A POLICE search has been launched after a 13-year-old girl went missing from her Warndon Villages home. Samantha Bird, who is 5ft tall, of slim build, with a shoulder-length mousey brown "bob", was last seen by her family at 11.30am on Monday. She was
WORCESTER magistrates have been told how a man in a wheelchair used his disability as a cover to steal from city stores. Spina bifida sufferer Gary Simpson hid 10 cans of body spray in his trousers on a shoplifting spree in Boots. Magistrates heard that
HOSPITALS in Worcestershire and Herefordshire have been promised a share of an £8m cash boost for new equipment - but only as a reward if they cut long waiting times for patients. West Midlands South health authority is being handed an extra £8m over
A pensioner who suffered major head injuries after being in collision with a car on a Worcester road has died in hospital. The elderly man, believed to be in his 70s, was walking across Bilford Road when the accident, involving a silver Vauxhall Astra
Stratford 1, Wednesbury 1 STRATFORD men's senior squad began preparations for the second half of their campaign in DTZ League Division Two with a friendly fixture last Saturday when they were left to reflect on missed opportunities. Despite its billing
ALCOHOL-related road accidents across the West Mercia region increased over the holiday period compared to the previous Christmas, despite a powerful national anti-drink-drive campaign. One in four drivers involved in a collision tested positive for alcohol
A WORCESTER broadband campaigner has joined forces with British Telecom in an attempt to deliver the high-speed internet service to the entire city. Dr Brian Gladman is hopeful that the telecom giant's plans to finance a leaflet campaign to 1,000 residents
A MYSTERIOUS banging coming from the direction of the M5 is bothering residents in Warndon Villages. At this week's parish council meeting, parish member Yvonne Griffiths said she and a number of other residents had heard the banging, which seemed to
WORCESTERSHIRE'S water supplier is urging people to take a few simple steps to avoid the misery of burst water pipes caused by the freezing weather. With temperatures dipping, the risk of pipes freezing and householders being left with no water increases
STUDENTS on medical courses are facing crippling debts, according to a new British Medical Association survey. The BMA has found that final-year medical students have an average total debt of almost £13,000. The highest figure recorded was £42,500, and
PET theft is on the increase, with 25,650 dogs being stolen each year, around one in every 233 dogs in the United Kingdom. Although cat theft is much more rare, there are still 6,000 stolen every year. Many lost or stolen pets are reported to the Missing
A MAN who twice burgled his neighbour in a Pershore bedsit and broke into a town school has been jailed for three months. Wayne Price, aged 20, of High Street, Pershore, pleaded guilty to the three burglaries at Worcester magistrates court last Friday
RESIDENTS have been urged to have their say on a traffic calming scheme which has split the Bewdley public. People have been urged to attend an exhibition for measures on Habberley Road, Trimpley Lane and Kidderminster Road. When Worcestershire County
THE number of police officers in Stourport has more than doubled in the last six months, providing the town with "a service they deserve". PC Jon Harris, the beat manager for the town, admitted he had not had the necessary resources until now. But he
POLICE patrols are being stepped up in Bewdley thanks to an influx of new officers. Town beat manager PC Nigel Barter said more high-visibility "bobbies on the beat" would help to prevent crime - rather than police having to solve it. And the extra manpower
POLICE and pub landlords have praised New Year revellers after trouble-free celebrations in Wyre Forest. Pub bosses and police pledged before New Year to bar any yobs for up to two years and prosecute anyone involved in violent disorder during the period
DISABLED people in the Third World are set to benefit from a £12,000 fund-raising push by Bewdley students. Bewdley Interact Club, based at the town's high school, aims to raise the cash for American-based charity The Wheelchair Foundation by this summer
DOG lovers are being asked to find a space in their hearts and homes to take on abandoned animals. Birch Hill Kennels is appealing to those who can help re-home the growing number of Wyre Forest dogs which have become victims of Christmas puppy syndrome
TWO stalwarts of the Severn Valley Railway have bid a fond farewell after more than 60 years combined voluntary service. Train driver Jack Beaman and guard Derek Simpkiss have retired after reaching the age of 70. Mr Beaman, who was a train driver by
MILLIONS of pounds worth of artefacts are set to stay in Wyre Forest despite a closure threat hanging over Bewdley Museum. The museum store, whose picture collection is worth more than £1 million, is situated at Rushock Trading Estate, which has been
BO Henriksen admitted Kidderminster Harriers were "quite happy" after extending their unbeaten Division Three run to three games. Harriers were poised to take all three points at one stage due to Henriksen's 49th-minute penalty. But Bury did enough to
PAUL Lloyd has joined Midland Alliance outfit Willenhall Town on loan despite having a fractured foot. Lloyd has only recently suffered the injury but will play with Willenhall when fit to get match practise. Bromsgrove Rovers do not have a reserve team
BIRD lovers in Wyre Forest are being urged to take part in the biggest ever survey of garden visitors this month. The Shuttle/Times and News has teamed up with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds to urge readers to spend an hour watching the
A 16-year-old wept and clung to his mother as he was sent to custody for wielding a "Rambo-style" knife during a break-in. Wesley Sinnott armed himself with the nine-inch blade and a baseball bat on October 17 to terrify the occupant of a flat in Hewell
ART SOCIETY: After an inspiring demonstration and talk on watercolour technique by Trevor Waugh at the November meeting, members concluded their 2002 programme with an excellent Christmas lunch at Childswickham on December 11. The society starts 2003
TWO elderly women living near each other fell victim to distraction burglaries within hours of each other on New Year's Eve. The first was in Crabbs Cross Lane, Crabbs Cross, at about 4pm when a man knocked on the door of an 84-year-old woman. He asked
ART CLUB: At the festive get-together which followed the December meeting, it was confirmed that finances now permit a fortnightly meeting instead of the monthly arrangement made last year because of depleted funds. It is now the intention to meet on
AN elderly Matchborough couple have had their garden fence damaged by vandals on eight separate occasions. The incidents have happened outside a home in Goosehill Close and police are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward. Officers
SCHOOL: One of the most eagerly awaited events at Christmas time in Ilmington is the school pantomime. This year's offering was a wonderful show - Cinderella and the 13 dwarfs - Yes! 13 dwarfs. With a cast of the entire school of 109 it was obviously
JOHN Barton, of Broadway Ferret Rescue, has been elected chairman of the National Ferret Welfare Society. The appointment came at the end of a very busy year for Mr Barton who has been committed to ferret welfare for several years. His rescue has taken
CYCLE RUN: The Beat the Bulge after Christmas cycle run will take place on Saturday, starting from St Peter's Church at 10am. From there the run goes to Weston Subedge, Aston-sub-Edge, Mickleton, Quinton and Stratford with suitable breaks. All inquiries
FLOWER SHOW: The Winchcombe Flower Show will be holding their senior citizens annual dinner and concert at Winchcombe School, Greet Road, Winchcombe, on Saturday, February 1, at 4.30pm. For further information please contact Mr F Banks on 01242 602716
IAN Britton hopes to continue to shock other clubs and even Kidderminster Harriers' own fans after an "encouraging" first half of the season. Eleventh-placed Harriers are well placed to break into the Division Three play-offs in 2003 with games in hand
IT is fair to say a Division Three play-off push was not on the mind of your average Kidderminster Harriers fan at the start of the season. There was instead plenty of concern at the alarming financial cuts which were hitting Aggborough staff both on
SO, it's all over, Christmas and New Year that is. If you are a Christian, you probably said, "Thank God for Christmas". If not, you probably said, "Oh God, it's Christmas". When I was a child, kids used to sit on Santa's knee and ask for - but never
