HYPODERMIC needles thrown into a Worcester school's grounds have jeopardised a project aimed at promoting responsible citizenship. The headteacher at Stanley Road Primary School says the actions of "irresponsible" people have put children at risk. The
COMMENTATOR Murray Walker has added his voice to a campaign to prevent motorcyclists being killed on Worcestershire roads. Mr Walker, a lifelong motorcyclist, warned drivers to "think bike" at the launch of West Mercia police's Ride and Survive campaign
BROMSGROVE Operatic Society will bring a taste of the Orient to a town venue next month. The society will be staging Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado under the direction of Roberta Morrell, former principal with the D'Oyly Carte Opera Society, at the
A LAMB had to be destroyed after a gang of sick youngsters broke two of its legs by kicking it and hitting it with a stick. A woman walking her dog claimed she saw a girl, aged around 10, and two boys, aged between 12 and 14, attacking the tiny creature
THE owners of an Evesham nursing home must pay out a total of £18,000 after being found guilty of failing to protect residents from hot surfaces. Husband and wife Peter and Katrina Davidson were each ordered to pay a £5,000 fine and £4,000 costs for not
Thursday May 2 Tribute: Gunz and Rozes, The Robin, R n B Club 1, Merry Hill, Brierley Hill. Rock: Mostly Autumn, The Robin, R n B Club 2, Mount Pleasant, Bilston. Music: Dame Gillian Weir, Symphony Hall, Broad Street, Birmingham, 8pm. Rock 'n' Roll: The
T'S nearly here - the season we've all been waiting for, so treat your home to a breath of fresh air with a little help from the BBC Good Homes Show, which is being held on the NEC Birmingham from May 3 to 6. This year's theme is summer living, and the
MINISTERS are refusing to release the research they will use to decide if an asylum seeker centre should be built at RAF Throckmorton. Officials are currently working on an "evaluation" of whether the site is suitable for a 750-bed accommodation centre
A WORCESTER drug addict stole an Action Man doll from a city centre shop to raise money for his addiction. Simon Edge, aged 21, was caught stealing the toy from Woolworths, in the High Street, Worcester magistrates heard yesterday. Edge committed the
A PRIEST who served his entire church career in the Worcester diocese has died in a Kidderminster Nursing Home. The Rev Leslie Guest, aged 86, died last Saturday in Westley Court Nursing Home, Cookley, Kidderminster. His first position, in 1963, was as
YOUNGSTERS at a Worcester school were put through their paces when a top athlete visited for a day. Year 7,8 and 9 pupils at Blessed Edward Oldcorne RC School took part in sponsored star jumps, squats, press-ups and sit-ups with Great Britain's 400m star
May 3, 1902 Studley - St Mary's Sunday School. The annual distribution of prizes in connection with the above school took place on Sunday afternoon when a large number of handsome prizes were distributed by Mrs Thompson to the successful scholars. Mrs
May 3, 1952 The Redditch Urban District Council has recently received an inquiry as to whether it would permit the use of Valley Stadium for greyhound racing. The inquiry was considered by the General Purposes Committee (which comprises the whole council
April 29, 1977 THE local community health council has stepped into the row over office working hours at the Smallwood casualty unit. Chairman of Redditch and Bromsgrove CHC, Mr Walter Gorton issued a plea to the GPs who operate the service - which has
Formed:1885 Directions: The Victoria Ground is situated on the north side of Bromsgrove on the Birmingham Road, which is off the A38 Bromsgrove by pass. The M5 and M42 join the A38 to the north of the town making it easy to get to the ground without having
DROITWICH Dolphins swimmer Rhys Davey has been invited to join a specialist training squad after excelling at the long distance county swimming championships. A record nineteen Spa swimmers qualified for a total of 68 individual events with 52 of those
AN up and coming Stoke Prior biker is getting ready to zoom off to the Isle of Man for his latest race. Christopher Jones, aged 11 and of Astwood Lane, will race mini moto bikes in the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy Races in June. He was selected for the
BROMSGROVE Golf Club's 17-24 Handicap team bounced back to winning ways with victory in the first round of the Birmingham and District 17-24 golf league chairman's trophy at Hatchford Brook on Saturday. Following the disappointment of losing their opening
I object vehemently to the tone of the review of the CD Pop Idol - The Big Band Album (Advertiser, April 24). I am not a fool and have not been fooled. Unless your reviewer can be a little less offensive to a sizeable number of your readership, you can
IN response to the letter by Mrs Evans (Advertiser, April 24) I parked my car one Friday in March. I had not noticed the "no parking" sign but after leaving my car, was told by a lady that the clampers were about. I returned immediately (less than five
MORE than £300,000 is to be spent on improving disabled access in one of the Kingfisher Centre's multi-storey car parks. Centre owners Thornfield have announced plans to create a coach drop-off point to Shopmobility in Car Park 3. It will mean for the
A LANDMARK decision to allow residents to have their say during planning meetings has been formally adopted by Redditch councillors. The public speaking scheme was introduced in November 2000 for an initial six-month trial and was the first time in the
REDDITCH'S promotion aspirations came to a predictable end at the weekend after relegated Warley failed to do the Kingfishers a favour. The Bromsgrove Road side finished their North Midlands One league programme two weeks ago and have had to sit by and
CAMP Hill won the annual Alcester Sevens end-of-season rugby tournament. Woodrush were beaten in the final with Pershore beating Birmingham Civil Service in the plate final. Alcester Firsts lost in the plate semi final to the eventual winners.
