Archive

  • OAP went on rails to rescue his dog

    A TRAIN driver travelling at around 70mph has described the horrifying moment he struck a pensioner who had walked on to the line to rescue his beloved dog. George David Boycott, known as Dave, died of multiple injuries immediately after the tragic accident

  • Leader's position is 'untenable'

    CAMPAIGNERS have launched a scathing attack on a leading town councillor. The Action for Droitwich (AFD) group has accused Droitwich Spa Town Council leader Cllr Pam Davey (Con, Droit.South) of trying to "bounce" the planning committee into supporting

  • Health complex to replace pool

    DROITWICH Lido is to be redeveloped as a multi-million pound hydro health complex. The plans were disclosed by Wychavon District Council after a special private presentation last night. The new facility will be opened throughout the year. Proposals include

  • Reality of riverside nightmare

    FOR most of us, the effect of the River Severn bursting its banks was minor inconvenience as we spent longer in traffic queues than normal. People in Worcester were aware of what was happening in the city because it was there for all to see. Elsewhere

  • Terrorist atrocity

    THE world has been shaken to its core by the horrific attack on America. On Tuesday September 11, four planes were hijacked by terrorists. The suicide attackers flew two jets into the World Trade Centre, in the heart of New York, and another crashed into

  • Bid to have spy cameras in St John's

    A WORCESTER group will discuss the installation of CCTV and major development plans when it meets tonight. People living in the district are invited to attend St John's Traders' and Residents' Association meeting to make their views known. "The association

  • Pioneering video sale proves a success

    A CATTLE auction with a difference was held when 102 cows were sold by video. The pedigree South Devon heifers were sold off by video at the Three Counties Showground as fears over foot-and-mouth meant the cows could not be moved off farms. The brainwave

  • Leaders appalled by terror attack

    DROITWICH Spa's community leaders have condemned the terrorist attacks in the USA. Wychavon District Council chairman Cllr Tony Hotham (Con, Hanbury) said: "I believe, along with all right-thinking people, that these acts of terrorism are totally abhorrent

  • Labour club could be rebuilt

    PART of Worcester's Labour Club which was destroyed by fire two years ago may be rebuilt if city councillors give the go-ahead. New Street Labour Club was hit by fire in July 1999, and had to be partly demolished after the blaze. The building had not

  • Resource centre for blind

    BRAILLE lessons, craft and cookery demonstrations were on show when dignitaries attended the opening of a new resource centre for the blind and partially-sighted. Mayors from Kidderminster, Malvern and Stourport-upon-Severn joined scores of other visitors

  • And finally... Creative pair prove a national success

    A WORCESTER school is celebrating after two pupils beat more than 45,000 hopefuls to come top in prestigious art and writing competitions. Conrad Clarke and Peter Siviter proved they were a cut above the rest after scooping the places in the two national

  • Hectic heritage week

    DROITWICH Spa's colourful history is set to come to life when the town hosts a heritage week. Five exciting community events will take place during the nine-day event which starts this Saturday. The Heritage 2001 project group is co-ordinating the activities

  • Timetable of activities

    * SATURDAY September 22: Free canal open day at Hanbury Wharf. Droitwich Canals Trust will give residents the opportunity to view work on the top three locks at the Junction Canal. Experts will be on hand to answer questions between 11am and 4pm. * Sunday

  • MP earns promotion

    DROITWICH Spa's MP has been promoted by the new Conservative Party leader, Iain Duncan Smith. Peter Luff has been given a senior post in the Whip's Office. The promotion makes him number four among the party's whips. They are responsible for discipline

  • Green fingers aid good cause

    A GOOD cause will benefit when would-be green-fingered gardeners quiz the experts in a special Gardeners' Question Time being held in Kidderminster next week. Proceeds from the event, which is planned for the Stone Manor Hotel at 8pm on Thursday, September

  • Club threat

    THE number of Spa Rotarians must double before a historic club "withers on the vine." Rotary Club of Droitwich Spa chairman John Bodger is urging members to find new blood. In the group's newsletter - Spa Action - Mr Bodger says: "In my view we must double

  • Seeing life below stairs at mansion

    THE former housekeeper and head gardener of Witley Court will be "returning" to the ruined historic mansion this weekend to offer visitors an insight into life below stairs during the estate's Victorian heyday. Mrs Crabbe and Mr Westland, who both served

  • Rallying cry to special residents

    COMMUNITY-SPIRITED residents are being urged to help fight crime. Police need more special constables to patrol the streets of Droitwich Spa. The voluntary bobbies already carry out 90,000 hours of duty in West Mercia but increasing demand means more

  • New drive for infant IT skills

    CHILDREN at Alcester Infant School will be stepping into a new age of technology thanks to tireless fundraising and charitable grants. In a project which has been running for a year, thousands of pounds have been raised towards new computers which will

  • Hockey

    BROMSGROVE Ladies First XI 6 Nuneaton Ladies First XI 0. The Bromsgrove girls are determined to win the Worcestershire League Division One this season and have already made a great impact as a result of streamlining and recruiting more youth to the side

  • Emotions were overwhelming

    AFTER going on-line on Tuesday night, I was overwhelmed by the feelings of grief, despair, anger, disbelief and panic that were being expressed by the citizens of America. There were people from all over the world offering comfort. I have never seen such

  • Arts day was just a taste

    I WOULD like to express my thanks to all the societies and organisations which took part in the Access Arts Day organised by Redditch Arts Council in the Kingfisher Centre on Saturday, September 8. I hope visitors to the event and passing shoppers enjoyed

  • Will company pay us back?

    ON Tuesday, September 11, at 10.57am, I stood at the bus stop opposite Community House in Easemore Road waiting for a bus to go into the town centre for 25 minutes. When one came at 11.22am, it was full and did not stop. Being an 85 year old with great

  • A course with big omissions

    IN response to the leaflet from the Christadelphians that was distributed last week promoting a course on how to read the Bible effectively, I would ask your readers to note the following points. Christadelphians doctrine: Denies the Trinity Denies the

  • Extra speed curbs agreed

    MOVES to implement speed restrictions along the A435 Alcester Road have been welcomed by MP for Studley, John Maples. Mr Maples said he was delighted with Highways Agency plans to try to cut the accident toll between Alcester Road and Gorcott Hill. The

  • Council in spotlight

    The future of Redditch Council came under the spotlight last week when the minister for local government visited the town. The Rt Hon Nick Raynsford MP, of the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions, was at the town hall last Wednesday

  • A long wait for fast food

    CARS were forced to queue in the road as hundreds of people converged on the town's newest fast food restaurant which opened last week. KFC, at Trafford Retail Park, was inundated with customers, with some people waiting for more than an hour to be served

  • Clean up battle on

    LITTER louts and careless dog owners will face the long arm of the law if new plans aimed at tidying the town up are given the go-ahead. Redditch Councillors on the public and environmental services committee were last night set to agree to the introduction

  • 50 years ago

    September 22, 1951 The Birmingham Regional Hospital Board at its meeting on Monday accepted subject to the Ministry of Health a tender for £25,135 for improvements to the casualty department, operating theatre and mortuary together with the construction

  • Musicians depict the passions

    Symphonies 1 and 15, Shostakovich WHEN Dmitri Shostakovich died in 1975 he left more than a fine repertoire of music in his manuscript case. There were 15 symphonies, an opera, Lady Macbeth, piano concertos and much chamber and piano music. Expert opinion

