PATIENTS in Worcestershire face a shortage of family doctors as a generation of ageing GPs prepares to retire, new figures reveal. More than a quarter of family doctors in the Worcestershire health authority area are 50 years of age or over - a total
A HOMELESS drug addict who targeted Hereford General Hospital in a series of burglaries has been jailed for two years at Worcester Crown Court. Kevin Morgan took a £12,000 heart monitoring machine, computer equipment, television sets and video recorders
WORCESTER'S property boom looks to have reached the smallest room in the house - a toilet. The city council-owned toilets next to Astwood Cemetery in Worcester, is on the market, with suggestions for its new use including a florist's shop, tea-room, studio
A CONTRACT has been signed between Worcestershire County Council and Tesco committing them to building a new school on the city's outskirts. The £12m agreement includes a lockout clause allowing the council to only do business with the supermarket giant
THE minor injuries unit at Pershore hospital is still closed - three months after it had to shut down due to staffing shortages. Patients arriving at the unit at the cottage hospital are still being turned away and sent to Evesham Community Hospital,
An off-duty police inspector saw an assault on a man in a telephone kiosk in Malvern and arrested the attacker, Worcester Crown Court was told. Recorder Alan Dooley said it was an unprovoked and frightening attack on Geoffrey Lombay. He ordered Damien
The licensee of a Worcester pub has denied following a former customer along the street and attacking him at midnight with a crowbar. Paul Shenton, aged 28, of the Eagle Vaults in Friar Street, was picked out on an identification parade by Edward Rogers
A BINGO worker from Hereford has his eyes down on the bright lights of Las Vegas in his bid to become Britain's best caller. Ryan Jackson, from the town's Gala Bingo Club, has already fought his way through to the regional finals in Mansfield in the hope
ANGRY parish councillors who claim their complaints are being ignored are to go straight to the top with their protests. Warndon Parish Council members say Worcester City Council is not responding to their letters. So now they are to cut out the middle
A HIGHLY-strung club in Frankley is looking for new musical members to join their fortnightly fun. The Frankley Guitar Club, which is now in its third season, is a performance-based club, offering guitarists of all styles and levels of ability the opportunity
HEALTH clinics for Worcester mums and young children are being set up in the city. South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust has created the two Child and Family Health Cafs in the city to promote informal and friendly health services. "Tot Talk" will open
A HARTLEBURY man who averaged speeds of more than 103 miles per hour on a Worcestershire road said he was rushing to his ill grandfather, a court was told. Worcester Magistrates heard how Andrew Leighton clocked up the speed on a stretch of the A449 Ombersley
THE limit placed on the amount of waste that can be dumped in the Hill and Moor landfill site has been increased by 44,000 tonnes. But the current cap on rubbish will remain in place until a direct link road to the tip from the Wyre Piddle bypass has
A PICTURESQUE village near Malvern has beaten fierce competition to be named its county's village of the year. Cradley won this year's Herefordshire Calor Village of the Year competition, organised by the county's Federation of Women's Institutes. Cradley
A 48-year-old Birmingham man has been remanded in custody and will appear at Worcester Crown Court on Friday after being charged with four counts of outraging public decency and two counts of gross indecency. This follows allegations of indecency involving
A 13-year-old boy has denied causing a major blaze in Redditch which affected four homes. The boy - who cannot be identified because of his age - sat next to his mother at Worcester Crown Court as two arson charges were read out to him. He denied arson
EARLY yesterday morning, about 30 police officers carried out a number of raids targeting people across Redditch suspected of committing violent crime. The raids were part of Operation Ibis and the Redditch Advertiser was given an exclusive behind-the-scenes
Thieves attacked four cars in the early hours of Sunday. Two BMWs, a Rover 75 and Vauxhall Astra parked in Lansdowne Road and Hamilton Drive, Studley, had their badges ripped off. Anyone with information should call Pc Peter Essex on 01789 762207.
A YOUNG businessman has been spared a jail sentence after a judge was told his funding had been approved by the Prince's Trust. Police found a stash of herbal cannabis in Russell Chew's car along with £1,000 cash and a telescopic baton, Worcester Crown
POLICE are appealing for information after a serious road crash in Wythall at about 7.40pm on Sunday. A Suzuki motorbike and a red Rover 420 were involved in the accident on the A435 between Becketts island and the Maypole island. The road was closed
THREE Droitwich Spa teenagers travelled to Sheffield last Saturday to represent the Midlands in a Skater Hockey tournament. Matt Willis, Daniel Clarkson and Chris Wellstead, members of the Redditch Rockets Skater Hockey Club, were part of the U16s squad
POLICE believe CS spray could have been used on a man who was robbed in the car park of a pub on Saturday. The 41 year old was walking across the car park of the Jolly Farmer pub in Woodrow between 10.15-10.30am when a man in a car called him over and
A REWARD may be offered for information leading to the recovery of a large bouncy castle stolen from the Nevill Arms pub in Astwood Bank. The castle was stolen between 11pm on Monday, August 26, and 11am the next day. Pub landlady Louise Doherty said
ANYONE who's tried to book a doctor's appointment at short notice will know that the nation's GPs have been working at full stretch for the past few years. So it will be no surprise that the situation is about to become much, much worse. New figures show
Alcester 0 Pershore 25 Pershore took the spoils in a trial game of four quarters. The higher league visitors dominated, although two of their five tries came from Alcester mistakes. The hosts held their own up front, but had fewer ideas in attack and
THE multi-faith centre at the Alexandra Hospital should be complete within two months. New anti-discrimination legislation meant the hospital had to have a facility where everybody could pray or sit and contemplate. There will be no religious symbols
RESIDENTS are being asked to do some real hot stepping to help boost the funds of a Redditch and Bromsgrove cancer charity. Anyone brave enough to rise to the challenge can take part in a charity walk across "moderately warm wood embers" for the Primrose
A WELL-used complaints service provided by a health watchdog is to be developed and improved thanks to a cash injection. Redditch and Bromsgrove Community Health Council receives about 100 serious complaints about health services provided in the town
Pre-season 20/07/02 - Redditch United 0 Peterborough United 3 (Forsythe, Fenn, Bullard) 25/07/02 - Redditch United 3 (Hall, Knight, 2) Stourbridge 1 (Lee) 30/07/02 - Redditch United 1 Burton Albion 1 League 17/08/02 - Redditch United 1 (Dodds) Taunton
RESIDENTS are being urged not to take part in a scheme which offers the chance of earning hundreds of thousands of pounds. Trading Standards have received scores of complaints from people in Redditch who have been sent a long letter asking them to join
RESIDENTS will be able to air their views on major plans to pedestrianise Church Green West before December. Worcestershire County Council recently bid for hundreds of thousands in Government cash to close off the busy road to traffic and asked Redditch
September 6, 1902 THE following, which appeared in the London Gazette of August 15, shows that order in council constituting St George's a separate parish has now been granted. The delimitation of the boundaries of the new parish will be found set out
AN easy-to-read summary of Redditch Council's Best Value Performance Plan outlining its achievements against targets in 2001 and 2002 has been published. Plans and priorities for the future are also explained. Council leader David Cartwright said: "Every
IT was no mean feat that Denis Dipple escaped with only slight bruising when a ton of steel bars fell on his toes. For Denis had the good sense to be wearing safety shoes which protected his size nine's from serious injury and helped him hot step into
Plans are afoot to extend Redditch Crematorium. Councillors were last night set to back the scheme, which would see a bigger car park with 33 extra spaces and extended office space for staff.
