Archive

  • Fresh date planned for regatta

    PROPOSALS are afloat to reschedule Worcester Rowing Club's Regatta. Saturday's event was scrapped due to a poor level of entries but organisers hope to combine it with the veteran and junior event, which is already planned for September 9. The new date

  • Last-ball six clinches it

    A DRAMATIC six off the last ball by Richard Belk gave University College Worcester a thrilling one-wicket victory over a Worcestershire Develop-ment XI at New Road yesterday. Set 200 to win in a 45-over match, the University looked out of it at 133-7

  • Monnavanna magic show

    Monnavanna, impressive winner of a Chester maiden two weeks ago, can show she is capable of better form by taking a Listed race at Goodwood tomorrow. Geoff Wragg's daughter of Machiavellian is already guaranteed to be of great value when she retires as

  • Horrified by proposal to build homes at chapel

    I WAS horrified and upset to read in last week's Advert-iser/Messenger that the New Song Community Church has applied for planning permission to build several homes on the site of the Ebenezor Chapel, in Sidemoor, Bromsgrove. Although it says at present

  • 23/5/01 - Jenner wants to come back

    JIM Jenner has admitted he "would love" to help Worcester Rugby Club into the Premiership. The 29-year-old, who is out of contract after being released by Newcastle Falcons, is set to hold talks with Worcester chairman Cecil Duckworth this week about

  • Tory posters vandalised

    TWO large election posters placed on wooden frames by the Conservative Party at Norton Farm, in Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove, were destroyed by vandals on Sunday night. Similar posters have been put on private land at all main road approaches to the town

  • Holding the baby while you're away

    BUSINESSMEN and women who worry about trade running smoothly in their absence can take advantage of a new scheme in Bromsgrove. Kenworth Business Services Ltd, in High Street, can "babysit" your business. The company has been running since July last year

  • Firm's ticket to ride

    A CABBIE from Droitwich Spa has teamed up with his boss to launch a stylish taxi service. NY Taxis boss David Honey and driver Paul Williams have started up NY Executive. The new business will run along side NY Taxis but will provide luxurious and stylish

  • On the move

    A LEADING house building company has moved to spacious offices in Stoke Prior to accommodate its expanding business. Prowting Homes has grown substantially in only four years and now employs 100 people at its new purpose- built offices, at Saxon Business

  • What's on guide

    Thursday May 24 l Tribute: Keep the Faith, Robin Hood, Merry Hill, Brierley Hill. l Music: The Magic Box, Symphony Hall, Broad Street, Birmingham, 7.30pm. l Comedy: Dave Gorman, Warwick Arts Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, 7.30pm. Friday May

  • Villagers force roadworks U-turn

    TRAFFIC chiefs slam-med on the brakes and ordered the reversal of a controversial £20,000 scheme to slow down drivers after protests from angry villagers. The order to scrap two chicanes aimed at slowing traffic on the busy main road at both ends of Fairfield

  • Rare chance to see Lunasa in action

    SIT and listen or get up and dance as Ireland's leading traditional band takes to the floor at Frankley's Old Chapel this Friday. So popular is Lunasa in the States that the chance to see them in the UK is increasingly rare. Be sure to book your tickets

  • Farmers' markets all set to return

    FARMERS' markets will return to Wychavon in June - three months after the foot-and-mouth crisis put paid to the initiative. The first market will be held on Saturday, June 2, in High Street, Droitwich. Along with fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables there

  • I hope he is alright

    RECENTLY John (Two Jags Left Hook) Prescott came to the CrownGate shopping centre during the Labour Party election campaign. The next thing that happened was that David Barlow disappeared as leader of the city council Labour group and he did not attend

  • Justice not been done

    "JUSTICE not been done" said the Evening News headline (Tuesday, May 15). How right you are. This young girl, subjected to an horrific paedophile assault such as this, should have heard that very weak judge sentence this animal to at least 20 years. He

  • I deplore the sacking of rugby club coach

    WHILE understanding the desperate urge of Worcester RFC Committee to see the club in the Premier league, I can only deplore the sacking of Adrian Skeggs. As an occasional visitor to Sixways, I recently watched the home match against Orrell. The first

  • School will go out on a high note

    A TOWN school due to close as a result of a massive education shake-up in Redditch will go out with a bang when it holds a spectacular concert and fireworks display. Past and present staff and students of Bridley Moor High School will come together to

  • Things can only improve: Jones

    BARNT Green Cricket Club captain Lyndon Jones pointed to several factors for his side's poor start to the Birmingham Premier League Premier Division season. The Cherry Hill Road outfit have lost their first three games of the season and are slumped at

  • Pounding the campaign trail

    THE Conservative candidate for Redditch handed in her nomination papers on Thursday accompanied by her £500 deposit ... in pound coins. Karen Lumley said one of the main pledges in her election address was to keep the pound. "We paid the deposit in pound

  • Richard Armstrong - Green Party

    FORMAL education should give children the chance to fulfil their full potential. Many times it is seen as mere training for a job. Creative talent should be encouraged both for school students and higher education students. Education is seen as a need

  • Mike Ashall - Liberal Democrat

    Britain has been held back by under-investment in education. The Conservatives failed to fund schools and colleges adequately. Labour has done too little to put things right. In schools they have invested in paperwork, not people, demoralised teachers

  • George Flynn - UK Independence Party

    OUR party believes in a return to more traditional methods of teaching. I want to see the balance of power taken from educational bureaucrats more towards governors, headteachers, teachers them- selves and more involvement of parents to encourage. Equal

  • Karen Lumley - Conservative

    Education, Education, Education - that was Tony Blair's main promise to this country and to Redditch at the last General Election. We moved to Redditch with our two teenage children at the beginning of 2000 and bought a home, along with many other people

  • Ian Gregory - UK Independence Party

    IAN Gregory, 25, came to Bromsgrove from Yorkshire in 1998 after studying environmental manage- ment and technology at Sunderland. He works in Worcester and is engaged to be married in September. Mr Gregory said: ''The UK Independence Party stands for

  • Response to letter

    THE criticism by Mr T McDonald of my letter on the matter of prisoners being able to vote, contained so many accusations that I had to re-read it to see why he was so irate. I didn't oppose the principle of prisoners voting, but I voiced an objection

  • Cost of transport

    I WAS interested to read your recent article headed "Town hospitals are among the best." The article suggests these hospitals benefit patients from Bromsgrove and Droitwich. It doesn't give the location of the hospitals. Since the closure of the NHS hospital

  • It's a question of how much time

    CLLR Richard Morris - and no doubt his colleagues on Droitwich Spa Town Council - must feel a sense of keen frustration about the lack of interest displayed by the general public in the town's affairs. He's absolutely right to try to persuade people to

  • Soccer school

    A SERIES of soccer courses are planned next week by Kidderminster Harriers' busy community scheme. Children aged between six and 14 are catered for and each session, running between 10am and 3pm, will have a European theme. Harriers will recreate the

  • Youth team does double

    KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have won the Midland Floodlit Youth League as the talented youngsters near the end of a hectic schedule of games. They now just have a Herefordshire Cup final next Thursday against Tupsley Pegasus at Bromyard (7.30pm). Worcestershire

  • 50 years ago

    May 26, 1951 FOR the first time in history, a team representing Redditch has won its way into the all-England finals of the St John Ambulance Brigade First Aid competitions. In the regional finals of the Dewar Shield - a national trophy for which teams

  • 25 years ago

    May 21, 1976 DEADLY weedkiller containing paraquat poison is once again being used on Redditch New Town estates. After a Matchborough residents pointed out to the Indicator the renewed use of the poison, the Redditch Development Corporation confirmed

  • UEF workers in dark

    STAFF at one of Bromsgrove's largest employers are being kept in the dark over rumours the firm may be taken over by a giant India company, it was claimed yesterday. Peter McDonald, Bromsgrove's Lab-our candidate in the forthcoming General Election, spoke

