Archive

  • Car parks have new signs

    A WORCESTER car park has had new signs installed in a bid to help the Christmas rush. The variable message signs have been installed at St Martin's Gate as a result of the Best Value review of parking services in the city. "It's hoped the new system of

  • School: Quo drummer beats out his message

    SCHOOLCHILDREN and teachers had the chance to make music with a pop star when a former Status Quo drummer came to a Worcester school. Jeff Rich thrilled 240 pupils at St Barnabas CE Primary School, Green Lane, when he took a drum master class for an hour-and-a-half

  • Jailed for stealing a new pair of shoes

    A MAN who swapped his worn-out trainers for a new pair of shoes in a Worcester shop has been jailed because he failed to pay for them before he walked out. Stephen Pike had more than 200 previous theft convictions when he spotted the £70 shoes in the

  • Inquiry decision expected

    PLANS to build 71 homes at a medieval hamlet near Droitwich Spa have been probed by planning chiefs. A three-day public inquiry into a multi-million pound development at Hadzor Hall ended on Friday. The Keep Hadzor Special Campaign group called for the

  • £75,000 boost for ageing surgeries

    A TOTAL of £75,000 will be spent on revamping GP surgeries in the Worcester area as part of a drive to attract more family doctors. The cash is a slice of £55m set aside by the Government to improve ageing buildings and build new surgeries where necessary

  • Mum's 'miracle drug' appeal

    A MUM battling against a debilitating disease wants a lifeline drug prescribed by health chiefs. Multiple sclerosis (MS) sufferer Judith Andrews, of Vernon Grove, Droitwich, has received daily Copaxone injections for four years. She was diagnosed with

  • Poppy maker's proud day

    POPPIES worn by families honouring wartime veterans during this Sunday's Remembrance Parade may have been made by a nimble-fingered Hanbury man. Tim Morris, of Courts Close, assembles the paper flowers for the Royal British Legion. Since 1990, he has

  • Bringing odour to order

    OVER the years, it's become as much a part of Worcester's folklore as the Cathedral and the River Severn, albeit a rather less attractive one. The pong from the sewage treatment works at Lower Wick is something of a local institution. Periodically it

  • Fireworks bashes go with a bang

    A WEEKEND of colourful fireworks and ear piecing bangers was enjoyed by townsfolk. Droitwich Canals Trust hosted a dazzling display at the Hampton Road canal basin on Saturday. The event raised £650 for the charity. Droitwich Lions set the sky alight

  • Ancient statue given a facelift

    WORK to repair a 140-year-old statue that stood outside the Shirehall in Hereford before being damaged by vandals is progressing well. The seven-foot bronze of former county MP Sir George Cromewall-Lewis, that was rocked until it fell to the ground, is

  • Talented students

    AMATEUR artists are feeling proud following the launch of a month-long exhibition in Droitwich Spa. NEW College students are showcasing their work at Droitwich Library, in Victoria Square, until the end of November. Art teacher Brian Swingler invited

  • Award for a dedicated carer

    TIRELESS work for a carers' association and disability groups across Worcestershire has earned a churchwarden a top accolade. Howerd Brooksbank, who lives in Crowle, was named Carer of the Month by Birmingham-based Wesleyan Assurance Society. The former

  • Charter to be marked

    A WOMEN'S group based in Droitwich Spa wants to celebrate an anniversary with past and present members. Droitwich Ladies' Circle is marking the 40th year of its charter with a lunchtime bash at the Chateau Impney Hotel, off Bromsgrove Road, on January

  • Bogus water staff in raid on home

    CALLOUS robbers made off with £300 and a pension book after conning their way into an elderly woman's house. Two men posing as water company officials gained entry to the house in Keats Place, Kidderminster, and while one man distracted her in the kitchen

  • Fixtures and Results - 2001/2002

    AUGUST 18 H Weymouth DML 3-3 (Owen 3, inc 2 pens) 21 A Kettering Town DML 1-4 (Owen) 25 A Ilkeston Town DML 2-1 (Stant, Heeley) 27 H Hinckley United 4-3 (Owen 2, inc 1 pen, Middleton, Burrow) SEPTEMBER 01 A Newport IOW DML 1-1 (Owen) 03 H Moor Green DML

  • Bromsgrove Ladies' First XI 1 KIngs Heath Ladies' First XI 1

    BROMSGROVE started strongly and felt confident against a team who have diminished over the last couple of seasons. Bromsgrove took the lead with an early goal from Christine Ash-worth. The lead lasted right up until the last five minutes when Kings Heath

  • 7/11/01 - Referees must be tolerated

    THERE are some things in life that don't bare too much close scrutiny because if you dig too deeply the illusion would shatter. One example is Big Ron Atkinson. Dripping in gold and chucking out more one liners than Daniella Westbrook on holiday in Colombia

  • Bromsgrove Rovers 2 Cradley Town 1

    Tuesday, November 6, 2001 BROMSGROVE Rovers leap-frogged Quorn into second place in the Midland Alliance after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over plucky Cradley Town last night. Jon Ford rammed home a 40th-minute winner to move Steve Daniels' men right behind

  • 7/11/01 - Sunday switch for cup contest

    WORCESTER Rugby Club have switched their RFU Senior Cup fifth round encounter with Rotherham to Sunday, November 25 in a bid to prevent an international clash. The Saturday date coincides with the England and South Africa game at Twickenham on November

  • STUART BROCK - Goalkeeper. 26/9/76, 6ft 1ins. Squad number 1.

