A "COMMITTED Christian" made a 10-year-old boy wet himself with fright after attacking him, a court heard. Furious John Cowie shook the schoolboy, pushed him to the ground and ripped his T-shirt after he repeatedly threw stones near to where he was fixing
WORCESTER'S newest estates pose a problem as the city council considers how to represent people in future. The Local Government Commission has begun looking at how the city's political representation might be altered to fit Worcester's growth. The 36-
FORMULA milk which could have given a baby food poisoning is being taken from Worcestershire's supermarket shelves. Manufacturer SMA Nutrition wants parents to ditch tins of SMA Gold and SMA White infant formula powder with expiry dates of October 28
A TEENAGE boy grabbed a sleeping baby from its cot as fire broke out in the family kitchen. The eight-month-old baby was tended by an ambulance crew after it was rescued from its Evesham home last night. The baby's 16-year-old brother ran upstairs and
AN estate agency could open at a controversial retail development in Droitwich Spa. Permission is being sought to open the business at a new development, off Primsland Way. Primsland Estates Ltd has submitted plans to Wychavon District Council for consideration
MID-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff has called on Droitwich people to keep an eye on a homelessness project in case anti-social behaviour proves a problem in the future. For eight years the scheme was known as the Droitwich Single Homeless Project, and has
WORCESTER architects helped drum up the highest funds ever for a homeless charity after giving out design advice. Members of the Royal Institute of British Architects in Worcester spread their ideas about good design to homes and offices to raise cash
A MAJOR new book about Sir Edward Elgar has been launched during a reception at the composer's Birthplace Museum in Lower Broadheath, just outside Worcester. The biography by Simon Mundy is officially described as "a revised edition" of a publication
THE new Studley Sports Centre should be open in November following minor delays. The leisure facility, financed by Stratford Council, Studley Parish Council and Studley High School, is being built onto the old Studley Pool, which is also undergoing a
WE'VE lost count of the number of times we've wrung our editorial hands in despair and, like many in the Faithful City, wondered how society can rid itself of the consequences of the moment when teenagers and boredom meet. We've been moved to observe
IT was with some interest that the Parish Council viewed the article in the Redditch Advertiser (July 11) concerning the letter to Warwickshire County Council by MP Jacqui Smith calling for a reassessment of Studley bypass options. Does Ms Smith not realise
IT is with great regret that I have to report that once again a high expectancy has failed to materialise. As an avid 'spotter' of long standing, I have watched with interest Redditch Council's policy of leaving totally undisturbed the pathways, foliage
I would like to thank all who came to my civic service on July 8 at St Stephen's Church. Special thanks go to the children from Batchley and Pitcheroak schools, the Break-A-Leg choir, Alma Brights Singers, friends from Mtwara (who were here on a visit
Redditch rugby club stepped up their pre-season training this week under coach Danny Badham as they prepare for life back in the North Midlands League.
WORCESTERSHIRE hit back well after an early setback as their County Championship Division Two clash with Warwickshire began at Edgbaston today. Anurag Singh, playing against his former county, was caught by wicketkeeper Keith Piper off Neil Carter off
A DROITWICH Spa holiday firm is in the running for a national business award. Hotelshop UK, in St Andrew's Square, is one of several firms less than two years old competing for the £20,000 top prize in the HSBC Start-Up Stars Awards. The contest was launched
August 13, 1976 AN extra 2,000 homes are being planned for Redditch within the next 10 years. The houses would be in addition to the present Redditch Development Corporation plans for a population of 70,000 in the early 1980s. And the houses would fall
Pre-season 21/07/01 - Redditch United 0 Kidderminster Harriers 3 (Hadley, Hinton, Middleton) (friendly) 24/07/01 - Redditch United 2 (Danks 2) Gloucester United 3 (Tatton, Meadows, Freeman) (friendly) 28/07/01 - Weston St Johns 2 Redditch United 6 (Campbell
AN explosive bowling performance saw Barnt Green CC Seconds romp to their sixth win in nine games in the Birmingham and District League Division One. Young leg-spinner Mark Bagley was the star man, taking 2-22 from 11 overs and then scoring 55 not out
RELEGATION worries at Barnt Green CC were eased when the Firsts gained a winning draw at Kidderminster in the Birmingham and District League Prem-ier Division. Invited to bat on a green wicket, the visitors started poorly against some testing bowling
BARNT Green CC Seconds travelled to Malvern on Sunday for their Worcestershire Sunday League match and toppled league-leaders Barnards Green by 43 runs in an absorbing encounter. The visitors won the toss and batted on a soft wicket which looked like
WORCESTER City have completed the signing of trialist Darren Middleton to boost manager John Barton's striking options. But the news of Middleton's capture was tempered by the shock departure of winger Mike Wyatt, who has left the club due to work commitments
WORCESTERSHIRE hit back well after an early setback as their County Championship Division Two clash with Warwickshire began at Edgbaston today. Anurag Singh, playing against his former county, was caught by wicketkeeper Keith Piper off Neil Carter off
Ed Dunlop is enjoying his best season and he can land another winner in the big race at Salisbury tomorrow. Surprise Encounter will line up for the Listed £22,000-added Sovereign Stakes on the back of some highly-encouraging gallop reports. The five-year-old
STUDLEY skipper Mark Lewis wants his side to deliver at fellow strugglers Four Oaks Saints on Saturday to banish lingering relegation fears. Birmingham League officials have indicated only one side will go down this season but have not confirmed their
ASTWOOD Bank have everything to play for in the derby crunch at Feckenham on Saturday (1.30pm start). The league leaders dropped more points at the weekend in a winning draw against Evesham and saw title rivals Romsley beat Brockhampton to close the gap
TWO Redditch health heavyweights have joined a taskforce which is masterminding the biggest shake-up of care services ever seen in the county. John Calvert and Dr Bill Borastero are members of the Health and Social Care Task Group set up by the county
DEAR EDITOR - In response to Mrs Gilday's letter in the Advertiser/Messenger regarding a shortfall in school places within the district, it is grossly unfair to lay the blame at the door of the district council. Adequate education provision is the duty
STRESSED-out Alexandra Hospital staff can unwind with new aromatherapy sessions from a former policeman. The trust which manages the hospital has drafted in Neale Wood to help staff soothe away their aches and worries. Mr Wood, of Lodge Park, now holds
GREAT Alne failed to secure their Cotswold Two status at the weekend with a loss to Rowington. Craig Millard's side have a do-or-die relegation scrap at home to Harvington on Saturday (2pm start).
