Archive

  • 'Schoolchildren are being denied places'

    SCHOOL pupils in the Wyre Forest are being denied placements at their local school because children from other districts are taking up their places, it has been claimed. The warning comes from Councillor Stephen Clee who has called on the director of

  • Walk leads to clean-up talk

    A TOUR of Worcester's riverbank has prompted people to talk about ways to tidy up the river. Worcester floods campaigner Mary Dhonau took Ian Morris and Peter May of the Environment Agency and Andy Walford, principal engineer for the city council, on

  • Drive to catch 'cheating wife'

    A JILTED husband jumped in his car to catch his wife with another man, after seeing the New Year in with double vodkas. Frantic Gary Wardle almost made the seven-mile journey from Lower Moor to Evesham at 3am on Tuesday, January 1, but crashed into a

  • Bitter battle on cards for stores

    TWO supermarket giants are likely to lock horns over controversial proposals to build a store at St John's, according to the campaign group opposing the move. David Birtwhistle, spokesman of pressure group Save Our St John's - SOS - said Sainsbury's successful

  • Police hunt for sex attacker

    POLICE are still hunting a sex attacker after a schoolboy was assaulted in a public toilet. The attacker pounced on Sunday lunchtime when the young teenager walked into the toilets by Bromsgrove bus station. He was not injured during the ordeal, at 2.30pm

  • School told it 'must improve'

    GOVERNMENT inspectors have placed a village school near Droitwich Spa on special measures because of poor teaching standards. Wychbold First and Nursery School, in School Lane, has been told to improve standards in most subjects following a visit by the

  • United bid to tackle distraction burglaries

    OFFICIALS were meeting today in a bid to stamp out distraction burglaries throughout Worcestershire. Executives from Severn Trent Water, officers from four police forces and members of the National Distraction Burglary Task Force were meeting at a Home

  • Cleaner makes grim discovery of dead body

    A WOMAN discovered dead in her Droitwich Spa home had suffered a serious head injury. Rita Lea was found at the foot of the stairs in her Florence Avenue detached house by her cleaner. Police were called to the grim scene at 9am last Wednesday, January

  • Alert over hot dogs

    A FRESH warning has been released to Worcestershire shoppers about cans of hot dogs which have been withdrawn from sale. Last month a number of hot dog products sold by Lidl and Asda were recalled. Now another warning has been issued by the Food Standards

  • Hall's mural restoration

    THE second phase of a major restoration project at a historic mansion near Droitwich Spa is under way. Stunning 18th Century murals at Hanbury Hall, in School Road, are being painstakingly restored to their former glory. The murals were painted by Sir

  • New pool?

    PERMISSION is being sought to create a fishing pond and car park off Worcester Road, in Upton Warren. Blueprints will be scrutinised by Wychavon District Council.

  • Helping teenagers with problems

    A SCHEME helping vulnerable teenagers is being extended to Droitwich Spa. The Worcester Mentoring Project has been expanded thanks to a grant of more than £100,000 which was handed out last year by the Home Office and European Social Fund. The scheme

  • Learn about gifted young

    PEOPLE from all walks of life are being urged to enroll on a special course to help them understand gifted children. The postgraduate course, which is being run at University College Worcester, has so far taught teachers and a few parents. Now its director

  • Police seek crash help

    WITNESSES are needed to assist detectives probing a road collision in Droitwich Spa. A man was ran over in Ploughmans Rise, at 11.45pm, on Sunday January 6. It's believed he had been drinking and may have been lying in the road when hit by a car. Officers

  • Town's MP to the aid of pensioners

    A LEADING town politician has played a key role in calling for changes that could improve the lives of Spa pensioners. Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff said he is delighted to be one of the architects of a House of Commons victory over the Government

  • Animal societies

    Allsorts Dog Training Group: Mrs Dot Kyte, 58 Wolsey Close, Newtown, Worcester (01905 354207). Worcester and District Cats Protection: 31 Fabricus Avenue, Droitwich Spa. For adopting a cat and for cats that need taking into care for rehoming (01684 573317

  • 100 years ago

    January 18, 1902 AT the recent examination of the London College of Music, Birmingham Centre, Miss Rose Hobday, of Overdale, Webheath, obtained a high class certificate for singing. Miss Smith, of West View, stands prominently among the successful candidates

  • 50 years

    January 19 1952 Meetings of the Poppy Day committee and the general committee of the Redditch branch of the British Legion were held at the headquarters of the British Legion Club on Monday night, Mr A Durrant (chairman) presiding. It was reported that

  • 25 years ago

    January 14, 1977 THE new Redditch transport system is alive, well and all set for growth, it was revealed last week. The introduction of the Reddibus has helped turn the tide for Midland Red in Redditch and the company is all set for expansion instead

  • Crushing victory

    DROITWICH Men's Hockey Club Firsts kept up their promotion challenge after crushing title rivals and table toppers Leamington 5-1. The hosts went into their first DTZ Midlands Hockey fixture since the winter break four points behind the leaders, knowing

  • Plastic bags a risk to wildlife

    OVER the past weeks during the bad weather, well meaning people have been going to Arrow Valley Park to feed the birds and ducks, which is very thoughtful and caring. However, after feeding the birds they are then throwing the plastic bags on the floor

  • Worry over pub plan

    AN application to extend the Public Entertainment Licence at a popular town centre pub until 1am three nights a week has prompted objections from residents. The application would see The Litten Tree, in Market Place, licensed from 10am to 1am the following

  • Score draw

    TOWN councillors will next week be updated on the huge success of a scheme launched last year to clean up the streets of Redditch. Since June, a monthly monitoring scheme has been operating, looking at the cleanliness of footpaths, streets, play areas

  • Group aims to improve image

    A NEWLY-formed youth group aimed at improving the image of young people in the county is urging Redditch youngsters to attend Youth Parliament elections on Saturday. ID, which stands for Image Download, consists of 12 young people who hope to "restore

  • Grass isn't greener

    HOW strange the normally vociferous critics of the NHS, who keep pointing our the vastly superior service to be found across the Channel, seem to have missed the news that on January 2, some 55,000 French GPs went on strike seeking an increase in the

  • This smacks of entrapment

    I write as someone who has recently fallen foul of the rash of wheel clamping that seems to have broken out in Redditch and I am interested in other people's views and experiences. Shortly after Christmas, I parked in the car park of the White Hart pub

  • New cameras focus on town hall

    NEW CCTV cameras have been installed to help protect people in public areas of Redditch Town Hall. There are now cameras in the interview rooms, reception area, the cashiers queuing area, the One Stop Shop and the bar area at the entrance to the civic

  • Council works it out!