    Released by Aston Villa, Brock signed for Harriers in September 1997 after a short spell at Northampton Town where he failed to make an appearance. He made his Harriers first-team debut in November of the same year and has proved himself a fine shot-stopper

  • ABDOU SALL - Centre-back. 1/11/80, 6ft 3ins. Squad number 26.

    Senegal-born Sall began his career with French Third Division Montauban and impressed enough to be snapped up by Toulouse. However, a switch to England earned the giant defender a trial with Harriers and a two-year move in August 2001. Powerful in aerial

  • MARK BLAKE - Midfield. 16/12/70. 5ft 11ins. Squad number 24.

    Ex-England schools, youth and U-21 international Blake was a big hope at Aston Villa before moving to Portsmouth, Leicester, Walsall and Mansfield. A central midfielder with a big engine, an eye for goal and a competitive attitude, Blake switched to Aggborough

  • DANNY WILLIAMS - Midfield 12/7/79. 6ft 1in. Squad number 8.

    After starting off as a trainee at Liverpool, Williams was released at the age of 19 to return to his native Wrexham. The Wales U-21 international played on-off for the Second Division club but made a good impression with many for his uncompromising style

  • DREWE BROUGHTON - Forward. 25/10/78. 6ft 3ins. Squad number 9.

    Tall target-man who made an immediate impact with his aggression, spirit and goal-scoring on being signed for £50,000 from Peterborough in January 2001. Despite his disciplinary problems, Broughton is a first choice when fit and wins a lot of aerial challenges

  • 7/11/01 - Rushden tickets selling briskly

    WORCESTER City have reported brisk ticket sales for the FA Cup first round home clash with Rushden & Diamonds on Saturday, November 17. Priority tickets went on sale earlier this week, including a corporate package available to anyone for £40 including

  • Rushden tickets selling briskly

    WORCESTER City have reported brisk ticket sales for the FA Cup first round home clash with Rushden & Diamonds on Saturday, November 17. Priority tickets went on sale earlier this week, including a corporate package available to anyone for £40 including

  • Sunday switch for cup contest

    WORCESTER Rugby Club have switched their RFU Senior Cup fifth round encounter with Rotherham to Sunday, November 25 in a bid to prevent an international clash. The Saturday date coincides with the England and South Africa game at Twickenham on November

  • Referees must be tolerated

    Nat Sylvester's City Slicker column THERE are some things in life that don't bare too much close scrutiny because if you dig too deeply the illusion would shatter. One example is Big Ron Atkinson. Dripping in gold and chucking out more one liners than

  • Ford goal puts Rovers second

    BROMSGROVE Rovers leap-frogged Quorn into second place in the Midland Alliance after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over plucky Cradley Town last night. Jon Ford rammed home a 40th-minute winner to move Steve Daniels' men right behind leaders Stourbridge.

  • Malvern fail to capitalise

    Malvern Town and Wellington fought out a 1-1 draw in the West Midlands League Premier Division last night. Town could have no complaints as they failed to capitalise on Lee Hooper's first minute strike. The 16-year-old drilled a shot home from close range

  • Success of Worcesters in nighties

    IT is impossible to walk these fields in the valley of the River Ancre without finding, at almost every pace, the relics of war. Eighty-five years after the Battle of the Somme, the ground continues to produce its grim bounty. The French farmers call

  • New players

    HANBURY under-U14s are still looking to strengthen their squad. Anyone interested phone manager Andy Walters on (01527) 578791.

  • New keeper

    BROMSGROVE Town under-12s are looking for an enthusiastic goalkeeper to join their developing team. If you are in year seven and have the motivation to improve your goalkeeping skills ring Steve Mayo-Braiden on 0121 445 4593.

