Evening News sub-editor Julie Keen woke to find this email from her brother in New York this morning From: geoff.player@**fem.com Sent: 12 September 2001 00:58 To: Julie keen Subject: Re: hiya Most companies across the country shut down today. In our
THE daughter of Worcester's new hospital boss Harold Musgrove has spoken from her New York office of the chaos and panic wreaking havoc across the city as terrified New Yorkers hijack cars to flee the city. Ex-Malvern College pupil Laura Musgrove, a Public
LOCKERBIE campaigner Dr Jim Swire, who appeared on television just this morning talking about airport security, said it was "a terrible tragedy". The retired Bromsgrove GP told GMTV that airport security had not been tightened-up enough following the
EX-pats coming to terms with the atrocities in New York say they are terrified more terrorist attacks will follow. Penny O'Hara, who works for the British Consulate in Manhattan, said the nearby United Nations building had been put on red alert after
THE VATICAN has paid tribute to a dedicated Catholic priest who has died aged 94. Monsignor James Dunlop Crichton, who spent 22 years working in Pershore, passed away on Sunday, September 2 after a heart attack. "The long and fruitful life and priestly
CAMPAIGNERS are planning a party in the park to drum up support for their bid to save the town's historic Lido Pool. Droitwich: Save Our Lido Today (SALT) group wants to set up a charitable trust to run the site. The salty attraction was closed by Wychavon
VILLAGERS turned out in force to object to a scheme which could open up 600 acres of farmland near Droitwich Spa to the public. Farmer Hugh Wylie, who owns Crutch Farm, in Elmbridge, is proposing to place his land into a Countryside Stewardship Scheme
A SPECIAL machine could be bought to help rid Worcester's streets of the menace of chewing gum. City councillors were due to decide tonight between a series of options to get rid of gum stuck to paving stones and tarmac. The council has investigated three
A MAMMOTH march from Birmingham to Droitwich Spa is being undertaken by a town couple in memory of their baby son. Benjamin Grimley survived just seven weeks after he was born with a heart defect. His parents, Mandie and Gary, now want to raise money
POWICK residents opposing plans to build a home for problem children will have a chance to air their views at a public meeting tonight. The parish council will be discussing proposals to convert Dodfield Horn, Colletts Green, into a home for children
A HOUSEHOLDER who deliberately inflated an insurance claim after a burglary has escaped a custodial sentence. Frank Doody had £800 of debts when he put his home, in Woodlands Rise, Westlands, Droitwich, up for sale. While living at another address, the
FARMERS in Worcestershire suffering from mental health problems in the wake of foot-and-mouth are being offered a share of £250,000. The charity Mind, which runs RuralMinds -- a support network for those suffering distress - has pledged to donate the
HELP is at hand for Worcestershire villagers stuck without a shop, thanks to a project set up to breathe life into rural areas. Vital Villages is bringing its roadshow to Tolladine and Perdiswell this autumn to showcase new plans to market local produce
THE Spa's MP was in town on Saturday encouraging residents to devote more time to community work. The Opportunities Fair, organised by Droitwich Spa Volunteer Bureau, was opened by Tory MP Peter Luff. Representatives from groups were on hand to answer
ONE of Kidderminster Harriers' longest-serving directors, Graham 'Rocky' Lane, has died aged 61. A lifelong supporter who joined the board 18 years ago, he was found dead at his home in Kidderminster today. He had suffered heart problems in recent years
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, 1 pen, Middleton, Burrow) SEPTEMBER 01 A Newport IOW DML 1-1 (Owen) 03 H Moor Green DML 3
ON Saturday, September 8, we received a letter from Worcestershire County Council Education Department informing us that our Year 9 daughter, along with Year 10, cannot start the new academic year until Thursday, September 13, at their new school as the
IN response to WE Weston's request for answers (Letters, September 5) I will reply on behalf of Redditch Cricket, Hockey & Rugby Club. The club has always been at the forefront of sporting development in the town. Historically, it was the first to
I WOULD like to add my name to the list of people who want the eye laser to remain at the Alexandra Hospital. I have been receiving laser treatment on my eyes for several years. At first, I had to travel to Bromsgrove Hospital three times a year. The
SURELY the main point has been missed in the article ''One in the eye'' (Advertiser, August 22). This proposed move by the NHS Trust shows its complete disregard for laser treatment. The reason the equipment was bought by public subscription was the refusal
IN Jim Waugh's letter (Advertiser, September 4) he accuses me of spin regarding Labour Party national policy on local government operating systems. He mentions the closure of Bridley Moor, which was in no way connected to Redditch Council or within any
Robin King's letter (Advertiser, Auguist 29) trying to defend the Labour group's plans for a referendum on an elected mayor is weak. The cost of this process could be £50,000 or more. Even his own councillors have lined up their own ducks (but not Robin's
CALLS are being made to extend Redditch Council's mediation service to all residents in the town. The Advertiser reported last week how the council had dealt with 17 disputes involving tenants over a six month period. Conservative councillor Gavin Smithers