    ALL that Christmas flab can be vanquished with a new year keep- fit class set up by Redditch Council. The Bums, Thighs and Tums workout for men and women runs every Wednesday between 6.30-7.30pm at the council's St Augustine's Sports Centre, Stonepits

  • 16/1/02 - Vile to miss title showdown

    STEVEN Vile is out of Worcester Rugby Club's all-important clash at Rotherham next Saturday after a hamstring injury. Vile, who arrived at Sixways in November as cover for Craig Chalmers and Tony Yapp, pulled up in Worcester Warriors' match at Bath on

  • 16/1/02 - Adversity brings out the best

    CARL Heeley might be tempted to knee-cap a few of his team-mates this weekend if City show any signs of returning to full strength. Heeley believes City have turned in their best performances when up against it on the injury front and who can argue after

  • Kingfishers bury Warley

    REDDITCH showed no mercy to league basement boys Warley as they steamrollered the visitors 55-0 at the weekend. Kingfishers skipper Mark Rose set his side the task of boosting a disappointing points difference and Redditch did so with aplomb with Andy

  • Promotion hope in ruins

    ALCESTER captain Alan Williams conceded his side had probably blown their promotion hopes with a disastrous loss against lowly Trinity Guild at the weekend. The 28-0 reverse leaves the Kings Coughton side needing to make up at least seven points on second

  • Great escape still on

    WOODRUSH kept their slender survival hopes alive with their second win of the season at the weekend. The Icknield Street side exacted vengeance for a 40-0 hammering at the hands of Coventry Welsh earlier in the season with a timely 15-8 home win. The

  • County pay the price for floods

    RECORD floods at New Road have contributed to Worcestershire County Cricket Club sinking to an overall loss of £114,618 during the past year. The figure includes a £38,187 trading deficit for last season. County members will be told officially of the

  • Beesley double sinks Stourport

    HOPES of a cup upset at Walshes Meadow disappeared last night when Stourport Swifts' player/manager Tim Langford limped out of action after just 27 minutes, paving the way for a comfortable 3-0 win for Chester City. Langford looked Swifts most potent

  • Hereford cruise into fourth round

    HEREFORD United marched into the fourth round of the FA Umbro Trophy with a comfortable 4-0 win last night over Chesham United. The Bulls took their chances in an entertaining third round replay to book a home tie with Hampton and Richmond Borough on

  • Leadbeater inspires Robins

    Evesham United produced by far their best display of the season to beat Mangotsfield United 3-1 in last night's Dr Martens Western Division game at Cossham Street. Striker Richard Leadbeater scored twice to take his tally to three in the last two games

  • Six of the best but we must keep calm

    The John Barton column EXPECTATIONS are running high after the 6-0 win against Salisbury City but it is just one victory and we must not get carried away. In fact I will be trying to dampen any expectations and just keep the club focusing on each game

  • Terror and tikka at pub

    AN INKBERROW-based theatre company is staging two evenings of entertainment featuring 'other world' encounters and supernatural tales, writes Melina Cannon. The Mouthpiece Theatre Company will welcome David Calcutt to its Bulls Head Inn base on Saturday

  • Waiting is over as Godot reappears

    COMPASS Theatre Company revisits one of the 'quintessential dramas of the twentieth century' at Worcester's Swan Theatre this spring. Directed by Neil Sissons, Samuel Beckett's compelling masterpiece Waiting For Godot blends vaudeville with doubt and

  • Fine showing against local rivals

    DROITWICH RFC U7s 20 Kidderminster U7s 15. Two tries each from Ben Burkes and Chris Rouse saw Droitwich to victory. Captained by Tom Foulds, Droitwich produced strong running and passing from Josh Feek, Alex Tonks and Edward Burkes. Man of the match was

  • Basketball

    Coming soon... from the Worcester Evening News sports team.

  • Liar nurse cautioned

    A REDDITCH nurse, who lied on a job application to a nursing home, has been found guilty of misconduct and cautioned by the regulatory body, following a hearing in London. The Professional Conduct Committee of the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing

  • Verbal abuse worry

    ABUSE suffered by staff working within the accident and emergency department at the Alexandra Hospital is at an all time high. A&E consultant Richard Morrell said there had been a large increase in verbal abuse and there had been two physical assaults

  • Unit's revamp project follows intensive talks

    THE details of a £400,000 project to revamp the maternity unit at the Alexandra Hospital have been drawn up following a consultation exercise with patients, visitors and staff. Within the next two months, en-suite showers will be built onto the wards

  • Blood date

    Potential Redditch donors are being urged to give blood next week. The National Blood Service is visiting the town on Tuesday and is appealing for anyone aged 17 to 60 who are in good health to give blood. The session takes place at St Peter's Church,

  • Adair's flair

    A Studley man has raised £150 for the Alexandra Hospital's League of Friends after selling more than 100 copies of his book of poetry. John Adair, 35, of Gunners Lane, wrote his collection all about life experiences and has plans to write another book

  • Oldies but goodies

    CHAWSON Old Boys 6 Forest Falcons 1. The hosts went 2-0 up inside seven minutes with Ian Bowman netting a brace thanks to good work from Philip Wood. Falcons pulled one back three minutes later before Darren Middleton restored the two-goal margin in this

  • Mixed fortunes for town teams in fourth round games

    HERE are the results from Sunday's matches in the Redditch and South Warwickshire Combination. Jim Fleeman Cup final: Hayes Harriers 1 (I Simon) Finnegans 3 (G Cox, S Doughty, P Jordan). Terry Cup round four: Mappleborough 1 (M Prior) Garringtons Sunday

  • Big day at St Andrew's

    BROMSGROVE Town Boys U13s followed in the footsteps of their heroes when they were given the chance to take part in a penalty shoot-out at Birmingham City. The competition, with each player taking two penalties against a Birmingham City Academy goalkeeper

  • Junior soccer scores

    HANBURY U9s 3 Alcester 2000 U9s 0. A good game was played by both teams with Hanbury showing superior fitness and passing. Goals from Nathan Day, Alex Wilkes and Ricky Gallagher sealed the points while Ricky Gallagher was man of the match. Hanbury U15

  • Nearly 100 roach proves the fish are there to be caught

    THE River Avon has been fishing extremely well lately and with all our local still waters suffering from the freeze up, I thought I would take a trip to Fladbury on Tuesday and wasn't disappointed. Angling news by TONY BRUNN Just upstream of Jubilee Bridge

  • 16/1/02 - General Lea is target

    REDS manager Rod Brown was this week hoping to tie up the signing of former Stourport captain Lea Shaw in time for the trip to Sutton Coldfield Town on Saturday. 'The General' captained the Walshes Meadow side to their Midland Alliance title last season

  • Sidemoor WI

    PRESIDENT Maureen Smith greeted the members with a welcoming glass of sherry at the recent meeting. Everyone was pleased to see Margaret Cattell returning to the fold after her stay in hospital. Members wishing to attend the society's annual dinner on

  • Rent increases loom on horizon

    RENT increases of more than £4 a week are in the pipeline for Bromsgrove council tenants, as councillors look set to give a nine per cent hike the go-ahead tonight. Bromsgrove District councillors will discuss the recommended increase of £4.11 a week,

  • What's on guide

    Thursday January 17 Rock: Foreigner 4, Robin RnB Club 1, Merryhill. Music: L'Infedelta Delusa, Symphony Hall, Broad Street, Birmingham, 8pm. Friday January 18 Tribute: Fred Zeppelin, The Hibernian, Pershore Road, Stirchley. Tribute: Monster, Robin RnB

  • Speeding up the process

    OFFICERS at Bromsgrove District Council have pressed the fast forward button to help speed up the process for people making planning applications. Registry officers at the authority have notched up a first for cutting down on the time set for dealing

  • Rotary Club of Droitwich Spa

    AT a meeting at St Andrew's House Hotel in December, the speaker was chief fire officer of Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade David O'Dwyer. Using superb visual aids, he told us about him and his wife going to Ground Zero, New York, on September 21 after

  • Blackwell and Burcot WI

    PRESIDENT Jean Towler welcomed everyone to the AGM and said Joanne Whitehurst had surgery recently. Dorothy Radford gave an entertaining report on the recent half yearly WI meeting. Mrs Pearmain has been the institute treasurer for five years and has

  • Vine's is to close in Spring

    THE curtain is about to come down on one of the last few family-run businesses in Bromsgrove when the owner retires this spring. John Vine, of Norman Vine Ltd, is retiring after being at the helm of the successful soft furnishings store in Worcester Road

  • Seaside trip is on the cards

    MILES of golden fun is to be had by many thanks to the Advertiser/Messenger teaming up the Rotary Club of Bromsgrove to offer readers a smashing summer holiday to one of the most popular tourist spots in Europe. It's that time of year again when the rotary