  • Andy is king of the Castle

    Bromsgrove Advertiser/Messenger District Football League WASELEY United won the performance of the day with an 8-0 drubbing of Castle in Division Two. Andy Swadkins bagged a hat-trick as Waseley ran riot with further goals from Mark Johansenberg, Gary

  • Title hopefuls Rose-y future

    Barnt Green Spartak (0) 3 Wilncote Sports (1) 1 Midland Combination Division Two SPARTAK went top of the table with this hard fought victory over a strong Sports side. Spartak started the game well but both sides found it hard to create any clear-cut

  • Redditch Combo results

    REDDITCH and South Warwickshire Comb-ination results for Sunday November 4: Terry Cup round two (sponsored by Central Sports Supplies): Redditch Mega Bowl 1 Thomas Brothers 3. Alcester Rovers 6 Millfields Rovers 1. Sherwood Rangers 0 Hymatic & Allendale

  • B'sgrove Ladies' Second XI 2 Crestonions Ladies' XI 1

    BOTH teams were expecting a difficult game and were not disappointed. Bromsgrove went one down halfway through the first half. However, their constant pressure paid off when they were awarded a penalty, which was accurately placed into the corner of the

  • Bournville Ladies' Third XI 0 Droitwich Ladies' Second XI 4

    DROITWICH recorded a convincing away win with a focused team. Ten minutes into the game Kate Pryce opened the scoring with a push past the keeper. Bournville struggled to find their form and found themselves soaking up a period of sustained pressure,

  • All smiles practice boss Beryl

    A DENTAL practice boss from Bromsgrove is all smiles after scooping a key role in a top organisation. Beryl Lammas, the manager of Lansdowne House Dental Practice, in Chapel Street. is now the British Dental Practise Managers' Association's new chairman

  • Company grabs it and goes

    A BROMSGROVE-based courier service, celebrating four years in business, is going global. Aptly named Grabbit and Run, the company, in Shaw Lane, Stoke Prior, will now deliver packages anywhere in the world. The firm has introduced an international division

  • Filling up on LPG

    GARAGES in Bromsgrove are stocking up on environmentally-friendly fuels after motorists were offered incentives to go green. The Powershift programme is a new Government incentive which pledges funding to help car owners convert their vehicles to use

  • Talks to save jobs at UEF collapse

    TALKS aimed at saving the jobs of 500 people at one of Bromsgrove's largest employers have broken down, the Advertiser/Messenger can exclusively reveal. Hopes had been high that a potential purchaser had been found to take over the assets and liabilities

  • Bridge too far for the council

    DISCUSSIONS aimed at reaching a compromise over a row which prevented the start of work to demolish and build a new road bridge at Finstall took place between Railtrack and the district council yesterday afternoon. It followed a High Court hearing earlier

  • Hundreds evacuated as suspect package found on public bus

    HUNDREDS of people in Rubery were shocked and frightened when they were evacuated from a leisure complex after a suspect package was found on a bus. The Saturday night revellers were evacuated from several places in Rubery Great Park, off Bristol Road

  • Work starts to plug flooding

    The plug is to be pulled on flooding in Rubery's Callowbrook Lane next Monday when workmen move in. This week Bromsgrove District Council has told of its delight that Worcestershire County Council is to bring about an end to the flooding which has blighted

  • Mystery surrounds lay-by death

    BROMSGROVE police were back in Romsley last night, one week after the body of Anthony Kendrick was found in the back of his car. Officers carried out checks along Putney Lane to see if anyone who uses the lane regularly was around at the time of the incident

  • Car plant evacuated

    WORKERS were evacuated from a Cofton Hackett car factory when a fire broke out. More than 40 firefighters, some wearing chemical protection suits, were called out to tackle the blaze at a foundry, in Groveley Lane, part Rover's extensive car factory.

  • Town to remember victims of war

    THE victims of two world wars, and those who have since died in the service of their country, will be remembered at services and parades in and around Bromsgrove on Sunday. Poppy sellers have been out and about in and around the district and will be in

  • Brett goes for gold

    A COMMUNITY-spirited student is to receive a prestigious royal award at a presentation next week. Brett Woodhouse, aged 19, from Humphrey Avenue, Charford, Bromsgrove, will receive The Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award at a celebratory event in London next

  • Museum is new home for rare telephone kiosk

    A RARE post-Second World War telephone kiosk is the latest addition to the national collection housed at Avoncroft Museum, in Stoke Heath near Bromsgrove. For many years, before being acquired by the museum, it was situated near Brinton's carpet factory

  • Sign of the times

    SIX-YEAR-OLD Michael Waller pulled off a masterstroke when he won a competition to design his school's new sign. The Linthurst First School pupil's work is now proudly displayed at the entrance to the St Catherine's Road site, in Blackwell. The school

  • Dismay at 'cheeky' building company

    ANGRY Rubery residents face a tough battle with builders as a controversial planning application is resubmitted. Carlton Developers has put forward an application to build four five-bedroomed houses on land at the back of 32 Beacon Hill. Householders

  • Urgent call for action

    SOCIAL services bosses at Worcestershire County Council have been told to "investigate urgently" five areas of provision following the publication of annual performance indicators. But the table shows the department has turned the corner and is heading

