POLITICIANS and doctors believe grim predictions about Worcester's new hospital are starting to come true. Health experts warned more than two years ago that the £96m hospital would not have enough beds to cope with demand. Now, red alerts, which suspend
A WORCESTER GP says the admission problems at the new hospital show that it is not big enough to cope with demand. Dr Jonathan Pratley, of the Spring Gardens Group Medical Practice, described the situation as "disappointing" and said it put extra pressure
MALVERN Town recorded their fifth successive Express and Star West Midlands League Premier Division win with a fairly comfortable 2-0 victory at Smethwick ST on Saturday. SMETHWICK ST 0, MALVERN TOWN 2 Despite being without Dave Cannon, Dean Roberts and
KIDDERMINSTER MP Dr Richard Taylor said problems with admissions at Worcestershire Royal were inevitable. The Independent MP and retired consultant said he was not surprised by suggestions that the hospital was struggling to deal with the demand on its
A MAN with learning difficulties choked to death on two teabags, an inquest has heard. Richard Harris had complained of feeling sick shortly before he died on Wednesday, said Worcestershire Coroner at the inquest in Stourport-on-Severn yesterday. "He
PLANS to build a stand and facilities at Worcestershire County Cricket Club have received a setback after councillors refused to accept it would not block the view of the Cathedral. Worcester City Council's planning committee asked the club to go back
A WORCESTER infant dubbed "Amazing Amy" by medics has enjoyed a Christmas treat meeting Premiership footballers. Three-year-old Amy Lambert, who has been battling leukaemia for the past year, was chosen as part of a group of youngsters from Birmingham
A TEENAGER bought an airgun that ended up injuring someone without him realising, a court heard. Timothy George bought the airgun in Droitwich and went to a friend's house to show it off. But it ended up being fired in public by someone else, Worcester
n PUPILS at Kempsey Primary School are being encouraged to drink water during lessons. Severn Trent Water has presented the children with bottles that they can fill up with tap water. The H2Go initiative was launched after recent research revealed that
WORCESTER could be transformed into a "science city" with buses equipped with technology connecting primary schools and communities. The ambitious project forms a major part of Nunnery Wood High School's application to become a science college. The school
CHRISTMAS cooks in Worcestershire and Herefordshire are being warned to be careful with their food preparations this Christmas to ensure a festive season without food poisoning. The Herefordshire and Worcestershire Food Liaison Group is urging the public
ISOLATED rural communities could soon have better access to council services if plans to create a state-of-the art call centre are given the green light. Herefordshire Council's Cabinet has agreed to investigate plans to develop a Customer Contact Centre
YOUNG people will benefit from a £700 donation made to the Prince's Trust. Staff at Worcester-based Backup gave up sending corporate Christmas cards this year and gave the money they saved to the charity. "As a company we're very keen to encourage youngsters
POINTS are making prizes for a Worcester charity, thanks to generous staff at city-based Reality Group. Workers have handed over hard-earned catalogue points valued at £1,104.56 to staff at Acorns Children's Hospice Trust, so they can buy a range of prizes
ONE in every 10 children in Worcestershire played truant from school at least once last year, new figures have revealed. The average number of half-days missed by the youngsters who skipped primary school lessons without permission was eight, the Department
WILDLIFE has not been forgotten as Wyre Piddle prepared to celebrate the opening of its new bypass today. Otters have been helped thanks to Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and the county council who have monitored the crucial role of Piddle Brook in the
THE Principal of University College Worcester has said goodbye after 10 years in charge. Since she started at the St John's campus in 1992 Dorma Urwin has seen an increase in students, courses and budgets. She leaves today for new challenges although
POLICE have arrested a woman and four men from Pershore and Bromsgrove amid allegations of international drug trafficking involving a haul worth £2m. National Crime Squad detectives made the five arrests as part of a major inquiry being jointly run by
BESIDES caring for the homeless and those who will be alone at Christmas, a national charity is asking Worcestershire people to spare a thought for the elderly. More than half-a-million older people in the United Kingdom are abused and neglected every
INCONSIDERATE motorists in Wyre Forest who park across more than one space will face fines in a radical shake-up of council-run car parks. Under the reforms, due to come into force next April, drivers who consistently fail to pay outstanding fines will
THE Christmas fair organised by the Friends of Bosbury School (FOBS) raised £700. Their current fundraising is to provide outdoor play equipment for the children. They would like to thank everyone who helped and supported them. This has been a busy week
The parish council reports the Highway Agency intend applying a low noise surface to the M50 this fiscal year and they will be erecting sound barriers next year. Also, in an attempt to reduce the growing fly tipping problem at Dyke House lay-by, the Highway
CHRISTMAS at Callow End begins with a concert of music, song and words at the village hall on Monday at 7.30pm. The Junior Church Christmas presentation last Sunday at St James' gave a modern slant to the Christmas story. Narrated by Lynn Nichol with
WOULD you like to be part of a group helping to maintain the Charlie Ballard Nature Reserve? In 1992 the parish council acquired 0.4ha of land south-east of the station from Freda Ballard. Initial enthusiasm and hard work saw fences erected, path and
THE good news that the application for alterations and extensions to Corse and Staunton Village Hall had been passed was welcomed by the committee when they met for the annual general meeting. In his report to the meeting, the chairman, Nigel Gisby, spoke
THIS Sunday at 6.30pm Eldersfield Parish Church will be celebrating Christmas with a special carol service. Special in the respect that the new glass window in the chancel will be dedicated during the service. This window was created and designed by Roy
ON Saturday, December 14, the annual Christmas get-together for Oxenhall residents, families and friends was held. Raymond and Patricia Hill kindly offered their home, The Parks, for this event. Guests met informally in these delightful surroundings.
