PLACARDS stating "lunatics have taken over asylum" and "Lord Haw Haw is alive and well and working for France" were just some of the views on show at the Throckmorton rally. A thousand people from villages surrounding the airfield, as well as Pershore
WORCESTER Rugby Club's Nicky Crawford boosted England's World Cup hopes with a try in a 13-5 win over Spain in the second round. The Sixways winger touched down in the second- half to seal a semi-final spot against Canada tomorrow. Crawford, however,
THE Herefordshire parents of heroin victim Rachel Whitear have called for a massive reform of the UK's drug laws after being taken on a tour of Holland. Mick and Pauline Holcroft of Ledbury, went to the Netherlands, where cannabis can be openly bought
THIEVES who escaped with a safe after breaking into an Evesham business are being sought by West Mercia police. The culprits broke into The Caf Roma in the town's Bridge Street during the early hours of last Friday by climbing through a window. But police
MORE than £1million has been earmarked for University College Worcester for a variety of exciting initiatives. The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) has agreed to provide £954,000 in financial support for the St John's campus' developments
A DISTRAUGHT Worcestershire farmer says she fears for her future after tests for bovine tuberculosis in her cattle proved positive - a year after she lost all her previous livestock to foot-and-mouth. Julia Evans' farm in Whitbourne has been dealt this
WORCESTERSHIRE will not be given a "veto" over proposals to abolish councils across the county to make way for a mini-Parliament, it has emerged. Earlier this month the Evening News revealed every district council in the county would be axed, along with
A WORCESTERSHIRE MP has backed controversial plans allowing unmarried and gay couples to adopt children. Redditch MP Jacqui Smith led the way as MPs backed controversial plans to allow the changes in the country's adoption rules. She defended the move
PLANS to put kerbstones on a stretch of road will turn the area into an "urban park", according to disgruntled Malvern Hills Conservators. Malvern Hills Highways Partnership is to put kerbing on Peachfield Road to the east of the railway bridge, land
IN a delightfully tactful way, I was warned John Edgecombe only occasionally touches down on this planet and sadly his spaceship hadn't landed the day I phoned him. He was probably somewhere up there floating in a world of his own having smoked several
A WORCESTER-based women's choir is facing the final curtain unless it finds a volunteer pianist to join the group. The Redhill Ladies Choir, which has 16 members, is appealing for piano players with enough spare time to join the group which performs a
HISTORY was brought to life for more than 500 visitors to the Avoncroft Museum in Bromsgrove, at the weekend. The Rough Diamonds historical society were in residence and provided a fun event packed with music and colour. Members of the society helped
MARK Shail is poised to sign for Worcester City for another season. The defender, who put in a string of impressive displays after arriving at St George's Lane in January to help his former club out during its injury crisis, could sign by Thursday. City
WORCESTERSHIRE are confident pace star Andy Bichel will be fit to play in tomorrow's Benson and Hedges Cup quarter-final showdown with Gloucestershire at Bristol. He suffered a hamstring tweak in the County's home Championship defeat against Essex and
Position: Hooker. Age: 22. Previous clubs: -. Plenty of under-21 experience under his belt should have brought him closer to the first team but with Chris Pearson and Chris Hall in front of him, his opportunities may be limited.
Position: Fly half. Age: 20. Previous clubs: -. Had a taste of first-team rugby last season and will be pushing for more action in September.
Position: Flanker. Age: 20. Previous clubs: -. Mason scored a try on debut for Worcester's first-team in a 71-14 win over Otley in March. Is highly rated by director of rugby John Brain and will be pushing hard for a starting role next season.
Position: Scrum half. Age: 27. Previous clubs: Cats (Super 12). Has 20 Springbok caps to his name and is rated highly in his native South Africa. Will expect to be number one at Sixways but faces tough competition from many people's player of last season
Position: Full Back. Age: 21. Previous clubs: Bristol. Exciting product of the Bristol Academy, Southwell will push Duncan Roke for a starting place at 15 next season. Spent a time on trial last season and took the eye with a number of pacy displays.
Position: Flanker. Age: 28. Previous clubs: Western Province, Stormers. Pfister has struggled with injury in recent seasons but will offer competition for places in the back row with the likes of Jim Jenner, Christian Evans, Mark Gabey, Richard Bates
Position: Hooker. Age: 27. Previous clubs: Natal Sharks, Bedford, Orrell. Pearson teams up with Chris Hall next season as Worcester try to solve their problematic position. Joe Ross has been released after a disappointing campaign.
