tablet at his
STAFF at a kennels near Kidderminster were terrified after a man brandishing an iron bar confronted them, Worcester Crown Court heard. Schizophrenic Christopher Connolly flew into a rage after his pet was taken to the kennels by a Wyre Forest Council
A WOMAN who was drunk kneed a policeman in the groin as he arrested her for shoplifting, magistrates heard. Deborah Griffin had been bailed for six months for deferred sentence and was arrested on a warrant when she failed to appear in court last October
I write with reference to the letter in the Journal (January 11) from Mavis Bell, congratulating Evesham on last year's Christmas lights in the town. Ms Bell, thank you for those kind words. The lights each year are funded by Evesham Town Council and
DEAR Fido (Letters, January 18), you wrote "We are intelligent and sensible creatures." You must be to write such a literate letter. There's a good dog. GEORGE COWLEY, Windermere Drive, Worcester.
I AM writing this in despair, and although I am almost 100 per cent sure you will not print it, since you appear incapable of representing a balanced view of the hospital issue, I felt I had to put my views in writing. I am a Kidderminster resident (and
FOUR men have been bailed for a month for video camera evidence of a pub fight which is to be seen by magistrates. The four are accused of violent disorder in Yates's Wine Lodge in Kidderminster on December 10. The Kidderminster court remanded Martin
I AM sick of all this talk about the Regal over the last few months, talk is cheap the only way the Trust will get the cinema is to send a nice big cheque to Mr J Angel. I would say £400,000. Then start taking on what they will do with it when they have
IN reply to B Langley's letter about the earth stopping of badger setts near Stow-on-the-Wold. The stopping of all earths and setts is done in accordance with strict rules laid down by the MFHA (the Masters of Foxhounds Association). If Mr Langley was
AS a struggling actor I receive from time to time letters from companies offering to "make me a star". The letters are often addressed to "Dear budding actor" or some such patronising title. I have become concerned in recent weeks about the number of
I READ with disgust the article on page 8 of the Journal last week (January 18) from Worcestershire County Council. How can they be allowed to get away with holding us all to ransom in this way? 'We want your views on the choices facing us' they say.
THE Good Hospital Guide, published in the Sunday Times on January 14 and 21, has come too late to confirm our belief in the quality of services provided by Kidderminster Hospital before its drastic downgrading. However, it does confirm the worth and high
IN his Foreward to Worcestershire County Council's Local Transport Plan, Colin Beardwood, chairman, says: "Worcestershire will seek to make it safer and more convenient to walk and cycle..." So far, there is little evidence of that, particularly in Evesham
A WOMAN accused of wounding with a glass in Redwoods Bar in Dixon Street last August has been sent for crown court trial. Stevie Lamb, 24, of Warbler Place, Spennells, Kidderminster, is charged with injuring Matthew Lewis, intending to cause him grievous
I READ Peter Dillistone's letter in the January 18 issue with interest, as I have been a member of St John's since 1981, worshipping in the main church and since its inception also at its outpost - St John's at Habberley. In December the Habberley congregation
ON behalf of the Stop Kidderminster Incinerator Campaign group I would like to thank members of the public for their support. Whether as a donation to our fighting fund, writing letters of objection or delivering leaflets, everyone's help was greatly
A 16-YEAR-OLD started his new year by causing £1,000 of damage to shop windows in Stourport. After a New Year's Eve party, he kicked in a window at an empty shop in York Street and another at Peter Handley stationers in Mitton Street, a Kidderminster
A WHILE back you were asking readers to write in about parts of Kidderminster which they thought looked neglected. After living here for 30 years I am sorry to say that there are now many such places, but one in particular I find most irritating. About
THE community of the Wyre Forest with great effort over the last decade raised over £2,500,000 to invest in the facilities of our excellent hospital and to help keep local health services in the black. When the Government wrote off the old NHS Trust deficit
MYSELF, and quite a number of other people, were absolutely disgusted to read about equipment being taken from Kidderminster Hospital. Equipment that was purchased from donations and sponsored events and given to the hospital. When my husband died in
THREE goals in 16 second half minutes brought about a remarkable transformation after United's poor home form threatened again to hinder their promotion push. The returning Andrew Hodgetts proved the home side's hero, scoring with his first touch and
IT was interesting to read that the prospective Conservative general election candidate for Wyre Forest was caught up in the problems affecting the railway network. Perhaps the delays encountered by Mr Simpson allowed him time to realise that it was successive
AN employee, who stole £34,000 from the doctors' practice where she worked for 13 years, has been jailed for nine months. Dorothy Hewitt, of the Abbotswood Surgery in Pershore, used the cash to pay household bills and credit card debts. The nine-month