I AM disgusted that a report on the number of spectators who turned out to watch The North Cotswold Hunt was included in the January 2 issue of the Journal. You made it sound as though the number of people ('more than 1000') who gathered to watch these
IN recent correspondence on religion and morals, writers have displayed the rudeness and intolerance they condemn in others. Some people live a life based on love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control as a result
January 10, 1903 SUDDEN death - The police were informed on Saturday afternoon of the sudden death of an elderly woman named Ann Gibbs residing in lodgings in Oswald Street. She had no relatives and had been partially paralysed for a long time in consequence
Redditch Cricket, Hockey and Rugby club have mourned the loss of life member and former president Noel Green. Mr Green, passed away just before Christmas after a lifetime of service to club and town. A keen cricketer, Green joined the club as a teenager
January 6, 1978 Britain's oldest established independent manufacturer of hand knitting pins and sewing needles - Abel Morrall Ltd - formed in Redditch in 1785, has completed a decentralisation programme. The company, whose 'Aero' brand is world-wide leader
MUCH has been said about how the bus services are being run in Redditch, much to their detriment. I would just like to say that since Pete's Travel took over the 61 route, there is a very great difference. The buses are run to the minute and the drivers
After the recent floods, the club waters at Great Alne were just about fishable for the first Needles Winter league Match, but after the weather turned bitterly cold 15 intrepid anglers struggled to find fish. Last year's Winter League Winner Gerry Jones
BEFORE Christmas, I visited the Alexandra Hospital to see for myself new bedside internet, television and telephone equipment. The whole hospital looked busy and no wonder. The NHS is treating more patients than ever before. There are more nurses and
Records tumbled at the 2002 Age Group Championships at Redditch Swimming Club. Sam Holtom and Jamie Mackay bagged gold in the 800m freestyle with silvers for Scott and Craig Newton and a bronze for Stuart Mackay. Francesca Carlson won the girls race followed
OPERATIONS have been cancelled at the Alexandra Hospital because a sickness bug is sweeping the wards. A large number of staff were off with diarrhoea and vomiting over Christmas and the new year and many were still absent at the start of this week. Precautions
THANKS have gone out to Redditch people who donated cash to the National Kidney Research Fund. House-to-house collections over a two-week period last year raised £1,333. The money will be used for research into renal disease, kidney patient care and welfare
THE Oxford Apollo is celebrating its 70th anniversary year in 2003 with a spring programme ranging from classic ballet to 70s disco and including one-nighters featuring comedy and music. The season gets under way in February with Grigorovich's Nutcracker
DANCE, drama and a barrel of laughs are in store for audiences at the Royal Shakespeare and Swan theatres in Stratford during the Spring Visitors Season, which begins next month. Adam Faith and Lesley Joseph top the list of celebrities, with well-known
THE Worcester Gilbert and Sullivan Society will be presenting Ruddigore at the Festival Theatre, Malvern, from Tuesday, January 21 to Saturday, January 25. The traditional, fully costumed show is produced by Denise Churchett with musical director David
HOCKEY: One of the favourites, Stourport, under-achieved at the two-day DTZ Invitation Indoor Tournament, finishing a disappointing 10th. The event, staged at Kidderminster's Forest Glades Leisure Centre and Cocks Moors Woods in Birmingham, was played
HOCKEY: The DTZ Invitation Indoor Tournament at Kidderminster's Forest Glades Leisure Centre was hampered by the weather conditions on Sunday. Condensation from the steel internal structure fell onto the indoor playing surface and made parts of the pitch
MARTIAL ARTS: Birthday girl Leanne Scott celebrated her big day by winning a gold medal at the National Kumite Ju-jitsu Championships in Worcester. Scott, 13, did not make any mistakes in her first competition while representing Stourport UK Kickboxing
MOTORSPORT: Brothers Mark and Neil Harrison will each drive a Reynard Formula 3 car in the 2003 Monoposto 2,000 Championship. The cars, powered by Vauxhall engines, will be run by their family team Magic Motorsport from premises in Churchill, near Kidderminster
MOTORSPORT: Kart champion Nathan Freke competed in his first car meeting at the Mallory Park Plum Pudding event and made a satisfactory debut. With only 75 laps of testing the 1989 Jamun FF 1600 prior to the meeting and no wet testing, Freke qualified
TABLE TENNIS: KF Eagles are soaring in Kidderminster Table Tennis League's Eleven Up Cup after a 6-3 defeat of ROS A. In the same competition, KF Falcons beat Bewdley CC B 7-2. Full results (three-game winners in brackets) Eleven Up Cup: ROS A 3, KF Eagles
SWIMMING: Speedy Jodie Cook and Robert Smith gained first places swimming for Wyre Forest who finished fourth at the Crystal Diddy Meet in Wolverhampton. Cook won the finals of both the 13 years backstroke and butterfly in the competition hosted by Stourbridge
ATHLETICS: Eddie Sanders collected the over-50s silver medal at the County Cross Country Championships in Halesowen on Saturday. Andy Norris and Lindsay Pulley picked up bronzes in the over-55s and over-60s respectively. Positions and times from championship
BIRMINGHAM City have been handed a home cup draw - at the eighth time of asking! The Valley Stadium tenants have been on the road constantly in the FA Cup, Premier League Cup and Birmingham County Cup but will be at home in the fifth round of the FA Cup
PEOPLE have been urged to make a splash for a cancer charity. The world's largest fund-raising swim, the Butlins Swimathon 2003, will be held in March to boost Macmillan Cancer Relief. Stourport Sports Centre will be one of a host of pools taking part
THE atmosphere of Vienna's Musikwerein was recreated in the second of what must now surely have become an annual New Year's Day concert. Once again organised by the Lions Clubs of Worcestershire, the proceeds from this concert were donated to Kemp Hospice
HEADLESS Cross Ladies' title decider at home to Kidderminster was postponed on Sunday because of a frozen pitch at Lye Meadow. All four divisions of the West Midlands Regional Women's League were wiped out by plunging temperatures and Rob Auld's side
A DECISION not to pay off a council loan early will cost taxpayers thousands of pounds, it has been claimed. The £8,500 loan, taken out by Stourport Town Council in 1980 for a period of 60 years, costs £1,232 a year in repayments. Town councillor Mick
FECKENHAM manager Lee Adams described the Worcester Royal Infirmary Cup as 'winnable' ahead of Tuesday's planned quarter final at Pershore. The Millers shocked Dr Martens Western side Evesham United in the first round and Adams said his side's recent
A PUBLIC inquiry will be carried out before a final decision on whether to grant a licence for an animal carcass incinerator in Astwood Bank is made. The controversial plan was turned down by a specially formed enforcement committee of five Redditch councillors
SPECIALLY trained officers will start operating across Redditch this month to tackle litter and dog fouling. A consultation exercise with residents highlighted dog mess and litter as a major concern. Redditch Council set aside more than £35,000 to employ
Wing wizard Hodge was signed by Ian Britton on a non-contract basis in January after seven months out of the game. But Hodge's experience stands him in good stead with 362 Football League appearances and 35 goals for Exeter, Swansea, Gillingham and Northampton
RAIDERS smashed the doors of a Cutnall Green post office during an attempted early morning break-in. Postmaster Andrew Holland said the first he heard about the raid was when he was contacted by Worcester Police at 5.40am on Thursday. The 42-year-old
A TEENAGER who thrust a glass into another man's face causing cuts has pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding. The prosecution at Worcester Crown Court accepted a not guilty plea by Joseph Chapple to an alternative charge of wounding with intent to cause
THERE is a meeting on Sunday at 10.30m in the Old Bear pub when licences and venues will be discussed. Clean trophies should be taken for presentation and it is hoped all members will attend. Junior and honorary permits are now available.