Position: Prop. Age: 32. Previous clubs: Saracens, Rotherham. Vastly experienced tight-head prop arrives to add competition for places. Takes Alejandro Moreno's spot in the Sixways squad.
Position: Prop. Age: 23. Previous clubs: Swansea. The 6ft, 18 stone prop spent time on-loan at Worcester last season and played a couple of Warriors matches. Impressed against Leicester and won a contract on the back of his performances.
Position: Lock/Flanker. Age: 28. Previous clubs: Bristol, London Irish, Bath. One of Worcester's most eye-catching signings for next season. The forward is happy either in the second or back row and is a powerful scoring threat.
A MAJOR player in the world of Apple Macintosh computers has chosen Malvern as the place to base his business. Stuart Wilkes lived in the town before moving to Canada in May 2001 to work for a major software company. However, when he set up Iscentia,
Position: Centre. Age: 30. Previous clubs: Gloucester. The former England A powerhouse was in and out the side after the arrival of Andy Keast and is waiting to hear whether he is wanted for next season at Sixways.
Position: Prop. Age: 33. Previous clubs: Gloucester. Windo won a new contract at Sixways on the back of a very consistent season. Will provide good competition for places this time around.
WORCESTERSHIRE are confident pace star Andy Bichel will be fit to play in tomorrow's Benson and Hedges Cup quarter-final showdown with Gloucestershire at Bristol. He suffered a hamstring tweak in the County's home Championship defeat against Essex and
MARK Shail is poised to sign for Worcester City for another season. The defender, who put in a string of impressive displays after arriving at St George's Lane in January to help his former club out during its injury crisis, could sign by Thursday. City
Position: Lock. Age: 23. Previous clubs: Cardiff, Llanelli. Great first season at Worcester from Morgan and built up a good understanding with Dan Zaltzman. Has represented Wales at youth, under-18, 19 and 21 level and cannot be far off a full cap.
Position: Prop. Age: 32. Previous clubs: Kidderminster, Moseley. Lyman was one of Worcester's most consistent players last season and saw off the challenge of Alejandro Moreno to win a new contract. One of a few local players still at Sixways.
Position: Centre. Age: 25. Previous clubs: Bedford. One of the players of the season at Sixways. Scored 20 tries from centre and full-back and should go from strength to strength next season in National One. A big plus for Worcester to have him after
Position: Hooker. Age: 22. Previous clubs: Gloucester. A consistent performer last season and did well to fight off the challenge of Joe Ross. Won a new contract and will go head to head with Chris Pearson for the number two spot.
Position: Winger. Age: 24. Previous clubs: Wests (Brisbane). Aussie Garrard took Sixways by storm last season with 25 National One tries. He finished as the club's top scorer and signed a new deal despite Premiership interest.
WORCESTERSHIRE revved up for tomorrow's big Benson and Hedges Cup quarter-final against Gloucestershire by launching their Norwich Union League Division One campaign with a crushing 127-run win over Somerset Sabres at New Road yesterday. Skipper Graeme
MAY I add my voice to the debate on culling badgers. I cannot understand why anyone would want this done. It seems to be unnecessary. On a recent trip to North Wales, I counted 10 dead badgers on the roads. That must be multiplied many times on all the
I CANNOT be the only one who has no faith left in the Government's six-month consultation period over hunting. Alun Michael, the Minister in charge of the proceedings, has left us in little doubt over his feelings by continually voting for a complete
THE county's ability to provide businesses with prime real estate will be under the spotlight at the Property Show 2002 being held at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, this week. The Worcestershire Economic Partnership is a joint initiative
A WORCESTERSHIRE wine company is looking forward to a right royal commemoration of the Queen's Golden Jubilee. Willraynes Wine Company, in Pershore, has produced a limited edition Golden Jubilee port presentation box. The company has been given special
CAMPAIGNERS against an asylum seekers' centre in a Worcestershire village say they will not back down until their battle is won. Around 1,000 people from Throckmorton, near Pershore, and the surrounding villages held a rally opposite the airfield yesterday
DRUG addicts in Worcester were left without a vital dose of methadone for 48 hours, because of an administrative blunder, they claim. And at least one recovering addict turned back to heroin. Around 20 were expecting to pick up their prescribed drug on
