Archive

Date

Protesters voice fears

CAMPAIGNERS for better ophthalmology services at the Alexandra Hospital have voiced their concerns to the Commission for Health Improvement (CHI) before its December inspection. CHI will be examining the workings of the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals

Date

Cows on loose

WORCESTER was plunged into traffic chaos following the break-out of a herd of cows from a lorry involved in an M5 crash. The cattle broke free from a cattle truck, causing havoc across the motorway following an accident in which one driver died, between

Date

Man uncovered by his fingerprint test

A MAN who lied to police about his identity was given away by his own fingerprints. Paul Sparrey had been arrested by Worcester police under suspicion of possessing heroin, magistrates heard yesterday. At the police station, Sparrey, aged 31, of Shaw

Date

Police plea for info on city centre sex assault

A TEENAGER was subjected to a serious sexual assault after a night out in Worcester. The 17-year-old victim had been out in pubs in the city centre on Friday night and then met a man she knew in Tramps nightclub. They left the club together at midnight

Date

Traffic grinds to a halt across the city

COMMUTERS trying to drive through Worcester were faced with gridlock, yesterday, as the city faced some of the worst traffic seen since the floods of 2000. The traffic came to a standstill with all the main routes clogged with vehicles which had left

Date

Chief's memorial service

A MEMORIAL service for Sir John Willison, first Chief Constable of the West Mercia Police Force, is to take place later this month. Sir John, who died peacefully at his home on Sunday, October 20, aged 88, will be commemorated in a service at Leigh church

Date

Drink-crime blitz a success

A PIONEERING programme addressing drink-related crimes in Worcester and surrounding areas has been hailed as a success. The Alcohol Arrest Referral Programme, now in operation across the Faithful City, Malvern, Pershore, Droitwich and Malvern, means that

Date

Now lobby the council

A WORRIED swimmer who fears plans for unisex changing rooms at a Worcester pool could invite paedophiles has thanked Evening News readers for their support. Maria Edmands is now calling on other swimmers who are also against the proposals for the Sansome

Date

Pupils dress to impress in school's Tudor time

CHILDREN at a Worcester school have been learning about what life was like in Elizabethan England. The youngsters, from Warndon Junior School, dressed up in Tudor clothes, performed Tudor dances and even learnt some archery skills. The Year 4 pupils also

Date

Morgan site building stays

PLANS to demolish the original Morgan Motor Company site have been amended by developers to retain a historic building. McCarthy and Stone applied in May to knock down buildings on the corner of Worcester Road and Howsell Road in Malvern and replace them

Date

Folk star to visit Burcot

BURCOT is buzzing with the news a world famous folk singer/songwriter and satirist will be performing a fundraising gig in the village this month. Jeremy Taylor, long-time partner of the late satirist Spike Milligan, will be making a one time only appearance

Date

Co-op offers discount card

THE Co-op is urging community food initiatives in Worcestershire to take advantage of its new discount scheme. Aimed at widening the access to good quality food for the disadvantaged, the card offers 10 per cent off everything at the Co-operative Society's

Date

Malvern Town FC - Fixtures/Results - 2002/3 Season

FIXTURES WEST MIDLANDS REGIONAL LEAGUE Saturday, November 16 Premier Division: Malvern Town v Brierley & Hagley Alliance (2.45). Division One South: Blackheath Town v Malvern Town Reserves (2.45). Wednesday, November 20 WFA Senior Urn, Round Two:

Date

Bromsgrove Rovers 4 Gresley Rovers 1

Tuesday, November 12, 2002 BROMSGROVE Rovers returned to winning ways last night (Tuesday) with three second half goals in a 4-1 victory over Gresley Rovers. Rovers, beaten in their last two Dr Martens Western games, took the lead on 14 minutes when Richard

Date

Cinderford Town 1 Bromsgrove Rovers 0

Saturday, November 9, 2002 THERE are sometimes when you get the feeling that it's just not going to be your day. And Saturday was one of those days. Bromsgrove Rovers threw everything except the kitchen sink at Cinderford Town but, despite a corner count

Date

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

Date

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

Date

Atherstone United 1 Bromsgrove Rovers 3

Tuesday, October 15, 2002 BROMSGROVE Rovers beat Atherstone United for the second time in four days to book a home Birmingham Senior Cup Second Round date with Moor Green. Rovers' 3-1 victory came courtesy of goals from Les Palmer, James Dyson and Steve

Date

Bromsgrove Rovers 0 Banbury United 1

Saturday, October 5, 2002 IT'S often said - in many walks of life - that when one door closes, another one opens. But not so in the case of Bromsgrove Rovers who, for the second week in succession, have seen a possible lucrative road to cup riches blocked

Date

Bromsgrove Rovers 1 Tamworth 2

Saturday, September 28, 2002 FA Cup Second Qualifying Round ALL good things must come to an end, and so it was that Bromsgrove Rovers have lost their unbeaten record. It has taken 12 games over six weeks, but last Saturday's 2-1 FA Cup Second Qualifying

Date

Rocester 0 Bromsgrove Rovers 1

Tuesday, September 10, 2002 JAMES Dyson was the toast of Bromsgrove Rovers after he lobbed the Rocester goalkeeper from 40 yards to earn his side a 1-0 victory. Dyson, playing instead of the injured Jon Ford, seized his opportunity three minutes into

Date

Bromsgrove Rovers 5 Clevedon Town 1

Saturday, September 7, 2002 THEY may only have played five games but the Dr Martens Western league table shows Bromsgrove Rovers at the top of the pile. Rovers' fourth win of the campaign came courtesy of a 5-1 demolition of Clevedon Town at the Victoria

Date

Bromsgrove Rovers 1 Shepshed Dynamo 0

Saturday, August 24, 2002 IT'S the winning that counts and not always the way you do it - a statement true of Bromsgrove Rovers' 1-0 victory over Shepshed Dynamo at the Victoria Ground last Saturday. In truth, the match really failed to get going in terms

Date

Bromsgrove Rovers 1 Bedworth United 0

Tuesday, August 20, 2002 BROMSGROVE Rovers made it four points from six as they beat Bedworth United 1-0 at the Victoria Ground last night (Tuesday). In their first home game of the campaign, Gary Hackett and Jon Ford's side, who drew 1-1 at Racing Club

Date

Racing Club Warwick 1 Bromsgrove Rovers 1

Saturday, August 17, 2002 JAMES Dyson's late equaliser made him an instant hit with the huge band of Bromsgrove followers who travelled to Hampton Road for last Saturday's season opener to witness Rovers' return to the Dr Martens Western. One of ten new

Date

Causeway United 2 Bromsgrove Rovers 3

Saturday, August 3, 2002 IN their penultimate pre-season friendly last Saturday, Bromsgrove Rovers fought back from two goals behind to beat new Midland Alliance side Causeway United 3-2. Gary Hackett and Jon Ford's side looked useful with the ball in

Date

Bromsgrove Rovers 1 WBA 6

Saturday, July 20, 2002 THERE are six divisions between Bromsgrove Rovers and West Bromwich Albion, and we should not forget that. Their pre-season friendly meeting at the Victoria Ground last Saturday - in front of a 2,158 - crowd was more about personal

Date

Burglaries linked

POLICE are investigating two burglaries at a Redditch service station and Bromsgrove shop which happened just two hours between each other. The incidents happened on Friday. The first was at about 9.20pm at Foxlydiate Service Station, Birchfield Road.

