JOHN Brain has confirmed that Worcester are in talks to bring centre David Officer to Sixways. Worcester's director of rugby is hoping to wrap up the deal in the next couple of days as he looks to bolster his squad for next season's promotion push. Officer
WORCESTER Rugby Club's new signing Mark Gabey is set to have an operation on a troublesome knee injury later this month. The 28-year-old forward is booked in on June 21 to clear up his knee after his Sixways medical flagged up the problem. The operation
ADAM Webster will return to Worcester City's squad tomorrow to give John Barton a selection headache ahead of the trip to Welling United. With new signing Asa Charlton, Allan Davies and Leon Jackson also clamouring for a place, Barton will have his hands
SECOND-placed Worcestershire will make chan-ges to their Frizzell County Championship side for the Division Two match against Northamptonshire which opens at New Road tomorrow. Director of Cricket Tom Moody revealed that the final line-up has yet to be
WORCESTER Rugby Club look set to add an Officer to their ranks in a bid to gun down Rotherham next season. David Officer will this week agree to swap Edinburgh Reivers for Sixways and become Worcester's 13th close season signing as the countdown to their
JOHN Snape will be seeking a reverse in fortunes at tomorrow's away clash at Welling United (3pm). The Park View Road ground has proved an unlucky venue for the midfielder who never managed a win there during his time with Halesowen Town or Hereford United
TOM Moody has vowed that Worcestershire's three one-day wins over Somerset this season will not lull his players into a false sense of security in tomorrow's Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy quarter-final showdown at Taunton. "Complacency never comes
PACEMAN Andy Caddick could make a dramatic return for Somerset in tomorrow's Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy quarter-final clash against Worcestershire tomorrow. The England star had a fitness check yesterday on a side strain which has kept him out
AN UNBEATEN 54 from Ben Smith steered Worcestershire Royals to a five-wicket win over Kent Spitfires at Canterbury and lifted them four points clear at the top of the Norwich Union League Division One. The Royals passed Kent's target of 225 with 12 balls
WORCESTERSHIRE moved up to second place in the Frizzell County Championship Division Two table with an eight-wicket win over Essex at Southend. Essex's lower order provided stubborn resistance to prolong the action. But Philip Weston and Ben Smith ensured
JOHN Barton believes he may have unearthed a diamond in the shape of midfielder Pat Lyons who will be looking to sparkle against Chelmsford City tomorrow (3pm). Worcester City's new signing has featured prominently in the opening two games of the season
MANAGER John Barton has boosted his Worcester City squad with the signing of Asa Charlton from Stourport Swifts. The 24-year-old left-sided defender will be included for tomorrow's trip to Chelsmford City after agreeing a deal to join the St George's
STEWART Hadley has been given the go ahead to step up training but is unlikely to pull on a Worcester City shirt until the end of September at the earliest. The former Kidderminster Harriers' striker, who has been struggling with an Achilles injury since
CARL Heeley has moved to ease the pressure on prolific goalscorer Mark Owen on his return to league action after serious injury. The Worcester City captain said it was unrealistic to expect the striker to score 25 plus goals after such a lengthy spell
A WORRIED mum whose only daughter is documenting the horrors of war in battle-scarred Baghdad is desperately waiting for news. Anne Wilding has not heard from daughter Jo since she received an e-mail on Saturday. She tried to make a phone call to her
VIOLENT attacks on the region's ambulance workers have more than doubled in the past year. Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Trust bosses have dealt with up to 12 incidents a month, compared with between three and five the previous year. Staff have reported
TWO Gipsy sites will become a better place for temporary residents after winning £1m of Government funding. Waterside Park in Offenham, near Evesham, and Lower Heath, at Hartlebury Common, Stourport-on-Severn, will receive the majority of their refurbishment
IF Worcester City ever get stuck for attacking ideas Pat Lyons could be the man to help his team-mates find some inspiration. The midfielder, who signed from Burton Albion in the summer, recently completed an intensive two week course for his UEFA badge
The ROMANS came to town to give schoolchildren an insight into life during the Empire. The Legion XIIII Geminae, which takes part in battle re-enactments, visited pupils from the Alice Ottley Junior School and Sunnyside Prep School for a Roman Day. The
1802: Late on Wednesday night, the chaise (open carriage) driver belonging to one of the inns of this city, taking his horses as usual to wash them in the River Severn, is supposed to have fallen into the water and perished. His horses were afterwards