  • Alcester face stiff opener

    ALCESTER'S daunting league opener at Old Wheatleyans looks an even stiffer task in the wake of a 31-3 Junior Cup mauling at the hands of Earlsdon. After an impressive 31-0 thrashing of Manor Park Alcester went into the first round cup tie with high hopes

  • Cup woe for Alcester

    Earlsdon 1st XV 31 Alcester 1st XV 3 Alcester exited the National cup at the first hurdle against last year's Warwickshire One champions Earlsdon. Like the three games against them last year, Alcester started brightest and could have been nine points

  • Woodrush ready for the league

    Woodrush 18 Warley 9 WOODRUSH cruised to victory in this friendly fixture, scoring a try in each half with no reply from the visitors. The Wythall side took an early lead when winger Ed Lerna stole the ball from a maul near the touchline. It was fed to

  • Facts, figures and fixtures 2001/2002 season

    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

  • 19/9/01 - Sixways hopes hit by sickness

    A SICKNESS bug is threatening to disrupt Worcester Rugby Club's preparation for their National One showdown with Rotherham on Saturday. Craig Chalmers had to stay away from Sixways on Monday because of the bug and Chris Yates went home yesterday feeling

  • Yeovil shatter Bulls home run

    HEREFORD United lost their unbeaten home Nationwide Conference record in a comprehensive 2-0 defeat by Yeovil Town last night. Injury-hit Hereford can have no complaints about the result. In fact, it was surprising Hereford held out until the 40th minute

  • Knight seals it for Swifts

    A ROSS Knight goal after just six minutes gave Stourport Swifts a 1-0 victory in their FA Cup replay with Unibond One side Lincoln United. The win lines up a home clash with Dr Martens Western Division leaders Solihull Borough in the second qualifying

  • Plenty to please in difficult City start

    The John Barton column IT'S not all doom and gloom at St George's Lane by any stretch of the imagination -- despite the defeat at Folkestone and Monday's draw with Kettering Town. It has been a particularly tough start to the season, which has already

  • Show strings the audience along!

    TWO musical spectaculars ranging from songs from the shows to baroque classics are being staged at the Palace Theatre this week. Beyond Broadway, boasting numbers from hit shows such as Chicago, The Lion King and Cats, takes place tomorrow and Friday,

  • Love and theft - Bob Dylan

    Rating: Four star The strange thing about Dylan is the older he gets (60 this year) the better his voice becomes. Strange because Dylan's vocal chords are considered to be one of his lesser attributes. But on Love and Theft, his 43rd album, he lets rip

  • American Hi Fi - American Hi Fi

    Rating: Four star American Hi-fi burst on to the charts with the superb Flavor of the Weak and although the rest of the accompanying untitled album fails to live up to the single, it is still worth a purchase. The 15 tracks have a samey quality but that

  • A Clockwork Orange - DVD

    Rating: Five star A Clockwork Orange, directed by Stanley Kubrick, was greeted with cries of disgust when first released in 1971. Thirty years later, it has not lost its power to shock. Alex (Malcolm McDowell) and his gang of droogs roam the streets looking

  • Dungeons and Dragons - DVD

    Dungeons and Dragons Rating: One star FANTASY, mysticism and a rip-roaring yarn. If that's what someone is looking for in a film based on the Dungeons and Dragons theme, they will find this paltry effort lacking. To say this was flimsy and tiresome would

  • We need you!

    BROMSGROVE Town Boys Under-8s are looking for a keen, experienced manager. The team has been put together by Under-9s manager Darren Ward, but now requires a manager who can devote his full time to this promising young team. For more information contact

  • Rovers round-up

    Goalscorers AFTER ten games: Bowen ten; P Moore five; Ford three, McHugh three; M Moore two, Coppin two, Banner two. Advertiser/ Messenger man of the match McHUGH two; Lloyd one, S Frost one, Lowe one, P Moore one, Ford one, Banner one, Coppin one, M

  • All the latest junior football scores 'n' scorers

    BROMSGROVE Town U7s 0 Shirley Town Colts U7s 4. Four goals in the first half settled this exciting encounter in the Open Cup. Shirley had won their last match 12-0 and Bromsgrove's defence of Sam Albrow, Tom Lucas and Max Galla were always busy. The second

  • Redditch & South Warwickshire Combination

    SUNDAY'S results: BSA Cup (Round One): Austin Ex-Apprentices Reserves 2 Wychbold RBL Reserves 3. Kings FC Reserves 3 Protex 0. FC Churchill 5 Arrowvale Electrics 2. Redditch Mega Bowl 0 Shenley 5. Red Lion 1 Longbridge S & S 4. South Redditch Athletic

  • Giles tops Starlets contest

    MOORLANDS Farm was the setting for the Starlets Veterans Tuesday contest, which was held on the Middle and Moors pools. And it was Alvechurch's Ken Giles who took first place by pole fishing casters at Moors peg 14 for 56-4-0. Lady Angler Pat Kavanagh

  • Success at the double for council

    COUNCIL staff are celebrating success - for the second time. Wychavon District Council, which covers Droitwich Spa, has been re-accredited with the Investors in People award for a further three years. The honour, won by Wychavon in 1999, recognises a

  • Farms to be declared free of foot and mouth

    BROMSGROVE farms could be declared foot and mouth disease free by October -- if all testing is completed. The National Farmers' Union (NFU) are appealing to farmers to help get more areas free of the disaese by co-operating with testing requests from

  • Pals host tribute gig for Kelvin

    BROMSGROVE'S famous faces featured in a fundraising tribute to a young man who died in a factory accident earlier this year. Around 200 townspeople turned out for the charity event held at Newton Works, in Newton Road, Aston Fields. Kelvin Hughes, aged

  • Taping row rocks council

    ACCUSATIONS that he courts publicity and sees plots where non exist, were levelled at the leader of the opposition Labour group on Bromsgrove District Council this week. Making the claim was council leader Cllr Nick Psirides (Con, Norton). He responded

  • Motherhood before career for MP Julie

    BROMSGROVE'S MP Julie Kirkbride has put motherhood before furthering what could be a glittering career in politics. On Monday she confirmed to the Advertiser/Messenger that new party leader Iain Duncan Smith had telephoned her on Friday to offer her a

  • Sympathy and support spreads across Atlantic

    COUNCIL chiefs across Worcestershire were still offering their words of support this week following the tragedy that hit America last Tuesday when terrorists wreaked havoc in New York. Bromsgrove District Council leader Cllr Nick Psirides offered his

  • Flying the stars 'n' stripes

    TRADERS in Bromsgrove reported a big jump in sales of American flags this week as townsfolk mourned for the victims of the terrorist attacks on North America. Sales of the Stars and Stripes went up five times as councils, fire stations, the business community

  • Town's hatpin society marks 21st year

    A SOCIETY dedicated to collecting and studying the history of exquisite miniature works of art which was founded in a room in a Bromsgrove museum with just a handful of members can today boast at having more than 200 worldwide. On Saturday October 20,

  • Saddling up to help charity

    HUNDREDS of caring Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa residents saddled up at the weekend and raised thousands of pounds for charity - despite the wet weather. Around 400 people took part in the 26-mile North Worcestershire Bikeathon on Sunday to raise money

  • Special treat in store for local steam train lovers

    STEAM railway enthusiasts in Bromsgrove and Droitwich are in for a rare treat next month. After weeks of negotiations rail bosses have given the 'green light' for a special train to run from Droitwich to one of the country's top 'steam centres' - via

  • Escape from sanctions

    A COUNCILLOR convicted of illegally obtaining confidential information for political gain during the 1999 local elections cannot be brought to book by his colleagues, it emerged this week. But Bromsgrove District Council could come in for criticism from