HOSPITALS like Worcester's new facility have been condemned for not being "value for money" by a leading expert. In an article in the British Medical Journal, the Worcester PFI scheme has been revealed as more expensive to run than before the transfer
MYSTERY flooding at a Worcester arts centre could cost more money than the venue can afford for a revamp. Water has been seeping into Worcester Arts Workshop in Sansome Street sporadically for the last four years. But the cause of the flooding is still
A RECOVERING heroin user, who wanted to spruce himself up before seeing his son, stole a packet of razor blades to shave off his beard. Andrew Boulter decided to take the razor blades when he collected a prescription from Superdrug in Worcester. The 31
THE Royal British Legion held a rally as part of the Ombersley branch's 80th anniversary and the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations. The rally was organised by the Ombersley branch and a special service was held in a marquee. Fourteen different Worcestershire
A NEW mum is having to endure an 16-mile round trip to see a dentist after her Worcester practice stopped treatment on the NHS. Kay Dallimer has been told she has to travel to a dental surgery in Droitwich, if she wants treatment on the NHS. Mrs Dallimer
FOUR Malvern women are planning to leap from a cliff top in Bristol - attached to a piece of wire. The extreme fund-raising stunt has been instigated by 47-year-old Katie Johnson to raise money for the Meningitis Research Foundation. Her daughter was
THE future of eye services at hospitals in Bromsgrove and Redditch is yet to be decided, campaigners have been told. Thousands of people have signed petitions to retain the services at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bromsgrove and the Princess Alexandra
REGENERATION work in the Tallow Hill area of Worcester is well underway. Work to improve the area started in February, and is due to continue until Christmas. As part of the development, a replacement car park, canal bridge and new road will be built.
Art Redditch Art Circle: Rose Kimberly, Secretary (01527 402417). Wythall Art Group: Jan Whitehouse (0121 4452582). Arts Redditch Arts Council: Miss A. M. Davis, Secretary, 227 Birchfield Road, Headless Cross (546056). Redditch Society for the Appreciation
WHEN is comes to money for the arts, it seems that there is never enough to go around. Theatres, other live entertainment venues and arts groups are left waiting with bated breath every year when it comes to the annual round of grants. Worcester Arts
A WOMAN living on the slopes of British Camp is calling for action to prevent sheep straying on to the A449 Malvern to Ledbury road. Helen Turner, whose home is beside the road above Chance's Pitch, fears there will be an accident unless steps are taken
Position: Centre. Age: 22. Previous clubs: Harlequins. One of Andy Keast's favourites and will be a player to watch next season.
Position: Scrum half. Age: 22. Previous clubs: - Will struggle to break through Richard Smith and Werner Swanepoel for a starting place but should get more chances for the Warriors next season.
Position: Centre. Age: 23. Previous clubs: Harlequins, Bristol. Seventeen stone centre has struggled to reach his potential but is hoping a move to Worcester under former mentor Andy Keast can resurrect his career.
Position: Winger. Age: 23. Previous clubs: La Rochelle, Cardiff. Powerhouse winger stands at 6ft 6in and weighs in at 17 stone. Is one of the biggest wingers in world rugby and promises to pose a threat for National One defences next season.
AT some stage this year, the people of Worcester will discover whether or not a new school is to be built on the city's outskirts. Worcestershire County Council has submitted plans for a high school to be built at Earls Court Farm, Bromyard Road. It would
Position: Winger. Age: 25. Previous clubs: Leicester, London Irish. The Nigerian-born speed king should prove a big threat next season. Was rated as one of the quickest backs in the Zurich Premiership last season.
Position: Flanker. Age: 30. Previous clubs: Natal Sharks, London Irish. Hardman Bates should be a tough competitor in National One next season if he makes a full recovery from a shoulder injury picked up in January.
Position: Lock. Age: 24. Previous clubs: Harlequins. The powerful lock only had a handful of appearances at Worcester last season but looked good when he played. Is waiting to see whether he will be retained for next season. Much will depend on his involvement
Position: Lock. Age: 26. Previous clubs: Saracens, Leicester. Zaltzman built up a good partnership with Martin Morgan last season and it was no surprise to see him win a new Sixways contract. A fiery competitor.