PLANS to extend a Headless Cross nursing home looked set to be backed by councillors last night. Stonebridge Nursing Home's second planning application was recommended for approval by council officers after the first one was rejected because of fears
A REDDITCH cemetery has been closed after a safety inspection found unstable headstones. Redditch Council has said Plymouth Road Cemetery will be re-opened as soon as possible following work to make the area safe. Memorials which pose a hazard in the
BARNT Green CC First XI warmed up for their National Knockout final at Edgbaston this Thursday with a five-wicket defeat of Walsall at Cherry Hill Road. Last Saturday's victory also ensured Lyndon Jones' side is under no pressure of relegation in the
AVONCROFT CC Firsts have recorded their best ever finish in the Worcester County League after securing third place in division four last Saturday with a nine-wicket demolition of Claverley. Paul Athey's side, who were helped on their way by a Pete Jukes
BROMSGROVE CC First XI became the first Birmingham League premier division team to lose to already relegated Attock last Saturday. The Birmingham-based side, demoted to division two last month, had failed to win all season until their four-wicket success
DROITWICH Spa CC's First XI's last away game of the season ended in a losing draw at Luctonians. Phil Barrett hit an unbeaten 128 as Spa reached 207-5 in reply to Luctonians' 273-4 from 50 overs. Earlier, the hosts had reached 130 without loss from 30
Thursday, September 5 The Importance of Being Earnest: Regional Gala Film Premiere, Malvern Theatres. Tickets from 01684 892277. Friday, September 6 Black Country Night Out, Palace Theatre. Tickets from 65203. Friday Night is Music Night, Symphony Hall
Tickets are still available for a memorial concert for Des Evans on Saturday, September 14, at St Stephen's Church. Bel Canto, the choir founded by Mr Evans, will be joined by Arrow Vale Singers and Arrow Valley Brass Band. For details, call 546453. All
ELDERLY people in the Malvern district are being urged to join a potentially life-saving scheme. Age Concern is offering to enroll pensioners in the free Data Link scheme, which aims to provide the emergency services with access to full and accurate details
TOM Moody is refusing to wave the white flag despite seeing Worcestershire's one-day hopes crash in Cardiff. The County suffered a 103-run defeat at Sophia Gardens last night in the top of the table day-night clash and now trail Glamorgan by six points
WORCESTER City are still on top of the Dr Martens League Premier Division after Dover Athletic failed to win at Cambridge City last night. Their 1-1 draw leaves City, who beat Moor Green 4-0 on Monday, a point clear at the top. However, City could still
Leading 2-0 and coasting to victory, Evesham United were given a fright before overcoming Brislington 3-2 in last night's FA Cup preliminary round replay at Common Road. United now face the long haul to Falmouth Town in the first qualifying round on September
KEVIN Banner emerged a FA Cup hero for 10-man Bromsgrove Rovers last night after scoring a final-minute winner in a 4-3 thriller with Barwell at the Victoria Ground. With the game looking destined for extra time, Banner fired home a shot from 30 yards
CHAMPIONS Moreton Wanderers began the Evesham Sunday Football League season with a four-goal win at Inkberrow, Simon Ledbury netting a consolation for the home side. Evesham WMC needed goals from Attridge and Edwards to overcome Badsey Rec for whom Paul
THE opening day of the Soccer Site Malvern Football League saw last season's champions Bull Allstars and runners-up Club AC 30 leading the way with impressive victories. The champions, at home to League newcomers Dynamo Ledbury were in confident mood
Pershore Town ended West Midlands Police's undefeated run in the Icis Midland Combination Premier Division with their best display of the season to win 2-0. The first attack saw Dayle Speed's powerful drive well saved by Town 'keeper Barry McLean. At
BROMSGROVE Rugby Club First XV coach David Stout is waiting on the fitness of four key players going into this Saturday's opening Powergen Midlands One clash with Barkers Butts (3pm). Matt Birch, Ian Young, Tom Churchill and Mark Cornelius all underwent
ASTWOOD Bank's season long battle to beat the drop from Division One of the Worcestershire League ended in failure at the weekend. Defeat to high-flying Pedmore was one loss too many for Alex Robinson's side who were consigned to an instant return to
BIDFORD confirmed their survival in the Premier Division of the Cotswold Hills League despite a last day defeat at the hands of Twyning. The meagre four points banked in last week's loss to Shipston was enough to ensure the reigning champions would avoid
TOP-class comedienne Sheila Steafel will get those chuckle muscles going when she performs stage show Solo at the Palace Theatre on Saturday. Sheila made her name in the world of comedy when she appeared in The Frost Report in the mid 60s alongside The
A CONTEMPORARY comedy by a Birmingham-born writer features in the city Repertory Theatre's new season. Kevin Elyot's My Night With Reg is about love, friendship and infidelity involving a group of gay friends who get together for the flatwarming party
A BRAND new production of Gilbert and Sullivan operetta The Gondoliers is being staged at Malvern Theatres next week. Carl Rosa Opera, which has previously visited Malvern with acclaimed productions of The Mikado, Die Fledermaus, Iolanthe/Yeomen of the
AFTER frustrating slower-than-expected start to the season, Redditch United roared into action with a 5-0 demolition of hated rivals Stourport. What started out as a Worcestershire derby last season turned into a charged fixture after Swifts manager Rod
Substitute Andy Dodds came off the bench to give United the lead on his debut but newly-promoted Taunton hit back to win 2-1 with goals in the 85th and 87th minutes. Reds boss Rod Brown completed the signing of Naveed Adshad this week but the pursuit
Helen Williams will be presenting an exhibition of textile work in Redditch Library from Saturday. The display will run until Saturday, October 5, during normal library opening hours. For details, call 63291.
