Archive

A WORCESTER mum is fuming because a boy who allegedly sexually assaulted her special needs daughter on a school trip will be back in school in September. She says social services took almost a month to investigate after she complained that the boy committed

A HOUSEHOLD waste tip will now open seven days a week after Worcestershire councillors failed in their bid to restrict its hours. Mercia Waste Management now intends to install "compacting" equipment to crush rubbish dumped at Bilford Road. The firm appealed

A TOURISM company advertising walking holidays on the Malvern Hills is offering accommodation to those who book in "nearby" Wiltshire! Diamond Holidays of Market Harborough is promoting the three-day breaks at the end of September. They include two days

FARMERS and village shop owners across Worcestershire have given a cautious welcome to news their rates' bills could be cut in half. A five-year rate relief scheme to encourage farmers to diversify into non-agricultural activities under the Rating Act

SPORTS fans in Worcestershire will soon have the county's facilities at their fingertips thanks to a new book listing every club and leisure complex. Information on facilities in the county is currently held by local authorities and Sport England - but

TWO visually-impaired students have crowned their college career by achieving top grades in A-Level art. Worcester RNIB College for the Blind students Katie-George Dunlevy and Naomi Riches both received A grades for the course in Art and Design. "A lot

A KIND-hearted woman who helped raise £120,000 has stepped down as chairman of the Evesham branch of the Arthritis Research Campaign. Gladys Williams is retiring because of failing health after 13 years at the helm of the charity's branch. She was helping

THE next round will be on the winner of the Evening News beer festival competition. Mike Butler won the 36-pint barrel of Special Bright from St George's Brewery, Callow End, after entering the paper's Real Ale in the Summer Sun contest and correctly

DESPITE the foot-and-mouth crisis, one cow did make its way on to the Three Counties Showground. However, Annabel, the prize exhibit at the NFU Food and Farming Roadshow, "was made of wood, with a rubber udder". "The idea was that the youngsters can discover

I know this is short notice but please bring your friends and enjoy wine and cheese at Millers Court Farm, Birtsmorton on Friday, August 17, from 7pm. RSVP for approximate numbers to help catering on 01684 833238. Tickets £5 in aid of Birtsmorton Church

IT'S fitting that Atomic Kitten's decision to cover the Bangles' Eternal Flame delivered them another number one single. Less than a year ago, their candle had nearly spluttered out. Momentarily dropped by their record company whose patience was wearing

AN IRREVERANT, witty sideways glance at four centuries of opera will be on show at Malvern's Festival Theatre on Saturday, Sept-ember 1. The Fat Lady Sings is being staged by Kit and the Widow, a.k.a. Kit Hesketh-Harvey and Richard Sisson, with opera

A MALVERN artist has had her work recognised by the Royal Horticultural Society and has been asked to exhibit at their winter shows. Beth Barnes was accepted by the society at the end of July after showing her work at a meeting of its picture committee

AFTER a break caused by foot and mouth, Ledbury's green spaces can be enjoyed once again. For those who have forgotten, or for people yet to discover, Herefordshire Council footpaths officer Mike Woodbridge (pictured above) takes a trip round the town

"A FESTIVAL of transformation and discovery" is being held in Cradley next week. The Big Switch Up features six days of music, magic and laughter, featuring a costume dome, an arts caf, theatre circus cabaret, a minstrel stage and various workshops. It

TWO brothers are exhibiting together at Malvern Library Art Gallery for the first time next week. Ernest and Roger Alma have drawn and painted since childhood but have never exhibited together, until this show, running from August 25 to September 15.

THE events detailed in today's Front Page lead story amount to an horrific experience for the teachers involved - but that's where our sympathy ends for them at present. Unsurprisingly, it's the victim and her family who cry out for our consideration,

A SPECTACULAR mix of music, drama and humour is being promised by a favoured theatre with Worcestershire art lovers. The Wolverhampton Grand starts its autumn season with a return visit of the hit musical Grease. Thirty years after bursting on to Broadway

SPORTS fans in Worcestershire will soon have the county's facilities at their fingertips thanks to a new book listing every club and leisure complex. Information on facilities in the county is currently held by local authorities and Sport England - but

MALVERN Rugby Club have signed former Northampton professional David Merlin to strengthen their pack for the opening part of the season. The Spring Lane club however heads for their first season in Midlands Division One with very much the same squad as

ERNIE Holder, the mayor of Upton-upon-Severn has died suddenly while on holiday. Mr Holder, aged 74, is believed to have suffered a heart attack while out on his boat off the coast of South Wales last Saturday (August 11). Fellow councillors and friends

THE nursery school, which residents of Upton-upon-Severn have been long awaiting, is finally beginning to take shape. Conversion of the derelict barn at Clive's Fruit Farm is now well underway, and the new nursery should be open next month. It will provide