THE Faithful City's famous fund-raising ferry is afloat again on The River Severn after coming out of hibernation. The Cathedral Ferry celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, but recorded history of the Watergate Ferry dates back to the 1300s when
MARC Burrow is set to miss the start of Worcester City's campaign after suffering a back injury. Goalkeeper Danny McDonnell suffered the same problem last season and was ruled out for 18 matches. The 24-year-old defender was laid low by a back spasm at
WORCESTERSHIRE paceman Kabir Ali and spinner Gareth Batty have been included by England in a 20-man provisional squad which will form the nucleus of players due to go to the Academy in Australia this winter. Every player on the list will be filmed in
LABOUR MP Mike Foster has questioned the credibility of radical Tory plans to increase police in Worcestershire by scrapping the Government's asylum system. Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith wants to introduce a strict quota on the number of immigrants
DREWE Broughton is back in contention for a place in Kidderminster Harriers line-up for tonight's Nationwide Lea-gue Division Three clash against promotion hopefuls Oxford United at Aggborough (7.45). The 22-year-old striker is available again after serving
A DROITWICH couple who lost their son to cancer have helped buy a revolutionary scanner that could save other children with brain tumours. Birmingham Children's Hospital installed the state-of-the-art scanner following Debi and Nigel Wainwright's tireless
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have released rookie defender Scott Lower ahead of tonight's Wor-cestershire Senior Cup quarter-final against Dr Martens League Western Division leaders Bromsgrove Rovers at Aggborough (7.45). The 18-year-old has failed to break
JOHN Barton is keeping his fingers crossed that last year's injury hoodoo does not dash Worcester City's chances this time round. The St George's Lane boss saw Marc Burrow stretchered off within minutes of the start of last night's friendly at Stourport
TITLE-chasing Worcestershire Royals have an injury doubt over Graeme Hick for tomorrow's Norwich Union League Division One clash against Somerset Sabres at Taunton. The County skipper is suffering from a minor back injury which may force him to rest.
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers' manager Ian Britton is urging his players to realise that there's no place like home. So far this season Harriers have struggled to hit the high notes at Aggborough and have won more Nationwide League Division Three matches on
TRIALIST Jamie Edwards is set to have another chance to shine for Worcester City during their latest friendly at Stourport Swifts tonight (7.45). The diminutive winger has been one of the more impressive players in the St George's Lane pre-season build-up
MANAGER John Barton admitted fearing the worst after Pat Lyons was carried off during a reserve team game over the weekend. However, the St George's Lane boss is hopeful Lyons will make his first team debut for Worcester City at Stourport Swifts tomorrow
PAUL Wyatt has set himself the target of emerging from the shadow of number one 'keeper Danny McDonnell. The 21-year-old enjoyed a run of 18 games at the start of last season during which Worcester City lost just three times. However McDonnell returned
ALL Central Trains out of Worcester have been cancelled today because of the second of three planned walkouts by train guards. Central Trains is one of nine operators to be hit by the strike which is being held by guards to get their safety role reinstated
THE Worcester group of the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust is holding an illustrated talk on Wednesday, April 2. The subject is a beginner's guide to wildlife photography and the speaker will be Peter Preece. He will be presenting slides and offering advice
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers' new signing Andy Bishop is expected to make his debut in tonight's Nationwide Lea-gue Division Three clash against high-riding Torquay United at Plainmoor (7.45). The 20-year-old striker has joined Harriers on a month's loan from
WOLVES are poised to add an international flavour to tonight's friendly with Worcester City at St George's Lane (7.45). Molineux boss Dave Jones will run a check over Monaco's Argentinean defender Christian Patino as well as French midfielder Frederic
A musical about a headmaster's hypnotic grip over his pupils is being staged by Malvern Theatre Players. The Demon Headmaster starts at Malvern's Forum Theatre on Wednesday. The adult actors are led by Lee Farley as the title character, while the young
SCHEME: A Cropthorne garden will be opening up to the public to show off its roses. The garden at Holland House, Main Street, Cropthorne, near Pershore, is opening on Sunday, April 13 in aid of the National Gardens Scheme. It features formal gardens laid
The 2003 season will soon be underway with a home county championship game against Hampshire.