THE December meeting of the Malvern and Worcester Group of the RSPB met at Powick Parish Hall to hear Tony Hamblin FRPS from Bradford-on-Avon give an illustrated talk with slides on A Season of Wildlife. Beginning with winter and the first snowdrops and
IT was a great moment for members of Staunton & District Women's Branch of the Royal British Legion when they were awarded the Tomkin cup for increased membership at the Royal British Legion county conference. At the branch annual general meeting
The English Bridge Union (EBU) has agreed to use the new Memorial Hall at Wellington Heath to run a series of club director training courses. The first two courses will be held from 10am-5pm on the following dates: Saturday, March 22, (Essentials) fee
There was an exotic touch to last Saturday's Cricket Club Christmas quiz, when the winning team at came from far-off Acton Beauchamp! 'Cherie and The Gurus' (alias Kathie Smith, Will Gogerty, and Stan and Joe Little) used to come to West Malvern as their
MALVERN antiques expert and auctioneer Philip Serrell will be appearing in a special edition of BBC's Bargain Hunt on Christ-mas Day and hoping to raise money for the Acorns Children's Hospice at the same time. Mr Serrell said: "Being a local person I
CORNET players are needed by the Chase High School Brass Band. Tuition and instrument loan are free, and weekly sessions are organised for beginners. Entry standard for the main band is grade III. Practices are held on Monday night. For details ring Dorina
A SERVICE of nine lessons and carols is being held at All Saint's Church, Coddington, on Sunday at 3pm, featuring the Pax Singers. It will be followed by mulled wine and mince pies and collection proceeds will go to Hospice Care Kenya.
AS Christmas approaches, children from local primary schools have been celebrating the occasion with their festive plays. Youngsters from St Gabriel's with St Mary's CE Primary School, in Hanley Swan, presented It's A Party on Monday and Tuesday, December
FOR the last North Midlands One league game before Christmas, Upton welcomed Woodrush from south Birmingham who arrived in force for their 'pre-Christmas tour'. UPTON 10pts, WOODRUSH 19pts Both teams were forced yet again to make changes and although
MALVERN Town begin a trio of crucial Christmas period Express and Star West Midlands League Premier Division fixtures, when they play host to Smethwick Sikh Temple tomorrow (Saturday), kick-off 2.45pm. Following the Smethwick game comes the Boxing Day
PROPOSALS to extend Upton Marina are still afloat. Walton Marine's application was on the agenda at a Malvern Hills District Council planning meeting on Wednesday, December 18, with a recommendation of refusal from officers. However, elected members overruled
DRINKERS in Upton and Hanley Castle will be treated to an 800-year-old play symbolising the end of the old year and the beginning of the new. The Silurian Border Morrismen will perform at the Three Kings, in Hanley Castle, at 8.30pm tomorrow (Saturday
AN early Christmas printing deadline meant the Malvern Gazette had already gone to press before planners were due to reach a decision over the proposed £3 million extension to Upton Marina on Wednesday night (December 18). The next issue of the Gazette
MALVERN Rangers are due to entertain Bridgnorth Town Reserves tomorrow (Saturday) in a West Midlands League Division One South fixture. Bridgnorth beat Ledbury Town Reserves 6-0 on Saturday and in midweek lost 3-1 after extra time against Pershore Town
INSTEAD of indulging in the annual feast, one Malvern girl will have an empty plate on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Kay Bushnell, a sixth former at Dyson Perrins High School, has decided to forego festive excess to complete a 48-hour sponsored famine
AN application for funding to build a new access route onto the M50 near Upton-upon-Severn has been turned down by the Government. In July Worcestershire County Council and the Malvern Hills Highways Partnership applied for £1.25million to build a motorway
EXPRESS'S up and down season took an up turn at a wet and muddy Victoria Park last Sunday as they followed up a poor showing the previous week with a comfortable win over The Bridge. EXPRESS 5, THE BRIDGE 1 Kicking uphill in the first half the home side
THE West continued their impressive run with a convincing 4-0 away win at Plumbers on Saturday. PLUMBERS ARMS 0, WEST MALVERN 4 The first half was a rather drab affair with the West doing most of the attacking but failing to create many chances. The second
