HOME Office Minister Bev Hughes is being urged to save cash by ditching plans to build the massive Throckmorton asylum centre before making a planning application. The call was made by Mid-Worcestershire's MP, Peter Luff, after he persuaded the minister
A JOINT funeral is being held for a Malvern firefighter and his colleague's son who were killed in a road accident. Retained firefighter Kevin Taylor and Mark Hitchins, both 28 and from Malvern, died when Mr Taylor's Yamaha 600cc motorbike was involved
THE Queen's Jubilee Baton came to Worcester yesterday on its 30,000-mile trip around Britain and the Commonwealth. Karen Styles, from Button Oak, near Bewdley, carried the baton over Worcester Bridge. The baton is on its way to the Commonwealth Games
CYCLE routes around the Malvern Hills and further afield have been unveiled. A campaign to promote the many and varied cycle rides in the region has been launched by the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty office. Two leaflets covering cycle routes to
FRENCH students have been dining on a diet of Worcester life this month, thanks to a twinning scheme. Jean-Baptiste Canevet and Celine Grinenwald, from Worcester's twin town of Le Vesinet in France, have been working in the Faithful City. Although Miss
A WORCESTER school has been blowing its own trumpet with the help of a city organisation. Dines Green Primary School is the proud owner of four new trumpets thanks to Worcester South Rotary Club. The school, which has a strong musical tradition, received
A WORCESTER lollipop lady has been awarded with a commemorative plate for long service from the children she helps cross the road. Jean Birbeck has been keeping Red Hill CE Primary School children safe for 31 years. At a special assembly on Tuesday, she
A COUPLE who met while working in a Worcester cinema are celebrating their golden wedding anniversary today. Lillian and Patrick Long began dating after they met at the former Gaumont cinema. The couple used to go for drives in Mr Long's prized possession
IT was love at first sight for John Morris when he spotted Jean during a dance at the maintenance unit club in Hartlebury. Fifty years later, the happy couple are celebrating their golden wedding anniversary today with family and friends - proving you
A LEGAL chief has called for an investigation into flaws at Kidderminster's groundbreaking multi-million pound "super-court". The magistrates court at Comberton Place, which opened last year, is in the dock after being slammed in a report. Hereford and
SCHOOL orchestras could be forced to wind down when music tuition fees rise next term, claims an anxious Stourport parent. Graham Powell says he will have to pay almost £100 a year extra in order for his 10-year-old son Jack to continue with his trumpet
EXTRA languages and opportunities have been opened up to a Worcestershire school after it was granted specialist status. Prince Henry's High School in Evesham will become a languages college from next term. The school, in Victoria Avenue, was the only
CONGRATULATIONS to our new licensed reader Roger Gillard who was admitted to office with other candidates from the diocese by the Bishop of Worcester at Worcester Cathedral last Saturday afternoon.
ON a sunny afternoon on July 7, and in spite of other attractions, including a Wimbledon final, Mick and Vera Martin were delighted to welcome so many of you to their colourful garden at Dowdings Brook Cottage. £240 was raised for St Michael's Hospice
A SUCCESSFUL summer fayre took place on Saturday, June 29 at Eldersfield Lawn School on a fine and sunny afternoon. The school entrance and grounds were brightly decorated with red, white and blue bunting which gave a lovely setting for the stalls, games
TOMORROW (Saturday) Outer Limits, the benefice church youth group, will be holding its annual barbecue and games in Bushley from 7-9pm. New members are always welcome. Please ring Longdon Vicarage on (01684) 833256 for details. Also on Saturday, the West
THE trial run for the new format village lunch on July 3 was very successful. Sixteen people met up and enjoyed a great variety of summer quiches, pies, salads etc plus the usual delicious sweets. Wednesday, August 7 is our next projected meeting at 1pm
NEWLAND travelled to Chainwire with only nine men and it was no surprise that an eight wicket hammering ensued in this WCL Division Five match. CHAINWIRE v NEWLAND Tolley won the toss and elected to bat and saw two of the top three depart for ducks. Only
WORCESTER Nomads 1st XI continue to make progress up the WCL Division Two table following their second win in two consecutive matches, this time away to Stourport. STOURPORT v WORCESTER NOMADS The home side were dismissed comprehensively for an unimpressive
THE Malvern Terrace Artists sold 24 paintings and a number of specially made cards during their annual exhibition held at the weekend. Organiser Pat Claytor said the event, held in Hanley Swan Village Hall, was a great success and helped raise £350 for
THE Battle of Britain Memorial Lancaster aircraft will star in the Royal International Air Tattoo 2002 at RAF Fairford this weekend. One of only two in the world still airworthy, the appearance by the wartime bomber marks 60 years since the Lancaster's
BARNARDS Green travelled to Pershore for a Worcs Sunday Cricket League Division One match. PERSHORE v BARNARDS GREEN SUNDAY On a hot afternoon skipper Kevin Ratcliffe lost the toss and was asked to field. Pershore got off to a steady start through South
THE annual Malvern CC Quintech U14 cricket competition held at Regency Road last Sunday was played in bright, sunny conditions. Six local teams took part and rewarded the many spectators with cricket of an extraordinary high standard and an absorbing
STUDLEY manager Mark Chambers has strengthened his enviable strike options with the addition of Matt Coppin. The former Redditch, Solihull and Evesham striker has moved to the Beehive after being released from Alliance runners-up Bromsgrove Rovers at