THREE third-time mums are taking motherhood in their stride as they start training for Crowle's annual fun run. Rebecca Ward, Janet Coleman and Fizz Bewley will each be running with their three children to raise money for sports facilities on the village's
DIRECTOR of Cricket Tom Moody was delighted with the way Worcestershire boosted their Frizzell County Championship Div-ision Two promotion hopes with a record-breaking innings and 308-runs win over Durham at New Road. It was the County's biggest innings
WORCESTER City face a trip to Stourport Swifts or Halesowen Town in the second round of the Worcestershire FA Senior Cup. Holders Kidderminster Harriers have been drawn at home to Bromsgrove Rovers. First round: Stourport v Halesowen; Sutton Coldfield
THE fickle nature of football fans will be highlighted on Saturday when Kidderminster Harriers face Macclesfield Town in a bread-and-butter Nationwide League Division Three clash at Aggborough. The former Conference rivals are two of the poorest supported
FORMER Kidderminster Harriers manager Jan Molby is back at Aggborough on Saturday -- and his return can't come soon enough for fellow Dane Bo Henriksen. Harriers' match with Molby's Hull City in the Nationwide League Division Three is eagerly awaited
Worcestershire have awarded long-serving all-rounder David Leatherdale a benefit year in 2003. The 34-year-old, who made his County debut in 1988, was capped in 1994 and has scored more than 9,000 first-class runs and over 3,400 in one-day matches. He
A SWEET left foot remains a top target for Worcester City manager John Barton. The St George's Lane boss will step up the hunt for a left-sided player ahead of City's opening league match against Hastings next month. Barton has already lost out on one
NEW signing John Snape will be fit to make his Worcester City debut against Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday. The 32-year-old missed the 3-0 defeat against Cheltenham Town at the weekend after tweaking a hamstring but expects to return for the visit
WORCESTERSHIRE were indebted to a brilliant catch by Gareth Batty to halt a rapid Nottinghamshire start in their Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy fourth round tie at Trent Bridge today. Home skipper Jason Gallian won the toss and elected to bat, and he
MARK Shail's decision to prolong his career with an extra year at Worcester City has gone down well with captain Carl Heeley. The duo formed a solid defensive partnership last season and though a veteran of many years, Heeley was more than happy to pick
JAMIE Edwards, who impressed for Worcester City during their 3-0 friendly defeat against Cheltenham Town on Saturday, will have a trial at Exeter City tomorrow. The Welsh under 19 international was one of four trialists on show at St George's Lane, playing
LEON Jackson is back refreshed and raring to go after an injury plagued start to his first season at St George's Lane. The former Bilston Town midfielder was troubled with ankle and knee problems that hampered his form and fitness soon after scoring his
ASSISTANT boss Mick Tuohy has cited Cheltenham Town as an inspiration for Worcester City ahead of the Robins' visit to St George's Lane tomorrow (3pm). In five short years the Gloucestershire side, now managed by former City boss Graham Allner, have risen
PACEMAN Duncan Catterall is included in Worcestershire Royals squad for tomorrow's Norwich Union League Division One clash against Leicestershire Foxes at Oakham School. He has been put on standby for his first appearance of the season because of a calf
PREPARATIONS for Worcester City's forthcoming assault on the Dr Martens Premier Division got under way in earnest last night with a lengthy workout at Brickfields Park. Under the watchful eye of assistant manager Mick Tuohy the players, including a clutch
WORCESTERSHIRE will have to try again tomorrow to play their Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy third round tie against Cornwall at St Austell. Heavy rain left the pitch saturated and the umpires decided very early today to call off play for the day. But