THE county's tourist industry is to receive £70,000 to help repair damage caused by the foot and mouth crisis. The cash will be used to subsidise advertising space, produce a guide for Worcestershire, enhance its website and make the county a year-round
PATIENCE is a virtue...and this cannot be more true than at the present time. As what history will probably describe as one of the most brutal and bloody events of the 21st century - much larger in death-toll than Pearl Harbour - unfolded in the American
Worcestershire were frustrated by an unbeaten half-century from Andrew Strauss after promotion hopefuls Middlesex had won the toss in the County Championship Division Two clash at New Road today. He and Robin Weston launched the visitors' innings against
September 10, 1976 PRIME Minister James Callaghan will stop off at the Leys High School when he visits Redditch because of his interest in dual-use facilities. Mr Callaghan will stop at the school for half an hour to see pupils at work and take a look
Stamps started with Torquay United despite being brought up in Birmingham and his obvious talent earned him a £10,000 move to Colchester United in 1997. The left-footer moved to Harriers on a free in September 1999 after playing in the Second Division
THE administrative error by Stourbridge on Bank Holiday Monday ensured Bromsgrove Cricket Club's First XI kept their Division One status intact as they came through Saturday's critical encounter with a winning draw. Yet there were no wild celebrations
A SEASON of two contrasting halves would be a fair way to describe Barnt Green Cricket Club's 2001 Birmingham Premier League First XI campaign. After failing to win a game in the first half of the season, Green hit form at the right time to climb above
BROMSGROVE Second XI were left to reflect on what might have been as they missed out on promotion from Division Two West with a four-wicket defeat at Shifnal on Saturday. Both teams had a chance of promotion if first place Wellington came unstuck at Redditch
CUTNALL Green Cricket Club fell nine runs short of the target in a 40-over match against Alvechurch on Sunday. Green won the toss and put Alvechurch in to bat. Alvechurch openers K Payton (66) and J Lavender (70) put on an excellent opening partnership
A BELOW-par Worcester City shared a 0-0 draw at Merthyr Tydfil last night in a match that was as dour and grey as the slate mountains overlooking the town. The Dr Martens Premier Division clash started disastrously for City when Martin Weir was stretchered
Worcestershire were frustrated by an unbeaten half-century from Andrew Strauss after promotion hopefuls Middlesex had won the toss in the County Championship Division Two clash at New Road today. He and Robin Weston launched the visitors' innings against
WORCESTER Wolves go into the new basketball season with four new signings on board. The Wolves kick-off the new season in the new National League Division Two North on Sunday when they travel to face Dudley (4pm), and expect to have all the new faces
Bromsgrove Rugby Club First XV (16) 34 Burton Rugby Club First XV (7) 12 Midlands West Two BROMSGROVE got their league programme off to a flying start at Finstall Park on Saturday with a comfortable 22-point margin over newly-relegated Burton. But the
Droitwich Sports FC (0) 2 Halfords FC (0) 1 Midland Combination Division Three THIS was Sports toughest test so far this season and they came through it with flying colours. With Halfords sitting second in the league and still unbeaten, Sports knew this
Burntwood Town (0) 0 Fairfield Villa (2) 4 Midland Combination Division One AFTER their mid-week draw with Old Hill, Fairfield travelled to Burntwood and ran out easy winners. Villa made a dream start to this game when, after five minutes, they took the
New Olympic (1) 2 Victoria Barnt Green (4) 4 Gordon Bridgewater Cup round one HOW this depleted Vic line-up won will surely remain a mystery for years to come. Outplayed for much of the match, they punished slack New Olympic defending with four clinical
l HANBURY FC Under-9s are looking for an experienced striker and defender for the forthcoming season. If you are interested in joining phone manager Peter Day on (01527) 836761 or David Williams on (01527) 576880.
l LICKEY End FC Under-7s are on the look out for more players for the new season. If you are interested contact Tony O'Brien on 07860 725863 or come along to training at Lickey End First School every Saturday between 10.30am and 11.45. The team is represented
TOWNHOUSE builders have won recognition in the first round of a tough competition. Forty site managers from the West Midlands have won quality awards in the initial stages of the National House-Building Council's 2001 Pride in the Job campaign. Seven
Thursday September 13 l Music: Northern Soul Night, Robin RnB Club 2, Mount Pleasant, Bilston, 7.30pm. l Elvis: Love Me Tender by Liberty Mounten and his orchestra, Cheltenham Town Hall. l Comedy: Rabbi Lionel Blue, Huntington Hall, CrownGate, Worcester
A BROMSGROVE father whose daughter was tragically killed in the Lockerbie bombing has called for a public inquiry this week following new claims about the safety at Heathrow airport before the air disaster. Dr Jim Swire, who lost his 23-year-old daughter
VOLUNTEERS from Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa are needed to join the Samaritans which has seen a sharp decline in its numbers despite an increase in calls. The Worcester branch, which covers both towns, currently has 95 volunteers but needs another 15.