JUST the fact that Bromsgrove Rovers are still in existence is in itself worthy of celebration. But the fact the Greens have finished runners-up in the Midland Alliance, standing on the verge of potential promotion, is surely cause for a right old knees
FAIRFIELD Ladies kept up their slim hopes of promotion alive with a convincing 6-0 win over Knowle. Only an excellent performance from the Knowle goalkeeper denied Fairfield from another double figure tally, having hit 12 last week. Mel Bunn broke the
LATEST action from the Redditch and South Warwickshire Combination. Pat Sanders Cup Final Hayes Harriers 2 (Taylor, Simon) Finnegans 3 (Jordan two, Cresswell). BSA Cup Semi Final Alcester Rovers 2 (McGee, Beasley) Studley Road Social 1 (Harris). Premier
DEFRA minister Elliot Morley has written to the Department of Transport explaining the measures that need to be taken to stop Upton being cut off in times of flood. It follows the deputation Mr Morley received on March 19 that included district councillor
FANS are invited to spend an evening in an alternative universe where the Counterfeit Stones reign as the greatest rock 'n' roll band in the world. The Stones are set to roll into town tomorrow with the third leg of their Keef Off The Grass tour, performing
A PLAY offering both laughter and tragedy is being staged at Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Elizabeth Rex runs from Friday until Saturday, May 18. Set in England in 1601, Elizabeth I is torn between the obligations of a ruler and her passions as a woman
Thursday, May 2 Counterfeit Stones Keef off the Grass Tour, Palace Theatre. Tickets from 65203. Alvechurch Dramatic Society: Inspector Drake's Last Case, Alvechurch Village Hall. Until May 4. Tickets from Alvechurch Post Office or 0121 447 7071. Sing-a-Long-a-Sound-of-Music
A FUN-filled show which has become a worldwide hit is returning to Birmingham's Alexandra theatre this week for an extended four-performance run. Singalong-a-Sound-of-Music is a screening of the classic Julie Andrews film and musical in glorious technicolour
A PLAY hailed as 'funny, heartbreaking and hugely original' about two people struggling to find happiness and dignity while trapped inside a computer game is being staged at Birmingham Repertory Theatre next week. Helmet, by Scottish writer Douglas Maxwell
POWERHOUSE forward Mark Gabey is the latest recruit to join Worcester Rugby Club's promotion challenge. The 28-year-old has swapped Bath for Worcester as head coach John Brain continues his Sixways revolution. Gabey, who played at Sixways three years
BENGEWORTH First School in Burford Road, Evesham, is holding a fund-raising car boot sale on Sunday, May 12 from 9am to 12noon. The cost is £5 per car and further information is available from Kath Pickering on 01386 442022. Funds raised will go towards
UPTON Snodsbury retained the Evesham Sunday League Tewkesbury Sports Knockout Cup with an extra-time win over neighbours Peopleton. Peopleton took the lead after eighteen minutes when Peterson ran onto a through ball and finished superbly. Five minutes
COMPOSTING in the home is set for a boost with Worcestershire County Council offering half-price composting bins to all householders. The council is also giving advice on the most effective methods of composting and the benefits it brings, in a joint
BROMSGROVE RFC added more success to their already impressive season after the club's Colts beat Old Halesonians 25-17 to win the North Midlands Colts Cup. The Colts' success, 13 years on from their last cup victory, comes just weeks after the club's
A MYSTERIOUS murder is on the cards at Alvechurch Village Hall this week in the form of Inspector Drake's Last Case. Alvechurch Dramatic Society presents the crime caper at the Bear Hill venue from tomorrow until Saturday. The David Tristram play, directed
A SIZZLING comedy about the exploits of a group of firefighters will set temperatures soaring at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre next week. Naked Flame is set in a suburban fire station and the heat is on when six lads from Blue Watch decide they are hot
HOME, away (Midland Alliance fixtures unless stated) Sat Aug 11 Oldbury United 3-3 (McHugh, P Moore, M Moore pen) Tue Aug 14 STRATFORD TOWN 0-1 Sat Aug 18 KNYPERSLEY VICTORIA 3-2 (Ford pen, P Moore, Coppin) Tue Aug 21 Halesowen Harriers 1-3 (Bowen) Mon
A WELL-dressed cast and impressive set rose to the challenge of such a demanding show. Lively show tunes, a strong men's chorus and witty one liners embellished the story of matchmaker Dolly Levi, who is hired to arrange a marriage for the widowed half-millionaire
REDDITCH won a 40-over friendly match against Aston Manor on Saturday by 26 runs. The Bromsgrove Road side reached 168-7 with Ben Davis 49, Richard Young 25, Shah 19, Chris Gibson 16 and Luke Davis 15. Aston Manor were all out for 142. There were two
BROMSGROVE Rovers face an agonising wait to discover whether they have been promoted to the Dr Martens Western after missing out on the Midland Alliance championship by a matter of seconds. Rovers' 2-0 win over Ludlow Town last Saturday, watched by 766
REDS hero Paul Danks has committed himself to the club despite being offered non-contract terms next season. The United leading scorer has had talks with manager Rod Brown and chairman Neil Pagett and the Redditch manager says his star striker will start
MEDICAL staff who try to advise patients at the Alexandra Hospital not to smoke have been verbally abused. Workers have been trained to discourage patients leaving their ward and going outside for a cigarette. But Libby Mellor, corporate affairs manager
ONE final push is being called for to try to add as many signatures as possible to the petition to save eye services at the Alexandra Hospital. Campaigners are hopeful the petition, being run jointly in Bromsgrove and Redditch, will sway the outcome of
A SCHOOL appeal for cash for hospital equipment has reached a staggering £5,500. St Augustine's High School launched its Pounds Relieve the Pressure appeal in February to raise £2,000 for a special bed with a pressure-relieving mattress for children with
MEMBERS of a town fitness class stepped up a gear on Sunday when they attempted to run five miles in 60 minutes to raise cash for the Alexandra Hospital's children's ward. About 37 members who attend classes at Arrow Vale Sports Centre took up the challenge
IN Division Two of the Worcester and District Ladies Skittle League, the Arboretum played well against the Hills Angels taking three legs and winning 369-350. Also in Division Two the High Flyers beat Redhill Fillies 338-249, leaving a thrilling end of
YOUNGSTERS stepped to the beat and strutted their funky stuff at a Bromsgrove and Droitwich dance festival 2002 last week. A group of year six and year eight pupils from Parkside Middle School, in Stourbridge Road, and pupils from St Peter's First school
A POPULAR Bromsgrove tourist attraction has been busy ringing the changes in a bid to preserve a treasured part of British history. Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, in Stoke Heath, relaunched its famous collection of telephone kiosks last Thursday
COMMUNITY leaders have pitched in to give Bromsgrove Rovers a sporting chance of promotion. Bromsgrove District Council has agreed to grant the town's soccer club a new seven-year lease at its Birmingham Road ground. The club finished second in the Midland
HEALTH chiefs called a public meeting in Rubery to allay residents' fears about the discovery of methane gas at a popular village playing field. Last week the Advertiser/Messenger revealed that pockets of the flammable gas had been uncovered at two former
A DISPUTE over a dangerously unstable fence alongside a busy main line, which frequently carries flasks of hazardous waste, running though a Bromsgrove village could lead to a major rail disaster, it is claimed. Residents in Corbett Drive, Stoke Works