A BMW was stolen after thieves walked into a house - while the family were in - through the front door and took the car keys. The green 316 Compact, registration number T788 MAB, was driven away from the home, off Stourbridge Road in Kidderminster. The
A CONTEST will be held on the Lyttleton 1-43 on Sunday, conditions and river level permitting. Those wishing to take part should meet at the Woodman Inn car park at 8am. Members will be informed of any change of plan.
I AM the manager of Chaddesley Corbett Football Club and I was intrigued to read the article in the Shuttle/Times and News (January 2) headed "Stadium hope for Sugar site". Chaddesley, Wyre Forest Brintons Football Club and Bewdley Town all compete in
A 41-year-old man pleaded guilty at Worcester Crown Court to having cannabis resin intending to supply it to another person. Brian Green, of Park Street, Kidderminster, was remanded on bail for a pre-sentence report. The prosecution accepted his not guilty
A CONTEST will be held on Saturday on the Lyttelton 43-79, draw 8am at the rear of the swimming baths. Visitors will be welcome to fish and more details are available by calling 01299 829205 or 07761 757000.
THIEVES walked into an open shed and helped themselves to a £1,500 Yamaha quad bike over the holiday period. The farm off Bridgnorth Road just outside Kidderm-inster was targeted between December 23 and January 4. The blue and green bike does not have
TITLE-chasing Bewdley Town took advantage of main West Midlands League Division One South rivals Chaddesley Corbett and Hinton not playing to move into second place. They are just two points behind leaders Hinton with three games in hand after Saturday's
West Midland Police Res 2, Littleton 1 AFTER an excellent run of 12 successive victories, Littleton were thwarted by the woodwork and a strengthened Police outfit. The game was very much one of two halves with the visitors dominating the opening 45 minutes
A POOR first-half display cost Chaddesley Corbett as they failed to reach the final of the Worcester Nursing Cup for the first time in three years. Their run was curtailed at the quarter-final stage by ICIS Combination Premier Division strugglers Fernhill
ONLY four matches survived Saturday night's frost as the majority of Evesham Sunday League sides were left kicking their heels last weekend. The solitary league match to take place saw Offenham Rovers extend their lead at the top of Division Two after
IN reply to the letter from Derek Roberts (Shuttle/Times and News, December 19), we would all like more services at Kidderminster Hospital. But surely his idea would only transfer the parking problem from Worcester to Kidderminster. I have already found
POPULAR striker Shaun Pratt could have played his last match for Evesham United. The speedy forward failed to turn up on New Year's Day morning but has since informed manager Phil Mullen that he is "taking time out" due to personal problems. However,
WYRE Forest Brintons could do local rivals Bewdley Town and Chaddesley Corbett a big favour in the West Midlands League Division One South on Saturday. They entertain top-of-the-table Hinton (1.45pm) and will be aiming to pull off a win to potentially
TOWNSPEOPLE sent Redditch MP Jacqui Smith about 100 postcards asking for her support in Parliament to change the law to allow terminally ill adults the option of requesting medical help to die. The campaign has been running since the death of human rights
EVESHAM United has become the first club in Worcestershire to achieve Community Club status. Historically, the club didn't possess a junior section but, in 1994, current junior football co-ordinator, Simon Parry, started coaching at Bengeworth First School
ROCK Sports thrashed Ambassador 5-0 in the Worcestershire Minor Cup to beat the bad weather which forced much of Sunday's Kidderminster and District League action to be postponed. The Sunday League Division Three outfit will now visit Red Horse in the
I WAS amused by Sue Schubert's spirited, if rather desperate, defence of Wyre Forest District Council's ill-disguised reduction in waste disposal services (Shuttle/Times & News, January 2). I hope she is equally amused when she spots the first rats
A FIRE which caused extensive damage to a bedroom in an empty house is being treated as arson. Evesham firefighters were called to the house in Deacle Place at about 4.50am on Tuesday after they received reports of a blaze in a first floor bedroom and
VALE MP Peter Luff complained bitterly about the services provided by the new Worcestershire Royal Hospital at Prime Minister's Question Time yesterday. He said it was disgraceful that people were waiting in ambulances and hospital corridors to be seen
BEWDLEY Town have been drawn to face Barnt Green Spartak in the Worcestershire Junior Cup semi-finals. The winners of the clash on Saturday, January 25, will face the victors from the Littleton and West Hagley fixture in the final. In the Sunday Premier
I FEEL compelled to let everyone know what a speedy response we had recently from our local ambulance service when we had the need to call them out on an emergency. They arrived within three minutes of being called, so a big "thank you" to all concerned
CHILDREN from the next door farm, Rachel and Alice Gilder dropped in on Roger Allard at his Woodmancote Farm, Defford, to meet the first lambs of the year. "We normally have our first lamb somewhere around Christmas Day and in fact this time the first
A HAT-TRICK for Josh Sidnell set Kidderminster Youth U-8s on course for an 8-0 victory over Burlish Panthers in the Stourport and District Youth League. Matt Middleton and Stanley Bennett also scored two. At U-11s level, Adam Jones scored a hat-trick
PRAWN Stars were unstoppable in the first games of 2003 for the Kidderminster Six-a-side League, thrashing Loom and Shuttle 11-0 in a friendly. Other friendly results: Bagleys Estates 6, Prawn Stars Res 2; Swan 6, Harriers Utd 0; JDFC 2, FC Magic 0; All
VALE residents keen to learn about working with children are set to benefit from a free introductory college course organised by the Worcestershire Early years Development and Childcare Partnership. The organisers are urging anyone interested in careers
SATURDAY (3pm unless stated) NATIONWIDE LEAGUE DIVISION THREE KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS v Rushden and Diamonds DR MARTENS WESTERN DIVISION Merthyr Tydfil v STOURPORT SWIFTS WEST MIDLANDS LEAGUE DIVISION ONE SOUTH Leominster Town v BEWDLEY TOWN (2.45pm) Mahal
Bromyard Tn 0, Evesham Utd Robins U-11 2 TOWN enjoyed the better of the early exchanges but were restricted to long-range efforts which Andrew Taylor dealt with comfortably. The Robins gradually asse-rted themselves and forced a series of corners but
A NEW Mencap Home Support Scheme has opened in Redditch to give people with learning difficulties the chance to lead independent lives. The project gives people help with learning life skills and provides as much or as little supervision as they need