WORCESTER City have slipped further into debt after the latest figures reveal the St George's Lane club is £636,000 in the red. Accounts for the year ending May 2001 show a total loss of £61,802 -- an operating deficit of £21,087 plus interest charges
OVERNIGHT rain prevented a prompt start to Worcestershire's Benson and Hedges Cup quarter-final showdown against Gloucestershire at Bristol today. Mopping up operations were in progress throughout the morning with umpires Nigel Cowley and Jeffrey Evans
WORCESTERSHIRE are confident pace star Andy Bichel will be fit to play in tomorrow's Benson and Hedges Cup quarter-final showdown with Gloucestershire at Bristol. He suffered a hamstring tweak in the County's home Championship defeat against Essex and
WORCESTERSHIRE made a dramatic start after putting Glamorgan into bat in gloomy conditions in their County Championship clash at New Road today. Australian pace ace Andy Bichel was in lethal form and struck with his second and fifth deliveries. Firstly
TOM Moody expects further improvement from his Worcestershire side des-pite a convincing five-wicket victory at Northamptonshire that gave them their first Benson and Hedges Cup win of the season. The New Road club returned to form to banish the memory
Gloucestershire innings 71 for 4, from 18.2 overs. Worcestershire innings 70 all out from 22 overs. Worcestershire S D Peters, V S Solanki, G A Hick (capt), B F Smith, D A Leatherdale, G J Batty, A J Bichel, S J Rhodes (wkt), Kabir Ali, S R Lampitt, A
WORCESTERSHIRE hope to have Vikram Solanki back after injury for Monday's Benson and Hedges group clash against Gloucestershire at New Road. Solanki has missed his side's opening two Frizzell County Championship games against Gloucestershire and Northamptonshire
WORCESTERSHIRE will again be without Vikram Solanki for their Frizzell Championship Division Two match against Northamptonshire which opens at Northampton tomorrow. He damaged a finger during the County's victory over Oxford UCCE in The Parks and is now
Worcestershire lost an early wicket after winning the toss and deciding to bat in their County Championship Division Two match against Glouces-tershire which opened at sunny New Road today. Philip Weston was caught behind by Jack Russell off Jon Lewis
PACEMAN Kabir Ali signalled his intentions for the new season with a career-best performance in Worcestershire's crushing 332-run victory over Oxford UCCE in The Parks. The 21-year-old grabbed 7-43 as the County warmed up in style for their opening Championship
WORCESTER had some unwelcome guests at this time exactly 250 years ago with a regiment of Scotch Greys temporarily garrisoned in the city. The visiting soldiers were held to blame for a murder, an affray and a robbery - all in the same week of 1753. The
BERROW'S Journal of 50 years ago this week gave a thumb-nail account of the river spans which have graced Upton-on-Severn down the centuries. This potted history of the bridges was written by the Journal's Upton correspondent who had the pen-name "Cygnet
WORCESTERSHIRE were on course to open their first-class programme with a victory over Oxford UCCE in The Parks today. They closed last night 537 runs ahead with four second innings wickets left. The County launched the three-day match on Saturday by piling
BEN Smith hit a half-century for Worcestershire as their two-day friendly with Derbyshire ended in a draw at Derby yesterday. The former Leicester batsman scored an unbeaten 52 as the County closed on 145-4 in their second innings, supported by fellow
GRAEME Hick has put promotion to the first division of the County Championship as Worcestershire's top priority this season. The New Road skipper also believes the County have a competitive squad capable of making a big impact in the one-day competitions
PEOPLE of Worcester and the county showed great sympathy at this time half-a-century ago for the victims of severe coastal flooding in the East and South-East of England. Berrow's Journal reported that citizens of Worcester had already contributed more