  • Attempted murder may hold clues to Julian's death

    AN attempted murder in North Wales may hold more clues to the death of a man found decapitated in a Rednal park, police have said. Police investigating the linked murders of Julian Sanders and his workmate Colin Foulkes, say they are also liaising with

  • Trial date is set

    THE boss of a wheel-clamping firm operating in Bromsgrove has appeared before Redditch Magistra-tes charged with threatening behaviour. Andrew Minshull, from Birmingham Road, Redditch, has pleaded not guilty to threatening a woman whose car he had clamped

  • Taxi firm hit by blaze

    SIX vehicles belonging to a Bromsgrove taxi firm were damaged when a spark from a backfiring car set a workshop alight. The car responsible for igniting combustible materials in the timber and corrugate iron building belonging to Clearway, of Meadow Road

  • Wendy's call for women

    WOMEN'S self-defence courses come to Bromsgrove next month, courtesy of British Free Fighting Academy black belt Wendy Hopwood. Wendy, a free fighting national instructor, will take the four-week sessions available to women aged 15 and above. The classes

  • Lecturers go on strike

    LECTURERS at a Bromsgrove college staged a picket yesterday following a dispute over pay. Around half of the lecturers at New College, in Blackwood Road, who are members of NATFHE, the university and college lecturer's union, chose not to turn up to class

  • Town's misery

    BROMSGROVE Cricket Club slumped to an eight-wicket defeat at table-toppers Moseley to stay at the bottom of Birmingham Premier League Division One on Saturday. Jason Vaughan Davis (59) helped hoist Paul Duffy's men to 205 but Ian Stokes (82) and Ian Westwood

  • Fair organiser Sue's potty over politics

    WITH the election campaign well under way, visitors to a craft exhibition in Lickey will be able to go potty over politics. Toby jugs in the image of Prime Minister Tony Blair and Opposition Leader William Hague will be on sale at an arts and craft exhibition

  • Social club's future hangs in balance

    THE future of Stoke Prior Sports and Social Club still hangs in the balance as a special sub-committee has been set up to investigate the options. Set in the village's Westonhall Road, the venue, which is used by a variety of sporting and leisure clubs

  • Solihull & District Orchid Society

    FOR the May meeting, Malcolm Perry gave a talk and slide show on Bulbophyllums. These unusual plants vary from the minute and delicate to huge plants with large flowers, some with exquisite perfume and others that smell quite foul. Next month there is

  • Studley Local History Group

    THE inaugural meeting took place on May 8, when members of the public elected a committee and approved a constitution. More than 60 people enjoyed discussion of the memorabilia brought along for the occasion. Old photographs were to the fore and the mixed

  • May 25, 1901

    JOHN Richardson of Mill Fields appeared before Bromsgrove magistrates on a charge of not having a dog licence. 100 years ago May 25, 1901 JOHN Richardson of Mill Fields appeared before Bromsgrove magistrates on a charge of not having a dog licence. The

  • Volunteer for the Primrose Hospice

    A WEEK of fundraising events is planned for a Bromsgrove hospice and volunteers are urgently needed to ensure it is a success. Wear Yellow Week, which starts on June 18, is a major appeal for funds for the Primrose Hospice and Cancer Help Centre. It forms

  • Praise from watchdog

    A "HAPPY and friendly" Fairfield playgroup chalked up top class marks after a visit from education watchdogs. OFSTED inspectors visited Fairfield Pre-School, based at the village hall, in Stourbridge Road, and said there had been "good" improvement since

  • Lucy's in spin to raise cash

    A FITNESS fanatic from Rubery is set to get in a spin to raise cash for a charity which is close to her heart. Lucy Cole has enlisted the help of 21 of her friends at Greens Health and Fitness Club, at Birmingham's Great Park. They plan to take part in

  • Queen gives Jim his MBE

    A BROMSGROVE man dedicated to supporting the arts in the town has collected his MBE which he was awarded in the New Year's Honours List. Jim Page, who received the honour for services to Local and National Voluntary Arts Organisations, collected his award

  • Stars come out for comic turn

    AN all-star cast is set to bring a classic farce back to The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, next week. Eric Sykes, Christopher Biggins, Bruce Montague and Neil Mullarkey star in Charley's Aunt, which runs from Monday until Saturday, June 2. The play is set

  • Firebugs face blitz

    A SPATE of "nuisance" arson attacks in Redditch has prompted talks between police and the fire brigade on how to tackle the problem. On Saturday, thousands of pounds damage was caused to Dixons estate agents in Church Green East after a fire started in

  • Broder stars as idealistic Colt

    ARE certain qualifications worth the paper they are written on? Not if the premise of The External, at Malvern Theatres, is to be believed. Nave but uptight young external assessor Dr David Colt (Jake Broder) is brought into an established university

  • Enjoy Business Affairs is it comes your way

    WHAT a refreshing change to see a good old British farce entertaining a theatre filled of people from all walks of life and ages. Business affairs, which ran at the Malvern Theatre, was full of double entendres, boob jokes. But with hardly a swear word

  • A game overload for club

    THREE games in as many days await Kidderminster Cricket Club in a hectic Bank Holiday weekend. And they will be waiting anxiously on the fitness of Worcestershire's Reuben Spiring who has been their main run scorer so far. Kidderminster entertain Aston

  • Black Country woe for town side

    KIDDERMINSTER picked up just two points in the Birmingham and District Premier League, losing by six wickets at bogey side Wolverhampton. The damp Danescourt pitch proved difficult early on and the late arrival of star bat Reuben Spiring forced captain

  • Kington romp to big victory

    WORCESTERSHIRE League Division One leaders Kington had no problem in recording their fifth win in as many games when they beat Bewdley by eight wickets. The Herefordshire club won the toss and put Bewdley in to bat, Gwynne soon taking two wickets. The

  • Last-wicket woe for Hall

    VICTORIA/BLAKELEY Hall came close to victory in Worcestershire League Division Three against Oldswinford but the last man fell with six runs needed. Oldswinford batted first and were reduced to 48-5 with David Bannister claiming three early wickets. Dropped

  • Cook's century

    DAVE Cook's 115 not out led Stourport to a winning draw at home to Amblecote in Worcestershire League Division Three. Stourport were put in to bet and after good early work by Bevan Neill and Simon Smith (33), a superb partnership between Cook and Chris

  • Smith's swing seals the win

    SWING bowler Rob Smith blitzed local rivals Bridewell on Saturday as he claimed Stone's best ever league figures. Smith tore through the visitors to finish with a career best 8-22 as Bridewell were shot out for 33 in 19.4 overs in the Worcestershire County

  • Day with stars

    YOUNGSTERS can spend the day with the stars at Worcestershire's match with the Australian touring side on Sunday, June 3. Anyone aged 11 to 14 can join in net practice and hone their cricket techniques at New Road, Worcester, in support of ChildLine.