  • MP backs derelict homes protest

    ANGRY Bromsgrove families were out in force last week when they took part in a demonstration outside derelict properties near their homes which they have branded 'eyesores'. Nearly 20 residents took part in the protest in Birmingham Road outside two semi-detached

  • Secure your homes as the nights draw in

    HOUSEHOLDERS in Bromsgrove are being urged to think about their safety and home security as the dark nights draw in. The police are advising that simple security measures which do not cost a fortune can protect homes. A Bromsgrove police spokeswomen said

  • Go-ahead for extension

    A LARGE home in Marlbrook is to be extended - despite objections from the Lickey Community Group. An application to build a two-storey extension for a kitchen and bedroom and a single extension for a dining room at Upper Cottage Farm, in Old Birmingham

  • Town set to sparkle as donations roll in

    THE town looks set to sparkle this Christmas after the first donations rolled in to our appeal to light up Bromsgrove in memory of a loved one. For the sixth year running, your No.1 community newspaper, the Bromsgrove Advertiser/Messenger, has teamed

  • Fan-tax-tic exam results

    A BRAINY duo from Bromsgrove District Council achieved nationwide acclaim for their exam marks. Revenue officers Emma Mullen and David Riley have received their certificates and prizes for passing the Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation Technology

  • Horse plea

    RESIDENTS in Dodford have been urged to keep their eyes peeled for speeding motorists following two incidents involving horses. Writing in the monthly parish magazine, the village's Horsewatch co-ordinator, Phil Richardson, said he had been informed of

  • Impressed

    ALTHOUGH I live in Essex, I have attended Ronkswood hospital twice this year, once for the birth of my daughter, and once when I took her to casualty. On both occasions, I was extremely impressed by the nursing and medical staff. Without exception, they

  • Sickening cruelty of meat trade

    THE trade of horses exported live for meat is sickening and I'd like to appeal to readers to join our campaign against it. Animal welfare group Viva! has just launched an undercover video, Journey to Death. It reveals the brutal reality of horses traded

  • The golden girls

    BROMGROVE sisters Laura and Claire Ashford made it a double celebration last month. The North Bromsgrove High School pupils both won gold medals at Worcester Swimming Club's open meeting. Laura, aged 15, took first place in the 200 metre freestyle and

  • 7/11/01 - Positive strides made in two years

    TWO years ago this Saturday I returned to St George's Lane as manager with Worcester City languishing near the bottom of the league with just nine points from 15 games. At the time I thought it wasn't going to be a quick-fix job and I must admit six to

  • Don't miss the junior rugby scorelines

    BROMSGROVE U14s 29 Old Silhillians U14s 22. Bromsgrove continued their unbeaten run with a close win over the best team they have played so far this season. David Hughes opened the scoring with a well taken try off the back of a scrum. The lead was extended

  • No traffic problems

    Dear Editor - I cannot see any reason why the lay-by should be closed. Having lived close to it for many years I have never encountered any traffic problems coming onto the island or noticed any excess traffic using the lay-by for parking or due to the

  • Important to take a rest

    Dear Editor - would like to comment about the slip road near Redditch by-pass. As a sales rep these are important to people like me, to rest and take refreshments. This has been a stop-off point for a number of years for myself and others. K Lane, Oakdale

  • 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

  • 100 years ago November 9, 1901

    A DRUNKEN sailor was found lying helplessly on a railway embankment in Barnt Green after falling from a train travelling from Hull to Bridgnorth. 100 years ago November 9, 1901 A DRUNKEN sailor was found lying helplessly on a railway embankment in Barnt

  • Brave Richard's journey's end

    EIGHT thousand pounds can buy you a lot by way of a holiday nowadays, but how does a three-month cruise across the Atlantic grab you? Imagine leaving the sun-drenched harbours of Tenerife and heading off to the white beaches and palm trees of Barbados

  • Triple Davies in Villa win

    Fairfield Villa (1) 5 B'wood Town (0) 1 Midland Combination Division One FAIRFIELD returned to league action with a convincing win over a poor Burntwood side. The game started with the home side taking early control of the midfield and kept the visitors

  • Velodrome track is a big hit for riders

    FROM smooth Siberian timber to muddy paths and old railway embankments, it's all the same to many Bromsgrove Olympique members who had a long, hard weekend. Around 20 members and a dozen guests spent a couple of hours on the superb timber velodrome in

  • World-wide video deal for city shop

    A BUSINESS that sells everything for left-handed people has just signed a world-wide distribution deal for an educational video it has produced. Anything Left-Handed, in Worcester's Charles Street, has been selling customised gadgets, tools and equipment

  • Heads set for fight

    TEACHERS and parents are dipping into their own pockets to foot a legal challenge against the Government's treatment of Worcestershire schools. They are clubbing together pay for a "top London barrister" and use human rights grounds to challenge the education