  • Golfer Turley saves blushes

    RELIEVED Redditch golfer Neil Turley scrambled a dramatic 72nd hole birdie to beat off the challenge from amateur Tom Whitehouse on the final day of the MasterCard Tour's East Dorset Players' Championship. The Redditch pro suffered a double-bogey five

  • Safety fears at Oval

    SUPERBIKER Andy Tinsley says he is prepared to compete at the new Rockingham circuit despite safety fears from the works riders. A number of influential riders in the British Superbikes Championship demanded a switch of venues claiming the new venue,

  • Grand finish

    Alcester finished their Heart of England League home programme with a flourish, caning basement boys Stoke Prior with a 94-shot win. Renny Bannister led the way with an excellent 21-2, whilst Chris Hollins (21-3), Dave Hovell (21-4), Peter Barber (21-

  • Time in the sun for Abbey star

    REDDITCH golfing champ Andrew Duggan competed in the Sky Cup Final, which took place in La Manga. The Abbey Hotel Golf and Country Club member was one of 24 finalists after finishing in the top three of a regional heat at St Andrews. Duggan entered the

  • Scott goes to Hel 'n' back

    REDDITCH chairman Rod Laight wants fit-again midfielder Scott Colcombe to 'pull a few strings' and get the Sky Sports cameras to the Valley for a home FA Cup tie against Kettering. Laight made the request with tongue firmly in cheek after the wing back's

  • Pat bears Brunt

    JULIE Gifford lined up against Pat Brunt in the ladies singles final of the Wythall Tennis Club tournament. Colin Capper faced Pete Turner in the men's. Bernadette Offerdal and Helen Hill took the ladies doubles against Gifford and Christine Bateman 6

  • Evil hit America

    THIS evil that has hit America will be a day no one will ever forget. It was cold and calculating and evil beyond belief. I watched it begin on television and at first thought that it was out of Hollywood. As I listened to the reports I realised that

  • Paranoid?

    AFTER the recent terrorist attacks in the US, why has nobody questioned the motives of the thousands of Afghan/Iraqi/Iranian males, all in their 20s and 30s trying to enter Britain illegally via Sangatte? What is their motive? Are they a secret army ready

  • Treat our animals with compassion

    HOW very refreshing to read the letter from Peter Telfer about people's rights and animal welfare. If only Jon Burgess would stop his vitriolic tirade against Miss Knittel and apply himself to the basic question of who is to take responsibility for the

  • Britain: A country we can no longer call our own

    I AM sure that I am not alone in wondering if the world has gone mad. We used to have a country of which we could be proud. Now we no longer have a country of our own. We, the people, no longer have a say in how this country is governed or the policies

  • There is nothing we can do about past

    AT the recent meeting of governments and non-governmental organisations in Durban with regard to racism and associated ills, there was much claptrap concerning compensation and reparations. While it is true that the Europeans went to Africa for purely

  • Rocket boys sing the Oxford Blues in tournament triumph

    FOUR Droitwich Spa lads were part of the Redditch Rockets youth team that won a prestigious England skater hockey tournament. Captain Matt Willis, Dan Clarkson and vice-captain Chris Wellstead and his brother, David, were part of the Redditch Inline Skater

  • 19/9/01 - Plenty to please in difficult City start

    IT'S not all doom and gloom at St George's Lane by any stretch of the imagination -- despite the defeat at Folkestone and Monday's draw with Kettering Town. It has been a particularly tough start to the season, which has already seen us travel to Margate

  • Intruders walk in on pensioner

    AN elderly, partially sighted and disabled woman was the victim of two bogus council workers at her Batchley home on Tuesday evening. The incident happened at about 5pm in Bromsgrove Road and police are urging anyone with any information to come forward

  • Site warning

    YOUTHS in the Studley area are being warned to stay away from a disused building which was recently broken into. And Alcester sector police also believe youngsters may be responsible for causing a fire in the building last week. The disused Texaco building

  • Success for alert scheme

    NEIGHBOURHOOD Watch and police proved a force to be reckoned with as two criminals targeted people across the Alcester area. The Community Alert Programme (CAP) was initiated by police after attempted distraction burglaries. The area's Neighbourhood Watch

  • Legion's standard ceremony

    ALCESTER Royal British Legion members were joined by hundreds of townsfolk to dedicate their new standard. The event took place on Tuesday, September 11, at St Nicholas' Church. The standard was dedicated by the County Chaplain of Warwickshire British

  • Size matters for Lucts

    Luctonians First XV 49 Droitwich First XV 3 Intermediate Cup Round One DROITWICH travelled to Luctonians on Saturday and were well beaten by the Herefordshire side. Droitwich took an early lead through a Matt Blackmore penalty and managed to compete in

  • Rovers move for Bees star

    STUDLEY revelation Richard Kavanagh is poised to join Midland Alliance big-spenders Bromsgrove Rovers. But BKL assistant manager John Mitchell is adamant the former Paget full back will play, and be cup-tied, in the FA Vase on Saturday. The Bees assistant

  • Junior rugby

    BURNTWOOD U16s 13 Bromsgrove U16s 23. Bromsgrove started their first game of the season with splendid attacking rugby, which led to a try in the corner for Toni Casamassa. Then Tom Crook scored, finishing a great move. At 0-10 Tom Garner took the ball

  • Waiting game

    FECKENHAM have been left with a 14 day wait until their next game to the frustration of manager Clive Campion. The Millers have a fortnight before they can make amends for surrendering their unbeaten record in a 2-1 loss at home to Cheslyn Hay at the

  • Three Kings tester

    KINGS Heath were this week set for a busy week as they continued a run of three matches in seven days. After a 1-1 draw at Meir on Saturday, the Kingsmen went down 3-1 at Pershore last night before taking on Wolverhampton side St Andrews at their adopted

  • Concerns over what constitutes good planning

    DEAR EDITOR - Following on from recent stories regarding a take-away restaurant replacing a post office and an extension to a house, I have to question some of the other planning decisions made by the local council over the recent months. First I have

  • Reds hit back

    West Bromwich Strollers 1 Redditch Utd Women 2 REDDITCH commanded the play from the off and were unlucky not to take the lead after several attempts from Mandy Ellicott, Sarah Edney and Rachel Hopkins. A hotly-contested free kick against Redditch gave

  • Results

    Bromsgrove Advertiser & Messenger District Football League Division 1: Bromsgrove Town 3 New Olympic 0; Meadow Park Premier 3 Turks Head 7; Mostyn Rangers 0 Victoria Barnt Green 1 Division 2: Barley Mow 3 Turks Head Res 2; Central Park 4 Woodbourne

  • Pride in the area

    DEAR EDITOR - It is of little surprise to read that Rubery's councillor is of course outraged at the Bromsgrove District Council proposal to erect some decent signs at the boundaries. He would doubtless prefer the gullible to think they were still in

  • Football results

    Redditch & South Wark Combination; BSA Cup R1: Kings FC Res 3 Protex 0; Austin Ex Apps 2 Wychbold RBL Res 3; FC Church Hill 5 Arrowvale Elec 2; Redditch Megabowl 0 Shenley 5; Red Lion 1 Longbridge S&S 4; South Redditch Ath 2 Bournbrook 1; Swan

  • Church sunk

    Action from Alvechurch's weekend loss to league leaders Coventry Sphinx.