  • Soccer man sent down

    A SOCCER club official has been jailed for 10 years after a ferocious baseball bat attack left his estranged wife seriously injured. Peter Townsend had been living in the clubhouse at Barnt Green Spartak FC since his marriage broke up. But he snapped

  • 'Quit fight' call to hospital campaigner

    WYRE Forest Labour General Election candidate David Lock has urged his independent rival to bow out of the race for Westminster, accusing him of misleading voters. Mr Lock alleges that Dr Richard Taylor has "done a U-turn" over criticism of services at

  • Areas open as disease eases in countryside

    TWO more areas of Herefordshire will be re-opened in time for the Bank Holiday weekend after foot-and-mouth forced their closure. Ramblers will be able to enjoy Newtown Coppice and Dinedor Camp, which are both near Hereford, both of which have been closed

  • And finally ... Youth group says thanks

    A WORCESTER youth group has thanked people who helped it get back on its feet. The Streets Ahead organisation asked for assistance earlier this year, partly to overcome the effects of a burglary and also because the premises in Dines Green was in a state

  • Woman killed in car crash

    A YOUNG Kidderminster woman was killed when the car she was driving collided with one travelling in the opposite direction in Redditch. Rachel Sugden, 23, of Marlowe Close, was driving a red Ford Fiesta XR2 along the A4189 from Henley-in-Arden to Redditch

  • Lucky 13 points pushes Spa up the table

    IN Saturday's Worcestershire County League Division One fixture against Bromyard, Droitwich were put into bat on a slightly damp wicket, and found runs hard to come by on a seaming wicket. Progress was slow until the introduction of the returning L P

  • Kiddy just too good for lads

    BROMSGROVE under-15s fell easy victims to Kidderminster under-15s in the first round of the Sun Life of Canada knockout competition, losing by 50 runs. The visitors batted first, scoring 107 runs for four wickets off their allotted 20 overs, Cadwallader

  • Barnes leads the way in heat wins

    BROMSGROVE Olympique Cycling Club's riders were in action at several venues over the last few weeks, with considerable success for many. The club's Raleigh Challenge cycle skills test at North Bromsgrove High School saw several local heat winners, including

  • School tag rugby is alive and kicking in Spa

    THIRTEEN first school teams from across Wychavon met at Droitwich Rugby Club's Glyn Mitchell memorial ground for the SSAB Swedish Steel/Regal Garage Year Three and Four Tag rugby tournament last Wednesday. This was the second year Droitwich hosted a tag

  • Court staff could call strike

    STRIKE action could throw Droitwich Spa's courts into chaos. Staff at Worcestershire courts, including the Spa's Ombersley Street East court, are considering boycotting work over being moved to new buildings. About 75 per cent of court staff face a transfer

  • Liaise with the old people also

    I WOULD like to congratulate Pc Stan Baker (Advertiser, May 9). Perhaps he could do the same for old people and increase the number of incidents they report. At present, old people say the following: "It's no good reporting any incident to the police,

  • Fear for workers

    I AM extremely concerned for the health, safety and sanity of the ladies who work at the ticket counter at First Midland Red. The noise and vibration caused by the construction of the new bus station next door is deafening within the confines of that

  • In memoriam

    THE League of Friends of the Alexandra Hospital would like to extend sincere thanks to friends and family who have donated to us in memory of the following: Annie Aldred, Ron Batson, Mabel Brown, Ernest Courtney, Thelma Darby, Charles Gibson, Patrick

  • Couple's story is so uplifting

    WHAT a wonderful story you printed (Advertiser, May 9) regarding Mr and Mrs Oliver going to Brazil to do missionary work for the Salvation Army. It is uplifting to hear of such energetic and Christian people devoting their lives to such unfortunate human

  • Redditch Town Centre Churches Covenant

    LISTENING to the radio this week, I was amused to hear there is now even more of a reason (if one were needed) for watching the great Tiger Woods play golf. Apparently, it has been shown that whenever he is successful in competition, trading on the US

  • Big swing forward

    GOLF gem Aaron Rogers caused a stir by picking up the trophy at the Worcestershire Junior County Championships. Held at his home club, Kidderminster in Russell Road, the 13-year-old Wolverley High School pupil impressed off a handicap of 19. Rogers' achievement

  • Singles title for William

    TABLE TENNIS: William Pritchard won the handicap singles over Tom McDermott in Kidderminster Table Tennis League's 59th finals night at Kidderminster Harriers Social Club. Pritchard triumphed 21-18, 21-11 in the clash of two of the most improved players

  • Medals for Baylis duo

    SWIMMING: Twin brothers from Wyre Forest Swimming Club won silver medals at the Haden Hill Open Meet. Daniel Baylis took silver in the 50 metres freestyle, plus a finalist medal in the 50m butterfly, where his brother Jonathon won silver. Times achieved

  • Malley takes the honours in Open

    JUDO: There was a high standard of entry for the Samurai Senior Open with a sea of black belts as the host club took five medals in a tremendous sporting atmosphere. World veterans champion Joyce Malley dominated the ladies section, winning the gold both

  • Ladies get moving with first victories

    TENNIS: Hilary Hatt and Wendy King, ladies A and B captains at Stourport Tennis Club, led their players to their first victories of the season. The A team beat Droitwich 5-2 and the B side overcame Barnt Green 6-0. Hatt and Carole Lewis have yet to lose

  • Super Phil gets award

    HOCKEY: Stourport's Phil Lashford was presented with the National League Division One top goalscorer award after notching up 18 goals during the season. Lashford received the award from club chairman Steve Taylor at the club's annual dinner and awards

  • Girl power in Race for Life

    GIRL power has taken over a Bromsgrove health club which is training town women for a charity fitness challenge. LivingWell Bromsgrove, based at the Hilton Hotel, in Birmingham Road, is joining forces with the Imperial Cancer Research Fund to support

  • A high result

    ATHLETICS: Stourport High School's boys and girls athletics teams finished fourth in the English Schools Athletics Association Schools Cup at Worcester's Nunnery Wood. There were outstanding performances from Matt Lucas in the 200m (25.40 seconds), Lewis

  • Foot and mouth results negative

    FEARS a Redditch farm could have been hit by foot and mouth disease have been laid to rest after test results taken from 181 sheep came back negative. The sheep were slaughtered last Saturday on suspicion of having the disease at Cross Lane Farm, in Elcock's

  • Best for runners

    ATHLETICS: Two Amazing Feet Running Club members recorded personal best times at the 20th Hereford marathon-and-a-half. Both Debbie Sault and Nicola Beecroft were in form as they both completed their first half-marathons. Sault finished in 1 hour 55 minutes

  • Designer sign could cut speed

    A £13,000 unit designed to curb speed was piloted by Redditch Highways Partnership Unit on Thursday. The speed activated sign, called Speed Alert, is attached to a trailer and is an educational tool used to make drivers aware of the speed they are travelling

  • Woman killed in car accident

    A WOMAN from Kidderminster died after an accident near Studley. Rachel Sugden, 23, was driving a red Ford Fiesta XR2i which was in collision with another car at about 8.50pm on Sunday on the A4189 at Mappleborough Green. A 32-year-old male passenger in

  • Arkell's lesson

    CHESS: Grandmaster Keith Arkell defeated all 16 opponents in a simultaneous exhibition at Kidderminster Chess Club. Kidderminster players taking part: Maurice Bissell, Peter Yates, John Wrench, Frank Pickett, Tim Yates, Mark Riley, Bill Pugh, Paul Thomas

  • Centre fire was 'difficult' to find

    FIRE crews spent almost two hours trying to locate a blaze in the Kingfisher Centre in the early hours of yesterday. Fibre boarding between walls caught fire in a part of the centre above Royal Square. And it was not the first time firefighters have been

  • Medal for Mann

    GOLF: Wendy Mann has been enjoying success at Habberley Golf Club. Mann was the Bronze Division winner of the Charles Healey Medal and partnered Jenny Dickie to victory in the Coronation Foursomes. Janet Harrison won the Silver Division Medal. Derek Hill

  • 999 crews start to feel the heat

    THE "summer madness" season for booze-fuelled brawls and drink-related incidents across the town has begun in earnest - meaning a heavier workload for Redditch ambulance crews. Two weekends of hot weather resulted in more than half of the incidents dealt

  • Service reductions

    TOWN hall services will be reduced on Friday due to the electricity supply being turned off as part of building work in Royal Square. Redditch Council has tested what can be run on the town hall's own generators and only limited corridor lighting will

  • Zsuzsa is star of OSCA group

    AGROUP in Redditch is benefiting from the services of a conductive education worker who helps with the care of poorly children. The group, Our Special Children's Association (OSCA), meets every Wednesday at St George's Church Hall caring for children

  • Groups to gain at end of era

    VOLUNTARY and community groups across the town will soon be able to get their hands on a wide range of office equipment and furniture following the winding down of a multi-million pound community project. The Community Works programme was established