  • Chance to benefit county

    TOWN organisations are being urged to take part in an annual competition, organised to award projects that benefit the county. The Community Pride 2002 competition, organised by Worcestershire County Council's Countryside Service, has been running for

  • Bandstand

    A DECISION on who will build the controversial £50,000 jubilee bandstand in Sanders Park will be decided tomorrow night. The district council's tenders sub committee, will meet behind closed doors. Residents have said the cash could be spent on a more

  • Move at last on arts base

    WORK on Bromsgrove's long awaited multi-purpose arts centre is set to start later this year, the Advertiser/Messenger can exclusively reveal. But details were being kept firmly under wraps until tomorrow when a press conference will be held at the Council

  • County's humps and bumps are adding to stress

    HIGH levels of stress brought on by drivers being forced to take evasive action to avoid annoying lumps, bumps and pot holes in many roads in and around Bromsgrove could soon end. Steps are being taken to carry out more frequent inspections of the county's

  • Bureau on move

    AN advice centre will be marking the year 2002 by moving to new premises. Bromsgrove and District Citizens Advice Bureau, currently based in Worcester Road, is moving to a new site in Birmingham Road. The centre will be closed from Monday February 18

  • Dairy farmers urged to have their say

    DAIRY farmers in Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa are being urged to join talks next week to discuss the ever-decreasing price they get for milk. Worcestershire farmers, along with representatives from First Milk, Dairy Crest and Morrisons will air their

  • Council's crane missing

    TOWN police are investigating the theft of a lorry fitted with a crane attachment belonging to Bromsgrove District Council. It is believed to have been taken from the authority's Aston Fields depot last Thursday evening after gates to the site in Aston

  • Keeping an eye on car crime

    POLICE will this month focus on a Bromsgrove village in their continuing crackdown on car crime and burglary. Operation Hawk Eye Three, first launched in September 2001, will mean high profile policing in Bromsgrove, particularly Catshill. Sgt Mike Patz

  • 14/1/02 Andy finds his form to sink Darlo

    ANDY Ducros kick-started his Kidderminster Harriers season and handed Jan Molby the "biggest result" of the campaign so far. Molby was again delighted with the way Harriers overcame defeat in Division Three after the midweek Luton loss. They ran the show

  • Stern test for sailor

    AN Ipsley sailor came home fourth overall in the girls section of the 29er World Champion-ships in Sydney. Teenager Elizabeth Peacock, and Stevenage partner Jo Skinner were fourth overall after qualifying for the silver field and finished 11th in their

  • Blue 'n' Whites go for glory

    THE Studley Blue and White Rope Skippers are bidding to qualify for the World Championships on home turf this year. The British Rope Skipping Association are holding the British National Team Championships at the new Studley Sports Centre for the first

  • World hopeful

    A TEACHING assistant at a Redditch School is preparing to head for a fortnight in the sun at the World Games Life Saving Championships. Suzanne Hampson, a classroom assistant at Arrow Valley High School has won slecetion for the UK squad after just 18

  • Fencing coup

    ALCESTER High school pupil Richard Brenda played his part as Warwickshire triumphed in the Inter-Counties 2002 Cup. Brenda, who fences for Shakespeare's Swords at KES, Stratford, won 11 of his 15 sabre fights as Lancashire were thrashed 9-0 and Nottinghamshire

  • Girls' gala glory

    WINS in the 10yr girls freestyle and medley relay and the 11yr girls breaststroke relay helped Redditch Swimming Club to joint fifth in a friendly gala at Leamington. Emma Green, Suzanne Britt, Jessica Nice and Nicola Strange took the 10yrs freestyle

  • Cross title crunch

    HEADLESS Cross Ladies had to endure another frustrating blank weekend after sitting out their fourth consecutive postponement. The title hopefuls have not played since early December and have twice failed to stage their fixture at Southam and lost games

  • Martial arts school opens

    A BRITISH international kickboxer is hoping to coach the next generation of stars after opening his own school in Redditch. Adam Laurence is preparing to fight for Britain in the World Championships in Italy in July and is already putting youngsters through

  • Web wise

    Web fans will find it even easier to surf St Augustine's internet site after more technology was fitted. The website is now back up and running after a brief close-down while the LEA installed broadband technology at their site at www.st-augustines. worcs.sch.uk

  • Marbles

    JOHN Phillpott writes (Evening News, January 8) "Absolutely anything could happen during the next year or so." How very true - chickens might start laying marbles, for a start. GEORGE COWLEY, Windermere Drive, Warndon, Worcester.

  • Well, it's a swim for the money

    IF, like me, your favourite part of Christmas is tucking into far too many roast potatoes and mince pies, it's definitely time to set yourself a New Year challenge to work off that seasonal excess and raise money for a great cause. Swimathon 2002, Europe's

  • Adding to dangers that caused this accident

    HOW nice it was to see the front page headline (Evening News, January 3) regarding brave toddler Hamad Shahid who is recovering well from the serious injuries he sustained in the accident with a motor vehicle on June 11 last year in Wyld's Lane. It is

  • Birmingham & Solihull 13 Worcester 30

    Saturday, January 12, 2002 BEN Clarke once again showed his voracious appetite for success with a storming performance in Worcester's 30-13 victory at Birmingham & Solihull. The former England international, who arrived in the summer with a brief

  • Nick back as skipper?

    INSPIRATIONAL quick bowler Nick Husbands could return as Bromsgrove Cricket Club's First team skipper. Batsman Paul Duffy has stood down after a year in the role and Husbands is expected to be nominated for election at the club's annual meeting on Monday

  • 16/1/02- Six of the best but we must keep calm

    EXPECTATIONS are running high after the 6-0 win against Salisbury City but it is just one victory and we must not get carried away. In fact I will be trying to dampen any expectations and just keep the club focusing on each game as it comes, starting

  • Gimme shelter

    PERSHORE shoppers wanting to get on their bike to the town's supermarket could soon use a storage facility for their cycles. Members of the town council's amenities and environment committee have suggested the Pioneer car park as a suitable spot for a

  • Abigail wins title

    A RUBERY girl has finished a fantastic 12 months by being crowned West Midlands County gymnastics champion. Abigail Walker, aged 11, scooped first prize and the gold medal at level two, the highest level for her age group, at the county championships

  • Student of the year gong

    A BROMSGROVE martial artist has picked up a prestigious award by being named British Free Fighting Academy student of the year. Adam Bodfish, of Bournheath, beat off competition from across the Midlands to claim the award in British Free Fighting, a self-defence

  • Out of puff

    Two men were seen running across a Redditch golf course carrying a cigarette machine just after 3am yesterday. The machine had been stolen from Abbey Park Hotel and Country Club in Dagnell End Road, Bordesley.

  • On charge

    A teenager has been charged with assault following an attack on a 15-year-old boy just after 2pm on Saturday. The boy was taken to Stoke Hospital suffering a fractured rib after the incident which happened on Bates Hill in the town centre. The 15-year-old

  • Hairdresser admits guilt

    A REDDITCH woman who pleaded guilty to benefit fraud could have avoided court action and qualified for financial support if she had done things properly. Tracey Watts, of Lock Close, Batchley, was given a one-year community rehabilitation order with £150

  • Bodices taken in shop raid

    BRIDALwear worth about £1,500 was stolen from Tussie Mussie, in the Archway, Radford Road, Alvechurch, at about 3.15pm last Thursday. The owner had gone into the back of the shop and when she returned noticed three bodices and a silver plated cast tiara

  • Were you here?

    A LARGE amount of money was stolen during a post office burglary between 8.30pm on Thursday and 6.45am on Friday. Redditch police are appealing for witnesses to the incident at the Mount Pleasant Post Office and house-to-house inquiries are being carried

  • What a result?