THE opening of the Star Hotel in Upton, scheduled for Monday, August 13, has had to be postponed as work is taking longer than expected. The hotel should have reopened on August 1, but the extent of the work needed, following damage caused by floods,

TILTRIDGE Vineyards of Upton-upon Severn have been presented with a medal and two commendations for its wines. The awards, presented at the House of Lords in Westminster, were for three of the wines they had entered into the Heart of England Fine Food

A SUMMER Garden Fete is being held tomorrow at Beechwood, Holly Green, in Upton-upon-Severn. It is being organised by the Friends of Beechwood in aid of the residents and day care clients and will start at 2pm. There will be a grand prize draw, and many

COMMUNITY leaders said yesterday they were appalled at a mugging by two young boys in Malvern that left a pensioner in hospital. The 74-year-old woman was described by police as "poorly" following the attack in Goodson Road, Malvern Link on Wednesday

THOUSANDS of people from across the country are set to flock to the Three Counties Showground in Malvern for the Summer Show, which begins today. Among those setting up stalls for the three day extravaganza yesterday was Gill Morris-Green from Jane's

I wholeheartedly agree with Christine Shepherd's views voiced in her letter 'Quality of life discounted' (Postbag, August 10). Yes of course the quality of life in Malvern is being discounted. One only has to see the unsightly bus shelters, paths overgrown

A TOURISM company advertising walking holidays on the Malvern Hills is offering accommodation to those who book in 'nearby' Wiltshire! Diamond Holidays of Market Harborough is promoting the three-day breaks at the end of September. They include two days

FOLLOWING on from your recent article reviewing Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, I should like it to be noted the choir on this occasion was provided by the Cecilia Hall Dance Centre. This involved 51 local Malvern girls, who rehearsed at

THE B4219 Cowleigh Road, which runs through North Malvern, could be closed for four weeks while workmen carry out repairs. Signs on the road say the work being carried out by contractors on behalf of Herefordshire Council will only last 14 days but the

I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to the kind person who found and handed in my watch near Ledbury Library recently. It was a gift from my husband, who passed away recently, and it's loss was devastating. It is wonderful to realise there are kind

HEARTY congratulations to the editor, Mr Nick Howells and dedicated staff of the Malvern Gazette & Ledbury Reporter on winning the National Sales Award of Merit from the Newsquest Group. Exciting news, sports coverage, photographs plus Postbag and

Let me say how much I support the comments of Christine Shepperd (Postbag, August 10) regarding the downgrading of the floral displays provided by Malvern Hills District Council. Unfortunately, this is but one more example of the current council's rural-based

IN Keith Phillip's letter, "Clearing up misconceptions" (Postbag July 27), he states that MTAG is a non-political group. I suggest that it is nothing if not political (Politics is the art and science of Government). What I believe is meant when this phrase

MALVERN Town Football club says it is days away from signing a contract with a property developer for its Langland stadium. Spokesman Richard Anson said on Tuesday that he hoped the contract would be signed in seven to ten days. "It's not been signed

I READ with interest, the article "Cancer patient's car tyres slashed" in the Malvern Gazette on July 13. As the man had good intentions by acting as a human guinea pig when undergoing gene therapy treatment to try and help other sufferers, I am hardly

EACH year Malvern Priory has around 35,000 to 40,000 visitors, with people from across the globe stepping inside to see it. But how many Malvern-ians, who pass it while shopping every week, really know about the remarkable slice of local and national

I refer to the recent letter written by Mrs M Pushman (Postbag, June 29) and others of support which followed. These letters seemed to me to express a regrettable attitude, particularly towards Europe, though I sympathise to some degree with Mrs Pushman

SIXTH form students across the Malvern district were celebrating yesterday as A'Level results were announced. In a year where average results were again higher than previous years all schools in the area performed well. At Hanley Castle High School, headteacher

THREE giant heads have been returned to Hillstone School in Malvern. The hefty stone busts were handed in to police last week after being found in Wells Road on August 4. The sculptures, made by pupils as part of a millennium project, are around two feet

A FARMING family forced into a new direction by foot and mouth are about to open their second shop in just over five months. The Dobson family, of Grove Court, Greenhill, Suckley, will open The Parson's Nose Sausage Shop at Hurrans Garden Centre, just

SCHOOLS and businesses in Malvern are being targeted by two officers tasked with encouraging people to become less reliant on cars. Worcestershire County Council's Sustainable Routes initiative is the result of Government legislation and funding to try

WORCESTER Rugby Club have announced a 25-strong squad to take on Pontypool in a pre-season friendly at Sixways tomorrow (3pm). This will be the first time for Sixways fans to see some of the new signings Worcester have made during the close season. These

INTREPID Malvern man Mark Witcomb has returned from an expedition mapping forests and catching animals on the other side of the world. Mr Witcomb spent six months in Vietnam documenting flora and fauna. His work was part of an effort to get the country's

