Archive

  • TERRORISED BY CHILDREN

    A TERRIFIED family were under siege in their home when baby-faced trick or treaters hurled bricks at their windows. Derek Morris said the swearing 10-strong gang came back four times to intimidate his family after they refused to take part in the Halloween

  • Seconds stay on winning course

    Evesham II 6, Yardley II 1 EVESHAM continued their unbeaten run in the DTZ League with an impressive win. Adie Hoskins was again on target at short corners and Ben Brown had an excellent game - scoring a fine individual goal. The midfield and defence

  • Herbal help for reluctant rhino Rocky

    A RHINO who has failed to mate with his female friends for two years has been given the herbal equivalent of Viagra to put him in the mood for love. Staff at West Midland Safari Park are keen to boost Rocky's sex drive so he will mate with two of the

  • Last chance for addict who stole

    A WORCESTER heroin addict who committed shoplifting offences to fund his habit, has been given one last chance by magistrates. Richard Ristic, aged 26, stole items including food and clothes from shops around Worcester, starting shortly after he finished

  • Driver who crashed into tree walks away

    A DRIVER cheated death when his car smashed into a tree near Worcester cricket ground. All three emergency services were called to New Road after a silver Peugeot 106 XR hit a tree and a blue Mazda MX5 left the road, ploughed through a fence into Cripplegate

  • Asbestos was cause of death

    A WORCESTER man died after working with asbestos 35 years ago, an inquest has heard. Retired revenue officer Robert Rees died at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital on Tuesday, August 13, from a lung disease which left him struggling for breath. Worcestershire

  • Karate kids learn how to fight off stab attack

    THE murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman have prompted a children's self-defence class to triple in size at a Worcester martial arts centre. Children as young as five are learning to defend themselves against knife attacks if they cannot flee their

  • Country band makes welcome return

    A POPULAR country band will be returning to a Droitwich club for the third time next weekend. The Garry Blackmore Band will be performing at the End of the Trail Country Music Club on Saturday week (November 9). Club organiser, Wilf Saunders, said: "This

  • City tenants putting their lives at risk

    AROUND three per cent of Worcester's council tenants are putting their lives at risk because they are refusing the city council permission to check their central heating boilers. The offenders face the prospect of a court appearance after city councillors

  • Bogus callers in £300 theft from elderly pair

    AN elderly couple have been left "extremely upset" after two bogus callers entered their house and stole more than £300. A man called at their house on Clayfield Road, Bretforton, at midday on Thursday, October 24. After claiming that he needed to check

  • Bromsgrove Rovers 1 Merthyr Tydfil 2

    Saturday, October 26, 2002 BROMSGROVE Rovers surrendered their unbeaten Dr Martens Western record as they were out played and out muscled by a determined Merthyr Tydfil at The Victoria Ground last Saturday. With former Rovers forward Andy Mainwaring in

  • Swindon Supermarine 0 Bromsgrove Rovers 1

    Wednesday, October 23, 2002 JAMES Dyson scored the vital goal nine minutes from time as Bromsgrove Rovers won 1-0 at Swindon Supermarine. Rovers did not have it all their own way but first half chances fell to Richard Burgess, Mark Clifton, Dyson and

  • Addict 'dived' in front of bus

    A REDDITCH drug addict with a history of depression and overdoses committed suicide by throwing himself in front of a bus, an inquest heard. Witnesses described how 36-year-old Paul Newman literally 'dived' from the side of the road into the front of

  • Trio face jail after fear spree

    THREE youths are facing custodial sentences after a Redditch teenager was kidnapped and terrified into stealing beer from off-licences. Wesley Martin, 18, escaped the clutches of Keith Langton and Matthew Bodwell during the crime spree but they broke

  • Stumped!

    Police are investigating a burglary at Studley Cricket Club in Birmingham Road. The raid happened overnight between Monday, October 21, and the following day. Thieves stole a large safe containing cash and about 500 bottles of spirits, beer and soft drinks

  • Golfers held at knifepoint

    Crown Court Correspondent A DRUNKEN man who held three Redditch golfers at knifepoint on the fourth tee of a south Warwickshire course has been jailed for 12 months. And a judge at Warwick Crown Court told Andrew Hudson it would have been longer if his

  • 29/10/02 - Rovers target Peters

    BROMSGROVE Rovers are preparing to open transfer talks with Gresley Rovers midfielder Mark Peters. Peters, part of the Gresley squad beaten 5-0 by Rovers in the FA Cup in September, is one of three players who have been shortlisted by the Victoria Ground

  • Warning given over bogus police calls

    POLICE are warning people to be vigilant after phone calls were made by people claiming to be from the police asking for personal financial information. The owner of a shop in Bromsgrove had a call from someone claiming to be working for Worcester police

  • Ladies lose at the death

    A GOAL 30 seconds from time sent Bromsgrove Hockey Club Ladies Second XI to a 3-2 home defeat by Harborne Ladies Thirds. The hosts took the lead early on through Jules Chambers. Harborne fought back to score twice before half time. In the second half,

  • 100 years ago

    November 1, 1902 REDDITCH Petty Sessions - William Neale, gipsy, whose wife appeared, was fined 2s 6d and 4s 6d costs for allowing a donkey to stray in Holyoakes Lane, Tardebigge, on October 4. PC Prosser proved the case. Fred Simpson, Redditch, was charged

  • 50 years ago

    October 31, 1952 A NUMBER of oak pumping rods and water pipes believed to be at least 200 years old were discovered when Mr Alfred John Tipping, of Hookey's Farm, Cookhill, decided to have the old-fashioned deep well at the rear of his farmhouse cleaned

  • Redditch take spoils

    REDDITCH Reds stormed home on their own patch to win the Redditch Centenary Trophy Gala. Swimming for the Reds in the 10u were Nicola Strange, Leanne Savage, Dan Ruckwood and Robert Stanley. In the 12u age were Alex Munsey, Amber Sutton, Sam Holtom and

  • CHC to focus on eye care

    A TOWN health watchdog will be making its feelings on eye services clear at a meeting with the Commission for Health Improvement (CHI) next Thursday. Redditch and Bromsgrove CHC will stress the need for another consultant to treat patients in the Bromsgrove

  • Hard cheese

    HEADLESS Cross ace Stefan Hodgetts has set his sights on a Formula 1 test drive this time next year. After seeing the top drivers in this season's F3 series offered drives with F1 giants, Hodgetts wants to follow in their footsteps next season. A lack

  • Hospitalsmoking 'must go'

    THE chairman of the Redditch and Bromsgrove CHC health watchdog has said smoking at hospitals should be banned altogether. David McGrath said he and other members of the CHC felt strongly about the matter and were unimpressed by patients smoking outside

  • County tops

    Worcestershire top the table in division three of the Inter Counties Darts League after a good 24-12 victory against Avon. The Women's B team won 4-2. Rachel Leeming, Chris Glover, Claire Hill and Janet Hill, who hit a 17.03 average took the match award

  • STUART BROCK - Goalkeeper. 26/9/76. 6ft 1ins. Squad number 1.

    Released by Aston Villa, Brock signed for Harriers in September 1997 after a short spell at Northampton Town where he failed to make an appearance. He made his Harriers first-team debut in November of the same year and has proved himself a fine shot-stopper

  • LEE AYRES - Centre-back. 28/8/82. 6ft 2ins. Squad number 16.