AN emphatic win for Keyz RM in this Worcester Sunday Division Three basement battle. KEYZ RM 7, DROITWICH SPA RES 1 Keyz had the boost of an early lead when Ching's shot was saved by the keeper and Arnold was brought down chasing the rebound. Skipper
THE draw has been made for the Royal Infirmary Sunday Minor Cup quarter-finals. Club AC 30 v Rednal Social, Express or Moreton Town v Longbridge Sports & Social, Bromsgrove General Reserves v The Freemasons and Alvechurch Sports & Social v Malvern
THE robot shepherd, 'Sheeptopia', (Malvern Gazette, December 6) obscures the reality of the Conservators' intended erection of large scale 'temporary moveable fencing' on the main body of the Malvern Hills, if consent is granted as is required for fencing
David Attwood (Your Letters, December 13) writes at some length on the problems of driving in Malvern with regard to the traffic calming in Somers Park Road/ Church Road. He seems to forget the initial point, which is that many drivers drive far too fast
ORGANISERS of an appeal to build a new children's hospice for Worcestershire are celebrating the best fundraising month so far. During November, the Acorns Three Counties Appeal grew by a further £102,000. Fundraising co-ordinator Fran Winterbourn said
THE season when foot and mouth disease is at its greatest risk is fast approaching us, so every farmer and stockholder of cloven hoofed animals needs to be very vigilant, because of the migration of birds from Northern Europe to the British Isles, particularly
A cheese maker from Worcestershire donated a wheel of Hereford Hop to The Dairy Council's Annual Ceremony of Christmas Cheeses. The council presented 46 British cheeses to the Chelsea Pensioners at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, London. The traditional
AT a recent executive committee of Upton-upon-Severn Tourism & Trade Association the subject of the town warden was raised and it was unanimous that Mary Fisher was doing an excellent job of liaising with residents and businesses in the town keeping
INFORMATION on what life is like for members of ethnic minorities in the Malvern Hills area is being sought by the district council as part of a new race equality scheme. Assistant chief executive Stephen Leese said: "We accept that the district has only
THE FA basic treatment of injury course is to begin on Friday, January 17 at Kidderminster Harriers FC, Aggborough Stadium. The course will run for seven weeks in total and is at 6.30-9.30pm, cost is £60, which includes a comprehensive study book. The
Thank you for publishing my letter Re: North Site (Your Letters, December 6), however, there was an error in that I referred to 1,000 cars not 100 as published. One hundred alters the level of concern in my letter. If there are 630 houses with an average
Ledbury police chief Geoff Mayor retired on Tuesday after 30 years in the force, handing over the reins to Insp Sue Thomas. Speaking on his last day in uniform, Insp Mayor said he was retiring with "mixed feelings and some sadness". Insp Mayor took command
AN increase in Worcestershire's education grant announced last week, has been deplored by West Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer. Although the 6.1 per cent increase - which represents £13.7 million - is just above the national average of six per cent
companies are being urged to sign up for the second Herefordshire and Worc-estershire Business Festival. Among the speakers for the event, on March 13, are rugby star Fran Cotton, former Northern Ireland secretary Mo Mowlam and minister for small business
MALVERN model and motorcycle enthusiast Olivia Stringer is kick-starting her TV career presenting a new mot-oring show, Revved Up. The six part series, being launched on ITV1 on January 3 at 11.30pm, promises to leave others on the starting line. Olivia
WHEN you sit down to tuck into your Christmas dinner this week, spare a thought for Dyson Perrins Sixth Form student Kay Bushnell. She won't be eating on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day after deciding to do a sponsored famine to raise money for children
DEAN Richards insists that Leicester Tigers are in a no-win situation when they take on Worcester Warriors at Welford Road tomorrow (3pm). The Sixways side face the Tigers in the Powergen Cup sixth round tie and Leicester coach Richards is aware that
SUBJECT PRIZES Peter Higgs prize for Literature: Greg Edwards. English: A - Victoria Smith, GCSE - Jennifer Southall. English Literature: GCSE Sian Hunter-Dodsworth and Alexandra Rock. Further Mathematics: A - Steven Holmes and Luke Kelly. Mathematics