RUSH HOUR 2 (12) The fastest hands in the East - Jackie Chan - and the biggest month in the West - Chris Tucker - join forces for this sequel. Odeon Worcester 1.00, 3.00, 5.00, 7.00, 9.00. UCI Merry Hill 12.45, 2.00, 3.00, 4.15, 5.15, 6.30, 7.30, 8.45
YOUNGSTERS at Studley Cricket Club have taken delivery of new cricket equipment after they won a grant from the National Lottery Awards for All scheme. The club was given £2,443 to buy bats, balls, pads and a bowling machine.
IT'S one of the toughest jobs in football but Mick Cunningham is definitely up to the task. He is the Bromsgrove Advertiser/Messenger District Football League referee of the year. The Sidemoor whistle blower received the Fred Hurst Memorial Shield at
A MASSIVE 1,201 pounds of fish were caught by the 38 members competing in the Starlets' Veterans contest on Tuesday at Woodlands Views Top Pools. Small carp were the main target as Bill Hateley (Northfield) took first place with a 57-8-0 catch, by pole
TWO hard-working men from villages near Bromsgrove are strengthening the workforce at a new look property firm. Andrew Pearson, of Barnt Green, and Richard Graves, of Alvechurch, are key players in the shake-up at Francis Graves Ltd, in Birmingham. The
TOWN graduates lag behind their peers across the country when it comes to graduate starting salaries. Accomplished Midlands students receive an average of £16,817 in their first pay cheques, while the average in Scotland in nearly £20,000. The Higher
BED blocking in hospitals could soon be a thing of the past -- it is hoped --thanks to a unique new job, believed to be the first of its kind in the country. Forty-eight-year-old Eddie Clarke has been appointed as Worcestershire's first head of health
HUMBLE, discarded plastic film canisters are playing a major part in helping to save the lives of Bromsgrove residents and make the work of the emergency services easier. They are used as part of Data Link, a new, simple, but highly effective scheme which
TWO men with Irish accents are being sought by police after a pensioner from Bromsgrove was duped into letting a man into his Rockhill home. The 70-year-old answered a knock at the door to his Breakback Road home to a man saying he was from a water company
REGULARS at a Bromsgrove pub are not afraid to dig deep in their pockets when it comes to supporting charities. The latest effort by staff and customers at the Red Lion, in High Street, has bro- ught in £1,000 which has been divided between the Primrose
THE parish church in Bromsgrove will be one of many historical buildings to be photographed for English Heritage's Images of England project this summer. St John's Church, in Kidderminster road, as well as others of historical or architectural interest
MEMBERS of Belbroughton History Society are urging people to make the most of the summer days and pay a visit to two houses which will feature in their programme later in the season. The group's meeting on Wednesday September 19, at Belbroughton Church
LEGS 11 superbiker Kelvin Reilly had an eventful weekend at Knock Hill before finishing 20th. After two days of dry testing the heavens opened for qualifying at the Scottish circuit. Australian Championship leader Paul Young started 27th on the grid after
SAMBOURNE Speedster Gordon Matthew is in a race against time to be fit for the next round of the Caterhams Roadsport Challenge at Oulton Park at the weekend. Matthew's car is still being repaired after he was forced off the track at Snetterton in the
REDS full back Ian Mitchell has confirmed United manager Nicky Cross is hoping to blood a new signing in the opening league match at Gloucester City on Saturday (ko 3pm). Wing back Scott Colcombe, suspended on Saturday, saw a specialist last night about
UNITED manager Nicky Cross fielded a settled side against groundshare tenants Feckenham last night as he prepared for the big kick-off at Gloucester City on Saturday (ko 3pm). The Reds player-boss has added midfielder Gavin Barratt, Sutton Coldfield Town
DEFENDER Lee Knight and winger Matty Hall have joined Western Division rivals Halesowen Town with midfielder and Player of the Year Martin Myers going to Premier Division Moor Green. Striker Ian Bennett and stopper Leon Jackson also took sideways moves
IT has been a summer of change for Redditch United player-manager Nicky Cross as his preparations for a first season in charge gathered pace. After his decision to accept the manager's job following Rob Smith's acrimonious departure last season, the former
UNITED fans could be forgiven for failing to keep track of who was playing where and why for their team in a revolving door close season. So here is the comprehensive list of trialists, hopefuls, seasoned pros, misfits and free transfers who had a run
August 3 Bad Habits. Marrs Bar, Pierpoint Street, Worcester. Kalibre. Royal British Legion, Salwarpe Road, Droitwich Worcs. August 4 Ultra Disco. Barbourne Ex-servicemen's club. The Moors. Worcester. Juiced. Marrs Bar, Pierpoint Street, Worcester. August
WITH reference to the letter from Mr Blight, I have watched the Crown Court skateboarders with fascination. There is neither a referee nor an umpire but the assembled boarders practice their sport without upset. Each waits his turn to improve his own
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Malvern Festival Theatre. Until Aug 11. Tickets available on (01684 892277). Bananas in Pyjamas. Musical show for 2-7year olds. Malvern Theatres. Aug 14. 1pm and 4.30pm. tickets available on (01684 892277)
FURTHER to your story and editorial (Evening News, August 8) regarding eight-year-olds throwing stones at buses, I would like to suggest that one reason we have so many young children carrying out anti-social acts is that under the law at present, no
DROITWICH Spa Bowling Club gained a place in the finals of the Lincoln Interclub Two Fours Championships at Worthing this weekend for the third time. At Wellingborough on Sunday August 4, the team put on a show of precision bowling with skips Phil Moule
THERE was an unusual fencing match at the weekend when a disabled team took on Droitwich Spa Fencing Club. Members of the British Disabled Fencing Association (BDFA) beat the Spa team 5-1 at University College Worcester. The match was made possible by
SEVERAL young Olympique riders proved their ability when they competed for the West Midlands in the highly rated Tour of Kerry in the Republic of Ireland. Nearly 200 riders took part, including strong teams from Belgium and Denmark as well as the national
POLICE believe a man dressed as Batman was the main offender in a serious attack on a man at a Redditch nightclub at the weekend. A man in his 30s was taken to hospital with serious facial injuries, including two broken eye sockets, after the attack inside
Seven teenagers appeared at Redditch Magistrates Court yesterday after police raids in Crabbs Cross and Oakenshaw. Operation Stork took place after a report of disorder at the Star and Garter pub, Evesham Road, which resulted in three men being taken
REDDITCH police officers will be among several people nominated for commendations following a shooting incident in Barnt Green. Alvechurch man James Matthews, of Aqueduct Lane, was recently sentenced to four-and-a-half years imprisonment at Worcester
A MAN armed with a butchers knife subjected two women shop assistants to a terrifying robbery in Church Hill on Sunday night. The incident happened at McColls newsagents, in Church Hill centre, at about 10.20pm. The women, aged 40 and 38, were locking
VANDALS caused about £2,000 damage to two police cars when they were parked in Cleeve Close, Church Hill, at about 6.30pm on Friday. Police are appealing for information after bricks, which are being forensically examined, were thrown at the Y-registered
DRIVERS who may have witnessed an attempted burglary are being sought by police. Intruders caused damage to an office inside a Winyates car dealership, but it appears nothing was stolen. The break-in happened at Regal Motors, Far Moor Lane, at about 1am
ALCESTER Scouts and Guides look closer to finding a new home if an architect gives a proposed site the thumbs up, writes helen Clarke. The Guides are homed in a hut at the bottom of Stratford Road and the Scouts are housed at the back of the Greig Centre
TOWN councillors believe Alcester may be losing out on potential benefits from developments in the town. In the past, when a sizeable application has been considered, the town council has asked that residents benefit from it in some way, as is the policy
THE BELLOWS of town crier Keith Tomlinson and the smell of cooking drew the crowds to Alcester Baptist Church on Saturday. A fete was held in the grounds.