  • Gwen's lasting wildlife legacy

    IT is thanks to a former member of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) that the Gwen Finch Nature Reserve exists. It takes its name from Gwen Finch, believed to be at one-time a Birlingham resident, who, when she died in 1996, left a £40,000 donation to the

  • Village crime rates

    QUARTERLY figures for crime rates in Studley between March and August have been released. Statistics show there were 118 business, retail and vehicle crimes in Studley and Mappleborough Green between March 31 and July 24. These were: Burglary (business

  • Heroic honours restored

    THE war memorial in Beoley is to be restored to its former glory. Bromsgrove Council has set aside £7,000 to repair seven of the district's memorials, including the one outside St Leonard's Church. A memorial at Fairfield will also have the name of First

  • Tall tales about home work

    YOUNGSTERS in Inkberrow were rooting for success when they entered a competition to grow the largest sunflower. Children in the reception class at Inkberrow First School grew their own sunflowers at home during the summer break. And five-year-old Monty

  • A jump start!

    OLYMPIC triple jump star Ashia Hansen was the guest of honour at Droitwich Spa High School Specialist Sports College on Friday. Ashia opened the new £220,000 all-weather athletics track on the school site. The facility, which boasts a six-lane 400 metre

  • Join the Spa hockey club

    DROITWICH Spa Hockey club have started fixtures for the 2001/02 season. And the club is hoping to build on last seasons' success, with most of its teams in the hunt for promotion again. The club field four men's and three ladies' sides on a Saturday.

  • Crabbs Cross & Hunt End WI

    During August members had lunched at the French House and then went on to visit the Worcester Porcelain shop and museum. Thanks were extended to members for knitting jumpers for Gambia. Shirley Giles is collecting articles to fill shoe boxes to be sent

  • Ladies need your support

    BROMSGROVE Hockey Club's ladies section need more umpires and players for the new season. The club would be willing to pay for training and exams and players of any age. Training is on a Wednesday night between 8pm and 9.30pm at Bromsgrove School astro-turf

  • Merry Wives of Alcester

    ON September 11, at the Greig Hall, therapist Diane Wicks, who is also qualified in Reflexology and Aromatherapy, gave a demonstration of Indian head massage. Diane began by telling how in 1970 Narenda Mehta introduced the massage in Britain. Different

  • Studley Lunchtime WI

    At the next meeting, decorated shoe boxes to be filled with Christmas gifts for children in countries suffering from hardship, will be welcomed. Following the refreshment break, Mrs Kathleen Culverwell gave a talk on preserving good health. Each member

  • Casanova Colcombe

    After revealing details of his romps with Sky Sports babe Helen Chamberlain, Reds winger Scott Colcombe returned from injury to score a priceless goal for United.

  • Tears of joy after wife's agony wait

    AN Alvechurch woman wept when she finally heard the voice of her husband who was in New York on business. Andrew Berrisford, of Latimer Road, was in one of the three Marriott Hotels in Manhattan, just a few miles from the World Trade Center, when it was

  • A message of peace

    AMID the darkness of last week's atrocities there were some specks of light. In Britain, a declaration was made jointly by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster, the Chief Rabbi and the Chairman of the Imams and Mosque

  • Anger as bus routes axed

    SEVERE staff shortages and excessive sickness levels have led to several popular bus routes being axed around Redditch. First Midland Red bosses announced the 61, 62, 177, 178 and 179 services were to be dropped at the start of October. The news has angered

  • McDonalds may move into centre

    PLANS could be in the pipeline to sell the Church Green West branch of McDonalds and relocate to the Kingfisher Centre. A spokesman for the restaurant chain said bosses had expressed an interest in being a part of plans for the massive Kingfisher Centre

  • Tesco plans for rebuild

    SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has applied for planning permission to rebuild parts of the Oakenshaw store damaged in last month's huge blaze. The Coldfield Drive store re-opened this week on 40,000 sq ft of the site but the company's three applications are

  • What's On Guide

    Thursday, September 20 Beyond Broadway, Palace Theatre, Redditch. And September 21. Tickets from 65203. Birmingham Royal Ballet: Swan Lake, Birmingham NIA Academy. Until September 22. Tickets from 0870 909 4144. Turandot, Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

  • All the fun of the fair!

    TOWNSFOLK turned out in force on Saturday to join the hustle and bustle of this year's Redditch Carnival. And although the event is now over, carnival spirit has not yet been sapped for another year as a talent contest takes place at Bridley Moor and

  • Monks spin it again

    A CAST of 25 soldier monks aged seven to 70 star in The Shaolin Monks' Wheel of Life at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, next week. The monks return to the UK following sell-out shows last year as The Wheel of Life relates the story of Kung Fu through

  • Tom's top birthday!

    ABOUT 120 family and friends helped celebrate the 90th birthday of a Redditch man on Friday. Tom Morris wanted a street party to celebrate the milestone and his family had permission to close the service road along Dagnell End Road for the event. But

  • By George! The search is on

    A RENOWNED Redditch comedian is hunting memorabilia from a flamboyant musical hall maestro who died nearly sixty years ago. Colin Wheeler, of Mount Pleasant, is researching the life of singer and comedian George Lashwood and wants of include a dedication

  • Ghostbusting

    REDDITCH'S own ghostbuster Anne Bradford has just published her fifth collection of ghoulish goings-on in Worcestershire. The new book, Worcestershire Ghosts and Hauntings, features about 100 ghost stories and eye-witness accounts from across the county

  • French flair at fayre

    THE Redditch Advertiser and Alcester Chronicle will be hosting an engaging event on Sunday with its annual bridal fayre. Couples can pop along to the Abbey Hotel Golf and Country Club to see a full range of wedding services to help make that special day

  • Top awards despite business recession

    A CLUTCH of local businesses are celebrating after winning in the Heart of England Excellence in Tourism Awards. Herefordshire and Worcestershire businesses shone in the awards, which cover an area comprising 12 counties, generating £5bn in tourism revenue

  • Ecstasy teen behind bars

    A JUDGE has locked up a teenage drug dealer for four years, saying he wants to "ram the lesson home" that ecstasy kills. Judge Michael Mott made the comments yesterday as he sentenced Worcester teenager Anthony O'Shea at the city's crown court. Police

  • Terror scare panic buying

    PANIC-buyers have snapped up a record number of gas masks since the terrorist attacks on America, a Worcestershire army surplus store owner revealed today. Sean Kerr said he had sold around 500 gas masks during the past week, and nearly a fifth of them

  • County fire chief to attend America service

    THE chief officer of Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade has been invited to the Memorial Service for the 300 firefighters who died in last week's terrorist attack. David O'Dwyer, who is due to fly out to New York on Thursday, received the invitation

  • Vandal repairs to cost £20,000

    TOWN leaders have been warned that the escalating annual cost of repairing damage caused by vandals in the district could top £20,000 by next year. Wychavon District Council has spent £8,500 fixing and replacing damaged items in recreation areas in the

  • Have your say on estate's bid

    RESIDENTS from a Droitwich Spa estate have been invited to have their say on how a grant of up to £1.5m could be spent in their community. Westlands is through to the next round of bidding for cash from the Government's £30m Home Zones fund. The estate

  • Future of Lido Pool to be revealed

    THE future of the town's Lido Pool was due to be discussed last night. A special meeting of Wych-avon District Council's community partnership committee was planned for 7.30pm and the salty attraction's fate was expected to be unveiled. Wychavon has revealed

  • Drivers ignore silent tribute

    A HUSH fell over the town at 11am on Friday - disrupted only by the car and bus drivers who ignored the three-minute silence in memory of those killed in the American tragedy. Droitwich and Crowle members of the Royal British Legion organised a service