    Rangy Ayres joined Harriers as a youth-team player from Walsall but progressed to the reserves after impressing at the heart of the defence. A big future is predicted for the youngster who signed a two-year deal and made his competitive debut in the tough

  • 30/10/02 Record win as Harriers hit a peak

    SWANSEA 0 HARRIERS 4 CONFIDENT Kidderminster Harriers' season just got even better on a soaking Tuesday night in South Wales with their record Football League victory. The 4-0 triumph marked a brilliant fifth away win in a row and lifted rampant Harriers

  • Bus pass is withdrawn

    BUS chiefs say they had to withdraw an off-peak travel pass from sale suddenly last week because it was no longer commercially viable. The axing of the £17, two-month pass will mean many passengers will have to fork out twice as much for just one month's

  • SEAN PARRISH - Midfield. 14/3/72. 5ft 10ins. Squad number 8.

    Summer signing Parrish has enjoyed three promotions before from Division Three, twice with Northampton Town and once with Chesterfield. The competitive left-footed midfielder with an eye for goal turned down a one-year deal with Chesterfield to sign for

  • Off quizzing

    Redditch Mayor Steve Wheeler and his wife will be putting their brainpower to the test tomorrow evening in the town hall. They will be attending the Friends of Gruchet annual meeting and quiz night from 7.30pm.

  • Charity delight after care plea

    AN appeal in the Advertiser earlier this month saw 14 people from Redditch interested in becoming a Barnardo's Short Break carer. The charity said it was delighted with the response after it launched an appeal for volunteers to help families of disabled

  • BO HENRIKSEN - Forward. 7/2/75. 5ft 10ins. Squad number 12.

    A player with an impressive reputation in homeland Denmark, Henriksen signed a two-and-a-half year deal at Aggborough in February 2002. The flamboyant striker, who impressed in an initial three-month loan spell with an immaculate first touch, signed from

  • Tip offs invited on fly-tippers

    RESIDENTS in the Bromsgrove Council district are being asked to help Environmental Health chiefs with a hard-hitting action plan to clamp down on fly-tippers. Law-abiding citizens, who end up having to foot the bill, are being urged to blow the whistle

  • Upgrades in store

    WORK to upgrade Redditch's district shopping centres should be finished by March. The council is spending £400,000 to improve visibility and security. Brick screen walls will be removed and replaced with metal railings, bushes and foliage cut back, public

  • Season over

    WITH the cricket season now over, this section of the site will not be updated as regularly as the others. Please e-mail any news to the Sports Editor.

  • Comeback not enough

    Alvechurch 3 Handrahan Timbers 4 ANOTHER Alvechurch cup exit saw them dumped out of the Birmingham Midweek Vase at the first hurdle, writes Matt Smith. Three goals down after an hour, the Churchmen almost pulled off an unlikely comeback but the visitors

  • High-ranking idea

    TWO new taxi routes using lanes previously restricted to buses are set to make journeys quicker and easier in the town. The recent opening to taxis of Station Way, by the bus station, and Easemore Road in the town centre will simplify many taxi rides.

  • Church through

    ALVECHURCH survived another cup scare before easing into the last 16 of the Endsleigh Challenge Cup at the weekend. Two goals up and coasting against Continental Star at half time, Andy Hibbert's side did their best to make life exciting for their fans

  • Millers Gav hope

    FECKENHAM manager Lee Adams hopes to have Studley midfielder Gavin Barratt in the team in time to face visitors Continental Star on Saturday. The faltering Millers went down 2-0 to second placed Bolehall at the weekend to leave their manager frustrated

  • Ballet tells tragic tale

    AN enchanting ballet telling the tale of a peasant girl who dies from a broken heart is being staged at the Palace Theatre this week. Ballet Russe presents Giselle at the Alcester Street theatre on Saturday, November 2, with music by Adolphe Adam and

  • Tell me it's quite true

    WILLY Russell's musical Blood Brothers returns to Birmingham Hippodrome for a two-week run. Hailed as one of the best musicals of all time, Blood Brothers has scooped four best musical awards in London and seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway. Set

  • Winning run ended after dubious decider

    Meir KA 3, Pershore Town 2 PERSHORE Town's winning run ended on Saturday with a narrow defeat in the ICIS Midland Comb-ination Premier Division. Lowly Meir went ahead in the 20th minute when Mack Banks set-up Darren Johnson to drive the ball past goal

  • Seven-up Littleton add league win to cup ko

    Kenilworth Wardens 1, Littleton 7 LITTLETON followed up an excellent victory in midweek in the Worcester-shire Junior Cup with an easy win in the league at Kenilworth Wardens on Saturday. Last Tuesday, they travelled to Dudley Sports, third in Division

  • Top class

    THREE Redditch schools have won FA Charter Standard status. Arrow Vale High School, Dingleside Middle School and St Bede's Catholic Middle School have secured the FA Award which serves as a kite mark for clubs rewarding good practice at grass roots level

  • A cut above

    The Redditch Society holds a talk entitled Canals - Dereliction to Recreation, presented by industrial archaeologist Jean Osborne, on Friday. The talk is at Trinity High School, Easemore Road, and starts at 7.30pm. Call 01386 792082 for more details.

  • Clean sheet a priority

    WITHOUT an away win in the Dr Martens League Western Division this season, Evesham face a tough task to break their duck at Racing Club Warwick on Saturday. Although languishing next to bottom of the table, Warwick have yet to lose at home, winning one

  • Night will be a blaze

    BONFIRE night will provide plenty of fun and entertainment for families all over Redditch this weekend with several events taking place. The main one will be at Arrow Valley Park, off Battens Drive, on Tuesday, November 5, where a huge firework display

  • Trio herald second show

    THE second concert in Redditch Music Society's new season takes place at the Ecumenical Centre on Saturday. The concert, at 7.30pm, will be given by the Dadelsen Trio - French-born pianist Anne de Dadelsen, violinist Colin Twigg and cellist David Powell

  • 30/10/02 Titterton: A long way to go

    BOSS Dave Titterton admitted Stourport Swifts have a long way to go after their 4-1 humbling by Bromsgrove Rovers in the Dr Martens Cup first round on Tuesday. The Walshes Meadow club, who have enjoyed a revival under the new boss, conceded two goals

  • Rovers prove too sharp for Swifts

    BROMSGROVE Rovers manager Gary Hackett praised the quality of his side goals after they brushed aside Stourport Swifts with a 4-1 win in the Dr Martens Cup last night. The Western Division leaders wrapped up the tie with a first half Steve Frost brace

  • Matthews takes glory at Brands

    Worcester racing driver Tim Matthews achieved what he has described as his best-ever result in a 33-year career on both two wheels and four. He finished second in the final round of the UK Historic Sports 2000 Championship at Brands Hatch, thus finishing

  • Ball back in frame

    BROMSROVE RFC First XV captain Dean Ball could be back in the side for Saturday's visit of Leicester Lions to Finstall Park. Ball (pictured) missed last weekend's 49-17 victory at Kenilworth because of a knee injury but coach David Stout hopes to have

  • Council bid for over 60s

    REDDITCH Council is offering people over 60 the chance to become involved in arts and crafts and keep physically fit. A scheme has been launched after a successful bid to Worcestershire County Council's Social Services department for Prevention Grant

  • Getting it rural

    REDDITCH Council is set to join a partnership to improve rural bus services which could see up to £250,000 awarded for individual projects. As a partner, the council will contribute £2,000 per year to the Wychavon and Redditch Rural Bus Partnership for

  • 29/10/02 - Reds Matty set for cheek op

    REDS winger Matty Hall goes into Selly Oak for an operation on his fractured cheekbone tomorrow. Saturday's win at basement boys Swindon Supermarine was held up for 30 mins as Hall was treated on the pitch after a nasty collision before being taken to