INJURY and suspension threaten to hit Evesham United for their trip to Dr Martens Western Division high-flyers Weston-super-Mare tomorrow (3pm). Manager Phil Mullen has concerns over Jay Powell (knee) who is rated 50:50, while Paul West (hamstring) is
SATURDAY FOOTBALL WEST MIDLANDS LEAGUE Premier Division: Malvern Town v Smethwick ST, Tipton Town v Ledbury Town, Bromyard Town v Wolverhampton United. Division One South: Bewdley Town v Malvern Town Reserves (1.45), Ledbury Town Reserves v Chaddesley
SIXTY members of the Malvern Festival Chorus will sing at a fundraising Christmas carol concert at Great Malvern Priory. The event, which has been running annually for nearly 20 years, will raise money for the British Heart Foundation; the choir's nominated
Tomorrow (Saturday) Phoenix III and Malvern Fringe Arts present DJ Tinkerbell in the upstairs room at Church Street's Malvern Club. DJ Ad'Lib returns to play a set downstairs. Entry is £4.
Shipston on Stour 22pts, Kings Norton 0 IN front of a large crowd, Shipston soared to third place in the league with a game in hand over the leaders after completing the double over doughty opponents at Mayo Road. Playing down the slope in the first half
MALVERN Town recorded their fifth successive Express and Star West Midlands League Premier Division win with a fairly comfortable 2-0 victory at Smethwick ST on Saturday. SMETHWICK ST 0, MALVERN TOWN 2 Despite being without Dave Cannon, Dean Roberts and
A SUCCESSFUL racing driver from Malvern is swapping the oval track for the racing circuit next season. Clinton Dorrell, 35, has been a successful oval racing driver for the last 20 years and began his racing career at 16, racing F1 stock cars, and then
MALVERN Town begin a trio of crucial Christmas period Express and Star West Midlands League Premier Division fixtures, when they play host to Smethwick Sikh Temple tomorrow (Saturday), kick-off 2.45pm. Following the Smethwick game comes the Boxing Day
THE windsurfing Solven brothers from Storridge near Malvern have fought and excelled in a wide range of conditions in the 2002 season and have emerged victorious. From windy and wild conditions at Shoreham, Hove and the Isle of Wight, through marginal
IF M Burcher insists on writing about a subject (You Say, December 11) he should at least get his facts right. There is no similarity between what I do for a living and what nurses and doctors do. Don't make the mistake of comparing us. Firefighters would
DES Bradley doesn't understand. It is perfectly acceptable for (bogus) asylum seekers' children to receive more than those on the job seekers' allowance, and more than those who are unemployed teenage single parents. Doesn't he understand that those who
A BIG-HEARTED cabbie is spreading seasonal cheer around the Spa. Generous Paul Williams, NY Taxis boss, is wearing his Santa outfit once again and has been giving presents to all children who jump in his vehicle in the run up to Christmas Eve. The cheery
MALVERN RFC Saturday, December 21 1st XV v Kenilworth (Home). Meet 12.30pm. Kick off 2.15pm. No 1 Dress Code. Maroon shorts. T Allies, D Irish, S Lancett, V Hill (Capt), C Smith, S Ironside, D Hill, A Ridley, D Llewellyn, P Jenkin, S Hardcastle, M Coulston
100 years ago The death occurred on Saturday evening last of Mr George M Butcher, florist, Graham Road, at the advanced age of 78. He was one of the oldest residents of Malvern and was a well-known figure in the town. He was one of the original members
OLD Patesians, their first team riding high in National Three South, put out a strong second string in this friendly at Spring Lane on Saturday. MALVERN 41pts, OLD PATESIANS 22pts They shoved a surprised Malvern pack off their own ball in the first scrum
IF M Burcher insists on writing about a subject (You Say, December 11) he should at least get his facts right. There is no similarity between what I do for a living and what nurses and doctors do. Don't make the mistake of comparing us. Firefighters would
MALVERN Town's rich vein of form continued, as they moved into the semi-finals of the Worcester Royal Infirmary Cup, thanks to an excellent 4-2 home success. MALVERN TOWN 4, WORCESTER CITY 2 Town defeated a Worcester City side containing several first
MALVERN Town continued their run of fine form with a comfortable home win over Sedgley White Lions in the Express and Star West Midlands League Premier Division on Saturday. MALVERN TOWN 2, SEDGLEY WHITE LIONS 0 Town took a little while to get into their