AN Evesham man died on Saturday morning when his car left the road at Chadbury and turned upside down into a pond - the day after being told he had been promoted to Kwik Save store manager. Alan and Angie Meddings, of Yew Tree Close, Evesham, said of
MR Willetts finds it "ironic" that "as district council leader" I bemoan the loss of accident and emergency facilities at Kidderminster Hospital while my county council added to the hospitals' load by failing to grit the roads at the time of the recent
MEMBERS of the Evesham Simon de Montfort Society have sprung to the defence of the Earl of Leicester, formally rebuked by his adopted city for anti-Semitism. Leicester City Council formally agreed last week to renounce "the sentiments and prejudices"
ANGRY and bitter at being taken off a course, a man went into Pershore Jobcentre and during an argument with the manageress produced a kitchen knife and waved it in her face. Vincent Hayes, aged 38, of Monks Close, Pershore, pleaded not guilty at Evesham
DELIGHTED chairman Chris Reynolds has praised his Stourport Swifts players after the club charged into the FA Vase last 16 for the first time. Swifts thrashed 10-man Mickleover Sports 5-2 on Saturday in front of a healthy 230-plus crowd at Walshes Meadow
STOURPORT began strongly in their FA Vase fourth round 5-2 victory over Mickleover Sports. After just four minutes, Lea Shaw was on the end of Adrian Cooper's cross but fired over from eight yards. Good work between Lee Booth and Matt Southwick then let
A GOVERNMENT inspector is being called in to sort out the latest planning wrangle between Wychavon District Council and an Evesham company. Jet Plant Hire and the council are already at loggerheads over its plans to fund its move from its Badsey Road
GROWTH in employment through the regeneration of redundant farm buildings might be good news for those seeking work in the Vale but it could be storing up longer term problems, according to a Wychavon economic blueprint. The draft Wychavon Economic Development
AN Evesham hotel owner was taken at his word when he claimed Wychavon's public toilets were smart enough to eat in. After the district cleaned up in the National Loo of the Year contest, John Jenkinson, of the Evesham Hotel, said he would be happy to
YOUNG people in Broadway have once more appealed to members of the parish council for help in setting up a skate park. Thirteen boys from aged 13 to 16 years filed into the Lifford Hall last Thursday to plead their case to councillors. They said they
MORE needs to be done to limit the risk of the so-called "economy class syndrome", which could be causing more deaths than new-variant CJD, said a Euro MP this week. MEP for Warwickshire and Worcestershire, Liz Lynne, was very "disappointed" last week
BOYS from Wribbenhall Middle School are taking some beating on the five-a-side football pitch. Youngsters at the Bewdley school have won a place in the area finals of the Wagon Wheels National Cup. The competition is the UK's largest indoor football competition
TEENAGERS are fired up about the opening of a branch of one of the country's fastest growing youth organisations. The Young Firefighters' Association, which offers young people the chance to learn about the fire brigade, is due to hold its first official
A WEEK off has given Kidderminster Carolians extra time to rest their injured players before Saturday's President's Day home game with high-flying Stafford. KCs entertain their second-placed opponents in Midlands Three West (North) (2.15pm) after losing
THE young rising stars of Cleobury Mortimer seconds recorded a superb 51-5 win at Droitwich thirds on Saturday. With the firsts' home match against the same club postponed due to a frozen Cleobury pitch, Droitwich's ground was declared fit to play. The
LEADERS Stourport's chase for the North Midlands One title was held up by the weather on Saturday. Their trip to Bishop's Castle - a strong test of their promotion credentials - was postponed due to a frozen pitch. But they have their biggest match of
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers' promotion to the Football League came at a cost of record losses of over £400,000. The club has revealed a deficit of £416,457 for the financial year ending May 31, 2000, when Harriers lifted the Nationwide Conference title. Club
FORMER England manager Geoff Cooke believes Scott Barrow can make it to the very top after his blockbusting debut for Worcester Rugby Club. Sixways' chief executive was delighted with the 20-year-old's display in the 56-18 victory over Henley Hawks but
HEREFORD United may have to sell more of their star players to ease a financial crisis. The Bulls' board of directors have issued a statement outlining the club's "critical" situation, following criticism by fans of the recent £12,500 sale of defender
CHARITY groups that have long enjoyed cheap office accommodation at British Sugar have been quick to express dismay at the company's decision to move out. Among the worst hit will be the Dial-a-Ride service which co-ordinator Bob Hartell said will need
PLANS for a second phase in the Kidderminster town development plan have stumbled into problems with Wyre Forest planners. Artist impressions of a new-look town go on public display in Kidderminster Library today despite being sent back to developers
STEPS being taken to warn air passengers of the threat of deep vein thrombosis have been welcomed by a Worcestershire MEP. Liberal Democrat Liz Lynne developed the life-threatening condition after a four-hour flight from Crete a few months ago. She said