SOME EYE-CATCHING cases were reported by the Journal from the Worcester Petty Sessions court this week exactly 100 years ago. Here are just four:- "AN ITALIAN AND HIS DONKEY": "Lucas Diplacite, an Italian organ grinder, of Pheasant Street, Worcester,
A FURTHER insight into the lives of England's rich and famous a century ago is given by the Journal's London correspondent "Aurora" in her Ladies' Column for this week of 1902. "From England there has been quite an exodus of travellers to the Continental
1802: The 5th Dragoons, who for some time have been stationed in Worcester, have received a route for Newcastle-upon-Tyne. One division marched from hence this morning, and the remainder are expected to follow in the course of the present week. Wanted
What a brilliant way to conclude this year's festival! A relaxing drink with friends and wonderful music, courtesy of Don Paterson (guitar) and Steve Hamilton (keyboard). Both musicians are superb exponents of their art and they led us through a diverse
Chloe Poems was driven by anger, despite the wit and good humour that the transvestite and poet displays on stage. His wit is not in doubt. He told the audience in the Market Theatre: "I'm gay and being 40 is like 173 in gay years. They're like dog years
Despite coming from very different backgrounds - Sean O'Brien grew up on the outskirts of Hull and John Kinsella half a world away alternating between farm and city life in Australia - both share remarkably similar views about poetry; particularly contemporary
Composer Ian Venables explained that some people preferred their poetry 'neat', while Housman, among others, considered that it was mutilated when set to music. However Venables described the coming together of poetry and music, the Art Song, as the '
The Market Theatre was packed out for UA Fanthorpe and still people were queuing in the rain outside for a ticket. Who says poetry isn't popular? Her popularity is down in part to her accessibility. She is first of all a poet of ideas, not a possessed
THIS may have been the first ever Poetry Breakfast the Ledbury event has hosted but I wouldn't mind betting on a return for this innovative platter come 2003. Pleasant venue, smashing grub and two readings that tip-toed around the mind gently before leaving
IT WAS definitely Clive And-erson's line when he shared his favourite poems with BBC Radio Four's Francine Stock and a large audience in stifling heat in the Community Hall. Anderson's appearances as host and guest on TV quiz and talk shows, including
JASON Roberts and new signing Ronnie Wallwork will be among the West Bromwich Albion team to face Bromsgrove Rovers at the Victoria Ground tomorrow (3pm). Other first-teamers in action for the Premiership newcomers include captain Derek McInnes, Scott
FORMER members of Upton Youth Band are getting together for a concert to mark the outfit's 21st anniversary. The reunion band will play alongside current member as part of celebrations taking place on Upton Sports Field on Sunday (July 21). The present
A performance by blues band Steve McQueen and the Bullitts is to be used to raise the profile Upton Sports Club as a venue for parties and social events. Club chairman Nick Allen hopes the gig tomorrow (Saturday), which is part of the town's blues festival
HANLEY Castle High School scooped first prize in a languages competition with a performance of Little Red Riding Hood in German. Twelve Year 8 pupils took part in the performance on July 2 at Prince Henry's High School, in Evesham, as part of a schools
AN estate agent with 19 years' experience said the proposed marina development would help keep house prices in Upton buoyant. Liz Rickard, of John Goodwin, said media coverage of flooding had made it "more of an issue" to sell houses in the town. Speaking
WORK at the Star Inn will mean the closure of a 70-yard stretch of Dunn's Lane. The road will be closed to vehicles between Lower High Street and Severn Drive for four weeks from Wednesday (July 24).
KIDS' Capers will be running a children's club at the Hill Centre from Monday (July 22), to Friday, August 26, from 9am to 5pm. Contact Sarah Loader on 07773 484171 or Nicki Taha on 07773478288.
A GARDEN party is being held by the North Upton Deanery branch of the Mothers' Union on Thursday (July 25) at 2.30pm at Corse Lawn. Transport can be arranged. Call Betty Willcox on 01684 592309.
MY son and daughter visit the skatepark in Victoria Park several times during the school week and every day during the holidays, as do many others. The skatepark is very popular. I was saddened to read your front-page article in the Malvern Gazette (June
IN reply to Mr Pack (Your Letters, July 5), yes, Bromyard councillors are trying to get a skatepark but on Bromyard playing fields. They are doing this because they are thinking about the best interests of the children in Bromyard. Of course, the councillors
STRIKERS formed picket lines in Malvern on Wednes-day as public service union Unison took day-long action over a national pay dispute. There were small, peaceful picket lines at Malvern Lib-rary, the Council House in Avenue Road and Portland House. With
I WOULD be very grateful if you would allow me to thank the people who came to my assistance when I tripped and fell in the High Street. Their help in calling the paramedics, who arrived very quickly indeed, and in informing my husband was very much appreciated
MALVERN boasts a happy mixture of outstanding natural beauty and lively culture. QinetiQ is one of the foremost scientific research facilities in Britain. Morgan is a world leader in the heritage of motoring. Perhaps as a result the local audience for
A DATE for the closure of the Madresfield Allotments has been put back to 2007 by Malvern Town Council. Previously, Malvern Hills District Council and the Madresfield Allotments Association had negotiated a phased closure of the plots ending in 2010,
ON a shopping visit to Ledbury's charming High Street recently my wife and I experienced an incident totally out of character with the friendly and hospitable treatment we have enjoyed over several years superb summer holidays in this delightful town.