PARENTS who hurl four-letter abuse at officials in football matches their children are playing in should be banned according to coaches of Vale clubs. Secretaries of clubs in the Mercian Elgar Junior Football League - which includes several Vale teams
A couple who at one time ran a Gloucestershire children's home have denied a total of 34 charges of child cruelty involving 17 boys. At Gloucester Crown Court last Friday, Michael Quinlan, aged 62, of Legion House, Cheltenham Road, Evesham, was accused
A VALE couple had an extra reason to celebrate last month when they welcomed a fifth generation to their family. Cyril and Mabel Alderton, who live in Evesham Road, Norton, are now great-great-grandparents to baby Alexander Griffiths who was born at the
LEAGUE postponements meant Kidderminster Carolians took on Old Halesonians in a friendly on Saturday and triumphed 27-26. But the match, which was originally scheduled for December, was not one to savour until KCs started to get their act together in
WORCESTER Wolves Basketball Club face a race against time to get their American star Josh Cooprider back for their home National League Division One clash against Hull on Saturday. Cooprider returned to the United States for Christmas and was due to fly
CHRIS Catling has kept his place at full-back as Worcester Rugby Club face one of their biggest tests of the season on Saturday. The Sixways side face fast improving Orrell in the National One clash (1.45pm) at Edge Hall Road and on-loan signing Catling
WORCESTER Wolves Basketball Club face a race against time to get their American star Josh Cooprider back for their home National League Division One clash against Hull on Saturday. Cooprider returned to the United States for Christmas and was due to fly
The town's library will be hosting an exhibition of watercolour cartoons to bring a splash of colour to dark winter days in Redditch. The work by Graham Wilson will be on display to the public from Saturday, January 24 until Saturday, February 2 during
RIK Mayall is to appear at Malvern Theatres with a 'gloriously witty' portrayal of the life that whirled around Noel Coward in his heyday. Theatre Royal Bath Productions presents Coward's Present Laughter from Monday, January 27 to Saturday, February
FAMILY disputes at Christmas time feature in a new production which opens at Malvern Theatres next Tuesday. Wynyard Browne's The Holly & The Ivy is being staged at the Festival Theatre and stars veteran actor Tony Britton as the Reverend Martin Gregory
BIRMINGHAM Repertory Theatre is producing the regional premiere of David Hare's trilogy Racing Demon, Absence of War and Murmuring Judges as part of its new season. The plays, first performed together by the National Theatre in 1993, look at three of
CALLS continue to be made to move Redditch market from its newly opened purpose-built covered area back to Church Green. In a motion to be heard by Redditch Council on Monday, January 20, Councillor Nigel Hicks has asked for the market to be moved back
BRECHT and Weill's satirical masterpiece The Threepenny Opera is set to be staged at Midlands Arts Centre next month. The fast-moving National Theatre mobile ensemble production re-explores Bertolt Brecht's vibrant text and Kurt Weill's songs in a way
THE first few months of the new year sees Birmingham Royal Ballet staging love story Coppelia and the fascinating tale of the Arthurian legends at Birmingham Hippodrome. Coppelia, which runs from February 18-22, tells the story of a strange, beautiful
ANYONE wanting to consign post-Christmas blues to history can enjoy the Break-A-Leg Theatre Company's latest show. The charity, which caters for both disabled and able bodied young people, will be performing The Sweeney Todd Shock 'n' Roll Show by Peter
THE Palace Theatre this week announced another record-breaking pantomime run. The curtain closed on Cinderella on Sunday - but not before attendance records were smashed. The Alcester Street theatre increased the number of performances from 33 during
POPULAR storytellers David Calcutt and Stewart Derry return to the Bulls Head Inn, Inkberrow, later this month with a collection of globe-trotting stories entitled Travelling Tales. The pair will present their combination of storytelling, poetry, song
A Duplicate Bridge competition is being held on Wednesday evenings at Bewdley Institute at 7.30pm. For details call David Leake on 01562 824187.
ONE of the country's top tribute bands, Whole Lotta Led, will be appearing at Huntingdon Hall next Saturday, January 18. They will be bringing with them their highly acclaimed tribute to one of rock music's greatest bands - the legendary Led Zepplin.
The Christmas dinner this year was held in the parish hall, with the meal prepared by former members Alison Osborne and her daughter, Catherine Bearman. Monica Downes won the competition for the best table decoration. After the meal members of Clee Hill
RENOWNED acoustic guitarist Martin Simpson is appearing at Huntingdon Hall in Worcester next Friday, January 17. Also a powerful songwriter, Martin's playing, defined as the English steel string acoustic guitar sound, is instantly recognised and revered
On Sunday, January 19, a walk has been organised, leaving the Ramada Hotel, Bewdley, between 9am and 9.30am. Walkers can check-in from 8.30pm. Participants under 13 must have parental consent and be accompanied by a responsible adult. Dogs must be on
The Work of English Heritage with Special Reference to Worcestershire, is the title of a talk by Alan Taylor, of English Heritage, on Monday. The talk, at the Bradbury Centre of the Worcestershire Association for the Blind, Sansome Walk, Worcester, will
There will be a meeting of Redditch Pagan Moot next Wednesday from 7.30pm. For venue details and other information, call Bryn on 545560.
Jenny Beard, who spearheaded efforts to help Herefordshire and Worcestershire recover from the ravages of last year's foot and mouth epidemic has been given a leading role in developing the West Midlands food and drink industry. Jenny, of the Learning
DAIRY farmers are being invited to apply for places on a new training programme designed for existing and aspiring farmer directors or council members of milk groups. The initiative will help develop the sophisticated business skills and knowledge required
ENVIRONMENT Agency staff have encountered a smelly and slippery problem when putting up Severnside North's flood barriers. Flood defence operations officer Michael Weaver told Wyre Forest District Council's environmental health department dog mess was
THERE was a splashing start to the New Year in Bewdley when the traditional duck race attracted hundreds of people, despite the wet weather. The record-breaking event, organised by Kidderminster and District Lions Club, attracted more than 300 entries
THREE unwanted horsechestnut trees have been saved by planners. The semi-mature trees, protected by a preservation order, are at the back of a house in Habberley Coppice, Bewdley. Wyre Forest District Council planning (development control) committee refused
Coming soon - snooker and billards results from the Worcester and District Leagues.