  • Halt urged on bus fare chaos

    ALVECHURCH Parish councillors have pledged their support to concerned pensioners in the village who are angry at the inconsistency in bus fares. District councillor Jean Luck said at the parish council's annual meeting last Monday she had received complaints

  • Vigil on air quality

    COOPER'S Hill in Alvechurch was due to be declared an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) today following the results of a Bromsgrove Council study which revealed nitrogen dioxide levels may exceed Government targets by 2005. It is predicted the site will

  • Group's joy at drama prizes

    WYTHALL Theatre Company is going from strength to strength after recently sweeping the awards board thanks to members' dramatic efforts. The trail of success began at the area heats of the All England Play Festival with Wythall's production of Too Long

  • Rock band's city gig date

    A REDDITCH band which recently toured with Midlands group Ocean Colour Scene is continuing to ride the wave of success by playing at Ronnie Scott's in Birmingham next week. Four-piece indie/rock band Late is made up of singer and rhythm guitarist Dan

  • Junior football results

    CATSHILL U8s enjoyed the Catshill five-a-side fun day tournament winning three games, drawing two, scoring nine goals and only conceding two. The lads eventually came through as outright winners with Headless Cross runners up. Team members were Matthew

  • Players wanted for next season

    THE newly formed Bromsgrove Athletic FC, who will be playing at under-13s next season, still need a few more good players. Anyone interested should contact Philip Hill on (01527) 871733 or 07751 484460. l HANBURY U9s are looking for players for next season

  • Studley hit by ace Jenkins

    WYCHBOLD RBL (1) 4 Studley Sporting (0) 2. After a cracking 6-0 victory over closest rivals Mayfly last week, all the good work was undone on Thursday with a defeat against in-form Lodge Park by 3-2. A good result against Studley Sporting was a must and

  • Spa's football presentation

    DROITWICH Spa under-15s held their presentation night on Saturday at South Bromsgrove High School. Spa's managers Phil Walters and Mark Bourne congratulated the squad on their tremendous season, which saw them win the Mercian League Cup and finish runners

  • Swifts so near to title

    BOSS Rod Brown has revealed he plans to build on his Stourport Swifts squad regardless of the result of Thursday's biggest game in their history. Swifts must win by a two-goal margin at Bloxwich to overtake Rushall for the Midland Alliance championship

  • £40,000 prize for the top angler

    MOORLANDS Fishery is one of 11 venues to host the regional stages of the Rodders 2 Day £40K Challenge. Anglers can fish a one-day first round and try to claim the big catch that will take them through to the final at Moorlands on September 15. Points

  • Swifts chasing a two-goal margin

    STOURPORT SWIFTS 1 Oadby Town 1 All champions need their fair share of luck and if Monday night was anything to go by, Stourport Swifts are certainly not lacking that valuable commodity. Swifts may have dominated many games this season but the visit of

  • Seventh title in a row for boys

    ST John's Tigers U-16s completed a remarkable achievement to the delight of manager John Clarke in his last season. Tigers have won their Stourport and District League division every year since they started out as U-10s. The players have sometimes changed

  • New signings?

    BANKS'S Brewery League side Chaddesley Corbett hope to sign ex-Brierley Hill and Lye Town player Jamie Glover. And defender Chris Darby may return to the club after a spell with Cradley Town. Chaddesley are also trying to tempt Cradley physio Chris Knight

  • Deviate drop

    WOODTHORPE Wanderers went top of the Kidderminster Six-a-Side Soccer League table by beating Deviate 3-1. Peacock moved off the bottom with an 8-4 victory over Three Lions. Results: Baggeridge 2, Sporting Madrid 2; Three Lions 4, Peacock 8; Briars 1,

  • Mel's USA bound

    MIDFIELD general Mel Fowler is heading stateside to pass on her football knowledge. The 20-year-old Kidderminster Harriers Ladies star jets out to Massachusetts, USA, on July 14 to take six weeks coaching. Fowler, who teaches adults with learning difficulties

  • Charity ball axed

    A CHARITY ball in memory of a town schoolboy killed by cancer has been cancelled. Party-goers were due to raise cash for Alistair's Appeal at the Chateau Impney, in Droit-wich, on Friday July 6. But ticket sales have been poor and his parents, Debi and

  • Plans to reduce speed in village

    PLANS to cut the speed limit through a village near Droitwich Spa are moving forward. Wychavon Highways Partnership Unit has proposed the speed limit through Cutnall Green should be cut from 50mph to 40mph. Details of the proposal have been posted around

  • Tenants to raise issues

    TOWN tenants can have their say on a range of housing issues at a forthcoming fun day. Wychavon Tenants' Association is hosting a conference at Droitwich Spa High School, Briar Mill, on Saturday June 9. People renting Spa Housing Association properties

  • Katy's Dallas adventure

    A STOURPORT graduate is passing on her rugby skills as the sport emerges in the USA. Katy McGowan, 22, is playing scrum-half for Dallas Debutants while on an 18-month YMCA Multinational Leadership training scheme. McGowan, who used to live in Elan Avenue

  • Cracking down on the bogus callers

    A CRACKDOWN on bogus callers has been launched to protect elderly town residents from crooks. Spa Care Services, which manages sheltered housing complexes in Droitwich, is urging tenants to stop, think and check when opening the door to strangers. The

  • Power struggle is under way

    AMBITIOUS candidates vying for Worcestershire County Council seats are out to impress Spa voters who hold the key to their success. The nomination period for hopefuls is over and now the hard work begins for those who want to play a part in running the

  • Singer's show at London Palladium

    A FORMER Droitwich Spa High School student is preparing to perform at the London Palladium. Talented Simon Eggerton, who uses the stage name Simon Heath, is studying at the London School of Musical Theatre. He has scooped a role in a variety show performance

  • TV's Davina donates trousers

    TV presenter Davina McCall has donated a pair of signed trousers to be auctioned at a town charity ball. Acorns Children's Hospice Trust is holding the event at the Copcut Elm, near Droitwich Spa, on Friday June 8. The event begins with a champagne reception

  • Chaddesley trashed

    CHADDESLEY Corbett were thrashed at Pedmore by 115 runs in Worcestershire League Division One. The home side batted first and Ian Chambers removed A Costello in the third over. But a good stand of 91 between J Smith and D McDonnell in just 24 overs set

  • Horne blast too much

    CHAINWIRE'S Steve Horne took 9-16 in 13 overs to make sure of victory over Brintons in a Worcestershire League Division Six encounter . Horne was Chainwire's opening bowler and demolished the Brintons batting as they were dismissed for just 65 runs. Chainwire

  • Victory is so sweet for battling British Sugar

    CARL Wills took 7-19 to help British Sugar beat Chainwire Cavaliers by 77 runs in their Stainweld Cricket League Sunday Cup first round match. Also in the cup, Wolverley Social's Geoff Allen took 6-7, helping dismiss Cookley for 34 runs. Social's Ben

  • Monthly meet

    THE monthly meeting of Kidderminster umpires will be at Harriers Social Club on Tuesday from 7.30pm.

  • Former chief executive is under fire

    THE former chief executive of the district council who was made redundant from his £63,000 a year job last November is sharply criticised this week in a report by the man who took over his role. The report by Bromsgrove District Council's corporate director

  • Baby Lauren re-admitted to hospital

    A SICK Worcester baby who looked set to spend her first birthday at home has suffered a setback after being re-admitted to hospital. Lauren Davis was born with a rare digestive disorder at the Royal Infirmary last May, unable to hold down her food, vomiting

  • Schoolgirl fighting for her life after accident

    A SCHOOLGIRL is fighting for her life after a collision with a car on a busy Worcestershire road. Thirteen-year-old Stephanie Mace and a friend were crossing the Pershore Road in Evesham when they were involved in a collision with a Volkswagen Golf at

  • She's a fighter!