THE Malverns Experience was launched some three years ago. While a great deal of work has been done since then to help promote the area, there are still many people who may not be aware of the partnership or its aims. The brainchild of Sharon Grey, head

A MALVERN woman who fraudulently claimed more than £2,300 in housing and council tax relief benefits has been sentenced to 40 hours' community service. Droitwich magistrates, sitting last Friday, also ordered Julie Lane, of Seymour Court, Marlborough

Malvern has been home to a family of Belarussian visitors for the past few weeks. The Kachuras, from Ossopovichy, are staying near Upton to try and recuperate from the strains of living in a country still suffering the effects of the Chernobyl nuclear

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers are expected to name an unchanged squad for tomorrow's Nationwide League Division Three trip to Darlington despite having Drewe Broughton back in training after injury. The striker is not likely to be risked following hamstring

THE Worcester round of the Dragonboat Racing National League takes place this Sunday on the Grandstand stretch of the River Severn at Pitchcroft. Racing starts at 10am with the grand finals due to take place at around 5pm. The event begins with a fast

MILLENARY is a confident selection to get back on the winning trail in the Stan James Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury tomorrow. John Dunlop's four-year-old has taken on the best middle-distance performers in Europe since his triumph in last season's

DON'T expect a beached Statue of Liberty or a loincloth-wearing hero in this "reimagining" of the sci-fi classic Planet of the Apes if you see Tim Burton's new version. This, according to the director, is not a remake or a sequel. It's a "reimagining"

WORCESTER City boss John Barton is hoping to avenge one of their "biggest hidings" of last season when they open their Dr Martens League Premier Division programme at home to Weymouth tomorrow (3pm). Weymouth handed out a 4-0 thrashing at home to City

WORCESTER Citizens Advice Bureau has received a boost from a major scheme which aims to award £1m of internet-ready PCs to community groups across the country. BT Community Connections has awarded the bureau a PC and one year's access to the internet.

In 1751 the Journal carried the following two advertisements. The first read: "To be Let - A very commodious house situate in Powick's Lane in the City of Worcester, late in the possession of Mr Moore and having two good parlours, several good lodging

The Worcester Journal of 250 years ago carried an obituary with a difference. "On Thursday last died, aged 90, Mr Thomas Bird of the Parish of Claines. He was formerly a rope maker but, having acquired a handsome fortune, left off business and lived very

In the Worcester Police Court during this week of 1901, George Alford, a farmer of Cotheridge, was fined 10 shillings for "furiously driving" a pony and trap at The Cross, Worcester. "PC Steadman said the defendant had driven at 10 miles per hour and

HABBERLEY Valley Nature Reserve is a location many people visit over the holidays to take in the beauty of the landscape, enjoy a stroll and relax in the countryside. What makes Habberley Valley an appealing place to visit is the number of different habitats

MANY of us will have or will be planning to take a trip to the seaside this summer to relax and enjoy the natural facilities found at the beach. What we often do not realise is when we are visiting the beach we are visiting one of nature's harshest habitats

BIG fluffy Belted Galloway cattle wandering through head height scrub and grassland may create a bit of a spectacle but does it really benefit our wildlife or is it just a way of giving cows holidays? Many people must have wondered this when the Wyre

THE Green 1st XI failed to gain a much needed win on Saturday when Eastnor were the visitors to North End Lane in a Worcestershire League Division Two game. BARNARDS GREEN IST XI V EASTNOR IST XI The Green lost the toss and were put into bat. Richard

A POOR fielding and batting performance saw Colwall lose out by 54 runs in the League game against Apperley on Saturday. APPERLEY v COLWALL Choosing to field first on an unpredictable track at Apperley, Colwall bowled well early on with Will Hards' and

AFTER a lengthy spell in the cricketing wilderness the Worcester Nomads have moved out off the relegation zone of the Worcestershire County League Division One. Visiting Lye on Saturday, the Nomads bowlers bowled out the home side for 155 and won comfortably

BARNARDS Green Sunday 2nd XI entertained Barnt Green 2nd XI in a Sunday league game. BARNARDS GREEN II v BARNT GREEN II Barnt Green got off to a bad start losing Towner and Stock with the score on just 14, but a partnership between Edwards and Cowley

MALVERN Ramblers entertained Feckenham in their Worcestershire County League Division Two match on Saturday and recorded a vital three wicket win. MALVERN RAMBLERS v FECKENHAM Feckenham batted first and almost immediately lost Adshead. This brought South

Barnards Green 3rd's entertained Old Elizabethan 3rd's on yet another gloomy Saturday afternoon. BARNARDS GREEN III v OLD ELIZABETHANS III Put in to bat, the Green made an inauspicious start with Rob Lewis and Marc Jones both unable to find their timing