Date

Police guard for shoppers

UNDERCOVER police officers will be walking the streets of the town centre in the lead-up to Christmas in an attempt to curb anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. A dedicated team of four police officers from Redditch central sector has been created to

Date

13/11/02 - Rivals stop Burgess bid

BROMSGROVE Rovers' arch rivals Redditch United have called time on their bid to capture Richard Burgess. United made a shock seven-day approach for Burgess, who has scored five times for Rovers this season, last week. But Reds boss Rod Brown said the

Date

Too many 'stones' are left unturned

Review: Stones In His Pockets at the Festival Theatre, Malvern (until November 16). THIS supposed comedy arrived in the county on the back of acclaimed reviews and a variety of awards, but I'm afraid it left me completely cold and to be truthful - utterly

Date

Bassett gets England call

BIRMINGHAM City Ladies defender Laura Bassett has had a shock call-up for Saturday's make-or-break England World Cup decider. Bassett became the first Blues player to be placed on standby for Hope Powell's senior side when the squad was announced and

Date

Fencing

ALCESTER'S Thomas Brenda produced a top line performance in the cadet international tournament in Germany this weekend to regain third position on the national ranking. His 15th place out of an entry of 116 won him the coveted place, which will put him

Date

Birthday joy for Jessica

THE parents of a teenager who only had a 50 per cent chance of survival after being diagnosed with a brain tumour when she was three have had their dream come true. Ten years ago, Jude and David Kesterton, of Headless Cross, were also told their daughter

Date

13/11/02 Golden Abdou lights up night

HARRIERS 3 SWINDON 2 THERE was me thinking a game could not possibly get any more dramatic after Saturday's antics against Carlisle. But somehow Kidderminster Harriers managed to build up the excitement in an amazing Tuesday night extra-time golden goal

Date

Police office arson attack

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a Winyates Police office and panda car were both the target of arson attacks. The first attack at about 8pm last Tuesday happened when petrol was poured over an outer door at the police and council neighbourhood

Date

Scratch card snatch

A ROBBER shouted threats at a member of staff at Alvechurch Post Office before escaping with a dispenser filled with scratch cards. The raid happened on Saturday at about 3.30pm. A man went into the post office and shouted at the woman cashier, suggesting

Date

Tory MP on fact-finding mission

SHADOW Chancellor Michael Howard MP was on a fact-finding mission on Friday when he dropped in to speak to Redditch business people. Mr Howard, was at the West Midlands Regional Technology Centre at Bordesley Hall, near Alvechurch, speaking to members

Date

This is Evesham United Football Club - Fixtures & Results - 2002/3 season

Dr Martens League Western Division AUGUST SAT, 17 GRESLEY ROVERS 1-0 Scorer, Bullock Att, 111 Mon, 19 Solihull Borough (a) 2-2 Lutz, Pinkney 216 Sat, 24 Taunton Town (a) 2-3 Bullock, Preedy 358 MON, 26 CINDERFORD TOWN (H) 3-1 Jukes, May (2) 134 Sat, 31

Date

Work starts on £1m tidy-up

WORK to tackle overgrown landscaping in Redditch was witnessed by councillors recently when they visited areas of Church Hill. The council is spending more than a million pounds on the problem caused by the old Redditch Development Corporation planting

Date

Bees on road again

STUDLEY'S delight at their second round FA Vase win at the weekend was tempered on Monday when they were drawn out of the hat for yet another cup away day. The Bees have not had a home game in any competition for six weeks and chairman Dave Robinson was

Date

Cross still reign despite the rain

HEADLESS Cross Ladies were frustrated by the wet weather at the weekend. The West Midlands League Division One South leaders were set to entertain league newcomers Ross Town but the match was postponed because of a waterlogged Lye Meadow pitch. And with

Date

Ten goal feast for Redditch

REDDITCH United Women hit four and still ended up on the losing side in a 6-4 goalfest at a Hereford Pegasus side relegated from the Premier Division last season. The Studley-based side are still keeping their heads above water in the battle to beat the

Date

Music night

Redditch Organ and Keyboard Club will present an evening of fine music by Penny Wheedon on Monday at the Foxlydiate Hotel from 6pm. Non-members are welcome to the event, Tickets cost £3.50.

Date

Traffic chaos causes midweek postponement

HORRENDOUS motorway snarl-ups caused the postponement of Tuesday night's Western Division clash at Common Road. Visitors Shepshed Dynamo could only muster half-a-dozen players with the remainder of the squad stuck in traffic on the M40. Referee Mr Barrow

Date

Hunt takes Town post

NEIL Hunt has taken over as manager at Malvern Town. The 31-year-old steps up from coach at the West Midlands League Premier Division club to replace Joey Rawle, who has stepped down to become Football Development Manager at the Langland Stadium. "Neil

Date

Harriers kill off Robins

AN ABDOU Sall header finally put the lights out on Swindon Town's LDV Vans Trophy challenge last night as Kidderminster Harriers won 3-2. Harriers triumphed over a 75-minute kick-off delay due to power failure, a two-goal deficit and then conjured up

Date

Swifts blow two goal advantage

A FIERY encounter at Walshes Meadow ended in misery for Stourport Swifts last night as they conceded a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Merthyr Tydfil. It was rough justice on Dave Titterton's side who had battled magnificently to go ahead through Kerry Giddings

Date

Dances with words

RICHARD Alston Dance Company visits Malvern Theatres this week with an exhilarating new programme combining music and dance. Richard Alston has created an autumn programme of three works set to sharply contrasting music. Stampede, for the full company

Date

Rovers return to winning ways

BROMSGROVE Rovers returned to winning ways last night with three second half goals in a 4-1 victory over Gresley Rovers. Rovers, beaten in their last two Dr Martens Western games, took the lead on 14 minutes when Richard Burgess collected a perfect pass

Date

Welland ace Ceen targets top 20 finish

RACE ace Bob Ceen is revving up for another shot at the Network Q Rally of Great Britain. The 47-year-old, from Welland near Malvern, will line up for his 12th drive in the Cardiff-based rally alongside co-driver Alistair Douglas, who also comes from

Date

Bus talks on

Redditch MP Jacqui Smith is to meet with bus operators First on Friday to discuss changes in its timetable which have provoked uproar from many residents. The MP also plans to hold talks with Worcestershire County Council about the bus services it funds

Date

Colts grind out victory

BROMSGROVE RFC Colts won a gruelling encounter 14-10 at Sutton Coldfield. The game was littered with penalties, the first against Bromsgrove inside a minute of the start. The kick at goal was missed until Ashley White eventually put Sutton ahead by three

Date

Junior rugby round-up

BROMSGROVE U17s ran in nine tries in demolishing Droitwich Spa U17s 53-0. Ollie Wells score four tries and Alex Cawston got two. Chris Bush, Tom Rostrup and George Erdington each scored one. Man of the match Warren Oliver kicked four conversions. Droitwich

Date

Mr. Jones Tom Jones Three star

LISTEN past the first track on this album or your last memory of it will involve cringing. Tom Jones International epitomises everything wrong with the Welsh crooner - he's not Peter Pan, he's ageing and isn't some hip, black funkster. As much as I'm

Date

Best Of Bowie David Bowie

Five star THERE are just not enough superlatives in the dictionary to employ in the praise of this collection. Heading what is sure to be a long list of greatest hits albums released in time for Christmas, this is two discs worth of sublime listening.

Date

Church fair

Christmas gifts, home made produce, toys and cakes will be on sale at St Luke's Memorial Hall on Saturday at the autumn fair. Ploughmans lunches will be served from 12.30pm and the fair will open at 1pm. Admission is free and any money raised will go

Date

Net a hobby

Sporty types in the town can join in a badminton class held at the Abbey Stadium on Wednesday evenings. The class would welcome any new members who can play to a reasonable standard. For more details, call Peter Johnson on 0121 4453010.