KEVIN Banner emerged a FA Cup hero for ten-man Bromsgrove Rovers last night (Tuesday) after scoring a final minute winner in a 4-3 thriller with Barwell at the Victoria Ground. With the game looking destined for extra time, Banner fired home a shot from
DROITWICH Spa FC should be back in their usual dressing rooms this weekend. Club chairman David West has been told there is a good chance the facilities on King George's Playing Fields will be ready for Saturday's visit of Earlswood Town. Kevin Blaber's
ASK any Bromsgrove Rovers fan to name their club's most famous match and you should get the same answer - Barnsley in the FA Cup third round. January 8, 1994 will forever be etched in Bromsgrove folklore as the day eleven footballing heroes were two minutes
STEVE Taylor has left Bromsgrove Rovers by mutual consent. Taylor, a key part of Rovers' promotion from the Midland Alliance last season, has found it hard to hold down a regular first team place at the Victoria Ground and has gone in search of first
AN equaliser two minutes from time cost Fairfield Villa two points at Kenilworth Town in Midland Combination division one. Villa, who were 2-0 up at half time, dominated the game for large periods but were made to pay for missed chances as they drew 2
WYCHBOLD RBL's Andy Crowther scored four as they won 11-1 at Millfields Old Boys. Redditch and South Warwickshire Combination results. Premier Division Austin Ex Apps 4 (Mitchell, Mason two, Jones) Bromsgrove General 1 (Tayler). Black Horse 0 Westbury
BROMSGROVE Town converted two of three first half penalties to see off old rivals Crabmill with a comfortable 4-1 victory last Sunday. Town got off to a bright start through a James McLeod penalty on seven minutes. A second penalty converted by Carl Gray
BANK Holiday Monday anglers were out in force and at the Cornerstone AC Open on the Grand Union Canal at Olton, Brian Burton (Stirrup Cup) had a good catch of Skimmers for victory. Pole fishing caster and worms at peg 16, he took a level 9-0-0 catch.
DEAR EDITOR - I wish to express my reaction to the compilation of correspondence in the local press on proposed developments in Droitwich. As one who responded (to Mr J Brant's urgings) I find myself re quoted dismissively as having "no point". Thank
DEAR EDITOR - After a year of building up senior citizens' hopes that their free bus passes would be re-instated they have been offered what can only be described as a nonsensical and unworkable scheme. All of the options being put forward by Bromsgrove
DEAR EDITOR - The Droitwich Cancer Support Group would like to thank the local branch of the Royal British Legion for allowing us the use of their room free of charge to hold a fund-raising dance last month, and also all the generous retailers and members
DEAR EDITOR - D J Taylor's entertaining letter (August 14) on making 'punishments fit their crimes' is certainly passionately argued. Unfortunately I fear he is mistaken in advocating harsh prison conditions as a means of preventing re-offending by inmates
DEAR EDITOR - I am appalled at the thought of our young children in Stoke Prior having to walk to what amounts to three miles to school and back, five days a week. Ten or fifteen years ago maybe - but now with all the extra traffic brought on by our councils
DEAR EDITOR - Our once great nation appears to be cursed by the "emperor's new clothes" syndrome - when political correctness demand such manifestations as: - 1. Women are capable of anything. That we need them to be front line police officers, soldiers
DEAR EDITOR - In response to Cllr Seabourne's press release on the supposed reasons why Wychavon District Council's executive board has decided not to make an exception and hold a special planning meeting in Droitwich Spa. It is so untrue as to call into
DEAR EDITOR - I have to smile at some of the comments from your readers, about the development in and around Droitwich Spa. If the ordinary electorate thinks they have a chance of their opinions being adhered to they must be living in cloud cuckoo land
DEAR EDITOR - The Government Planning Green Paper - "Delivering a Fundamental Change" (December 2001) for revision of planning procedures was debated by Wychavon District Council planning committee in February. The new plans envisage a "statement of community
DEAR EDITOR - I am writing to highlight a few outstanding matters in advance of Wychavon District Council's meeting to decide on Waitrose's application for a new supermarket in Droitwich Spa on September 5. I believe that some members of the council have
ANDY Tinsley is narrowing in on fifth place in the Superstocks series after another impressive weekend at Oulton Park. The Astwood Bank ace was frustrated in his ambition of a podium finish but more than happy with fifth to continue a highly consistent
INKBERROW'S Leslie Law came in fifth at the Burghley Horse Trials on Sunday. The Olympic medallist was competing on Shear L'Eau at the Stamford event, sponsored by Masterfoods. The village star has another busy calendar and heads to Jerez, Spain for the
STEFAN Hodgetts suffered a nightmare weekend at Snetterton in round 11 of the F3 championship. Dogged by mechanical problems, Hodgetts ended up with a DNF and 18th place from the two races and wants to put the experience behind him and move on to Thruxton
JASON Wilshaw took another step towards the Classics Club Post Classics Series title with a solid weekend of racing at Lydden. The Callow Hill rider saw his 76 point championship lead whittled down by two points to title rival Paul Allender but still
WORCESTERSHIRE Royals' hopes of lifting the Norwich Union Division One crown seem to have slipped away after crashing by 103 runs to title rivals Glamorgan Dragons at Sophia Gardens last night. The Dragons had set their opponents a difficult target of
TWENTY-EIGHT students of English and Drama from Warwick University are cutting short their summer holidays to take part in an innovative new project run by the Royal Shakespeare Company's Education Department. The students will be put through their paces
THE curtain is being lifted for what is being described as the busiest ever autumn season of entertainment at Malvern's Festival Theatre. The season will be getting off to a dramatic start in October, as Richard Briers stars in Shakespeare's 'The Tempest
Wednesday September 4 l Music: The Carling Free Concerts, Robin RnB Club 1, Merryhill l Film: Maya, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham l Show: La Boheme, Palace Theatre, Alcester Street, Redditch Thursday September 5 l Blues: Paul Lamb and The Kingsnakes
HEARTS of Oak: Nelson's Navy was the subject of an illustrated talk by Mr Bowden, the first part of which was the story of Nelson's life from his birth in 1758, the son of a Norfolk parson, his rapid rise through the ranks in the Navy to become a much
WHEN our Criminal Justice system doesn't serve the law-abiding majority and the hapless victim, whom does it serve? About three weeks ago, I wrote about the numerous so-called "rights" routinely granted to, but not earned by, offenders, and the recent
I MUST reply to the ramblings of Maurice Brett who, while perhaps having good intentions, has a lack of understanding of the countryside and the animals that live there. His assertion that hunting people enjoy killing animals is no more than an insult