  • More chances for the city's homeless

    ORGANISATIONS which help homeless people find accommodation will be given the chance to nominate more people for council houses. Hostels such as St Paul's in Tallow Hill had the number of people it could nominate for council accommodation increased at

  • Fire crews honour dead officers

    DROITWICH Spa firefighters raising cash for victims of the terrorist attack in America have been stunned by the generosity of town shoppers. Crews from the Spa's fire station, off Saltway, collected nearly £5,500 for the New York Fire Department on Friday

  • Back to 'the best days of their lives'

    JOLLY hockey sticks and school dinner memories proved a welcome blast from the past at the 50-year reunion of Worcester Girls Grammar School's year of 1951. Nearly all of the class managed to attend, with several old girls responding following an appeal

  • Student 'lost control'

    AN Evesham law student died after being thrown through his car windscreen during a high-speed crash, an inquest was told. Philip Hatt died almost instantly after receiving severe head injuries in the crash in Berry End, Broadway, on Saturday, April 21

  • Mayor signs condolence book

    A BOOK of condolences has been opened in Droitwich Spa to give residents an opportunity to send heartfelt messages to the USA. Mayor and Droitwich Spa town councillor Maureen Lawley (Con, Droit.Central) opened and signed the book on Friday morning. She

  • Breath test man was sucking, not blowing

    A MIDDLE-aged man who repeatedly sucked instead of blew into breath testing equipment has been banned from the road for 16 months. Police officers stopped when they saw David Britton's blue Montego sticking out of a hedge at the side of the Droitwich

  • Sombre mood in classrooms

    TEACHERS across the town have had the tough task of helping children come to terms with the atrocity in America. Droitwich Spa High School's deputy headteacher, Peter Woodman, said there was a sombre mood in classrooms on Wednesday, the day after the

  • OAP hurt in road accident

    A PENSIONER was involved in a road traffic accident in the town centre on Friday. Minutes after the Spa came to a standstill in memory of the victims of the attack on America, an elderly woman was in collision with a blue Vauxhall Vectra, in Victoria

  • Party drinks led to ban

    A DRIVER who failed a breath test on his way home from a birthday party told police he had only a single pint of beer. He had been called home for an emergency, his solicitor, Ruth Edwards, told Kidderminster magistrates. Mark Flint, 31, of Catherton

  • Stabbing charge

    A MAN has been arrested in connection with an alleged stabbing incident involving a woman in Droitwich Spa. The man, who has been charged with assault causing actual bodily harm, has been released on bail to appear before Droitwich magistrates on Tuesday

  • Gun arrest

    A MAN was arrested on Monday after two boys reported seeing someone carrying a firearm. Following a police operation, a man was arrested in Kidderminster Road at 5.30pm. He was in police custody helping officers with their inquiries as we went to press

  • High Street a disgrace, says OAP

    AN elderly woman who fell and injured herself in Droitwich Spa claims the state of the High Street is a disgrace. Olga Evans travels from Crowle every week to do her shopping. When crossing High Street on Friday, she tripped on an uneven paving stone

  • Police hunt as another dog stolen

    POLICE are hunting thieves who snatched a family pet from a farm near Droitwich Spa. Three-year-old Susie, a border terrier, was stolen from Crutch Lane, Elmbridge. The bitch has black ears and brown and grizzle-coloured fur. She was taken from a garden

  • Varied role of Spa fire crews

    LIFE at Droitwich's fire station isn't all about dashing to blazes. A peek behind the scenes reveals the changing role of today's firefighters. Many children dream of driving a fire engine and bravely undertaking heroic acts. But firefighters have a much

  • Town's push to raise cash for sick girl

    KINDHEARTED fundraisers are trying to raise the last £1,200 for a piece of equipment that could change the life of an Alcester girl and her family. Mickielah Clark, 15, has cerebral palsy, diabetes and epilepsy. As she gets older, her family are finding

  • Ramming home the ecstasy message

    IT'S tempting to say that the number of times this column's been drawn into the ecstasy debate doesn't bear thinking about. Unfortunately, it does. Each time we're moved to comment means someone's life's been ruined, maybe even lost. The same is true

  • US brought this on itself

    WHAT happened on Tuesday, the Americans brought down on their own heads. You can only piss on a people for so long before they turn and piss back. When the USA and England fund the Jews against the Muslims, it's not surprising when the Muslims will stand

  • People are losing faith

    IF I may be permitted to reply to Robin King. Firstly, the issue of Bridley Moor High School was mentioned by me and several others as a failure of apparent local democracy. I am well aware Redditch Council is not responsible for education per se but

  • Enforce all traffic rules

    FEW reasonable people would object to the laws on speeding being enforced providing the rest of the traffic regulations were enforced with equal vigour. Could we be told how many on-the-spot £20 fines have been made for cycling on the pavement and how

  • Parents really want a choice

    YOUR readers should cut out and keep our MP's Letter from Westminster last week (Advertiser, September 12)). It's clear proof that Redditch now needs an MP who will stand up for local people rather than toe the party line. When she was a junior minister

  • Funfair request

    Permission is once again being sought to site a funfair on Tanyard Lane Car Park as part of Alvechurch Mop. The annual event is due to take place on Wednesday, October 3, and the request by Wilson's Amusements (Redditch) Ltd is to be discussed by Bromsgrove

  • Joy over RCT jobs reprieve

    TWO mums with special needs youngsters have thanked the county council after their children's school escorts' jobs were saved. Redditch Community Transport announced last week 15 jobs would be shed and county council contracts cancelled. Among those facing

  • £8.7m spend on the cards

    A MASSIVE multi-million pound three-year spending programme which includes a number of new projects in the town is set to be given the green light on Monday. Redditch Council's shopping list includes the allocation of £600,000 to buy and transform St

  • Blanket coverage

    THOSE over 55 can have their electric blankets tested for free by Worcestershire Trading Standards Service. Checks can be booked between 9.30am-4pm on Friday, October 5, by calling 01905 765094.

  • Nod given to landscaping

    RESIDENTS have given an overwhelming thumbs up to council plans to improve landscaping in Redditch. Earlier this year, nearly 6,500 questionnaires were sent to households in 70 roads where the council intends to remove shrubs and improve access and security

  • Plants plans bloom

    REDDITCH town centre is to blossom with the planting of a new flowerbed in Church Green East thanks to Marks and Spencer. The company has agreed to sponsor the planting of spring bulbs and bedding plants to brighten up the area.

  • 100 years ago

    September 21, 1901 The annual services of thanksgiving were held on Sunday, the interior of the building being very tastefully decorated. The Rev S H Phillips conducted the service morning, afternoon and evening. Good congregations were in attendance

  • 25 years ago

    September 24, 1976 PRIME Minister Jim Callaghan told Redditch this week that it must work hard to help to produce a stable economy before a hospital could be built. Mr Callaghan was replying to the protestors who interrupted his speech in Worcester Square

  • 19/9/01 - Worcester due change of luck

    A DISAPPOINTING four days was rounded off for Worcester City on Monday night when the referee tripped Jon Holloway in the last minute of the Kettering Town match sending the midfielder clattering to the ground. Howls of derision greeted the man in black

  • 'Rush set their sights

    WOODRUSH captain Paul Moore says he will be delighted with a mid-table finish after a year in the wilderness. The Icknield Street side start their Midlands Four West South season at Southam on Saturday (ko 3pm) after pulling out of the division above

  • Kings crash out of Cup

    AN under-strength Kings Norton crashed out of the Intermediate Cup at the first hurdle, losing 36-24 to Edwardians on Saturday. The Hopwood side took on their Midlands West Four North opponents without a first team hooker and were sunk by three quickfire

  • Tenants urged to buy shares

    TENANTS from Droitwich Spa are being urged to buy shares in the town's housing association. Spa Housing Association clients can become shareholders in the Queen Street firm for just £1. Although there will be no financial benefits, those who take up the

  • Exiles return

    Willenhall 3rds 7 Redditch Exiles 39 FOLLOWING last week's poor display in a 10-21 defeat at home to Warwick, with Doughty and Cardy scoring, Captain Cresswell persuaded his team to play with a lot more belief in attack and more resilience in defence.