Date

Rivals stop Burgess bid

BROMSGROVE Rovers' arch rivals Redditch United have called time on their bid to capture Richard Burgess. United made a shock seven-day approach for Burgess, who has scored five times for Rovers this season, last week. But Reds boss Rod Brown said the

Date

Rovers return with Gresley win

BROMSGROVE Rovers returned to winning ways last night (Tuesday) with three second half goals in a 4-1 victory over Gresley Rovers. Rovers, beaten in their last two Dr Martens Western games, took the lead on 14 minutes when Richard Burgess collected a

Date

Luckless Rovers lose away record

THERE are sometimes when you get the feeling that it's just not going to be your day. And Saturday was one of those days. Bromsgrove Rovers threw everything except the kitchen sink at Cinderford Town but, despite a corner count well into double figures

Date

Hat-trick not enough

ANDY Weatherall's second hat-trick in a week was not enough to stop Victoria Barnt Green crashing 4-3 to new division one leaders Alvechurch Darts. Barnt Green were 4-0 down at the break and needed Weatherall's treble to get them back into it. Red Lion

Date

Swan notch 15 goals

SWAN Studley won 15-4 at Midway Plant with ten goals shared between three players. Latest results from the Redditch and South Warwickshire League. Premier Division - Garringtons Sunday 7 (Blankley three, Tilley two, Johnson, Chance) HAD 3 (Piper two,

Date

Junior football round-up

Droitwich Spa Girls U14s 2 Forest Falcons U14s 2 Spa took a 2-0 lead before the interval with goals from Danielle Whiting and Lauren Hasted. They conceded two second half goals. Girl of the match was Laura McCullough. Hanbury U13s 3 Churchill United U13s

Date

13/11/02 - Rams, Bellmen, Harvesters on top

RAMS, Bellmen and Harvesters lead their respective Wednesday divisions in the E & E Engineering Worcester Friendly Skittle League. Division One Rams 416 (18) I.Bruford 42, A. Collins 41, Windshields 386 (2) M. Griffiths 37; Vics 400 (14) A.Percival

Date

12/11/02 - Consistent Yeomans stars

Richard Yeomans was in sparkling form when playing for the Newsboys against Droitwich RBL on Sketchleys Club in the Division Three of the Worcester and District Skittle League. He had the perfect score of five nines, with only one other team-mate managing

Date

Where to fish

Saturday, November 16. Avon - Welford, Barton number one; Severn - Lickhill; Trent - Handsacre; Canals - Staffs/Worcs Br 35 to 36 and 37 to 38. Sunday, November 17. Avon - Avon Meadows, Barton, Bidford left bank, Cleeve Prior 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8; Swifts,

Date

Land stable for past 18 years

DEAR EDITOR - As none of the residents of the Glen have been approached by Peter Ryles regarding possible landslides affecting the site (last week's front page) I would like to know where he gets his information from. His claims have caused a considerable

Date

Shield shocker

KINGS Norton RFC crashed out of the North Midlands Shield at the first hurdle, losing to lower league Solihull at the weekend. Pete May's side went down 26-5 to the North Midlands One highfliers in the first round of the Greater Birmingham section. Already

Date

Losers will get the chop

REDDITCH skipper Stan Hull says his side have to win Saturday's derby clash against basement boys Five Ways Old Edwardians to beat the drop. Both sides are without a win, or any points, six matches into the season, and sit four points adrift in the Powergen

Date

Kidderminster Harriers 3 Swindon Town 2

Tuesday, November 12, 2002 AN ABDOU Sall header finally put the lights out on Swindon Town's LDV Vans Trophy challenge last night as Kidderminster Harriers won 3-2. Harriers triumphed over a 75-minute kick-off delay due to power failure, a two-goal deficit

Date

50 years ago November 8, 1952

FRANCIS Millinchip, aged 11, a Rubery Wolf Cub in the St Chad's pack who had both his legs amputated below the knee, was presented with a Cornwall certificate as a reward for his unfailing cheerfulness. FOR the first time in decades no cases of diphtheria

Date

100 years ago November 15,1902

MEMBERS of Droitwich Rural District Council, at a meeting, declined to support a plea from councillors in Yeovil who wanted to see a ten mph speed restriction put on all motor vehicles. Cllr Philips remarked it was "ridiculously slow" and barely the speed

Date

Win tickets to new 007 film

HE'S the world's most famous secret agent and he's back for another round of death-defying stunts, smart cars, exotic locations and beautiful women. Die Another Day, the 20th James Bond film, is Pierce Brosnan's fourth outing as the famous superspy and

Date

Children in danger

REGARDING B Rogers' letter about Halloween (You Say, November 6, he is quite correct. However, the politically correct do-gooders will just say that it is a " harmless bit of fun", as they don't like anyone interfering with their organised chaos. I am

Date

Politicians' betrayal of our country

FOR once, I am inclined to agree with L Spiteri, when he says "come on Messrs Chamings, Morris and Webb, get real. Britain no longer has an empire, the family silver has been sold, and we have been trying to punch above our weight ever since." But who

Date

Reviving anti-German feelings

OBVIOUSLY, I do not blame Dietrich Schroeder for what happened before his time (You Say, November 1) but I feel he could show a little more diplomacy on behalf of his country towards those who suffered at their hands. If the German people wish to retain

Date

Catshill WI

CATSHILL WI was the hostess institute for the Autumn Group meeting, 21 October, with six institutes invited. President, Hazel Aston, welcomed everyone and Jerusalem was sung by the 86 ladies present. After the minutes of the March meeting, our activities

Date

Listen to the angry voices...

GIVEN the amount of support the Swan has received isn't it the case that Stephen Inman and his cabinet will have to find a different solution to their own financial profligacy and administrative ineptitude? The Swan is not only doing exciting dramatic

Date

Association for the Blind

SOME 60 blind, partially sighted and friends attended a coffee morning/bring a buy sale in Amphlett Hall, Bromsgrove on Wednesday, 23 October. Branch Chairman, Gerald C Hedges, of Blackwell welcomed everyone to the event and he thanked all those who had

Date

Arrow Valley Countryside

IN place of Arrow Valley Countryside Group's planned speaker on September 5, secretary Pat Hodgkinson introduced a video made by her cousin of his eighty six day voyage on a forty foot catamaran from South Africa to England; calling in at Durban, East

Date

ROUTES RESTORED

BUS users in Bromsgrove can breathe a temporary sigh of relief following the reinstatement of key travel services thanks to eleventh hour funding from transport chiefs. Worcestershire County Council stepped in at the last minute, tapping into reserves

Date

Festive rent arrears fear

THE roof over your head is more important than Christmas presents warn local housing chiefs, concerned council tenants might get carried away this Yuletide. With turkey and toys top of the festive shopping list townsfolk are being reminded to get ahead

Date

Pupils take drum 'message' on board

AFRICAN rhythms have persuaded Bromsgrove schoolchildren to start raising cash for an education project in Tanzania. The sound of the New Life band rang out through South Bromsgrove High School as the musicians played their lively and moving songs on

Date

Standing room

PLANS to erect seating outside a town centre pub have been turned down. The Hogshead public house wanted to put outside seating and bollards in the High Street. But members of Bromsgrove District Council's planning committee refused the request at their

Date

Town mourns court leet duo

TWO stalwart members of Bromsgrove's Court Leet and leading lights in town commerce are being mourned this week. Norman Fisher, aged 64, died on Friday and Louis Broomfield, aged 83, died on Sunday, both after battling long illness. Mr Fisher was enjoying

Date

Heavy metal key to US

HUGE wrought iron gates are opening up the American market for a firm based in a village near Bromsgrove. And the bigger they are, the better for Metal Art Products, of Kidderminster Road, Dodford, where engineer Paul Narang believes he's made a world-beater

Date

Traffic-calming sparks anger

by Sarah Chambers BARNT Green traders and villagers have got the hump about a new traffic-calming scheme which is disrupting parish life. Businesses are suffering and Hewell Road is more dangerous than ever before, according to disgruntled folk who attended

Date

Lee crashes out of Open

SNOOKER player Stephen Lee, who was born in Bromsgrove, tumbled out of the British Open in Telford on Monday night after losing 5-3 to Stephen Maguire. World number seven Lee trailed 4-0 at the mid-session interval, clawed his way back to 4-3 but lost

Date

Tom fights way to five medals

A BROMSGROVE martial artist has enjoyed a successful year by winning five medals in Ju Jutsu. Tom Partridge, aged 13, has won three gold, one silver and one bronze medal, in Kumite, the sport side of the self defence, in the five events he has entered

Date

Swimmers defeat Neptunes

BROMSGROVE swimming club fought off the challenge of Leicester Neptunes to win the second round of the Speedo League by just three points. Town swimmers put in strong performances to edge their side to victory 231-228 in Lichfield last Saturday. Lisa