DE Margrett informed us (You Say, Thursday, August 29) that professional footballers in the early 1960s risked suspension if they "downed half-a-pint of beer during the season". Half a pint in a season? Tell that to Jimmy Greaves, Norman Hunter and even
MOTORISTS visiting Bromsgrove in the evening for a take-away, a pint at the pub or to shop at ASDA on Sundays, or to do their Christmas shopping, are likely to have to dig deeper into their pockets. The district council will tonight consider introducing
DROITWICH Spa golfer John Bickerton secured his second big pay day in a matter of weeks after finishing joint runner-up in the BMW Open in Munich last Sunday. Bickerton, who collected a six-figure prize at the Welsh Open in August, picked up £99,113 for
SPEED humps are just one of the measures residents in Marlbrook would like to see imposed on a busy road to stop motorists from breaking the 30 mph limit. Concerned resident Suzanne Hewer is leading the campaign to see traffic-calming measures installed
THE Spa is officially blooming and it's got an award to prove it after winning a silver gilt in a prestigious annual flower contest. The town, which has been covered in an array of golds and purples for the Queen's Golden Jubilee, was visited by Britain
TWO Spa cousins pulled out all the stops for charity by holding a talent afternoon at their house. Annie Baldwin and Mary Lush, both 11-years-old, held the talent afternoon at Annie's house in Victoria Avenue. More than ten of their friends joined in
THE elderly are being warned to be on their guard after bogus callers tricked the owner of a house in Hanbury and stole cash. Two men knocked on the door of the house at around 9.45am last Thursday claiming to be from the council. They said they needed
A KIND-HEARTED canal enthusiast is urging caring townsfolk to grab their plastic bags and gloves and take part in a litter-busting clean-up. Sue Walton, of Ladywood, is organising a litter pick along the canalside and over the hills towards Salwarpe but
LABOUR is calling for a "go between" to be appointed to the district council to ensure its councillors get a fair say. Members of the Labour group are concerned by the way decisions taken by the controlling Tories are made and the way the authority conducts
A GROUP of adventurous tots put their climbing skills to good use when they raised money for a children's hospital. Around 60 youngsters at Droitwich Spa Nursery, in Worcester Road, took part in an assault course and raised a massive £705 for the Diana
A Marlbrook man was cheated out of his hard earnings when Birmingham man James Patrick McIlroy was found guilty of obtaining £6 from Birmingham Road resident Reginald Ironmonger under false pretences. The thirty-two-year old was sentenced to two months
A SPA man has launched a search for his former classmates as plans for a school reunion take shape. Dave Davidson is on the lookout for people who used to go to the Droitwich County Secondary School, now Witton Middle School, in Old Coach Road. Last year
Lucy Caldwell, from Station Street, found herself up before Bromsgrove Petty Sessions charged with stealing firewood from homes under construction in Bromsgrove. Sgt Wagstaff stated he had witnessed the defendant in the Ednall Lane houses picking up wood
THE Merchant Navy's Red Ensign was flown in the Spa this week. Alan Phipps, of Riverside Road, raised the flag outside St Richard's House, in St Andrew's Road, in memory of the thousands of men and women who lost their lives in the Merchant Navy during
SPA rates rebel pensioner Nellie Copson is gearing up for the next round in her battle with the authorities. Nellie is in dispute with the district council over rates for her disused High Street shop. It looked like her battle had come to an end when
BROMSGROVE and Redditch Athletic Club ladies veterans finished runners-up in the Midland League cup final with some excellent performances at Mansfield last Sunday. The team scored 120 points in the six-team event, just eight behind winners Charnwood.
ALVECHURCH were out to extend their unbeaten start to the Midland Combination season at bottom club Southam last night (Tuesday). The hosts had endured a torrid time with five straight defeats and have leaked 18 goals. And it was a dramatic last day win
PARISH councils bordering Alcester are preparing to fight calls for a change to boundaries. Alcester Town Council wants to take part of Arrow and Coughton and all of Kinwarton parish into its jurisdiction. Stratford Council quashed its proposal because
A WOOTTEN Wawen teenager will be off on a trip of a lifetime - as long as she gets enough funding. Eighteen-year-old Laura Gordon has been selected to go on the Raleigh International trip to Chile for three months on a community and environmental project
A CELEBRITY chef drew in the shoppers at an Alcester supermarket on Saturday. James Martin, who has appeared on TV food show Ready Steady Cook amazed customers with his culinary skills and revealed how to prepare a variety of dishes at the Somerfield
A JUDGE has ordered the arrest without bail of an Alcester woman accused of placing newspaper adverts containing untrue claims about courses at a college she ran. Nazarine Osborne, aged 50, of Chapman Way, was due to appear at Warwick Crown Court to face
TWO weeks of hard work climaxed in a production of Our Fading World at an Alcester school. About 30 students from St Benedict's High School joined in a fortnight-long summer school about theatre and dance. Years 6-8 used the internet to research the theme
The Macmillan Cancer Relief shop held inside Alcester Town Hall for a fortnight raised a staggering £2,450. The money will help cancer patients across the area and Alcester branch chairman Sylvia Hyde thanked everyone for the support.
Budding actors are needed to join Alcester's junior drama club and youth theatre for their next production - Snow White goes to Hollywood. Rehearsals for the event start on Monday at the Greig Centre from 6-8pm for children aged eight-16. Subscriptions
Redditch United 1 Taunton Town 2. IT was a miserable opening day of the season for Redditch United who were stunned by western league newcomers, Taunton Town on Saturday, writes Matt Smith. In a tight match it was individual errors from two Reds defenders
Redditch United 0 Peterborough United 3 CONTROVERSIAL new signing Alex Cowley almost gave United a shock lead against Barry Fry's Peterborough United. Starting his first game in a Reds shirt, Cowley had an effort from outside the area palmed down by Posh
THE oldest resident in Redditch reached another milestone on Sunday when she celebrated her 106th birthday with family and friends. Ellen Duggins, of St David's House, Batchley, has lived in the town for more than 60 years, spending the last 36 in sheltered
Debenhams is gearing up to open its doors in October - but Eastenders star Tamzin Outhwaite will not be coming to Redditch for the launch. It will be Debenhams' 100th store and will create about 250 jobs. But a Debenhams spokesman said reports Ms Outhwaite
Sat July 13 Stratford Town (a) 1-1 Lewis Mon July 15 Evesham United (a) 4-0 Ducros, Broughton, Corbett, Shilton Fri July 19 Reading (h) 2-4 Broughton, Henriksen Sun July 21 Solihull Borough (a) 3-4 Shilton, Foster (pen), Corbett Wed July 24 Wolverhampton
TWO intrepid Redditch men will be travelling more than 2,000 miles in just three days for charity. Dave Marshall and Steve Bosworth will be driving non-stop in a 1970 Triumph 2000 from October 4-6 to raise money for the MS Society. The Round Britain Reliability