TOWNSFOLK can find out more about history tha-nks to two new adult education courses at Avoncroft Museum. The popular Stoke Heath site is offering the programmes in conjunction with the School of Education at the University of Birmingham. Adults interested
SANDERS Park in Bromsgrove looks set to get more car parking spaces in time for next summer after the number of visitors topped more than 200,000 last year. The designs for the new spaces will now be drafted following a meeting last Wednesday at Bromsgrove
SIXTEEN weeks of hard work and disruption ended when the new-look Worcester Road in Bromsgrove was officially re-opened by the town's Tory MP Julie Kirkbride and district council chairman, Mike Gill. The road, which has had a £250,000 facelift, attracted
A PUB owner in Tardebigge was praised for his quick thinking last week when he tackled a chip pan fire which broke out in the pub's kitchen. Clive Brookes was congratulated for his actions at The New Tardebigge Pub, in Hewell Lane, during a fire last
THE fifth year of the John Lowe/Frank Worthington Celebrity Golf Classic at Bromgrove Golf Centre looks set to have raised around £10,000 for the Primrose Hospice and Cancer Help Centre. The event attracted a field of 25 four-player teams who had to negotiate
A 12-DAY crimewave in Bromsgrove was yesterday dubbed "rare" by police as they sought to reassure worried residents the town has not become an easy target for criminals. The crimes included raids by armed, masked gangs, the theft of a valuable lorry laden
BRASS bands from across England and Wales will be descending on Droitwich Spa later this month for a prestigious competition. The Wychavon Festival of Brass Entertainment Contest returns to the town on Sunday September 30 for the first time in four years
I NOTE that "Development ideas for hospital site" (Evening News, September 5) ignores the possibility of providing some extra bed spaces when the WRI closes next March. These will be necessary to relieve possible "bed-blocking" that leads inevitably to
AS the cosmological argument for the existence of God has survived seven centuries and is still debated in philosophical circles, I think it is rather harsh of Phil Hinton to call it "ill-informed" (You Say, September 4). I was already aware that quantum
I AM proud to be the county councillor for the Claines Electoral Division, which incorporates Pitchcroft. At least twice a week, my wife and I walk along its riverside boundary. I also run around it, and in the floods I thought about sailing over it!
LONG-distance swimmer Alan Turk was in great form at the annual Windermere Swimming Championships. The Perryfields Crescent resident completed the gruelling ten-and-a-half mile challenge in five hours 55 minutes and 51 seconds. It was the 14th time Alan
BROMSGROVE Olympique riders were successful in three very different disciplines over the weekend. On Friday evening Ross and Jason Dingley, Alex and Francine Billington, Heather Wilcox and Craig Talbot all had top three placings in their various events
AUGUST saw a sharp dip in the number of recorded violent crime following a high profile police operation over the summer. Operation Tango saw high visibility patrols across the town and intelligence-led policing in July and August. As a result, 674 public
POLICE arrested three youths on Thursday in connection with a shooting incident at a Redditch school. A massive hunt was sparked last Tuesday when youths were seen firing an air pistol at children at St Augustine's School, Stonepits Lane, Hunt End. Three
THREE people were left badly shaken after being threatened by masked raiders brandishing a baseball bat in a Wythall off-licence. The robbery took place at Victoria Wines, Station Road, at about 8.40pm on Sunday. Two masked men walked into the off-licence
AN RSPCA inspector is appealing for information after receiving reports a man had swung a young cat against a lamppost in Redditch. Police were alerted to the incident in Northside Close, Oakenshaw, on Monday, September 3. Insp Simon Dix said fortunately
POLICE want to trace two elderly people who may have information about a theft from a car at Studley Parish Church. A handbag was stolen from a Land Rover Freelander at about 3pm on Wednesday, August 29. A witness saw a hatchback leaving the scene just
POLICE believe the same man was responsible for a spate of sneak-in thefts which happened within hours of each other on a Redditch industrial site. The first one happened between 8-8.30am on Wednesday at Lakeland in Broadground Road, Lakeside. A man went
DROITWICH struggled against a strong and well organised Silhillians side in a pre-season friendly on Saturday. Sils scored a try in the opening minutes but after that Droitwich came back well and Matt Blackmore scored two penalties. The windy conditions
DEAR EDITOR - I have lived and worked in Bromsgrove for 33 years and have seen a steady decline in essential services like rubbish collection, keeping the streets clean and pavements free of holes and weeds. The council tax has risen steeply, well above
SEPTEMBER 5 saw the 32nd birthday of the Institute. Members were entertained by Chris Baron, herself a WI member. She played piano accordion and members sang along to songs from the shows, guessed TV title themes and listened to monologues. Afterwards
Women's Section: The annual flower and vegetable show took place recently. The show trophy was won by R Maxwell for leeks, the domestic trophy by M Ingleby for decorated cake and there was a special commendation for H Cardus for marmalade. Other prize
Formed: 1886 Chairman: Lionel Newton. Vice-Chairman: Colin C. Youngjohns. Company Secretary: J. Richard Painter. Directors: Paul Byrne, Barry Norgrove. Chief Executive: Neil Morris. General Manager: Geoff Butler. Administration Manager: Alan Biggs. Football
BROMSGROVE Hockey Club's men are in training for the new season - and they're looking for your support. The lads, this year playing home games on the astro-turf pitch at Rubery Great Park, will be running four teams this season and are looking for more
A BLAST from the past will be hitting Rubery this weekend when Stella II get their groove back. During the early 1990s Bromsgrove-based band Stella II enjoyed a solid local following playing blues and rock in many town and Birmingham venues. But the band