"A REAL man, a real gentleman of Bromsgrove who had a beaming smile and who enjoyed a scrap, who made his mark not only on his own patch, but beyond." That was how former Bromsgrove MP Sir Hal Miller described well know veterinary surgeon Michael Overton
PAM Richards will today (Wednesday) chalk up 40 years' service as one of the many hard-working members of the backstage staff that ensures life at Bromsgrove School runs smoothly. She began work at the fee paying school in May 1962 and is one of the housekeepers
A BROMSGROVE school is gearing up for the ultimate challenge when it takes part in the 2002 Bromsgrove Blue Peter Bikeathon. Around 30 children aged between six and 11 from The Mount School, in Birmingham Road, will take part in the event held at 11am
CATSHILL residents can help to shape the future of their area thanks to a 3-D model which has been made by village children. Pupils from Catshill First School, in Gibb Lane, and Chadsgrove School, in Meadow Road, have just finished making a model of their
MASKED thieves made off with a quantity of cigarettes after forcing shutters and smashing the door of a general store. Police investigating the raid on the Spar shop in Worcester Road, Hagley, last Thursday believe that three or four men clad in dark
THE magic of Disney has made dreams come true for a rising star from Rubery. Talented Mikey Lightfoot, of Waseley Road, has scooped a coveted role in the acclaimed Beauty and the Beast production. The West End and Broadway hit transfers the beloved characters
LONG running roadworks in Rubery have been plagued by vandals - causing chaos for residents and drivers. Severn Trent is fitting an 800-metre water pipe in Callowbrook Lane, Callowbridge Road and Windmill Avenue. Barriers and lights are in place for the
A RUBERY granddad is gearing up for the greatest physical challenge of his life - an 80km charity trek along the Great Wall of China. Peter Wood, of Leach Green Lane, will join 49 other walkers for the mammoth journey later this year and is in training
AN athletic town resident will take to the water to raise money for a Bromsgrove children's club. Lynette Reynolds, aged 27, has decided to take part in a three-mile swimathon at The Dolphin Centre, in School Drive, on Wednesday, May 29. She says she
THE very best of brass 'blew' into Bromsgrove on Saturday night and they did not disappoint. A packed audience at the Spadesbourne Suite forgot the wet and windy weather outside and was totally enthralled by the sound of the Black Dyke Band, a name that
INKBERROW Tennis club are set to contest the inaugural Inter League Cup Final at Stratford Lawn Tennis Club. The Prudden League champions will lock horns with WICA Winter League Champions Pershore on Saturday, May 25. Prudden Road Surfacing will provide
A DAMP bank holiday Monday will see Oakenshaw driver Enzo Mucci smiling as he enters the third round of the Renault Clio Cup. Mucci wants a top ten finish to keep him in contention after a disappointing 13th last time out. But he heads to Thruxton casting
REDDITCH hotshot Stevan Walton has won the prestigious Clay Shooter of the Year title from Clay Shooting Magazine. The 16-year-old has returned from the World Championships in New Zealand where he bagged a silver medal and was given his award at the Royal
Redditch Arrows followed up a heavy opening day defeat at East Kilbride Pirates with a 21-6 loss to arch rivals Birmingham Bulls. In a close first half both teams struggled to put together any real offense, turning the ball over far too frequently. Birmingham
Alcester safely negotiated the preliminary and first rounds of the Heart of England league Cup competition at the expense of Wootten Hall B and Black Horse. And the B team disposed of Henley B and Austin RBL B on their way to the second round. Not to
A GREENLANDS father is threatening to teach his 13-year-old daughter at home rather than send her to Trinity High School in September because of fears for her safety. Peter Purnell wanted to send his daughter, Lindsey, to Kingsley College, a school which
REDDITCH students have been working as volunteers with a charity that provides holidays for people with disabilities. NEW College students worked with The Winged Fellowship Trust and spent a week supporting adults with a range of disabilities at centres
MR J Norwood, (You Say, April 23), seems to think the media "went over the top" on the funeral of the Queen Mother. I disagree. It was totally in keeping with her position in the history of this "green and pleasant land". She was not an ordinary person
NEARLY 100 Redditch students helped workers from McDonalds with a big town clean-up. In separate litter picks, 20 children from St Bede's Middle School and 75 students from Trinity High turned up to help in the clean-up around the town centre last Wednesday
ST George's Day, April 23, was the day nominated to celebrate St George, England's Patron Saint. We may not have the huge parties that the Irish have on St Patrick's Day, but this should still be a day when we celebrate the fact that we're English and
WE'VE been reading recently that sufficient money is now available to enable the West Mercia police force to recruit 300 more officers. We've also read the ridiculous and contemptible statement by some councillors that call for Peter Hampson's head on
EARLY this month, a Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions press release announced Government funding of £1.2m over the next two years for the West Midlands Regional Assembly in addition to the £500,000 allocated last August. A process
TWO NEW College students have been awarded work placements at international advertising agencies in Germany this summer. Chris Howlett and James Taylor, who both study HND Graphic Design at the college's Britten House campus, entered a competition entitled
NEW College students are offering customers a memorable dining experience with a French flavour this week. Hospitality management students will transport customers at the Old Library Restaurant, Church Green West, to Nouvion Town Square where popular
DESIGN minded pupils at a school were creating textile wonders last week. Year 5 pupils from Birchensale Middle School were helped by Jane Beagrie from the Inkberrow Design Centre to make designs for Forge Mill Museum's creative textiles competition based
A WHITE Ford Transit van was destroyed by fire after an explosion in Hanbury Woods. Firefighters and the police were called to the popular beauty spot in the early hours of Tuesday, April 23, after reports of an explosion. The officers arrived to find
GOLF buffs will descend on the Spa next month to raise money for charity. The Droitwich Spa Golf Club is hosting a golf tournament to raise funds for the Redditch branches of the YMCA and MENCAP. Droitwich professional John Bickerton, who is currently
THE Lido pool saga took another turn this week when alternative plans to redevelop the facility hit a wall of opposition. Calypso, the company which wants to redevelop the town pool and which last month looked set to pull out of the scheme, has now put
A SCHEME to tackle crime and disorder in the Spa and surrounding areas will be launched this week in Wychavon. The Wychavon Crime and Disorder Plan for 2002 to 2006 will be launched on Friday by a senior Home Office official. Regional crime reduction
THE A38 which runs around Droitwich Spa will become one of the targets of a new campaign launched this week to reduce the amount of motorcycle accidents in the area. Yesterday (Tuesday) West Mercia Police launched its 'Ride and Survive' campaign, which
THERE was a "hint of professionalism" about a three man gang which carried out an antiques raid on a Droitwich home, Worcester Crown Court heard. The men took valuable antiques, including seven vases, three clocks, a bronze bust and a silver samovar,
BROMSGROVE Rovers face an agonising wait to discover whether they have been promoted to the Dr Martens Western after missing out on the Midland Alliance championship by a matter of seconds. Rovers' 2-0 win over Ludlow Town last Saturday, watched by 766