Date

Students flying flag for Spa juniors

SIX students from Droitwich Spa High School flew the flag for Spa junior athletics when they travelled to Birmingham. The group took part in the Reebok Cross Country Challenge at Senneleys Park on Saturday, November 2. Although not among the top finishers

Date

13/11/02 - Net failings but plenty of progress

SATURDAY was a disappointing draw -- again --and when you look at the fixture list we would have earmarked Halesowen, Ilkeston and Weymouth for maximum points. The fact we are so upset at not picking up three points at the Wessex Stadium is a measure

Date

Contracts mark start of projects

HALF of the first year Advantage Alcester projects are moving on apace. Contracts for the town enhancement study, tourism strategy and the community building and leisure users survey have been awarded after a £500,000 grant from Advantage West Midlands

Date

A town unites

FALLEN war heroes were remembered on Sunday as people paid their respects. In Alcester, a parade from Bleachfield Street to St Nicholas' Church started proceedings, led by Alcester Victoria Silver Band. Wreaths were laid at the church's war memorial at

Date

£380,000 reprieve for school

MORE than £380,000 is to be spent on revamping a primary school near Alcester once threatened with closure. A six-year building project by Arden Construction has already started at Haselor Junior and Infant School to bring the school up to date. A new

Date

Anger at more inconvenience

AN Alcester councillor says she is 'absolutely livid' as the only public toilets in the town remainclosed. Councillor Wendy Weatherhead hit out after the Bulls Head Yard car park toilets, closed on October 7 for a massive £18,000 refurbishment by Stratford

Date

Bar plans for centre

PLANS to create a new bar and restaurant in the town centre have been drawn up as part of a £60 million revamp of the Kingfisher Centre. The news comes just days after the successful opening of department store Debenhams and the announcement that clothing

Date

Strike to go ahead

TOWN firefighters are tonight set to join colleagues for the first national fire strike in 25 years. Three initial strikes timetabled for October and the beginning of November were cancelled as the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) agreed to hold further talks

Date

Potato seller's re-peel

A JACKET potato seller who feared for his livelihood after being told to vacate his pitch has been granted a site on the new market after a U-turn by council bosses. David Corbett was told there would be no room for him on the new market site, which is

Date

Rovers 2001/2002

HOME, away (Midland Alliance fixtures unless stated) Sat Aug 11 Oldbury United 3-3 (McHugh, P Moore, M Moore pen) Tue Aug 14 STRATFORD TOWN 0-1 Sat Aug 18 KNYPERSLEY VICTORIA 3-2 (Ford pen, P Moore, Coppin) Tue Aug 21 Halesowen Harriers 1-3 (Bowen) Mon

Date

13/11/02 - Sheriyar makes switch to Kent

WORCESTERSHIRE today explained their reasons for letting Alamgir Sheriyar move to rivals Kent, revealing that the bowler was uncommitted to the club. Chief executive Mark Newton said that Tom Moody spent little time making the decision once the left-arm

Date

Did racist fears halt dissent?

NOW the Redditch mosque has received planning consent (Advertiser, November 6), I wondered if the Calling of Muslims to prayer from the minaret has been fully discussed? I was amazed to read the Muslim leaders would not reduce the height or the illumination

Date

Biggest hazard is the parents

OVER the past few weeks, many hundreds, possibly thousands, of pounds of taxpayers' money has been spent on putting traffic calming measures in Feckenham Road. The main reason, I understand, is parents were concerned about the safety of their children

Date

Open up road to ease chaos

NOW part of Peakman Street has been closed and lost for ever, would it be possible to make the section of road from about Number 79 Archer Road to the Queen's Head pub open to two-way traffic again? This would mean cars approaching Redditch from the Easemore

Date

Town volunteers wanted

The British Red Cross needs volunteers from the Redditch area to help with its Home from Hospital scheme. People are needed to give short term practical support to patients who are newly-discharged from hospital. For more details, call 570879.

Date

In memoriam

THE League of Friends of the Alexandra Hospital gratefully acknowledge donations given for their funds in memory of the following: Ernest Cyril Beale, Phyllis Eileen Burton, June Mary Cave, Albert John Cowley, Dennis Darby, John Thomas William Davis,

Date

Cars on fire

Firefighters spent about three hours tackling a string of nine car fires across Redditch on November 5. The first was at Coldfield Drive at 2.26am and others included three at Mickleton Close, Oakenshaw, three at Ombersley Close, Woodrow and one at Old

Date

Bus station is driving us mad

A SEQUEL to last week's visit to our new bus station (Letters, October 30)! This time I was trying to go the other way, from the Kingfisher Centre to the bus station. I found the down escalator was out of order and fenced off with repair work being done

Date

Are posters so devilish?

I WAS amused at objections being raised by Redditch Christians over the "devil" poster used by the Kingfisher Centre (Advertiser, November 6). I noticed County Councillor Tom Wareing was at the front of the queue with a point of view. He pulled an '80

Date

Partner is chairman of forum

A PARTNER at one of Worcestershire's biggest law firms has been appointed chairman of a leading business forum in the county. Tim Jones, head of business and employment law at Morton Fisher Solicitors, has been appointed chairman of the Wyre Forest Business

Date

Oasis in deal on French crafts

A KIDDERMINSTER company has secured the sole UK distribution rights for a leading arts and crafts brand from France. Oasis Art and Craft Products, in Goldthorn Road, will distribute the Lefranc & Bourgeois range of products. Founded in 1720, Lefranc

Date

Tapping in to help

A REDDITCH water worker has set off on a mercy trip to Romania. Kevin Harrison is among an intrepid band of Severn Trent Water employees who set off on the trip last weekend to deliver clothing, toiletries and other gifts to former residents of Romanian

Date

It's the last resort for us all

"PEOPLE say this is a glamorous job, but when you have to rescue someone from a car that's hit a tree at 2am in the morning, it's not so glamorous." Leading firefighter Carl Horsburgh of Worcester Fire Station's Blue Watch says he does not want to strike

Date

Some take second job to make ends meet

"GREAT sadness and anxiety" is how leading firefighter Bob Hardwick sums up his feelings about striking. But the Deansway-based firefighter says he has been forced to strike after the outcome of the Bain Report. The 46-year-old says some firefighters

Date

Friends of Coughton Court

EARLY in October, a number of members visited Highgrove, Prince Charles' garden. Highgrove is a garden which very much reflects the Prince's own ideas of conservation and management. It was too late in the year to see the wild flower meadows but the whole

Date

Heroes remembered

HUNDREDS turned out for Remembrance Day services at the weekend in Redditch town centre and surrounding areas. The Royal British Legion was happy so many had made the effort to attend the march and salute of veterans through Redditch and the service at

Date

City prepares for fire crew strike

THERE will be "adequate" fire and rescue cover thanks to the efforts of retained crews, military personnel and non-striking firefighters, claims the chief fire officer for Hereford and Worcester. As the country braces itself for the first national firefighters

Date

Redditch Philatelic Society

THE latest speaker to visit was Mike Chapling, of Sutton Coldfield, who showed a display of Sport on Stamps. He explained his subject was so broad that his 180 sheets would only scratch the surface and cover sports from A to C from his collection. 'A'

Date

St Leonard's Mothers' Union

ON October 28, after a short service from the newly published Mothers' Union Service book, the Rev Barry Jones gave a talk on his work and mission as hospital chaplain. Barry is known to many who have been patients, visitors or volunteers at the Alexandra

Date

St Mary's Wives Group

AT the September meeting, members were thanked for their help manning the stall and providing cakes at Wythall Carnival in August. The speaker was David Jullien from the Energy Savings Trust, who gave a talk on how to save energy in the home and donated

Date

Wythall History Society

Echoes of a bygone age - the life of an Evesham cobbler at the turn of the 20th century seemed like a contradiction in terms when Wolffe Wahle's audience at the society's October meeting heard that he was a German former prisoner of war. He explained