AN Alcester teenager is fulfilling a long-term dream and jetting off to Brazil to help deprived youngsters. Erica Wilkins, from Roman Way, will be travelling to Sao Paulo in October to spend seven months working with street children. The former St Benedict's
MOVES to secure up to £1 million for Alcester community projects have been set in motion, writes Helen Clarke. The town's mayor and council clerk have had a series of meetings about a Government scheme to boost rural economies. And a timetable has been
ALCESTER councillors are debating the future of an ancient hedge which is prompting complaints. The offending shrub, on Blackthorn Way, on the edge of Conway Field, is thought to be up to 10ft wide in places. It is also overgrown and encroaching on the
RAGLEY Hall has ordered an exquisite hand-woven carpet for the Red Saloon. The carpet design is based on one from Lahore, India, circa 1650, in colours suited to the interior of the room. The room dates from the mid-late 18th century, when Thomas Witty
DEAR EDITOR - I am writing to you to see if you can help by drawing the attention of your readers to the matter of the state of Catshill cemetery. I took my four-year-old grandson there to show him where his great-grandparents and other members of our
KINGS Heath were set to take on Sutton, now renamed Grosvenor Park, in the Tony Allden Memorial Trophy last night. And the Lye Meadow tenants open their season against Coleshill Town on Saturday at their adopted home (ko 2.45pm). The Kingsmen visit Handrahan
DEAR EDITOR - I am writing in disgust of Bromsgrove's parking payment facilities and parking attendants. I purchased a parking ticket for a two-hour stay at a car park in the town centre. The machine does not give change so I put in a £1.00 coin - I was
DEAR EDITOR - I strongly support Cllr John Tidmarsh in his attempt to persuade dog owners to act more responsibly. I also agree with Sarah Hatfield, who recently featured in the Advertiser/Messenger that the Doggie Dossier is a waste of money. The real
DEAR EDITOR - I am amazed at the sudden appearance of the Action for Droitwich (AFD) -- who are they? Where have they come from? Who is financing them? (Cost of public meetings, adverts in newspapers, consultants). Are they really interested in Droitwich
DEAR EDITOR - There have been letters recently stating that Paganism is a newly invented faith. This is not true, it has been around for centuries - in fact long before Christianity. As a practising witch I feel I should point out that if anybody comes
WYTHALL gardeners have proved themselves the green fingered greatest after sweeping the boards in the best garden competition. Out of 156 gardeners who entered the Bromsgrove district competition, Wythall gardens secured first place in all three categories
THE July meeting was held at the home of Mrs Madge Rose, where members made their favourite recipes for others to taste. A political talk will be given at the September meeting.
THE July meeting took the by now customary form of an evening outing. On this occasion, a group of about 60 members visited Harvington Hall, near Kidderminster. The speaker at the January meeting was Julian Ford, curator of Harvington Hall. His talk about
AT the June meeting, Mrs. F. Howatson gave a talk about ecclesiastical embroidery, a talk on Church Embroidery and manufacture of Vestments etc. for all denominations. Most important of all is the altar linen embroidered with religious symbols. There
IT was members' night on August 1 and £56.18 was raised by a cakes and preserves stall and a silent auction. Members also worked in groups designing pictures, using coins. The Rev Keith Hill judged their efforts. Details were given of a coffee evening
CAREER best bowling from inspirational pace man Nick Husbands ensured Bromsgrove CC First XI won the battle of the basement at Smethwick on Saturday. The 32-year-old policeman took an astonishing nine wickets - including the prized scalp of ex-South African
Redditch United 2 Feckenham 2 VALLEY tenants Feckenham gave their landlords a run for their money in a 2-2 draw and Mat Henning could have won it for the Millers, forcing a great save from Reds keeper Harvey Willetts late on. Mark Creighton put the Reds
A TEENAGER from Droitwich Spa is hoping to take the worldwide web by storm -- but first he needs your help. John Helps, of Hanbury Road, who has a passion for web design, and his friend, Redditch-based Chris Jolley, who is mad about music, have set up
TEENAGER Emile Yardley is basking in glory after proving he's one of the best athletes in the world. The Bromsgrove sprinter won a bronze and silver at the CP ISRA World Games for competitors with cerebral palsy. Seventeen-year-old Emile produced a lifetime
THE problems have already started for Studley FC manager Mark Chambers after two of his players went AWOL. New keeper Melvin Watson failed to show for Saturday's 3-1 opening day defeat to Willenhall after being told Duncan Turk would start in place of
REDDITCH youngsters have been getting into deep water - and having a ball at the same time! An adventurous team have been taking part in the Hot Stuff activity scheme. Water sports have been a key feature of the project, which has already been hailed
Thursday, August 16 Bad Manners/The Boys Next Door, Robin 1 R 'n' B Club, Merry Hill. Tickets from 01384 637747. Free at Last/Clifton, Robin 2 R 'n' B Club, Bilston, Wolverhampton. Tickets from 01384 637747. Friday, August 17 Three Counties Summer Show
THE search is on for the hottest musical talent in Redditch with the launch of a new Battle of the Bands competition this month. Heats will be staged at pubs, including The Golden Cross, Unicorn Hill, from Saturday, August 25, and the best bands will
Organisers of this year's Three Counties Summer Show are searching for daredevil duos to embark upon a white knuckle ride in aid of a good cause. Thrillseekers are being sought to try out the Italian-designed reverse bungee jump, which catapults passengers
REDDITCH-based engineering giant GKN is to axe more than 50 jobs from its corporate offices in Ipsley. The move follows the de-merger of its industrial services wing which has joined up with Australian logistics company Brambles. The automotive and aeronautical
ENTRANTS in this year's Astwood Bank Carnival parade are invited to take a trip down memory lane with the theme of Blast from the Past, writes Melina Cannon. There are three categories - vintage, floats and walkers - and the best float will be chosen
NEARLY 30 firefighters were called to tackle a blaze at a chicken hatchery near Mappleborough Green on Sunday. Crews were alerted to Hyline at Lower Skilts Farm, Henley Road, at 9.45pm after a fault developed in a laundry room dryer, sparking the blaze
AFTER months of restoration work, the top of Redditch's most famous landmark finally sees the light of day. Stonemasons are slowly but surely replacing corroded stonework on St Stephen's Church spire. Work should be completed by October.