AN Alvechurch man has been remanded in custody and told to expect a jail term after being convicted of being part of a gang which smuggled five million fake US dollars into Britain in a money-laundering scam. The ring was busted after undercover detectives
A STUDLEY cashier had her hand hurt when she tried to stop a thief escaping with cash during a till snatch. It happened at about 9.30pm on Saturday at the One Stop Convenience Store, Alcester Road. A man bought some cigarette papers and as the cashier
A REDDITCH DIY store has been targeted twice by thieves in the space of just three days. More than £3,000 of gardening furniture was snatched from Homebase overnight on Tuesday, April 23. It appears the thieves drove a van around the back of the Alvechurch
AN application to change the use of a former DIY store hit by vandalism was been given the go-ahead on Monday. The application involves changing the use of the empty Texas store on Greenlands Drive from a retail warehouse to industrial or distribution
THREE Bromsgrove schoolchildren have every reason to be proud after scooping seven medals between at an athletics meeting. Andrew Prior, Trevor Childress and Richard Murphy, who all attend Rigby Hall School, in Rigby Lane, won gold and bronze medals at
A CHARITY which offers advice and counselling on pregnancy is to open a branch in the town after identifying a need. LIFE will be piloting the scheme for six months as members believe teenagers at Alcester's three high schools could benefit from its service
THE new face at the helm of Alcester Grammar School has pledged to give every pupil a fair deal and make an excellent school even better. Iain Blaikie, 42, has been teaching for 20 years and believes his new position is the "job he has always been looking
TWO generous donations mean it will be easier for Alcester people needing wheelchairs to get around the town. The Alcester Volunteer Bureau, based in Globe House, has been given two wheelchairs which they can loan out on a short-term basis to residents
THREE schools in the area may be in for cash windfalls for major improvement and building projects if Warwickshire County councillors give their approval. Bidford Primary School, St Faith's Junior School and Alcester Grammar School have all applied for
THE headteacher of Temple Grafton Primary School has praised his teachers' hard work after a recent Ofsted report. The report praised the school in several areas, including the above average level of standards in English, maths and science, the good level
MP for Alcester John Maples recently met councillors and residents to discuss their fears and frustrations over flooding in the town. Mr Maples met Mayor Wendy Weatherhead, Councillors Bill Malin and Susan Adams, and Sylvia Hyde, who is a Conservative
AN Alcester ballet teacher is celebrating after having one of her talented students accepted into the Royal School of Ballet. Jessica Toone, from Temple Grafton Primary School, will be one of just seven girls aged 11 to be accepted to start at the prestigious
TWO people from Redditch have been questioned by the RSPCA regarding alleged cruelty to a dog. A 22-year-old man and 52-year-old woman were interviewed and a file has now been sent to the RSPCA's prosecution department, which will decide on what action
Brett Fleetwood stepped up right footed and fired straight into the roof giving Inman no chance. BKL 1 Feckenham 0 Brian Powell ignored the jeers to smash his spot kick straight down the middle, right footed. BKL 1 Feckenham 1 Burly midfielder Martin
THEFTS of executive cars in Redditch are being investigated as part of a cross-border police operation with other forces. Operation Mainline, involving West Mercia, West Midlands, Warwickshire and Staffordshire constabularies, is targeting thefts where
IN their last games of the season Bromsgrove RFC's mini teams had a successful time at a tournament in Stratford last Sunday. The U7s and U10s finished second in their groups while the U8s and U11s finished third in their respective groups. The U12s were
A 93-year-old Redditch woman who had £1,400 snatched by a bogus taxi driver has been given £200 from a special police fund. The woman had gone into Redditch town centre on Boxing Day to bank her life-savings but decided to go home after falling ill. She
POPULAR weekly sessions of football will be kicking off at St Augustine's sports hall from Sunday, May 26. The sessions, run by a qualified coach, have been funded by Crabbs Cross Neighbourhood Group and are aimed at teenagers. Redditch officer Pc Richard
IT was the end of an era for villagers in Studley as diggers finally moved in to demolish its village hall. Greswolde Construction, of Solihull, is carrying out work on the High Street site which will eventually see the construction of a new state-of-the-art
DETAILS of a new £2.5 million development which will see the demolition of an eyesore in the heart of Studley have been revealed. If Stratford Council gives the go-ahead, the grey Pioneer Co-op supermarket in Alcester Road will be demolished early next
A parish lunch will take place in Tardebigge church hall on Sunday, June 2, to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee. The event will take place after the church service and parishioners are asked to sign up in advance.
THE very successful spring concert was held in Mappleborough Green Village Hall. The programme comprised songs from the shows and many eras were represented. They included Gilbert & Sullivan's Iolanthe and The Yeoman of the Guard, Ivor Novello's Perchance
Members meet on the first Wednesday of each month at Cookhill Village Hall. Approximate times for most meetings are from 7.30-10.15pm. The club is a forum for anyone interested in keyboard music whether as a player or a listener. During each meeting there
ON April 23 at the Greig Hall, Roger and Margaret Noyce gave an extremely informative talk about their experiences of walking the Anapurna Trail in the Himalayas. This began in Katmandu, the capital of Nepal with a visit to the Safari Park in Chitwan.
THE annual show took place on April 13 at Arden School, Station Road, Knowle. It was an excellent show with some outstanding displays put on by visiting societies, including some rare and unusual plants. Classes were very well supported by members with
BROMSGROVE Cricket Club First XI face a replay this Sunday to progress in the National Knockout after rain stopped their match with Sutton Coldfield. The match started in less than ideal circumstances but the pitch held up and provided a playable surface
DROITWICH Spa Cricket Club gave their 2002 campaign an excellent boost when they were crowned Worcestershire Indoor Cricket champions. Following a successful qualifying campaign at Perdiswell Leisure Centre, near Droitwich, Spa went to the finals night
THE leaders of a crisis-hit charity could each find themselves personally liable for thousands of pounds debt. The 14 registered trustees of the Redditch Council for Voluntary Service (RCVS) were given the shock news at an emergency meeting last week.
Redditch Choral Society will be presenting a performance of JS Bach's St John Passion at St Stephen's Church on Saturday, May 18, from 7.30pm. Admission is £6, £5 for concessions, and includes refreshments.
The annual Tardebigge plant sale will take place at the village hall on Saturday from 11am-3pm. Refreshments are available and a large selection of plants and shrubs will be on sale.
A STAR of hit television comedy Auf Wiedersehen Pet will be at the Kingfisher Centre on Saturday. Pat Roach, who played Bomber Busbridge, will be signing copies of his book If - The Pat Roach Story, at WH Smith from 11.30am-2pm. The book has been published
A car was destroyed after it was set on fire in Matchborough at about 10.15pm on Sunday. The blaze happened next to Redditch Skate Park, Icknield Street Drive.