Date

Teachers invited to speak

HEADTEACHERS from three Redditch schools affected by the education review were invited to give their views on how future reviews could be improved. Lesley McGuigan, headteacher at Kingsley College, Trinity High School headteacher Marian Barton and Tony

Date

Post office in closure threat

COOKHILL Post Office and store will close in the new year unless the village comes up with a rescue plan. Councillor Eileen Payne said representatives from the Post Office have discussed the village hall or even a spare room in a villager's house being

Date

Pupils step up to the challenge

PUPILS from Dingleside Middle School put their best feet forward to win £250 in a walking competition organised by Worcestershire County Council. During TravelWise Week, launched across the West Midlands in September, the county council challenged schools

Date

Sixth sense for students

YEAR 11 students will have the chance to discover the options available to them next year when NEW College opens its doors to prospective students. Choices at 16 takes place at the Redditch campus today when potential students can see the facilities and

Date

Pupils use their heads

PLANS to buy a headstone for the grave of a Woodrush High School pupil who died after an accident last year prompted 25 of his fellow students to have all their hair shaved off. Ryan Pettigrew, 14, was out delivering papers on his bicycle in Wythall last

Date

New name

A former Church Hill first school which has been transformed into a community facility has been given a new name. The former St John Fisher First School will now be called Church Hill Community Centre.

Date

Bewdley prepares for worst with flood defence exercise

THE Environment Agency today carried out an exercise to practise putting up the barriers designed to protect Bewdley from flooding. Agency officers and the emergency work force reacted to a simulated flood situation, based on the one that occurred in

Date

Want to see more?

THE eagerly-awaited charity calendar featuring the men of the Evening News wearing little more than a smile is now ready to wow the women of Worcester. Twelve hunky men from around the Evening News offices were encouraged to show a little bare- faced

Date

Kicked in the stomach by pair of girl muggers

AN overseas student was lured away from Worcester's security cameras and robbed of £100 and a mobile phone during a violent attack, a court has heard. One of the attackers, a 16-year-old Worcester girl, was yesterday sentenced to a two-year detention

Date

Global village comes to the Cathedral

A GIANT Earth balloon filled the Cathedral Nave as part of a day dedicated to learning more about the global village. More than 200 sixth-form students from schools and colleges gathered at Worcester Cathedral for the event, called The Global Village

Date

Teenager grabbed on way home

A TERRIFIED teenager was grabbed by a man as she walked to her Worcester home. The 19-year-old had been dropped off in a taxi when she heard footsteps behind her on Mill Wood Drive, Warndon. She was then grabbed by a man and fell to the floor as he tried

Date

Woman who 'loved life' is remembered

TRIBUTES have been flowing in from friends and neighbours for a woman who "loved life" who died in a car crash at the weekend. Anne Holland died after an accident in Woodgreen Drive, Warndon Villages, when her white Ford Sierra was involved in a collision

Date

Debris will be cleared

DEBRIS and fallen trees blocking Hatfield Brook, where it runs through the village of Kempsey, are to be cleared by the Environment Agency. Members of Kempsey Parish Council welcomed the news this week, amid concerns about fallen branches in the brook

Date

Cemetery quest for war dead

A FATHER and son who were killed within three weeks of each other are among the men of St John's who did not come home to Worcester after the First World War. Surviving relatives of these men and the other 100 whose names appear on the war memorial in

Date

Golden memories of 50 estate years

A GROUP of Worcester folk have penned a book recording their lives during the 50 years between the Queen's Coronation and the Golden Jubilee. Echoes of Tolladine was written as part of the Jubilee celebrations held at Tolladine Community Centre. Massive

Date

Support rising star

A PROMISING Bromsgrove musician is urging residents to get down to his next gig and show their support. Will Hunt is appearing at The Glee Club, in the hub of Birmingham nightlife, to showcase his much-talked about talent on Thursday, November 21. The

Date

Addict's 'cheeky' furniture thefts to feed drug habit

A DRUG addict who "cheekily" stole furniture from a shop on consecutive days has been jailed for nine months. Trevor Green walked out of Carter Furniture, in Kidderminster, carrying a £265 mahogany lamp table, Worcester Crown Court heard. The next day

Date

Cash boost means a better play area

YOUNG children at a Wychbold school will be able to enjoy playing outside throughout the year, thanks to an Awards for All lottery grant. Wychbold First and Nursery School has been awarded £4,940 to develop the outdoor play area. The money will pay for

Date

Tragedies that helped inspire works of art

A TALENTED Worcester artist is staging an exhibition of his work inspired by the events of September 11 and the foot-and-mouth crisis. Chas Perrett is staging the display, entitled Issues, to encourage school children to enjoy art. Mr Perrett, a former

Date

Thieves steal gear from town cemetery

THIEVES forced their way into a Worcestershire cemetery, stealing a variety of ground maintenance equipment. Nearly £2,000 worth of garden tools, including a sit-on lawnmower were taken from Kidderminster cemetery in the overnight raid between Sunday,

Date

Bargain cannabis sold on to friends

A 23-year-old man who supplied his friends with cannabis has been bailed for a pre-sentence report. Russell Watkins, of Watkins Way, Malvern, pleaded guilty to two counts of supplying cannabis and one of possession of amphetamine. His barrister, Guy Spollon

Date

Festive fair set to bring in cash for hospice funds

A STATELY home is the setting for a giant Christmas fair in aid of St Michael's Hospice. Organisers of the event at Preston Court, near Dymock, claim visitors will be able to do all their Christmas shopping in one day. There will be stalls selling everything

Date

Bromsgrove Rovers 0 West Bromwich Albion U21s 1

Tuesday, November 5, 2002 WEST Bromwich Albion's U21s side beat Bromsgrove Rovers by a single Simon Brown goal in a friendly encounter. Brown hit the back of Matt Lowe's net on 27 minutes in what was primarily a practice match at The Victoria Ground.

Date

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

Date

Solihull Borough 2 Bromsgrove Rovers 2

Saturday, October 19, 2002 THE division's two unbeaten records are still intact after a somewhat bruising encounter with Rovers retaining top spot. Bromsgrove started brightly and Palmer had the first chance of the match in the third minute. Simon Hamilton

Date

Bromsgrove Rovers 3 Stourport Swifts 0

Tuesday, September 24, 2002 BROMSGROVE Rovers made it seven wins in eight Dr Martens Western league games last night (Tuesday) with a 3-0 victory over local rivals Stourport Swifts. Gary Hackett and Jon Ford's side, who stay top of the league, were the

Date

Bromsgrove Rovers 5 Cirenester Town 1

Saturday, September 21, 2002 BROMSGROVE Rovers scored five goals for the third home match running with a 5-1 drubbing of Cirencester Town. Things did not start well for Rovers as forward Richard Burgess was involved in a nasty clash of heads with Tom

Date

Bromsgrove Rovers 5 Gresley Rovers 0

Saturday, September 14, 2002 QUITE how Bromsgrove Rovers managed to beat Gresley Rovers 5-0 last Saturday will remain one of life's unanswered questions. At 77 minutes, Gary Hackett and Jon Ford's side led by Kevin Banner's 45th minute goal and were hanging

Date

Bromsgrove Rovers 4 Barwell 3

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

Date

Barwell 1 Bromsgrove Rovers 1

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

Date

Rugby United 0 Bromsgrove Rovers 2

Monday, August 26, 2002 BROMSGROVE Rovers showed why they should be a force to be reckoned with in the Dr Martens Western by turning in their best performance of the season with a 2-0 success at Rugby United last Monday. Gary Hackett and Jon Ford's side

Date

Alvechurch 0 Bromsgrove Rovers 4

Saturday, August 10, 2002 BROMSGROVE Rovers completed their pre-season warm-up ahead of Saturday's opener with a 4-0 victory at Midland Combination premier division side Alvechurch. Summer acquisition Ashley Read did his chances of starting at Warwick

Date

Bromsgrove Rovers 1 Hereford United 2

Tuesday, July 30, 2002 BROMSGROVE Rovers continued their pre-season build-up with a 2-1 defeat to Conference side Hereford United at the Victoria Ground. Rovers took an early lead after only four minutes when Richard Burgess sprinted into the penalty