A RENEWED call for action to replace or redevelop Malvern Community Hospital has been made by Sir Michael Spicer. After visiting the hospital during a round of Christmas calls in Malvern, the West Worcestershire MP said it was obvious the building was
A SPOKESMAN for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust hit back at Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff's accusations. Richard Haynes said it was totally untrue to suggest that waiting list figures were being "massaged." He said the instructions to GPs
WORCESTERSHIRE County Council has confirmed that a Droitwich transport company has not had its contract renewed to drive disabled children to and from school. Yesterday, the Evening News revealed that distressed mother, Jeanette Morgan, was urging parents
WORCESTERSHIRE'S cash-strapped schools have slipped to next to bottom in the funding league table, Tory MP Peter Luff has claimed. In a House of Commons debate, he said the long-awaited change in the Government's funding formula had left the county council
AN HGV driver died instantly when his vehicle hit a kerb and ploughed into a house. Geoffrey Richardson had been driving below the speed limit when his HGV struck the kerb of a pedestrian refuge in the middle of the A46 Evesham to Cheltenham Road at Beckford
A MARINA expansion and holiday village scheme for Upton-upon-Severn could still go ahead after district councillors refused to throw out an outline plan. A decision has been deferred to allow planning officers to study last minute amendments submitted
PINVIN parish councillors are preparing their village for a "traffic onslaught" with the opening of the Wyre Piddle bypass this Friday. They believe school children will be just one group put at risk by both the bypass and the re-routing of the A44 through
WORLD famous cricket umpire Dickie Bird (right) is backing a charity to help pensioners in the Malvern area this Christmas. The cricket legend has teamed up with Malvern-based charity Friends of the Elderly to help lonely and isolated pensioners, "Friends
MIDLANDS ONE Saturday, December 21 Malvern v Kenilworth. Saturday, December 28. Malvern v Dunstablians. Saturday, January 4 Spalding v Malvern. Saturday, January 11 Malvern v Hinckley. Saturday, January 18 Walsall v Malvern. Saturday, January 25 (Provisional
THE weather may have changed by the time you read this but, at the time of writing, the rain has been falling for weeks and shows no sign of relenting. So here's a city walk which provides fresh air and exercise without oceans of mud. There's an optional
A WORCESTER man kicked another man around "like a rag doll" during a fight outside a Worcester pub. Samuel Scarrett, who kicked the man repeatedly while he lay on the floor wished magistrates "Merry Christmas" after they gave him a four-month custodial
FIXTURES WEST MIDLANDS REGIONAL LEAGUE Saturday, December 21 Premier Division: Malvern Town v Smethwick ST (2.45). Division One South: Bewdley Town v Malvern Town Reserves (1.45). Thursday, December 26 (Boxing Day) Premier Division: Malvern Town v Ledbury
A PACKED church for the carol service at Hollybush with a superb solo by Elizabeth Cunningham helped to make this a very enjoyable occasion. Thank you to Celia Greatwood who organised the carols and readings. Mince pies and punch after the service were
ON Thursday, December 12, the pupils at Longdon St Mary's School spent an enjoyable morning when they went to the Swan Theatre to see Pinocchio. The children enjoyed an unexpected bonus when they emerged from the theatre to be greeted by a fall of snow
THE Christmas coffee morning held at Hanover House in Redmarley was most enjoyable. Mrs Dee Humphries and her husband, Bob, together with Dee's mother, Eileen Hullis, warmly welcomed everyone. There was a very festive air. There was a good attendance
As promised, I can keep you updated on the tremendous success that the St Wulstan's Church roof restoration Christmas fayre realised back at the beginning of December. Thanks to all who arranged it, and those who came and supported it on the day, the
A PACKED calender of events is lined up for 2003 at the Three Counties Showground. Nearly 90 separate shows catering for all kinds of hobbies and interests are pencilled in for the Malvern venue, ranging from bike bikes to mushroom growers, Arab horses
A CRAFT Fair will be held in Worcester's Guildhall tomorrow (Saturday) from 9.30 to 4.30pm. For details ring Worcester Tourist Information Office on 01905 726311.