IT is a fact that you can't have winners without having losers. If council workers win their claim for a six per cent pay rise householders will lose by having an even larger annual increase in Council Tax. The three per cent increase which council workers
A WARNING that public vigilance is needed to help bring to justice people who abandon cars and dump rubbish has been sounded by Malvern Hills Conservators. Fears were raised at a board meeting last Thursday (July 11) that the rising cost of disposing
I FIND it hard to believe that the Malvern Hills Conservators are even considering giving up their control of Barnards Green island. I might be stupid but I thought conservators were involved with conservation but to even discuss a proposal for its alteration
A NEW art school offering workshops and classes for adults and children will open its doors in Malvern in September. Colwall art teacher Anthony Blakemore has joined forces with the school's Malvern-based proprietor Rozita Noor to create an inspirational
Recently, whilst visiting friends in Stretton Grandison, I read the June 21 edition of Ledbury Reporter. There was an article in Malvern Memories on the demon drink with a quote from Earl of Beauchamp, Madres-field Court. My grandmother, Kate Louisa Taysom
AS, not for the first time, one of the Malvern Hills District Council's refuse wagons has managed to remove a piece of wall from the corner of Broads Bank and Portland Road (on the right looking up Broads Bank) it is high time that the real reason for
FIREWORKS marked the 100th birthday of one of Malvern's most senior residents last Sunday (July 14). Three generations of Pat Green's family came to wish her happy birthday and celebrate the event, which saw her receive congratulatory telegrams from the
It's the end of an era at The Chase in Malvern today (Friday) with the retirement of headteacher David Fawbert after 16 years. Mr Fawbert joined the school in 1986 from Evesham High School, where he was deputy head. In that time, he has seen the number
AN 18-year-old who has worked as a volunteer assistant at a Malvern school has been named as Britain's outstanding student of the year. Mark Szortowski, who overcame bereavement and ill-health to win the award, impressed judges of the Edexcel competition
CROWDS turned out on a sunny afternoon to cheer on the Queen's Jubilee Baton as it came through Ledbury. People started to gather on either side of High Street at about 4pm on Wednesday, but had to wait patiently for about half an hour for its arrival
THE owner of a Link Top bookmakers has won a planning appeal against Malvern Hills District Council which means he can open on Sundays and later in the evening. Bob Mason this week welcomed the decision by a planning inspector to overturn the conditions
WE'VE often been told that men are from Mars and women are from Venus, which offers us a believable funny way of recognising different behaviour patterns. Do men and women share more similar behaviour than this suggests? Rather than this theory perhaps
BUOYANT John Brain has thrown down the gauntlet to champions Rotherham insisting Worcester Rugby Club are ready to steal their crown. Worcester's director of rugby brought in 14 new faces during a summer shopping spree and, with most of last season's
ASSISTANT boss Mick Tuohy has cited Cheltenham Town as an inspiration for Worcester City ahead of the Robins' visit to St George's Lane tomorrow (3pm). In five short years the Gloucestershire side, now managed by former City boss Graham Allner, have risen
A DROP-IN session is being held next week to generate ideas for the £600,000 facelift of a Malvern Link estate. Duke of Edinburgh Way is to be turned into a "home zone", an area where street furniture such as planters, trees and play areas slow traffic
Northamptonshire soon lost a wicket after winning the toss and deciding to bat against Worcestershire in their Frizzell County Championship Division Two match which opened at sunny New Road today. Paceman Alamgir Sheriyar struck in his first over, trapping
AN 89-year-old Malvern man who bought his first Morris Minor the year they first rolled off the production line will be among those paying homage to the car this weekend. Sid Webb and his restored 1967 convertible will join up to a 100 members of the
WORCESTERSHIRE have confirmed they will play India at New Road over four days starting Wednesday, July 31. Since the match is being played during the school holidays, a specially reduced price for all children 16 and under of just £2 will be available
WORCESTERSHIRE golf ace John Bickerton experienced caddy trouble on the first day of the Open Championship at Muirfield. The Droitwich player's manager had to carry his clubs round as he shot a two-over-par 73, the same score as Hereford's David Park
A FLYING winger called Giggs is set to feature for Hereford United tonight in their first pre-season friendly against Second Division Tranmere Rovers at Edgar Street (7.45). Rod Giggs, younger brother of Manchester United star Ryan, is expected to line-up
JASON Roberts and new signing Ronnie Wallwork will be among the West Bromwich Albion team to face Bromsgrove Rovers at the Victoria Ground tomorrow (3pm). Other first-teamers in action for the Premiership newcomers include captain Derek McInnes, Scott
HOME, away (Dr Martens Western fixtures unless stated) Thu Jul 18 Cradley Town (Friendly) 1-0 (Crisp) Sat Jul 20 WEST BROMWICH ALBION (Friendly) Sat Aug 17 Racing Club Warwick Tue Aug 20 BEDWORTH UNITED Sat Aug 24 SHEPSHED DYNAMO Mon Aug 26 Rugby United
BROMSGROVE Rovers got their pre-season programme off to a winning start with a 1-0 victory at Cradley Town last night (Thursday). Mark Crisp scored the only goal of the game on 40 minutes. Joint managers Gary Hackett and Jon Ford used the match as a trial
STUART LITTLE 2 (U): Geena Davis, Hugh Laurie, Jonathan Lipnicki, and the voices of Michael J Fox, Nathan Lane, Steve Zahn, Melanie Griffith, James Woods. The best gifts often come in the smallest packages, and the old adage certainly holds true for Stuart
Malvern Concert Club chairman Peter Evans has promised members a "mouthwatering" line-up for its forthcoming cent-enary season. In a report to the club's annual meeting at Malvern College Music School on Thursday, Mr Evans highlighted cellist Ralph Kirsh-baum
popular choir The Kentwood are returning to Hereford's Courtyard arts centre. They made their first performance at the venue with the Army Air Corps Band two years ago but this time will be on their own, performing a lively fusion of song and rhythm.