    STAFF, parents and children at Alcester Infant School are celebrating after receiving a superb Ofsted report - just a few years after being told standards weren't up to scratch, writes Helen Clarke. In January 1998, the school was put on special measures

  • Hoe-down for heat

    GENEROUS townsfolk have been turning up the heat to raise money for repairs to the radiators and heating system in St Nicholas' Church. So far, a total of £4,745 has been raised towards the work but a great deal more is needed. Fund-raising events took

  • Tee-mendous effort

    ONE Stratford club found the par-fect way to help out the Alcester branch of Macmillan Cancer Relief. Members of Stratford Oaks Golf Club have been holding different events over the last year to try to raise as much as possible for the vital charity.

  • Kicking off Bloom's bid

    THE chairman of the Alcester in Bloom committee has vowed this will be a superb year for the town, despite the heart-breaking decision to pull out last year, writes Helen Clarke. Alcester withdrew from the competition as committee members felt Stratford

  • Water work is going well

    MUCH of the major work taking place to prevent more flooding misery in Alcester has already been completed. The Environment Agency is on schedule to complete a six-phase programme sometime in summer 2003, having already carried out half the required work

  • Praise for council planning

    ALCESTER residents can be safe in the knowledge their planning applications will be dealt with efficiently after Stratford Council leapt up a Government league table. The council has moved up to its highest ever position on the table - 106 out of 297

  • Double aim for 'Church

    ALVECHURCH manager Andy Hibbert saw his side crash out of the Worcestershire Senior Urn last night, days after their Smedley Crooke success against Burmans Hi-Ton. With the knockout competitions keeping Church's season alive, the Smedley Crooke holders

  • Change please

    DEAR EDITOR - I feel that people or organisations can often be judged better by the small things than by the large. A year ago I parked my car on the council run car park on Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove. In error I inserted a £2 coin into the ticket machine

  • Still facing the elements

    DEAR EDITOR - At the town council meeting in Droitwich Spa, I asked for an item to be put on a future agenda where we could discuss bus passengers in the town. I believe that this present Tory controlled Town council is neglecting Droitwich bus passengers

  • Junior footie news

    FECKENHAM under 11s have launched a desperate appeal for players to avoid folding. The Central warwickshire League Division Two side need at least two new recruits to complete the season. Anyone interested can call Ian on 547398 or Gary on 835373. GREENLANDS

  • Police response fails to convince

    DEAR EDITOR - Once again after much criticism from the public of the service offered by our local police, the recent response/comments from Sgt Patz etc, seem to be the standard PR from the police to justify their jobs. You cannot keep using the old chestnut

  • Praise for NHS

    DEAR EDITOR - Through the medium of your Letters page, may I express my grateful thanks to that often maligned institution the National Health Service, in particular the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHT for the efficient manner with which I was treated

  • 12/1/02 - Reds grind out a point

    Redditch United 0 Gloucester City 0. IT wasn't pretty at times but United's well-organised draw against an in-form Gloucester was further proof of Rod Brown's influence on the squad. After a turbulent week at the Valley, Redditch got their heads down

  • 100 years ago January 18, 1902

    VILLAGERS and staff employed at the Isaac Nash scythe works in Belbroughton risked their lives when they formed a human chain to use buckets of water to tackle a blaze at the factory. They also managed to move tens of thousands of scythe blades and hay

  • PALMER BRACE EARNS POINT

    BROMSGROVE Rovers came down to earth with a bump last night as they were held 2-2 by lowly Stafford Town at the Victoria Ground. The Greens were a shadow of the side that crushed Shifnal Town 7-0 despite fielding the same 11 in a game marred by seven

  • Alcester Conservative Wives

    THE December meeting was a social evening and annual meeting held at the home of Christine Pugh. The chairman for the next year will be Ann Selby. Committee members will be Christine Pugh (treasurer), Maureen Hill, Pat Grier, Gill Skelton, June Escott

  • Cookhill WI

    THE final monthly meeting of 2001 was a festive occasion and a warm welcome awaited everyone. Members arrived in party mood to a very nicely decorated hall and a 'safari type buffet' after being entertained with a selection of carols, played by the hand

  • What's On Guide

    Friday, January 18 Alfred Brendel: Celebrity Recital, Symphony Hall, Birmingham. Tickets from 0121 780 3333. Saturday, January 19 Birmingham Jazz: Svengali featuring guest soloist Guy Barker, Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham Conservatoire. Tickets from 0121

  • Drakes Cross WI

    A BUFFET lunch at the December meeting was followed by a lively and entertaining talk about morris dancing by Alan Benjamin. Mr Benjamin has been a morris dancer and musician for more than 25 years and had many amusing tales to tell, as well as giving

  • Wild nights

    New members are being invited to come forward and find out more about the wildlife in and around Worcestershire. The Redditch branch of the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust has regular meetings on Wednesday evenings in St George's Community Hall, where numerous

  • Wythall WI

    WI adviser Jackie Gregory opened the January meeting and put forward the proposal that the president's duties be shared between Jill Warner and Sue Russell, with Jill being named as president and Sue as vice-president. This proposal was gratefully received

  • Hackett staying calm

    BROMSGROVE Rovers joint manager Gary Hackett does not want his players to get carried away after the club's highest score for a decade. The Greens tore through Shifnal Town 7-0 at the Victoria Ground on Saturday to close the gap on Midland Alliance leaders

  • Get back to basics

    Anyone wanting to learn basic IT skills can enrol on a free introductory course at Kingsley College starting tonight. The 10-week course runs every Wednesday from 7-9pm at the Woodrow Drive venue. For details, call Marlene Ledgister on 524133.

  • Gold medallist pops in

    AN 11-year-old Bromsgrove girl has been selected to represent the district at the Worcestershire Cross Country Championships after an impressive performance in the U15 team. Louise Bussey, of Parkside Middle School, Stourbridge Road, finished seventh

  • Eat your heart out, Gandalf!

    ASTWOOD Bank Operatic Society will not to be outdone by the likes of Harry Potter, Gandalf or Frodo Baggins with its spring production of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Sorcerer. The show, which takes place from March 5-9 at the Palace Theatre, includes mysteries

  • Stagedoor opens to jazz fans

    TWINKLE-TOED townspeople looking to jazz up their lives can put their best foot forward at a new dance class. The Stagedoor Dance Academy is running adult jazz dance classes at St Peter's Community Centre, in Rockhill, Bromsgrove. The classes have been

  • New man at the helm

    Neil Pagett has taken the helm as chairman of Redditch United after the resignation of Rod Laight. Read his comments on www.thisisrufc.co.uk

  • Animals ban for farmers

    THREE Webheath farmers have been banned from keeping animals for life and fined a total of £50,000. Redditch magistrates found brothers David and Stephen and dad Harold Lionel Tongue, known as Lionel, of Crumpfield Farm, guilty of four offences which

  • Tearaway gets detention

    A 15-year-old Redditch boy who became the youngest person in the country to be issued with an Anti-Social Behaviour Order has been sentenced to eight months detention. The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has breached the order three times

  • Winner dies

    A Redditch lottery winner has died, leaving his remaining £1.8 million fortune to 23 charities for children and animals. Phil Kitchen, 58, who lodged with a friend in Mount Pleasant before scooping the jackpot in September 1999, splashed out on a five-bedroom

  • Bus firm rival takes platform

    TWO bus firms operating in Redditch will be going head to head in direct competition with each other from next Monday, writes Becky Procter. Pete's Travel will begin running the popular 57/58 Matchborough circular route in competition with the town's

  • Help needed

    REDDITCH police are appealing for more witnesses to come forward after a 36-year-old man died from his injuries after being in collision with a bus. Police are anxious to trace Paul Newman's movements before the collision at about 4pm on Wednesday, January