TRAVELLERS left tonnes of rubbish in their wake when they were finally evicted from land in Redditch late last week. A huge clean-up operation began on Monday at the field in Coldfield Drive, Washford, which is owned by English Partnerships. Another privately
A PROLIFIC Redditch letter writer who has penned 2,000 letters to the press has donated all of them to the Worcestershire Record Office. County Councillor Tom Wareing has handed over five decades of letters in 24 volumes to the record office, where they
Two star THIS three-film collector's edition is hard going to say the least. Children of the Corn started life as a shortish story by horror genius Stephen King which somehow evolved into three tedious films. Mr King's clever idea has been taken and stretched
MOST residents of Mappleborough Green, Studley, Spernal, Coughton and Kings Coughton, together with all A435 road users, will be aware of the vital need for a new bypass in order to complete the missing link between Gorcott Hill and Alcester. The existing
Four star GREAT title for a CD - and what a great CD. The Sugababes are all grown up and filling the funky/sexy/cool girl band vacuum left by All Saints. Keisha, Mutya and new member Heidi have moved on from the 2000 smash hit Overload and show a depth
A RESIDENT of Astwood Bank has contacted our campaign group supporting our aims and objectives but objecting strongly to our intention to raise awareness of the Popes Lane incinerator through a poster campaign. Her concern was that our posters would deter
I would like to clarify the position between Redditch United Women & Redditch United Girls FC as the FA Charter is only applicable to clubs with teams who are 16 & under. We are in fact two separate clubs with separate committee members and training
Two star Not an entirely memorable effort by Bedingfield despite all the excitement about his first hit Gotta Get Thru This and the current single James Dean (I Wanna Know). Taking a leaf out of the ABC book of how to write easy dance hits for dumb boy
FOLLOWING on from comments previously made by Mr Pittaway and supporter, I would like to express my outrage also at the appalling condition of the park in Studley. The toddlers' area is a disgrace. Broken bottles, empty cans and litter are a constant
PERHAPS B Latham (Letters, August 28) should have read my letter regarding the relocation of the parent and child spaces at Tesco a third time as they may have better understood the subject matter and not made such ridiculous assumptions. My concerns
One star ONE look at the adverts for The Guru and you'll be salivating with excitement because apparently this film is the next Notting Hill or Bridget Jones. Put simply - it's not. Not even close. Jimi Mistry (East is East) plays a nave Indian dance
I FELT I had to write regarding B Latham's letter about the mother and baby spaces at Tesco. I was baffled by the relocation of the spaces recently and fully agree with the previous writer that this is a mistake. It seems a very dangerous spot for children
SORRY for the short notice but due to a change in management at the Sportsman, we will be holding this month's Pagan gathering as a house moot. If Nick Casterton or anybody else would like to come along, please contact me at ALPHA-ONE@ic24.net Andrew
PLANS for the extension of the Popes Lane incinerator in Astwood Bank are causing a lot of worry for residents and the parents of children who attend Astwood Bank First School. Many people have written to me and visited my surgery raising their concerns
STUDLEY have lost their appeal for an additional two league points after the umpires failed to show for their fixture against Old Edwardians. The club asked the appeals committee of the Birmingham League for extra points because, although the day proved
IT'S September and once again members are looking forward to meetings, which are held at the village hall on the second Wednesday of each month. New members are invited to come along and join on Wednesday, September 11. It seems a long time since the
AT THE last meeting, members were introduced to the amazing Freeminers of the Forest of Dean. In the 21st century, they are still mining coal from the woodlands and hillsides in a way that has changed little over the last 700 years. In fact, some of the
YOUNGSTERS were knocked for six when two international Pakistani cricketing stars dropped by as part of a summer activity programme. Saqlain Mushtaq and Nadeem Shahid, who play for Surrey and Pakistan, were at Trinity High School, Easemore Road, to hold
A HAPPY compromise will now see the completion of a £40,000 school crossing in Beoley which was halted just days after installation work started because of a dispute over the level of lighting. The Advertiser revealed how the zebra crossing was to be
YOUNGSTERS from Rosie's Holiday Fun Club had some animal amusements last week at St Thomas More First School. On Wednesday, Zoolab UK brought its creepy crawly cuddly roadshow of small creatures along to the school. The children were able to stroke and
THE issue of business ethics will be one of the major topics for debate at the West Midlands Regional Business Conference. Peter Wyman, president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, will make a major speech on auditing and business ethics post-Enron
A SHORTAGE of homes for sale continues to drive up Worcestershire house prices, according to a leading housing body. The findings, by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), go against national trends. RICS housing market figures have highlighted
PARTNERS of Morton Fisher Solicitors, in Worcestershire, held a special lunch for colleague Noel Richardson at Stone Manor Hotel, near Kidderminster. Mr Richardson has just celebrated 50 years with the firm and still works one day a week as a consultant
THE town's Age Concern branch will be running its Ethnic Minority Elders project every Tuesday. The sessions, from 11am-1.15pm, have moved from a Monday and offer advice and support to elderly members of ethnic minority communities. For details, call
THE importance of child car seat safety was driven home to Redditch parents as checks were carried out in Tesco car park. The tests at the Oakenshaw store revealed 69 per cent of seats needed some form of adjustment, such as tightening up of seat belts
LONE parents in the Redditch area are invited to join a group of like-minded individuals. Gingerbread is an organisation which offers friendship and support, regular outings and activities and a chance for children to meet new friends. For more details
OPPORTUNITIES for volunteers always exist within Where Next for those with experience in grounds maintenance, horticulture, and woodwork, or can teach and commit time to helping others learn. Organisers believe sharing expertise with someone who finds
TOM Moody is refusing to wave the white flag despite seeing Worcestershire's one-day hopes crash in Cardiff. The County suffered a 103-run defeat at Sophia Gardens last night in the top of the table day-night clash and now trail Glamorgan by six points
A SPECIAL celebration to mark a decade of a Studley Parish Church scheme takes place on Sunday. The Parish Link service was set up to take informal worship out into the village, first at Studley Junior School and more recently at the Parish Centre.