  • Arrive early for firework fun

    A feast of fireworks will be on show at the Arrow Valley Lake on Tuesday. A Heart FM roadshow and funfair will kick off the free display at 6.30pm before the touchpaper is lit at 7.15pm. The event has been organised with lots of fun for all ages but there

  • Shine for a loved one

    THE yearly all-out effort to raise as much money as possible for a Redditch and Bromsgrove charity in the run-up to Christmas kicks off this week. The Tree of Light is an appeal which has been running for a number of years now raising much-needed cash

  • Rovers target Peters

    BROMSGROVE Rovers are preparing to open transfer talks with Gresley Rovers midfielder Mark Peters. Peters, part of the Gresley squad beaten 5-0 by Rovers in the FA Cup in September, is one of three players who have been shortlisted by the Victoria Ground

  • Spartak put four past Inkberrow

    BARNT Green Spartak reached the last eight of the Worcestershire FA Junior Cup with a comfortable 4-1 defeat of Inkberrow. It took 42 minutes for Delroy Brown to give GJ Singh's side the lead and Simon Brown made it two before the break. Inkberrow, a

  • Dyson sinks Marine

    JAMES Dyson scored the vital goal nine minutes from time as Bromsgrove Rovers won 1-0 at Swindon Supermarine. Rovers did not have it all their own way on Wednesday, October 23, but first half chances fell to Richard Burgess, Mark Clifton, Dyson and Kevin

  • Six of the best for U12s

    CATSHILL Warriors U12s have made the perfect start to the season by winning six games from six. Their 100 per cent record has been maintained courtesy of three victories in both the Central Warwickshire Youth League division two and cup competitions.

  • 'They have to change the way they operate'

    THE future survival of the Swan Theatre is not in the hands of the city council but in the hands of the theatre itself, a city councillor has said. "They are the ones who can save themselves if they want to," said Councillor Simon Geraghty. Referring

  • Angling round-up

    WINTER has set in with a vengeance, high winds and torrential rain have both hit sport pretty hard and if things go to form the next few months look likely to be quite dismal for us anglers. A slight lull in the weather on Tuesday, October 21 was a welcome

  • Residents urge council to help solve problems

    DEAR EDITOR - As residents of Millfield/Brook Road wish to draw your attention and that of Bromsgrove District Council to the happenings listed below:- 1 On numerous occasions our properties have been pelted with eggs and stones. Window panes have been

  • Swansea City 0 Kidderminster Harriers 4

    Tuesday, October 29, 2002 KIDDERMINSTER Harriers climbed to second place in the Nationwide League Division Three with a 4-0 thrashing of Swansea City at the Vetch Field last night. Even dejected Swansea supporters shrugged off their own misery to give

  • Wood on fire

    WOODRUSH came up with the goods in a 55-5 hammering of neighbours Five Ways Old Edwardians at the weekend. Paul Moore's side steamrollered the league whipping boys to leave their opponents anchored to the foot of the Powergen North Midlands One table.

  • Dunlop lose their grip

    ALCESTER put the disappointment of Junior Vase defeat to lower league Tenbury behind them with a narrow win to keep their Powergen Warwickshire One hopes alive. Defeat to early leaders Manor Park, followed by the cup shock, dented a promising league start

  • Ben's on the board

    BROADWAY golfer Ben Storey made a super start to his attempt to win the Daily Telegraph -Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Junior Championship in South Africa. The teenager shot a one-over par of 73 in the opening round in Sun City to lie in joint fourth place, six

  • Bidford on top as Avon fails to flourish

    Evesham Jubilee Society BIDFORD regained the Challenge Shield with a 101-95 win in last weekend's match fished in tricky conditions on the Avon. Few fish were caught by the ten-man squads but, after dominating for the past three years, the society were

  • Hmm, let me see...

    DENNIS Quaid says there's no difference between being gay and being straight. I can think of one obvious difference. GEORGE COWLEY, Worcester.

  • Bounce your way into that perfect shape for Christmas

    LOOKING for a fun new way to get into shape ready for that little black dress this Christmas? If so, a new Bromsgrove fitness class with a difference could be just for you! Boogie Bounce is a series of exercises, mainly aerobic, performed on an individual

  • What's on guide

    Wednesday October 30 z Show: Thor-The Giant Killer, Arena Theatre, Wulfrana Street, Wolverhampton, 11am and 2pm. z Show: The Diary of Anne Frank, Repertory Theatre, Broad Street, Birmingham, 7.30pm. Until November 9. Ballet: Spartacus, Hippodrome, Hurst

  • 25 years ago October 28, 1977

    A VOCAL section of Bromsgrove and Redditch Community Health Council was critical of the new strategy document concerning health care in the district, for the next two years. A number of town members said the document assumed a new district general hospital

  • Rosehill Flower Arrangement Society

    MEMBERS of the Rosehill Flower Arrangement Society spent an enthralling afternoon at the flower demonstration by Hazel West from Mamble, near Kidderminster. Her title rich pickings related to interesting aspects and events in her life and each aspect

  • Loutish jibe at Germans

    I COULD almost hear the chuckles emanating from a certain flat in Warndon as the occupant gloated over his printed retort to Dieter Schroeder's observations of Britain's failings (You Say, October 16). The comments from George Cowley that "we weren't

  • 50 years ago November 1, 1952

    FIREFIGHTERS were scrambled to All Saints Hospital when a fire broke out in the east wing. Patients were carried from smoke-filled wards and the staff rooms were completely gutted. The Women's Voluntary Service managed to serve hot meals to distressed

  • Finstall WI

    MRS Hughes, president, welcomed members to the October meeting of Finstall WI. Invitations had been received from Bromsgrove and Fairfield WI's for members to attend their Christmas parties in December. Bernard Mills, the speaker for the evening, then

  • Conservative Ladies Luncheon Club

    VICE Chairman Brenda Graham greeted a happy group of ladies to the October meeting at the Ladybird Inn, and everyone sat down to a meal of roast lamb with mint sauce. After the loyal toast had been drunk and a few announcements made, the speaker, Sue

  • Chaddesley Corbett Gardeners' Club

    Members welcomed Martin Rickard to our October meeting and thoroughly enjoyed their introduction to ferns and an insight to "behind the scenes" at Chelsea and Malvern. Martin has won numerous gold medals over the years and he entertained with his memorable

  • Tudor chillers move in on mansion

    GHOSTS of the past provided chilling entertainment at Avoncroft Museum's Hallowe'en weekend. Things were certainly going bump in the night at the Merchant House when busy souls from a Droitwich Spa re-enactment group moved in. Visitors to the Stoke Heath

  • Give us a Halloween treat

    A TRIO of unwanted kittens called Pumpkin, Trick and Treat are seeking loving homes this Halloween. The Blue Cross Animal Adoption Centre, in Wildmoor Lane, wants to find new owners for the playful pussycats who were left to perish in a cardboard box,

  • Blow whistle on the tippers

    ENVIRONMENTAL health chiefs are appealing to the public to help them clamp down on fly-tippers. Law-abiding citizens, who end up having to foot the fly-tipping bill, are being asked to blow the whistle on people they see illegally dumping rubbish. They

  • Double role for schools

    SCHOOLS buildings in Bromsgrove could soon be used to host community activities thanks to one-off windfalls from the council. Bromsgrove District Council is considering handing out single cash grants to town schools to help get community activities off

  • £480,000 ready to roll on roads

    MAJOR works to improve safety along a notorious Bromsgrove dual carriageway will begin in weeks following years of controversy and debate. A 16-week scheme by the town's Highways Partnership Unit, to slash the number of accidents on the A491, is due to

  • Rogue alleyway is closed down

    CALLS to close a Catshill alleyway, which is used as a rat run by firebugs, car thieves and moped riders, have been answered. A pathway linking Alexander Close with garages in Cobnall Road will close following complaints from residents and the police.