    A WOMAN who recovered from cancer with the help of her family has pledged to run the Imperial Cancer Res-earch Fund Race for Life. Nicky Lowe was diagnosed with breast cancer last August and underwent surgery to remove both her ovaries as well as having

  • Skatepark needs planning consent

    PLANS to rebuild the town's controversial skatepark must be approved by planning chiefs before teenagers can use the facility. Last week, we revealed that ramps at Droitwich Spa Adventure Playground could be back in use by the summer, thanks to Droitwich

  • Alarm at plan for community land

    PARISH leaders on a Worcester housing estate have expressed their disappointment after seeing a plan for the future of a piece of land. A site development brief has been prepared concerning the former sheltered housing site near the Tesco supermarket,

  • British Legion to fight court battle

    ROYAL British Legion members have vowed to fight a court battle and overturn an order to keep the noise down at their Worcester premises. Worcester City Council has served a noise abatement notice on the Claines branch, following complaints from residents

  • Series of live election debates

    WORCESTERSHIRE'S voters are being given the chance to question the county's parliamentary hopefuls during a series of live election debates. BBC Hereford & Worcester is to host the series of special debates which will be held during the next 10 days

  • Mock election test

    THE parliamentary credentials of Worcester's would-be MP's have been put to the test at a mock election campaign. Pupils at the Royal Grammar School will be going to the polls this Thursday. They invited parliamentary candidates to roll out their programmes

  • Trust will help ex-employees

    PAST employees of a former department store's Kidderminster branch could be in line for cash pay-outs. Owen Owen was a major employer, with more than 5,000 workers in the Midlands alone, and staff who worked for the now obsolete nationwide store and have

  • Chemists rota

    REDDITCH town centre rota chemist is Carrington and Turner, Church Green West, open every day except Saturday and Sunday until 7pm. Foxlydiate Chemist, Batchley Road, Batchley, is open on Sunday from 10-11am. Knights Chemist, Evesham Road, Crabbs Cross

  • Crabb digs in as 'Croft feel the pain

    IN a tense finish Avoncroft First XI failed to overhaul Domines and Guilds' modest score of 149, succumbing to a second home defeat by just 17 runs in Worcestershire County League Division Four. With the ground under water just 48 hours before the match

  • Clubs net lottery cash to improve standards

    TWO Rubery badminton clubs are celebrating after being awarded a £2,598 lottery grant. Colmers Farm Badminton Club and South Birmingham Junior Badminton Club, based at Colmers Farm Leisure Centre, Bristol Road South, received the award in March. The cash

  • Natalie's on the glory trail again

    NATALIE Clifford continued the winning habit instilled in her at Bromsgrove Rugby Club earlier this month. Natalie reluctantly left the excellent mini and junior set up at Finstall Park last year when, under the Rugby Football Union regulations, she was

  • Crawford's Oz adventure

    DROITWICH rugby ace Nicky Crawford left for a four week tour of Australia and New Zealand at the weekend. Winger, Crawford, along with Worcester Ladies team-mates Joanne Yapp and Nicola Goodwin were all included in the 28-strong England squad that play

  • Families join forces to beat arsonists

    HOUSING chiefs and tenants in Droitwich Spa are teaming up in an attempt to transform a troubled block of flats into a safe haven. Arsonists have plagued Charland Court, off Shepherds Way, leaving residents fearing for their lives. The Charland Cry campaigners

  • Election vote 'is irrelevant'

    DROITWICH Spa's General Election battle is a foregone conclusion, according to an independent electoral monitoring group. Mid-Worcestershire is one of 445 constituencies where the most recently elected party is virtually guaranteed to win again on June

  • Dismay at plans for yet another bar

    I AM writing to express my utter dismay that yet another bar is planned for the town centre on the site of the old cinema. With the wealth of land which has been made available over the last few years in the town centre, do three big bars and a bingo

  • School area much tidier

    HOW pleased we were to see in the Advertiser (May 9) that Arrow Vale Community High School had taken part in a Keep Redditch Tidy litter pick. A few weeks ago, we had occasion to write to that school about the amount of litter in its vicinity. We are

  • Vision matters in tale of riverbank

    IMAGINE this scene... the centre of Worcester no longer cut off from the River Severn but flowing down to meet its historic artery; a hotel, or even well-designed homes, on the WRI site; a new arts centre in the Butts; a "cultural village" of shops and

  • Jobs plight of sufferers

    THIS week is National Epilepsy Week (May 20-26) and I am writing to you as an associate member of the National Society for Epilepsy to ask for your help in raising awareness and understanding of epilepsy. The theme of this year's National Epilepsy Week

  • Proud parents say thank you

    MAY we, as proud parents, through the columns of your newspaper, send grateful thanks to the doctors and nurses attached to the delivery suite and Special Care Baby Unit at the Alexandra Hospital? Kimberley and Rebecca arrived eight weeks premature and

  • New target for council

    YOUNG people and ethnic minority groups are to be targeted to ask what they think of services provided by Redditch Council. Only 45 young people and 40 people from ethnic backgrounds were among 1,733 residents who responded to a massive council survey

  • Dot takes over as town mayor

    A FORMER chairman of Batchley Residents' Association has been elected as the new Redditch Mayor. Councillor Dot Dudley has been on the council for five years. She is a widow and has four children. She first joined the council after years of involvement

  • Brett surprises seniors

    SHOOTING: Winning the Hereford and Worcestershire junior section was not enough for 15-year-old clay pigeon shooter Brett Thomas. The Stourport High School pupil did so well at Sporting Heights, Clows Top, that he also beat all the senior shooters to

  • Smith in second

    ATHLETICS: Steve Smith has recorded two second places for Kidderminster Running Club in recent events. At the Worcestershire County Track and Field event at Stourport, he took the silver medal in 16 minutes 23 seconds. And on Sunday he crossed the second

  • Not far off finals

    GOLF: Kidderminster Golf Club's pairing of Nick Underwood and David Perkins were not successful in their bid to qualify for the final of the Lombard Trophy. But the duo came a commendable joint seventh - just two points behind the winners. Underwood is

  • Tennis courses

    TENNIS: Courses starting on Saturday at Kidderminster Youth House will cater for many ages. Ray Shuck's Applied Sports Coaching will be at the Bromsgrove Street venue from 10.30am to 11.30am for 14 to 20-year-olds. And nine to 14-year-olds can learn more

  • Whitehouse win

    GOLF: Keith and Diane Whitehouse won the Mixed Foursomes at Little Lakes Golf Club ahead of Ken Wilson and Pat Taylor.

  • Arthur's hour

    GOLF: Arthur Humphries won the Seniors Veterans Cup at Cleobury Mortimer with a terrific display. Humphries, playing off a handicap of 12, put together a winning score of 41 points. In second place was Jim Seward with 41 points off a 16 handicap and third

  • Grimwoods are in form

    SAILING: There was a quiet weekend's sailing at Trimpley because many members were competing at the Himley 24 Hour Race. The Saturday GP14 Series saw Eric and Doreen Grimwood hold off Ray Drury and his crew in both races though Drury took the second race

  • Lecturers strike over pay claims

    NEW College students faced disruption yesterday as lecturers went on strike over pay and working conditions. The one-day strike was the beginning of a national campaign of industrial action to close the pay gap between further education lecturers and

  • Cook's Open plan

    SWIMMING: Sisters Jodie and Aimee Cook are ready to take the plunge at the Welsh Open in Swansea next month. The Holy Trinity School students have been training with Wyre Forest Swimming Club for the last two years. Jodie, 10, and Aimee, nine, cheer each

  • Work begins on Alcad site

    DIGGERS will move in to start work on a £20 million development on contaminated land in Redditch a week on Monday. After years of uncertainty, the former Alcad factory site will be transformed to include a mosque, about 50 affordable one and two-bedroom

  • Park pair qualify

    GOLF: Daniel Clee and James Ward, of Wharton Park Golf Club, have qualified from the Midland round to take part in the Maxfli PGA Assistants' Championships near Blackpool in September. Clee came joint fourth on 69 points, three adrift of the joint winners

  • Upset at hotel bar changes

    SCORES of concerned Bordesley residents have objected to Redditch Council over an application to vary the public entertainment licence at Abbey Hotel and Golf and Country Club. Residents are calling for the application to be refused or the decision, which

  • Doing the jailhouse mock!