  • Mayor loses his TV bid for a star

    WORCESTER'S Mayor appeared on breakfast television today and tried to win a celebrity to switch on the city's Christmas lights. But Councillor David Clark lost out to the Mayor of Newport, South Wales, in a viewer's vote on the Big Breakfast programme

  • Prince's Trust makes a way in the wilderness

    CHILDREN at a Worcester school are going wild since the opening of their new nature trail. Pupils of Cherry Orchard Primary can thank a group of Prince's Trust students from Worcester College of Technology for the new trail at their Timberdine Close school

  • Ambulance raider puts lives at risk

    LIVES could be put at risk after thieves stole vital equipment from an ambulance while its crew treated a casualty. The Pershore Division of St John Ambulance has been forced to take one of its vehicles off the road because it is useless without the resuscitation

  • Father's £5,700 benefit fraud

    A FRAUDSTER conned the Department of Social Security out of almost £6,000 by claiming benefit for his children up to 16 months after they were taken into care. David Bradbury swindled £5,712.21 from the department between June, 1999, and June, last year

  • Powerful sponsor for the four-day event

    WORCESTER-based electricity giant npower is to sponsor the city's four-day Christmas Fair. The event, in its ninth successive year, has been hailed the Midland's most prestigious Victorian-themed street market. Street entertainers, including a Victorian

  • Pledge from residents of American twin town

    AMERICAN citizens from Worcester's twin town are not letting the terrorists win and have pledged to make an appearance at the city's Christmas fair. The organisers say they are "delighted" a delegation from Worcester, Massachusetts, will be travelling

  • Public questions Spa plan

    PLANS for a new multi-million pound health spa in Droitwich have been presented to the public for the first time. More than 200 people packed the Community Hall in the town last night to quiz representatives from Wychavon District Council and Calypso,

  • Present theft man is fined

    A CASH-strapped dad who tried to save £13 by stealing make-up for his girlfriend's Christmas present has been fined £150 by magistrates. Dean Elvis Fowler was shopping with the girl in Worcester when they walked into Superdrug. Fowler's partner pointed

  • Bands team up to raise charity cash

    THE heat will be on when a fire service band and a tribute act help raise money for the families of those who died in the American terrorist attack. Warren Midgley, a firefighter at Kidderminster Fire Station, has teamed up with Upfront Entertainments

  • Giant hole sparks fear for safety

    MAJOR excavation at a town beauty spot has sparked concern among residents. Swan Hill Homes is developing 66 houses on pastures off Newland Road and builders have cleared tons of soil to make way for the properties. The work has created a huge hole which

  • Six-month driving ban for teenager

    A TEENAGER has lost his licence after being caught driving a motorcycle without a valid one. Ben Farlow was stopped by police after his machine swerved on to the wrong side of Martley Road and collided with a car, Droitwich Magistrates' Court was told

  • Residents to have their say

    NEW ideas to transform the town's historic Lido pool were due to be shared with residents last night. Householders were invited to have their say on the multi-million pound revamp planned at the brine pool, off Worcester Road. Wychavon District Council

  • Reaching for the stars

    A MUSICAL extravaganza featuring songs from Andrew Lloyd-Webber to the Bay City Rollers will be taking to the stage later this month. Singers and dancers from the Midland Musical Theatre group are currently putting the finishing touches to their show,

  • Hospital topping out

    THE traditional topping out of Worcester's £4m health education centre was due to take place today - less than a year after work was started on the site near to the new city hospital. The Charles Hastings Education Centre is part of the health service

  • Search on for 'bright' youngster

    DOZENS of youngsters have switched on to our fantastic Christmas competition. Your No.1 Newspaper and Droitwich Spa Association for Retail, Tourism and Services (DARTS) is seeking a special child to turn on the town's festive lights. Crowds will gather

  • Councillor in call over market site

    THE former cattle market in Worcester should be developed into retail businesses that complement existing firms in the city, according to a leading city councillor. Councillor Derek Prodger, who is chairman of the city's planning committee, said the Croft

  • In the wake of great Scott

    AN intrepid Royal Navy sailor from Droitwich Spa has followed in the footsteps of the great Antarctic explorers. Jim Evans has visited Grytvikenm, South Georgia, where Robert Scott and Ernest Shackleton led famous expeditions during the early 1900s. The

  • Youth's drugs arrest

    POLICE arrested a teenager on Saturday on suspicion of damaging a town telephone box. The youth, arrested in Old Coach Road at 9.40pm, was charged with possession of cannabis and being drunk and disorderly. He is due to appear before the Spa's youth court

  • 'We're not all at sea' - firm

    THE company behind the Atlantic rowing race which came under fire from Worcester rower Richard Wood has defended its running of the challenge. The determined father-of-three said he was forced out of the 2,900-mile race because of events caused by a faulty