  • Townsend stars

    AVONCROFT Cricket Club narrowly failed to secure victory in their end of season friendly on Saturday against a determined Malvern Ramblers. Batting first the Ramblers were indebted to Evans (45) and Rob Francis (33) for their total of 157 off their allotted

  • Molby's apology for poor display

    BOSS Jan Molby apologised to Kidderminster Harriers' fans after admitting to being 'disgusted' by his side's performance in last night's 4-0 Nationwide League Division Three thrashing by Shrewsbury Town at Gay Meadow. Luke Rodgers grabbed a hat-trick

  • Sixways hopes hit by sickness

    A SICKNESS bug is threatening to disrupt Worcester Rugby Club's preparation for their National One showdown with Rotherham on Saturday. Craig Chalmers had to stay away from Sixways on Monday because of the bug and Chris Yates went home yesterday feeling

  • Wolves in surprise promotion

    WORCESTER Wolves Basketball Club have been handed an unexpected promotion - less than a week into the new season. They have accepted a late invitation from the English Basketball Association to go up to Division One of the National League, replacing Doncaster

  • Worcester due change of luck

    Nat Sylvester's City Slicker column A DISAPPOINTING four days was rounded off for Worcester City on Monday night when the referee tripped Jon Holloway in the last minute of the Kettering Town match sending the midfielder clattering to the ground. Howls

  • Anna breaks world record

    Anna Bailey is celebrating after setting a new indoor rowing world record. Bailey, from Hanley Swan, near Malvern, smashed the previous world record by seven seconds in the women's 50-59 years heavyweight 2000 metres event at the Birmingham Indoor Rowing

  • Brave town go down fighting - Park just too big for Boars

    Bromsgrove RFC First XV 6 Darlington Mowden Park 48 RFU Senior Cup round one AFTER two giant killing acts to reach the first round proper of the RFU Senior Cup, Bromsgrove's run came to a grinding halt on Saturday. They came up against an even bigger

  • Family life in spotlight

    A RENOWNED actress whose television credits include Tenko and A Bit of a Do stars in a bitter-sweet comedy which opens at Malvern Theatres next week. Stephanie Cole, currently starring with Richard Wilson in BBC's Life As We Know It, plays 85-year-old

  • Little at large...

    NEIGHBOURS' Joe Mangel and former Big Breakfast frontman Mark Little brings a new show, which premiered at the Edinburgh Festival, to Malvern. Mark Little is a Whingeing POHM (Prisoner of His Majesty) and mixes 'DIY theatre', stand-up comedy, poetry and

  • Pouring out love

    A COUPLE on an annual pilgrimage to a seaside resort feature in Hull Truck Theatre Company's latest production at Worcester's Swan Theatre this week. September in the Rain sees Yorkshireman Jack and his wife Liz look back on their life together on a visit

  • Wide awake for this one

    A TRADITIONAL production of Puccini's last great masterpiece will be performed by the acclaimed Chisinau National Opera at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre this week. Turandot is the tale of a cold-hearted princess who is surrounded by suitors facing death

  • Gimme Shelter Various Artists

    Rating: Two star THE 'kaleidoscopic funk collision' that is Gimme Shelter is a strange animal. It's impossible to try to comprehend why, oh why, Merry Clayton and The Deirdre Wilson Tabac had the slightest inkling they could do justice to cover versions

  • Little Black Numbers - Kathryn Williams

    Rating: Five star KATHRYN Williams is Carly Simon without the rhymes, Joni Mitchell without the jarring political reflections and a folk sound without cheesecloth. This album is pure poetry, and as a re-release from only last year, destined to grace the

  • Cheer for young patients

    AFTER three years of fund-raising, children staying at the Alexandra Hospital have somewhere to play. A £35,000 playground was officially opened on Saturday. The hospital's League of Friends set up the appeal after concerns there had been no play area

  • Youth aid broadens

    A HEALTH improvement plan aimed at reducing unwanted teenage pregnancies in the town has undergone a massive shake-up after a successful drop in figures. Redditch Primary Care Group spearheaded the health improvement programme to tackle a high number

  • Controversy but Rovers seal win Banner sets up Tamworth tie

    Mickleover Sports (1) 1 Bromsgrove Rovers (1) 2 FA Cup First Qualifying Round ROVERS had to show their mettle to overcome their Northern Counties East League Division One opponents. And the victory sets up a mouthwatering tie at the Victoria Ground on

  • Villa settle in at Victoria Ground

    Fairfield Villa (2) 3 Dudley Sports (0) 1 Midland Combination Division One FAIRFIELD recorded their first home win of the current season with a 3-1 victory over Dudley Sports. Villa -- playing home games at the Victoria Ground this season -- started the

  • Bromsgrove Advertiser/Messenger District Football League

    NICK Lawley scored six times as Turks Head stormed to a 7-3 win over Meadow Park Premier in Division One on Sunday. Ryan Fessey also got on the scoresheet as Steve Collett (two) and Alan Phillips replied. Turks' reserve side weren't so fortunate, however

  • MP guest at birthday bash

    SPICE and rice were on the menu at a birthday bash thrown by a Droitwich Spa restaurateur. Raj Tandoori invited civic dignitaries, business people and friends to its 20th anniversary party. The Queen Street restaurant has been serving townsfolk with spicy

  • Town builders scoop two awards

    A BROMSGROVE building firm has won two awards for its high quality construction work. The first win for Weaver plc, in Worcester Road, came from the Built in Quality Awards, run by Malvern Hills District Council. The coveted prize aims to encourage excellence

  • What's on guide

    Thursday September 20 l Show: Walsall Illuminations, Walsall Arboretum, gates open 7.30pm, runs until October 28. l Exhibition: Portraits of Black Achievements Exhibition, Symphony Hall, Broad Street, Birmingham, 10am-5pm, runs until October 29. l Lecture

  • Appeal to plug flood problem

    A CATSHILL councillor this week urged district council chiefs not to delay vital work which could save residents from being flooded yet again. Councillor Bill Newnes (Lab, Catshill) is calling for Bromsgrove District Council to speed up plans to carry

  • CCTV under inspection

    BROMSGROVE'S extensive crime busting closed circuit TV system came under close inspection itself this week. A party of councillors and officers from various authorities in south Staffordshire were in Bromsgrove on Monday on a fact-finding mission before

  • Shops fall silent as nations mourn across the world

    THE hustle and bustle of a normal busy Friday morning in Bromsgrove High Street came to an abrupt halt last Friday. It happened at 11am when townsfolk, as elsewhere in Britain, stood heads bowed to remember the victims of the terrorist attacks in America

  • Defiant message comes out of America

    FOLLOWING last week's dreadful events in Manhattan the Advertiser/Messenger received an e-mail from former Bromsgrove man Micky Chance and his family who are now living in America. Mickey, a car sales representative, was keen for us to let family and