  • Celebrations line up for year ahead

    A CELEBRATION to mark the Queen's Jubilee will take place alongside a cultural day to celebrate the Pakistani community in Redditch. Events are already being organised by Redditch Pakistani Community Forum for this year including one to mark Idd Mela,

  • Sammy needs a new home

    A 13-year-old corgi cross dog called Sammy is looking for a new home following the death of his elderly owner. Sammy had been in kennels in Wythall since September but was taken in by Redditch woman Sam Nash. But she said Sammy wouldn't get on with her

  • Students' ceremony for work achieved

    THE region's top students in the field of personnel will be honoured at a special ceremony. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) will recognise its top 30 students in a ceremony to be held at The Old Palace, in Deansway, Worcester

  • Milk giants at war over farm gate price

    WORCESTER-based dairy co-operative First Milk has stopped supplying milk to Express Dairies following a dispute between the two milk giants. First Milk, which moved its head office from Lower Wick to Hallow in March last year, is Britain's largest supplier

  • Tales of the deluge

    A DOCUMENTARY showing the devastation of a Worcestershire town by the epic floods of 2000 is set to be screened this week. BBC Two's Waiting for the Rains tells the story of Bewdley residents and traders who lost their homes and livelihoods in the disaster

  • Ready for a summer packed with fun

    week, a visit to Cadbury World or a sight-seeing trip around Paris are just some of the cut-price community activities on offer to Worcester schoolchildren. The North Worcester Venture Scheme is again catering for the needs of top year primary schoolchildren

  • Cleared of rape charge

    A MAN accused of raping a married woman in her own home on a summer's day while her husband was away on a course has been cleared by a jury. The alleged victim claimed Robert Harrison jumped over her garden gate, dragged her inside and pulled down her

  • Neighbours scared off city raiders

    THE owner of an electrical store in Worcester has praised the community spirit that helped to scare off burglars. Carol Shone, the owner of Tylers in Malvern Road, St John's, said alert neighbours quickly raised the alarm when thieves smashed the front

  • Families gain £1,200 grant

    A GROUP of residents has scooped more than £1,000 to help improve a Spa neighbourhood. The Waterside Residents' Association has secured £1,200 from the Severn Waste Environmental Fund. Cash will help the community, off Worcester Road, improve an area

  • Brothers to rebuild war-torn buildings

    TWO charitable Worcester brothers will be putting their talents to the test when they head for Mozambique on a 12-day trek. Loyd and Mick Woodfield are among 25 British volunteers taking up the challenge of rebuilding war-damaged buildings. The programme

  • Pensioner faces being bankrupt

    A DETERMINED Spa pensioner who refuses to pay her business rates is now in the midst of bankruptcy proceedings. Nellie Copson, aged 82, has been served with a bankruptcy petition by Wychavon District Council. Ms Copson refuses to pay the business levy

  • Staff in the city branded as 'rude'

    AN Australian tourist has hit out at the "rude" shop staff she has encountered during her stay in Worcester. Kazza Fleming, who has come to the region to visit her fianc for six months, says she has found unfriendly staff in almost every retail outlet

  • Anger at health cuts

    MENTALLY-ill patients in Pershore and Evesham are being declined treatment as part of cutbacks in services. Patients with mild to moderate mental health problems are being rejected or redirected by Community Mental Health Teams across Wychavon. The cutbacks

  • Nursery's cash boost for brigade appeal

    STAFF and children at a Worcester nursery, devastated by the terrorist attacks on September 11, have raised more than £100 for the Fire Brigade appeal. Children as young as three months from the Kindergarten, in Warndon, helped colour in sections of a

  • Dick and his cat are back in town for panto time

    DICK Whittington and his cat have strolled into town to provide fun for all the family. The Norbury Theatre, in Friar Street, is now showing this year's classic pantomime which features an ambitious young boy who heads for London to find his fortune.

  • Tasty treats from the WI

    HUNGRY shoppers will have the chance to buy home-made munchies when Worcester's WI market reopens after its Christmas break. The ladies have been busy cooking up batches of age-old favourites such as fruit cake and jam ready for business as usual on Friday

  • Volunteer's chilly trek

    A PARTIALLY-sighted VSO volunteer braved the winter chill and took on the towpaths of Worcestershire and the West Midlands in his marathon charity challenge. Mark Little, from St John's, Worcester, is taking part in an exchange programme organised by

  • Amazing story of driver's survival

    AN horrific crash on a stretch of Worcestershire motorway is set to feature on a BBC programme. Makers of the BBC's 999 show, which depicts real life dramas, hope to feature the accident, which happened on the M5, in a summer edition. The incident happened

  • Nostalgic return to the town of old salt machine

    MAGNIFICENT equipment which played a key role in the town's salt industry has enjoyed a historic homecoming. A huge pump system, including two gas and oil engines, has been returned to its rightful place in Tower Hill. The relic was removed in 1974 and

  • Malvern Town FC - Fixtures/Results - 2001/2 season

    FIXTURES Saturday, January 19. Premier Division: Malvern Town v Wolverhampton Casuals (2.45). Division One (South): Sedgley White Lions v Malvern Town Reserves (2.45). Tuesday, January 22. Premier Division: Tividale v Malvern Town (7.45). Saturday, January

  • Feckenham scene

    THIS rustic scene was photographed in 1930. It shows Ron Styler, of Hunt End, in the foreground with his grandfather William Styler driving cattle from Berrow Hill, near Feckenham, to Poplar Lane, near the site of an electricity substation. The picture

  • We need action or red tape will kill

    ON Friday afternoon, I was involved in a road accident when a delivery lorry attempted to overtake already fast moving traffic along the Alcester Road and collided with my car. This was in a residential area of Studley with several adjoining side-roads

  • Thank you ALL for the music

    I WOULD like to thank members of the Alcester Male Voice Choir, their musical director Judith Land and accompanist Sue Underwood for the magnificent performance of a Christmas wassail on December 15. My most sincere thanks also to Michelle Garner, Sarah

  • Show just peachy

    WE have just returned from a superb performance of James and the Giant Peach at the Old Rep Theatre in Birmingham, the tickets for which - won in a recent Redditch Advertiser competition. I just wanted to say a really big thank you - it was a fabulous

  • Is this fare fair?

    I Cannot believe the price of a bus pass. It goes up all the time but the service does not improve. The buses never come on time. I am a student and I am always late every morning. I am also lucky to get a seat. I don't see why we should pay all that

  • One May day could end it

    I WAS struck by the unconscious irony in Council Leader Albert Wharrad's New Year message (Advertiser, January 2). 'Eighteen years of vandalism and neglect do take longer than five years to repair,' he says. Our council has been under continuous Labour

  • Hopes high for £1m bid

    A MAJOR scheme costing more than £1million has been drawn up in an attempt to improve the town centre around Church Green, writes Becky Procter. A bid will be submitted to Worcestershire County Council through the Local Transport Plan and Kingfisher Centre

  • Silence gives me the needle

    SURELY the efforts of Jacqui Smith, our MP and a health minister, would be far better spent confirming to Redditch parents, her constituents, that she has followed Government advice and had her children vaccinated with the MMR injection. Such an action

  • Ideas wanted for land

    HEADLESS Cross residents are being urged to help landscape parts of their own neighbourhood. Headless Cross Green, which was saved from housing development two years ago, and Nailpasser Green on the corner of Rectory Road and Birchfield Road, are to be

  • Patients come second... again

    THE revelation that £1m intended for county patient care has been diverted to pay off redundant health service pen-pushers has a depressingly familiar ring to it. No one would seriously argue that they're not entitled to some kind of severance, we hope

  • Crisis as cash bid collapses

    A GROUP set up just over year ago to support and represent the Pakistani community in Redditch will struggle to carry on after a bid for £15,000 failed to get past the starting blocks, writes Becky Procter. Last year, Redditch Pakistani Community Forum