  • County gears up for a raft of projects

    SAFER speed limits, campaigns to save village shops and inflatable earth balloons are some of the projects that have been drawn up by innovative council chiefs. Aqua Vitae 21 is a project to restore ponds throughout Worcestershire and includes a reservoir

  • Best value team for residents

    A TEAM of officers has been appointed by Bromsgrove District Council to ensure local residents and visitors to the area get the best value from the local council. The four-strong team: Barbara Haswell, Isaac Tunji, Elena Greaves and Jane Freeman, will

  • Men arrested over clothes shop raid

    TWO men have been arrested following a raid at a town clothes shop on Monday night. Police investigating a burglary at Henry Brummel Menswear, in Queen Street, arrested two Merseyside men in Kidderminster yesterday morning in connection with the incident

  • Postie hurt in collision

    A POSTMAN working in Droitwich Spa escaped with minor injuries after being in collision with an HGV lorry. The postie was travelling along Roman Way on his bike at 11.38am on Friday November 2. The French driver of the HGV has been arrested and is helping

  • Search for mediators

    PEACEMAKERS are needed to heal neighbourhood rifts in Droitwich Spa. Mediation South Worcestershire is seeking five volunteers to work in Droitwich and its surrounding areas. The group formed in 1999 and has helped more than 400 people solve disputes.

  • Schools crisis can't be defended

    ONCE again, we find ourselves banging the drum on behalf of underfunded Worcestershire schools. And, once again, we make no absolutely apology for doing so. It's ridiculous that the crisis has reached the point where headteachers are having to dip deeply

  • Businesswoman Jane scoops regional title

    A BROMSGROVE woman has been crowned the Midlands Businesswoman of the Year. Jane Lodge, who is senior partner in the Birmingham office of professional services firm Deloitte & Touche, was selected from five other finalists for her outstanding achievements

  • DEAN BENNETT - Midfield 13/12/77. 5ft 10ins. Squad number 20.

    Bennett was a then club record buy of £30,000 from rivals Bromsgrove Rovers in January 1999 and proved a goal-scoring menace to Conference opponents in the title-winning season. The ex-England semi-professional international signed a two-year deal at

  • COLIN LARKIN - Striker. 27/4/82. 5ft 9ins. Squad number 27.

    LARKIN joined Harriers on a month's loan on Friday, September 14, but suffered a dead leg in training and lasted only 45 minutes on his debut against Plymouth. The Wolverhampton Wanderers man continued to develop steadily for his club last term, mostly

  • Barton hits out as City crash

    MANAGER John Barton blasted his defence as Worcester City crashed out of the FA Umbro Trophy last night after Mangotsfield United snatched an extra time winner at Cossham Street. The first round replay looked to be heading towards penalties until David

  • Change of scenery pays off

    A change of scenery brought Richard King one of his best ever results at the Benson and Hedges Snooker Championship last night. The Bewdley professional had got used to making the short journey to the Willie Thorne Snooker Club in Malvern for the event

  • Positive strides made in two years

    The John Barton column TWO years ago this Saturday I returned to St George's Lane as manager with Worcester City languishing near the bottom of the league with just nine points from 15 games. At the time I thought it wasn't going to be a quick-fix job

  • Fitness coach remembered

    ON a brilliant Indian summer's day, Bromsgrove Rugby Club held a minutes' silence before all their games in memory of Bob Rutter, who died last weekend. Bob was a keen club man who, with his fitness training programme, set the bench mark for players'

  • Help ex-service people on Poppy Day

    Dear Editor - Through the columns of your paper, may I remind people that November is here. Besides bonfires and fireworks there is also the Poppy Appeal - the proceeds from which help ex-Service people in need. We have had it brought to our notice, very

  • Latest junior football scores

    DROITWICH Spa Athletic U10s 0 Bewdley Colts U10s 2. Spa crashed out of the cup to a well organised Colts team. It was a close game won with two long range shots which caught out the Spa keeper. Athletic had shots cleared off the line and hit the post.

  • Bowen's spot on in away-day joy

    Wednesfield (0) 0 Bromsgrove Rovers (1) 1 Midland Football Alliance SUPER striker Sam Bowen grabbed his 13th league goal of the season from the penalty spot to send Rovers up to third in the table on Saturday. But Wednesfield showed why they were near

  • Hill claims top-spot in Elmbridge Fishery win

    ELMBRIDGE Fishery near Droitwich was the setting for Northfield's Starlets Veterans Tuesday contest. It was Phil Hill from (Redditch) who topped the list from Heron pool peg two by pole fishing red maggots against the island for a 33-12-0 catch. Second

  • Bromsgrove Men's Third XI 1 Telford and Shifnal XI 2

    THE score does not really reflect the nature of the game. Telford scored very early in the first half from a short corner, but did not look like scoring a second goal as the defensive unit got to grips with the opposition. Pat Ebbert, Pete Squire and