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers chairman Lionel Newton has quashed talk of an imminent ground move and insisted: "We will only leave Aggborough on our terms." Mr Newton, who took over the Harriers hot-seat two years ago, admitted he had been approached by a developer
A CHARITY which helps 30 disabled, elderly and infirm people has appealed for help in organising entertainment sessions for them. The Kidderminster Disabled Club (Wyre Forest & District) needs drivers to transport the people to Kidderminster's Red
AN explosive application has been approved by Wyre Forest planners. Rocket firm Royal Ordnance has been given lift off to erect a new building for making explosive paste. The rocket motors division wants to build a material processing building at its
ENTHUSIASTS are digging in to support a new gardening club in Chaddesley Corbett. Dozens of village folk have already shown an interest in Chaddesley Gardeners' Club which holds its inaugural meeting on Monday. The event takes place in the Methodist Hall
A FACTORY chimney which dominates the Kidderminster skyline is being taken down brick by brick. Demolition men are knocking down the 180ft Brintons chimney by climbing to the top and knocking the bricks into the hollow of the structure. They expect to
SENIOR citizens have delighted organisers of computer classes by their high speed dash to book a trip on the information super-highway. Age Concern in Kidderminster has been overwhelmed by enthusiastic silver surfers at its day club in Castle Road who
100 years ago January 26, 1901 EVESHAM: It was not until the newspapers arrived on Saturday morning that Evesham knew the serious condition in which her Majesty was lying. The grave information therein contained caused a good deal of consternation and
WORCESTERSHIRE'S cricketers have started to warm up for the 2001 season with regular indoor training sessions. Increasing fitness levels is their first priority under the watchful eye of assistant New Road coach Damian D'Oliviera. And by the time newly
A BRAVE policeman has spoken of his sorrow at diving into the icy River Severn in vain to save the life of a man who jumped in from a bridge. PC Scott Ward, of Kidderminster Police, leapt into action after 69-year-old Halesowen man Anthony Vickers jumped
NIMBLE-fingered visitors can have a go at creating willow sculptures during an open day at the Bishops Wood Environmental Education Centre. One of the attractions which is expected to prove popular among youngsters is a Viking Longship, made at a previous
BEWDLEY flood victims have demanded the Government takes a fresh look at river management and whether dredging should be used to stem the tides that have swamped their homes twice this winter. In face to face talks with Flood Minister Elliott Morley,
PICTURESQUE streets in Bewdley and Stourport will be protected from any future invasion by street traders under proposals for a ban to be considered today. But Kidderminster, although at present not included in Wyre Forest District Council recommendations
FOUR carnival stalwarts who have clocked up 65 years service between them are leaving to work with another town's committee. The president, treasurer and secretary of Stourport Carnival Committee have left their former positions to take up new roles with
Return visit CLASSICAL music fans in Stratford are to be treated to a return visit from young American conductor, Franz Anton Krager. His performance with the Orchestra of the Swan last year was extremely popular and he will now take charge of the opening
FORMER England manager Geoff Cooke believes Scott Barrow can make it to the very top after his blockbusting debut for Worcester Rugby Club. Sixways' chief executive was delighted with the 20-year-old's display in the 56-18 victory over Henley Hawks but
CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans for a giant waste burner in Kidderminster have called on objectors to take up their pens again after scoring a "magnificent" 1,588 letters of protest sent to Worcestershire County Council. Stop Kidderminster Incinerator leaders
HOSPITAL bus services for patients and relatives from Kidderminster to Worcester and Redditch have been hailed a success. First Midland Red bus company said there have been 25 per cent more passengers using the service than was predicted when it was launched
GARDENING SOCIETY: The New Year got off to an excellent start with a brilliant and amusing speaker, Bob Brown of Cotswold Garden Flowers in Badsey. His subject was Unusual Perennials. He stated that plants that are new, rare and unusual are usually that
BREDON'S NORTON: December 21 marked an important day in Bredon's Norton. The annual carol service was also the occasion when the stained glass window, paid for by private subscription from the village residents, was dedicated to commemorate the new millennium
SHEAR HOUSE WEDNESDAY COFFEE CLUB: The new year got off to a weak start, some members being away for the holiday break, and others poorly with winter colds etc. At the meeting the usual bring and buy monthly stall, done brisk trading after coffee and
TOY AND COLLECTORS FAIR: Chipping Norton School will be playing host to a Collectors Toy and Train Fair on February 18, from 10.30am to 3pm. A series of fairs are held throughout the year and future dates include April 22, September 2 and October 28.