ALMOST every Asian family in Redditch has donated £1,000 to an appeal to raise more than £2.5 million to create a new mosque in the town. The fund-raising effort to build the mosque on the former Alcad factory site began in November and a staggering £200,000
A three-week activity programme at Forge Mill Museum saw children creating medieval mosaics with help from local artist Zora Payne. Youngsters created four Bordesley Abbey-related mosaics using pebbles, which now form part of a peaceful garden area near
THE firm managing the new B&Q Warehouse development has tried to allay fears over toxic contamination on the site, writes Julian Seva. Serious concerns had been raised by residents near the old Alcad Battery site, in Smallwood, about cadmium deposits
THE finishing touches are being made to 28 new homes in Winyates by one of the country's leading housing co-operatives. Residents of Hollyoake Close have now moved in to their new one, two and three-bedroom houses built by Redditch Co-operative Homes.
NEARLY 5,000 residents and businesses suffered another electricity cut yesterday as GPU Power continues to overhaul a mile of cabling under Redditch. Half the customers in areas such as Brockhill, Batchley and Headless Cross were reconnected by noon but
THE Campaign for Real Ale has welcomed the failure of Pubmaster's hostile bid for Wolverhampton and Dudley Breweries. CAMRA has been campaigning to keep the country's largest regional brewery independent since last year. "This is great news for beer drinkers
"IT was bostin" is the only way to describe Black Country Rock at Birmingham's Crescent Theatre. Despite having read plenty about the show written by Rubery man Giovanni Esposito I was unsure what to expect but I was blown away by this hilarious, energetic
SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has come under fire from a senior city planner over its plans for a store in St John's. Worcestershire County Council has struck a deal with the company, which has agreed to build a new high school outside Dines Green if it wins
A DISABLED widow says she is heartbroken after falling for a callous conman who tricked her out of hundreds of pounds. Wheelchair-bound Jennifer Endicott said trickster Lou Brown had told her he was in love with her, just so he could get access to her
A TWO-YEAR-OLD child was involved in a gang attack on a Droitwich Spa disabled woman and her son. The pair were targeted as they walked to their Meadow Walk home, at around 1.45pm. Both the 53-year-old and her 34-year-old son were taken to Worcester's
A MAN who lost everything when his flat was robbed claims he warned a housing association days before the break-in that his front door was not secure. Robert Stinton said the door of his flat on Elgar Avenue in Malvern had not been secure since it was
THE reign of Queen Victoria will be celebrated 100 years after her death with a fun-packed fete in Salwarpe. Visitors to the event this Saturday are encouraged to don outfits reminiscent of the austere period and prizes for the best children's fancy dress
ONLY the threat of Kempsey becoming part of Worcester could be enough to persuade residents to take part in a housing needs survey. Even the chance of winning a prize draw would not encourage a majority to fill in and return a three-page questionnaire
WOMEN should avoid a pyramid investment scheme which has been launched in Droitwich Spa, a town mum has warned. Annette Gwinn, of Victoria Avenue, was angered when she received a flyer saying the Women Empowering Women scheme had hit the Spa. Organisers
COMMUNITY leaders have vowed that a rates rebel from Droitwich Spa must pay her debts in fairness to other council taxpayers. Wychavon District Council has ordered officers to take whatever action is considered necessary to make Nellie Copson pay up.
SPA youngsters are invited to beat the summer holiday boredom blues at the town's leisure centre. "I'm bored" should be the last thing uttered by town children because Wychavon District Cou-ncil is hosting a playscheme at Droitwich Sports and Leisure
THE cows have finally come home to Worcester's Ronkswood Hill after the foot-and-mouth crisis kept them at bay. The cattle would normally have been introduced to the nature reserve at an earlier date, but foot-and-mouth restrictions made it impossible
A CANINE cutie has been snatched from a village near Droitwich Spa. Poppy the West Highland terrier was stolen from her Berry Lane home, in Upton Warren. The white, 18-month-old bitch has been missing since Saturday July 14. Poppy's worried owner, David
SHOPPERS want an out-of-town supermarket, according to a parish poll which attracted 11 per cent of Droitwich Spa voters. Last Thursday, residents were asked if they wanted a supermarket and petrol station built in Kidderminster Road, instead of housing
BIG brother style cameras have been installed on Westlands to keep an eye on community life. A closed circuit television (CCTV) camera was unveiled outside the estate's community centre, off Farmers Way, last Friday. The £15,000 camera comes after calls
A CONDUCTOR is appealing for anyone in Worcestershire with an orchestra going spare to give him a call. John Challis, a concert organiser and amateur conductor, hopes to arrange a charity concert for this autumn's BBC's Children in Need appeal. Mr Challis
NEIGHBOURLY folk are being urged to watch out for unscrupulous workmen who targeted an elderly couple from Droitwich Spa. Police issued the warning after town pensioners were approa-ched by workmen offering to pave drives at their homes. On the basis
A FURIOUS labourer jumped up and down on his own car in a rage after he blundered into his TV and knocked it over. Justin Ruff's father eventually called the police when his 21-year-old son began shouting and swearing in the street outside his home. Neighbours
A QUICK-THINKING pensioner from Droitwich Spa who foiled suspected bogus officials has been praised by police. The elderly woman was at her Severn Dale home when two men claiming to be from the water board visited. They asked if they could go upstairs
CADETS from the town's Air Training Corps (ATC) enjoyed one the most successful days in their history at a tough training day. The 2516 (Droitwich) squadron joined more than 1,000 young people from the Mercian Wing at a Royal Air Force base in Cosford
THIS man's best friend is also his spitting image. Steve Wyers and his chow-chow dog, Winston, had their sights set on winning the "dog who looks most like their owner" competition at the Severn Veterinary Centre pet show. "We entered on the spur of the
FIXTURES EXPRESS & STAR LEAGUE (West Midlands (Regional) League) Saturday, August 18 Premier Division: Smethwick Rangers v Malvern Town (2.45). Division One (South): Malvern Town Reserves v Bustleholme Reserves (2.45). Tuesday, August 21 Premier Division
A decision on a controversial plan for 250 houses on land near Winyates Green has been deferred. English Partnerships wants to build an estate on Winyates Green Triangle off Far Moor Lane. Stratford Council, which will consider the scheme, has postponed
PLANS to create a healthy living centre in Redditch have gone back to the drawing board after a lottery bid for almost £900,000 was turned town. Redditch Council had applied for £864,887 from the New Opportunities Fund to help set up a number of initiatives