  • Lighting up the night sky

    AN extravagant firework display will set the town's night sky alight. The huge bonfire bash will be held alongside the Spa's canal on Saturday from 6.30pm. The bonfire will be lit at 6.45pm and the fireworks will be launched from a barge moored on the

  • Multi-cultural

    A HINDU festival has been lighting up the faces of children from a multi-cultural Bromsgrove school. Pupils at the Mount School, in Birmingham Road, are learning about Diwali, a religious period celebrating the goddess of light and wealth. During October

  • Cash up for grabs

    COMMUNITY groups can bag a grant as Droitwich round table seek extra help. The Spa round table has more than £4,500 to donate to local charities and groups. And this week people are invited to bid for a slice of it. The organisation raised the money last

  • Paws for a while and take in this show

    FELINE fans can paw their way to a cat show in Bromsgrove this weekend. The Blue Persian Cat Society is holding its 63rd championship show at the Spadesbourne Suite this Saturday (November 2). Visitors can look forward to a wide variety of feline breeds

  • Rock time at the Bear

    FANS of a Bromsgrove rock band can take note of few important dates for their diaries. Easy will be playing at The Bear in Alcester near Redditch on Saturday night (November 2). Forthcoming gigs include The Littleton Arms in Walsall on Friday November

  • D-Day for hotel homes plan

    THE DERELICT Worcestershire hotel will come under the spotlight tomorrow (Thursday)when planners discuss a bid to transform it into apartments. Wychavon District Council's licensing and development control committee will consider an application by George

  • Landlord fined for bogus booze

    THE landlord of a Spa pub was made to pay more than £1,000 after he was caught selling substituted whisky. Anthony Gardner, licensee of the Barley Mow, was investigated by trading standards just before Christmas last year, Worcester magistrates heard

  • Office workers' phone mast fury

    OFFICE workers were outraged when they arrived to find two mobile phone masts being installed just two feet away from their window. People at Charles Henry House, in Worcester Road, Droitwich, said they knew nothing about the masts until they arrived

  • Pete's Portugal trip

    BROMSGROVE golfer Pete Williams stands on the threshold of international golfing glory after playing the round of his life to reach the prestigious final of the Wilson Matchplay Championships. Pete, aged 37, will fly out to Portugal's Vale do Lobo golf

  • Champions celebrate a summer of rich success

    EVESHAM Cricket Club and Henricians annual dinner and awards evening took place at the Waterside Hotel (Strollers). Club captain Jon Gregory reported on a most successful season, particularly the efforts of the first team who were crowned Division Two

  • Golden glory for Garrity

    WILL Garrity (19) from Chipping Campden, became the British Junior Sabre champion last weekend when he defeated defending champion Peter Kirby 15-8 in the final. Garrity had control of the fight all the way, using his greater size to advantage, and denying

  • Town joy at £1m bonus

    ALCESTER is set to be revitalised after one of the biggest windfalls in its history was granted. More than £1m will be pumped into Alcester and the surrounding areas in the next three years after Advantage West Midlands awarded £500,000 to be spent as

  • £2.5m on the cards

    A POT of £2.5m could be shared between the Greig Centre and Alcester Grammar School if Stratford Council's executive committee agrees to development plans next month. The final plans have now been drawn up and if agreed by the committee on Monday, November

  • Good Lord, help us out!

    A STUDLEY vicar believes the majority of people under the age of 40 do not know the Lord's Prayer. The Rev Richard Deimel, of Studley Parish Church, spoke out after being struck by how few people at weddings and other services are able to say it. Now

  • Mother admits cruelty charge

    A MOTHER failed to get help for her young daughter for up to two hours after the girl had been sexually abused so violently that she had severe bleeding from her private parts. And at Warwick Crown Court the mother, who is from Alcester but cannot be

  • Bright ideas on show

    ENERGY saving advice will be on the cards for visitors to the Home Design and Interiors Exhibition at Coughton Court at the weekend. People will be encouraged to reduce their energy consumption and help fight global warning by the Warwickshire Energy

  • 29/10/02 - Nine goal thriller

    Redditch United 4 Evesham United 5 (aet; 90 mins 4-4) SHAME on the fans who stayed away in their droves again last night - they missed a cracker. This match had it all - five goals, two substitutions, comedy defending and Rod Brown on the pitch to remonstrate

  • Happy Birthday to us

    Haselor First School teachers and pupils went back to Victorian times to celebrate the school's 125th birthday. It was officially opened on October 30, 1877 but because of half term, staff and children decided to revisit their history on Thursday. Pupils

  • Walk-in thief hits

    A PURSE containing cash, credit and store cards was stolen after a walk-in theft at Yew Tree Farm craft centre, Wootton Wawen, last Tuesday. Police believe the thief got into the Stratford Road centre through a back door at about 11.45am and snatched

  • Sex shop will open - bosses

    BOSSES behind a proposed sex shop in the town centre are adamant they will open on December 1 and claim there is nothing Redditch Council can do about it. There is confusion as to whether a £9,000 a year licence is needed before Lovejoys.net opens on

  • Ice camp signals sporting success

    WINTER came early for a former Abbey High School student when she took part in adrenaline-pumping sports at the British Army's ice camp in Norway. Julia Cartwright, who is serving with the Royal Signals, was among 150 novices taking part in the event,

  • Shaman Santana

    Four star A SHAMAN is a spiritual healer who, among other things, uses song to create unity and harmony in the world. Carlos Santana has taken an eclectic mix of pop, rock, blues and light opera, added his virtuoso skills on guitar and tried to enhance

  • Together S Club Juniors

    Two star THINK what you will about the moral and commercial aspects of these eight children forming a band, they could teach many an older band a thing or two about singing. These five girls and three boys have gorgeous voices and produce some cracking

  • Will and Gareth featuring Zoe NEC Arena

    Three star I loved the Pop Idol concert which featured the top 10 finalists of the award-winning television talent show. It was fast paced, entertaining and well choreographed. So I was looking forward to this concert performed by Pop Idol winner Will

  • Jail helps out

    Inmates at Brockhill Prison recently raised more than £250 for a Christmas party for a special needs group. A group of 12 inmates competed in a sponsored 12-hour triathlon for the Millfields Special Needs Group based in Middle House Lane. The jail has

  • KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS FC MATCH FACTS - 2002/2003

    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

  • Crossroads (PG)

    Two star IF ever there was a weeny-popper film, this is it. Just don't go anywhere near it if you're over 12 or have no time for Britney Spears. The plot involves three graduating girlies who go off on an interminable road-trip to discover their friendship

  • Letters launch a true love story

    THE compelling love story of a couple who wrote to each for seven years in the 1870s before finally getting married has been brought back to life in a book. Meriel Hayes, of Church Hill, has spent 18 years compiling a book of letters sent from her grandfather

  • Support for police chief

    COMMUNITY leaders across the town have joined forces to speak out at their 'deep shock' over the suspension of Redditch's top police officer. Chief Supt Patsy Lord has been suspended from duty after serious allegations of misconduct made from within the

  • Town's islands make it to TV

    EAT your heart out Pirelli. Because a Redditch printing company has come up with what it believes, in a roundabout way, is a real winner for a 2003 calendar. BB Print Digital Ltd, of Lakeside, decided the area's traffic islands were being given less attention

  • Heart attack at the wheel

    AN elderly driver died after suffering a heart attack at the wheel of his car in Hollywood on Saturday afternoon. Kenneth Swainstone, 79, of Corbet Road, Hollywood, was in his blue Rover Maestro returning from shops at Drakes Cross Parade and turning

  • Shed those tools!