CHURCH NEWS: On Sunday, there will be a service of Morning Prayer at St Nicholas at 9.30am led by Captain Eric Shaw.
WHIST DRIVE: The whist drive was organised by Miss F Ricketts and Mrs B Hodges, to raise funds for the County Air Ambulance Service. Mr John Chester, was MC, Mr C Bromfield, drawmaster. An extra dinner and wine etc raffle was held and raised £47 for the
PHOTOGRAPHY: Next Monday The Vale of Evesham Camera Club will be holding 'Club Competition No 3' with prints by Jeff Fletcher LRPS LMTA, at the Friends Meeting House, Cowl Street, Evesham, 7.15pm for a 7.30pm. New members welcome. CYCLISTS TOURING CLUB
PARISH COUNCIL: The first monthly meeting of the year took place on January 17. County councillor Clive Holt attended; councillors Lewis and Sharpe were absent through illness. In the public forum, Dr Hugh Nunn introduced Neil Dunlop, the newly-appointed
WEDNESDAY CLUB: Took its annual Christmas lunch at the Three Ways Hotel, Mickleton in early January. Two of the Hedgehog mini-buses were on duty to collect members from the outskirts of the village. The meal was excellent and the six large circular tables
HISTORY MEETING: A return visit by popular demand tomorrow (Friday) for members of the Westcote Local History Society of Mr Howard Gatling. Last year, Mr Gatling spoke on Cotswold Medieval Churches and tomorrow's meeting will hear him speak on "Raising
Stratford, Tuesday STRATFORD-on-Avon Stock Sales report medium steers to 97.50p (average 89.3p), heavies to 103.50p (94.2p). Light heifers to 90.50p (90.50p), medium to 107.50p (81.14p), heavies to 100.50p (81.93p). Light tegs to 110.30p (107.7p), standard
WORCESTERSHIRE is sharing with Herefordshire a buoyant economy and an optimitic outlook in business according to a survey of sales activity. Releasing the results of its latest quarterly survey until December, planning and policy manager of the Chamber
The changes are ringing at the former BT exchange, Kidderminster, which will be turned into a snooker and pool hall. Wyre Forest planners have given the green light to applicant Allied Leisure Ltd for a hall on the ground and first floor. The 14,500 sq
Civic Centre, Stourport - Goldilocks & The Three Bears Friday until February 3. Ombersley Memorial Hall - Nutcracker until Saturday. Malvern Theatres - The Gondoliers until Saturday. Alexandra, Birmingham - La Boheme Tuesday & Wednesday. Peter
WORCESTERSHIRE'S cricketers have started to warm up for the 2001 season with regular indoor training sessions. Increasing fitness levels is their first priority under the watchful eye of assistant New Road coach Damian D'Oliviera. And by the time newly
Evesham 7, Keresley 23 EVESHAM produced a disappointing display on Saturday in their Midlands West Three (South) League encounter with Keresley. It was a game that promised much as Evesham had run Keresley close in their meeting earlier in the season,
STAR-STRUCK residents from Bromsgrove were geared up for a visit from the crew of a leading car programme yesterday. Speed demons Tiff Needell, Jason Barlow and Vicki Butler-Henderson came to town to shoot the opening of a special Top Gear episode set
HUNDREDS of mourners turned up to pay their last respects to hairdresser to the stars Umberto Giannini who had a salon in Bromsgrove. The 33-year-old, whose client base included Madonna and Leonardo Di Caprio, died of a rare viral disease two weeks ago
THE remark by Mike Foster with the usual picture of himself that seems to accompany his every utterance (Tuesday, January 16), expressed a glib, satisfaction that violent crime had decreased. How can he claim political credit for his party, so obviously
TIM Pinney of the Worcestershire Countryside Alliance writes (You Say, January 17), "let's start to see some facts from our opponents." The stark, overriding fact is that foxes die horrendous deaths when caught by hounds. GEORGE COWLEY, Worcester.