DROITWICH Spa angler Ken Renshaw urgently needs your help if he is to compete in next month's world championships in Portugal. Ken needs around £2,000 in sponsorship towards the cost of travelling, competing and accommodation in the disabled section of
Riverside 2 Barley Mow Reserves 5 Bromsgrove Advertiser/Messenger District League Division Four BARLEY took on newcomers Riverside and it did not take them long to open the scoring when in-form striker Pat Nally was upended in the box and the ref pointed
PARENTS of young troublemakers could be evicted from their council homes in a new crackdown on anti-social behaviour. Redditch is set to be one of the first towns in the region to pioneer Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs). These will be issued to
ANGRY parents have hit out at education chiefs after their children were forced to stay away from school because building work is still taking place. Many of the schools formed under the Redditch Review opened on Monday but pupils at Ipsley Middle, on
REDDITCH market will be closed tomorrow for three days while Wilson's Fun Fair is set up ready for the weekend's carnival. The market will re-open on Monday. Redditch Council estates services manager David Prinsep said: "The council and the market traders
A MASSIVE clampdown on abandoned cars is to be launched by Redditch Council after it was revealed the escalating problem was costing more than £50,000 a year. Car owners responsible for dumping vehicles will face steep fines as part of the crackdown,
A BLIND Redditch man has been awarded £20,000 from his former employer in an out-of-court settlement after a five-year battle. Paul Brookes (pictured), of Prospect Hill, worked as a telephonist for Barclays Bank from 1979 but retired due to ill health
REDDITCH Community Transport staff have been dealt a blow after job losses were announced. RCT is to shed 15 jobs after its executive committee was forced to take action to stem financial loss caused by taking on county council contracts earlier this
A 69-year-old Hollywood woman who choked to death on food had been prescribed drugs which together suppressed her ability to cough it back up. Worcestershire coroner Victor Round expressed "surprise" that Sheila Swain, of Corbett Road, had been taking
A MARTIAL arts teacher at Arrow Vale Sports Centre has been a consultant and adjudicator for a new TV game show. BBC2's Masters of Combat, which aired its first programme on Friday evening, saw national ju-justu coach Ross Iannoccaro credited for his
A 92-year-old man went back to his roots last week when he drove a new bus around Birmingham - 30 years after he retired as a driver. Les Harborne is a resident of Terry Spring Court, in Smallwood, and his ambition had always been to get back behind the
The terrorist attack that ripped the heart out of the world's financial centre could have an untold impact on the global economy, City experts warned today. The US economy is now almost certain to plunge into a recession before the end of the year, and
NEW College students have achieved a 100 per cent pass rate in professional accounting exams. Professional Studies students who sat the Association of Accountants (ACCA) exams thrashed the national average pass rate of 57 per cent with their outstanding
THE new school term will see Redditch Council driving home the anti-litter message after a competition for youngsters to help keep the town tidy. A word game to complete a slogan for Bin It Babe, the borough's anti-litter mascot, saw 15 children win prizes
Police have launched an investigation into the death of a 19-year-old woman who was found hanging at HMP Brockhill at about 5.20pm on Friday, August 31. An inquest into the death of Anne Marie Bates, who was a serving prisoner at the Tardebigge jail,
THE Campaign for Real Ale has joined the fight to save an award- winning Wythall pub in the face of plans to turn it into a themed bar. Regulars in Forhill, near Wythall, are worried at the prospect of losing the traditional surroundings of The Peacock
STUDLEY Parish Council has backed plans to cut the speed limit along the A435 Alcester Road. At a meeting last week with the Highways Agency and contractors WS Atkins, proposals to cut the limit from 60 to 50mph between Gorcott Hill to a point south of
REDDITCH Council staff will pledge their support for their footy favourites and raise vital funds for a charity for the homeless by wearing their team's colours to work. Strip for Shelter Day, which takes place on Friday, is a national event which involves
A HIGHLY contagious disease which kills rabbits within 24 hours has hit Redditch for the first time. Three rabbits have already fallen victim to Haemorraghic Viral Disease and a Redditch veterinary practice is urging owners to have their pets injected
TWO ex-smokers from Redditch are urging the rest of the town's cigarette sinners to kick the habit and join a new quit smoking class. Barbara Jones, 54, from Lakeside and Robert Matthews, 57, of Webheath had both smoked for 30 years before deciding to
A GRADUATE of the University of Middlesex who once had a Saturday and holiday job cleaning the Kingfisher Centre will be on television tonight. Francis Walker will appear in Channel 4 programme Perfect Match at 9pm. Mr Walker was picked from a shortlist
A WORCESTER mother was oblivious to the terror unfolding in New York - while her terrified daughter saw smoke billowing out of the World Trade Centre. Zillah O'Hara had been at her mother's home when husband Barry telephoned to reassure her that their
A GOOD Samaritan who came to the aid of a schoolgirl who collapsed has revealed his identity to her grateful family. Christian Frazer spotted Stefanie Whitefoot as she lay on the ground in the grip of an epileptic fit, which struck as she walked to school
A DROITWICH man who drove to a friend's house because he had been locked out of his own home, was found to be over the limit when he was stopped by police. Officers stopped Neil Randle as he drove along the A38 at Martin Hussingtree just before 2am on
THE family of a Worcester woman who committed suicide more than two years ago has condemned a drink-driver for using her death as an excuse for a fatal accident where he killed a pensioner. At Worcester Crown Court Roy Pope was sentenced to six years