THE sensational Saint James' Singers invite townspeople to A Night at the Opera at Ragley Hall next week. The singers, along with their orchestra the Saint James' Players, will perform Purcell's Dido and Aenas on Sunday, May 12. The concert itself takes
DEAR EDITOR - As a skateboarder from Droitwich, I would just like to say that me, nor my friends are 'celebrating' at the news of a new skatepark! Why does the local council presume that they know what we want when they never ask us? I would like to take
TWO of David Bintley's most popular ballets will be on the bill when Birmingham Royal Ballet returns to the city's Hippodrome theatre next week. Carmina Burana will be performed alongside Stanton Welch's Powder from next Wednesday until Saturday, May
A DEAD swan has been found in a pool of blood at a Redditch beauty spot. RSPCA inspectors thought the swan had been beaten to death because of the large amount of blood after it was found by rangers at Beoley Mill Pool last Monday. But after a post mortem
REDDITCH Music Society's final concert in its highly successful 40th season will be given by a trio which has played to sell-out audiences across the country. Classic Rhythm, formed in 1992, is made up of Helen O'Connell on flute, piccolo and recorders
DEAR EDITOR - It's time Bromsgrove District Council got its priorities right. We still have shoddy roads, and was any thought given to the elderly and disabled when we had a fall of snow in January? What is the council doing for all the younger generation
REDDITCH firefighters have been roped in to help keep the bells ringing at St Stephen's Church. Firefighters from the station's red watch have given £200 from their fund-raising kitty towards replacing the bell ropes. Firefighters will be holding a car
A WYTHALL magician, juggler and entertainer who finished the London Marathon followed up his success by running the Stratford Half Marathon on Sunday April 21 - dressed as a clown. Brett Sirrell, of School Drive, finished the marathon on April 14 in three
A CELEBRITY chef and a television DIY expert helped bring a taste of Tuscany to a Redditch residential home on Monday. Chef Clive Harris helped residents of Terry Spring Court prepare Italian food and designer Marianne Shillingford transformed the dining
A "SICKENING" smear campaign has been launched to knock the re-election chances of a Worcester city councillor tomorrow. An anonymous A4 sheet listing unfounded allegations about one of the election hopefuls, and casting aspersions on the candidate's
TIME has stood still in Bastonford since a clock given to the hamlet by an aunt of PG Wodehouse last went wrong more than five years ago. But the clock could soon be repaired, if Powick Parish Council decides to take over responsibility for its maintenance
CONCERN is growing for the safety of a Stourport grandfather who went missing from home at the weekend. Car trader Paul Rowley (pictured right), aged 42, vanished on Saturday and police are now appealing for him to make contact. Mr Rowley's disappearance
DROITWICH Spa Digital Photography Group are inviting town residents to catch a glimpse of their collection at the library next month. The exhibition of digital artwork from local photographers will be on show at Droitwich Library, in Victoria Square,
DOZENS of residents have raised objections to a proposed gipsy caravan site on a field at Leigh Sinton. Concerns range from the need to protect birds, badgers and a nearby Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), to worries that a gipsy site would
HOSPITAL therapists have been given the chance to see the county's new facilities at a staff open day. Health professionals from across the county were invited to see the new home of out-patient therapies at Aconbury West - part of the new Worcestershire
TEN-PIN bowling fanatics are urged to pop along to the over-50's club in Rubery. The group meet at Hollywood Bowl, in Great Park, every Tuesday at 10am and again on Thursdays at 12.30pm. Members who attend a minimum of three meetings can receive one year's
DUMPED trolleys in a Worcester brook and plastic Tesco supermarket bags stuck in trees have been causing concern to parish councillors. A number of trolleys from Tesco have been dumped into Duck Brook and the bags have been spotted in trees around the
TWO Worcester women have appeared in court charged with affray and common assault. Teresa Martin, aged 33, and Sharon Gormley, 36, are accused of assaulting each other and causing affray on Monday, April 22. Martin, of Rodborough Close, Warndon, and Gormley
PUBLIC services throughout Worcestershire are being warned to take hold of new measures to stamp out racism, or be taken to court. The Government has ordered bodies such as the police, fire and councils to provide equal opportunities for everyone throughout
FIVE choirs, 46 display dancing sides and numerous solo artists, groups and bands can be seen and heard in Upton-upon-Severn this weekend during the annual folk festival. Malvern west gallery choir, Vital Spark, are regular visitors to the festival and
IF you are over the age of 60 you could be in line for a rebate on your gas bill. Despite a particularly mild winter, Age Concern Energy Services has announced customers in Worcester could be in line for a Cold Weather Payment of almost £10. The money
A 26-year-old maintenance fitter was killed when the blade of a forklift truck became snagged on machinery, snapped off and struck his head. Calvin Hughes had been trying to mend a machine at United Engineering Forgings Ltd on Sherwood Road in Bromsgrove
TRAINING young Worcestershire people with rural skills is one of the aims of BTCV, the conservation charity. Dry stone walling, hedge-laying, coppicing, fencing, tree care and pond construction are just some of the opportunities being organised by Jen
NEW Raiders maintained their grip on the Worcester Friendly Skittle League Wednesday Division One leadership when they beat Albert Hall by 34 pins. Second-placed Highwaymen maintained the pressure, however, when they troun-ced Surfers by 34 pins to remain
THIS picture hails from the late 40s or early 50s and shows staff outside the old Morris Yeomans Factory, in Astwood Bank. The firm made bayonets in the Second World War and later made car parts. The picture was kindly loaned by Teresa Stiles, of Mount
BROMSGROVE Swimming Club finished third as they embarked on their latest campaign in last Saturday's Mercian Summer League first round at Rugby. The team got off to a good start when Lisa Newport took first place in the open ladies individual medley.
JUST the fact that Bromsgrove Rovers are still in existence is in itself worthy of celebration. But the fact the Greens have finished runners-up in the Midland Alliance, standing on the verge of potential promotion, is surely cause for a right old knees
THREE Bromsgrove girls helped Worcester Sixth Form College finish runners-up in the national colleges netball knockout cup. Rebecca Sweet, of Aston Fields, Faye Higgins, of Lickey End and Nerys Davies were part of the successful team that collected second
As the hockey season has finished, this section of the website will not be updated as often as other areas. Please send any hockey news to the Sports Editor by clicking on the above link.