I SEE in a recent Redditch Advertiser that yet another motorcyclist has been killed at the junction of the A441 Alcester Highway and A448 Warwick Highway slip roads. I have repeatedly seen motorcyclists tearing around this junction at breakneck speeds
THE staff at Tesco Redditch Extra would like to thank the company for their continued support following the severe fire at the store. Rob Taylor and his team have ensured that all staff have been well and truly looked after financially and emotionally
THE media can be a power for good, as well as a power for evil. Remember the days of yesteryear, when no public place was safe from choking tobacco fumes? A visit to the cinema, when the film was obscured by clouds of smoke; ruined meals in restaurants
AFTER years of being shunted around to demolition sites and a shabby yard, Redditch market is back where it belongs - its traditional site in Church Green. As to the agreement with the Kingfisher Centre, it is doubtful if a prestige store like Debenhams
Thank you to everyone in Underwood Close who contributed to Breast Cancer Research, which totalled £36.25p. Phyllis Wells Redditch
I WAS sitting in Clinic 2000 at the Alexandra Hospital. I was appalled at the statistics set out on the pinboard referring to patients who do not attend the appointments carefully set for them. Do these people not realise it is this lack of respect for
WHILE travelling in a Redditch coach last Saturday heading for the Shrewsbury Flower Show, we picked up several passengers en route and very soon it became abundantly clear we have an infestation of speed cameras. Just like a field of mushrooms, they
August 17, 1901 Albert Mews, of Walford Street, Redditch, in custody, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Worcester Road on August 10. Pc Eales said his attention was called to a crowd in Worcester Road on Saturday night and on going to investigate
August 18, 1951 IN Korea - The July issue of the Toc H Journal contains some interesting news of a member of the Redditch branch of the Toc H, Sgt Arthur Hobbs, who is now serving in the Army in Korea. Before joining the forces, Sgt Hobbs was attached
SAY cheese! This merry group of daytrippers certainly knew how to smile - and so they should as they were all members of Redditch Camera Club. Here they are in summer 1952 on a photographic outing to Tardebigge Locks. The gentleman with the glasses in
MALVERN Rugby Club have signed former Northampton professional Dave Merlin to strenghthen their pack for the opening part of the season - full story in this weeks Malvern Gazette (August 17).
A TITANIC battle at Coombs Wood saw Avoncroft Seconds win by two wickets in the Worcestershire County League Division Four. On a wicket offering dangerously high bounce, the homesters were asked to bat and unsurprisingly started tentatively. With captain
AVONCROFT CC First XI's failure to capitalise on a good opening partnership contributed to their five-wicket defeat at home to Coombs Wood. Pete Jukes (45) and Richard Sinclair (39) started well against one of the best bowling attacks in the league and
A THRILLING game at Chaddesley Corbett on Saturday saw Droitwich Spa Firsts claim a winning draw. Having set the home side 275 to win, Chaddesley needed a six off the final ball for victory but could only manage a single. Droitwich were invited to bat
DROITWICH Spa Firsts suffered a disappointing defeat at Aston Manor in Sunday's Berry League game. Chasing a gettable 212 from 45 overs, Spa got themselves into a good position at 140-2 but collapsed disastrously to 156 all out. The first three batsmen
THE promotion hopes of Bromsgrove CC Seconds were dealt a blow when they were beaten on Saturday by visitors St Georges. The Shropshire side batted first and were reduced to 36-2 from 20 overs as Paul Husbands and Ade Lawton kept a tight rein. The pivotal
THE under-13s at Bromsgrove CC finished a rain-plagued league season with a flurry of four games in six days at the end of July. Apart from a heavy defeat by a strong Alvechurch side, who finished top of the Worcester east league, the Town lads won the
A REDDITCH youth theatre group has won one of the drama world's most prestigious accolades in the form of a grant and letter of support from Sir Cameron Mackintosh. The Break-A-Leg Theatre Company, which is a registered charity, heard this week it had
A gripping drama visits Malvern Theatres next week following a highly successful two-year West End run. Copenhagen, starring Anna Carteret and David Horovitch, is set in 1941 when German nuclear physicist Werner Heisenberg made a mysterious visit to the
THIS month sees a regional premiere starring Belinda Lang and David Haig kick off Birmingham Repertory Theatre's season. Billed as a stylish new comedy, Life x 3 involves couple Henri and Sonia being plunged into crisis when Henri's boss Hubert and his
FORMER Worcester Rugby Club back row forward Dave Merlin has signed for Midlands One new boys Malvern. Merlin, who has also played for Northampton, Blackheath and Stourbridge, will play for the Spring Lane side whenever work commitments allow. Malvern's
The John Barton Column FOR many years Worcester City have not enjoyed the success that many supporters following the club would wish. I understand people's frustrations as a result of that but since taking over I've always said it was going to take three
JON Ford returned for Bromsgrove Rovers last night but was unable to save the team from a 1-0 home defeat against Stratford Town in the Midland Alliance. Stratford took the lead after five minutes when Scott Darroch beat the Rovers off-side trap and defender
MORE than 600 crews took to the water at the annual Stourport Regatta. The two-day event attracted crews from all over the country as well as one from Holland, with 600 races in all categories. The Molesey club from London was the most successful with
WORCESTER race walker Wendy Bennett steps up her bid for a place in next year's Commonwealth Games in Manchester with a 20km race this weekend. The former Pershore High School pupil has overcome a serious knee injury to become one of the leading lights
DROITWICH Rugby Club will host its increasingly popular ten-a-side competition this Saturday. The third annual tournament will be the biggest yet with 12 teams taking part from as far afield as Doncaster and Brynithel, in south Wales. The competition
A CRUCIAL win over lowly Lichfield kept Redditch heads clear of the Birmingham Two West relegation scrap. The Bromsgrove Road cricketers picked up 20 points after a comprehensive eight wicket win to reclaim a mid-table berth. In terms of position the
Marcus Brutus led the cast in a superb production. Appropriately enough, it was Vinnie Jones look-a-like Greg Hicks who portrayed the noblest Roman of all and the archetypal master of putting the boot in. Ian Hogg's corpulent Caesar and Tim Piggott Smith's
THE husband of a woman who died earlier this year has given a boost to a Redditch charity, writes Matt Smith. Alan Jones, of Astwood Bank, gave six wheelchairs, which had belonged to his wife, Ruth, to Shopmobility. The couple found the service invaluable
HEWELL'S Worcester Six title aims took another blow with a surprise reverse to Knighton-on-Teme at the weekend. After a shock defeat to Teme Valley, Hewell, who have topped the table for much of the season, are on a wobble with the finishing line in sight
WYTHALL all but secured their Warwickshire Four Central status with a weekend win over Thimblemill. High-scoring Matthew Elwell is absent as Wythall visit Bridge Trust on Saturday (1.30pm start).