THE people of Feckenham will be making a bloomin' show of themselves on Saturday, September 14, to help raise money for the village's over-60s party fund. The Feckenham Flower Show will be held in the village hall from 2.45pm and people are invited to
GENEROUS Worcester people can support firefighters who have died in action across the world by buying a commemorative ribbon. Firefighters will wear the ribbons until Sunday, when they travel to London for the International Firefighters' Day of Remembrance
AN historic Worcester school has opened its doors to its first girls marking the end of boys' schools in the city. Twenty-one teenage girls are starting Year 12 at Royal Grammar School, Worcester, today. It is the first time in its 700-year history that
RESIDENTS of a village near Evesham must wait to see if Worcestershire County Council will take action to stop unauthorised quarrying near their homes. A packed public gallery at a meeting of the council's planning and regulatory committee saw members
HEREFORDSHIRE bus-users are enjoying better services from this week following a cash injection from the Government and the Countryside Agency. The county now has more frequent buses as well as eight new low floor, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, costing
OPERA lovers are being urged to snap up tickets now for an enchanted evening of entertainment at the end of this year. The Bromsgrove Operatic Society is staging Some Enchanted Evening at South Bromsgrove High School on November 9. However, enthusiasts
SINGERS are urgently needed to join the latest production at Droitwich Spa's Norbury Theatre. The Friar Street venue has re-formed its light opera section and is set to perform Mary Dhonau's A Nice Dilemma and Trial by Jury by Gilbert and Sullivan on
THE heat was on for a bunch of Worcester workers who saddled up for a 110-mile bike ride to raise cash for Cancer Research UK. Twenty-five employees from Worcester Heat Systems in Warndon took to the roads for the epic trek, which started at the firm's
A FORMER fruit packing station at Leigh Sinton could receive a new lease of life after standing empty for more than two years. Friulsider UK, based at Bishops Frome, wants to use the site at Crowcroft, Leigh Sinton, for the re-assembly, storage and distribution
A HARD-hitting mock-up of a head-on collision between two cars was staged by police to encourage people to cut their speed. The collision resulted in "three casualties" and a "fatality", all played by trained volunteers, and was staged by Herefordshire
Tuesday, September 3, 2002 KEVIN Banner emerged a FA Cup hero for ten-man Bromsgrove Rovers after scoring a final minute replay winner in a 4-3 thriller with Barwell at the Victoria Ground. With the game looking destined for extra time, Banner fired home
Saturday, August 31, 2002 BROMSGROVE Rovers can have few complaints at being forced into a replay following their 1-1 draw at Barwell last Saturday. Gary Hackett and Jon Ford's side squandered good first half chances to kill their Midland Alliance opponents
A man who raided a Redditch flat at midnight was under the mistaken belief that he was a knight in shining armour rescuing a damsel in distress, Worcester Crown Court heard. Darren Jones smashed in a window and door in Salters Lane with a hedge trimming
YESTERDAY'S swoop was part of a wide-reaching crackdown on violent crime by Redditch and Bromsgrove Policing Priority Team. The initiative follows a successful three-month operation in which 57 people were arrested for vehicle crimes. Crimes to be focused
BEREAVED townsfolk visiting the graves of loved ones at Redditch Crematorium are being urged to be on their guard after two handbag snatches from cars parked there. The first theft was at about 2pm on Thursday, August 22, when a woman heard her car window
A NEW service to support people with mental or learning difficulties who find themselves in police custody is being set up in Redditch. South Worcestershire Citizen Advocacy (soon to be Onside Independent Advocacy) aims to support adults who may be vulnerable
Theatre review: The Winslow Boy at the Festival Theatre, Malvern (until September 7). THIS is one of the brilliant Terence Rattigan's most celebrated plays, and it's still as good as ever some 50 or so years on since it was first performed. Riveting and
A 27 year old who suffered a broken jaw after being attacked in a Redditch club was unable to give a full account of the assault until five days afterwards due to his injuries. The assault happened inside Time nightclub, Church Road, on Friday, August
The trial of a teenager accused of stabbing a bus passenger nine times has been fixed by a judge at Worcester Crown Court. Daniel Hinton, aged 19, of Felton Close, Redditch, denies the attempted murder of Mark McCusker on February 19 this year. He also
A teenager who launched a bottle attack pleaded guilty after a judge allowed police identity parade evidence to be part of the prosecution case. Scott Fitzgerald had claimed he was wrongly picked out by witnesses because he had a black eye. But Judge
ASK any Bromsgrove Rovers fan to name their club's most famous match and you should get the same answer - Barnsley in the FA Cup third round. January 8, 1994 will forever be etched in Bromsgrove folklore as the day eleven footballing heroes were two minutes
STEVE Taylor has left Bromsgrove Rovers by mutual consent. Taylor, a key part of Rovers' promotion from the Midland Alliance last season, has found it hard to hold down a regular first team place at the Victoria Ground and has gone in search of first
BROMSGROVE Rovers joint manager Gary Hackett has emphasised the importance of a good start to his side's Dr Martens Western campaign. Rovers travel to Racing Club Warwick this Saturday before home games with Bedworth United next Tuesday and Shepshed Dynamo
AFTER nearly 25 years in the vocation, nobody knows more about the grief and joy experienced every day in hospitals than The Rev Barry Jones, chaplain of the Alexandra Hospital. Mr Jones, who is married with one son, became a chaplain in 1978 and is now
A RANDOM spot check on seven Redditch GP surgeries revealed 188 patients failed to show up for their appointments in one week without informing the practice. The news follows the launch of a campaign called Keep It or Cancel It, spearheaded by Redditch
FOUR wins out of six, a stint at the top of the league and still the players predict they can get better -- has life at the Lane ever been sweeter in recent years? Three wins on the trot have confirmed initial impressions that John Barton's shrewd transfer
A DRASTIC overhaul of Redditch's bus routes means some residents will be left without a service. Operator First is concentrating resources on more profitable routes. Some areas will now not be served unless Worcestershire County Council finds funds to
September 5, 1952 ALL the classrooms at the new Bridley Moor Secondary Modern School have now been completed and fitted and will be ready for use when the school opens next Thursday. Mr WA Sharpe, clerk to the Redditch District Education Committee, told
RESIDENTS of an old folk's home are enjoying a higher standard of care thanks to a 30 per cent increase in staffing level. The improvements at Brambles in Redditch come following a £20 million cash injection into 10 care homes across Worcestershire. Additional
IT will be the biggest day of their cricket careers and a moment they will savour for many years to come. Tomorrow (Thursday), Barnt Green Cricket Club's First XI make their first ever appearance in the final of the ECB National Knockout at Edgbaston
CUTNALL Green CC finished a fine season by securing second place in Worcestershire County League division five with a five-wicket victory at Chain-Wire. Chain-Wire batted first and made steady progress before eventually being bowled out in 44 overs for
THE owners of Malvern's former fire station are backing a pay claim by firefighters by flying a huge banner on the tower of the building. Tony and Sarah Jane Bishop made the banner at their Malvern Blinds business in Howsell Road, ahead of a march in
FOUR wins out of six, a stint at the top of the league and still the players predict they can get better -- has life at the Lane ever been sweeter in recent years? Three wins on the trot have confirmed initial impressions that John Barton's shrewd transfer
FIVE Ways Old Edwardians and neighbours Wythall can look forward to Hopwood derbies next season after both clinched their respective league titles in dramatic fashion on the last day of the season. The two Warwickshire League clubs are only three miles