THE movement of animals in Herefordshire is to remain severely restricted throughout the autumn after it was classed as a "high risk" area for foot-and-mouth disease. Ministers have placed Worcestershire in the lower "at risk" category - giving farmers
TOWN skate enthusiasts are a step closer to having a specialist venue where they can perfect gravity defying skills. A skate park could open in King George Playing Fields following a cash injection from Wychavon District Council. The authority's community
THE town's household waste site closes this weekend for 20 weeks of renovation. The Hanbury Road tip shuts at 1pm this Sunday. The planned improvements are aimed at providing a more user-friendly site and introducing longer opening hours. Contractors
A TEENAGER became angry with police after she saw them talk to her sister following a drunken argument. Emily Prosser had been out in Worcester city centre when she started rowing with younger sister Phoebe. Droitwich magistrates heard yesterday that
AN arts grant is winging its way to a town charity to help residents with severe mental health problems. Worcestershire County Council has given £250 to Droitwich MIND to help organisers launch a creative project. The Colman Road group will use the cash
THE funeral of the Malvern teenager killed after the stolen car he was driving smashed into a lorry near Evesham is expected to take place tomorrow. John Smith was pronounced dead at the scene after the white Ford Escort, which had been reported stolen
ANIMAL lovers are being urged to be vigilant following a spate of dog thefts in villages near Droitwich. Spa rural beat manager PC Al Birkett told the Advertiser the number of canine companions being snatched has rocketed this year. He said Upton Warren
COMMUNITY leaders have voiced their concerns about the condition of the town's High Street. The cobbled road was discussed at a Droitwich Spa Town Council meeting on Monday September 3. Cllr John Cook (Lab, Droit.West) told members he had spoken to an
DISABLED shoppers could soon have designated parking spaces in Droitwich High Street. Droitwich Spa town councillor Jan Bolton (Con, Droit.Central) wants spaces for disabled drivers marked out. She made the suggestion at a council planning meeting on
A KEEN photographer has hard evidence a giant rodent is living on the banks of the River Severn. Jeff Long was enjoying a cruise from Tewkesbury to Upton-on-Severn when another passenger shouted they had spotted a capybara. There have been at least four
A 'GREEN necklace' lined with trees around Droitwich is the environmental vision of the town's Civic Society. Consultation papers put to Wychavon District Council outline plans to establish a series of woodlands and country parks in and around the boundary
ARCHERS addicts flocked to Droitwich Spa on Sunday to celebrate 50 years of their favourite radio show. Hanbury Hall, in School Road, welcomed more than 600 fans of the BBC Radio 4 series. The reputed connection between Hanbury and the fictional village
CAMPAIGNERS opposed to a town housing development want plans to be debated by all Droitwich Spa town councillors. The Action for Droitwich group wants drawings of the proposed 127 homes, to be built off Kidderminster Road, to be discussed at a full council
WITH the leaves of autumn yet to start falling, Malvern Theatres entered into the Christmas spirit when three bill toppers from this year's seasonal pantomime dropped in. Last Christmas, the theatre didn't stage a panto, opting for the Die Fledermaus
A GROUP of girls evacuated to Droitwich Spa from London for Hush Hush work have been reunited half a century later. The women were shorthand typists and clerks for the Ministry of Defence during the Second World War. When things became too dangerous in
A YOUNG musician from Droitwich Spa who dreams of becoming a 'garage' star has recorded a CD with some of the industry's leading artists. Angeli Avraam, known as MC Rolento, was whisked off to a London recording studio after making the finals of a Radio
IT'S full steam ahead for a revolutionary new shop at the town's train station. A platform shop, serving drinks and snacks, has now opened and is being managed by Kingfields Day Service users. The amenity gives people with learning difficulties the chance
FIXTURES EXPRESS & STAR LEAGUE - West Midlands (Regional) League Saturday, September 15 Premier Division: Malvern Town v Gornal Athletic (2.45) Division One (South): Wyre Forest v Malvern Town Reserves (2.45). Saturday, September 22 FA CARLSBERG VASE
WHEN the Redditch Review was introduced, I said a new state-of-the-art high school should be built on a greenfield site at Brockhill, financed by the sale of the Abbey and Bridley Moor sites, only to be firmly told that was illegal. Yet, the sale of Christopher
I WONDER whose bright idea it was to stop the parking on Trafford Park if you are going into town? Don't they realise people shop at Trafford Park and in town. So if you go into town, you probably won't come back to Trafford Park or vice versa. And how
THE massive building programme in local schools is nearing completion, although there will be continuing works through the autumn. Given this, I was delighted to read the Director of Education's comments in the press last week promising that standards
BROMSGROVE Council has decided to overhaul the way it works. After consultation with residents across the district, including Wythall, Alvechurch and Tardebigge, the authority has officially adopted a leader and cabinet decision-making system. More than
September 14, 1901 Warwickshire Agricultural Show. At the above show recently held at Solihull, Mr John Green, the Manor, Studley, was awarded first prize in Class 15 and second in Class 17 with his roanshire gelding "Captain". Mr Green was also awarded
September 15, 1951 Studley Village Hall Project. The proposal to erect a village hall at the corner of Crooks Lane and Station Road, Studley was carried a stage further at Tuesday's meeting of Studley Parish Council, when it was agreed to apply for deemed
FOOTBALL is a game littered with clichs -- goals win matches, take each game as it comes, it's a game of two halves, it only takes a second to score a goal, if we score more goals than them we'll win, early doors, etc -- the list goes on!. But there is
A LUNCH has been organised for people who have received cash grants from the district council to help kick-start their businesses. The event will enable new business people to meet councillors, representatives from Business Link, the Prince's Trust and