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 2.15, 4.15, 6.15, 8.15. UCI Merry Hill 1.00, 3.15, 5.25, 7.35, 9.50 Fri/Sat Late Show 12.25

'CATCHES win matches' is an adage often used to explain why teams have lost, having put down their chances. WEST MALVERN V ACME West Malvern proved the point by holding onto some fine catches to dismiss the heart of the London touring side. By doing so

MALVERN Ramblers 2nd XI travelled to Feckenham last Saturday in a WCL match lost the toss and were put in the field. FECKENHAM II v MALVERN RAMBLERS II Captain S Perry and A Simpson opened and got off to a good start until Simpson was out for 12. Ramblers

UNITED are set to unveil hard-tackling Bromsgrove midfielder Steve Frost as their new signing at Gloucester tomorrow. Frost, who worked with Reds assistant manager Gary Hackett at Rovers last season, is set for his debut in the opening league game at

IF you're looking to give your kids a fun-filled school summer holiday then the Worcester Evening News and This is Worcester 'Summer in the City' listings can help. Every week throughout the holidays it will tell you all you need to know about activities

3rd Worcester Real Ale & Cider Festival. Aug 16 6-11pm, Aug 17/18 11-11pm. Aug 19 12-3pm. Worcester Racecourse Pitchcroft. (01905 350079) Worcester & District Model Engineers. Aug 19. Waverley Street, Diglis. 2.30pm-5pm. Models loco's for children

I CAN understand the argument put forward by Jeffery Holmes and Peter Winwood (You Say, August 13) concerning the Tesco application relating to Christopher Whitehead. The application has yet to come before the city council. Their anger needs to be directed

Painting With Smoke; Raku Ceramics by David Roberts. July 7-Aug 19. Cotton Gallery, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham (0121 440 3838). Venerable Beads: The narrative necklaces and beadwork of Eleyne Williams. Aug 4-Sept 23. Cheltenham Art Gallery &

I FELT I needed to write about the debate going on between GP Dr Peter Mansfield and Dr Brian McCloskey, Director of Public Health for Worcestershire Health Authority. My daughter suffers from Asperger's - not due to the MMR vaccine (my personal opinion

BBC Proms Concert - City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Aug 19. 7.30pm. Royal Albert hall, London (020 7589 8212). Karen Tweed's May Monday (Family Concert). Sept 10. 8pm. Huntingdon Hall, Crowngate. Worcester. (01905 611427). Viva Verdi - (A celebration

DOES David Andrews really believe that joining the euro will make a difference to the price we pay for petrol, cars, CDs - or anything else for that matter? He sounds terribly nave. We are, in fact, one of the highest taxed countries in Europe and joining

The FAST Fest! - Three weeks of films, action, storytelling and theatre for 4-14 yrs. Aug 6-25. Various times. The Courtyard, Edgar Street, Hereford (01432 359252). Vanessa Mae, Ross Pavilion Theatre. Aug 17. 7pm. (01989 563330) Tour de Froce present

MANY years ago, when the city council installed seats along the Bromwich Parade footpath between the Severn and the Cricket Club, I wrote to congratulate them. In the interests of litter prevention, I asked them to install bins by each seat and to empty

IT is time a campaign was mounted to shame the city council into clearing up the litter which defiles our lovely city. As an individual who cares, I have joined the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust as volunteer neighbourhood litter warden. I have dogs and

IN response to Trish Price (You Say, August 7), I would say she is obviously not a lover of animals. No, we are far from being "petty-minded" as she puts it. I am very much in favour of fun and enjoyment but not when it causes dumb animals so much stress

A fight between two dogs caught the imagination of Gazette columnist 'Ariel' a century ago. "An Irish terrier and a black dog from the Imperial Hotel had an argument on the platform at Great Malvern Station and after an exchange of the usual preliminaries

ONE of the most-anticipated Hollywood blockbusters of the summer, Planet of the Apes (12) opens at Malvern Cinema tonight (Friday). Tim Burton, whose previous films include Batman, Sleepy Hollow and Edward Scissorhands, directs this remake, or 're-imagining

THE many talents of actor and comedian Brian Conley can be seen as he visits Wolverhampton as part of his national tour. An evening of laughs and music is being promised as the actor, who has performed with some of the great names of showbusiness, hosts

AS the nation sits on the edge of its seat as EastEnders' thugs Dan Sullivan and Phil Mitchell go head-to-head, a former star of the soap will be getting involved with a hard man of Biblical proportions. Troy Titus-Adams, better known as Nina Harris,

A PERSHORE teenager is in hospital after falling 40ft from a lighting gantry at a Tewkesbury theatre. The 17-year-old girl, who has not been named, suffered suspected spinal injuries when she fell through ceiling panels and on to seats at The Roses Theatre

Formed 1947. Based at Langland Stadium, Langland Avenue, Malvern. Tel: (01684) 574068. Manager Joe Rawle; assistant manager Richard Anson. Colours: Sky blue/claret shirts, sky blue shorts, sky blue socks. First team members of the Express & Star League

REDDITCH united are set to sign hard-tackling Bromsgrove midfielder Steve Frost. And the new arrival is expected to make an instant debut at Gloucester City tomorrow. Frost will play alongside Richard Field in a 4-4-2 formation.