DROITWICH Spa Rugby Club First XV started their warm-up to the new Midlands Four West (South) season with a 25-15 defeat at Silhillians. The Spa pack put together some solid periods of play and it was from a good Jon Reed take at the lineout that saw
ON SATURDAY Redditch travelled to Wednesbury and came away with a six wicket victory. Wednesbury, taking first innings, made a bright start with an opening stand of 70, then slumped to 105-5. Cartwright then made 77 no to ease Wednesbury to 235-9 off
THE cream of Black Country entertainment will be brought together for one night only at the Palace Theatre this week. The Black Country Night Out features Tommy Munden, Aynuk and Ayli, Dandy and Giggetty in a two-hour show full of laughter and song -
BRITAIN'S longest-established professional orchestra performs for one night only at Malvern Theatres on Saturday. The Halle Orchestra, founded by pianist and conductor Charles Halle, gave its first public performance in 1858 and now, in its first visit
REDDITCH Council is seeking artists who have experience of working with young people. The Arts Development Department is interested in receiving artists' details to add to a database and interviews will take place during the autumn. In particular, people
ALCESTER Male Voice Choir will be holding a workshop at the Greig Centre, in Alcester on Wednesday, September 11, starting at 7.30pm All aspiring male singers are invited to attend the informal event and for more details, call musical director Judith
The Annual Flower, Fruit and Vegetable Show of the Redditch Royal British Legion (women's section) is on Saturday. For a list of all categories in the competition, which includes home-made goods, table decorations and hand-knitted garments, call 66931
BROMSGROVE Rovers can have few complaints at being forced into a replay following their 1-1 draw at Barwell last Saturday. Gary Hackett and Jon Ford's side squandered good first half chances to kill their Midland Alliance opponents off and paid the price
BARNT Green Spartak continued their impressive start to Midland Combination division two with a 1-0 victory at Halfords. GJ Singh's side started the brighter but had a man advantage inside 20 minutes as the hosts had skipper Mick Perkins sent off for
FAIRFIELD Villa Ladies started their season in emphatic style with a 4-0 victory at Banbury, featuring a Kelly Godfrey hat-trick. Despite several key players missing, Fairfield fielded a strong team with Laura Brown making her debut at right back and
GOAL machine Nick Lawley added another to his tally to help Rovers Sunday overcome Ringspanners 1-0 in division one of the Bromsgrove Football League. Elsewhere, Alvechurch darts won 4-0 thanks to braces from Strain and Turrell while leaders New Olympic
THE following waters have been booked by the Birmingham Anglers' Association. Saturday, September 7. River Avon at Wasperton Manor Farm 2; Barton 1; Bidford LB; Cleeve Prior 5 to 8; Salford Priors 1; Evesham; Swifts; Wood Norton; Fladbury Above; Lower
DEAR EDITOR - I would like to express my gratitude to those responsible for smearing (human?) faeces on the swings, slides and wooden animals in the Lido Park children's play area in Droitwich on the night of Saturday, August 24. Our lives would be empty
DEAR EDITOR - The recent reports in your paper concerning the proposed Waitrose supermarket and the Worcestershire Hotel in Droitwich Spa have all indicated that the majority of the council are pushing a separate agenda to that for which they were elected
DEAR EDITOR - Isn't it time for both Droitwich Town and Wychavon District Council to offer an explanation for their stand regarding the Waitrose supermarket plan? Having opposed the proposals for a supermarket on the Kidderminster Road site, which has
DEAR EDITOR - My grandmother had a saying - "You'll never have all you want. Be grateful if you have all you need". The majority of Droitwich Spa people do not want another supermarket. Droitwich Spa is in need of accommodation. What better place than
DEAR EDITOR - Firstly, a thank you to your reporter, Emma Needle, for keeping Droitwich Spa folk up to date with the machinations of Wychavon District Council. It would seem from her report, Droitwich residents have to attend a 2pm meeting at Pershore
REDDITCH racewalker Sharon Tonks lined up in a strong field for the National 10km Road Race Championship in Leicester at the weekend despite the hardships endured on a recent trek up Mount Kilimajaro. A week after competing in the Commonwealth Games in
A PAIR of unattached Wythall runners showed the professionals how it was done in the Wolverhampton half marathon at the weekend. Janine Cherry and Shaun Donovan are familiar faces as they regularly pound the streets in the village and entered the Wolverhampton
EMRA championship hopeful Andy Burbidge is within touching distance of the title after two wins at Mallory Park at the weekend. The Winyates Green rider set a new lap record for his class on the way to winning the first of two races against arch rival
Redditch Swimming Club were back in action after the summer break with superb swims in the Fine Fare Trophy Gala at Bromsgrove to claim second place. The 9yrs got the gala underway with a rare opportunity for individual swims. Lucy Knibbs stormed to first
GREENFIELDS jetskiier Andy Rich is facing seven weeks on crutches after suffering a badly broken leg in the final round of the British Summer Series. Rich had a stiff task to dislodge series leader Ray Purkiss and achieve his aim of a Winter/Summer championship
As the Heart of England League campaign drew to a close Alcester's fading title hopes rested on securing the points at in-form King George VI. Alcester were never really in it as King George dominated, and were 32 shots adrift at the halfway stage with
REDDITCH driver Colin Willmott continues his learning curve in the MGF series at Oulton Park at the weekend. The MGF ace takes to the track in Cheshire on Sunday, September 7.
FUNKY movers can throw some shapes at a Rubery dance club, which resumes after the summer break this Saturday. The Gemergize dance club has been running for just over two years and boys and girls aged between four and 18 years of age can get to grips
MAY I reassure the residents of St Peter's and the staff at the Evening News that PC Sharon Whitehouse is the Beat Manager for their area. There is not, and never has been, any intention to change this, (Evening News, Wednesday, August 28). Worcester
A CANAL walk proved to be a different and enjoyable way of spending a Sunday afternoon in August. In cool but dry weather, members gathered for lunchtime libation at the Eagle and Sun public house at Hanbury Wharf before heading northwards along the towpath
MAURICE Brett (You Say, Wednesday, August 28) appears to have an almost expert knowledge of foxhounds. But, in truth, his correspondence contains wildly inaccurate claims about how they live. He conveniently forgets to mention that hounds are close to
JUNE, July and August was visiting time for the NCCPG members and friends. First to Ivycroft at Ivington near Leominster where despite the "iffy" weather, all enjoyed the evening. The annual garden party at Gorsehill Abbey Farm near Broadway was damp
WE had a return visit in August by Len Salt who talked to us about climbing plants and admitted that clematis were difficult and he was unsure how to prune them properly so just "cut them down" was his message! Len's slides were beautiful as usual. Fifty-one
SEPTEMBER sees the start of the indoor season for the society, with weekly lectures, competitions and hands-on evenings. The society caters for all levels of photography from beginners onwards - so there is something for everyone. The group is a friendly
THEY say that only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun. Now a mountain biking Rotarian is all set to live up to that colonial legacy. Ian Grayson, who is known to his friends as Mad Dog, is gearing up to take part in a Sahara Cycle Challenge
A BARNT Green man has been forced to throw in the towel, make his staff redundant and sell his business of two years following a series of what he claims to be "unfounded allegations". Richard Marshall lost his on-going battle and was forced to auction
DISCO divas got down on the dance floor at a party to mark the end of a town play scheme. Children at the Ryland Centre got creative last Friday making decorations ready for the disco in the afternoon. More than 60 children had attended the New Road centre