PLANS to improve facilities and quality of care for mentally ill people have been given the green light by councillors. A high dependency unit will now be developed at Hill Crest, on the Alexandra Hospital site, and recruitment is already under way for
NINE man Cookhill were hammered by high-flying Chainwire at the weekend after missing a dozen squad members through unavailability. Captain MickHill is hoping for a win against at home to struggling Cleobury Mortimer on Saturday (1.30pm start).
BIDFORD'S Cotswold Hills championship hopes took a battering with a surpise loss to Elmley on Saturday. The title favourites slipped up, falling 17 runs short of a 172 target to keep them just one point ahead of second placed Shipston. Captain Nigel Wilson
EXHALL and Wixford's National Village Knockout heroics receded as the villagers were plunged back into the Cotswold Premier relegation zone. Scott Carmichael's side slumped to defeat against a strong Wellesbourne side. Exhall visit Elmley Castle on Saturday
ALCESTER regained the ascendancy in Cotswold Hills Two in the tightest of title races. Starting the day second the Ragley Park side crushed Stratford Thirds by ten wickets to swap places with previous leaders Stratford Bards, who surprisingly lost to
WORCESTER City have completed the signing of trialist Darren Middleton to boost manager John Barton's striking options. But the news of Middleton's capture was tempered by the shock departure of winger Mike Wyatt, who has left the club due to work commitments
Oldbury United (2) 3 Bromsgrove Rovers (0) 3 Midland Alliance ROVERS started well at The Cricketts in their Midland Alliance season opener on Saturday, but it was Oldbury who snatched the lead in this six-goal thriller. In the eighth minute Stuart Grosvenor's
Stourport Swifts (2) 3 Bromsgrove Rovers (0) 0 Pre-season friendly IN a hard-fought match at Walshes Meadow, Stourport ran out comfortable winners. The team which replaced Rovers in the Dr Martens League deserved the victory. Paul Lloyd struck the first
BARNT Green Spartak travelled to Coventry on Saturday and were beaten 3-0 by a very strong Massey Ferguson side. Spartak started off well and could have gone in front on three minutes when a forward rounded the keeper and shot from a tight angle. The
VISITORS to Droitwich Spa's Norbury Theatre this autumn are in for a treat with a packed programme of events. The autumn/winter season at the Friar Street venue kicks off with Agatha Christie's Spider's Web on Wednesday, September 12 at 7.30pm. It runs
A BROMSGROVE woman is enjoying the sweet smell of success after being appointed marketing chief of a busy city shopping centre. Emily Lavender is the new marketing manager at the Pallasades Shopping Centre, in Birmingham. The 28-year-old has joined from
A LOGO which advises Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa shoppers they are buying high quality farm foods has proved a success. A National Farmers' Union survey showed one in three people recognises the little red tractor stamp of approval. The British Farm
A CHRISTMAS crazy pub in Wychbold is getting into the festive spirit early. Staff at the Poachers Pocket, in Worcester Road, have been spotted wearing Yuletide costumes and manager David Galvin has already put up a Christmas tree. He said: "Whenever I
Team colours, Home: Red shirts, red shorts, red socks. Away: Sky blue shirts, claret shorts, sky blue socks. Contacts, Pat Cremin, commercial director, 01527 67450 Rod Laight, chairman, 07747 775510. Manager: Nicky Cross. Assistant manager: Gary Hackett
Thursday August 16 l Art: Painting exhibition, Bromsgrove Library, Stratford Road. Until August 25. l Cinema: Billy Elliot, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham. l Blues: Parkers Alibi, The Fiddle and Bone, Sheepcote Street, Birmingham, 8pm. Friday August
A BUNGLE by staff at the Alexandra hospital led to patients from the Bromsgrove area who attended a clinic at Worcester Royal Infirmary on Saturday morning having to be sent home without seeing the consultant. Their case notes, which should have been
BROMSGROVE residents can enjoy another fun packed Wednesday when the street theatre returns next week. The Recreation Ground will play host to the town's annual event once again as youngsters get the chance to meet musketeers heroically doing battle with
TWO eye scanners bought for the Alexandra hospital by generous Advertiser/Messenger readers two years ago could be re-located to Kidderminster as a "sweetener" to patients there, it was feared this week. Bromsgrove's MP, Julie Kirkbride, said she is "
A GOLF-MAD Rubery man is bunkered after a host of sports-themed car registration plates he bought cannot be used because his car is too old. Dean Briggs, of Maple Road, began collecting the six plates at the beginning of the year and he estimates they
A TERRIFIED woman feared for her safety when a man followed and threatened her while she was driving on the A448 between Redditch and Bromsgrove. The incident occurred on Tuesday, August 7, when a car braked suddenly on the Slideslow island in Bromsgrove
A ONCE familiar feature in Bromsgrove town centre is set to return after an absence of around three decades. The horse trough that for more than 60 years had been a feature in the Strand area of Bromsgrove, before being moved to Sanders Park in the 1970s
A POETIC Bromsgrove man is 'pushing' his hobby to the forefront and helping to raise money for charity at the same time. Rockhill resident Pat Greaves, a porter at the town's ASDA supermarket, has written a book of poetry and all proceeds from the sale
POLICE are appealing for witnesses to an armed robbery at a service station, near Bromsgrove on Sunday. The incident happened at Hopwood Service Station at juncton 2 of the M45 when a 62-year-old assistant was grabbed from behind by two masked men and
A HUSH fell over Crown Close in Bromsgrove as veterans of the war in Burma remembered those days more than half a century ago, and their comarades who fought and died alongside them. The Bromsgrove branch of the Burma Star Association teamed up with the
A DETERMINED Barnt Green man is to compete in the New York Marathon against a field of top class athletes. Kirk Allen, of Barnt Green Road, is not out to win but is looking to raise £1,750 for charity. He only took up running this year and completed the
A KINDHEARTED Ru-bery woman will be using foot power in the fight against cancer later this year. Sue Fair, of Bittell Court, will join 90 people on a six-day walking trek along the Great Wall of China for the Cancer Research Campaign. The charity, founded
EAGER gardeners are in for a treat this weekend thanks to the North East Worcestershire Fuchsia Society. Not only is it once again hosting its annual show at Webbs of Wychbold but for the first time visitors can get in free. Club president Ray Vincent
YOUNG brothers Joseph and George Banner were hailed as heroes this week following their prompt action which may have saved the life of their desperately sick grandmother. The youngsters knew just what to do when Jean Daniels suddenly collapsed in the
AN exciting deal could soon be struck to rejuvenate a large town centre store which has stood empty since March. Retail giant Wilkinson is considering branching out into Droitwich Spa. Company bosses are seeking permission from Wychavon District Council