Date

Bromsgrove Rovers 2 Willenhall Town 0

Saturday, July 27, 2002 BROMSGROVE Rovers continued their pre-season warm-up with a 2-0 victory over Willenhall Town at the Victoria Ground last Saturday. Joint managers Gary Hackett and Jon Ford were both among the 17 players used during the course of

Date

Bromsgrove Rovers 1 Stourbridge 3

Tuesday, July 23, 2002 BROMSGROVE Rovers slumped to a 3-1 defeat against old rivals Stourbridge at the Victoria Ground last night. Paul Lloyd scored Rovers' goal but joint manager Gary Hackett admitted they still had plenty of work to do in preparation

Date

Thieves take boy's phone

A TEENAGER was badly shaken when thieves stole his mobile phone card, SIM card and cash after tricking him into following them to a town car park. The incident happened in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre at about 6pm on Thursday, November 7. The teenage

Date

Forties flavour enhances the Bard

Stage review: The Merry Wives of Windsor at the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon (until January 25, 2003). THIS is an outstanding portrayal of Shakespeare's glorious comedy. Director Rachel Kavenaugh's brave decision to set the return of the rogueish

Date

Second win of the season

BROMSGROVE Hockey Club Ladies Seconds won their second match of the season with a 2-1 home win against Droitwich Spa Seconds. The hosts, who have now won two out of six, included two newcomers from the Thirds in their line-up, Amanda Johnson and Sophie

Date

Bromsgrove topple leaders

BROMSGROVE Hockey Club Men's First XI toppled Oswestry from the top of DTZ West Midlands divison one with a 2-1 victory. Bromsgrove made things difficult for the hosts but chances were few for both sides and the score sheet remained blank at half-time

Date

Hine nets U16s treble

DROITWICH Spa Hockey Club U16s kicked off their League programme with a 4-3 win at Old Halesonians. In a disciplined team effort, captain Luke Hine bagged a hat-trick. Hine opening the scoring after good work from Matt Ardron. Old Halesonians equalised

Date

100 years ago

November 15, 1902 MR JG Green, of The Manor House, Studley, entertained about 80 ladies and gentlemen in the district on Wednesday evening, the occasion being the coming of age of his daughter, Miss Gertrude Green. The reception took place in the Public

Date

50 years ago

November 14, 1952 SEVENTY years ago, a 10-year-old boy began part- time work at P Spencer & Sons Ltd, Oswald Street, Redditch, with the other half of his time, until he reached the age of 13, spent at the Wesleyan School just across the road. Now

Date

25 years ago

November 11, 1977 LOCAL firemen were this week planning to give all-out support to the call for a national strike. The 27 full-time firemen at the Redditch office were planning a round-the-clock picket of their Birmingham Road station and were expecting

Date

Davis Champions League call

Former Redditch youngster Jimmy Davis has been recalled from his loan spell at Second Division Swindon Town. While on a three month loan, Davis made his league debut and opened his Nationwide League goal account. He has already appeared in the Man Utd

Date

Studley unlucky

Halesowen Town 3 Studley 0 STUDLEY went out of the Birmingham Senior Cup despite a spirited performance against their Dr Martens Premier opponents. But for a lack of fortune, the visitors would have had a lot more to show for their efforts. They showed

Date

Extra man delivers

Pershore 0 Alvechurch 2 A DREADFUL game sparked into life after the dismissal of home midfielder Kristian Wood 18 minutes from time for an off-the-ball incident spotted by the linesman. Until then Alvechurch, deprived of nine regulars were content to

Date

Leaders stroll it

IN DIVISION One of the Bromsgrove & Redditch Table Tennis League both top teams had easy wins. Carter Retail beat Droitwich A 9-1 and reigning champions Lickey Monarchs' team of Martin Clark, Sid Hodgetts and Steve Mullard were too good for newly-promoted

Date

Kynock-ed by Reds

REDDITCH went top of the DTZ West Midlands One table with a narrow 2-1 win at bogey side Kynock but skipper Tom Hiles was still frustrated. Goals from Steve Cook and Anthony Brookes earned the win which puts the Bromsgrove Road side two points clear of

Date

Kebab shop saves Redditch Regals

REDDITCH Regals Basketball Club were grateful to the local kebab shop for the narrowest of victories over West Midlands Police. The temporary Arrow Vale tenants squeezed to a 45-44 home win after Becky Nicholson joined the fray in the second half. The

Date

13/11/02 - Barton works City miracle

IT'S three years since John Barton replaced Graham Allner as manager at St George's Lane -- though after Saturday's blank at Weymouth he did admit it felt more like 33 years. The transformation in that time has been nothing short of remarkable with Worcester

Date

Church in waiting

ALVECHURCH climbed to fourth in the Premier Division after last night's 2-0 win at Pershore. The result saw them climb one place to sit one point behind second and third placed teams Bolehall and Marconi with three games in hand on each. Marconi are the

Date

Blues try to maul Saints

BIRMINGHAM City Ladies face a real six pointer on Sunday as they bid to survive in the top flight. The Redditch United tenants occupy the second of the two National Division relegation spots but know they can climb out of the drop zone at home to Southampton

Date

What's On Guide

Thursday, November 14 Richard Alston Dance Company, Forum Theatre, Malvern. And November 15. Tickets from 01684 892277. King Hedley II, Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Until December 7. Tickets from 0121 236 4455. African Cultural Exchange (ACE): 3 Shades

Date

Busy week for Church

ALVECHURCH eased into the next round of the Smedley Crooke Cup to warm-up up for a demanding week of ICIS Combination fixtures. Lower League Ludlow Town Reserves, of Division One South of the Express and Star League, were beaten 3-1 at the weekend. But

Date

Adams may step aside

FECKENHAM manager Lee Adams has told the club's committee he may consider stepping down in the new year if there is no turnaround in results. Adams took over the reins after Clive Campion's shock resignation in at the start of the season and has seen

Date

Day centre applauded

A REDDITCH day centre came runner-up in a national award scheme for its excellence in schizophrenia care. County Council-run Orchard Place in Smallwood met with success at the recent National Eli Lilly Schizophrenia Reintegration Awards for its outdoor

Date

Thanks for 22 years of care

A WOMAN who has dedicated more than two decades helping with the smooth running of the Alexandra Hospital has retired. Valerie Pritchard has worked at the hospital for 22 years as a receptionist and before that, worked at Smallwood Hospital.

Date

Multi-faith funding plea

THE chaplain at the Alexandra Hospital is hoping his prayers will be answered and people will give generously towards the new multi-faith centre. Although an interest-free loan was secured to build the hospital's long-awaited facility, funds now have

Date

13/11/02 Ten-man Swifts drop two-goal lead

A FIERY encounter at Walshes Meadow ended in misery for Stourport Swifts last night as they conceded a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Merthyr Tydfil in the Dr Martens Western Division. It was rough justice on Dave Titterton's side who had battled magnificently

Date

Sheriyar makes switch to Kent

WORCESTERSHIRE today explained their reasons for letting Alamgir Sheriyar move to rivals Kent, revealing that the bowler was uncommitted to the club. Chief executive Mark Newton said that Tom Moody spent little time making the decision once the left-arm

Date

Debut for American playwright

A WORLD renowned playwright makes his debut at Birmingham Repertory Theatre with the UK premiere of King Hedley II. The play is August Wilson's latest addition to his acclaimed cycle of plays chronicling the 20th century 'black American experience.' It

Date

Net failings but plenty of progress

The John Barton column SATURDAY was a disappointing draw -- again --and when you look at the fixture list we would have earmarked Halesowen, Ilkeston and Weymouth for maximum points. The fact we are so upset at not picking up three points at the Wessex

Date

Classic tale for winter

FOUR children's adventures in the magical world of Narnia will be brought to Stratford's Royal Shakespeare Theatre stage this winter. Written by C S Lewis for his goddaughter, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe features the adventures of Lucy, Edmund