WITH the start of the new school term this week concerned parents in Stoke Prior have vowed to continue the fight for the reinstatement of the bus service for their children. Mums and dads in the village held an emergency meeting on Thursday (August 29
A SITE near Bromsgrove was earmarked as a possible location for a new international airport handling 30 million passengers a year, a newly-published Government report reveals. A secret investigation picked out suitable locations in the area and the skies
TRIBUTES have been pouring in for a popular Bromsgrove policeman who died suddenly at the age of 50. Detective Constable Roger Powell, who was based at Bromsgrove, died on Bank Holiday Monday from heart failure. He started his police career in Droitwich
A SPECIAL behind closed doors meeting will be held next Monday to discuss tenders for Bromsgrove's £2.5m arts centre, the Advertiser/Messenger can reveal. The meeting has been called after three district councillors declared their concern over some financial
Officials of Bromsgrove Farmers Club were looking forward to their annual open Agricultural and Horse Show, held at Kingsland Hill Farm, Wychbold. This was due to 'a marvellous sponsorship' for a very full and attractive programme. Highlights included
A HEAVILY pregnant woman fled for her life when fire tore through her flat. Kerry Richards feared she would go into labour as she fled the fire, which broke out in her home in Charland Court, Droitwich Spa, last Thursday. The blaze, which damaged everything
A SPA man is getting used to life behind bars after being caught driving while disqualified three times in the space of six months. Steven Bennett, aged 28, was also caught in possession of stolen goods on one of the occasions that he was stopped by police
MORE than 100 riders and 500 spectators descended on Hanbury last Sunday for the annual Hanbury motorbike scramble. Re-launched last year, the Hanbury Motorbike Scramble originally started in 1963 and ran until 1971. And on Sunday, there were 19 races
BROMSGROVE Olympique Cycling Club riders have been reaping the rewards for their hard work this season with good finishes at the final stages of the mountain bike season last weekend. At the final event of the Specialised Midlands Summer Series at Hopton
THERE is a buzz around St George's Lane at present and long may it continue. Although Monday's win against Moor Green put us top the season's first real marker comes after 10 games when you can sit down and gauge your progress. Hopefully we will have
Southam United 0 Alvechurch 8 BEREFT of seven regulars Alvechurch still found the sterngth to crush sad Southam. Keith Rostill gave an impressive display of the striker's art to hit four with the fourth a peach. Brett Fitzpatrick made ground down the
BIRMINGHAM City Ladies are without the services of star striker Katy Ward for the trip to Southampton Saints on Sunday. Blues kicked-off life in the top flight with a creditable 1-1 draw against a much-fancied Leeds United team at the Valley. The match
HEADLESS Cross Ladies kicked off their season with a 3-2 win over Southam United despite blooding six new signings in a revamped side. The Abbey Stadium side shrugged the disappointment of losing a promotion play-off in the close season to open in style
THE whole of Alcester is smiling this week as Britain in Bloom judges awarded the highest accolade to the town for this year's amazing flower display. Alcester in Bloom chairman Maggie Payne received the Britain in Bloom gold certificate in the regional
REDDITCH United Women kick-off the season on Sunday and mirror their male counterparts by trying to recover after the close season departure of their star striker. Weeks after Paul Danks left the Reds for arch rivals Bromsgrove Rovers, Women striker Mandy
STUDLEY manager mark Chambers is refusing to panic after Saturday's FA Cup exit extended the club's losing streak to four matches. The Bees ended up losing in their first FA Cup tie 3-0 to Dr Martens Western pacesetters Atherstone United. It is the third
ALCESTER and Studley housing association tenants are the best rent payers in the country according to recent figures. South Warwickshire Housing Association's annual performance report has shown rent arrears among its 5,500 properties across the Stratford
Thieves stole a number of computers from premises on the Waterloo Industrial Estate in Bidford on Friday, August 24. Police believe intruders entered the building through a first floor window using a ladder between 5.30-8.30pm. Anyone one with any information
Stratford Samaritans are looking for Alcester volunteers to help operate their phone lines. Despite the branch's efforts, 35 per cent of callers still receive the engaged tone. An open evening is being held tonight at the branch office, Shakespeare Street
REDDITCH'S road to Cardiff got off without a hitch in the against Midland Alliance newcomers Grosvenor Park, writes Matt Smith. But United had to scrap for their place in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup with victory only coming after a calamity
A POPULAR skills centre which provides training for hundreds will remain open and continue to be run by Redditch Council. The Redi Centre will become the subject of an extensive business plan aimed at taking it forward and jobs, which had been under threat
HUNDREDS paid their respects to a well-loved teacher when St Benedict's High School held a memorial service last Wednesday. Peter Seeney, a retired deputy head, taught at the school for more than 25 years. The Chronicle apologises for mistakes in last
A REDDITCH man who won his race discrimination claim against a charity has been awarded more than £14,000 compensation. Rauf Shah, of Oakly Road, Southcrest, who had brought the case against the now defunct Redditch Council for Voluntary Services, was
SEVERAL stores, including an indoor food hall and health club, will not be opening for the launch of a £20 million development in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre on September 16. The news comes just days before the town's new bus station will finally start
Redditch's new B&Q superstore in Smallwood has been completed one week early. The £7 million project saw the old Alcad battery site in Union Street decontaminated before the 150,000 sq ft store was built. Nearby Tunnel Drive was also remodelled for
A HUGE protest meeting against plans to operate an animal carcass incinerator next door to the school in Astwood Bank will take place this Saturday. The event has been organised by the newly formed Astwood Bank Against Incinerator (ABAI) committee and
A CHARITY's success in providing support and advice for vulnerable people means it is now desperately short of volunteers. Bromsgrove and Redditch Advocacy Group, based at Greenlands Business Centre, aims to protect the rights of the elderly or people
A RECENTLY re-formed rock band will be performing a charity gig at the end of this month - about 40 years since they first got together. Four original band members of The Shifting Sands will be playing at the Rocklands Social Club to raise money for Redditch
Four star QUEENS Of The Stone Age return to release their third album after two long years. When the band came on the scene in '98 with their first, self-titled album, the queens were dubbed the new Nirvana, a massive compliment then, but do they still
PARENTS, childminders, schools and nurseries will soon benefit from a new toy library service starting in the town. The Borrowers' Toy Library charity is expanding its services to Redditch from Malvern, where it started six years ago. Co-ordinator Sue
REDDITCH Rugby Club is helping to raise money for a youngster with severe epilepsy. Ella Hitchen five, of Bromsgrove Road, was diagnosed with the condition when she was just one. As well as larger seizures which happen fortnightly, she also has many minor
Four stars FOLLOW-UP albums often disappoint - this doesn't. After the rush of award-winning debut Parachutes, it's not surprising the foursome were feeling heady. But they took time to float for a while before coming up with this offering. It was time
I WAS somewhat puzzled by B Latham's letter and took some time trying to find the letter they were replying to. This was made difficult by the fact they seem to have completely missed the point of the original letter. In no way, shape or form did it mention
DIANE Thomas may criticise our Labour councillors for averring they are still in control of the borough (Letters, August 28). The question, though, is what the Liberal Democrats are actually doing now they "hold the balance of power". I suppose it doesn't