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
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
BARNT Green Second XI clinched promotion back to the Birmingham and District League Premier Division for second teams with a five-wicket win at Walmley on Saturday. Having won the toss and asked the home side to bat, Green's opening attack of Mike Hind
DROITWICH Spa's First XI suffered a disappointing defeat in their penultimate match at home to Old Luctonians in Worcestershire County League Division One on Saturday. Chasing 225, Spa suffered a disastrous collapse having been well placed at 140-3. The
Hereford United were narrowly defeated 1-0 last night despite a gritty display against new Nationwide Conference leaders Dagenham and Redbridge. Director of Football Graham Turner will be encouraged by the Bulls' resilience, but will be wanting more creativity
HEREFORDSHIRE have drafted in West Indian Test batsman Lincoln Roberts as they begin next year's Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy campaign in the second round against Suffolk at Bury St Edmunds tomorrow. Roberts, from Tobago, played one Test against Australia
STOURPORT Swifts pulled off a 2-1 victory at Worcestershire neighbours Redditch United in the Dr Martens Western Division last night. The winning margin could have been far greater had the woodwork and goalkeeper Harvey Willetts not saved the home side's
INCONSISTENT is a fair description of our start to the season but when things are not going well you can learn a lot about your players and their character by the way they react. One player who has managed a level of consistency is the Worcester City
FOOTBALL is a game littered with clichs -- goals win matches, take each game as it comes, it's a game of two halves, it only takes a second to score a goal, if we score more goals than them we'll win, early doors, etc -- the list goes on!. But there is
A SPOT check of the accident and emergency department at the Alexandra Hospital ended with high praise for staff. The visit by Redditch and Bromsgrove Community Health Council was prompted by concerns over a high demand for beds. But chief officer Moira
A £35,000 state-of-the-art playground will finally be opened at the Alexandra Hospital on Saturday after almost three years of fundraising and a number of set backs. The hospital's League of Friends set up the appeal to build the facility after concerns
ARDENT fundraisers collected more than £300 in aid of the Redditch Big Hearts' nominated charities by pushing a bed from Birmingham to Redditch. Plenty more cash has also yet to be collected from sponsors following the event on August 26. The fund-raising
DEAR EDITOR - Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I often walk along the pathway that connects Whitford Close and Fox Walks Avenue, and I can hardly contain the delight I feel at the beauty of this idyllic spot. Those drinks cans and food containers
PARKINSON'S Disease patients in Redditch will soon benefit from two specially qualified nurses. Nearly 20 nurses in the county will start training funded by the Parkinson's Disease Society. Two nurses will then be recruited to help the 32 Parkinson's
Fairfield Sunday (0) 0 Black Horse (0) 2 Terry Cup round one FAIRFIELD went out of the cup at the first hurdle against holders Black Horse. The game started evenly and neither side created many openings in the first 30 minutes. On 35 minutes Fairfield
Bromsgrove Advertiser/Messenger District Football League IT was goals galore in Division Four with 20 recorded in two matches on Sunday. Freemasons led the way with a 12-0 romp over Bromsgrove Labour. Dave Wallace, Chris Deakin and Steve Daniels all bagged
REDDITCH and South Warwickshire Football Combination results from Sunday: Terry Cup (Round One): Rubery Red Star 4 Washford Mill 2. South Redditch 8 Alvechurch S&S 1. Star & Garter 8 Halfords 3. Access Security 1 Studley Road Social 1 (penalties
Crabmill 1 Chawson Old Boys 1 Gordon Bridgewater Cup round two Crabmill won 4-2 on penalties. CHAWSON'S luck must change sooner or later after turning in a superb performance against their higher graded opponents and still losing 4-2 on spot kicks. The
DROITWICH Spa Athletic 6 Aboriginals 0. Two goals apiece from George Harper-Pitten and Chris Turner put Spa well ahead. A goal from Spa captain for the day Alex Goodwin and a Mitchell Wilson strike rounded off an excellent performance. Catshill Juniors
MEADOW Park Girls FC Under-12s need a few more players to boost this season's squad. There are also spaces left for the under-13s. Goalkeepers are needed for both. If you are interested contact Steve on (01527) 877877 in the day or (01527) 837464 at night
l HANBURY FC Under-12s need a goalkeeper. If you are interested contact Gareth Hunt on (01527) 836508 between 6pm and 8pm.
STAN'S the man at the Starlets Veterans latest contest, which was held on Tuesday. At Woodlands Views Arles Pool, Stan James (Bewdley) headed a close result with a pole, maggot and caster fished up in the water at peg 24 for 36-14-0. Ken Giles (Alvechurch
A BROMSGROVE craftsman is on the move to Shakespeare country. Simon Waterhouse Designs was based at the Jinney Ring Craft Centre, in Hanbury, but the firm has grown out of the largest workshop. Now the furniture making company is relocating to the Arden
A BIG-HEARTED bank in Droitwich Spa has held a fundraising drive in aid of needy children. Alliance and Leicester, in Victoria Square, is collecting cash for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). The branch is donating
ACCOUNTANCY students at Bromsgrove's NEW College have excelled themselves with a 100 per cent pass rate. The Association of Accountants (ACCA) professional exams have proved no barrier to dedicated pupils at the Blackwood Road-based campus with professional
A DISTRIBUTION company, based in Droit-wich Spa, has rewarded the success of two empl-oyees. Potter Group workers Les Janes and Stuart Taylor have won promotion to the board of road and rail in response to incre-asing levels of business. The move will
A CRACKDOWN on violent crime and public disorder in Bromsgrove has proved to be a smash hit with a huge fall in the number of recorded incidents. Operation Tango, a two-month initiative, set up by Bromsgrove and Redditch police, was launched in July.