GRAEME Hick has set his sights on forcing his way back into the England squad for the 2003 World Cup finals in South Africa. The Worcestershire captain has not figured in England's plans since the tour of Pakistan and Sri Lanka during the winter of 2000
1803: William Hough of the parish of Oddingley has lately eloped from the parish of Defford and left his wife chargeable to that parish. Whoever will apprehend the said William Hough and bring him to the parish officers of Defford shall receive a One
WORCESTERSHIRE County Cricket Club will award players their 'colours' as soon as they play in the County Championship side for the first time. This will be recognised by a number which will remain unique to that particular player for posterity and be
GARETH Batty sent Nottinghamshire Outlaws spinning to an 81-run defeat at Trent Bridge as Worcestershire Royals claimed the Norwich Union League Division One runners-up spot. Anything other than victory for leaders Glamorgan Dragons in their clash with
WORCESTERSHIRE Royals face a potential Norwich Union League Division One title decider against Glamorgan Dragons at Cardiff tomorrow after Graeme Hick led them to a vital three-wicket win over Kent Spitfires at New Road yesterday. Skipper Hick hit 77
February 24, 1978 The pride of the Midlands and the envy of every other town in the region - that's Redditch's Kingfisher Shopping Centre. And it is still only half built. Work has now begun on the first stage of the third and final phase of the construction
A RECORD-breaking century partnership between Vikram Solanki and Anurag Singh steered Worcestershire Royals back to the top of the table. Their efforts clinched a comprehensive eight-wicket victory in last night's floodlit Norwich Union League Division
THE tale of two boy pickpockets at Worcester, sounding very much like something from a Charles Dickens novel of Victorian times, was told at the City Police Court exactly a century ago this week. The Journal of 1903 fully reported the case under the heading
A GRUESOME account of the deadly deeds and last moments of two women was given by Berrow's Journal this week exactly a century ago under the heading "Baby Farm Women Executed." "Anne Walters (54) and Amelia Sach (29) were hanged at Holloway Prison this
GRAEME Hick will again captain Worcestershire next season. Confirmation of his leadership was made by the County's chairman John Elliott at last night's annual meeting, He said: "He's looking forward to a great season. I sense he will do a tremendous
1803: We are sorry to hear that the Commissioners are so dissatisfied with the financial conduct of John Taylor, late a mercer in the High Street of this city, that they have had him committed to Newgate Gaol. On Sunday last, the fanaticism of a poor
BY this time a century ago, the development of railways in Victorian Britain was not seen as having been a total blessing. "Crowquill", in his Journal comment column for this week of 1903, wrote: "There was lamentation in many places when the railways
AN UNBEATEN 54 from Ben Smith steered Worcestershire Royals to a five-wicket win over Kent Spitfires at Canterbury and lifted them four points clear at the top of the Norwich Union League Division One. The Royals passed Kent's target of 225 with 12 balls
February 10, 1978 Labour leader Councillor Walter Stranz this week described the demolition of 90 houses in Other Road as "one of the saddest things to happen" in Redditch history. And he told councillors: "The inhumanity of this scheme leaves me completely
February 3, 1978 DON'T hoard petrol - and we might just scrape through this dispute with fuel to spare. This was the message from some garage owners in Redditch as the tanker drivers' work-to-rule began to bite. Others were more pessimistic. Panic buying
WORCESTERSHIRE Royals' Norwich Union League Division One match against Leicestershire Foxes at Oakham School was abandoned yesterday because of rain. Leicestershire won the toss and decided to bat but only three overs were possible before the weather
PLANS for celebrations to mark the June 1953 Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II were getting into full swing locally at this time 50 years ago. The Journal explained that a special committee had been set up by Worcester City Council to plan the Coronation