EXPRESS 88 FC took to the field on Sunday after several pre- season training sessions and gained a credible 1-1 draw against a very organised and efficient Powick FC. Fielding a new manager, and eight new faces alongside several of last season's squad

A NEW initiative has been launched in the Malvern area to help businesses look for new premises. Malvern Hills District Council has compiled a list of all the industrial, office and retail premises, as well as vacant land, that is for sale, or to let,

AMATEUR and professional sports people in the area will be full of confidence in the knowledge that an expert physio team is in the wings ready to ensure they stay fit to perform to their full potential. The Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic, headed

THE newly formed Worcestershire Grasstrack Club is gaining in profile with membership steadily increasing. The club will aim to promote grasstrack racing by holding meetings and social events throughout the county. Contact Julie Prescot on 01562 632710

A MALVERN man waged a three-month harassment campaign against his ex-girlfriend with a stream of bizarre letters, a jury was told. Benjamin Bonnaud's cryptic messages left Jane Profit "shocked and terrified". On one occasion, Miss Profit had to flee an

A PENSIONER was recovering in hospital today following a daylight attack by youngsters in Malvern. The 74-year-old was attacked as she walked with another elderly woman near the Safeway supermarket, in Roman Way, on Wednesday afternoon. The pair went

CHEAPSKATES looking for bargain bangers are believed to be the driving force behind an increase in dumped cars. The number of old rusting cars being discarded has almost trebled in the last three years, Worcester City Council claims. Abandoned cars are

PEOPLE living in the West Malvern, Colwall, Ledbury and Bromyard areas are being warned about rogue traders offering a garden clearance service. Trading Standards chiefs at Herefordshire Council say the combination of sunshine and showers has created

THE Post Office is still looking for someone to run a service near Pershore - even though two villagers are ready and willing to step in. But Kim and Roy Summers must overcome restrictions on plans to turn their home in Cropthorne into a post office.

A DANCE company celebrated the start of the Ross International Festival by performing a series of pieces in Ross-on-Wye market place. Senza Tempo, left, performed a trilogy of pieces with lively water displays to celebrate Wednesday's opening of the festival

"DESPICABLE" thieves are targeting charity shops, stealing piles of goods left outside Kidderminster premises and climbing into back yards to go through bags. It is believed they then turn their hauls into cash by selling items at car boot sales. Three

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

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers are expected to name an unchanged squad for tomorrow's Nationwide League Division Three trip to Darlington despite having Drewe Broughton back in training after injury. The striker is not likely to be risked following hamstring

A few days of midsummer madness struck West Malvern last week, with St James's church clock appearing to keep its own wacky version of double Summer Time. Although the blue-and-gold faces were showing the correct time, each hour the clock chimed one hour

IN spite of the rain several car boots braved the weather last Saturday morning to hold a sale on Oddfellows field. This was in aid of Macmillan fundraising. The Royal British Legion (Women's Section) is holding a bingo session every Sunday evening commencing

Jan Molby's Kidderminster Harriers would be delighted with a repeat of last season's result at Darlington on Saturday. Harriers won 2-1 at Feethams with two goals from veteran John Durnin who has since been released. And this season they aim to build

AT the Family Service last Sunday at St Peter's Church, the vicar Rev David Nichol baptised two children - little Oliver Jack Hale of Callow End, and toddler Chloe Lydia Lamb of Arizona, USA, whose grand-parents live in Colletts Green. The service was

ONCE again the whist drive organised by Audrey Peters and Ann Freeman in aid of the Vascular Unit Scanner Appeal for Cheltenham Hospital was a great success. There were 22 tables at the whist drive held in the Village Hall. The prize winners were: Marian

DON'T forget the grand coffee morning tomorrow (Saturday) in St James' Church, Callow End, in aid of Sick Children in Africa. Various stalls include pictures, cakes, greetings cards, bring-and-buy. Coffee served from 10am till noon. The Powick and Callow

THE women's section of Forthampton & District Royal British Legion is holding a table top sale at Bushley Village Hall on Bank Holiday Monday, August 27 at 10am. Tables are available at £5 each. The ladies have a table for donations of bric-a-brac

EASTNOR CASTLE will host a unique exhibition of arms and armour drawn from reality and Hollywood fantasy later this month. The display, on Sunday, August 26, and Bank Holiday Monday, August 27, will showcase real armour from the castle's own extensive