TWO promising Redditch ice-skaters will take the next step towards the British Championships at the weekend. Laura Hume and Alless-andra Doddato contest the Swindon Open, the last of three qualifiers needed to go through to a final qualifier at Ayr, Scotland
IN THE Heart of England League, Alcester inflicted a massive 70-shot defeat on visitors Greet, with seven individual winners. Peter Barber led the way with 21-3, closely followed by John Alderson 21-5, Renny Bannister 21-10, Bob LeResche 21-11 and Chris
REDDITCH is to host a national sporting contest for ethnic minority groups for the first time this Sunday. Hundreds of people from across the country are set to arrive for the volleyball competition, which starts at 9am at Abbey Stadium. Members of the
PROMOTION is the aim for new Reds manager Nicky Cross as he embarks on his first season in charge. But the former West Brom ace has been told he has three years to take United to the next level. After deciding to take the Valley hotseat late last season
August 10 Clive John, Railway Inn, Ripple. August 11. Modesty Duo. Barbourne Ex-servicemen's club. The Moors. Worcester. Clive John, Green Dragon, Guarlford Road, Malvern August 12 Pete Cresswell. Barbourne Ex-servicemen's club. The Moors. Worcester.
THE Radio 4 commentators (D G Lay, July 30) and myself must have been at different games. The ground was pretty full, a good attendance for a week day. Being a pensioner, I would like a discount. Fortunately, I live in the real world. If the club discounted
IT was a delight last Friday to find the You Say page omitted the usual tirade of trivia. I shall put an extra £1 on the plate in church this Sunday in thanks. And hope that it is not spent on luxuries like alcohol, cigarettes or Shirley Bassey records
Pictures from the Permanent Collection. July 23- throughout the summer. Daily at Worcester Museum & Art Gallery. Foregate Street. (01905 25371). Painting With Smoke; Raku Ceramics by David Roberts. July 7-Aug 19. Cotton Gallery, mac, Cannon Hill Park
SHAME on the spoilsports who complained about the floodlit cricket match played at New Road. It's a rare occasion when the weather allows such a warm pleasant evening right on cue. Three generations of my own family - husband, son-in-law and grandson
August 10 Clive John, Railway Inn, Ripple. August 11. Modesty Duo. Barbourne Ex-servicemen's club. The Moors. Worcester. Clive John, Green Dragon, Guarlford Road, Malvern August 12. Pete Cresswell. Barbourne Ex-servicemen's club. The Moors. Worcester.
"BURGLAR'S three year prison sentence" (Evening News, August 6). Has a note of sentencing reality arrived in this area? Judge David Mathews said "the suggestion that heroin addiction was at the root of the offence is no excuse." And "burglary causes much
I HAD a surprise phone call yesterday from an old school friend who I had not seen or heard of for nearly 60 years. She was then called Nancy Pitt and lived in Dilmore Lane, Fernhill Heath. Her eldest brother joined the Royal Navy at 18 in 1939. In January
I REFER to the orrespondence that David Andrews' letter has generated on "Europe." We are all familiar with the publicity, gained by supermarkets attempting to sell branded goods, obtained on the so-called "grey market", at prices charges way beneath
UNLUCKY Rubery athlete James Nickless narrowly missed a medal at a major games for the second time in a month. The 16-year-old was fourth in the 1,500m steeplechase at the 3As Championships in Sheffield on Saturday. James led from the start but faded
IF you think you could be the next Tim Henman or Venus Williams, then here's your chance to impress. Tennis fun days will be held in Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa next month for under-13s. The free sessions have been organised so coaches can unearth talented
TWO incidents which left women badly shaken at Kingfisher Centre car parks have prompted a security review by centre bosses. The review is being carried out alongside a £2 million refurbishment which includes the provision of CCTV and stepping up of security
FOR many years Worcester City have not enjoyed the success that many supporters following the club would wish. I understand people's frustrations as a result of that but since taking over I've always said it was going to take three or four years before
THE Witness Support Service at Redditch Magistrates Court has been nominated for an award by a national disabled charity. The nomination for an Ease of Access for Service and Employees Award (EASE) was made by Queen Elizabeth's Foundation and recognises
THE benefit fraud hotline set up by Redditch Council has resulted in another success after a Redditch man was convicted of illegally claiming benefits. On Friday, self-employed Roy Laurence, of Kineton Close, Matchborough, admitted claiming £3,800 in
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers chief Lionel Newton has issued a warning to potential buyers of "Mr Consistency" Craig Hinton. The 23-year-old, who joined Harriers after being released by Birmingham City, made an impressive start to the season in the 1-0 win over
MASKED armed raiders locked a 62-year-old service station worker in a toilet before making off with £2,000 cash and £600 worth of telephone cards, writes Becky Procter. The terrifying robbery happened at the Esso Hopwood Service Station, Redditch Road
DARREN Middleton will aim to prove Kidderminster Harriers they were wrong to release him after joining neighbours Worcester City. Middleton spent pre-season and a week in the 2000/2001 campaign on trial at Harriers. But there was no room for the forward
REDDITCH police are appealing for women who may have been harassed by a man trying to look up their skirts. There have been a number of incidents in Redditch where a man is alleged to have followed women, on some occasions pointing at them, and sometimes
TACKLING domestic violence has been highlighted as a priority for Redditch police after a Government review of force progress, writes Melina Cannon. Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary compiled the report after a series of inspections in May, including
VINTAGE car collectors are being warned to be on their guard after an unusual theft of specialist tools, writes Becky Procter. Police believe thieves may have deliberately targeted a man who collects and works on vintage cars when more than £7,000 worth
POLICE are warning garages to be on the lookout if they are offered a quad bike for sale. A red Honda model was stolen from Upper Bentley, near Tardebigge, between last Monday and Tuesday. Witnesses who may have seen it being ridden on waste ground or
A PLEA has gone out for help to identify a picture which is baffling even the town's most avid historians. Alcester Mayor Wendy Weatherhead is looking for information about two postcards. Although the date and location of one of them is known, the second
THE problems have already started for Studley FC manager Mark Chambers after his side started their debut Alliance season with a 3-1 loss to Willenhall. With first choice keeper Keith Beasley nursing a shoulder injury, Chambers pitched last season's reserve
FECKENHAM manager Clive Campion has persuaded Studley hitman Brian Powell to join his side. The Millers open up their Midland Combination Premier campaign at home to Massey Ferguson on Saturday (2.45pm). And the prolific forward joined the Valley tenants
ALVECHURCH, who this week let striker Michael Campbell join Redditch United, open at Bolehall Swifts on Saturday (ko 2.45pm) before entertaining Shirley Town on Wednesday (ko 7.30pm).