THE SOMERS Traditional Folk Club continues to hold singers' nights every Friday at the Albion, 48 Bath Road, Worcester. Over Christmas the club meets as usual tonight (Friday) and Friday, December 27, at 8.30pm. Performers and visitors are welcome to
THE warnings have been ringing out over the past five years. Now it's clearer than ever that hospital services in Worcestershire cannot cope with the demands placed on them. When the highly controversial Investing in Excellence strategic health review
Great Malvern is fortunate indeed to have the Priory, arguably the finest parish church in the country, at its' spiritual heart. Continuing in the centuries old tradition of a choir and organ being central to enhancement of worship, this new disc O Praise
DRIVERS on the A38 should watch their speed as limits have now been legally reinstated. Police have resumed enforcing the 30mph limits after it was revealed that more than 1,000 motorists had been unfairly fined for speeding. The mistake occurred because
ONE of the biggest Christmas productions ever staged by Upton CE Primary School took place at a special service at the Parish Church yesterday (Thursday). Key Stage 1 pupils, aged four to seven, had spent many weeks practising their parts for The Helpful
UPTON Fish and Chip Shop has won the town's best-dressed window competition. Second was the RSPCA shop with Old Street Bed and Breakfast third. Best illuminated window was Gabrielle, with Change of Direction second and The Two Cs laundrette third.
People are asked to bring lanterns or candles in jars to the carol service at the Pepperpot at 6.15pm tonight (Friday). The event is being organised by Upton Tourism and Trade Association and includes the Christmas Draw. Music will be supplied by Upton
OAK and chestnut trees were planted on Upton Sports Field on Thursday, December 12, to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee. They were planted by Upton Garden Club at a ceremony with mayor Eric White.
A CRIB service takes place at St Mary's Church, Hanley Castle, at 11am on Sunday (December 22).
A NEW Year's Eve dance will take place at Upton Memorial Hall with live music from Karisma and a festive gourmet buffet. Partygoers are asked to bring their own drinks. Tickets are £20 from Ken's Cycles or Dave Vale on 01684 564382.
MALVERN Ladies FC travelled to Evesham for a league match on Sunday. EVESHAM LADIES FC 3, MALVERN LADIES FC 6 Malvern again started slowly and were punished by the home side with two goals in the first ten minutes. In the 17th minute Malvern got a goal
MALVERN Radar, for a number of seasonal reasons, only had 11 to choose from last Sunday but they were involved in an entertaining game against visitors Blackpole at Victoria Park. MALVERN RADAR 1, BLACKPOLE 1 The visitors started well and the reshuffled
THE pouring rain and ankle deep mud made a lottery of this Mercian Elgar U16s league game as both teams struggled to move the ball through the incredibly heavy centre field. WELLAND JUNIORS U16s 2, SUFFOLK RANGERS U16s 1 Welland, captained for the day
I was very interested in Barry Pearson's 13 ideas for making Great Malvern more attractive to visitors (Your Letters, November 29). Here is another possibility but it may be better for Malvern Hills Conservators not to read this! How about a cable car
Barnards Green was alive with festive fun last Saturday when traders staged their annual Christmas Extravaganza. Attractions included children's entertainer and stiltwalker Mr Doo, rides in a fire engine and, of course, Father Christmas. Malvern's mayor
ENSURING safety for children going to and from school is essential but is the imposition of a 20mph speed limit and speed ramps the best way to do this? While these measures may ensure a reasonably safe traffic environment, they seem rather crude. Children
A VISIT by Sir Michael Spicer to Malvern Community Hospital has strengthened his view that a replacement is urgently needed. The West Worcestershire MP said the tour of the Lansdowne Road hospital last Saturday (December 14) reinforced his anger that
AMBULANCE staff have been praised by a Ledbury couple whose new baby daughter was not prepared to wait for the ride to hospital. Baby Kelly was born in the back of the ambulance parked in Lawnside Road, when mum Gina Hoskins gave birth just 30 minutes
The mother of heroin victim Rachel Whitear has been named as one of Britain's bravest women by Best magazine. Pauline Holcroft, of Ledbury, denies that she has been brave, even though images of her daughter lying dead from an overdose are being used in
Cold weather is being blamed for a low turnout of protesters outside Sequani, in Ledbury, on Animal Rights Day (Tuesday, December 10). However campaigners, who call themselves "Stop Quintiles Animal Testing" using the former name for the Sequani site,
A MALVERN woman who is nearly 109-years-old helped entertain West Worcester-shire MP Sir Michael Spicer on Saturday during his tour of residential homes. Miss Elizabeth Guise-Berrow, of the Woodgate Residential Home in Albert Road North, last met Sir
CREATIVE talent and originality were the qualities being sought by a panel of judges in Malvern's Christmas window competition. Malvern's mayor, Frances Victory, Mary Wilkinson, chairman of Malvern Hills District Council, town councillor Ann Silk and