THREE thoughts come to mind when we consider tomorrow's local elections. In Worcester, the first is the intriguing chess game that will result from the voting. Labour have most to lose with six of their 15 city council seats among the 12 being contested
THE owners of the Kingfisher Centre owners Thornfield seem to have Redditch people just where they want them. The company seems to have a monopoly on car parking in the town. The car parks are dirty, dark and in need or repair or decoration and they expect
I REALLY hope the council comes up with the cash to improve and enhance Forge Mill Museum and the Countryside Centre. If either had to close, it would be Redditch's loss. Forge Mill puts on very good and varied topics of interest, not only "quilting"
I WAS interested to receive a copy of the British Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey this week. In it, the manufacturing sector is reporting its best rate of growth in a year, the service sector improving growth and here in the West Midlands
By Matt Smith BUS users in Wythall could have their concessionary travel stopped by August 1. Councillors at the Bromsgrove Council executive cabinet meeting will decide today whether to stop bus concessions for people who travel outside district boundaries
PLANS looked likely to be backed last night for a new community drop-in centre in Woodrow. The facility, in Woodrow Centre, will offer residents a range of advice on various issues and also house an activity centre. Redditch Council already owns the building
Bromsgrove Crusaders 27 Redditch Exiles 26 Redditch changed their usual game plan to great effect against their arch rivals in their last match of the season, resulting in Bromsgrove losing their unbeaten home record. Playing on the first team pitch,
DROITWICH Spa CC First XI got their Worcestershire County League division one campaign off to a disappointing start last Saturday with a six wicket home defeat to Chaddesley Corbett. Losing the toss, Droitwich batted first and scored 35 without loss in
FAIRFIELD Villa finally managed to fight off their opponents as they won 5-3 at Wilmcote Sports in Midland Combination division one thanks to a Richard Whitlock hat-trick. After even play early on, Villa went ahead on 20 minutes when Ian Brown headed
FOOTBALLERS at South Bromsgrove High School are celebrating after their team was crowned champions of the inaugural U15s county school's championship. The competition, played over four rounds, brought together the best school teams from across Worcestershire
BARNT Green Spartak finished their Midland Combination division two campaign in fourth place after a 0-0 draw at Earlswood Town. Spartak kept their second clean sheet in a row on Wednesday, April 24, but could not find the victory that would have given
LATEST news from the Bromsgrove Advertiser / Messenger District Football League. Division One Mostyn Rangers 7 (Sweeney, Costello three, Freeman, Buckley two) Rubery Social 3 (Hicks, Tandy, Stocks). Division Four Barley Mow Reserves 2 (Robinson, Mould
Hanbury U14s 1 Catshill U14s 0 Hanbury came out victors in an excellent game of football played at Bromsgrove Rovers Football Club. With only five minutes to go substitute Ryan Giles scrambled the ball over the line. More than £100 was raised for the
A PLAN to build 40 new houses on the site of an old laundry in Malvern Link has been submitted to Malvern Hills District Council. David Payne Homes Ltd, of Bromsgrove, wants to develop the 1.83-acre site of the former Society Linen/Co-operative laundry
THE best-dressed watering holes in town were on display during the Malvern Well Dressing Competition last weekend. A record 20 wells were entered into the competition, organised by Malvern Spa Association. The competition sees the wells decorated around
ASTWOOD Bank Operatic Society willstart this year's carnival with a show. Based on carnival theme a Right Royal Romp, the society will perform songs from the past 50 years. The concert takes place at Astwood Bank Middle School on Saturday, May 11, at
ANDY Bichel grabbed two quick wickets for Worcestershire after they won the toss and put Northamptonshire in to bat in today's Benson and Hedges Cup group clash at Northampton. The Australian pace ace struck first to remove Graeme Swann for 11 thanks
A TEN-wicket bowling performance from Richard Neale was the highlight of the opening matches in the Worcestershire County League. Neale became only the third player in league history to take all 10 in an innings, playing for Malvern's second team against
The John Barton column WITHOUT a doubt this has been the hardest season I have had as a manager to date. It started with a wretched pre-season and then the injuries started and have not stopped which has taken away a lot of our options. Reflecting on
WYCHAVON residents can get their half-price bus passes, car parking tickets or travel tokens earlier than usual this year. The passes, tickets and tokens issued under the district council's concessionary fares scheme can be collected from village halls
To celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee year, the Rowney Green Players will be presenting Showtime at the Peace Hall on Saturday, May 25 from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 and will also include a ploughman's supper. To book, call S Walke on 0121 445 1562.
THE sound of Big Band Swing is set to fill The Norbury Theatre in the form of The Worcestershire Jazz Orchestra. The orchestra will play music by Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington and Count Basie at the Droitwich venue on Friday. Tickets cost £5.50 on 01905
A COMEDY triple bill is being staged at an Inkberrow pub by resident theatre company Mouthpiece. My Wrong Mr Right, Pick 'n' Mix and Animal Passions, written and directed by Birmingham writer Debbie Sutton, run at the Bulls Head Inn from next Wednesday
Four star I REALLY don't know what other reviewers are talking about! Accolades used on the cover of this quirky Welsh film, include 'a laugh-out-loud hit' and 'enchanting comedy'. Well, I didn't laugh. Some scenes were so poignant I nearly cried, while
A HEALTH watchdog fears people going in for operations at the Alexandra Hospital will be turned away because there are no beds for them, writes Becky Procter. There have been reports the A&E department in Worcester has at times been so busy, patients
A REVOLUTIONARY clinic for young people has proved such a success, plans to open up four more across the town are being finalised. A Time 4 U Clinic was opened in Winyates more than 12 months ago providing advice and information on a range of issues,
THE National Blood Service is encouraging people to attend a donor session on Friday after a fall in the number of people giving blood in Redditch. Donor attendance has declined over the last few visits and NBS would like to encourage regular and new
ALVECHURCH matchman Ken Giles is on a roll at the moment and at the Starlets Veteran's Tuesday event that was held on Woodlands View Arles and High pools he almost doubled his nearest rivals catch. Pegged on Arles 34, Giles pole fished worm and casters
KINGFISHERS are champions of Monday Division One of the E & E Engineer-ing/Banks's Brewery sponsored Worcester Friendly Skittle League. Hillbillies need just one point to guarantee runners-up spot from their final game. Despite losing to the Signals
A NEW monthly feature starts in the Shuttle/Times and News this week - and the subject is men's health. The Healthy Man column is written by Kidderminster Hospital urologist Brihad Abhyankar and will cover all aspects of men's health, covering issues
TEACHERS are angered and children are shocked by vandals who struck two days in a row causing thousands of pounds worth of damage to a Bromsgrove school. Staff at Catshill First School, in Gibb Lane, have lined the halls with buckets to catch the rain
THE leader of Tory controlled Bromsgrove District Council has been sensationally dumped by his fellow councillors. Councillor Nick Psirides, who has held the post for the past three years, narrowly lost the job when the group met on Monday night to select
PRIVATE investment could be sought to enlarge and enhance facilities at the town's Dolphin Centre. Bromsgrove District Council is considering striking a partnership with a private organisation to improve its fitness and health suite. The move follows
THEY say there's a special relationship between the UK and the US and three local teachers found out for themselves when they went on a study visit to Kansas. Denise Carter, Sarah Adams-Derby and Briony Norris, who all teach at Tardebigge First School
A BROMSGROVE factory worker was killed by a forklift truck prong while completing one of the first tasks of his day, an inquest heard. Twenty-six-year-old Calvin Hughes was employed by United Engineering Forgings, in Sherwood Road, for two years before
POLICE are still appealing for witnesses following the mystery death of a young Bromsgrove woman discovered near Kidderminster last week. The body of 24-year-old Gemma Reid, of Burcot Lane, was found in a white Audi 90, in Sandy Lane, off Kingsford Lane
PUPILS from a Bromsgrove school are springing into action to ensure their garden boasts beautiful blooms this summer. Green-fingered children from Meadows First School reception class have received a bumper donation of gardening equipment and seeds from
A WILDMOOR equestrian enthusiast is calling on cyclists to be more considerate to horses and their riders. Jan Putsman and her mount Dusty happily share the local lanes and bridleways with other users but recently bikers have caused them a few scares.