WEST End and Broadway star Ruthie Henshall will make her first trip to Malvern when she stars in The Magnificent Musicals at Malvern Theatres. The show, a string of hits from the musicals of stage and screen, is currently on a national tour, something
Dear Venny, Dear Saffron - Gary Crew and Libby Hathorn, Floris Books, £4.99 This a very cleverly-written book by two authors, each of whom plays a role in this almost tragic tale of two pen pals whose relationship begins reluctantly with an enforced school
I THINK N Taylor was well out of order when he described cats and their owners as villains, while his letter praised the dog owners (You Say, July 5). The term cat owners is a misconception because the cat is a free spirit - it comes and goes as and when
EXACTLY one year ago I wrote to this paper to compliment the City Library for its free internet service, on the four computers it provided. As I write this letter, the City Library is still providing the service for those who need it. However, what really
I REFER to the letter from Brian Hunt (You Say, July 10) and note his comments regarding his party's apparent warnings of lack of parking places within the new hospital during the early planning stages. In more recent times, he would be aware also that
AN exhibition of the various community projects which are masterminded by Bromsgrove District Council's arts development service is to go on show later this year. The exhibition, covering both the street theatre and the youth service, will run from September
BROMSGROVE Rovers got their pre-season programme off to a winning start with a 1-0 victory at Cradley Town last night (Thursday). Mark Crisp scored the only goal of the game on 40 minutes. Joint managers Gary Hackett and Jon Ford used the match as a trial
IF you've heard Ian Joseph's mellow tones on Radio 3's Friday night show, Jazz Legends, you'll know he has a voice cool enough to freeze half the Sahara. And now his glacial coolness will be reverberating off the walls of Worcester Cathedral as he continues
GAZETTE columnist Ariel was watching the skies a century ago and enjoying what he saw. "Much attention has been paid lately to the remarkable sunsets which are at present visible," he wrote. "Scientists attribute the phenomena to the dust ejected from
100 years ago Yesterday the members of the Hatherton Lodge of Freemasons, No. 2,474, Walsall, had their annual picnic in Malvern. The members, accompanied by their wives and friends, numbering about 60, arrived by special train at Malvern Link Station
Malvern Cinema: Stuart Little 2 (U) Daily 2pm & 5pm. Odeon Worcester: Stuart Little 2 (U) 112.00, 2.00, 4.00, 6.00, 8.00 (Free list suspended); Austin Powers in Goldmember (12) Thurs only 11.45, 2.00, 4.15, 6.15, 8.30 (Free list suspended); Minority
First Marks play & arts activity programme at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, for children aged up to two years. To find out more or to book a place, telephone 01905 25371. Summer Fun at The Commandery, daily
Everything theatrical, from improvised drama to costume design, is on offer for over 14s at Malvern Theatres' workshops. Run by leading professionals, six different drama summer school classes from July 29 until August 1 will explore skills used in different
THE Everyman theatre in Cheltenham is offering three separate summer schools for people of all ages during July and August. The first is a fun week for children aged seven to ten ears, in which they make up and perform their own play. It runs from Monday
Theatre July 22-27-Who Killed Agatha Christie by Tudor Gates at the Festival Theatre, Malvern Theatres. 2.30pm & 8pm. £10-£18. Box Office (01684) 892277. Concerts July 20-Worcester Male Voice Choir in concert at St John the Baptist Church, Whitbourne
CASTLEMORTON mountain bikers Belinda Flattery and Andrew Tarling have won two more rounds of the 2002 National Trailquest League, bringing their season's tally to four. The National League events are five-hour mountain-bike orienteering competitions testing
CASTLEMORTON rider Stella Baylis and her horse Bright Colours won the British Riding Club Horse of the Year championship at Hartpury College. Representing the Malvern Hills Riding Club at the two-day European event, Stella proved what all-rounders she
MALVERN Chess Club ended their three year title drought when they won the Worcester and District League knockout cup by beating Kidderminster Knights in the final. The only major scare on the way to the final came against the defending champions Kiddermin-ster
MALVERN Hills Gymnastics Club ran away with the prizes when they competed in the inaugural West Midlands Gymnastics Competition at Worcester University. There were four age groups competing on vault, bars, beam and floor and the gymnasts that took part
SATURDAY CRICKET WEST OF ENGLAND CLUBS GLOS/WILTS Division One: Colwall v Bredon. Division One 2nd XIs: Bredon II v Colwall II WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY LEAGUE Division One 1st XIs: Chaddesley Corbett v Bromyard. Division One 2nd XIs: Bromyard II v Chaddesley
AN invitation is extended to all bridge players to enter the 13th Worcester Charity Knockout Rubber Bridge Competition. This is open to all players of any standard who live in Worcestershire, South Shropshire, Dudley, Stourbridge, Halesowen, Warley and
IN the schools county doubles tennis tournament held at Malvern Girls' College Ben Marks and Richard Tuck won the U14 boys title. Representing The Chase School the pair remained undefeated throughout the day. In the semi-final they beat Malvern College
UPTON Primary School won the Malvern and District Schools Rounders Tournament played at Somers Park Primary School, Malvern. Eleven schools took part with the teams playing in two groups with the top two going through to the semi-finals. Although Upton
ON a good night marred only by a short period of monsoon intensity rainfall three riders beat the hour for the 25 mile time trial on the VC Sevale's Kinnersley course. Jon Stedman pipped Brian Boswell by 13 seconds to take the club championship, with
LORD Faulkner of Worcester certainly has a lot to think about before he stands up to speak in the House of Lords. Apparently, there has been an "increasing failure by members to observe the conventions when referring to other members of the House in debate
Ah yes, it's the same one that got me elected MPs - ever mindful of being accused of "sleaze" - often make declarations of interest before they stand up to speak in Westminster debate. In most cases these statements are incredibly tedious. I have, for
MIKE Foster is doing what most people would dread - going on holiday with his boss. The MP, a Parliamentary aide in the education department, is not a glutton for punishment, though. It is coincidence that is placing him in the same resort as Margaret
NORTH Midlands League One club, Upton RFC will once again be hosting its annual seven-a-side rugby tournament over the bank holiday weekend on Saturday, August 24, and is inviting teams from across the region to come and take part. The popular event,