    TWO Brooklyn Ford workers spent the night in the slammer at Redditch Police Station after being arrested on Monday - but it was all in a good cause. Julie Johnson and Sarah Williams aim to raise £5,000 to take part in Macmillan Cancer Relief Drive For

  • Prison for attackers

    TWO Batchley women have been jailed at Worcester Crown Court after being convicted of assault. Rebecca Hawthorn, 20, of Hewell Road, and Vicky Hawthorn, 19, of Cardy Close, were sent to prison for one month following an assault on a woman in Redditch

  • Surveying life in town

    CRIME fears and quality of life issues will be highlighted in a huge audit which has been launched in Redditch. The survey, which will take several months to complete, will result in the production of a three-year strategy in April aimed at tackling areas

  • Hopes fuelled for bus boost

    BETTER bus services may be provided for Feckenham residents from September after a meeting between residents and county council representatives. Residents were asked for their views on how transport services could be improved as part of a major county

  • Villagers say station is off the rails

    ALVECHURCH residents are railing over the state of the village railway station. They say it is dismal, unkempt, open to vandalism and even that it "resembles a Kosovan village after the troops have left." At Alvechurch Parish Council's annual meeting,

  • Centre pins hope on shoppers' lists

    ANSWERS to all the questions shoppers have on the £60 million revamp of the Kingfisher Centre will be available this week. Centre owners Thornfield will be placing big question and answer boards in Worcester Square as part of a major consultation exercise

  • Jenny lands royal date

    A REDDITCH teenager has a date with royalty in July after striking gold with a national awards scheme. Jenny Jones, 19, from Winyates East, last year completed her gold award course in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme. To mark her gold achievement,

  • Bench marks history

    A NEW bench donated by The Forge Millers has recently been installed in the grounds of Forge Mill Museum. The Forge Millers are members of the Forge Mill Trust, which was instrumental in setting up the needle museum in the 1980s. Some original members

  • A helping hand for Erik's future

    A GENEROUS Redditch woman is helping an African teenage artist to continue his education by selling his work to townsfolk. Mary Kerry, from Crabbs Cross, stumbled across 17-year-old Erik Juma Odera when she visited his orphanage, in Kisumu, Kenya, at

  • Events to pay tribute to carers

    AS National Carers' Week nears, a Redditch organisation has planned several events to highlight key issues. Carers' Careline, based at the Ecumenical Centre in Evesham Walk, is a charity which provides a vital lifeline for vulnerable people and the individuals

  • Darts are champions

    Bromsgrove Advertiser/Messenger District Football League CONGRATULATIONS to Alve-church Darts for winning the Division One title. They were crowned champions after beating Rubery Redstar 4-2, with the goals coming from Melusi Cartwright (two), Phil Hinks

  • Evans's screamer

    Fairfield Villa (2) 2 Wellesbourne (0) 1 Midland Combination Division One FAIRFIELD entertained basement club Wellesbourne and ran out easy winners It was the home side who did the early attacking and after 15 minutes they went in front after Waine Devey

  • Managers wanted

    WYCHBOLD RBL are keen to appoint managers for both their teams in the Redditch and South Warwick-shire Football Comb-ination. If you are interested call Alan Brown on (01905) 770936.

  • Combo Results

    REDDITCH and South Warwickshire Comb-ination Football League results: Terry Cup Final: Black Horse 4 Westbury Celtic 0. Premier Division: Austin Ex Apprentices 2 Bromsgrove General 4. HDA 3 South Redditch 2. Hymatic/Allendale 1 Ford-rough 4. Sherwood

  • Brown owns up to luck

    STOURPORT Swifts boss Rod Brown was content with the home draw against Oadby - but admitted the result could have been so different. Brown and his assistant Gary Whild are bidding to lead Swifts to the proudest moment in their history - the Midland Alliance

  • Final upsets for cup-chasing Cookley

    COOKLEY Social reached two cup finals in the Kidderminster and District Football League but were unable to win either. They drew 1-1 at full-time in the Subsidiary Cup against Tipton but fell 4-1 on penalties. Then Ounsdale beat Social 2-0 in the Kidderminster

  • Another accolade for 'Dale

    THE U-13 champions in Stourport and District Boys Football League, Ferndale Youth, have achieved the double by winning the cup as well. Ferndale beat third-placed Worcester Saints 4-1 in the final, though the Saints had taken an early lead when Shane

  • Bunny hops into nursery

    A TOWN nursery is appealing for a kind family to adopt a cute bunny who struck it lucky. Staff at Droitwich Spa Kindergarten and Nursery, in Worcester Road, found a rabbit wandering around the car park last week. He was in a dishevelled state so caring

  • Fire-damaged pub reopens

    A PUB restaurant near Droitwich Spa which closed after a dramatic kitchen fire has reopened. Diners fled from The Swan, at Martin Hussingtree, on Tuesday April 17 when a blaze swept though the kitchen roof. A chef bravely attempted to extinguish flames

  • Call for free car parking

    A LABOUR councillor has called for free car parking in the Spa. Droitwich Spa town councillor Frank Payne (Lab, Droit.West) wants car parking charges axed because he believes a free service would attract more shoppers. At last Monday night's planning

  • Top honour for school governors

    TWO school governors from Droitwich Spa have gained a nationally recognised qualification for their voluntary work. The representatives were selected to take part in the new scheme launched by Worcestershire County Council and Worcester College of Technology

  • 20/5/01 - County end run as Solanki stars

    WORCESTERSHIRE clinched their first one-day win at New Road for 11 months when a crucial half-century from Vikram Solanki helped lift them to a three-wicket victory in yesterday's Norwich Union League Division Two clash against Derbyshire. The Royals

  • Jenner wants to come back

    JIM Jenner has admitted he "would love" to help Worcester Rugby Club into the Premiership. The 29-year-old, who is out of contract after being released by Newcastle Falcons, is set to hold talks with Worcester chairman Cecil Duckworth this week about

  • New deal for Barrow

    WORCESTER Rugby Club have fought off interest from Super League giants Leeds and Halifax to clinch the signature of Scott Barrow. The 20-year-old, who was out of contract after the season ended, will sign a new deal with the Sixways club as Worcester

  • Popular event is back

    FARMERS' markets are making a comeback in Droitwich after being axed because of the foot and mouth crisis. Stalls selling a range of goods will be in High Street on Saturday June 2. Wychavon District Council's town centres officer, Lew Hammond, said:

  • Barton chasing three players

    WORCESTER City boss John Barton is aiming to bolster his squad with three signings in the next two weeks. The City manager has been locked in negotiations and said he hoped to finalise deals on his return from holiday next week. "I have spoken to a lot

  • Dan the man eyeing Hornets challenge

    RACER Daniel Cummings' claim to fame to date is that he's never been overtaken on the Isle of Man's Mad Sunday when hundreds of powerful bikes take to the road. But that could be about to change after the 24-year-old's impressive debut in the Honda CB

  • Worcester trio set for Aussie test

    THREE members of Worcester Rugby Club's ladies section will be in action against Australia this weekend. Winger Nicky Crawford and scrum half Joanne Yapp have both been named in the starting line up as England prepare to take on Australia in the first

  • Poor Swifts are floored

    A WORKMAN-like performance from the Saints' rugby league side assured them of their second victory of the season at Finstall Park. Saints took an early lead when Richard Whitehouse scored with a penalty after six minutes. Full back Whitehouse then followed

  • Murderers most horrid

    THE award-winning Wythall Theatre Company returns to the Palace Theatre this week with a chilling tale of death and double crossing. Blood Money is a psychological thriller involving Mike Mason, star of television's Bargain Basement and his wife Liz,

  • Man, he feels like a woman!