This year's celebration of local orchards, The Big Apple, is scheduled to take place in the Marcle Ridge parishes over the weekend of October 13-14. Highlights will include English apple sales at Reddingend, Much Marcle, Little Verzons at Pixley and the

A WIDE variety of arts and crafts are being shown in a free exhibition at St Gabriel's Church, Hanley Swan, throughout this month. The exhibition, which last year was attended by more than 1,000 people, will have everything from corn dolly making to silk

TYPICAL, no sooner do you appoint a singer than he has high aspirations and trundles off to university, leaving you vox-less. That's what hardcore act Instead of Against faces, just weeks after a debut gig, when Malvern-based frontman Pete Ware departs

ONE of the most famous features of Malvern opens its doors for a open day next month (see page 6). Gazette reporter Phill Tromans, a Malvernian himself, was given a guided tour and was amazed by what he found. Apart from an 18-month period under Henry

THE new managers of the Flyford Arms Inn, at Flyford Flavell, near Worcester, were due to unveil a new pub sign today as part of the official opening party. John and Heather Gold commissioned the new pub sign, which features a coat of arms, based on local

MALVERN punk band King Monkey continued in its quest for fame and fortune on Saturday night as they supported Swiss group The Peacocks at The Crown. Supported by a rapidly growing fan base, King Monkey opened the set with the politically incorrect Vegans

SIMON Mundy's revised edition of Elgar, in the series The Illustrated Lives of the Great Composers, published in 1980 by Omnibus Press, was launched in the Carice Elgar Room, Broadheath on Tuesday. By coincidence Carice Elgar would have celebrated her

WEST Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer has added his support to plans for a new medical centre in Upton-upon-Severn. Sir Michael said he was particularly pleased that the proposed £2 million building, at the bottom of Tunnel Hill, is to be privately

THE King's Head in Upton has successfully retained the Anne Manning shield in the Upton Tourism and Trade Association's (TTA) external flower display. The competition was judged by Alan Clayton, a local gardener who helped with the hanging baskets in

A MEETING to decide how Upton is to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee next year will take place in the town on September 20. The meeting takes place at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall and the intention is to form a 'Jubilee Committee'. Everyone with an

A REVITALISED industrial estate on the edge of Malvern could provide local firms with the next step up from Malvern Hills Science Park if a major redevelopment gets the go-ahead from planners. The scheme to rejuvenate Blackmore Park industrial estate

THE family of Ernie Holder, Upton-upon-Severn's popular mayor who died at the weekend, have said he died doing what he loved best. Mr Holder was on holiday, sailing his boat, Tahelia, from Padstow to Penarth in South Wales, when he suffered a suspected

MALVERN Hills District Council has joined forces with local estate agents to help businesses wanting to move into the area. The council's vacant property register contains information on all industrial, retail, office and commercial premises available

PLANS to convert a bungalow at Colletts Green into an educational centre for children with emotional and behavioural problems are arousing concern among locals. Clifford House, a Herefordshire-based child-care and education company, has applied for planning

Many thanks to Chris Stevens and his wife for organising a reunion for very ex-pupils of Ledbury Secondary Modern School from the years 1955, '56 and '57 at Ledbury football club. It was good to see some 'old' classmates again after 30 plus years! It

AN action movie being filmed on the Malvern Hills finished shooting this week. The Beacon tells the tale of terrorists taking over the Hills and was written and directed by former Chase student Neil Oseman. It stars Herefordshire-born actress Lorna-Jane

Would any readers like to comment on the disappearance of our cat and the breeding buzzards in Abbey Road? Is there a possible link? Alyson Hawes, Abbey Road, Malvern.

FOUR Malvern town councillors and an officer will attend a conference in Torquay in November despite some members fears that it is an unnecessary expenditure. Mayor Coun Whinray Coates, deputy mayor Coun Frances Victory and Coun Ralf Madden will attend

Two candidates are contesting a town council by-election next Thursday. Anne Stones, of Elgar Avenue, and Freda Johnson, of Wells Road, will contest the Langland ward seat, vacant due to the resignation of Brian Merrien. Mrs Johnson stands as a member

GERMAN supermarket chain Lidl is resubmitting plans to build a new supermarket in Malvern Link. The chain, which has more than 200 outlets in the UK, bought the former eurohaus garage site, in Worcester Road, in January last year and applied for planning

A NEW car park for Malvern town centre will take another step towards completion next month. Two buildings on land behind the Unicorn on Belle Vue Terrace were demolished last year and on Monday, September 3, the demolition of the former exhaust, tyre

I feel sure Mr Tunicliffe (Postbag, August 3) will agree with me when I say that, from my frequent travels to France, I have found the French to be some of the most friendly, courteous, generous and helpful people I have ever had the good fortune to meet