  • Exit for fifth of council

    ABOUT 18 per cent of staff left Redditch Council last year but officers have taken heart from figures showing the problem is not just a local one. But the figure is 3.2 per cent above the average turnover for public services across the country and about

  • Extra staff would boost plans

    WORCESTERSHIRE County Council's Highways Partnership Units are understaffed by 10 to 15 officers according to a review of its six units, which includes Redditch. County council Cabinet members will be asked to agree recommendations based on the review

  • Axe prompts tree petition

    CONCERNED St Georges residents have launched a petition against the removal of six trees from their close. Residents claim they were not consulted or warned the trees on Beoley Road West were going to be cut down. The petition has been submitted to Redditch

  • 16/1/02 - County pay the price for floods

    RECORD floods at New Road have contributed to Worcestershire County Cricket Club sinking to an overall loss of £114,618 during the past year. The figure includes a £38,187 trading deficit for last season. County members will be told officially of the

  • Music to match the drama

    Shackleton - Channel 4 Music THOSE who followed the adventures of Ernest Shackleton and his motley band of diehards over the New Year are certain to remember Adrian Johnston's haunting theme music. Channel 4 surpassed itself with some gripping boy's own

  • Bromsgrove Rovers 2 Stafford Town 2

    Tuesday, January 15, 2002 Bromsgrove Rovers were held to a disappointing 2-2 draw by Stafford Town in the Midland Alliance last night. Rovers went behind in the 14th minute. Indecisive defending allowed Phillip Skelton to loop a shot over Matt Lowe. The

  • Kings ready for dogfight

    KINGS Norton's do-or-die clash with Woodrush assumed even more importance after a last-gasp 25-19 loss to Berkswell and Balsall at the weekend. While the Hopwood club were going down in the final minutes, Woodrush were on their way to a 15-8 win over

  • Unlucky seven

    IT'S back to the drawing board for Five Ways Old Edwardians skipper Jez Williams on Saturday as he bids to halt a depressing run of seven defeats. Shorn of half a dozen regulars for their clash against North Midlands One leaders Yardley and District,

  • 16/1/02 - Dover move in for City striker

    POPULAR striker Phil Stant has left Worcester City by mutual consent to join up with Neville Southall's Nationwide Conference outfit Dover Athletic. The veteran forward proved a hit at St George's Lane, scoring 12 goals in 23 games including a hat-trick

  • 16/1/02 Brave Swifts' FA Trophy run ended

    TWO late goals flattered Nationwide Conference strugglers Chester City as Stourport Swifts' FA Trophy journey came to an end on Tuesday night. Swifts' first season in the competition was halted at the Third Round stage after full-time Chester won the

  • Vision for future takes to the road

    THE Vision 21 initiative to shape the future of the Malvern Hills area over the next 10 years will be launched next week. It takes the form of a 'vision vehicle' which will tour the district acting as a mobile forum for people to express their views on

  • Centre finds good support

    MUSICAL Malvern teenagers will take to the stage next week to raise funds for the centre which has given them the chance to exp-ress themselves. Nine teenagers who attend Malvern Youth Centre, on Albert Road North, recently formed their own fundraising

  • Dover move in for City striker

    POPULAR striker Phil Stant has left Worcester City by mutual consent to join up with Neville Southall's Nationwide Conference outfit Dover Athletic. The veteran forward proved a hit at St George's Lane, scoring 12 goals in 23 games including a hat-trick

  • Vile to miss title showdown

    STEVEN Vile is out of Worcester Rugby Club's all-important clash at Rotherham next Saturday after a hamstring injury. Vile, who arrived at Sixways in November as cover for Craig Chalmers and Tony Yapp, pulled up in Worcester Warriors' match at Bath on

  • Adversity brings out the best

    Nat Sylvester's City Slicker column CARL Heeley might be tempted to knee-cap a few of his team-mates this weekend if City show any signs of returning to full strength. Heeley believes City have turned in their best performances when up against it on the

  • Boars romp to easy win

    BROMSGROVE RFC First XV put two postponed matches behind them to run in five tries and a 39-point winning margin as they crushed lowly Shrewsbury 46-7. Shrewsbury RFC Firsts 7 Bromsgrove RFC Firsts 46 Midlands Two West The home side gave Bromsgrove the

  • Susan's family affairs

    SUSAN Hampshire stars in classic Noel Coward comedy of manners Relative Values at Malvern Theatres next week. The news that the Earl of Marshwood intends to marry a Hollywood starlet shocks both his mother, the Countess, and her maid Moxie - and it is

  • Bad day for Blackmore

    DROITWICH had only themselves to blame as they slumped 15-3 to Ledbury on Saturday and with it recorded their second successive home league defeat. The First XV's poor display, one of their worst performances of the season, was epitomised by the usually

  • Peach of a show

    Birmingham Stage Company's acclaimed production of James and the Giant Peach is set to make British theatre history. The production has become so popular, it needs two theatres to cope with demand. The show was due to end on Saturday, January 26, but

  • Historical hysterics

    A MUSICAL comedy set in Rome in 2BC is being staged at Malvern Theatres this week. Malvern Theatre Players are performing A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum until Saturday. Based on the comedies of Platus, the comedy features the music and

  • Town's fresh legs run riot

    BROMSGROVE U13s 39 Dudley Kingswinford 0. Sunday was the under U13s' first game for a month but the break did not appear to have had any impact on Town's performance. Visitors Dudley Kingswinford's good results came to an end against a Bromsgrove team

  • Genie works his wonders

    Families are invited to join Aladdin on his adventures from pauper to prince with a little help from the genie in the magic lamp at the Palace Theatre next week. The Starlight School of Dance presents this popular pantomime at the Alcester Street venue

  • Time has arrived to hear from the town's silent majority

    DEAR EDITOR - Some of the "Harry Potter" magic has been at work over the Christmas period. It would seem that a transformation has taken place at Wychavon District Council. Councillor Meikle and his colleagues would have you believe that they are charging

  • Record year for Hearts

    THE Redditch Big Hearts had their best year ever in 2001 after raising more than £5,000. The charity fundraisers started in 1986 but excelled everything that had gone before last year to reward two organisations with huge cheques. Presentations were held

  • Extra beds to ease pressure

    TWO new high-dependency beds have been opened up at the Alexandra Hospital as part of a £700,000 improvement programme. And the number of HDU beds, which are a step down from intensive therapy beds, will increase to four by the end of the year. The move

  • Cleaning tent for patients

    PATIENTS who have been in contact with dangerous chemicals will be washed off in a state-of-the-art decontamination unit at the hospital. The mobile tent-like kit has just been installed outside the accident and emergency department and could be used

  • Problems reversed

    AN additional 100 car parking spaces look set to be created for visitors and patients visiting the Alexandra Hospital following a number of complaints, writes Becky Procter. Both patients and the hospital union have complained the car park was full up

  • Villa cling on in cup thriller

    FAIRFIELD Villa squeezed into the next round of the Smedley Crooke Cup by the odd goal in nine after letting a four-goal lead slip in their 5-4 success over Alveston. Fairfield Villa (3) 5 Alveston (0) 4 Smedley Crooke Cup Anthony Jackson put Fairfield

  • Decision expected on Alex

    THE go-ahead was due to be given last night for an extension of the pathology department at the Alexandra Hospital. The Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust has applied to Redditch Council for a single storey building at the back of the hospital containing

  • Fairfield tire

    FAIRFIELD Sunday ran out of steam in their 2-0 defeat at Hymatic Allendale. Playing their first game for a month, Fairfield started well and only a fine save by Hymatic's keeper, Dave Inman, from Chris Pinfield's header kept the scores level. Early in