WORCESTERSHIRE revved up for tomorrow's big Benson and Hedges Cup quarter-final against Gloucestershire by launching their Norwich Union League Division One campaign with a crushing 127-run win over Somerset Sabres at New Road yesterday. Skipper Graeme
FORMER redditch physio Lee O'Neil has joined the Bromsgrove bandwagon. A hoped-for move to first division Coventry City's academy was held up after the decision of Sky Blues chairman Bryan Richardson's decision to step down. O'Neil is still hopeful of
A VISITING Fire Eater was clearly a major event and spectacle at Worcester 250 years ago. The Worcester Journal for this week of 1753 stated: "Mr Powell, the celebrated Fire Eater, who left this city on Tuesday last, is gone to Gloucester on his way to
ONE of the most significant but rarely visited memorials in Worcester Cathedral was installed at this time half-a-century ago. It's the plaque lying in the main aisle towards the west end of the Nave and is the last resting place of Earl Baldwin of Bewdley
THE bitter rivalry between Stourport Swifts and Redditch United looks set to be rekindled in the summer with a tug-of-war over Alex Cowley. Halesowen Town will not be signing the talented young winger and he has now emerged as one of Redditch's top targets
January 20, 1978 BRITISH Leyland office workers at Grosvenor House could join the Redditch dole queue if the company is reshuffled union leaders feared this week. And the rumours are now abounding that the new Leyland Cars computer centre at Moons Moat
REDDITCH United manager Rod Brown has secured the first three signatures of his team rebuilding. Crowd favourite Matty Hall has committed himself to the Valley Stadium side after a season with Western Division champions Halesowen Town. The wing wizard
January 17, 1903 A proposal has been made to provide some simple but permanent and lasting record of the names of those Redditch volunteers and yeomen who responded so readily to the call for volunteers in the time of England's stress about two-and-a-half-years
1803: The King (George III) sprained his leg on Tuesday while mounting his horse which prevented His Majesty from riding on Wednesday and Thursday, but we are happy to state that he is now perfectly recovered from the effects of the accident. Widows and
January 16, 1953 A man who got married on a wage of 15s a week and who has vivid memories of Redditch on Mafeking night celebrated his Golden wedding on Christmas Day. He is Mr Oscar Rivington, aged 77 years, who with his 79-year-old wife lives at Pevensey
A GRAND sort out of numerous of the hand-written musical sketches of Worcester's most famous son, Sir Edward Elgar, was undertaken at this time exactly half-a-century ago. Berrow's Journal of 1953 explained: "For 12 years, G. Stacey Henderson, composer
ANDY Keast paid tribute to Worcester Rugby Club's resolve after they grafted out victory at Sharmans Cross Road. The Sixways coach was delighted with the spirit on show as Worcester came from behind to take all five National One points on offer. "It was
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
THE Worcester Journal edition of 250 years ago this week reveals the fascinating information that there was a druggist shop back then at almost the same location in Broad Street as occupied by Kitsons, chemists today! The Journal of 1753 states: "Samuel
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
THE curious charge of "furious driving" never fails to amuse me whenever I come across it in local magistrates' court cases reported by Berrow's Journal 100 years or so ago. But no, it had nothing whatsoever to do with the modern phenomenon of "road rage
January 3, 1903 Foxlydiate pigeon shoot - A large company embarked on the annual pigeon shoot on Saturday promoted by Mr HF Chambers and some capital sport was witnessed. A purse to the value of £5 was the chief prize offered although the day's sport
REDDITCH United hosts the English Schools Football Association under 16s final on Monday. Arrow Vale Community High School take on Kingshurst CTC with the match kicking off at 7pm.