A BROMSGROVE resident and her pet pooch had a lucky escape when a 12inch-wide water main exploded like a volcano before their eyes. June Done, of Birmingham Road, was taking her dog, Badger, for a walk at about 3.30pm last Wednesday when a fountain of
THE father of a Bromsgrove woman killed in the Lockerbie air disaster has called for a public inquiry amid fresh reports of a "substantial formal offer" to compensate family victims. Despite claims Libyan leader Colonel Gadaffi will pay as much as £2.4bn
GET ready to join the queue for the ever-popular musical The King and I which is coming to Birmingham. On Friday at 11am the Alexandra Theatre's Christmas show goes on sale to the general public and the show's producers have offered the Birmingham audience
A TOWN trader wants to clear up any confusion between her company and another under a similar name. Dorothy Homer, manager of Goldstar Coach Travel, a company in Upton Warren which offers coach holidays, has received calls during the past fortnight asking
PATRIOTIC residents from Barnt Green are planning not just a street party but a village party to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee. An exciting programme of activities has been unveiled for the community's bumper bash on Tuesday June 4. Barnt Green
A TV chef who hit the headlines when he axed the name of an historic Bromsgrove pub wants to make peace with his critics. Pat McDonald is making a generous gesture to appease sceptics who claim he has butchered a slice of history by renaming the Ewe and
THREE children, believed to be aged ten to 14, who cruelly beat a lamb in a field at a farm in Bromsgrove and left it so badly maimed it had to be destroyed, have been described as "heartless and callous." The incident, which has shocked the owner, and
BROMSGROVE'S MP Julie Kirkbride has joined a cross party campaign to highlight the importance of eating a healthy, balanced diet in the fight against cancer. MPs from all parties heard expert views about the complex link between diet and the disease and
DRIVERS visiting Bromsgrove in the late evening to shop at ASDA, buy a take-away meal or enjoy a quiet drink in a pub may face having to pay parking fees on council-owned car parks. Presently, parking is free after 7pm but according to the town's traders
SIX years after his death the ashes of a Bromsgrove poet, whose book is set to be published in America, have been flown to the UK be laid to rest in his home town. There were tears in his family's eyes as Brian Wall's remains were laid to rest at Bromsgrove
A FAMILY-RUN furniture and soft furnishings business, which had traded in Bromsgrove for 25 years, has mysteriously closed. James Design Furnishings has a factory in Sherwood Road and shops in New Road, Aston Fields as well as in Worcester and Stratford-on-Avon
Shake, Ripple and Roll Forum Theatre, Malvern. FRANTIC and fun, and a credit to the young cast. Around 40 young people - aged from 12 to 19 years - were selected for this Malvern Theatre Players production of the Jenifer Toskvig musical following open
Playing in the best sporting traditions on a wet and windy night, the Yardley Wood Seniors played a very enjoyable game against Selly Park and came out on top by 19 shots. Bob Weafer led the way for White Hart with a 21-8 victory. The Premier side played
A REDDITCH teenager has set his sights on the double after being crowned champion in the British Jetski Winter Series. Andy Rich beat all comers over the six stage winter series after taking up the high-octane watersport two years ago. And the Greenlands
CALLOW Hill superbiker Jason Wilshaw wants another top three finish on Monday to retain his lead at the top of the Classics Club Post Classics Series. Wilshaw tops the leaderboard 25 points clear of Jason Carkeek and says the young pretender, together
A WYTHALL driver is preparing to return to motorsports after a four year absence. Barry Pearson, 44, a former Production Saloon Car Champion has been offered a drive in the Volkswagen Championship. Pearson left the sport four years ago after competing
WINYATES Green biker Andy Burbidge moved another signature closer to a coveted national licence on his Anglesey debut at the weekend. Burbidge has his sights on the EMRA Road Stock Challenge series this season but is joining in numerous other higher class
TEAM Legs 11 rider Rhys Boyd was left with tyre marks on his helmet and leathers after - eventually - walking away from a horror smash at the weekend. The softly-spoken Irishmen, who is backup rider for the Redditch team, was hurled from his bike after
COPPICE Middle School gymnastics stars covered themselves in glory at the nationals again last week. The under 11 boys team represented the school and the West Midlands region at Fenton Manor in the Floor and Vault Championships and bagged silver after
Redditch Swimming Club came fourth in round one of the Mercian League. Broadway took the spoils followed by Haden Hill and Wednesbury. Rachel Jones swam first for Redditch, coming third in the open age 4x1 IM then later a fine swim to claim second in
HEADLESS Cross driver Stefan Hodgetts is set to take the wheel in Formula Three last season after the disappointment of losing a drive last year. The promising 19-year-old was set to put pen to paper on a deal to race in the Formula Ford Zetec Championship
A PAIR of Redditch golfers have taken their first step on a path which could lead to the Algarve. Ken Jenkins and Fred Jewsbury have won club titles in the opening rounds of the 2002 Lombard Trophy. Jenkins, 32, a Winyates East postie won the Abbey Golf
REDDITCH schools are to be inspected more by the county council to raise education standards. An inspection team is to launch a programme of personal visits to every school in the county. The visits will celebrate each school's success and allow the council
BEOLEY youngsters had the chance to speak to Second World War veterans last week. Beoley First School children spoke to eight members of the village's Good Companion club on Thursday to add to their work on the war. The children sat in different groups
I HAVE just received copies of the Evening News containing more interesting write-ups and letters. John Hinton's letters on Powick Hospital took me back to the 1920s, when I visited the hospital to see my grandfather. He was a baker by trade and they
THE extreme and emotive language used to describe hunting by Maurice Brett in the Evening News (You Say, April 23) is a clear sign that the anti-hunt brigade are now drinking in the last chance saloon. Mr Brett and his followers know full well that public
CHURCH Hill Middle School children got their hands dirty to aid a month-long litter picking campaign. Five hundred children from schools around Redditch will be taking part in the Just Bin It initiative across the town.