STUDENTS and teachers past and present gathered at The Chase Technology College Malvern this week, for the Geraldine Road school's annual speech day. The event was the first for new headmaster Kevin Peck, who shared the platform with governors, past teachers
DARREN Middleton has some unfinished business with visitors Chelmsford City at St George's Lane in the Dr Martens Premier Division tomorrow (3pm). A combination of the crossbar and wayward shooting denied Worcester City's leading scorer a hat-trick in
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers hope kick-start their stuttering season tomorrow when they take on Wrexham in a tough Nationwide League Division Three clash at the Racecourse Ground (3pm). It's the first ever league encounter between the two sides with Harriers
Recycling festive debris left over when Santa has departed for another year will make for a green Christmas. Scouts in Ledbury and Colwall are offering collection services for Christmas trees. The 1st Ledbury pack is collecting from residents on Sunday
MICHAEL Rose is unlikely to have included Chester City boss Mark Wright on his Christmas card list this year. The Hereford United ace returns to the Deva Stadium tonight (7.45) where he was unceremoniously dumped by Wright in the summer despite the promise
THIS year's pantomime at Malvern Theatres will help the quest to raise money for a new children's hospice for the Three Counties. The cast of Dick Whittington will be joined at almost every performance by supporters of the Acorns Three Counties Appeal
MANAGER Dave Titterton will have the rare luxury of a selection headache for Stourport Swifts' Dr Martens Western Division clash with Gloucester City at Walshes Meadow tomorrow (3pm). Swifts are looking for their third win on the bounce to ease their
YOUNG entrepreneurs at Mal-vern's Wyche CE Primary school have used their festive business to raise money for charity. Year six children have launched and run their own business since September, commissioning designs for Christmas cards, taking orders
LEADERS Bromsgrove Rovers need to get used to a cup final-type contest every week, according to joint manager Gary Hackett. He believes the rest of the Dr Martens Western Division sides are raising their games when they play Rovers. The Victoria Ground
LEDBURY & District Amateur Swimming Club concluded their competitive year with the longest race, the 1500m Club Championship, which attracted 55 swimmers aged from eight to 16 years for this 60 length race. Setting a new club record in the senior
A FREE course for volunteer leaders and coaches will be taking place every Thursday for 15 weeks starting January 30 and ending May 8, 2003 at Sport Martley from 5-7pm. The Community Sports Leader Award course is open to anyone over the age of 16 who
AFTER much speculation there was no change in the Malvern Hills Indoor Bowls Triples League after Malvern Victoria met Ledbury BC on Saturday. Whilst the Vics took 11 of the 14 points it wasn't quite the walkover that it appeared. At the halfway stage
WORLD indoor rowing champion Anna Bailey added another gold medal to her impressive haul at the second UK Grand Prix event last Saturday. Anna, from Hanley Swan and a member of the Evesham-based Old Wrecks IRC, took took gold in the Women's 50-59 class
A 13-YEAR-OLD Worcester schoolgirl has urged city councillors not to let the Swan Theatre close. Fern Bradburn, who has been involved in youth productions organised by the venue, addressed a meeting of the full council before a heated debate on its future
King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys start the countdown to Christmas at the Marr's Bar, Worcester tomorrow (Saturday). Hailed as one of the finest rhythm and blues bands to come from outside the US, the group deliver a shot of swing at a price of £18 on
ABBEY Jazz will play in Christmas at the Malvern Rugby Club, Spring Lane, on Sunday from 8pm to 11pm. Their Christmas Special performance features swinging sounds from five talented musicians. For more details telephone Malvern Rugby Club on 01684 573728
MALVERN'S Welsh International David Llewellyn makes his debut for the club at Spring Lane tomorrow (Saturday). Still trying to regain full match fitness, Llewellyn has had a couple of outings with Newport's second string, including a half against Bath
MALVERN Town's rich vein of form continued, as they moved into the semi-finals of the Worcester Royal Infirmary Cup, thanks to an excellent 4-2 home success. MALVERN TOWN 4, WORCESTER CITY 2 Town defeated a Worcester City side containing several first
FORMER England Ladies cricket captain and present national U19 head coach Jane Powell will be flying out to Australia with her squad on Christmas Day. For Jane, the Sixth Form Annex manager at The Chase, it is the start of a two-month cricket trip that
M BURCHER (You Say, December 9), attempts to correct two previous correspondents, George Cowley being one of them, regarding mixing evolution and religion. He then commits a monumental blunder himself by stating that we all emanate from Adam and Eve and
SHAME on you M Burcher (You Say, December 12). You have, in one paragraph of your letter, confirmed your gullibility in believing the Government's spin against the British firefighter. Sad to say, it is M Burcher who should hold his/her head in shame.