TWO kind-hearted Bromsgrove firms have stepped in to help worried pet owners after reading about their plight in your No.1 community newspaper, the Bromsgrove Advertiser/Messenger. Last week we featured a plea by Ginny Campion, of Shepherds Walk, calling
DOUBLE celebrations were in order for a Bromsgrove beautician who picked up a prestigious title at the national beauty awards then jetted off to get married in Venice the next day. Helen Smith, aged 31, of Thirsk Way, Catshill, was named Facial Therapist
THE way the district council makes its decisions is to change after a century to meet the wishes of residents. As predicted in the Advertiser/Messenger last week, councillors on Bromsgrove District Council officially adopted the leader with cabinet-style
A SECURITY review is under way this week following an armed robbery at a Belbroughton restaurant. Two masked men threatened terrified staff at the Little Chef, on the A491, before escaping with hundreds of pounds in cash. The raiders, one brandishing
A BROMSGROVE teenager 18th birthday celebrations were cut short when banners were removed from her school grounds. Jo-Hannah Lane, aged 18, arrived at South Bromsgrove High School, in Charford Road, to find the decorations her mother arranged had been
FOUR masked men who broke into a Bromsgrove wine shop tried to throw pursuing police off their tails by hurling a sledge hammer and bottles at the car. The raiders smashed a window in Threshers wine shop, in High Street, and fled with what police say
BROMSGROVE po-lice are appealing for information after £20,000 worth of breakfast cereal and the lorry on which it was loaded was stolen. The theft took place at Aston Fields Industrial Estate, in Bromsgrove. The articulated lorry and the red container
ST Michael's Parish Church was filled to capacity on Monday to give thanks for a man whose contribution to Bromsgrove life was as great as his determination to help millions worldwide. John Moss, better known as Jack, died in Coventry's Walgrove Hospital
BROMSGROVE'S rising star MP Julie Kirkbride has been tipped to land a job in the newShadow Cabinet, whoever emerges today as the Tory party's new leader. But she is likely to put motherhood ahead of her career, at the moment. Miss Kirkbride, once dubbed
MOTORISTS using a car park in Bromsgrove town centre may not be driven to distraction by confusing signs for much longer. Bromsgrove District Council is to look at improving signs at the back of New Road car park where several motorists have been clamped
RESIDENTS in Bromsgrove are being urged to voice their views on a shake-up which aims to speed up the voting process. The proposed new arrangements would keep the current total of 39 Bromsgrove district councillors but divide the number of voters more
STUDENTS Katie Wadsworth and her pal, Laura Quested, had a tale to tell their friends after they were accidentally locked in Bromsgrove library. The pair, both aged 15, and pupils at Waseley Hills High School, were hard at work studying for a project
A HOMELESS hostel branded a crime den by residents is to close and re-open under a tough new regime. Droitwich Spa Single Homeless Project will shut for two weeks while a new manager and staff are employed and trained. It will relaunch with new rules
BROMSGROVE rockers Easy are certainly not taking it easy as they embark on a packed programme of gigs and the recording of their second CD. The CD which is due out around Christmas is set to be called Two tattoos and a Mastercard and the band will play
THE Conservative leadership contest is enormously significant for the Leominster Constituency. I was present at Bill Wiggin's eve-of-election speech when his closing rallying call, delivered with gusto, was "keep the pound", "help the farmers" and "we
LETTERS to You Say by M J Lane, Paul Jeffery and F L Jones are right. Give all who break the law the cane for under 14-year-olds and the birch for those over 14 - with no exceptions. This would also cut out the fly-tippers and all crime in Worcester by
THERE has been much talk recently in the Evening News concerning the alleged ferocity of domestic cats. Of course, nature is red in tooth and claw. All creatures that on Earth do dwell, have a certain degree of ferocity, including humans. Nevertheless
HE may have been down but legendary ex-Kidderminster Harriers matchday presenter Captain Crazy is not out. Roger Harris - known by thousands for his unique sense of humour and wacky style - will be back on the football pitch on Saturday when he makes
BROMSGROVE jujutsu coach Ross Iannoccaro spent seven days helping the production team of a new BBC TV gameshow starting on Friday. Ross, who teaches Jujutsu at the Dolphin Centre, in School Drive, lent his skills to the makers of 'Masters of Combat',
Hero flung from motor A MAN in his sixties was thrown from a moving car after two women stole it from a neighbour's drive in Wythall. The two women, in their twenties, were seen acting suspiciously at about 7pm on Monday, September 3, in Shawhurst Lane
INCONSISTENT is a fair description of our start to the season but when things are not going well you can learn a lot about your players and their character by the way they react. One player who has managed a level of consistency is the Worcester City
POLICE are linking two incidents where elderly people were targeted in distraction burglaries within minutes of each other. One happened in School Close, Great Alne, on Saturday at about 3.15pm. A man called at the house of an 83-year-old woman and asked
THE public are being asked to stay vigilant after a spate of vandalism in which factory windows were broken in Studley last week. Police believe vandals have been throwing stones at the windows from a footpath between the Foredraught and Pool Road. Community
DEAR EDITOR - It is with much regret that the proposed change of use of the Marlbrook Post Office to a Chinese takeaway has been given planning permission to go ahead. Bromsgrove District Council received 117 letters against and only one for the application
DEAR EDITOR -- May I, through your letters page, thank former colleagues, parents, pupils, governors and friends of Catshill Middle School in Bromsgrove, for helping to make my retirement at the end of the Summer term so memorable. I was grateful for