  • MP lobbies to help sufferers

    BROMSGROVE'S Tory MP has called on the Secretary of State for Health this week to demand the town's Alzheimer's sufferers get a better deal with new prescribed drugs. Julie Kirkbride has called for Alan Milburn to order Worcestershire Health Auth-ority

  • Boost for young hospital patients

    SICK Bromsgrove youngsters who are patients at Redditch's Alexandra Hospital now have got a new much-needed outdoor play area, thanks to the League of Friends. The hospital's playground had been closed for safety reasons for the past four years. The idea

  • Students rise to the challenge

    PUPILS will be joining in the fun this weekend when they take part in a challenge -- organised by a national bank. Four students from Chadsgrove Special School, in Meadow Road, Catshill, will be fighting it out in the HSBC Kielder Challenge which aims

  • Town builders scoop two awards

    A BROMSGROVE building firm has won two awards for its high quality construction work. The first win for Weaver plc, in Worcester Road, came from the Built in Quality Awards, run by Malvern Hills District Council. The coveted prize aims to encourage excellence

  • Cancer victim's plea after horror attack

    A DROITWICH Spa cancer victim hopes shocking scenes from devastated America will encourage residents to give blood and save lives. Darryl Bradford, a New York resident for 13 years, says the terrorist attack on the USA serves as a reminder that disaster

  • What a catch for angling manager

    CHURCH Hill angler Mark Downes has led England to victory in the World Match Fishing Championships in Paris. The MAP Garbolino Starlets star is in his first season as joint manager of the team.

  • Squash is off

    AFTER the withdrawal of Bromsgrove and the postponement of the archery to an uncertain date, the Worcestershire Games took another turn for the worse at the weekend. The County games, postponed from spring because of foot and mouth, have seen only two

  • Legal duo are on top form

    ALVECHURCH'S Seechem Equestrian Centre has been celebrating a month's successful competition. Barrister QC and Attorney General, owned by Mrs J H Willetts and son-in-law David Austin and ridden by Mr Austin started with a class win at the Three Counties

  • Race of the Year for bikes champ

    SUPERBIKES champ Jason Wilshaw finished the Classics Club Post Classics Series with a flourish at Cadwell Park. The Callow Hill ace was runner-up in the prestigious Race of the Year 2001 on Sunday after confirming his championship status with third in

  • Fencing club made very pe

    A REDDITCH fencing club is celebrating a windfall of nearly £4,000 to buy equipment for the young people it caters for. Redditch Youth Fencing Club, based at Redditch Youth House in Smallwood, was awarded the cash from the National Lottery's Awards for

  • Lara's off to Brazil

    A FECKENHAM teenager will be departing with three college friends for a trip of lifetime. Fourteen-year-old Lara Fisher, of Noah's Green, will be accompanied by fellow pupils from Malvern College as they take a journey up the River Amazon in Brazil. They

  • Top marks in Ofsted report

    STAFF at Astwood Bank First School are delighted with their recent Ofsted report. The report stated pupil achievement was high and the quality of the teaching was "one of the greatest strengths. It also said the school cared well for its pupils, whose

  • Concert line-up

    A STRONG line-up of international musicians is planned for the new season of next month's Bromsgrove Concerts. The seven-concert programme begins at Spadesbourne Hall, Spadesbourne Suite, in Burcot Lane, on Friday October 12 with Configure 8, which was

  • Typical of the mindset in a money-mad world

    COUNCILLOR Mary Drinkwater says (Page 1, Evening News, August 31) she thinks we need a luxury hotel on Worcester's old hospital site in Castle Street. She adds "they'll spend their money here and that's what it's all about." This remark is absolutely

  • The Evening News joins gutter Press

    GIVEN the awesome coverage of the horrors in Manhattan, I do not believe that any person could not be moved at the sight of the images. However, given that quality papers such as the Daily Telegraph or the TV did not step into the realm of "gruesome"

  • Misleading

    THE distorted emotional propaganda used by animal extremist groups to mislead the general public often overshadows the important contribution animal research has made to medicine. SIMR is a patients' group which supports the humane use of animals where

  • Spock-eyed

    REGARDING R Partridge's letter (Evening News, August 13) I agree - it's time to bring back the birch. Because of EU interference we have had all kinds of crime increase. I would also advocate the reintroduction of the cane in schools. This is where discipline

  • Duo's sound performance

    NATHAN Crewe and co-driver Chris Clifford secured a good result in the third round of the raceandrally.com 1400 Championship -- the Woodpecker rally. The Bromsgrove duo finally achieved second in class and sixth overall in the Cottrill Transport-prepared

  • DARTS

    Lee Taylor Shield Final: Catshill WMC 4 DDS & S Warriors 3. Charity Shield Final: Alvechurch Club 5 Catshill WMC 2. l Darren Willetts -- who plays for Catshill WMC when he is not playing for the county -- won the singles for the third successive year

  • Dingley clinches first

    THE weekend started on a high note for Bromsgrove Olympique at Halesowen last Friday evening when several Olympique riders took top placings in their events. Craig Talbot, from Gloucester, maintained his successful form in his first season when he took

  • Ace Ling leads the way

    UPTON Warren Sailing Club's annual regatta was held on September 8 and 9. The fleet of 38 boats included, Toppers, Comets, Solos, GPs, Lasers, Pegasus and even a junior member in an Oppy. With strong winds and variable gusts the weekend proved a trying

  • skittles

    THE Redditch and Bromsgrove skittles league start its new season in the first week in October, and they have vacancies for two more teams. If you are interested in entering a team contact Lin Rogers on (01527) 454749 any time.

  • Dominoes

    l THE annual general meeting of the North Worcestershire Winter League will be held on October 3 2001 at the DDS & S Club, starting at 8.30pm. Teams wishing to enter a team should attend. Any team looking to enter a team but are unable to attend should

  • Snooker

    DROITWICH and District Snooker League -- 2001/02 season. Results for September 11: Division One: AFSC A 4 CWMC 1. MILL B 4 DSC B 1. BPC A 4 BLC A 1. MILL A 2 AFSC C to play later. DivisionTwo: DGC A 3 DRBL A 2. BRBL B 2 BPC B 3. CWMC B 5 MILL YB 0. DRBL

  • Man hurt in race attack

    A MAN needed hospital treatment after a racially aggravated attack involving about 10 Asian men near the town centre. The 28-year-old was taken to the Alexandra Hospital with cuts, bruises and a deep laceration to his knee following the assault near the

  • Teenager must abide by order

    AN anti-social behaviour order on a 15-year-old boy has been extended by Redditch magistrates in a landmark case brought by police. The force secured its first extension of such an order after the court heard on Wednesday how the teenager, who cannot

  • Plea on sneaky thieves

    A SPATE of 20 sneak-in thefts around Lodge Park and Greenlands has prompted police to carry out a letter drop warning residents of the problem. As many as three house burglaries a night have taken place and the Lakeside Industrial Estate has also been

  • Hawking out crime

    REDDITCH police have launched an operation aimed at combating burglaries, sneak-in-thefts and bogus calls, writes Becky Procter. Officers will be performing high visibility policing, road checks, intelligence and crime prevention messages as part of Operation

  • Seventy help order verdict

    A WINYATES man has had a two-year anti-social behaviour order placed on him after Redditch magistrates received a 200-page document containing more than 70 witness statements. The order was made against Shaun Timbrell, 21, of Kinnersley Close, following