  • Yardley Men's First XI 3 Droitwich Men's First XI 4

    DROITWICH Hockey Club's men secured their first win of the DTZ Midlands Division One West League with a win at Birmingham-based Yardley. Droitwich took the offensive and scored early in the first half when Pete Jones flicked in a rebound from a penalty

  • Plan hits the wrong chord

    A £50,000 bandstand to be erected in a town park is a 'complete waste of money' - according to two district councillors. Councillor David McGrath (Lab, Beacon) and Councillor Stephen Peters (Ind Con, South Wythall) claim the money for the bandstand, to

  • Council aims to catch up with parking fines

    DRIVERS who have failed to pay fines incurred on Bromsgrove's car parks and who are hoping the district council has "overlooked" the offence, are in for a shock. The authority warned this week it will eventually catch up with offenders - once a technical

  • 39 houses to be built despite objections

    THIRTY-NINE three, four and five bedroom homes and garages are to be built at The Oakalls, in Stratford Road. At its meeting last Monday, October 29, Bromsgrove District Council's planning committee gave the scheme the green-light. Two letters were sent

  • Families rally to fight mast

    OUTRAGED residents in Rockhill have called for an urgent meeting after work began to extend a telephone mast on neighbouring land. Horrified householders could only watch as work, began last Monday to enlarge the base of the transmitter mast, which stands

  • School hits back at sell-off claims

    A STOKE Prior school has hit back following claims by residents it is to sell properties in Brickhouse Lane for commercial use. The Midlands Foster Care Associates (MFCA) has vowed not to sell Fieldview House, which it already owns, and Heath House, a

  • Bosses to put brakes on motorists

    THE plan to impose new speed limit restrictions in villages throughout Bromsgrove is due to be introduced this month. A programme is due to be agreed this week and work will start after that. Some areas across the district have already been marked, according

  • Controversial plan for house is withdrawn

    A CONTROVERSIAL plan to demolish a bungalow and build two new homes in a conservation area near Bromsgrove has been withdrawn. The application for 2 Cherry Hill Road, in Barnt Green, promoted a host of objection letters from nearby householders who said

  • Stourport Swifts FC - Fixtures and Results - 2001/2

    August 18 Shepshed (h) 2-0 Booth 2 21 RC Warwick (a) 1-0 (og) 25 Clevedon (a) 0-2 27 Evesham (h) 2-3 (og), Cowley September 1 Rugby Utd (h) (FA Cup preliminary round) 5-1 Marsh 2, Charlton, Booth 2 8 Gresley (h) 2-0 Booth 2 11 Redditch (a) 2-1 Langford

  • Parents' fury at plans to shut nursery

    SHOCKED staff shed tears when they unexpectedly received notification that a popular Rubery nursery will close within three months. Alphabets Nursery, in Birmingham's Great Park, has been given three months' notice before it will be closed down. The nursery

  • Elderly shocked by clsoure of nursing home

    A MULTIPLE sclerosis sufferer who lives at a Barnt Green nursing home spoke of her upset this week after being told she has just four weeks to find alternative care because the home is closing. Doreen Howells, aged 65, is among the 22 residents and 37

  • Mixed news for hospital staff

    A HOSPITAL which treats Bromsgrove residents has been rated 'acceptable' in recent cleanliness checks. The Alexandra Hospital, in Redditch, was given a yellow light rating in the nationwide checks, which were carried out by Patient Environment Action

  • Pals join forces for war diary

    A CREATIVE Bromsgrove pensioner has put pen to paper and published a book about his friend's experiences during the Second World War. Bert Batty, of West Road, wrote his fourth book - The Diary of Driver Don Hammett - in two weeks and it is now in the

  • Huge boost as 500 jobs go on offer

    DROITWICH Spa is enjoying a jobs boom - with 500 vacancies up for grabs. The town's Jobcentre is struggling to find the hundreds of workers needed by Spa firms because the town's unemployment rate is so low. A recruitment drive is under way to find staff

  • Civic bonfire attracts biggest crowd ever

    BROMSGROVE'S civic Guy Fawkes celebrations went off with a bang on Sunday when a record number of people gathered in Sanders Park. The crowd, estimated at between 15,000 and 18,000 is the largest since the event, held annually in the park off Kidderminster

  • Mark really on the ball

    AS indicated by Mark Newton, I had a very amicable conversation with him concerning Worcestershire County Cricket Club. I do indeed now see the point of view of the club and, health permitting, I hope to make some visits to New Road next season. However

  • Terrier work pest control

    IN reply to Maurice Brett (You Say, October 22) regarding hunt terrier work and the survey carried out by the Labour Leave Country Sports Alone campaign, I find it surprising he seems so unaware of the LLCSA or their in-depth investigation into how few