    ACTRESS Stephanie Beacham stars in a new comedy at Malvern Festival Theatre next week about the winner of a romantic fiction competition for female writers who happens to be a man. In Nobody's Perfect, Harriet, played by Ms Beacham, is a publisher at

  • 23/5/01 - Worcester trio set for Aussie test

    THREE members of Worcester Rugby Club's ladies section will be in action against Australia this weekend. Winger Nicky Crawford and scrum half Joanne Yapp have both been named in the starting line up as England prepare to take on Australia in the first

  • 23/5/01 - New deal for Barrow

    WORCESTER Rugby Club have fought off interest from Super League giants Leeds and Halifax to clinch the signature of Scott Barrow. The 20-year-old, who was out of contract after the season ended, will sign a new deal with the Sixways club as Worcester

  • Sunday close to ending title wait

    GARRINGTONS Sunday have the Redditch Combination Premier Division title in their sights after three victories consolidated their lead at the top of the table. And their fate could be decided on Sunday when they take on Black Horse --who have won the league

  • Smoking area facing stub out

    PLANS to stop patients and visitors smoking outside the entrance to the Alexandra Hospital are being drawn up following a number of complaints. The move comes as part of a £105,000 revamp of the hospital's main entrance and reception area. Worcestershire

  • Project on legs is afoot

    SURGEONS from the Alexandra Hospital will be taking part in a research project costing about £500,000. The money has come from a national research unit and will be spent investigating alternative ways to treat blood circulation problems to avoid operations

  • Hospital guides lead way ahead

    A SERVICE to guide patients and visitors around the Alexandra Hospital looks set to be launched as part of a drive to improve customer care. Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, is exploring the idea of providing "escorts

  • A top-flight success

    WORCESTERSHIRE Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the Alexandra Hospital, has come within the top 40 performing hospitals or trusts in the country. It beat more than 160 other NHS hospitals in the survey, carried out by independent consultants. Re-admission

  • Science speech

    BROMSGROVE'S literary group Words is set to hear a talk on Writing About Science next Friday. Roy Porter will be speaking about the problems of marrying rigorous scientific research with accessibility to the general reader. Tickets at £6/£3.50 for the

  • Candidates vying for county seats

    CANDIDATES are lining up for the county council election contest -- with two by-elections for the district council due to take place at the same time. The final nominations for Worcestershire County Council elections have now been received for the June

  • Who is standing where

    CANDIDATES standing in the forthcoming Worcestershire County Council Elections Thursday June 7, 2001 l Alvechurch: Docker, Sandra (Lib Dem) Wythall. Lord, George (Con) Marlbrook. Waters, Derek (Lab) Alvechurch. l Hagley and Furlongs: Fallows, Peter (Con

  • Gould conquers Hill to take Starlets Veterans win

    GREENHILL Fishery at Hallow near Worcester was the scene for the Starlets Veterans Tuesday contest which was held on the Curlew and Kingfisher Pools. Jim Gould (Lyttleton) took top spot by short pole fishing maggots up in the water at Kingfisher peg 30

  • 23/5/01 - Barton chasing three players

    WORCESTER City boss John Barton is aiming to bolster his squad with three signings in the next two weeks. The City manager has been locked in negotiations and said he hoped to finalise deals on his return from holiday next week. "I have spoken to a lot

  • Cheesy love story is a smash hit

    "UNASHAMADLY old fashioned" is how Cole Porter's musical Anything Goes is described in the programme by James Haworth, general manager of Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre, where I saw the show. And it was gloriously so. The costumes were fantastic and the

  • Fifth candidate for Redditch

    A FIFTH candidate is to stand for the Redditch seat at the General Election on June 7. George Flynn is representing the UK Independence Party. Profile on our special Election 2001 page.

  • Kids star in an evening of fun

    A MIXTURE of catwalk modelling and live performance is on the programme of events to mark the launch of a confidence-building group in Rubery. Models Two is an organisation which invites people who need to increase their self-esteem through drama, modelling

  • Football fun at Youth Games

    WYRE Forest enjoyed soccer success at the third annual Worcestershire Youth Games on Sunday. Forest were up against the districts of Bromsgrove, Malvern Hills, Redditch, Worcester City and Wychavon in a variety of sports held in Droitwich Spa. Up to 600

  • Soccer boss jailed for attack on wife

    THE former secretary of the Bromsgrove Advertiser/Messenger District Football League was jailed for ten years yesterday for a ferocious attack on his estranged wife and step-daughter with a baseball bat. Peter Townsend, who was also manager of Barnt Green

  • Easy preparing for CD launch

    GET ready to hear the latest sound from Bromsgrove's timely rockers Easy who are getting ready for the launch of their new CD. The name has not yet been revealed but I can say it will boast three live tracks to be recorded at The Railway, in Birmingham

  • Hunting

    WITH regard to the statement by Tim Pinney that people have too many other pressing issues in their lives to worry about the hunting with dogs Bill, sadly, I do believe he has a point. This is partly the reason for no hunt ban yet. May I urge everyone

  • Let them flourish

    COULD somebody please explain? If it is an offence in this country to take wildflowers from their natural surroundings, then why is the mowing of roadside verges permitted? In certain situations, for reasons of road safety, this practice is obviously

  • Winter flu jabs success

    A FLU vaccination programme for the elderly has been hailed a great success by Worcestershire Health Authority after the number of deaths last winter dropped by 20 per cent. The county had one of the highest uptakes in the inoculation scheme, according

  • Hospital history

    REGARDING R A Moore (You Say, May 14), he is wrong and Verity James correct. Mike Foster's only contribution to the New Hospital was to say that it was quite adequate, when everyone else knew that it was not. Five-and-half years ago, the Conservatives

  • Men go under the hammer

    BIDDERS will have chequebooks at the ready when a series of men go under the hammer tonight. The charity auction at Chicago Rock Caf, New Street, Worcester, is in aid of Evening News reporter Alison Fraser's trek to Iceland raising money for Arthritis

  • Democracy has been corrupted

    DAVID Andrews says "if the joining of 250 million people can make the United States the most powerful country in the world, what will the joining of 300 million people signed up for the euro do for Europe?" The answer Mr Andrews is nothing. Under the

  • Talking about the garden

    THERE will be some prickly discussions of a different kind as two celebrity gardeners take to the Worcestershire airwaves. Green-fingered listeners will be able to hear BBC's Gardener's World presenters Rachel de Thame and Joe Swift when they join take

  • Caught short at the Cathedral

    AT the age of 77, I remain reasonably active but unfortunately, as we grow older, we do sometimes need to use the loo more often. For example, I like to attend Sunday evening service at Worcester Cathedral. If I visit the loo immediately before the service

  • Short visit

    THE Labour candidate for Redditch, Jacqui Smith, joined forces with the International Development Secretary Clare Short to meet voters in Church Green at the weekend. They handed out information on the children's tax credit, Labour's policies for families

  • Jacqui Smith - Labour

    I TAUGHT for 11 years in Worcestershire, starting my career in Redditch. Now my own children are in local schools and I've seen the improvements a Labour Government has made. The literacy and numeracy strategies were opposed by the Conservatives and would

  • Meet the candidates for Bromsgrove

    VOTERS in Alvechurch, Beoley, Tardebigge, Wythall and Hollywood have four candidates to choose from in the Bromsgrove constituency. They are profiled below:

  • Julie Kirkbride - Conservative

    JULIE Kirkbride says it has been a pleasure and privilege to be Bromsgrove's MP for the last four years. She is standing again for the Conservatives on ''my record of hard work and dedication to people of Bromsgrove''. Miss Kirkbride said: ''As part of

  • Peter McDonald - Labour

    PETER McDonald, 53, is a lecturer at Wolverhampton College. He lives in the district of Bromsgrove with his wife, Christine, and has two grown-up daughters and two young grandchildren. Mr McDonald became a county councillor in 1985 and a district councillor

  • Margaret Rowley - Liberal Democrat

    Margaret Rowley is leader of the Liberal Democrats on Wychavon District Council and has been chairman of the council's environment committee. She is married with three adult children and has lived in Worcestershire for 11 years. After graduating in zoology

  • Police plea on damage

    A SPATE of vandalism in Church Hill, Winyates and Matchborough over the weekend has prompted police to appeal for help from residents. Windows have been smashed, fences broken and paint sprayed on cars and police said damage in the area had escalated.