JIM Troughton jets off to Australia tomorrow with a massive endorsement of his ability from one of the world's greatest Test match cricketers, writes Mervyn Collins. Sky Sports pundit, Ian Botham, writing in this month's Sky Magazine, predicts an elevation
A DENTAL chief is still fighting to fill the gap in district provision due to NHS places running out. The Shuttle/Times & News revealed in August Wyre Forest folk who wanted to register as NHS patients had to travel 10 miles to Droitwich. County dental
A county support group for sufferers of the debilitating illness M.E. starts meeting in Kidderminster next week. The North Worcestershire M.E. Support Group will hold get-togethers on the third Wednesday of each month from 2-4pm at Community Action Wyre
A RELEGATION-dodging 40-point Dr Martens Western Division target has been set by Stourport Swifts boss Dave Titterton. The Walshes Meadow side are in high spirits after two important results in four days lifted them to fourth from bottom on 22 points.
THE sight of Mark Gabey leaving the field on Saturday with a broken arm left us all a little cold. Mark has been a major influence on our team this season and it is a blow to have him on the sidelines for what will be a crucial three weeks of rugby. But
THE year 2003 will be a double anniversary for the Oxford to Worcester rail service - or the Cotswold Line, as it is often known. The line, which now serves Pershore, Evesham, Honeybourne, Moreton and Kingham, was officially opened 150 years ago and a
Evesham Jubilee Society CONDITIONS were far from ideal when members fished an Open Match on New Year's Eve. Cold water and a drop in temperature saw normal standards of catches dropping but it failed to prevent Harry Harrison taking top spot. Details
I RECEIVED a book on cricket for a Christmas present. In the early days of England touring teams, they were that superior that the opposing teams fielded twenty-two players to make the game even. How things have reversed on the present English team in
JOYOUS scenes may not be repeated if new volunteers do not come forward at a meeting tonight to save Pershore Carnival. The warning comes from town councillor and carnival organiser David Shaw, who has arranged a meeting at St Agatha's Hall today, where
WE are all accustomed to watching repeat programmes on the television. I was surprised to find a similar situation in the Evening News letters page. On Monday, December 30, George Cowley offered a typically rivetting piece concerning his method of payment
RICHARD Chamings (You Say, Friday, January 3) destroys any pretensions to argue against the European Union by dredging up a set of discredited crackpot ideas and dressing them up as "facts", perpetuating the absurd propaganda icon of the far right that
NIGHTCLUB bosses in Bromsgrove have promised to stick to the rules of their licence. Euphoria, in Worcester Road, is allowed to continue admitting people until 11.30pm, for the next six months, agreed Bromsgrove District Council's licensing committee,
MALVERN RFC Saturday, January 11 1st XV v Hinckley (Home). Meet Spring Lane 12.45pm. Kick off 2.15pm. No 1 Dress Code. Maroon shorts. Team selected from: T Allies, D Irish, S Lancett, S Ironside, C Smith, P Hart, D Hill, A Ridley, T O'Brien, M Moaby,
EVESHAM United has become the first club in Worcestershire to achieve Community Club status. Historically, the club didn't possess a junior section but, in 1994, current junior football co-ordinator, Simon Parry, started coaching at Bengeworth First School
CHRIS Catling has kept his place at full-back as Worcester Rugby Club face one of their biggest tests of the season on Saturday. The Sixways side face fast improving Orrell in the National One clash (1.45pm) at Edge Hall Road and on-loan signing Catling
HEALTH chiefs have strenuously denied claims of a 'cover up' over allegations that negligence led to the death of a 50-year-old mother of two. Carol Tudor, of Webheath, died of bowel cancer in May despite complaining of symptoms for nearly three years
RESIDENTS and traders of a Kidderminster street who have endured an "intolerable stench" following heavy rain can look forward to a fresher future, it has been claimed. Worcestershire county councillor Stephen Clee had accused the county council and Severn
A SCHOOL hit by callous thieves who stole hundreds of pounds it had collected for charity has bounced back by replacing the cash in less than two weeks. Sladen Middle School in Kidderminster suffered a break-in just 10 days before the end of last term
MORE than 200 home-made cards brought festive cheer to Kidderminster Library's housebound readers at Christmas. Assistant librarian Sue Brown said: "We had lots of telephone calls and letters of appreciation from recipients of the beautiful Christmas
THE teenage daughter of a Salford Priors man killed by a stolen car at Stratford sobbed in court as the youth responsible for her father's death was sent to detention for l0 months. Earlier, she heard at Warwickshire Youth Court, Leamington Spa, how her
A DISTRICT MEP tops the list of EU members banned from visiting Zimbabwe. Conservative John Corrie said it was a delight and honour to be blacklisted by the "disgraceful" regime. He said: "I have obviously been saying the right things in my speeches in
A SHARP frost and winter sunshine welcomed members and visitors to Throckmorton Clay Pigeon Shooting Club. Encouraged by excellent conditions, entrants responded with superb scores all round. Maximums were achieved by four competitors. Visitor Mark Doughty
Evesham and District Pool League ALL teams in the fourth division are asked to note that the Reprobates now play their home matches at the George and Dragon. Matches at the new venue against Gardeners (February 19) and Pershore Hot Shots (March 5) will
DRIVERS have been urged to take extra care in icy conditions after a car left the road on a busy Kidderminster dual carriageway. No-one was hurt in the incident in which a car travelling towards Blakedown on the A456 Birmingham Road ended up on its roof
Sat July 13 Stratford Town (a) 1-1 Lewis Mon July 15 Evesham United (a) 4-0 Ducros, Broughton, Corbett, Shilton Fri July 19 Reading (h) 2-4 Broughton, Henriksen Sun July 21 Solihull Borough (a) 3-4 Shilton, Foster (pen), Corbett Wed July 24 Wolverhampton
THE December meeting was a Christmas quiz and games. The President reported the Christmas baskets delivered to the pensioners of Arrow village for more than 30 years was down to just one. The cottages were once occupied by retired staff of Ragley Hall
AN evening of entertainment has been organised by a man who is not unaccustomed to being in the spotlight himself. Singing postman Darren Richards beat thousands of hopefuls to appear on Granada's Stars in Their Eyes three-and-a-half years ago as American
THE classic story of the Pied Piper of Hamlyn is to be given the pantomime treatment by a village group. Ombersley Dramatic Society's production runs at the village's memorial hall from Wednesday until Saturday, January 18, with profits to go to the appeal
YEAR 10 Kingsley College students recently took part in a DJ workshop led by Usama, aka DJ Edi. The music students study dance remix as part of their GCSE course.