  • Incorrect in almost every single detail

    FRANCIS Reynold's letter (You Say, November 6) was factually incorrect in almost every single detail. For instance, it is pure fantasy to suggest that I "agreed" anything on Mr Reynolds' behalf. That's just not possible, and, in any case, I wouldn't have

  • Lessons which remain for the rest of your life

    EVERYONE remembers a good teacher and people who help them through life. I'm sure there are many parents reading this who can think back to their schooldays and remember at least one teacher. And any schoolchildren reading this could probably think of

  • Snooker

    DROITWICH and District Snooker League results October 30 Howard Harrison Cup pre-lims. BPC B 3 BUC C 2. DGC A 3 BPC A 2. BUC B 5 DRBL B 0. BRBL B 3 DSC B 2. CWMC C 3 CWMC B 2. MILL B DRBL (no result). All home wins for these matches, with no high breaks

  • Monarchs rule the Bank

    CHAMPIONS Lickey Monarchs had to fight all the way in their 7-3 win over Astwood Bank in Division One of the Bromsgrove and Redditch Table Tennis League this week, with five games going to the best of three. Sid Hodgetts was in great form for Monarchs

  • Droitwich RFC 10 Walsall Seconds 43 Friendly

    DROITWICH were well beaten against Walsall Seconds on Saturday. Walsall were very well drilled and combined powerful forward play with quick, attacking backs. From the start Walsall attacked in numbers, stretching the Droitwich defence to breaking point

  • Speaking out against lay-by closure

    Dear Editor - Re: Lay-by in Stratford Road, Bromsgrove. As the transport manager for a large haulage company who regularly delivers in Bromsgrove, I feel it is a necessity that the above lay-by is kept open. The two main reasons being that firstly, HGV

  • Inconvenient and disruptive

    Dear Editor - I am writing to let you know how inconvenient and disruptive it would be if the lay-by on the Stratford Road, adjacent to Bromsgrove Golf Course, was to close. I find this spot ideal for a break and would like to point out that traffic congestion

  • Leave the lay-by as it is

    Dear Editor - I am writing to you to question the idea of closing the lay-by next to the golf course. What is the point? Where are the HGV drivers to go, surely not in the town car parks? I am quite sure Bromsgrove residents would not welcome HGVs trailing

  • Alarmed at possible closure

    Dear Editor - As a frequent visitor to Bromsgrove, in my job as a stationery delivery driver, I was alarmed to hear about the possible closure of the lay-by at Slideslow island. The lay-by is an ideal place to rest and recuperate during the working day

  • Not a refreshing idea

    Dear Editor - I am a resident and frequently use the mobile snack bar in the lay-by near to Bromsgrove Golf Centre. The service that is offered by this snack bar is very useful as it allows me to park for a quick rest and take refreshment at the same

  • Second spot for Rovers

    Bromsgrove Rovers (2) 2 Cradley Town (1) 1 Midland Football Alliance ROVERS leap-frogged Quorn into second place in the league after this hard-fought victory over plucky Cradley last night. Captain Jon Ford rammed home the winner after 40 minutes to move

  • Pride of Pershore

    PERSHORE Lions Club will present £350 the town's cottage hospital as a result of various fund-raising activities. The cash will help purchase equipment for the hospital. The club is seeking new members. Anyone interested can attend a meeting, which is

  • Early start

    DON'T forget, Bromsgrove Rovers' FA Vase round two tie at home to Ford Sports Daventry starts at 12.30pm this Saturday. The early kick off was agreed to avoid clashing with the England v Sweden international in the afternoon. Rovers boss Steve Daniels

  • Man Utd debut for town-born Jimmy

    BROMSGROVE-born Jimmy Davis made his first team debut for Manchester United on Monday in the Worthington Cup third round tie against Arsenal at Highbury. Nineteen-year-old Davis, together with Lee Roche, made his first full competitive start for the club

  • Wendy's top grade

    BROMSGROVE martial artist Wendy Hopwood has become only the second lady to achieve a Second Dan Black Belt in British Free Fighting. Hopwood, who lives in Sidemoor, has been training with the British Free Fighting Academy for six years at South Bromsgrove

  • Mangotsfield United 2 Worcester City 1 (aet)

    Tuesday, November 6, 2001 MANAGER John Barton blasted his defence as Worcester City crashed out of the FA Umbro Trophy last night after Mangotsfield United snatched an extra time winner at Cossham Street. The first round replay looked to be heading towards

  • Health, safety award

    A PERSHORE company has been awarded the highest rating possible by the British Safety Council for the effectiveness of its safety programme. Schloetter Company Ltd, which manufactures electroplating processes and lacquers, won the Five-Star Safety Award

  • Spotlight on the work of MEPs

    BUSINESSMEN and women will have the opportunity to hear about the work of the region's MEPs at a meeting organised by a local forum. The West Worcestershire Conservative Business Forum (CBF) will host Philip Bushill-Matthews, MEP at a breakfast meeting