  • Patrols cut drug abuse

    A PROBLEM with drug abuse on a Redditch estate has been significantly reduced after a police operation was launched two months ago. The move followed calls from residents and councillors, who were complaining about the stairwells and lobbies in Woodrow

  • Sunshine lures walk-in thieves

    FINE weather has prompted an increase in thefts from garages across the town, police have warned. Residents are being urged to avoid leaving garage doors open for long periods and to lock them when they are shut. Sgt Neil Billingham, of Redditch north-east

  • Family's thanks

    FURTHER to the road opening in honour of Cpl Kevin Weaver, we are writing to thank and congratulate Spa Housing Association and everyone involved in organising such a memorable and poignant occasion. We are all extremely grateful for the time and effort

  • Welcoming church

    RE Holy Trinity Church, Lickey. The Building the Church project in Lickey parish has been under way for nearly two years and has been firmly rooted in the principles and values of scripture. The encouraging attendance at the open meeting recently demonstrates

  • Good chance

    AS a Bromsgrove Rovers supporter, I went to a Midland Football Alliance match to see what life will be like next season. The match at Halesowen Harriers was good with quite a high standard of football. The crowd was small and if you include the club officials

  • Stand talks continue

    TALKS over a new stand at Kidderminster Harriers' Aggborough ground are set to gather pace over the next few months. Harriers need at least 900 more seats within two years to fit in with Football League regulations. They plan a £1m-plus construction on

  • History in the making

    KIDDERMINSTER Harriers are making history by offering free legal expenses insurance for season ticket holders. The unique tie-up is with Kidderminster law firm Morton Fisher solicitors and Legal Insurance Management. Chairman Lionel Newton said the club

  • 100 years ago

    May 25, 1901 AT 1.30pm on Sunday, the members of the Redditch Fire Brigade were summoned to a fire at 24 Edward Street and in less than five minutes after the alarm had been given, the brigade appeared on the scene. The building is the property of Messrs

  • Cup a load of this!

    BROMSGROVE Rugby Club did the town proud on Sunday when they clinched the North Midlands Cup with a 34-10 victory over Midlands Two West rivals Newport. After narrowly missing out on promotion, the Finstall Park outfit gained some consolation by lifting

  • Teenage girls hurt in road accident

    POLICE are appealing for witnesses after one teenage girl was seriously injured and another received minor injuries following a road collision. At around 4.44pm on Tuesday a red Volkswagen Golf and two 13-year-old girls were in collision in Pershore Road

  • Reward as friends find crisp tenners

    LUCKY teenagers walking along a main road in Bromsgrove found an envelope stuffed with £1,000 -- hidden under a crisp packet. Police praised 15-year-old Aimee Davis and Martin Richards, aged 16, for their honesty in handing the cash into officers at the

  • Farmers' market loses out to rain

    BROMSGROVE'S first Thursday farmers' market following the two-and-a-half month lay off caused by the foot and mouth epidemic failed to woo customers back in large numbers. But the general opinion among the 14 stallholders in and around the Market Hall

  • Rovers' ballot box: time to make your choice

    TOWNSFOLK are being urged to cast their vote for an issue 'more important than the forthcoming General Election': whether or not the Bannister family should part company with Bromsgrove Rovers. The independent Bromsgrove Rovers Supporters' Society is

  • Alcester Conservative Wives

    THE annual dinner was held at the Holly Bush. Mrs Margaret Bakewell won the raffle. At the May meeting, Michael Jackson will be showing a video of the millennium picnic.

  • Bel Canto Singers

    THE singers are pleased to have helped the Redditch Buffaloes raise money for their charity appeal. Bel Canto laid on a concert with all profits going towards buying a portable nebuliser for a local girl. The choir performed excellently, despite reduced

  • Fraid are No.1 in battle of bands

    FOUR Droitwich Spa students proved they really rocked when they took first prize in a battle of the bands contest. Run as part of the Bromsgrove Festival 2001 in conjunction with the town's youth service, Fraid, a four piece alternative rock band, qualified

  • Couple's son had organs removed

    A HOSPITAL has confirmed the still born baby born to a Bromsgrove couple a decade ago had his organs removed without their consent. Birmingham Wom-en's Hospital originally told Sharon and Ian Henfield their son Jack, born April 28 1990, had not had his

  • Bordesley Historical Society

    EARLY on Saturday, May 12, members were collected by coach for the first outing of the summer - a weekend event beginning with a journey to Lincoln. The afternoon was spent looking around the cathedral, the castle and the many medieval buildings in the

  • Success at youth games

    BROMSGROVE and Wychavon districts led the way at this year's Worcestershire Youth Games in Droitwich. Up to 600 youngsters from around the county took part in a range of team games watched by crowds of around 1,500 on Sunday. Bromsgrove won the under-

  • Inner Wheel Club of Redditch

    PRESIDENT Elizabeth Ostroumoff welcomed members to the May meeting, which was purely business. Rosemary Reeves lit the candle of friendship for the Inner Wheel Club of Monza in Italy. In the absence of the overseas chairman, it was reported the aqua box

  • Terry clinches Padmore trophy

    DROITWICH Golf and Country Club captain Andrew Terry won the Phillip Padmore Trophy in the Worcestershire County Champi-onships at Stourbridge Golf Club on May 16. Terry took the trophy for the best net score over 36 holes, finishing runner-up to a Moseley

  • Kington with Dormston WI

    PRESIDENT Jennie Cox opened the May meeting on May 9. Birthday cards were distributed for Jennie Simpson and Marian Collins. Volunteers were recruited to help with removal of chairs and crockery for the closure for renovation of the village hall. The

  • Tax relief for foot and mouth farmers

    FARMERS in Bromsgrove, whose lives have been blighted by the foot and mouth epidemic, can look forward to short-term tax relief. Bromsgrove District Council's head of financial services, Andrew Fisher, has offered farmers a three-month deferment in paying

  • Redditch Music Society

    THE LITmus Trio - Hannah Lane, flute; Toby Turton, cello; and Peter Hewitt, piano - brought the 2000/01 season to a delightful conclusion. The evening opened with an accomplished performance of Mozart's flute sonata in F, after which Toby gave an absorbing

  • Richard traces uncle

    A PUPIL from a Bromsgrove school took a trip into the past and traced a relative who died in the First World War. Richard Bramwell, aged 15, joined a South Bromsgrove High School (SBHS) tour of the battlefields of the 1914-18 war and discovered where

  • OAPs support their warden

    WORRIED minds of wardens serving tenants in sheltered housing schemes throughout Bromsgrove have been put at rest following the feud over service charges. Residents at Lowes Court, in Elm Grove, presented their warden with flowers to show they are needed

  • Fight against litter proves a success

    A CAMPAIGN to give Bromsgrove a spring clean has been dubbed a huge success by officers in a report set to be heard tomorrow night by Bromsgrove District Council. The authority's Just Bin It initiative, which ran last month, replaced the Tidy Britain

  • Webheath WI

    AT the May meeting, members discussed the resolutions which will be debated at the national meeting. It was agreed to support both resolutions. The next meeting at the village hall on Wednesday, June 6, at 7.30pm will include an illustrated talk on Niagara