THE speaker and demonstrator for the December meeting was textile artist Frances McLeod. Her topic was Victorian Christmas decorations but this was broadened to include a talk on her work on textile design. Frances received her art education at Loughborough
THE meeting was well attended, with local lad Graham Downie a popular speaker. The year of the travelling fair starts on February 14 in Kings Lynn. This dates back to the 16th century when people could buy items not usually available at their weekly market
THE club held its annual Wassail at Avoncroft Arts Centre, Bromsgrove, when more than 100 people attended, including 30 musicians drawn from around the West Midlands. The singing was led by Bill Kinsman and between the carols, the wassailers were entertained
PRINCE Henry's High School is the venue for all Worcestershire home matches in the English Counties Netball League. The opening Division Two match takes place on Saturday in a league that will see the county's top players lock horns with Birmingham, Warwickshire
CHRISTMAS came early for the pupils at Bredon Hill Middle School when they enjoyed success at the annual South Worcestershire Schools Swimming Gala last month. Teams were entered from each year in all four strokes against fine other Middle and High Schools
REDDITCH pensioners who enjoy socialising, going on trips, musical entertainment and wish to receive free advice on all aspects of safety and health are invited to join the Sunset Pensioners' Club. The club, which was founded by former mayor Madge Tillsley
WELFORD bowlers Barry Tyrell and Fred Coleman have reached the quarter-final stage of the National Pairs competition. Tyrell and Coleman overcame Solihull opponents 22-15 to reach the last eight. There was also success in the Over-50s Triples competition
Cotswold Floorball League THE A Division is the tightest of the three sections with the sides as close as they have ever been all season. Longborough, though, have already booked their play-off place along with St James from the B Division and C Division
AN unusual token is causing a Redditch historian a problem - which he hopes someone out there can help him with. Alan Foxall, of Redditch Pictorial History Society and author of Old Redditch Pubs, specialises in the history of old pub tokens which used
Stratford and District Winter League THE Knockout and Plate events will be held at Little-tons TC on Friday, April 11 from 7.30pm. More details are available from the organiser, Mike Baker, on 01386 793097. On Sunday April 13, starting at 10am, the men's
THE new South Midland Area Point-to-Point season gets under way this month in what promises to be another campaign full of the spills and thrills of racing 'between the flags'. In all there will be 15 meetings with arguably as many differing weather conditions
Evesham and District Crib League A CRIB drive will take place on Monday evening at Hampton WMC starting at 8.15pm. Players wishing to compete are asked to report to the match secretary at the venue no later than 8.10pm. The entry fee is £2 per pair with
EVESHAM potter Glyn Craze has earned selection for the Welsh team that will play in the European Championships in Ireland next month. Craze will don the Wales shirt alongside Darren Selvey who helped his country to success in last year's World Champion-ships
SOME chubby cricketing buddies from Alvechurch will be going into bat against the bulge to raise cash for their club. After months of planning, 30 members and friends of Alvechurch & Hopwood Cricket Club will be having a mass weigh-in on Saturday,
AN Alcester woman has retired from her job as a social services manager at Warwickshire County Council after 26 years. Barbara Walters had her final day on Monday, December 23 and colleagues said farewell at a cake and champagne reception in the office
SUPERMARKET group Safeway has agreed to be taken over by rival Morrisons in a £2.9bn deal, it was announced today. The pair said the move would create a "dynamic national supermarket group" valued at £5.5bn, with combined sales of more than £12.6bn and
A ONE-OFF course aimed at helping small businesses grow has been developed in partnership with University College Worcester. The BIG Programme - Business Innovation and Growth - is the result of a link between UCW and Warwick Business School. Although
A CHARITY that helps young people set up their own businesses has received a welcome boost from a Worcester recruitment agency. Employees at Backup Staff, in Castle Street, raised £700 by not sending Christmas cards to their clients. They donated the
A SOFTWARE company is celebrating its 25th anniversary with an injection of new management. Worcester-based BDE Group has merged its customer development and new business sales teams. The new, combined team will be headed by David Perkin, the new sales
A WEBHEATH couple had an extra celebration over Christmas when they marked their diamond wedding anniversary. Joyce and Wilfrid Wormington, of Sheltwood Close, Webheath, celebrated their 60 years together with family, friends and neighbours on Boxing
NEW larger speed limit signs on Bidford Bridge are proving effective. The 30mph signs on either side of the bridge, which were put up in December, are slowing traffic, making it safer for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the bridge. Other signs warning
A SCHEME to make walking to school safer for Bidford children has been hailed a success. Warwickshire County Council has said that the Bidford Safer Routes to School scheme (SRTS) has seen a 25 per cent increase in pupils walking to the Bramley Way school
A CONCERT compered by one of the country's top industrialists is set to bring in £5,000 for Kemp Hospice. The Young Proms event will hit the stage on Saturday, January 18 with Digby Jones, director general of the CBI, introducing the entertainment and
RAIN failed to stop the crowds from enjoying a traditional form of theatre at Alvechurch pub The Crown on New Year's Day. People sheltered under umbrellas to watch the 'mumming' event, a branch of morris dancing believed to date back several hundred years
I AM writing in response to the article featured in last week's Journal concerning the 'Hunt Meet' on Boxing Day in Broadway and Kineton. For numerous, consecutive years myself and many friends have protested in peace against hunting with hounds in Broadway
MR CHADWICK'S ill informed correspondence regrettably continues. This council's finances and methods of operation are under increasing levels of scrutiny and have not been found wanting, quite the reverse. Similarly the county council has recently been
I WAS very saddened to read the letter from Jane Birch about the loss of her dog Nell who was frightened by fireworks. It is indeed a nuisance that we have to put up with them all year round. On Saturday, December 21, fireworks were set off twice in my
You may recall that in the autumn I was advocating as a school governor, through these columns, that the free fruit supplied to local schools should be sourced, as far as possible, from local farmers and growers. Now, Prince Charles, voted Farmers Weekly
As a nation we have been encouraged to complain about anything with which we do not agree. This has led to an environment where there is so much complaining "noise" that our government can actively ignore groups who need to express their frustrations,
ON behalf of the Evesham Ladies Lifeboat Guild please could you print the results of our final coffee morning which was held at the Evesham Hotel where £1038 was raised for the RNLI bringing the grand total to £90,642 raised from the general public over
HEALTH Ministers have admitted staff shortages forced the closure of beds at Worcester's new £95m hospital over the busy Christmas period. But they have denied a bed shortage was responsible for the hospital twice being closed to emergency admissions