A BID to join a charity cycle ride in the Middle East will be boosted with a rock and roll night in Malvern. The event, featuring music by Fireball, will raise money for Anita Sarkar's bid to join the Jordanian Bike Challenge and raise money for the Douglas

A REPORT into the impact the Waitrose supermarket on Malvern is to be published in early 2002. The Civic Trust is taking three annual "snapshots" of data from the supermarket in November 1999, 2000 and 2001. The trust will analyse data to see if there

BOLIVIANS picking up their country's only English language newspaper will soon be reading the work of a Bishop's Frome graduate. Katie Harrison, who was born, brought up and educated in Worcestershire and Herefordshire, recently graduated from Bristol

MY favourite song from the musical Fiddler on the Roof is If I were a rich man, especially the last two lines "Would it spoil some vast eternal plan, if I were a wealthy man?" The word treasure is often equated with wealth, so if someone asked, 'where

WORCESTER City's title aspirations face a rigorous examination on the opening day of the season tomorrow with the visit of highly rated Weymouth. The Dorset side finished last season's Dr Martens Premier Division in fifth spot, three places ahead of City

ANGLERS in the Malvern and Ledbury area are being urged to get together to fight an animal rights campaign to ban the sport. Members of Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), a US-based group, have launched an anti-fishing crusade in Britain, using a controversial

WORCESTER Rugby Club have announced a 25-strong squad to take on Pontypool in a pre-season friendly at Sixways tomorrow (3pm). This will be the first time for Sixways fans to see some of the new signings Worcester have made during the close season. These

authorities responsible for collecting Council Tax have played down fears that rocketing house prices could result in huge rate rises. The Government will begin revaluing properties in 2005, the result determining which Council Tax band a household falls

MORE than 100 postcard and stamp enthusiasts from Malvern and the wider county descended on the town for a bi-monthly fair on Saturday. Collectors from as far away as Somerset and Surrey also made the trip to the Lyttelton Rooms to take part in an event

HEREFORD United boss Graham Turner is expecting a spicy encounter as Barnet arrive for the opening fixture of their Nationwide Conference campaign tomorrow in front of the Sky cameras (12.05pm). The Director of Football believes the combination of newly

EMPLOYEES and users of an on-line learning centre in Malvern will celebrate its first birthday next week. Community On Line, which offers courses at reduced prices from its base at Malvern Library, Graham Road, is a year old on August 21. Staff will help

A NEW era unfolds at Walshes Meadow tomorrow when Stourport Swifts play their first ever match in the Dr Martens League Western Division against Shepshed Dynamo (3pm). The Midland Alliance champions have a full squad to chose from, barring long-term injury

a free testing service for Malvern owners of electric blankets is being offered. The move is a joint venture between Worcestershire County Council's trading standards service and Worcestershire Age Concern. It follows growing concern over the number of

PROLIFIC goalscorer Michael Moore will have a late fitness test ahead of Bromsgrove Rovers' home match against Knypersley Victoria in the Midland Alliance (3pm). The striker twisted his ankle in Rovers' 1-0 midweek defeat at home to Stratford Town. Director

WORCESTER City's title aspirations face a rigorous examination on the opening day of the season tomorrow with the visit of highly rated Weymouth. The Dorset side finished last season's Dr Martens Premier Division in fifth spot, three places ahead of City

A CENTURY ago, in the days before air flight, package tours and large-scale car ownership, English people took their holiday pleasures by weekend trips into the countryside. In Worcestershire, a very popular destination was the riverside at Holt Fleet

VISITING a marshland in summer time can leave you with the feeling that you have taken a trip to a far distant land. In the Wyre Forest district we are fortunate to have some of the best areas of marshland in the region, around the River Stour valley,

NEWLAND had to make the long trip to Birmingham to take on table-toppers Cape Hill Victoria on Saturday, a journey without seven regulars and with one no show, so Newland stalwart Richard Hinds had to swap his pencil for his whites. CAPE HILL VICTORIA

HANLEY and Upton travelled to Worcester Corinthians seeking to consolidate their position at the top of Division Five of the Worcestershire County League on a cold, grey and blustery afternoon. WORCESTER CORINTHIANS v HANLEY CASTLE AND UPTON Ultimately

EASTNOR lost by seven wickets at home to local rivals Barnards Green after a spectacular Eastnor batting collapse. EASTNOR II v BARNARDS GREEN II Eastnor were asked to bat first on a slightly damp wicket after loosing the toss and the Greens opening bowlers

BARNARDS GREEN CC Saturday, August 18 1st XI v Evesham (Away). Meet at 12.15pm. M Heaton, R Williams, I Scullion, G Glendinning, J Drew, K Golder, B Adams, B Hancock, C Hill, T Williams, P Divito. 2nd XI v Evesham (Home). Meet at 12.50pm. R W Brown, R

AN injury to Nigel Niblett has lessened the chance of any ill-feeling towards the Reds at Gloucester City tomorrow. United stopper Niblett is claiming wages owed to him by the Tigers with the help of the FA. Redditch are set to face a young team in a

WHENEVER an expensive car drives along Windermere Drive, I always note the number-plate and wonder - did they make their money by drug-dealing? GEORGE COWLEY, Worcester.