BUILDING societies have the means to take the heat out of the housing market without resorting to calls for higher interest rates, according to a Worcester-shire law firm. Chris Bovey, head of residential conveyancing at Morton Fisher Solicitors, said
THE chairwoman of the Confederation of West Midlands Chambers of Commerce has met the Trade and Industry Secretary to press home the plight of the region's manufacturers. Isabella Moore presented Patricia Hewitt with the confederation's own strategy for
THE AGM of Malvern Club's Crib League will be held at Newtown Club on Monday, July 22 at 8pm. All clubs entering a side are requested to attend and any new clubs wishing to join the league for the 2002/3 season would be most welcome. Details on the night
BUOYANT John Brain has thrown down the gauntlet to champions Rotherham insisting Worcester Rugby Club are ready to steal their crown. Worcester's director of rugby brought in 14 new faces during a summer shopping spree and, with most of last season's
MALVERN Rangers play the first of their pre-season friendlies on Wednesday (July 24) when they visit Fernhill County Sports (7pm). Other matches arranged so far, all away, are: Wednesday, July 31, Inkberrow (7pm); Sunday, August 4, Upton Snodsbury (10.30am
BIG Brother's Tim Culley is odds-on to be booted out of the house tonight, and the Evening News wants readers to say what questions they want him to answer. The former Malvern College student is expected to come face-to-face with an Evening News reporter
A VILLAGER launched an attack on the home of a youth he saw molesting his five-year-old daughter. The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, kicked the door of the family's house and their car, and shouted ''nonces, bas*****'' at them, Worcester
A WORCESTER man cleared of stabbing his cousin five times has been jailed for three years for burgling the same relative's city home. Andrew Wise was found not guilty by a jury of wounding Roger Jones with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and acquitted
LOCAL Government Minister Chris Leslie will be pressed on controversial plans to change the funding formula for Worcestershire's cash-strapped schools. Worcester MP Mike Foster has arranged for a delegation from the county council to visit Westminster
WORCESTERSHIRE have confirmed they will play India at New Road over four days starting Wednesday, July 31. Since the match is being played during the school holidays, a specially reduced price for all children 16 and under of just £2 will be available
A MALVERN man has to don a mask to water his plants because the stench of sewage from a nearby stream has become so unbearable, he claims. People living in Tayside Way and Sycamore Close have also seen rats and have started to feel ill as a result of
A HOMELESS man checked into three hotels, treated himself and his girlfriend to room service and left without paying. Ian Wareing targeted two hotels in Worcester and one in Malvern last month, running up bills totalling nearly £600, Worcester Magistrates
Northamptonshire soon lost a wicket after winning the toss and deciding to bat against Worcestershire in their Frizzell County Championship Division Two match which opened at sunny New Road today. Paceman Alamgir Sheriyar struck in his first over, trapping
A NEW manager has been appointed for an innovative project at University College Worcester. The state-of-the-art Digital Arts Centre will be led by Paul Hazell. It is due to open with a selection of new courses in September next year. The new courses
A WORCESTER GP who helped to redefine the structure of general practice in this country has been honoured at a prestigious ceremony. Dr Mac Knowles was presented at the London ceremony with a medal for being a founder member of the Royal College of General
DEVASTATED classmates of Droitwich teenager Josh Simpson have attended his funeral. A memorial service was held on Wednesday at Droitwich High School, ahead of yesterday's church service, to remember the 13-year-old, who died a week ago when he was hit
WORK has started on Stella McCartney's country retreat in Bishampton, now the plans have been passed. The famous Gucci fashion designer, daughter of former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney, has obtained listed building planning permission to carry out extensive
A LABOUR city councillor has accused the Conservative ruling group of doing a U-turn on its policy for promoting employment sites in the city. Councillor Jo Hodges said the Tories were supporting the identification of greenfield sites for employment developments
AN IT trainer will be taking to the streets of London to raise money for a Worcester-based national leukaemia charity Liz Prowse, will be running for Leukaemia CARE in the British Golden Jubilee 10k open race on Sunday. The route of the race takes in
THE head of a Worcestershire school is aiming to complete a mediaeval pilgrimage as he looks forward to retirement. Michael Krier, headteacher at Pershore High School, hopes to walk to St James of Compostella in northern Spain next year. The six-week
ASSISTANT boss Mick Tuohy has cited Cheltenham Town as an inspiration for Worcester City ahead of the Robins' visit to St George's Lane tomorrow (3pm). In five short years the Gloucestershire side, now managed by former City boss Graham Allner, have risen
THIS week Berrow fete in the vicarage garden. Proceedings begin at 2pm. Football competition plus all the usual stalls.
INVITATIONS have gone out to all former players of the Malvern Rugby Club's Stags youth rugby team giving details of a new development venture. This is being launched at the Spring Lane club to give all U18 players in the district the chance to progress
GEORGE and Peggy Bryden would like to thank everyone for their tremendous help and support on Saturday afternoon when they opened their garden for charity. An array of stalls together with competitions helped to amass the staggering total of £1,079 for
A JOINT Patronal Festival between St James', Colwall, and St James', Cradley, will take place on Thursday, July 25. There will be a service of Choral Evensong in Cradley, beginning at 7pm followed by a barbecue. Macmillan Cancer Relief will be manning
Careful consideration is to be given regarding the speed limit, where 30mph might be beneficial for the centre of the villages of Corse and Staunton, Coun Richard Padfield, vice-chairman, reported at the bi-monthly meeting of Corse Parish Council, which
FORTHAMPTON & District Royal British Legion. A joint meeting of the branch and women's section was held on Monday, July 8. The chairman K I B Yeaman welcomed the members and asked F Remmer, the branch president, to say the exortation. Apologies for
An extraordinary planning meeting to discuss the proposed erection of a telecommunications mast at The Hill, Staunton was held by Staunton Parish Council and in addition to councillors about 20 members of the public from the parish were present to show
After a fine St Swithin's Day on Monday, all in West Malvern will be hoping that the good saint's influence will last at least until next Saturday, July 27, when the village fete will be held in the grounds of St James's School from noon to 4pm. All the