WORCESTERSHIRE County Council is to appeal to the Government for more funding to avoid a swingeing council tax rise of over 15 per cent. The council's director of financial services, Mike Weaver, told the Cabinet yesterday that it would be asking for
A WORCESTER man launched a tirade of racial abuse at his neighbour after a storm damaged fences that separated their gardens. John Roberts threatened Waheed Rafiq with a spade as he tore down the damaged fence panels. Worcester magistrates heard the two
THE weather outside may be frightful but staff at West Midland Safari park are making sure their reptiles don't get too chilly during the icy winter snap. Cold-blooded animals like Holly the Burmese rock python need heat to stay alive and are being carefully
ALL new NHS staff must test negative for HIV before starting a job where there is a risk of exposing patients to their blood. Staff whose jobs involve Exposure Prone Procedures (EPPs) will also have to test negative for hepatitis B and C before taking
A WORCESTER man who uses taxis "all over the world" has hit out at Faithful City cabs, saying their charges are over the top. Martin Rowley, a professional golf caddy, says he is forced to use taxis from Droitwich to get him to Birmingham airport, because
THE secretary of Worcestershire Local Medical Committee has slammed the Department of Health for delaying the planned new GP contract. Dr Simon Parkinson said he was stunned to find out that the contract had been delayed by six weeks. He said the problems
A SNAKE found freezing outside a Worcester nightclub has made a good recovery and may soon be reunited with its owner. The 12-inch American cornsnake was discovered abandoned on the pavement outside Tramps club, Angel Place, Worcester, just before Christmas
A WORCESTER family has finished its best-ever Christmas with a trip to the theatre and a free meal. Stephanie and Chris Price, and their son Daniel, were the lucky winners of the Evening News Twelve Days of Christmas competition, which saw the family
BLOOD donors in Worcester turned out in force to help boost supplies across the county. The National Blood Service was on hand to collect blood from willing volunteers at St Andrew's Methodist Church Hall in Pump Street earlier this week and the facts
UNEMPLOYED people who want to find help with getting a job still have time to apply for a special course at Worcester YMCA. The 10-week course, called You Can Do It, was launched in July last year to target the long-term unemployed. The course helps out-of-work
A WORCESTER charity is looking for adventurous and sporty workers to take part in fund-raising ventures. From dragon boat racing to snooker, tug-of-war, clay pigeon shooting and football, the county branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association has
VILLAGERS in Fladbury and Hill and Moor fear increased heavy goods vehicle traffic will endanger life and overwhelm country lanes if a controversial planning application gets the go-ahead this month. They have 55 names on their protest petition and sent
THE date for Worcester City Football Club's place in the local plan to be debated has been put back to give objectors more time to submit their arguments. Objections to the proposed new stadium and enabling development in Nunnery Way, finally included
NEW ideas for improving bus services in Worcestershire will be considered by the county council's environment and sustainability panel next week. Technology currently used in Hampshire and Devon to direct rural buses on the most efficient route via stops
TWO children narrowly escaped death when a van ploughed through the front of a house. The drama happened shortly before 7pm on Monday in a quiet Kidderminster cul-de-sac when a Ford Transit smashed down the front door, demolished a corner of the house
NEW moves are afoot to make a popular Bewdley riverside street a no-go area for cars following years of campaigning by residents. People living on Severnside North, a magnet for summer tourists, had all but given up hope of having their road pedestrianised
A STAY of execution looks set to be granted at closure-threatened Stourport Community Centre. Officers at Wyre Forest District Council have recommended the facility is kept open for a further year at a cost of £14,000 while other options are explored.
RISING river levels sparked Bewdley's first taste of a multi-million pound flood defence scheme - but the water failed to test the UK's only demountable barrier. Environment Agency staff were called into action with 2003 only nine hours old as heavy rain
THREE Kidderminster mums had more to celebrate than just the arrival of 2003 after giving birth to New Year's Day babies at Kidderminster Hospital. Louise Ward said she was "excited" by the birth of second child Imogen, who was due in the middle of the
BOSSES at a steam railway are chuffed with record passenger figures. The 16-mile Severn Valley Railway, which runs from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth, has set all time records for revenue and passenger numbers. Some 236,665 passengers rode the rails topping
A BUSY main road was closed while nine police officers chased an elusive marsupial which successfully resisted arrest for 30 minutes. But the furry fugitive - a young male wallaby native to Australia - had its taste of freedom cut short when it was shot
A BATCHLEY woman believes her beloved cat was subjected to a brutal beating after he returned home with a severe head injury. Mossop staggered back to his Batchley Road home last Monday, blinded in both eyes and suffering a badly broken jaw and nasty
INTEREST AND LEISURE CLUB: Members of the club were invited to the carol concert at the Fire College, Moreton. They enjoyed a very good evening. As well as singing carols they were entertained by the pupils of St David's School, Moreton, The Shipston
ARTS THEATRE CLUB: At the last evening meeting of 2002, members were treated to a fascinating talk by Frank Townsend, entitled Compliments of the Season. This covered the history of the Post Office and examples of Christmas cards dating back to the mid
MUSIC SOCIETY: Members met at the Townsend Hall on Friday, December 13, for a Christmas party. Festive tables, festive food, and of course that festive glass of wine with which to greet one's companion at table. The party concluded appropriately for a
MUSIC LIVE: The AGM for Stratford Music Live takes place on Wednesday at 7.30pm at Stratford Music Centre, Stratford College, and all musicians are warmly invited to attend. Having been awarded a grant from the Town Trust after the 2002 Festival, it has
IT was thought some sort of control or clean-up would eventually take place regarding the smoking habits of visitors to the Kingfisher Centre but with the new shops attracting more people, especially during heavy Christmas shopping, it seems it is completely
LEAGUE leaders Redditch Regents Basketball Club continued their imperious form with an impressive 87-47 win at Barton-under-Needwood on Sunday. And guard Martin Paxton made his Regents debut after moving into the area. Paxton has played for Birmingham
I AND many others have bombarded the Letters Page over recent weeks with our views on religion and how best to guide our children to a future that will see them cohabit in a socially acceptable manner with each other throughout their lives. Many of us
January 9, 1953. A NATIVE of Studley, 40-year-old Warrant Officer Cyril Allcock, of the Royal Air Force, was awarded an MBE (Military Division) in the New Year's Honours List. Mr Allcock, one of three sons of the late Mr and Mrs Frank Allcock, was born