REDS hero Paul Danks has committed himself to the club despite being offered non-contract terms next season. The United leading scorer has had talks with manager Rod Brown and chairman Neil Pagett and the Redditch manager says his star striker will start
January 6, 1978 Jubilant Studley parents heard this week they have won the first battle in their fight to keep a secondary school in the village. Their plans for the retention of Studley High School after reorganisation were being considered by education
COLOURED cricketers from far off lands were clearly still something of a novelty a century ago, judging by "Crowquill's" comment column for this week of 1903. "Some years have passed since the first party of aboriginal cricketers came to England, and
Reds manager Rod Brown has already approached four unnamed transfer targets and is set to meet two more tonight (Tuesday). Brown has a list of nine targets and is hopeful of securing at least seven by the end of next week. For more news on Paul Danks'
VETERAN midfielder Brendan Hackett has not ruled out a return to the Valley next season. Hackett was forced to hang up his boots after the turn of the year because of increasingly heavy work commitments. But he was invited to return for pre-season training
1803: The annual general meeting of the Worcester Library Society will be held on Tuesday next at noon in the Library Rooms near Angel Street. Every subscriber not attending nor paying his or her annual subscription at or before that meeting will incur
REDS number two Gary Whild said the club's wheeler dealing will start after the final whistle on Saturday. United boss Rod Brown has already compiled a hit list of targets and is free to talk to them after the season finishes at the weekend. Redditch
December 26, 1952 THE retirement of Mrs SE Evans from the teaching staff of Mappleborough Green Church of England School after 18 years' service was marked by the presentation to her of an oak clock at the annual joint Christmas party at the school. The
AN "alarming" increase in tramps and vagrants was causing great anxiety to the City Fathers at Worcester this time exactly a century ago. The Journal of 1903 explained that the Worcester Board of Guardians, which, among other duties, administered the
1802: We hear from America that dissentions have lately arisen between the Cherokee Indians and the Anglo-America settlers on their confines. The Cherokees have, in consequence, burnt their own plantations of corn, retired into the woods and are making
December 20, 1902 THE death of Mr Robert S Bartleet means the severance of the few remaining local links uniting the early part of the 19th century with the early part of the 20th century. For the great part of the inhabitants of Redditch can only remember
DEFENDER Lee Knight (shoulder) and winger Matty Hall (thigh) are set to be available for Saturday's trip to Gresley. But injuries elsewhere have forced Reds manager Rod Brown to recall Tim Jackson from Alliance hopefuls Stourbridge. Defender Quentin Townsend
December 19, 1952 ABOUT £660 has now been raised by parishioners of Ipsley towards the £1,500 needed for the restoration of the tower of St Peter's Church. Last week's Christmas fair and social held in the church hall on Wednesday realised £25 for the
FORMER Reds favourite David Farrell is set to return to the Valley - in a pre-season friendly with Barry Fry's Peterborough United. The Division Two side and their larger-than-life manager Barry Fry will take on the Reds on Saturday, July 20, and assistant
December 16 1977. POLICE cordoned off a Redditch street because of the risk of an explosion as Green Goddess troops fought to put out a car blaze. Minutes earlier, motorist Mr Robin Cope had screeched to a halt and abandoned his Vauxhall Viva car in Littlewoods
IAN Bennett did his former club a favour with two goals for Sutton Coldfield Town last night. The former United favourite helped the Royals to a 3-1 win over second from bottom Rocester. With only one club set to go down this season Redditch now need
December 13, 1902 MICHAEL Daly, a tramp, in custody, was charged with being drunk and disorderly and assaulting Police Constables Garrard and White at Redditch on December 6th. Superintendent Hayes said this was not an ordinary case. The prisoner was
NEW Year's Eve in Worcester a century ago was described by Berrow's Journal as having been "quiet and orderly", partly due no doubt to the decision of the magistrates to refuse any extension of licensing hours for the city's pubs beyond 11 pm. The only
REDDITCH United have injury doubts over defender Lee Knight (knee) and winger Matty Hall (thigh) for Saturday's home game against Cinderford. Striker Lee Booth was set to see a specialist today about a knee injury which requires surgery.