  • Jones is back with a bang

    BARNT Green Spartak's quest for promotion to Midland Combination Division One was given a further boost on Saturday as they notched up their 12th consecutive league victory with a 2-1 success at Droitwich Spa. Spartak gave debuts to Wesley Gilvett and

  • Classy Carter grabs a Matt-trick

    TURKS Head recorded a vital 5-1 win against visitors Meadow Park in Division One on Sunday. A Matt Carter hat-trick and two goals from Ryan Fessey gave the home side their third win of the season and keeps Meadow Park rooted in bottom place. Craig Richards

  • Six-bagger for RBL's Jenkins

    SIX goals from Matthew Jenkins helped Wychbold RBL destroy Thomas Bros 10-2 in the Terry Cup fourth round. Wychbold showed little sign of their four-week layoff as Adrian Crowther put them in front before Jenkins hit four to put his side in complete control

  • Luke takes his Chance

    TWO goals in as many minutes played a huge part in Garringtons' 4-1 victory against Mappleborough in the Terry Cup fourth round. Garringtons opened the scoring on 44 minutes when Anthony Johnson's shot was half saved by Mitton allowing Luke Chance to

  • Late goals

    TWO goals in the last 11 minutes ended Droit-wich Sports' hopes of an away victory in Midland Combination Division Three as they went down 2-1 at Knowle Reserves. Sports dominated the early encounters and were rewarded in the 24th minute when a well worked

  • Gray day in semi-final

    A CARL Gray brace helped Bromsgrove Town FC to the Bridgwater Cup semi-final with a 3-0 triumph over Woodbourne Sports. Town's workmanlike display began brightly on ten minutes with a Gray chipped effort giving them the lead. He added to his tally with

  • 16/1/02 - Cross doubtful for emotional return

    FORMER United favourite and player-manager Nicky Cross could be ruled out of a charged return against his former club on Saturday. The former West Brom legend joined Sutton Coldfield Town as a player after leaving the club by mutual consent in mid-November

  • 15/1/02 - Chairman's message

    "We want to keep everything on an even keel and support Rod Brown and the players in their efforts to move us up the table. "I told the players on saturday I have every confidence in them because they have certainly got the skill and the ability. "The

  • Arty Alma's first display

    A CREATIVE Cofton Hackett woman, who started painting and drawing as a hobby three years ago, is exhibiting her work for the first time. Alma Hackett, of Chestnut Drive, has set up a display at Bromsgrove Library after reading a story in the Advertiser

  • 9/1/02 - Mitch set to star for Studley

    IAN Mitchell is set to play the second half of the season with Studley BKL after playing a part in last night's 3-1 win at Oldbury. Mitchell played in right midfield for the Bees hours after being freed by Redditch and created the third after a one-two

  • 31/12/01 - Booth ready for hostile return

    SWIFTS old boy Lee Booth is assured of a hot reception on his return to his former stamping ground tomorrow. The Dr Martens Western leading scorer left Walshes Meadow to follow manager Rod Brown. And the absence of Booth has left Swifts with a striker

  • Resignation demand after 'wrong advice'

    WRONG advice given by officers at Bromsgrove District Council has led to a call for a Tory councillor who sits on the authority's planning committee to resign her seat. When Cllr Dr Elizabeth Shaw (Stoney Hill) decided to convert part of her home, Park

  • MP's anger over reply to UEF letter

    BROMSGROVE'S MP hit out at a junior minister this week, following his response to a letter about the plight of nearly 500 workers at beleagured United Engineering Forgings firm in the town who currently face redundancy. Julie Kirkbride wrote to the Secretary

  • Labour leader in 'disgraceful' row

    DISCIPLINARY action against Labour leader Cllr Peter McDonald following his "utterly disgraceful" behaviour during a public meeting, was called for this week. Bromsgrove District Council chairman Cllr Mike Gill (Con, Woodvale) demanded action be taken

  • Teenager is victim of serious assault

    A YOUNG teenage boy suffered a serious sexual attack in the toilets in Bromsgrove town centre on Sunday afternoon. Police, who are keen for two people who were in the vicinity at the time to come forward, have issued a still picture taken from CCTV footage

  • 'Salt' school set for listing

    A SCHOOL which has seen more than 100 years of history, may be listed by the end of the year. Members of Stoke Prior parish council are hoping Redgrove Senior School, formerly John Corbett School, will be listed as a protected building this year. They

  • Warning of drinks scam

    TOWNSPEOPLE are being urged to be on their guard after a bogus salesman took money for large quantities of cigarettes and alcohol and then did not produce the bought goods. The conman has approached businesses in the area and has claimed to be selling

  • It's heartache for Barry as vandals strike

    A RETIRED Stoke Prior man has spoken out about the nocturnal vandals who have ransacked his beloved allotment three times. Barry Taylor, of Foley Gardens, who tends an allotment in Shaw Lane, has been targeted three times in the last 12 months by heartless

  • Inner Wheel Club of Droitwich Spa

    THE November meeting took place at the Raven Hotel with president Shirley Jones in the chair. It was decided that £1,000 should be donated to past president Marion Neale's chosen charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. The remaining money would go to other

  • Road safety plan stalls

    WORRIED Stoney Hill residents who are claiming pedestrians "take their lives in their hands" in West Road have hit out at the delay over installing speed humps. Earlier this month, the Advertiser/Messenger revealed plans to install 27 speed humps and

  • Stoke Prior WI

    PRESIDENT Audrey Bryant welcomed 17 members to the January meeting. Suggestions for commemorating the Queen's Golden Jubilee were asked for. Mary Hartley is to be the delegate at the annual meeting in Malvern. A trained operatic singer, Christine Patterson

  • Murderer helped to save a life

    CONVICTED murderer Tracey Andrews could see her life sentence slashed after saving the life of a fellow prison inmate. Andrews, who was imprisoned in 1997 after being convicted of stabbing to death lover Lee Harvey, saved the life of a woman at her Essex

  • Explanation of how deficit was cleared

    A £300,000 deficit which appeared in Bromsgrove District Council's accounts in November 2000 was cleared by the end of the financial year in 2001. Following publication of the accounts Cllr John Gardener (Wythall Ratepayers' and Residents' Association

  • Remembering the Holocaust

    RESIDENTS in Bromsgrove are being asked to join the district council and unite in prayer later this month to remember those who suffered during the Holocaust. Arrangements have been made for the second Holocaust Memorial Service to be held at the Spadesbourne

  • Family effort pays off handsomely

    A BROMSGROVE brother and sister, who took on a mission to raise £2,500 for a charity close to their hearts, have this week put out a heartfelt thank-you to the people who have helped them raise nearly £10,000. Lizzie and Adam Cross, of Harvington Road

  • This time the feet must walk

    ECO-WARRIORS in Bromsgrove are hoping to be ringing the changes this New Year by asking residents to recycle their old Yellow Pages telephone directories. Bromsgrove District Council is asking householders in the area to join the Yellow Pages Recycling

  • 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

  • Demand over cash pay-off

    THE leader of the minority Labour group on Bromsgrove District Council is demanding an explanation into why a former employee was paid £120,000. Cllr Peter McDonald (Uffdown and Waseley) believes the figure referred to in the council's recently published

  • Mary's reward

    A KINDHEARTED Hagley woman has received a prestigious award for more than 25 years working for social services. Mary Frith, who has worked as a home care assistant for Worcestershire County Council for more than quarter of a century, received a commemorative

  • Scarecrows boost village school

    A BROMSGROVE school has received a generous cash boost -- thanks to a successful village fundraiser. Belbroughton First School has received almost £7,000 from cash raised at the annual scarecrow weekend, which took place last September. The Bradford Lane

  • Time is running out to apply for school places

    TIME is running out for parents hoping to bag top school places in Bromsgrove for youngsters this September. Worcestershire County Council is reminding parents with children due to start school between September 2002 and July 2003 to put their child's

  • Tragic death of heart wait man

    A DROITWICH Spa pensioner who was paying £14,000 for a life-saving heart operation has died just weeks before surgery. Devastated wife Judith Forbes has paid tribute to her husband Robert, who suffered a fatal heart attack on Monday night. The 67-year-old

  • 'Be on guard' elderly told

    ELDERLY people in Bromsgrove are being urged to be on their guard following an incident where two bogus callers visited a town woman's home. The men, who police say, "claimed to be working for the council service regarding the gas supply," walked into

  • Skittles

    Coming soon... from the Worcester Evening News sports team.