A MOUTHWATERING visit was in store for Year 5 pupils at Birchensale Middle School as part of their literacy studies. Redditch Black History Society's June Sutherland and Verna Spence popped into the Batchley school to share their experiences of Caribbean
TALENTED and gifted Redditch youngsters could be picked to take part in a special summer school. Worcestershire County Council has announced plans to find the most educationally talented youngsters who will be able to further their studies at the National
PUPILS from Trinity High School gave a presentation on race equality at a conference in Worcester yesterday. More than 100 delegates, including county councillors, senior managers and the Worcestershire Racial Equality Council attended the event to address
ENERGETIC youngsters at a Droitwich school are celebrating after being awarded commendations at a county dance festival. Children from Witton Middle School, in Old Coach Road, travelled to Bromsgrove to represent the school in a dance festival which was
THREE Bromsgrove schoolchildren have every reason to be proud after scooping seven medals between at an athletics meeting. Andrew Prior, Trevor Childress and Richard Murphy, who all attend Rigby Hall School, in Rigby Lane, won gold and bronze medals at
ARTISTIC youngsters at a Spa school have been putting their talents to the test by transforming a corridor into a magnificent tropical rainforest. Close to 90 children at Chawson First School have been making animals and foliage to form a rainforest at
SIX Droitwich men accused of assaulting two bothers in the Spa have been remanded in custody by Worcester magistrates. Brett Marsh, aged 21, and Wayne Rivers, 18, both of Shepherds Hill, James Holden, 41, and Carl Holden, 18, both of Charland Court flats
GROUPS across the Spa are in line for thousands of pounds worth of grants in a much-needed cash windfall. Approximately £18,000 has been provisionally allocated by Droitwich Spa Town Council in its grants allocation for local organisations. The money
BROMSGROVE RFC added more success to their already impressive season after the club's Colts beat Old Halesonians 25-17 to win the North Midlands Colts Cup. The Colts' success, 13 years on from their last cup victory, comes just weeks after the club's
By Matt Smith A MOTHER and daughter were 'very shocked' after three masked men, one armed with an iron bar, dragged them out of their car as they arrived home. A woman and her 20-year-old daughter were hauled from their beige Volkswagon Golf V6 at 9.20pm
FEARS a vital service may be pulled out of Alcester are growing after Stratford Council cut funding to voluntary organisations, writes Helen Clarke. The Alcester branch of Stratford CAB, based at Globe House, will no longer be able to afford the accommodation
Pensioners in Alcester will be treated to a free evening of entertainment courtesy of Alcester Amateur Operatic Society and the Rotary Club. The society will be performing a show entitled 'Let us entertain you' for the elderly of the town on Wednesday
IT was a poignant moment for Alcester Mayor Wendy Weatherhead as she celebrated the relocating of a town business - to a building where her father once owned a fish shop. A shop selling new and nearly new clothes has moved from Swan Street to 14 High
APRIL is a budding time of the year in Timms Wood at Coughton Court, where the bluebells have come into full bloom. The bluebells, also featuring a lesser known albino variety, flower next to Coughton's other gardens which celebrate their 10th anniversary
FIRE crews were called to a blaze which had been started deliberately in a stairwell in the Kingfisher Centre just after 5pm on Saturday. The fire, in the former Kingfisher House above the new bus station development, involved paper and electric cables
GOAL king Gary Hay could be the man to confirm Alvechurch's survival after returning from duty with Willenhall. The Lye Meadow side have been on the slide since leading scorer Hay left to join Rob Smith's Alliance side. But Andy Hibbert kept Hay's Midland
FECKENHAM manager Clive Campion was hoping to announce a clean bill of health for last night's Worcestershire Senior Urn final after a number of absentees returned for the 1-0 weekend win over Cheslyn Hay. Dave Fletcher deputised in goal for Dave Inman
REDDITCH United Women visit Fairfield on Thursday and have yet to arrange a fixture on Sunday, writes Lynda Morrison. Reds manager Steve Tayler is set to field an under-strength side because of absentees at the end of a disappointing season. And the Redditch
KINGS Heath manager Sean Lawless has retracted his threat to resign as manager and says the future is looking healthier after the club negotiated use of improved training facilities for next season. The Kingsmen are set to continue their groundshare at
STUDLEY hitman Craig Pountney rounded off an impressive season by officially winning the Polymac golden boot for the Midland Alliance's top goalscorer. The pint-sized former Sutton Coldfield Town forward finished the season with 30 league goals to his
HEADLESS Cross' title challenge is set to go down to the wire with all four title contenders winning at the weekend. Cross romped home 6-1 against West Bromwich Strollers with hotshot Alison Johnson bagging four. But results elsewhere have left Headless
BLUES Ladies are celebrating a historic double after romping to the AXA FA Premier Southern Division title. Marcus Bignot's all-conquering Ladies followed up their County Cup final success with a 7-1 demolition of Wolves under the Molineux floodlights
RUGBY in Bromsgrove received a boost at the weekend when the town's U17s won the North Midlands U17s Plate with a 19-15 victory over Luctonians. Luctonians applied the early pressure but it was Bromsgrove who went ahead when Matt Gillick kicked a simple
DROITWICH Spa U15s rugby team put in a battling performance but lost their North Midlands Plate final clash 28-14 to Birmingham and Solihull. Spa enjoyed a lot of first half possession but three breakaway tries left them 21-0 down. Droitwich fought back
DROITWICH Spa RFC ended their penultimate friendly of the season with a 43-26 defeat at Bridgnorth. Droitwich, giving debuts to teenagers Phil Horton and Andrew Manns, started slowly and allowed Bridgnorth a couple of early tries. Bridgnorth, two leagues
DESPITE entering three sides the Mayfly pub exited the Punch Pub Cup five-a-side competition in the regional heats. The Mayfly's finest failed to finish in the top two after the tournament at Salford Stadium, Birmingham.
FIVE-A-SIDE champs Redditch Lions are amongst the favourites for the Leisure Leagues' UK Tournament. Last season's Wednesday Trinity High School Premiership champions automatically qualified for the national competition and strolled through their local
Pictures of old Redditch are featured in a new book about Worcestershire called Living Memories. The 120-page hardback book by Dorothy Nicolle is published by Frith Book Co and also includes mid-20th century pictures of Astwood Bank and Beoley, as well
A Bradley Green cottage garden will be open to the public on May 16 as part of the National Gardens Scheme. Maureen Weaver will open her garden at Red House Farm on the B4090 Alcester to Droitwich road from 11-5pm. Admission is £2 for adults and free
STUDLEY pupils stepped out in style when they held their own fashion show as part of an unusual business skills day. Warwickshire Education Business Partnership visited the Crooks Lane school on Friday for a virtual exercise in which 140 Year 10 pupils
STUDLEY'S annual fun and craft fair will be held on May 25 and organisers are inviting people to set up a table or stall. The annual event is run by Studley High School PTA and has grown year on year. Committee member Barbara Gasby said any crafters or
BUDDING musicians are being urged to show off their talents at an annual town music event. The preliminary rounds for Bromsgrove Festival's International Young Musician's Platform will run from Thursday, May 2, to Saturday, May 4, at New Guesten Hall,
STUDLEY writers are featured in a free magazine funded by a Midlands arts body. Raw Edge magazine features home-grown writing talent as well as plenty of information for readers and writers in the region. Raw Edge can be found in libraries and arts centres
THIS report covers both March and April. Business at both meetings revolved around the forthcoming whist drive, the group meeting at Aston Cantlow and the resolutions meeting at Alcester WI. The speaker at the March meeting was Jill Newbury and her topic
The April meeting started with a minute's silence as a mark of respect for the Queen Mother. On a happier note, arrangements continue to be made for the Queens Golden Jubilee dinner at Vera Cox's during July. A number of members also intend to join the
THE annual concert took place at the Palace Theatre on April 13 and featured the Aber Valley Male Choir. Musical director was J Geraint Evans, accompanist Aurelia Jones. The soloist, Miriam Simpson Moran, was "home grown" in Redditch and now teaches music
THE April meeting was very well attended. The title, 'New Plants from Old', heralded one of Heather Lindley's excellent propagation sessions which always guarantee members a chance to have a go for themselves. Everyone had the opportunity to propagate