DEAR EDITOR - So Droitwich Spa councillors decided to ignore the views of the people of Droitwich (again). I only hope that the electorate remember this when the next elections come around. Regarding the views by Peter Crowther last week, he said that
DEAR EDITOR - I read with dismay the headline 'Hostel funding must be pulled'. Why is the Single Homeless Project suddenly controversial? I worked at the project for three years, spending my last 12 months there as manager. I was always proud to be associated
DEAR EDITOR - After successfully completing my A-levels at Droitwich Spa High School, I feel I have to respond to some of the undue criticism the school has received during the last month. Like most schools it has had its fair share of problems, such
DEAR EDITOR - Further to recent correspondence from past students of DroitwichHigh School and a response from the head-teacher, I wish to make a few observations on a personal basis, although I must state that I have been a governor at the school for
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
MEMBERS were entertained with an excellent talk by Mairi MacDonald, Deputy Archivist at the Shakespeare Centre, on the subject of mediaeval towns. Towns were built to dispose of surplus produce sold in their markets to those that could not grow or make
THE Society's 40th season opens on October 6 with a third visit from Muse&Music in a light-hearted programme 'Mad about Musicals' which explores the world of the musical from Lehar and Novello to the present day. In November, The Markham Trio will
THE first reference to a needle was in the first book of the Bible. In Genesis it says that "Eve sowed together an apron of fig leaves to hide their nakedness." This was just one of the interesting facts imparted at the August meeting by Mr Bernard Lee
A MAP showing every house in the Alvechurch parish in 1792 is just one of the relics on display at a series of open days this month. Alvechurch Historical Society will also be exhibiting some of its collection of local photographs dating back to the 1860s
THE contract worry Bromsgrove Rovers manager Steve Daniels feared came true when strike ace Paul Moore joined Telford United. Daniels, who is only on a week-to-week contract himself, admitted his hands were tied over the weekend's deal, which sees the
BROMSGROVE Cricket Club's First XI retained their Birmingham and District Premier League Division One status with a winning draw over Stourbridge on Saturday. The result sees the former Midland giant relegated into Division Two West after they failed
Bromsgrove Rovers (2) 6 Rushall Olympic (0) 0 Midland Football Alliance WHAT a result this was. After last Tuesday's disappointing 3-2 defeat at Shifnal Town, Rovers put on their best performance of the season in front of their highest gate of the new
A 31-year-old Birmingham man has been arrested in connection with the brutal "Batman" attack on a man in Redditch. The victim, who is now out of hospital, suffered broken eye sockets, cheekbones, palate and nose. The attack happened at a fancy dress party
A CORONER is to approach Government transport authorities following the death of a Crabbs Cross pensioner after a minor road incident two months before. Phyllis Batchelor, 93, was a wheelchair passenger in a Redditch Community Transport (RCT) minibus
Astwood Bank Carnival gets off to a speedy start on Sunday with a three-mile fun run. The run starts at Oddfellows Arms at 11am and at noon there will be a teddy bears picnic, bouncy castle and children's treats. Entry is free and youngsters are invited
WEEKLY reports of youths using air weapons to shoot at wildlife living around a Redditch beauty spot have prompted an RSPCA inspector to patrol the area daily. Insp Simon Dix said there was a real problem around Arrow Valley Lake with pellet guns being
A CHARITY which supports people from Redditch and Bromsgrove is making a desperate plea for volunteers. The Worcester branch of the Samaritans has launched an appeal to recruit additional volunteers after there was a sharp fall in numbers. The branch
THE Redditch branch of the National Childbirth Trust, which is staging an "as new" sale next month, is looking for potential sellers. The autumn sale takes place at the town hall on Saturday, October 13, from 1.30-3.30pm but visitors do not have to be
A CHARITY has launched an innovative fund-raising venture in which people can win cash prizes. The Where Next Association, off Easemore Road, has started a 100 Club where, for a small regular donation, people can have the chance of winning a monthly prize
THE mothers of two special needs youngsters claim axing Redditch Community Transport escorts' jobs will have a massive impact on their children. Collette Kearney's four-year-old daughter, Amy, is among about seven children bussed to and from Chadsgrove
PEOPLE with relationship problems will be able to talk to a trained counsellor when a revolutionary project is launched in Redditch. A Relate counsellor will be at Woodrow Clinic for two hours every Thursday from next week for a four-month trial period
FARMERS and rural business owners across the two counties who are looking for a way out of the difficult commercial climate may be interested in retraining. For those seeking alternative income sources and new skills, the launch of the new Centre for
ENTERPRISING university students have been taking a step up the career ladder during their summer break. Twelve students spent eight weeks working for companies across Herefordshire and Worcestershire as part of the Shell Technology Enterprise Programme
SOLAR-powered homes could soon be a feature in Redditch after a number of residents went on a "fact-finding" mission to a Welsh technology centre on Saturday. The revolutionary exercise, which was set up by Redditch Co-operative Homes, saw a coachload
Tuesday, September 11, 2001 A BELOW-par Worcester City shared a 0-0 draw at Merthyr Tydfil last night in a match that was as dour and grey as the slate mountains overlooking the town. The Dr Martens Premier Division clash started disastrously for City
A POSTER campaign urging people to attend a town-wide meeting with Redditch police has been set up after previously poor turnouts. The meeting, on Thursday, September 27, has been organised by Redditch Police Community Consultative Group and aims to highlight