THE Green second team travelled to Kidderminster to play Victoria & Blakeley in this week's WCL game. VICTORIA & BLAKELEY II v BARNARDS GREEN II The batting line up looked rather stronger than in recent weeks due to the return of Andy Wheeler
OVER 450 runs were scored on the Mathon Court pitch on Sunday when West Malvern entertained Stourbridge Social. WEST MALVERN v STOURBRIDGE SOCIAL Only five wickets fell, however, making it a day for batsmen to excel. Matthew Blackbourn made the most of
COLWALL'S inconsistent league form continued at Malmesbury on Saturday as Indian Akstar and a suspect wicket condemned Colwall to a disappointing 40 run defeat. MALMESBURY v COLWALL On an under prepared and controversial wicket Colwall skipper Dave Sutton's
BARNARDS Green Seconds entertained Pershore on the first real sunny Sunday of the year. BARNARDS GREEN II v PERSHORE II Having won the toss, skipper Robin Longmore had no second thoughts about batting first and when John Wheeler (39) and Roy Mayo (26)
NOMADS saw their bowlers in fine form against Pencombe on Sunday. WORCESTER NOMADS v PENCOMBE In just over two hours, the opposition were bundled out for only 104 thanks to openers Brown, with 4-26, and Andrews 2-30. Paul Ranscombe succeeded in despatching
This is a very short walk on the edge of town, ideal for a summer afternoon or evening. If you live at Ronkswood or Warndon Villages it's right on your doorstep and you don't need to use a car or bus to get to it - take the Crowle road (B4636) out of
BARNARDS GREEN CC Saturday, July 20 1st XI v Himbleton (Away). Meet 12.20pm. R Williams (Capt), P Drinkwater, D Bell, T Clarke, T Williams, A lamb Jnr, P Spencer, G Glendinning (Wkt), K Golder, C Hill, I Scullion. 2nd XI v Himbleton (Home). Meet 1.15pm
A VERY young Barnards Green U13s visited Rushwick but were beaten by their more experienced opponents on a pleasant summer's evening. RUSHWICK U13s v BARNARDS GREEN U13s Batting first, the Green got off to an excellent start with Richard Tuck (30ret)
THERE'S nowt so queer - or interesting - as folk. The truth of that old saying has been proved in recent weeks by the eight million viewers who have been regularly switching on to the latest Big Brother series. The foibles of the contestants have kept
EXPRESS '88 FC players should attend the Express between noon and 1pm on Sunday (July 21) to sign on for the coming season. They can also get details of the pre season friendlies arranged, and will be pleased to hear the friendlies will replace training
Roy Harris, Symphonies Nos 7 & 9 - National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine This recording is part of the American Classics series from Naxos and features two symphonies from a contemporary of Leonard Bernstein and Aaron Copeland. Roy was born LeRoy
n Acorns Children's Hospice gig, The Marr's Bar, Pierpoint Street It was a lot of hard work but I'm sure all would agree it was worth it in the end. Four fantastic bands with their own distinctive sound each played a part in raising money for Acorns Children's
Boy George is most certainly one of the most colourful characters around to date, and he hasn't done too badly on the music scene either. The controversial singer- turned DJ has been in the public eye since he hit the charts in the 80s with top pop band
Aspiring musicians wishing to make their mark will now be given a second chance to do so, thanks to a prestigious Worcester venue. Huntingdon Hall is holding a folk mentoring scheme for the second year running which will link young folk musicians to experienced
STUDENTS from a performing arts school in Utah will be playing one of their first dates of a European tour at Worcester Cathedral. The pupils of the Clayton Institute of Performing Arts will be staging their show at the Cathedral before leaving for the
A FURTHER proposed devastating bout of destruction to the Malvern Hills through quarrying was the subject of a major public debate at this time half-a-century ago. The Journal of July 1952 reported that "a battle between economics and aesthetics was joined
"QUESTIONING Bob Dylan", the title of a lecture given by Professor Christopher Ricks as part of Ledbury's Poetry Festival on Saturday, was intended to signify both deconstruction of the uber-hippy's lyrics and an allusion to his tendency to ask questions
THE Black Pepper Carvery in Ledbury was filled with aficionados of verse for two hours of rhyme and reason from the Ledbury Scribes. The intimate venue led to a friendly, informal atmosphere, and audience members were invited to recite their own efforts
Sylvia Plath is a member of that select club of creative people who died young and achieved astonishing fame after death. We cannot know whether she really intended to gas herself in February 1963. It could have been a cry for help and the drawing of
HAVING seen Don Paterson's fantastic play set in a psychiatric ward, The Land of Cakes, at Dundee Rep two year's ago, I went willingly to his reading. Not a poetry lover however, I confess I found the spoken renditions of his obviously remarkable, thought
HAD it not been for the Ledbury Poetry Festival, I would probably never have seen this film. But it was an opportunity that I felt I'd done well to take, albeit if I was left just a little unsatisfied as the credits rolled. Senses perhaps dulled by the
FEARS that the new St Richard's Hospice charity shop will be the "kiss of death" to Upton were raised by traders at a meeting with senior figures from the organisation this week. Nick Hannah, who owns chocolate makers Cromwells and interior design company
A drug addict robbed a retired civil servant as he collected his money from a cashpoint machine in Upton, Worcester Crown Court heard. Russell Gooding grabbed £100 from Malcolm Prior but a member of the public raced to the rescue as the two men struggled
Tina Marshall was co-opted on to Upton council at a meeting on Tuesday night (July 16). Miss Marshall's was the only application received for one of two seats made vacant due to resignations. The position of councillor for the Hook ward remains unfilled
MP Sir Michael Spicer and Upton town councillor Roger Barker are to meet a Government minister to discuss raising the A4107 to prevent it becoming impassable in times of flood. The pair will meet Transport Minister David Jamieson on October 24 to lobby
AS a native of Malvern, who crossed over the hills when marrying a Herefordshire lad, it is with sadness I write this letter. On reaching more mature years I have become an avid fan of Elgar's music and challenge anyone not to be moved by Nimrod and find
MALVERN firefighters will form a guard of honour at a joint funeral for the victims of a road accident, which claimed the life of one of their number and killed the son of another. Retained firefighter Kevin Taylor, 28, and Mark Hitchins, also 28, both
OPTIONS for the future of the Malvern Theatres will be fully debated in public for the first time at a meeting hosted by the Malvern Gazette next week. Malvern Hills District Council is considering the option of a commercial takeover of the venue by Ambassadors