    PEOPLE are being asked to donate old tools and other items to help bring people in developing countries out of poverty and lead independent lives. National charity Workaid refurbishes the items and sends them overseas, where they are used in vocational

  • Be a wild one

    Anyone interested in finding out just what's wild in the county can discover more with the town branch of the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust. The group holds its indoor meetings at St George's Community Hall in St George's, Redditch, and also goes on many

  • French focus

    A slideshow hosted by the Wythall Forum will focus on the French region of Provence on Monday. The talk, presented by Christine Woodcock, starts at 7.45pm at Wythall Library, May Lane, Hollywood. Admission is 75p.

  • History talk

    The next meeting of the Feckenham Forest History Society will be on Thursday, November 14. John Lowles will be giving a talk on the Worcestershire Regiment from 7.45pm in Webheath Village Hall.

  • 30/10/02 - England call up Mason

    WORCESTER flanker Neil Mason has been named in the England Under 21 North squad to play France East Under 21s next month. Mason is part of a 46-man party that will travel to the French rugby centre of excellence at Marcoussis, near Paris for the game

  • New hall wins furniture grant

    THERE were celebrations in Studley this week after the village hall committee heard it had won a £50,000 grant to furnish the new building now taking shape in the High Street. A year of fundraising culminated in success when West Midlands Arts decided

  • Memorial restored to glory

    SAMBOURNE'S war memorial is looking spick and span in the run-up to Remembrance Day after its recent renovation. Though the work has already been done, the parish council is still raising more than £1,000 to cover the cost of the repairs. But parish council

  • Kingfishers close ranks

    REDDITCH Rugby Club have replaced Kiwi player-coach Cameron Waghorn by promoting first teamer Ron Skelton to the role. Skelton is studying for his intermediate coaching qualification and was earmarked as a future coach but Waghorn's acrimonious departure

  • Dedication in motion

    SIXTH form pupils from Trinity High School are using their love of sport and thirst for excitement to raise cash for a cancer charity. One pupil will be doing a terrifying freefall and another has organised a sponsored cycle ride to raise money for the

  • Youth area is mooted

    PLANS may be put into action to create a new kickabout area for youngsters in Winyates. The neighbourhood group has a £1,600 budget and at its meeting last week, examined 10 green areas chosen for their potential for games. Some have been discarded as

  • Venture is just planning madness

    WITH regard to the proposed incinerator at Astwood Bank, I felt I must write because of my knowledge of the knackers yard, my growing concern as a parent of a four-year-old child at Astwood Bank First School and as a resident. I hope some additional information

  • Bus service is deplorable

    I AM writing to complain about the deplorable state of bus services in the Redditch and Bromsgrove area. Over the last month or so, I have been refused entry onto a bus (for no apparent reason), witnessed water seeping through floorboards, had drivers

  • Parish must keep pledge

    FURTHER to my letter published in the Advertiser on July 31 and the subsequent article printed on September 25 regarding the petition calling for improvements to the Studley Recreation Ground. The petition containing 340 signatures was presented to the

  • Ladies at the double after league and knockout wins

    WELFORD Ladies played their first WWIBA league game when they played Erdington Court at Rugby. The game ended in an exciting win for the visitors with Joan Parfitt's team well ahead with a win of 31-8 Nan Wells' team were holding their own in a close

  • Tracking success

    RISSINGTON Kart Club stages its final round of the Club Championships at Upper Rissington this weekend. Around 200 young karters from all over the country will descend on the former RAF base for two days of terrific track action. There is still plenty

  • Piddle setting pace

    WYRE Piddle Livewyres are the early pacesetters in Division One of the Evesham Association following three big wins. Geoff Woodward and Mal-colm MacFarlane both scored maximums in an 8-2 victory over Bengeworth Blue, a 7-3 defeat of Kington Bulldogs and

  • Letter from Westminster

    I AM pleased to say that this week new laws to outlaw tobacco advertising finally completed their passage through Parliament. In recent years, steps have been taken to make health warnings on tobacco advertising larger and larger. Unlike the slick adverts

  • Winner builds on success

    A DROITWICH man has won an award for the quality of his work on building sites. Garry Johnson has been named as a regional winner in the National House Building Council's (NHBC) annual awards. It is the second year running Mr Johnson, who works for William

  • Farmers' markets join in 14-day feast of British produce

    FARMERS' markets across the county will take on special significance this week as they celebrate British Food Fortnight. Markets in Droitwich, Worcester, Kidderminster and Bromsgrove will continue to sell fresh, local produce but will also be celebrating

  • Fury of the farmers tangled in red tape

    RED tape is holding up Government payments to farmers and delaying much-needed cash. The issue was exposed during a series of open-forum sessions with farmers organised by the Country Land and Business Association (CLA). Farmers in Worcestershire and

  • Town will suffer if trains are full, late and off

    WHILE I agree with many of the comments regarding the new bus station, I feel I must comment on the state of the train service in Redditch. Many of the trains on the Cross City Line have been reduced in size to three carriages from six. This often means

  • Three days of festivities

    A REDDITCH man and his bride celebrated their marriage with three days of celebrations. The first ceremony took place at the Shree Krishan Mandir, in Wolverhampton, followed the next day with a marriage service at St Lawrence's Church in Gnosall, Staffordshire

  • Sanctuary at church

    I JUST felt the need to write following my experience this morning. While waiting for my car to complete its MOT test, I had an hour to kill in Redditch town centre. It was a blustery, rainy morning and I had my three-month-old daughter in her pushchair

  • Friends' golden triumph

    A GROUP of young friends saw the culmination of two years' hard work when they collected their Duke of Edinburgh Gold awards in London on Thursday. The youngsters Richard Hughes, Laura Dearden, James Waddy, of Alvechurch, Sarah Cain of Rowney Green, Claire

  • Alcester Conservative Ladies Luncheon Club

    AT the October meeting, Maurice Abney-Hastings gave a talk on Donkeys, Mysteries and Houses in France when he followed in the steps of Robert Louis Stevenson's visit to France 125 years ago, recounted in his book Travels with a Donkey. He went on to speak

  • Arrow Valley Countryside Group

    IN place of the planned speaker on September 5, group secretary Pat Hodgkinson introduced a video made by her cousin of his 86-day voyage on a 40-foot catamaran from South Africa to England. It called at Durban, East London, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town

  • Cookhill WI

    ON October 9, members and friends made a most interesting trip with Hazel Pond to the tiny island of Bahrain. Like all good tourists, before our journey began we learnt a few words of greeting and how to pronounce Bahrain correctly - it certainly got

  • Kingfisher WI

    AT the October meeting, members were asked to send Jackie Grier news items for the next newsletter, due out in November. The Christmas meal was discussed and also the group wassail evening on December 18. Speaker Jean Farrington explained how she made

  • Merry Wives of Alcester

    AT the October 22 meeting at the Greig Hall Maurice Abney-Hastings talked about his travels around France which included making his acclaimed travel video for TV. Usually more at home writing books about his experiences, Maurice was handed a camera and