6 MAY I assure Tim Pinney that I was fully aware of the fact of the date change for the previous vote on hunting. My point was (and is) that he stated, not suggested, what Mike Foster had done on that Monday evening. Could it be he wrote his letter prior
6 I AM not at all sure what H Ray is trying to prove (You Say, January 16) in his lengthy diatribe. But may I remind him of what I actually wrote in my earlier letter, which was that the barbed wire lined the fields on posts about two to three feet from
6 I AM grateful to Mr R G Spencer (You Say, January 17) for his honesty in identifying the debate about Britain's membership of the EU as a political one. In spite of being camouflaged in the language of patriotism and sweeping accusations of fraud and
THOSE looking for something unusual, active and sociable to do need look no further than DanceFest. The Worcestershire youth dance groups are busy preparing for their forthcoming performance of Digital Motion and are seeking new members. DanceFest, which
THE Murmur will be shouting from the rooftops on Saturday when they become the second Kidderminster band to show off their talents in the national Battle of the Bands competition. Kidderminster's indie-kings are in the spotlight at Wolverhampton's Little
THE headteacher of a Kidderminster school under threat of closure after a damning Ofsted report has vowed to make the grade within two years. That is the time Sladen Middle School has to reach standards required by Ofsted inspectors or face shut down.
EDUCATION SECRETARY DAVID BLUNKETT SPEAKS TO SHUTTLE/TIMES & NEWS READERS "I KNOW education is an important priority in Wyre Forest just as it is a top priority for this Government. It's why we have put so much effort and record investment into helping
DISTRICT headteachers have descended on Westminster to urge the Government for more money for Worcestershire schools. Representatives of Wyre Forest heads joined up to 200 colleagues from across the county to lobby ministers for fairer funding for the
FECKENHAM goal machine Andy Underwood, missing for three matches through work commitments, announced his return with a two goal salvo against Blackheath. The Millers won 3-1 and manager Clive Campion was left grateful for a weather-enforced postponement
Feckenham's planned trip to neighbours Kings Heath on Saturday has been changed. The Valley tenants willnow visit struggling Handrahan Timbers (ko 2.45pm). Kings Heath are at home to Meir KA (ko 2.45pm).
I HAVE some good news and bad news for L Spiteri. I have given up the start, stop, go, stop route down the A38 into Worcester for Astwood Road. I go via Rainbow Hill instead, thus doing my bit to save the planet. M SIMPKINS, Fernhill Heath, Near Worcester
THE refrain that "things ain't what they used to be" is often treated as a joke these days, but anyone watching a new video about a Cotswold village is bound to be shocked by the realisation of how true it really is, writes Andrew Flaxman. On the one
A LARGE portion of drive, a good spoonful of attitude and a pinch of the right look, all mixed in with "contacts, contacts, contacts" are what it takes to make it in the record business, explained Sean Forryan, former chef turned music biz guru, from
SOUTH Warwickshire farmers got together for a traditional British breakfast at Stratford Cattle Market this week, to celebrate the best in home produce. The Stratford branch of the NFU joined forces with Stratford Stock Sales and Grosvener Catering to
WARWICKHIRE Police has been praised for its work with minority groups over the past year, although the hard work has been going on longer in the county than it has for many forces, according to a senior officer. The Winning The Race: Embracing Diversity
EDUCATION secretary David Blunkett met head teachers at the Houses of Parliament yesterday (Wednesday) and promised to look into Worcestershire's school funding. The response followed one of the most impressive delegations of headteachers ever, said local
BENGEWORTH Lions began the second half of the season with a 7-3 victory over clubmates Diamonds in Division Two of the Evesham and District Association. Duggie Allen beat Roger Keyte 21-11, 21-16 and remains the only player in the division with a 100
MALVERN Tyres hopes to consolidate its position as a leading distributor and fitter of vehicle parts following a management buy-out. The firm completed the move with just four weeks of negotiations, buying the firm from national chain Kwik Fit. It means
A WORCESTER-based tour operator has welcomed news that British people are taking millions more trips within their own country and confirmed bookings have soared. They are making nearly 25 million more trips a year to see friends and relations than a decade