Two years ago I underwent major surgery and needed several blood transfusions and it is with sincere thanks to the medical profession and National Blood Service that I am able to write this letter. I wish to commend the donors who give their blood, without
A MALVERN housewife had the chance to mix with the Royal Family, Tony Blair and other celebrities in the gardens of Buckingham Palace on Tuesday. Angela Blundell, of Somers Park Avenue, visited the Palace as part of the Community Service Award for her
MALVERN police are appealling for witnesses to the attempted mugging of an elderly woman. The woman was walking along Graham Road at about 3pm on Tuesday (July 16) when she was pushed by a young man who tried to steal her handbag. The man, believed to
THE long-running saga over the ownership of a disused Malvern Wells public toilet and working bus shelter took another turn on Tuesday when district councillors gave the building an unexpected reprieve. Officers had recommended members of Malvern Hills
I READ with interest the recent article in the Ledbury Reporter about Ledbury's Charter Market and Farmers' Markets. There was also an article a few weeks ago about a proposed redevelopment of the Depot site on Bye Street opposite the Job Centre and currently
I READ with interest the recent article in the Ledbury Reporter about Ledbury's Charter Market and Farmers' Markets. There was also an article a few weeks ago about a proposed redevelopment of the Depot site on Bye Street opposite the Job Centre and currently
WHILE Tim Culley commiserated over what could be his final week in the Big Brother house, Channel 4 has been assessing the damage done by joke he told in bad taste. After being nominated for eviction tonight (Friday) alongside pal Alex, the 23-year-old
Cradley anger (Homes plan anger erupts, Malvern Gazette, July 12) runs deeper since your report. More than 30 people attended the parish council planning committee meeting which rejected the proposed housing development in Cradley. Although Herefordshire
WEST Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer has demanded a statement about the state of play over Malvern's new hospital from the Health Secretary Alan Milburn. Details of how Seaford Court, on Worcester Road, could be turned into a 28-bed hospital, with
I recently wrote to your letters page which you titled "A Vision Thing" asking what MTAG's vision for the future of Malvern Town (not the town council) was. I am still waiting either to a response via your letters page or to receive a direct approach
THE trial of Janet Kaye, accused of starting a fire which gutted the Seven Stars pub in Ledbury's Homend, is due to start on Monday, July 22, a year to the day since the blaze. Ms Kaye faces a charge of arson with intent to endanger life. The trial is
IN promoting a new Silicon Valley in Malvern as part of the Birmingham Worcestershire technology corridor, the Malvern Hills Science Park has seized its role as a partner in the Malvern's Experience to promote itself. After completing the first phase
FACILITIES in Malvern's Victoria Park are to be brought up to date in a programme of work costing almost £40,000. Malvern Town Council has agreed to carry out the work needed to bring the park into line with recommendations made by the Royal Society for
ELGAR Housing Association is hoping to repeat the success of a shared ownership scheme in Leigh Sinton with a new project in the village. Contractors are putting the finishing touches to the development on the former Leigh Sinton Motors site. When complete
For anyone who cares about the future of the Malvern Theatres - and that is a huge number of people on both sides of the Malvern Hills - next week's meeting to discuss options for its future management is absolutely crucial. After much speculation and
ONE of the leaders of a Langland childcare group forced to close last year due to lack of cash and volunteers has helped form a new club. Playspace Out-of-School Care is being launched with the help of a £30,000 Government grant and organisation by Brenda
TOM Wells, district and county councillor for Callow End, has been selected as the Liberal Democrat's prospective parliamentary candidate for West Worcestershire. The 43-year-old Hereford United supporter, schooled in Malvern and Worcester, is set to
AN invitation to visit Malvern is being extended to the Queen by the Malvern Hills Conservators. The board has passed a motion to inform her that Jubilee Hill has been named in her honour and inviting her, or a member of the Royal Family, to come and
THE age of steam returns to Much Marcle this weekend for the Marcle Steam Rally 2002. The event, organised by the Herefordshire Traction Engine and Vintage Club, returns to Rye Meadow tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday after the foot and mouth crisis forced
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have all their players except Matt Lewis available for tonight's friendly against Nationwide League Division One side Reading at Aggborough (7.45). Talented young striker Lewis is currently in the middle of a two-week trial with
AT least 65,000 visitors are expected at the Welland Steam and Country Rally at Woodside Farm next weekend. Although the rally originally had its home in Much Marcle, before moving to the Three Counties Showground and Upton's Fish Meadow, society members
FORWARD Stuart Grosvenor has joined the Reds summer exodus. The former Lye hitman has joined former Reds manager Rob Smith at Willenhall United. But the Noose lane side will have to do without Scott colcombe for a few months because the popular winger
JASON Roberts will be the star attraction at the Victoria Ground tomorrow (Saturday) when West Bromwich Albion take on Bromsgrove Rovers. Roberts, who has been out of action for five months, is part of strong Baggies squad, which also includes new signing
ELKIE Brooks is at Cheltenham Town Hall to perform new material and classic hits at 7.30pm on Tuesday (July 23). Joining her will be special guest, comedian Ian Irving. Tickets are £8.50-£17.50. On Thursday (July 25), the Robert Cray Band perform their
LEDBURY will be alive to the sights and sounds of 'the morris' this weekend as the 600-year-old tradition arrives in the shape of 14 different teams. Morris dancers from as far as Castleford and Devon will congregate at John Masefield School tonight (
AN internationally-renowned children's choir touches down in Worcester for a night of music spanning the centuries. The Toronto Children's Chorus has won plaudits worldwide for its exemplary musical standards. More than 300 children aged seven and 17
Mercy's Birds by Linda Holeman (Floris Books, £4.99) Either I am becoming less sophisticated, or teenagers are far more mature than I was in those tender years, but this novel was a jolly good read. Life for the teenage Mercy is certainly not a bed of
MR Margrett writes (You Say, July 8) that he is too old and decrepit to harm anybody. I'm sure he has heard the old saying "the pen is mightier than the sword". More power to his pen, weak though his body may be. GEORGE COWLEY, Worcester.