IN response to both Barry Heaven and Don Vincent (Letters, December 25) I agree wholeheartedly. I believe a lot of problems arise when people push their religious beliefs on others, pointing out the faults in their beliefs and choosing to ignore the controversial
ON December 11, my car skidded off the Bromsgrove Highway and landed upside down on the verge. I was trapped inside and obviously very scared. I would like to say a big thank you to the two young men who helped me. One phoned the ambulance and police,
AMONG the Christmas shopping crowds - managed to lose an M&S carrier bag containing two presents bought for my family. I would like to thank the very kind but anonymous person who handed my lost shopping into the store and also to thank the efforts
BARNT Green saw off West Midlands 6-4 in a nailbiting clash in Division One of the Bromsgrove and Redditch League. Jason McFaul and Ian Scott both had two wins for Barnt Green with Mark Cornish getting one. McFaul and Scott then teamed up to win the doubles
BLUES Ladies skipper Laura Bassett has been called up to the England senior squad for their winter training camp in La Manga, Spain. The Redditch-based side's captain will jet out with Hope Powell's squad after City's County Cup trip to West Bromwich
REDDITCH MP Jacqui Smith is quite correct offering congratulations to Kingfisher Centre owners Thornfields for their foresight, hard work and investment since 1997 (Letter from Westminster, December 11). She states it was New Labour who put in place the
WHETHER it's to do with the number of beds planned for the hospital, a shortage of staff, or the the lack of alternative contingency plans for the closing of wards hit by diarrhoea, the Worcestershire Royal quickly reached a point where it couldn't cope
REDDITCH Fencing Club holds an open day at the Abbey Stadium tonight (Thursday). The evening starts at 8.30pm with free fencing on offer to new members. A track suit or loose clothing, trainers and a glove are required. The club meets regularly at the
A MIDSUMMER Night's Dream with a difference is to be staged at the Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury. A special adaptation of Shakespeare's comedy masterpiece presented by Gloucester's High School for Girls, promises to be a real hoot. The Bard meets the Beano
BEST known as Kryten in Red Dwarf, Robert Llewellyn returns to Cheltenham Town Hall as a stand up comedian. His show, entitled Women Wizard, opens on Sunday, January 26 at 8pm. Tickets at £12.30, and £10.50 for concessions, can be booked on 01242 227979
GOLF: Amateur golfer Pete Williams is feeling the heat after leaving the freezing West Midlands behind and jetting off for a shot at the Wilson Matchplay Golf Championship title in sunny Portugal. The 37-year-old Shatterford man left yesterday for the
THURSDAY: Quiet night! FRIDAY: Stourport: The Angel - Jazz Night. Birmingham: Symphony Hall - The Magic of Vienna. Schofield's: Fred Zeppelin. Fiddle and Bone: Diz Watson. Brierley Hill: Robin R'n'B - Once More Into the Bleach. Wolverhampton: Robin R'n'B2
SAILING: Jeff Halford and Dawn Bradley held off Mark and Michelle Tromans' challenge to win Trimpley Sailing Club's Sunday Icicle Main Series for GP14 dinghies. The Tromans needed to take both races and duly triumphed in the first by 24 seconds, ahead
DARTS: S Thomas and P Edwards progressed to the Bewdley Banks's Darts League doubles knock-out quarter-finals after excellent wins over county star R Watkiss with R Ife and M Wilks with P Mills. J Brennan, partnered by J Wright, was the only player to
CHESS: John Wrench won Kidderminster's Lightning Tournament in which players have to move every 10 seconds. In the closest possible finish, Wrench was just half-a-point ahead of Paul Thomas and Mark Riley. Thomas had stormed into the lead with six straight
ORRELL were tipped by many pundits to be one of the big hitters in National One this season. I always believed they would come to the boil after Christmas and, as their recent performance against Northampton suggested, the Edge Hall Road side should be
STUDLEY wing wizard Mark Neath is getting ready for the biggest challenge of his football career. The fiery wide man, plucked from Sunday side The Mayfly two seasons ago, is preparing to face former England winger Mark Walters when Studley host title
ALVECHURCH were this week hoping to continue their good form against Fernhill County Sports. The Pershore Town tenants, formed in the close season from a merger between County Sports and Fernhill Heath OB, have already lost to Alvechurch twice this season
REDDITCH United Women will be playing in the second round of the Hereford and Worcester County Cup after their reserves beat Worcester in the first round. Faced with the threat of a £350 fine from the Kidderminster and District league bosses if they fail
HEADSTONE inspections are being carried out in Edgioake cemetery, Astwood Bank. The cemetery will not be closed for the safety inspections, which are expected to take about three weeks. Redditch cemeteries and crematorium manager Stuart Connelly said
KIDDERMINSTER'S Dean Breakwell caught six trout to 2.5lb using a buzzer on the Wyre Dell Lake at Shatterford Fishery. On the Andy Capp lake, where the average bag is just one or two trout, Mark Thistleton, of Shatterford, caught 16 trout to 1.5lb using
TUESDAY, Silver Pool, Juniors: J Galvard 20lb, Dan Paplett 15-11oz, M Smith 11-12. Friday, Silver Pool, Juniors: Paplett 19-6, J Hall 16-12, M Minchin 11-8. Wednesday, Island, Middle and Bank: M Lucas 46-6, Chris Hill 41-12, Colin Pace 29-2. Thursday,
LARFORD Open: P Cook 5-11, P Coles 4-12, B Buzzard 2-6, man-of-the-match Jim Morris. The next Larford Open will take place on Sunday, January 19. The first 15 anglers to apply will get a place and anyone interested can call 01299 871735 for details. Lyttelton
POLICE are searching for three youngsters seen running away after a woman had been pushed over and robbed of £30. The attack happened at about 5.30pm on December 29 on Kidderminster's Coronation Way. The victim, who is in her 20s, was walking towards
A SCRAMBLE contest will be held on the club pool on Sunday, draw 8.30am, and there is a meeting at the club tomorrow from 9pm to discuss future fixtures.
ELECTRICAL goods and £500 in cash were stolen after thieves broke into a Belbroughton home in broad daylight. The French windows were forced at the Galtons Lane house on Tuesday and a computer, stereo and mobile phone were taken along with the money.
THE annual meeting will be held on Thursday, January 23, and all members are requested to attend.
HAVING lived in Kidderminster all my life, there is no doubt I am somewhat biased in stating it is a good place to live, with its surrounding countryside and nearby towns of Stourport and Bewdley. Add to this West Midland Safari Park, Severn Valley Railway
A CONTEST will be held on Sunday on the canal, bridges 12-15 (if it is not iced over), meeting at 8am in Carters car park. Licences can be collected from Bill Downing.
POPULAR striker Shaun Pratt could have played his last match for Evesham United. The speedy forward failed to turn up on New Year's Day morning but has since informed manager Phil Mullen that he is "taking time out" due to personal problems. However,
DID I miss some information over Christmas about a VIP dying in Bewdley? I began to wonder when I went to the front of St Anne's Church on New Year's Eve and, in spite of some 800 people being there, it was more like a wake than a celebration to welcome
JOURNAL Series sports editor Mervyn Collins swapped his pen for a flag last Saturday. An injury to an assistant referee during Evesham United's match at Atherstone prompted a call for a replacement and the press man was forced into action. A Class One
A MATCH will be held on the River Severn, Lyttelton waters 44-61, on Sunday. The draw will be made at Big Gladder Bank at 8am.