DEAR EDITOR - Faced with the prospect of having to vote for a new leader of the Conservative Party, loyal members in Bromsgrove are faced with a dilemma. At the time when William Hague was elected as leader, our Member of Parliament, Julie Kirkbride,
DEAR EDITOR - Now is surely the time to end the Nellie Copson saga. What appears as a real or imaginary raw deal for Nellie has, through the years, deteriorated into a yearly "tweaking of authority's nose" and I am sure worry on the part of local authority
DEAR EDITOR -- With reference to the article under the heading of 'Black mark for council' in last week's Advertiser/Messenger. Could I request that when the assistant engineer is going round with his paint-pot, wiping out intrusive apostrophes on parking
Wythall History Club is collecting spooky artefacts and tales for an exhibition in the village library. Val Lewis from the club needs as many strange stories, pictures and artefacts as she can from villagers for the October exhibition at the May Lane
ON July 1, there was a coach trip organised by Jill and Alan Hitchcock to the National Botanical Gardens in Wales. There was a good turnout, with 48 on the coach. The gardens were enjoyable and well worth a visit. There are plans to increase the gardens
MORE than 5,000 people turned up at Wythall Carnival at the weekend. Villagers packed Wythall Park, Silver Street, on Sunday and enjoyed a variety of events, even without the much-loved street procession. All the money raised has gone towards the Wythall
ALBERT Field, aged 18 months, was killed when he was run over by a horse pulling a bread cart in Gibb Lane, Catshill, where he had been playing with other youngsters. 100 years ago August 17, 1901 ALBERT Field, aged 18 months, was killed when he was run
Bromsgrove Rovers (0) 0 Stratford Town (1) 1 Midland Alliance DEFENDER Jon Ford made his comeback for Bromsgrove Rovers last night but was unable to save the team from defeat. Stratford took the lead after five minutes when Scott Darroch beat the Rovers
TOM Herbert has finally become the major shareholder of Bromsgrove Rovers. Pat Bannister said he transferred his shares to the Abberley businessman on Friday and resigned as chief executive. But Mayfields Insolvency Practitioners will remain as the administrators
IF Bromsgrove Rovers played with as much passion as shown by the fans, they would never lose a match. That's the assessment of manager Steve Daniels after the 3-3 draw against Oldbury United on Saturday. He said: "The fans were magnificent. It was overwhelming
MORE than 1,000 players are preparing for the start of the Bromsgrove Advertiser/Messenger District Football League. The big kick-off on Sunday will see 39 teams battle it out in the four divisions. League fixture secretary Dave Hewitt said: "We have
Coventry's most famous Irishman will appear at The Belgrade Theatre for one night only next week. Bob Brolly and his band Calvery will take to the stage on Monday as part of their latest tour. Bob joined the BBC WM six years ago with his Sunday Irish
YEARS of speculation over the future of a Redditch sports ground are finally at an end after plans to create a £1 million state-of-the-art facility, writes Becky Procter. Fears houses would be built on the site of Redditch Rugby, Hockey and Cricket Club
COMIC duo Haurel and Lardy had the crowds in stitches at Wythall Carnival on Sunday. Graham Hardy and Jem Frazer joined a host of performers for the event at Wythall Park. About 5,000 villagers turned up to enjoy the fun but there was no street procession
REGULARS at a Redditch pub were taken in hook, line and sinker - but it was all for a good cause. The Duck Pond in Pheasant Lane, Oakenshaw, held a fun day last week and raised £368 for the Special Care Baby Unit at the Alexandra Hospital. Captain Hook
REDDITCH'S Tesco superstore will not operate as normal for at least six months after the massive blaze, writes Melina Cannon. The Oakenshaw branch will be closed until February, although a scaled-down service should be available on 40,000 sq ft of the
FIRE crews evacuated the smokelogged Kingfisher Centre after a blaze broke out at the former JJB Sports store. Sparks from construction work being carried out at the empty unit are thought to have travelled through a hole in the floor to the storeroom
AN information and advice surgery for the over 50s in ethnic minority communities has been launched at Redditch's Age Concern branch. The Ethnic Minority Elders project aims to help Asian and African-Caribbean elders by staging weekly surgeries from 11am
PAKISTAN'S answer to Michael Jackson will be performing at one of Redditch's biggest cultural days on August Bank Holiday. Redditch Pakistan Community Forum has organised the all-day event at the Ecumenical Centre. From 9.30am-3pm, women from the Pakistan
TOWNSFOLK can crawl their way to a charity swim at Hewell Road swimming pool on Monday, September 3. The event, which runs from 9am-noon, is in aid of the Primrose Hospice and application forms can be picked up from the charity's shop in Alcester Street
EXPERTS' predictions that the tide of unemployment may be changing would appear to be borne out by the latest figures for Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Although unemployment levels came down slightly in the city of Worcester in July, other towns in
A VILLAGE mums' group is preparing to cook up a storm for charity. Mum's the Word, a group of about 25 mothers, is putting together a cookbook to raise money for Acorns Children's Hospice Trust. Anyone who wishes to help can call Mrs Hill on 0121 445
A WORCESTERSHIRE firm has launched a website dedicated to helping rural businesses and people living in the countryside. Bromsgrove computer specialists Frambourne Ltd. launched the website after managing director Ian Lambert became "alarmed" at the problems