A worry? ON British television (Saturday, June 13) Health Secretary Alan Milburn was seen to say: "We (the Government) now want to do the same for the education system as we have done for the NHS". Now that's reassuring, isn't it? BRIAN HUNT, Worcester
I REFER to We Say (Monday, July 8). Of course, success in sport should be suitably acknowledged and rewarded. At the same time let us remember that in halcyon bye-gone days the importance lay in taking part in sport, not necessarily in winning. The generous
IT is with great sadness that I learn about the demise of Russell & Dorrell; sorrow mixed with anger as I read that Top Estates plc seems to have forced the shop to close. Worcester families have patronised this business for generations. When this
BOOK-LOVERS in Bromsgrove are being asked to sign up if they would be interested in taking part in a readers' group. Staff at Bromsgrove Library have received several suggestions that it should start a readers' group and are currently carrying out a survey
NORTH Midlands League One club, Upton RFC will once again be hosting its annual seven-a-side rugby tournament over the bank holiday weekend on Saturday, August 24, and is inviting teams from across the region to come and take part. The popular event,
A SPA charity will celebrate its second anniversary with a coffee morning. Home-Start Droitwich, which supports families with young children by offering them friendship and help, will hold the event on Saturday, September 7. The morning will be held in
JASON Roberts will be the star attraction at the Victoria Ground tomorrow (Saturday) when West Bromwich Albion take on Bromsgrove Rovers. Roberts, who has been out of action for five months, is part of strong Baggies squad, which also includes new signing
VILLAGES are bracing themselves for a Green war after an incinerator plan was turned down for the north of Worcestershire. Vale residents fear this will bring the county's waste to an already over-stretched landfill site on their doorsteps and lead to
THE possibility that the Post Office could move its sorting office out of Great Malvern town centre has been much in the news lately. It's fortuitous, then, that the 1935 edition of the Gazette, recently loaned to Malvern Memories by Diane Crews of Newland
Worcester Male Voice Choir in concert at St John the Baptist Church, Whitbourne, on Saturday July 20. Ticket enquiries call 01886 821501. Worcester Gilbert & Sullivan Society present Wicked Waxworks, or The Mischievous Mr Wells, at the Conquest Theatre
Friday, July 19: Wagga Jawaka (Frank Zappa tribute band) The Marr's Bar. Saturday, July 20: Gemma. Sketchleys Sports & Social Club. Mike Sallis. Barbourne Ex-Servicemen's Club. Lukash. The Marr's Bar. Sunday, July 21: Black Jude Duo. The Portobello
E NESBIT'S classic adventure The Railway Children will be steaming into Malvern Theatres next month and the Gaz-ette & Reporter has tickets to give away. The Middle Ground Theatre Company production, directed by children's television presenter Brian
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have all their players except Matt Lewis available for tonight's friendly against Nationwide League Division One side Reading at Aggborough (7.45). Talented young striker Lewis is currently in the middle of a two-week trial with
TOM Hawker won the fourth round of Malvern Angling Club's Sandford Cup midweek series fished on the Severn at Hanley Castle. Tom had an excellent bag of fish caught on the feeder including two barbel, one over 6lbs, to weigh in 10lb 14oz. Club treasurer
JASON Roberts will be the star attraction at the Victoria Ground tomorrow (Saturday) when West Bromwich Albion take on Bromsgrove Rovers. Roberts, who has been out of action for five months, is part of strong Baggies squad, which also includes new signing
BROMSGROVE Rovers got their pre-season programme off to a winning start with a 1-0 victory at Cradley Town last night (Thursday). Mark Crisp scored the only goal of the game on 40 minutes. Joint managers Gary Hackett and Jon Ford used the match as a trial
DROITWICH golfer John Bickerton starts his second round of the Open at Muirfield today (Friday) five shots behind the leaders at two over par. Bickerton shot a round of 73 and is just three shots adrift of world number one Tiger Woods. The 32-year-old
HAVING lost the toss on a glorious afternoon in this WCL Division Three clash the Green found themselves batting first. BARNARDS GREEN v VICTORIA AND BLAKELEY Following the pattern of recent weeks the Green started poorly losing Spencer, R Williams and
MALVERN visited Brockhampton on Saturday and could only manage a losing WCL Division Two draw after a disappointing performance. BROCKHAMPTON v MALVERN Brockhampton batted first and Rob Francis, after his six wickets the previous week, quickly added another
MALVERN Town have issued a revised list of their pre-season friendlies including new fixtures and changed dates. The Town now start with two home games. Next Saturday (July 27) Oldbury United (3pm) are the visitors followed on Tuesday (July 30) by Pegasus
COMING off a six love defeat of Kidderminster GC, Worcestershire Golf Club's A team faced Ross at home in their next league fixture full of confidence. The game of golf however has a habit of kicking confident players in the face and so it proved for
NINETEEN sailors and canoeists from The Chase joined a total of 66 to sail and canoe in the Worcester School Sailing and Canoeing Assoc-iation Annual Regatta at Upton Warren, Bromsgrove. The weekend events were made up of six sailing fleets sailing four
THE EGGS (Express Golf & Gambling Society) held their second society day, this time at Burgh Hill Valley, and another superb day was had by all. Fine weather and a course in mint condition ensured some good golf would be needed to take the trophy
A FIVE day soccer school for children from school years 3-6 is being held at Malvern Town FC during the school summer holidays. The course, designed on FA guidelines, will be run by Les Jones and Danny Wren, both qualified FA coaches based in Malvern.
SKIPTON Building Society has announced the appointment of Paul Roberts as a new intermediary sales manager. Mr Roberts, who will cover Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, was promoted to join the ISM team following one year as area manager
A WORCESTER company has opened a £500,000 quality facility that is unique to the British boiler market. Worcester Bosch's facility includes a product-life testing unit in which boilers are run continuously for 12 months to provide the equivalent of 10
WORLD champion Anna Bailey from Hanley Swan was the fastest women of the day at the Evesham Golden Mile indoor rowing challenge hosted by Evesham Rowing Club in aid of Sport Relief. Anna, aged 51, who was representing the Evesham-based Old Wrecks, completed
A WORCESTERSHIRE law firm is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Painters, of Church Street, Kidderminster, and also of New Street, Stourport-on-Severn, is celebrating 50 years since the firm was founded. Previously part of Talbot & Painter, Painter
WORCESTERSHIRE house prices have seen the sharpest rise since 1994, according to a leading housing body. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) said price inflation across the region showed no signs of slowing. This bucks the national trend