  • Bromsgrove & Redditch Mountaineering Club

    MEMBERS joined forces with with Worcester Moutaineering Club during August with a joint climbing trip to the Swiss Alps. On Wednesday, November 6, the club will hold a slide show at The Cross Inn, Finstall, at 8.30pm. On show will be their exploits in

  • Railway Interest Group

    THE Redditch & Alcester Group of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway started the new season of monthly meetings by celebrating the 21st anniversary of the formation of the GWR in the form of a slide show by member Eddie Roberts. His pictures

  • Redditch Solo Club

    THE Redditch branch of the National Federation of Solo Clubs recently held its AGM at which the committee was re-elected. The club, which opened 34 years ago, is for people on their own, either single, separated, widowed or divorced. They can go along

  • Rotary Club of Alcester

    ABOUT 50 members attended an evening of wildlife photography on October 17 at Alcester High School. Rotarian Jim Clarke introduced Peter Preece, whose skill, patience and enthusiasm in building hides and waiting for the right moment to capture the perfect

  • The Redditch Society

    ON October 18, Bob Poole, a Customs and Excise officer at Birmingham International Airport, was stand-in speaker. Employing the methods he uses in his job, where 12 million people pass through Customs each year, he put members at ease and then asked questions

  • Leaders in five-star show

    Keele University 2, Pershore 5 ANOTHER determined display in the DTZ League saw Pershore put a little distance between them and the chasing pack at the top of the table. Pershore started slowly after a difficult journey which delayed the start by 35 minutes

  • Badsey hit back to maintain proud record

    Old Silhillians II 1, Badsey Ladies 3 AFTER a hesitant start, Badsey fought back to maintain their 100 per cent in Division Two of the Worces-tershire League. It was quite a shock when Sils opened the scoring but it only served to jolt Badsey into life

  • City driver died in 100mph crash

    A WORCESTER man who sped along a city street at 100mph died after his car ploughed into a telephone kiosk and pillar box, an inquest heard. Worcestershire coroner Victor Round told yesterday's inquest into the death of William Morrison that the 27-year-old

  • Tile-making site discovered under offices

    COUNTY archaeologists are jubilant following a discovery that proves the existence of a long-forgotten industry in Worcester. A mediaeval tile-making factory has been found beneath the former Kays building at 9-10 The Tything. The site, including a well-preserved

  • Pantomime to put a new face on Scrooge

    ENTHUSIASTIC youngsters have stepped forward to stage a Christmas pantomime at a Worcester community centre. Organisers are now pleading with parents and city businesses to back the production of Scrooge. Costumes, lighting and props are all needed for

  • Halloween Fun

    FEARLESS fun was feeding youngsters' imagination at a Worcester museum today. Children have been enjoying creating spooky pictures and gory poems over the half-term holiday at The Elgar Birthplace Museum.

  • Fireplace drug haul

    A FORMER Worcester City Council mechanic stashed £1,200 of drugs behind his fireplace, a jury heard. Dean Hallett first told police that a "druggie" had lived in the house before him. But he later admitted the amphetamine was his and that he bought it

  • Friend praised for rescue bid bravery

    A WORCESTER teenager has been recommended for a police award following his "valiant" attempts to rescue a drowning friend. Brave Jack Woolley made repeated attempts to find 14-year-old Nathan Spiers after the teenager disappeared underwater at Lower Heath

  • Must be best feet forward!

    A NEW football team is looking for somewhere to practise its skills in St Peter's. Bob Jenkins, clerk to the parish, asked members of St Peter's Parish Council if there was anywhere for the budding footballers to practise. "A group of people are putting

  • Commandments to pay tribute

    A SOUL train will be running through Bromsgrove on Friday night when a top tribute band brings motown to the town. The Commandments will be making their first appearance at the Lickey End Social Club this Friday. Motown music-lovers can look forward to

  • No more early rising for city newsagent

    A NEWSAGENT is looking forward to spending a little longer in bed after a decade of early rising to serve his Worcester community. Ivor Weston has seen a chapter of changes in Ronkswood since 1992, when he opened Weston News, in Lichfield Avenue. The

  • Smoker's tobacco welcome

    AN Evesham man whose haul of tobacco was seized by customs officials has welcomed the end of the war on "booze cruisers." Paul Nevin, aged 40, won a landmark legal battle against Customs earlier this year, which was partly responsible for the Government's

  • Cash aid for market towns

    TWO Herefordshire market towns are to receive £300,000 each in a major funding boost to regenerate town centres. Bromyard and Ledbury have been awarded the cash to develop childcare and youth activities, as well as improve town centres and the surrounding

  • Winter walks in Worcestershire

    THE people of Worcestershire are being urged to put their best feet forward over the next six months of autumn and winter. The county council's Countryside Service has launched a new booklet with The Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and Worcester City Council

  • Libyan lawyers set Lockerbie compensation

    LIBYAN government lawyers have set conditions for compensating families of the Lockerbie bombing victims with £6.4m each - and for recovering the money if the terms are not met. Under the demand, the final £1.3m would be paid only after the US removes

  • Stourport Swifts 1 Bromsgrove Rovers 4

    Tuesday, October 29, 2002 BROMSGROVE Rovers won 4-1 at Stourport Swifts last night (Tuesday) to sweep into the second round of the Dr Martens League Cup. Steve Frost headed the first on 22 minutes following Mark Benbow's cross from Stewart Brighton's

  • Raid car in police plea

    POLICE are appealing for information after a stolen car was used in an early morning shop raid 11 days after it was taken. The Fiat Marea was stolen from Regents Court in Far Moor Lane, Winyates Green, on October 14 and was used during a break-in at Sainsbury's

  • Spa suffer first defeat

    DROITWICH SPA Hockey Club Men's First XI suffered their first league defeat of the season as they crashed 5-1 at Wednesbury. Droitwich started the match slowly and soon found themselves a goal down to the early West Midlands division one pace setters.

  • Benefit fraudster given fine

    A WOODROW woman has been fined after she pleaded guilty to benefit fraud at Droitwich Magistrates Court earlier this month. Dawn Walker, of Bushley Close, admitted three offences of failing to report changes in her employment and was fined £100 and ordered

  • Hine's early strike not enough

    DROITWICH Spa Hockey Club Ladies Second XI failed to capitalise on an early to lead in losing 3-2 at home to Cresconians. Lucy Hine put Spa ahead early on but Cresconians scored three before half time. Droitwich started the second half much stronger and

  • 25 years ago

    October 28, 1977 ARECENT appeal in the Indicator for the return of a souvenir Nazi flag taken at the Battle of Arnhem has produced not one, but three flags for Redditch veterans. Members of the Redditch branch of the Parachute Regimental Association wanted

  • Mistake made bearable

    A SIMPLE spelling mistake means Christmas has come early at the Alexandra Hospital's premature baby unit. Alcester hotel Billesley Manor has donated 22 tiny jumpers to the unit, as well as a bunny and bear, after the jumpers arrived displaying an incorrect

  • Clothes collection scheme 'a success'

    A PILOT clothes bank scheme based at a Droitwich garden centre has been hailed a success after raising thousands of pounds for a Worcester charity, so far. Between 15 and 20 bags full of clothes a week are collected from the bank, which has been in placeat

  • Dance to raise cash

    AN evening of sequence and modern dance is being held at Christopher Whitehead High School in aid of Acorns Children's Hospice Trust. A tombola, raffle and refreshments will be available at the event, between 8pm and 11.30pm on Saturday, November 9. Music