  • Witnesses sought for burglaries

    WITNESSES are being sought after three burglaries in Studley late last week and police are warning residents to be on their guard. Pc Alan Forsyth, of Studley police, said one was a distraction burglary where somebody was kept talking while another person

  • Centre to stay on site

    THE Greig Centre is to undergo redevelopment on its current site after trustees voted not to move the facility. The news follows a meeting to decide the future of the community base where three options were considered. These included re-development on

  • Focus on new camera hope

    AN additional CCTV camera in Alcester could be on the cards again despite recent setbacks. After the initial scheme was installed and began to prove its worth, Stratford Council suggested an extra one should be installed. Town councillors wanted the camera

  • Dirty water fear

    THE town council is to write to Environmental Health officers because of repeated problems with sewage. Councillors claim the last time there was a flood in the town, there had not been any rain during that period. And they believe the pumping station

  • Homes decision delay

    A FURTHER extension has been granted before a final decision is made on a controversial housing development in Alcester. Bloor Homes wants to develop 400 homes in the town, plans which have been objected to by the town council, district council and residents

  • The blight of losing out on our facilities

    DEAR EDITOR - I read with disgust that the vote taken by people in Droitwich Spa in support of a supermarket has been rejected in favour of what the councillors want - more houses. There are no facilities as such here now and people do go out of town

  • Collective action is a threat

    DEAR EDITOR - I could not agree more with Dr Alan Richards and the rubbished refuse collection in Bromsgrove. I have no intention of being a second class citizen. I pay my council tax the same as many other householders. The time has come to organise

  • KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS FC MATCH FACTS - 2001/2002

    Sat July 14 Bromsgrove Rovers (a) 4-0 Broughton, Hadley 2, Bird Mon July 16 Halesowen Harriers (a) 6-1 Middleton, Bird 2, Shilton, Shail, Ducros Wed July 18 Evesham United (a) 1-1 Faulds Sat July 21 Redditch United (a) 3-0 Hadley, Hinton, Middleton Tues

  • Pope signs holy paper

    CLASSY central defender Steve Pope is the latest player to join the exciting Bromsgrove Rovers bandwagon and sign a prized contract with the Greens. The former Kidderminster Harriers defender underlined his commitment to the Victoria Ground outfit by

  • Colcombe clincher

    Redditch United 2 Gresley Rovers 1 WHAT a week it's been for Scott Colcombe. After undoubtedly making himself a few bob with his weekend revelations, the United wing back came off the bench to score a goal which could be worth upwards of £10,000 for his

  • Pedal power

    KEEN cyclists interested in taking part in the Blossom Trail Bikeaway are being urged to contact Angela Tidmarsh at Wychavon District Council on 01386 565373. The event starts from Wood Norton Hall and Conference Centre, Worcester Road, Evesham, on September

  • 100 years ago September 21, 1901

    AT the start of the cricket season The Messenger had offered a prize of a bat worth a guinea (£1.5p) to the local player with the best batting average. 100 years ago September 21, 1901 AT the start of the cricket season The Messenger had offered a prize

  • Euley caps a fine end to the season

    DROITWICH Spa Cricket Club completed their Worcestershire County League Division One campaign in fine style on Saturday. They comfortably beat Pershore by seven wickets and leapfrogged them into third place. Spa elected to field first on a bouncy seaming

  • Schwan: I need new members

    GRAB your guitar and Schwan down to a musical Frankley club which kicks off its second season today with a plea for new members. David Schwan, an American guitarist for 33 years and a teacher for 20 years, set up Frankley Guitar Club last year to share

  • Duffy's title success

    BROMSGROVE Cricket Club finally had something to cheer this season when the First XI won the Worcester Sunday League. With only one defeat all season Paul Duffy's side secured the title with a convincing win against Feckenham. Batting first, in amongst

  • Inkberrow Show

    MEMBERS and visitors were welcomed to the Inkberrow and District Horticultural Society's 41st Annual Show at Inkberrow Village Hall on September 1. Mrs Atkin thanked the main judge, Duncan Coombes, a senior lecturer at Pershore College. Other judges were

  • Inkberrow WI

    IT was agreed to give a donation to WI House, Worcester, towards the cost of refurbishment. Elaine will hold a coffee morning on Thursday, October 11, at 10.45am to help start this off. Mr B Tannhill, of Worcester Garden Centre, was the speaker for the

  • Kingfisher WI

    SEPTEMBER'S meeting was busy, with news of various events, including the forthcoming half-yearly council meeting, the autumn group meeting, Christmas shopping trip to Oxford and the carol service. As the scheduled speaker had cancelled, Rachel Adams came

  • Redditch Speakers Club

    There were four main speeches during the evening. Alan Young gave a speech entitled 'Your Life in their Hands' where he explained the importance of the Jury Service. This was followed by a speech entitled 'Friends' where Lia Beddow gave an account of

  • Solihull & District Orchid Society

    THE AGM took place on September 1. The committee was re-elected en-bloc. This was followed by the auction of members' plants, a good assortment of some quality plants, including Mr Butler's collection of Odontoglossums. In October, Peter White will give

  • Stunned silence

    Beoley woman Sian Johnston, working in New York for a year, has given a harrowing eyewitness account of the moment disaster struck the World Trade Centre, writes Becky Procter. She spoke of the sheer panic and disbelief felt by people in Manhattan. The

  • Firms brace for backlash

    FIRMS are bracing for the possible economic backlash of the terrorist attacks. Redditch Manufacturers' Association chairman Rod Laight said there was an air of 'despondency' among companies as they waited for possible knock-on effects. Mr Laight said:

  • Book of sorow

    A BOOK of condolence for people to pass on their sympathies to those affected by last week's terrorist attacks has been opened at Redditch Town Hall. The book was available from Friday, which coincided with the UK's national day of mourning. Town hall

  • Wheely good event

    CANADIAN-based international Supercross promoters Future West have been busy preparing for the UK's only British International Supercross Series at Birmingham NEC Arena on October 6 and Sheffield Arena on October 20. Newly crowned 125 AMA/Chevy Trucks

  • Shopshit by cuts

    A POWER cut to 30 shops in the Kingfisher Centre on Thursday was caused when contractors working on the site cut through four power cables. Nobody was hurt in the incident but it left some shops without power for most of the trading day after the electricity

  • New Christians make a splash

    A STUDLEY vicar has spoken out on what he sees as the state of Christianity in England today. The Rev Richard Deimel feels the 'old-style' church is almost dead and complains it was complacent and arrogant. Mr Deimel was speaking as Studley Parish Church

  • Fire report lauds crews

    THE way 150 firefighters battled to control the biggest blaze in Redditch for years was faultless, according to a post-fire investigation report, writes Becky Procter. Hydraulic platforms, water carriers and 22 fire engines were used to tackle the fire

  • Firing up interest

    WOMEN across the town who fancy the idea of becoming a firefighter will soon have the opportunity to see what the job is like at an awareness day. The day-long event will give women a real insight into a career in the fire service with the chance of performing

  • Reptile roadshow

    SNAKES alive! Some companies will do anything for more business. Hereford pet superstore, Pets at Home, will host a reptile road show at its Brook Retail Park premises on Saturday, September 22 and Sunday, September 23. The road show will include free

  • MP tells vale firms to pull together to fight

    MID-WORCESTERSHIRE MP Peter Luff has told business leaders in Evesham they need to pull together to withstand the impending world recession. Speaking at a breakfast meeting of the Evesham Chamber of Commerce yesterday, Mr Luff said the town's businesses

  • Shrewsbury Town 4 Kidderminster Harriers 0

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