Date

Barton works City miracle

Down the Lane with Nat Sylvester IT'S three years since John Barton replaced Graham Allner as manager at St George's Lane -- though after Saturday's blank at Weymouth he did admit it felt more like 33 years. The transformation in that time has been nothing

Date

Town ease past Sutton

BROMSGROVE RFC First XV eased their way through to the Powergen Intermediate Cup Fourth Round with a comfortable 31-15 winning margin at Sutton Coldfield. Sutton, a league lower than Bromsgrove in Midlands Two West, may have felt satisfied with their

Date

13/11/02 - United chase international

REDDITCH United were talking to a former international on Monday night after the 2-1 defeat at Solihull Borough. Manager Rod Brown and coach Kim Casey were deep in talks with former Tamworth, Worcester and Halesowen Town striker Gary Smith. And Brown

Date

Votes to level houses

A PROPOSAL to demolish prefabricated homes in Abbeydale was backed by two Redditch councillors despite overall support to refurbish them. Most members of Redditch Council's executive committee recommended houses in Dolphin Road be repaired and not knocked

Date

Animal case team hailed

TRADING Standards officers have been praised for pursuing a case against three Redditch farmers who received a life ban from keeping livestock. Worcestershire County Council's assistant cabinet member for cultural and community services Stephen Clee said

Date

Draw up a design to woo

TALENTED youngsters in the Wychavon Council district are being urged to put their pens to paper to encourage residents to use their vote. The council wants under-17s to come up with two eye-catching designs to promote local elections and the winning sketches

Date

Petition given in

CAMPAIGNERS opposing the animal incinerator in Astwood Bank handed a 3,000-name petition to Redditch Council on Friday. Town MP Jacqui Smith and children from Astwood Bank First School were at the handover. Helen Tillsley, of Astwood Bank Against Incinerator

Date

Place fears on ice

Potentially dangerous car journeys will cut no ice with winter motorists thanks to a new road gritting guide being produced by Worcestershire County Council. The free guide, called Winter Gritting Routes, includes a map of the county's roads with standard

Date

Road runner

The county's highways service has been rated fair with excellent prospects of improving in an independent Audit Commission report. The inspection team gave the county council service, which includes Redditch Highways Partnership Unit, a one star rating

Date

The Scorpion King (15) Three star

PREPOSTEROUSLY flimsy historical setting. Dialogue so flat and wooden it could come from IKEA. Incredibly predictable action set-pieces. And a wrestler as the chief star. On the face of it The Scorpion King really should be a zero star offering but it

Date

Nirvana Five star

WHO knows why Kurt Cobain took his own life on April 8, 1994, the day Nirvana died? It seems we'll never know or understand. Nirvana is arguably the most influential band in the last 15 years. They were major players in creating a new sound in Seattle

Date

One Love Blue Four star

THE four boys who are Blue are growing on me a lot - the more I see and hear, the more I like them. When they initially came into the public arena I, and I imagine countless others, thought "here we go again, another boy band on the scene". And their

Date

Christmas invitation

AS part of National Tree Week, Redditch folk are invited down to Arrow Valley Countryside Centre to get back to nature. On Saturday, November 24, from 1.30-3.30pm, people will able to go on a discovery walk and make Christmas tree decorations to take

Date

Crafty fair

Redditch hosts an outdoor craft market on Saturday, December 7 from 9am-4pm. The Market Place event features crafts, mulled wine and hot chestnuts with festive fun and entertainment.

Date

Bargains

Headless Cross residents will have the chance to bag a bargain on Saturday, December 7. A jumble sale will be held at St Luke's Memorial Hall, on Evesham Road, from 2pm.

Date

Lions out

Redditch Lions Club will be collecting for Children in Need under the palm trees in the Kingfisher Centre on Friday from 8.30am-5pm.

Date

Spa sqaunder cup lead

DROITWICH Spa threw away a two-goal lead as Fairfield Villa got their revenge with a 3-2 victory in the second round of the Smedley Crooke Cup. Spa, who beat Villa in the Worcestershire Junior Cup two weeks ago, leaked three goals in the final 20 minutes

Date

Spa lose out on penalties

DROITWICH Spa A crashed out of the Evesham Hospital Cup on penalties to Badsey. Spa controlled much of the game and took the lead from a Chris Everett penalty early in the second half. But Badsey equalised with the last kick of the game, a 25-yard strike

Date

Green belt move would be wrong

DEAR EDITOR - I am concerned to read the attitude of a resident in the article "Hammered" in the Advertiser/Messenger. I am even more dismayed to read that Bromsgrove District Council intends to 'rubber stamp' the plans to move the DIY business to the

Date

Residents respond to theatre's claims

DEAR EDITOR - I would like to clarify a few points in light of the two letters published recently in the Advertiser/Messenger about the Norbury Theatre, Droitwich. To Mr Taylor - I am not an alleged resident of Norbury House. I have lived there for three

Date

Threat of other detention camps

DEAR EDITOR - I was pleased to hear that the proposed detention centre for immigrants planned for Throckmorton has now been abandoned. But the threat of other camps in the Worcester and Birmingham rural areas still exists. All power to the people, lets

Date

'Homes are not in danger' of landslide' - site owner

DEAR EDITOR - I am the owner of the Glen mobile home site at Blackwell, and I also own scrub land at the rear which has been the subject of planning applications recently - all handled by the David Edwards Partnership. We made an initial application to

Date

Wasps for Rush

WOODRUSH will entertain North Midlands Three giantkillers Dudley Wasps in the first round of the North Midlands Shield. The Black Country side made a mockery of the two divisions separating them and Stourport by thrashing their higher division opponents

Date

Third aim for title hopefuls

STAND-in Alcester skipper Andy Flynn says his side will do well to finish third in the league after losing so many players in the close season. The Kings Coughton side started the Powergen Warwickshire One season in style thanks to their imperious home

Date

Ladies ease to big win

Alcester RFC Ladies 44 Shrewsbury 3's 10 The first half started in a resounding way with a flurry of tries from the Alcester Team. Shrewsbury were unable to field a full side. Playing ten against ten Alcester set up good running with tries from winger

Date

The Embalmer

Ian McDiarmid reprises his critically acclaimed comic portrait of a man on the edge for a short UK tour of The Embalmer this autumn. The Embalmer will be performed at Malvern Theatres for one night only on Saturday, November 30, providing a first opportunity

Date

Work starts at NEW College

BUILDING work on Redditch's multi-million pound NEW College development was declared officially underway on Thursday. A ceremony involving the traditional smashing of a bottle of champagne on the steelwork formally launched the start of the scheme. Guests

Date

25 years ago November 4, 1977

ABBA and their Name of the Game was at number one in the singles charts in Bromsgrove with the Bee Gees How Deep is your Love in from nowhere at number seven. BROMSGROVE'S 17 part-time firemen voted to cross the picket lines if an emergency arose involving

Date

What's on guide

Wednesday, November 13 Show: Blood Brothers, Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst Street, Birmingham, 7.30pm. Until Saturday, November 16. Concert: Crasdant, Huntingdon Hall, Crown Gate, Worcester, 8pm. Show: She Stoops To Conquer, Repertory Theatre, Broad Street

Date

It's success for for star pupils

DYNAMIC dancers from a Bromsgrove academy put their best feet forward in a regional competition, with resounding success. Ten twinkle-toed pupils from the Stagedoor Dance Academy took part in the Regional Scholarships of the Midland Independent Dance

Date

Musical memories of a fine theatre

I WAS deeply shocked to hear about the imminent closure of the Swan Theatre, Worcester due to the massive cut in council funding. For about 15 years I was a voluntary steward, and I also played at most of the Philharmonic concerts (violin) for many years

Date

£1m an hour... that's what it costs Britain

L SPITERI (You Say, November 5) implies by asking "what is Britain going to sell to the world?" when we leave the European Union, that we will be unable to survive on our own. It is not a question of whether we would survive, but more a question of whether