  • Handicap for Regents

    REDDITCH Regents have a mountain to climb in their Rosebowl game against Hagley on Sunday. The visitors play a division below league leaders Redditch and with a handicap system in the Rosebowl, they will enjoy a 44 point lead from the start (tip-off 7pm

  • Caring gesture from young lad

    A CARING schoolboy covered a box in acorns for his great-grandparents' diamond wedding anniversary and used it to collect £300 for a Worcester charity from party guests. Nathan Prout, aged eight, hunted around Warndon's Cranham Primary School playground

  • Town double

    REDDITCH Golf Club juniors are celebrating another double success. The town club won the John Reay Trophy at Harborne GC and a Redditch team won the right to represent Worcestershire at Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire. Against 34 other county teams in the

  • Tom is upbeat

    REDDITCH skipper Tom Hiles says his side still have a chance of the title despite losing their unbeaten start to the season at the weekend. The lengthy journey to former Welsh League side Oswestry ended in disappointment as Redditch crashed to a 4-1 defeat

  • 30/10/02 - City need to find goal touch

    GOALS -- who needs them -- well City do and quickly if they want to sustain their title challenge. All bar one of the top 14 teams of the Dr Martens Premier Division has scored more goals than City's tally of 17. It's not a telling statistic just yet,

  • DANNY WILLIAMS - Midfield 12/7/79. 6ft 1in. Squad number 4.

    After starting off as a trainee at Liverpool, Williams was released at the age of 19 to return to his native Wrexham. The Wales U-21 international played on-off for the Second Division club but made a good impression with many for his uncompromising style

  • DEAN BENNETT - Midfield 13/12/77. 6ft. Squad number 7.

    Bennett was a then club record buy of £30,000 from rivals Bromsgrove Rovers in January 1999 and proved a goal-scoring menace to Conference opponents in the title-winning season. The ex-England semi-professional international signed a two-year deal at

  • Take your seats for safety check

    WORCESTERSHIRE County Council has organised another set of child car seat checks this weekend. The drop in session will take place at Halfords Superstore on Redditch ringroad on Saturday and checks will be carried out from 11am-2pm.

  • Mosque on?

    Redditch Council was last night set to decide whether to grant permission for a mosque in Jinnah Road, Smallwood. If granted, the two-storey building will be built with two domes and a minaret and there will also be 170 car-parking spaces. Council planning

  • SEAN FLYNN - Midfield. 13/3/68. 5ft 8ins. Squad number 21.

    Vastly-experienced Flynn took over the captaincy in Mark Blake's absence after putting pen to paper on a year's deal before the first league game with Lincoln. The influential central or right-sided midfielder is known for his tough tackling and will

  • Any helpers?

    Volunteers are needed to help elderly people who are isolated because of their dual sensory impairment. Worcestershire County Council's Social Services Sensory Impairment Team is looking for people who can spare an hour or two a week to assist elderly

  • DREWE BROUGHTON - Forward. 25/10/78. 6ft 3ins. Squad number 9.

    Tall target-man who made an immediate impact with his aggression, spirit and goal-scoring on being signed for £50,000 from Peterborough in January 2001. Despite his disciplinary problems, Broughton is a first choice when fit and wins a lot of aerial challenges

  • MATT LEWIS - Forward. 20/3/84. 6ft 2ins. Squad number 19.

    The youngest player to earn a professional deal at Aggborough and the reason was 52 goals with Coventry-based non-leaguers Marconi in 2000/01. A player with the potential to become the next Lee Hughes, Lewis signed a three-year contract, scoring goals

  • Nature gets a helping hand

    A PLAN has been hatched to make living in Headless Cross a more pleasant experience for residents. An environmental sub-group of residents formed several months ago joined forces with Nat Healey, Redditch Council's landscaping and countryside manager,

  • Sale of sites spurs debate

    LAKESIDE residents are set to be consulted over what they would like to see happen to council-owned sites in the area. Affordable housing could be built at an allotment site at Farm Road, Lakeside, and further land at Rough Hill Drive and Sillins Avenue

  • Mean Bees hold champs

    STUDLEY manager Mark Chambers has paid tribute to a mean central defence which has shipped just one goal in the last three games. Since joining the Bees as manager two seasons ago, Chambers has earned a reputation for free-scoring football but said he

  • New year drive on blackspot

    MAJOR road improvements will be made to Battens Drive, in Winyates in the New Year to reduce accidents. Worcestershire County Council, Redditch Council and nearby Brooklyn Garage have joined forces to cut casualties between the Warwick Highway and Colts

  • Cross versus Reds

    HEADLESS Cross Ladies will be bursting with confidence ahead of Sunday's derby date at arch rivals Redditch United Women. Rob Auld's side sit proudly atop Division One South of the West Midlands Women's Regional League after spanking another of the pretenders

  • Draw gives Ladies Blues

    BIRMINGHAM City Ladies have it all to do if they are to reach the FA Women's Premier League Cup final for the second year running. Their reward for a comfortable 4-1 win over National Division basement club Brighton was a quarter final trip to title favourites

  • Good run for theatre

    Redditch's Break-A-Leg theatre company clocked up more than £800 in sponsorship at a fun run event at the Abbey Stadium. The charity, which caters for young people, both able-bodied and disabled, held the run on September 28 when about 100 of its members

  • Enjoy that life and soul

    THE Palace Theatre will be the venue for an evening of silky smooth love songs, R 'n' B and soul classics next week. Pete Tobit, the producer of Reach Out and Sisters of Soul, presents new show Heart and Soul on Wednesday, November 6. Songs include Natural

  • Experience the magic

    TOLKIEN'S fantasy realm Middle Earth and the characters that populate it will be brought to life at the Alexandra Theatre next week. A firm favourite with young and old alike, The Hobbit visits the Birmingham venue as part of its autumn UK tour. The play

  • Broadway put wind up Queens!

    Birdseye Sports Evesham Sunday League THE atrocious weather put paid to several fixtures but, of those played, third division Broadway United Reserves inflicted a rare defeat on second-placed Queens. Leading at the interval by the odd goal in five, Broadway

  • Let's hear it for Hamlet's mum

    A 'STARTLING and revealing' new play exposing the sexual nature of the crime at the core of Hamlet is being staged at Birmingham Repertory Theatre next week. Wrestling School Theatre Company presents Gertrude from Wednesday, November 6, until Saturday

  • Badsey's double after success in shoot-out

    A TRIO of Stratford Alliance sides made County Cup progress on an afternoon of goalmouth action. The three ties produced 21 goals with Badsey United enjoying double success. The senior side overcame Bredon in the Junior Cup while the Reserves held their

  • What's On Guide

    Thursday, October 31 Spud Pirate and the Very Hungry Crocodile, Palace Theatre. Tickets from 65203. The Grigorovich Ballet of Russia: Spartacus, Birmingham Hippodrome. Tickets from 0870 730 1234. City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

  • Head to lake for eerie eve

    HALLOWEEN will be celebrated at Arrow Valley Countryside Centre tomorrow with the burning of a spectacular 20ft willowman. Children have made lanterns for a family procession around the lake, which starts at 6.30pm and culminates in the burning of the

  • Bully boys bring home the bacon!