I HAVE had a very pleasant surprise this weekend. In our close, we have a piece of woodland with plenty of wildlife. The owner has applied for planning permission to clear the wood and build 16 houses. At 10.00pm Friday night, I put a petition out in

August 17 Medford, The Marr's Bar, Pierpoint Street, Worcester. August 18 Electric Leg, The Marr's Bar, Pierpoint Street, Worcester. Tony Butler (Big Country). The Marr's Bar, Pierpoint Street, Worcester. Rainbow Ends Duo. Barbourne Ex-servicemen's Club

MALVERN Anglers fished for the Fitzwater Cup recently at a new venue on the River Avon at Birlingham, a very picturesque stretch of river at the foot of Bredon Hill. As the match progressed most members were getting plenty of bites and had some sport

DAVID Hemp led a Warwickshire fightback after Graeme Hick's had completed his 12th double century on the second day of Worcestershire's County Championship Division Two match at Edgbaston. Hemp completed his century today as Warwickshire battled to close

CYCLING: Six Evesham Wheelers members competed in the final event of the nine race Welsh CA 'Magic Dragon' series, which was a 30 mile time trial held on a circuit between Abergavenny and Raglan. In very windy but dry conditions, Brian Newton won the

ONE of the fixtures on the local calendar is the Malvern Horticultural Society's summer show. 25 years ago it was held at the Winter Gardens, and the show was "a defiant, successful challenge to weeks of drought, parched soil and dry atmosphere". "Your

100 years ago The Malvern battery was less successful this year than last in the gun drill and firing competition. Twelve months ago they had secured the handsome silver sword which they had previously held, but on this occasion they were beaten by the

Malvern Cinema: Planet of the Apes (12). Fri 17 to Thurs 23 August. Fri and Sat 8pm. Sun to Thurs 7.30pm. Matinees - Sat, Sun, Wed 3pm. Odeon Worcester: Heartbreakers (12) Thurs only 8.30pm (Free list suspend); Planet of the Apes, (12) 12.30, 3.15, 6.00

A MAJOR staging of one of the most revolutionary pieces of children's literature is to be performed by The Royal Shakespeare Company. As part of the new family production for the coming winter, the company is to perform Lewis Carroll's fantastical novels

STUDLEY assistant manager John Mitchell was hoping to tie up the signing of former West Midlands Police left back Ollie Latchford today. Mitchell, who worked with Latchford at Solihull Borough was set for a lunchtime meeting today to capture his signature

Cyclists taking part in the Milk Race are pictured above passing along Green Street, Kidderminster. The photograph was taken from the bridge over the River Stour and shows Victoria Carpets and many of the carpet manufacturing building which are currently

Halfords continued their build up to their debut in the Midlands Combination with two 4-0 victories. On Thursday, Rednal Social gave a battling performance for seventy minutes before goals from Matt Betts, Paul Hayden and a brace from Richard Willets

Theatre August To August 18-Family Storytelling at the Courtyard, Hereford. 11ma & 2.30pm. Tickets £2.50. Box Office (01432) 359252. 18-Syd Lawrence Orchestra & Singers at the Forum Theatre, Malvern Theatres. 7.30pm. £13/£15, no concs. Box Office

THE Malvern Football League, which begins its fixture schedule on Sunday, September 2, will hold its first League meeting of the season on Tuesday (August 21) at the Civil Service Sports Club, Malvern commencing at 7.30pm. The League welcomes seven new

FOOTBALL mad youngsters had a chance to improve their skills at an Admiral Summer Soccer Coaching camp held at Dyson Perrins High School last week. The course, for boys and girls from four to 12 years (school reception to year 7), was run by a FA qualified

MALVERN Rangers were due to open their Express & Star West Midland League Division One (South) programme with an away trip to Wyre Forest tomorrow (Saturday) but this game has been postponed because their council-owned pitch will not be available.

SCHOOLS across the town celebrated a bumper crop of A-Level passes when sixth formers turned out to pick up their results, writes Matt Smith. Headteachers proudly announced their students' achievements, in light of the national average pass rate of 89

THE Rural Stress Information Network (RSIN) has welcomed plans by the Government to back a second Rural Stress Action Plan (RSAP) with a grant of £400,000. The first RSAP, launched in November by MAFF, was administered by the RSIN and its partner farming

A WORCESTERSHIRE landscape gardener whose handiwork was featured on television has received a personal note of praise from the programme's presenter. Jason Giles was hand-picked to carry out work for Professor Stefan Buczacki's segment on Channel 5's