A TOTAL of 58 motorists were arrested for drink driving across the West Mercia Police area in the first week of the force's high profile Christmas crackdown. Devastating The force has stepped up its enforcement offensive against drink drivers in support
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers hope kick-start their stuttering season tomorrow when they take on Wrexham in a tough Nationwide League Division Three clash at the Racecourse Ground (3pm). It's the first ever league encounter between the two sides with Harriers
THE variety of Christmas goods on offer a century ago was highlighted in the Malvern Gazette of the time, which devoted several columns to detailed descriptions of what the town's shops had to offer. "The difficulty with Malvern people is not where to
THESE old pictures come from the collection of Donald Tomlin and were taken at the Radar Research and Development Establishment at Pale Manor, now North Site. The picture of Santa in his sleigh was taken in 1946 or 1947 and features (from left) H E Andrews
REDDITCH United signed another striker last night (Thursday, December 19). Reds manager Rod Brown secured the signing of Stafford Rangers hitman Chris Rowell. Rowell, 20, was born in Aldershot and has only stayed with high-flying Dr Marten's Premier division
DEAN Richards insists that Leicester Tigers are in a no-win situation when they take on Worcester Warriors at Welford Road tomorrow (3pm). The Sixways side face the Tigers in the Powergen Cup sixth round tie and Leicester coach Richards is aware that
Theatre December Until Jan 12-Dick Whittington at the Festival Theatre, Malvern Theatres. Times & ticket prices contact the box office (01684) 892277. 21,23,24-Christmas Quackery Codswallop at the Theatre of Small Convenience, Edith Walk, Malvern.
AN away trip to the bottom club in the Midlands One league, on a wet, dull and cold day set the scene for what was always likely to be a dour encounter. BARKERS BUTTS 13pts, MALVERN 25pts And so it was, with the Coventry based side short on ideas but
LONGTON showed why they are unbeaten this season with a fine all-round display of open rugby in this Midlands One game at Spring Lane on Saturday. MALVERN 5pts, LONGTON 43pts From the first minute, when the Longton back row went on a rampaging run to
DARREN Middleton has some unfinished business with visitors Chelmsford City at St George's Lane in the Dr Martens Premier Division tomorrow (3pm). A combination of the crossbar and wayward shooting denied Worcester City's leading scorer a hat-trick in
SHAME on you M Burcher (You Say, December 12). You have, in one paragraph of your letter, confirmed your gullibility in believing the Government's spin against the British firefighter. Sad to say, it is M Burcher who should hold his/her head in shame.
CHRISTMAS came early for Milton Harris as Paxford Jack stormed to a front running victory at Cheltenham last Saturday. The Paxford trainer, who also owns the six-year-old, pocketed a winners' cheque for £30,000 after victory in the Doncaster Bloodstock
FORMER England Ladies cricket captain and present national U19 head coach Jane Powell will be flying out to Australia with her squad on Christmas Day. For Jane, the Sixth Form Annex manager at The Chase, it is the start of a two-month cricket trip that
A leading Worcester retailer is aiming to boost Christmas sales by creating a 2003 calendar from customers' photos. Jessops, which has two shops in the city centre, plans to produce the calendar using digital technology through its Internet printing service
DRINKERS in Hereford have been supping a heavenly brew and helping to save their cathedral at the same time. Hereford Cathedral Bitter was launched during the city's Oktoberfest, in October this year. Ten pence from every pint bought goes towards the
AS Christmas approaches, there is one Worcester company hoping for lots of presents from Santa as a reward for being so good this year! Electricity supplier BizzEnergy has won a cache of awards during 2002. The most recent accolade was the Systems Investment
SATURDAY WORCESTER & DISTRICT LEAGUE Premier Division: Bretforton Old Boys v Perrywood (R. Fisher); Martley Spurs v Tolladine Sports (D. Taverner); Upton Town v Bromyard Town (K. Jennings). Division One: All Blacks v New Inn 2002 (C. Ash); Bransford