  • Safer for road users

    MOTORISTS in Bromsgrove look set for a safer New Year on the roads thanks to the planned completion of several major town schemes. Worcestershire Highways Partnership in Bromsgrove has an important year ahead which will see the conclusion of a number

  • Team needs your help

    A COUNSELLING service in Bromsgrove is looking for volunteers to help it continue its work in the area. Bromsgrove Bereavement Counselling Service is a registered charity and was set up 20 years ago to offer support and advice to people having difficulty

  • Thieves steal pub charity box

    THIEVES who stole a charity collection box from a pub near Bromsgrove have been branded "heartless" by a man collecting cash in memory of his dead wife. Leukaemia Re-search Fund collector John Marsden, of Doctors Hill, was shocked to discover thieves

  • Chaos on M5 after lorry fire

    BROMSGROVE commuters travelling on the M5 faced delays after a lorry, carrying a 30 tonne crane, set alight on Monday afternoon. The eight-wheeled lorry pulled over to the hard shoulder of the southbound carriageway, near Frankley Services, after the

  • Kyte swoops for Harriers

    BROMSGROVE and Redditch Harriers enjoyed a fruitful outing at the Worcestershire Cross Country Championships at Halesowen. Laura Kyte won the under17s Women event with a time of 21min40sec and teammate Adele Wylde came in second, 2min 40sec behind her

  • Mr Jones after ride of his life

    Studley's Jason Jones has won through to the final preliminary round of the 2001 Michelin Renault Scholarship. The prize at stake is a drive with the Elf Clio RenaultSport Cupchampions Tim Sugden Motorsport's RenaultSport Clios. After the final preliminary

  • Hats off to Holmberg

    VETERAN chess star John Holmberg saved the day for Redditch in their Birmingham Chess League Division Eight match against Kingstanding B. Holmber, at 82 the oldest player in the league drew on 55 years' playing experience to preserve his side's unbeaten

  • Kick-off for sports hall

    A FORMER world ju-jitsu champion is taking advantage of Studley's new sports centre by setting up his own classes. Steven Coates won gold in 1993 at the world ju-jitsu championships in the three-man event and was British middle-weight ju-jitsu champion

  • Crunch date for parents

    THE deadline looms for Redditch parents to put their child's name down for a place at their preferred school if they are due to start before July 2003. The closing date for admissions applications is Friday, February 8. Forms and information are available

  • 20/9/01 - Worcester record important victory

    WORCESTER Norton Hockey Club travelled to Birmingham University and won 4-2 in a game that could go a long way to deciding the DTZ Midlands Division Two even at at such an early stage in the season. Before the game, the two sides were level at the top

  • This tide of US culture

    TWO popular British adventure stories - Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings - have become American properties. So much so, Warner Brothers ordered Severn Valley Railway to remove Hogwarts Express nameplates from one of their locomotives I recall that

  • Hounds do what comes naturally

    THE letter from A Monschau (You Say, January 8) asked why foxhounds are unsuitable for re-homing after their working life is over. Though friendly and good-natured, hounds are pack animals, so will never make household pets. They are used to living with

  • History teaches us to beware optimism

    WHAT a sad and sorry saga Tallow Hill has become. We have a chief Planning Officer - Peter Yates - reported as saying that the redevelopment scheme "will spark some life into the area... we'll see" (Evening News, January 2). The strength of his convictions

  • Uphill battle in league meeting

    A HARD time was had by all at the tenth round of the West Midlands Cyclo-Cross League on Sunday January 6. On an unforgiving exposed hillside Bromsgrove Olympique's riders pulled out all the stops to keep ahead in the team competition, competing against

  • Field returns

    DROITWICH Spa Cricket Club begins preparations for its 2002 Worcestershire County League campaign this month. One familiar face putting batsmen through their paces will be fast bowler Adrian Field, who has returned after a spell with Bromsgrove. The club

  • Youth is found guilty of affray

    POLICE called to a house found a youth armed with a knife shouting threats from a first floor window, Worcester Crown Court heard. Craig Degville, aged 18, of Deerbarn Hill, Redditch, pleaded guilty to affray and possession of cannabis. He denied a charge

  • Woman's reward for stolen bracelet

    A REDDITCH woman is distraught after a precious family heirloom was stolen from her home. The 18-carat rose gold bracelet with a hallmark on each link was originally a watch chain belonging to the woman's grandfather. It is eight inches long and 5mm wide

  • Police search

    POLICE are searching for a woman who pushed and abused an 82-year-old pensioner in Marks and Spencer at the weekend. The pensioner was shopping in the Kingfisher Centre store on Saturday at about 12.30pm when she was verbally abused and pushed with a

  • Drivers facing court after festive checks

    WEST Mercia police's examination of 1,600 vehicles and drivers before Christmas resulted in 22 people facing court action. Another 27 motorists were given fixed penalty charges ranging from £30-£60 because of the poor condition of their vehicle and 41

  • Man stabbed for £60 cash

    A 21-year-old man was stabbed in the buttocks and had £60 stolen after being attacked by four men in Headless Cross, writes Becky Procter. The man was walking past the Dog and Partridge pub, on Evesham Road, heading away from the town at about 7.15pm

  • Drug haul from raids

    ECSTASY, amphetamines and cannabis were all seized by police in a series of raids performed as part of a major initiative to detect and reduce drugs offences, writes Becky Procter. Raids were carried out at residential properties across the town and Bromsgrove

  • Row brewing over garden

    A LONG-running argument over a pub beer garden in Alcester is being taken to the High Court. Neighbours from Henley Street are taking their fight to court because Stratford Council failed to act over the Holly Bush garden. Two years ago, the landlord

  • Pure theatre set in a magical era

    Distant Music, by Charlotte Bingham. Bantam Books, £5.99 SET during the great upheaval of life just after the Second World War, Charlotte Bingham's book taps into the magical era when live theatre, variety and film were the mainstay of entertainment.

  • 16/1/02 Langford: "They were there for the taking"

    THERE was disappointment after Stourport Swifts missed out on a potential giant-killing act. However, boss Tim Langford was happy with the efforts over the two FA Trophy third round games against Conference strugglers Chester. Langford said: "We came

  • Care at heart of the town

    ALCESTER Hospital was built in 1914 at the beginning of the Great War with the purpose of serving a workhouse situated on the Fields Park Drive site. It has now earned its place at the heart of the community. When first built, there were four wards, including

  • Dust off those thinking caps

    There will be a battle of the brains on Sunday as a quiz night is held in Alcester in aid of the British Heart Foundation. The event will take place in the town hall from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £16 per team of four which includes refreshments. For more

  • A splendid service

    The Court Leet town service will take place at St Nicholas' Church on Sunday. Proceedings start at 10.30am with a procession led by Alcester Victoria Silver Band. The service is supported by Alcester Churches Together and is open to people of all denominations

  • Bees manager plans for future

    STUDLEY manager Mark Chambers is already starting to plan for next season and said there could be additions to his squad on the horizon. The Bees boss this week signed former Stourbridge, Evesham and Redditch left-sided player Steve Shaw as cover from