    Redditch Utd 4, Evesham Utd 5 (aet) by Mervyn Collins TUESDAY night's League Cup tie should really have been a Western Division match - it had the good, the bad and the ugly! The good was in the shape of on-loan striker from Kidderminster, Matty Lewis

  • Newcomers hit the target

    Evesham Utd 2, Solihull Boro 1 NEW signings Wesley Joyce and Paul Hunter were quick to make their mark as Evesham recorded a sixth straight league win at Common Road last Saturday. The pair, signed from Bromyard Town and Hinckley United respectively,

  • City ace Foy hit by injury setback

    DAVID Foy's hopes of an early comeback following routine keyhole surgery have been dealt a blow after cruciate ligament damage was discovered. The Worcester City midfielder underwent surgery on Monday to cure a small cartilage problem but a slight tear

  • England call up Mason

    WORCESTER flanker Neil Mason has been named in the England Under 21 North squad to play France East Under 21s next month. Mason is part of a 46-man party that will travel to the French rugby centre of excellence at Marcoussis, near Paris for the game

  • Second spot for rampant Harriers

    KIDDERMINSTER Harriers climbed to second place in the Nationwide League Division Three with a 4-0 thrashing of Swansea City at the Vetch Field last night. Even dejected Swansea supporters shrugged off their own misery to give Kidderminster a rousing tribute

  • Lutz on target to settle cup tie

    A Steve Lutz goal in the second period of extra time settled last night's Dr Martens Cup First Round tie in favour of Evesham United when they beat rivals Redditch United 5-4 at a rain swept Valley Stadium. Lutz pounced to prod home the winner after a

  • Big Day for Ray in medal

    WORCESTER'S Perdiswell Park's October Medal saw rejuvenated senior Ray Day secure top spot by equalling his personal best round of 91-28-63. He beat Peter Brown by one stroke and Alan Hateley 87-22-65 was third. At the October Stableford competition the

  • Bretforton lose final

    THE last one-day event in the Wychavon Parish Games was the junior table tennis, held in Evesham. Evesham Bengeworth beat Bretforton 4-1 in the final. In the third and fourth place play-off, North & Middle Littleton defeated Ashton-under-Hill 3-2,

  • Junctions targeted for safety

    JUNCTIONS 2 and 3 on the M42 north of Redditch have been identified as part of a Government target to tackle congestion and safety issues. The junctions are part of 16 other schemes in the West Midlands which will eventually make the road network safer

  • 'Cut out the mistakes'

    Bailey's message despite Spa's narrow second league win DROITWICH Spa RFC First XV coach Julian Bailey has called on his side to cut out the "silly mistakes", which he believes are costing the team. Spa secured their second win of the season last Saturday

  • Birch applies a Matt finish

    Fly half scores 24 points after scare MATT Birch returned to what he does best last Saturday, kicking 19 points and scoring a try as Bromsgrove hammered Kenilworth 49-17. Birch, who has been suffering from asthma-related breathing difficulties of late

  • Spa's worst ever defeat

    DROITWICH Spa RFC U14s were thrashed 72-0 by Hereford in their worst ever defeat. Collectively, Spa simply could not handle the pace and power of a good Hereford side, who had improved beyond all recognition since Droitwich beat them 12 months ago. There

  • Are you sitting comfortably?

    REDDITCH Folk Club hosts an evening of storytelling in Batchley on Saturday. The event features Graham Langley and Pam Bishop, who are involved in various storytelling clubs in the region and a regular storytelling club may be set up in the town if there

  • Trash and treasure

    THE first fundraising event for the Redditch Arthritis Self-Help Group will be a Trash and Treasure sale at Winyates Green Community Centre. There will be jumble, a white elephant stall, book stalls and a tombola with a range of excellent prizes up for

  • Rovers crush Swifts

    BROMSGROVE Rovers won 4-1 at Stourport Swifts last night (Tuesday) to sweep into the second round of the Dr Martens League Cup. Steve Frost headed the first on 22 minutes following Mark Benbow's cross from Stewart Brighton's 40-yard pass. Brighton put

  • Unbeaten record is broken

    BROMSGROVE Rovers surrendered their unbeaten Dr Martens Western record as they were out played and out muscled by a determined Merthyr Tydfil at The Victoria Ground last Saturday. With former Rovers forward Andy Mainwaring in their line-up, The Martyrs

  • Spa defy status to send Villa crashing

    DROITWICH Spa sent Fairfield Villa crashing out of the Worcestershire Junior Cup with a 2-1 victory last Saturday. Ben Blaber, son of manager Kevin, and skipper Nick West got the all-important goals for Spa. Boss Blaber was pleased with the result against

  • Duo keep records as Crown cruise

    THE two clubs with 100 per cent league records won again as division one Sporting Harbourne won a tight encounter 2-1 to go two points clear at the summit. Crown Inn look like they have the division three title in the bag already as their 5-1 victory

  • Sunday back on track with win

    FAIRFIELD Sunday returned to winning ways with a superb 2-1 victory at Kidderminster Premier side Grange United in the Worcester Premier Cup. Fairfield took the lead when Jason Ralphs vollied home from 15 yards. In the second half Fairfield continued

  • Spa win

    RUSSELL Carlin got the only goal of the game as Droitwich Spa Football Club A defeated Upton Town 1-0. Spa could have taken the lead on ten minutes but Carlin got in the way of Chris Evrett's shot, stopping it on the line. He made amends 12 minutes later

  • Baggies legend to visit Rubery

    FOOTBALL crazy folk from Rubery can meet a Baggies legend tomorrow night (Thursday). The village's branch of the West Bromwich Albion Supporters' Club has invited 'Super' Bob Taylor to its monthly meeting at the Royal British Legion, off New Road. The

  • Junior football round-up

    THE majority of matches fell vitim to the weather last Sunday. Many games were called off because of high winds sweeping across the region. Knowle B U15s 1 Hanbury U15s 3 In terrible conditions, the hosts took the lead on 10 minutes against the run of

  • Heartfelt plea to save theatre

    SWAN Theatre campaigners held protest placards and posters up throughout a meeting of the city council cabinet last night. They clapped and cheered after the theatre's artistic director, Jenny Stephens, made a plea to members to think carefully before

  • Minister: Fault lies with the city council

    ARTS Minister Kim Howells has laid the blame for the Swan Theatre crisis firmly at the door of Worcester City Council. In a confrontational display, Mr Howells told a Westminster debate he had "great regret" about decisions taken by council bosses. He

  • 'On the spot' fines

    A PILOT 'on the spot' fine scheme is currently underway in the West Midlands Police Force area. The aim is to curb anti-social behaviour. Police can impose fixed penalty notices for certain types of offence eg alarm or harassment, being drunk in a public

  • Pete's innocent!

    DEAR EDITOR - I write in regard to the article in last week's Advertiser/Messenger 'Cat Dies After Being Shot By Pete Lammas'. Myself and my family are absolutely appalled at the behaviour of Mr Lammas in carrying out such a cruel and evil act on a poor

  • Teenager defends Spa theatre

    DEAR EDITOR - I feel it is my duty, as a devoted 17-year-old member of the Norbury Theatre, Droitwich, to respond to the letter of the resident of Norbury House. I appreciate that it is indeed a free country, and we are all entitled to the right of free

  • Bus pass scheme will prove a costly charade

    DEAR EDITOR - Sir Humphrey is alive and well. Another brilliant piece of obfuscation from our very own Department of Administrative Affairs. Emily Bridgewater reports on the wonderful arrangements the department has made to relieve pensioners of a little

  • Astounded by the claims made by this theatre 'critic'

    DEAR EDITOR - I was fascinated to read the remarks made by an apparent resident of Norbury House. I can only assume this person has no grasp of life as it exists within our cities, towns and villages. I would like to make the following points: 1 How does

  • Stourport Swifts FC - Fixtures and results - 2002/03

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