Date

Good news for bus protesters

BUS passengers were out in force campaigning over service cuts, yet to hear the news last minute funding looked set to temporarily save them from the axe. Bromsgrove district councillor Ted Tibby (Con-Whitford) and town Tory MP Julie Kirkbride collected

Date

Tank assists poppy appeal

SHOPPERS in Bromsgrove High Street found themselves confronted by a unique poppy collecting point on Saturday - an army tank. Genna Richardson was one of the crew on board helping to raise funds to help the servicemen and women, and their families, who

Date

Home's future still uncertain

A BLACK cloud remains over a Bromsgrove home for the elderly but residents and their relatives are continuing to fight for a brighter future. Worcestershire County Council, the leaseholder for Blackmore House, wants to demolish the home and build very

Date

Boxers in last four

TWO Droitwich Spa boxers have advanced to the semi-finals of a national competition. Anthony Bonehill and Michael Pardoe, both aged 16, won through to the last four of the National Association of Clubs for Young People Championships at Castle Vale, Birmingham

Date

Dancing the light fantastic

TWINKLE-TOED youngsters took part in a day-long dance workshop. Around 65 pupils at Aston Fields Middle School, Bromsgrove, participated in the workshop, which was organised by visiting dance company Rawdance. During the morning, children worked on their

Date

Parish flock to theme masses

WORSHIPERS weary of traditional Sunday services can now inject a Celtic flavour into their churchgoing. The Rev Wendy Moore, vicar at All Saints in Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove, says parishioners are enjoying the change. Congregations have grown since September

Date

Barbara is voted the best

A 48-YEAR-OLD netball player has defied her years to be named player of the year for the second time in her career. Barbara Broadhurst, of Dawson Road, Bromsgrove, scooped the award earlier this month for her performances in last year's Redditch Winter

Date

Talbot stays undefeated

BROMSGROVE Olympique Cycling Club riders took advantage of good weather conditions at the latest West Midlands Cyclo-Cross league meeting at Himley Hall near Dudley. Twenty-four riders took part in the compeition, organised by Stourbridge CC, with Craig

Date

Monarchs maul Phones

REIGNING Bromsgrove and Redditch table tennis league division one champions Lickey Monarchs whitewashed West Midlands Phones A in the latest round of matches. Monarchs team of Martin Clark, Sid Hodgetts an Steve Mullard were much too strong for newly

Date

New HQ on the horizon

A NEW joint headquarters planned for hundreds of Alcester Guides and Scouts is set to get the thumbs-up by councillors tomorrow. An application for a new single-storey building, an outdoor activity area and an extension to the tennis courts next to Alcester

Date

New restaurant opens

A NEW restaurant to tantalise the taste buds has opened its doors. Matricardi's restaurant, Longbarn Village, Droitwich Road, offers a taste of contemporary European cuisine. It is in the restored 16th century listed building of Longbarn Village in the

Date

Poems in print

A QUARTER of a century of work by a Wootton Wawen writer has now been published. Clutching...amber is a collection of 67 poems written by the village's magazine editor and local lecturer John Alcock. Clutching...amber is published by Silver Lake Press

Date

Patients to go online

PATIENTS at the Alexandra Hospital will be able to surf the information super-highway and send and receive e-mails from their beds as part of a ground-breaking pilot scheme. The hospital is one of just eight across the country to be part of a scheme to

Date

Absolutely fabulous shopping, sweetie!

TWO celebrities had an absolutely fabulous time when they shopped till they dropped at the Kingfisher Centre to launch Sunday opening, which has the added bonus of free parking. Patsy Stone and Edina Monsoon lookalikes, aka actresses Joanna Lumley and

Date

Jollity indeed

NEW College students intend to top last year's total of more than £1,000 for Children in Need this Friday. Sixth Form Centre students are taking part in activities including a wheelchair race around the Kingfisher Centre and a 'miming pop idle' event

Date

Next - hedging their best

ENVIRONMENTAL charity BTCV kicked off a conservation project in Redditch when they helped clear out overgrown ponds. The charity, formerly the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, started working on two ponds in Lechlade Close, Church Hill North

Date

Help us out

Home-Start North East Worcestershire wants Redditch people who could give stressed parents a break for a couple of hours a week. Training is given and expenses paid. For details, call Jean Watson on 62819.

Date

Could you help?

THE Redditch and Bromsgrove Advocacy Group, which strives to help vulnerable people have their say, is looking for volunteers to add their support. The group believes everybody, regardless of age or disability, should be able to have their voices heard

Date

Spotted dick

I WRITE with reference to your feature Menus & Venues (Advertiser, November 6). The advertisement listing the menu at the Barn Thai restaurant on Unicorn Hill includes "succulent roast dick". My wife and I are appalled. I know bull's testicles are

Date

Permission never given

IN recent discussions within the community of Astwood Bank, it would appear there is a perception among some residents that Popes Lane By-Products Ltd has planning permission to operate the proposed incinerator. This is clearly not the case as the following

Date

Poor Twiglet is no longer

MR Hedley asks where Twiglet the puss-cat is (Letters, November 6). Sadly, he is now in the place where all puss-cats eventually go - in the ground. However, Rosie and Marmite both answered the advertisement to become the replacement resident house cats

Date

Letter from Westminster

This week, it was announced the Alexandra Hospital is to be at the forefront of developing new services for patients. The scheme aims to give every bed television and telephone services and access to the internet. The equipment is being installed by Patientline

Date

Alcester Conservative Wives

AT the October meeting held at the home of Mrs Christine Pugh, an enthusiastic and enlightening talk was given by Edward Moss on his work as community project officer for British Waterways. Thelma Woollerton won the raffle prize. The November meeting

Date

There's no other choice

FIREFIGHTERS who did not initially want to strike have been prompted to by the latest pay offer, claims a Worcester firefighter. Leading firefighter Graeme Bishop said they were "fed up" and feeling "very undervalued". "We see some very harrowing sights

Date

Alcester Inner Wheel

AT the September meeting, speaker Paul Hughes gave a talk on the history of the Palace Theatre in Redditch. Also in September, a very successful afternoon tea party was held at the home of member Pat Grier, when a substantial sum was raised for diabetes

Date

Milk roulette is 'causing chaos'

A LEADING farmer-controlled dairy business has said chaos in milk markets is causing instability for dairy farmers in the two counties. First Milk, based in Hallow, near Worcester, claims the 1.1 pence-a-litre increase for milk produced in October "falls

Date

Everywoman's Circle

TWO well-attended and enjoyable meetings were held in October. At the first, John Powell displayed his large collection of old games for children, some dating back 100 years. He demonstrated some of the games to show the fun that families enjoyed before

Date

Caf in crisis set to close

THE town's first internet caf set up to help disadvantaged people has shut down despite desperate attempts to save it, the Advertiser can reveal. The Knowledge Caf in Smallwood was set up by Interact 21 with financial backing from the European Social

Date

Firm celebrates 20 years of success

CHAMPAGNE corks were popping at a Kidderminster company recently when it celebrated 20 years in business. Purac, a process engineering company, in Birmingham Road, has grown considerably since it was established in 1982, in a small corner of the Adams

Date

Fighting for rights back in the 1970s

A TWO-MONTH long strike threw Worcestershire into chaos 25 years ago as firefighters called for a 30 per cent pay rise. Soldiers and volunteers struggled to keep the region safe as Worcester's 45 full-time firefighters fought for a pay rise from November

Date

Redditch Music Society

WITH the trees in Worcester Square visible to the audience, the Dadelsen Trio provided an ideal escape from a wet November evening with a delightful programme of Palm Court music. French pianist Anne de Dadelsen, who now lives in the county, together

Date

The Redditch Society

AT the last meeting, Jean Osborne gave an illustrated talk on Canals from Dereliction to Recreation. It was a little different from usual as she used two projectors and screens simultaneously to show scenes from derelict canals she took in the late 1970s

Date

Radio head?

The search will be on for the next radio star at the Abbey Hotel Golf and Country Club on Friday. Radio station BRMB is on the lookout for Redditch talent as part of its Wannabe competition, which offers the chance to join the Breakfast Show with Elliott