Position: Scrum half. Age: 28. Previous clubs: Ebbw Vale. Smith enjoyed a fantastic first season at Worcester and easily won the battle with Elton Moncrief for the number nine shirt. 2002-03 will, however, be an interesting season for the former Wales
Position: Full back. Age: 27. Previous clubs: Henley, Leicester. Came to Sixways as a centre but by the end of the campaign had established himself as the number one full-back at Worcester. His pace is his greatest asset and will be a threat again next
HEREFORD United manager Graham Turner is hoping Nationwide First Division players will be among those moving to Edgar Street over the summer. The Bulls' boss has already spoken to 10 players and made a couple of offers and may complete his first signing
WORCESTER Rugby Club's Nicky Crawford boosted England's World Cup hopes with a try in a 13-5 win over Spain in the second round. The Sixways winger touched down in the second- half to seal a semi-final spot against Canada tomorrow. Crawford, however,
Position: Flanker. Age: 23. Previous clubs: Durban, Harlequins. An Andy Keast favourite and got the nod last season in the game of the season at Rotherham. Will be hoping to have an injury-free campaign.
THERE are few venues which emanate such a compelling atmosphere as Shelsley Walsh amid the enduring spectacle of the hill climb. The smell of the paddock, the friendliness of the competitors and the wonderfully historic course lends itself to one of Worcestershire's
SKIPPER Graeme Hick blamed Worcestershire's failure with the bat for their disappointing five wicket Frizzell County Championship Division Two defeat against Essex at New Road. It was the County's second successive County Championship reversal and followed
WORCESTERSHIRE revved up for tomorrow's big Benson and Hedges Cup quarter-final against Gloucestershire by launching their Norwich Union League Division One campaign with a crushing 127-run win over Somerset Sabres at New Road yesterday. Skipper Graeme
IT was jockey Evan Williams who struck at the Golden Valley point to point meeting at Bredwardine on Saturday scoring a double and moving onto 32 wins for the season two clear of rival Julian Pritchard in the race for the riders Championship. The two
Position: Number eight. Age: 30. Previous clubs: Bristol, Exeter, Newcastle. Jenner was named supporters' player of the season after a fine return following his one campaign in the Premiership with Newcastle. Brought an extra try scoring threat with his
Position: Back Row. Age: 31. Previous clubs: Bayonne (France), Bristol. Evans was one of the unsung heroes of the Worcester squad last season and weighed in with some vital tries.
Position: Fly half. Age: 33. Previous clubs: Glasgow, Harlequins. Vastly experienced player who has won 60 Scottish caps. Chalmers, who also represented the British Lions during a glittering career, won a new contract after an injury ravaged first season
BROMSGROVE children can scoop free maps thanks to a massive education initiative. Teachers at town schools are being urge to ensure their pupils don't miss out on the Ordnance Survey, scheme to give every 11-year-old in the country a free explorer map
ON the second day of Alan Brodrick's job of deputy head at a Worcester school he was told he was being promoted. The then head of Nunnery Wood High School was going on secondment to Germany the following term and someone needed to take hold of the reins
THE news that Throckmorton Airfield is destined to be used as an asylum seekers' holiday camp should come as no surprise, given the sheer arrogance of a government that doesn't give a hoot about the wishes of the people. Add this to a spineless, useless
IT is not because people are living longer these days that we have a problem with an ageing population. It's because many people no longer want babies but prefer contraception and abortion. However, other cultures in this country are different. They are
ORDINARY mortals submitting a planning application to build have to demonstrate on the plans that sufficient parking space has been included. If they cannot do so, the application may well be refused. Why was such not the case for plans to build the new
WHAT a complete load of nonsense from Tony Hockin (You Say, May 13) about the possible transfer of the Worcester City Council Housing stock. I would suggest he contacts either the Director of Housing Worcester City Council or the Chairman of the Worcester
WHO can expect the support of the Independents? Councillor Mike Layland (You Say, May 11) repeats the Independents' mantra of "people first". So, which residents of Worcester can look forward to the support of the Independents? Could it be those council
TWO men were arrested on suspicion of theft from motor vehicles following a call from an off duty police officer The officer spotted the two men acting suspiciously and police arrived at Holly Close in Droitwich at 3.30am last Wednesday. Shortly after
SKIPPER Graeme Hick blamed Worcestershire's failure with the bat for their disappointing five wicket Frizzell County Championship Division Two defeat against Essex at New Road. It was the County's second successive County Championship reversal and followed
Role: Right-hand bat, right-arm off-breaks. Born: 9 September 1975, Kanpur, India Height: 5ft 11ins First Class debut: 1995 Major Teams: Cambridge University (1996-98), Warwickshire. Known As: Anurag Singh Best batting: 157 for Camb Univ v Sussex 1996
A CLEANING products company that started with three employees is set to see turnover soar to around £2m this year. Express Cleaning Supplies, in Malvern, is going from strength to strength. The company's website receives 600,000 visits each month and