December 9, 1977 PLANS for a possible estate in Studley Park have been thrown out by district councillors after a mass of protest letters from local residents. Stratford planning committee was sent 91 letters and a petition signed by 28 people objecting
1802: John Turner, wine, brandy and hop merchant at the Cross, Worcester, having imported a considerable stock of Port Wines from a connection he has with one of the principal Houses in Oporto, Portugal, assures the public he can offer them superior Old
A POINT for RC Warwick at the weekend saw them slightly close the gap on Redditch United but Rod Brown's side are virtually assured their Western Division status after bottom club Swindon Supermaribne crashed 2-0 at Gresley. United are 11 points clear
THE visit of the Australian touring team to play Worcestershire at the New Road Ground 100 years ago brought an off-beat description of the game from "Crowquill" in his Journal comment column. "The opening day of the match proved very bright and gratifying
CHRISTMAS in and around Worcester a century ago appears to have been a bleak and depressing time with widespread hardship, poverty and unemployment in the wake of the Boer War. Even the city's magistrates of 1902 added to the gloom by adamantly refusing
TOMORROW'S opponents Bilston Town are set to include striker Scott Brown. The forward has been out for four matches with a gashed leg. Reds manager Rod Brown wants to climb above the Steelmen after their recent slump and will be out for three points.
PRISONERS in the two gaols at Worcester were given some relief from hardship at Christmas 200 years ago, thanks to gifts from local benefactors. The Worcester Journal of 1802 reported: "The prisoners in our City Gaol return their thanks to Mr Forrest,
REDS number two Gary Whild says striker Lee Booth will be used sparingly until the end of the season now the club is confident of Dr Martens Western football next season. Booth, a golden boot contender until his move from Stourport, has been playing with
A DETAILED account of a furious dog fight in The Tything, Worcester, a century ago this week was recounted in highly amusing terms by Crowquill in his Journal comment column of 1901. "There was a sporting dog fight in The Tything on Friday last - and
December 5, 1952 MISS Kathleen Mary Duggins, an Alcester businesswoman, became the first woman special constable in Alcester district when she took an oath in Alcester Magistrates' Court on Monday. Miss Duggins, who owns a florists and fruiterers in Alcester
Former Reds defender Tommy Byrne is set for his Stratford Town debut tonight. The injury-plagued stopper, released by Rod Brown before deadline day has boosted Town's title hopes and was hoping to figure against Quorn. Attacker Mark Swann, released at
THIS was Ipsley Mount Nursing Home, seen here in the early part of last century. The home was near the present Trafford Retail Park in Ipsley Street. In the early 1930s, the home was run by a Nurse Tristram. The picture is from the collection of Alan
AURORA, the Berrow's Journal London correspondent responsible for writing the newspaper's Ladies Column, aired some controversial and suspect opinions this week exactly a century ago. "A close observer of the moods and tenses of the people of the artisan
November 29, 1902 Redditch Petty Sessions - John Adams was charged with using indecent language on the 19th November. Defendant pleaded guilty and Mr Hobson, for the defence, said defendant had been in South Africa on active service for two-and-a-half
November 28, 1952 PLANS to obviate flooding at the Allendale Estate, Studley, were referred to at Wednesday's meeting of Alcester Rural District Council. A letter from the architects pointed out that the county surveyor attributed the flooding to the
THE execution of a Boer War veteran for a most harrowing child murder was reported by Berrow's Journal this week exactly a century ago. The edition of 1902 told readers: "Henry Williams, (29), a boot-maker, was executed at Pentonville Prison for the murder
How many more games will there be like the 0-0 draw against Warwick? We're out there to get as many points as we can between now and the end of the season, if that means sometimes getting points out of disappointing performances I won't grumble. It's
1801: To be let - an elegant Country Residence called "Barbourne Place," just 10 minutes walk from the City of Worcester. A truly desirable house and premises with about five acres of excellent land, together with stabling, coach houses, gardens, wash-house
November 25, 1977 REDDITCH councillors have added their weight to the demand for a strict speed limit on Donnington Close, Church Hill, to make the road safer for children. They voted to back a residents' petition calling for the erection of 10mph warning
ROD Brown's trimming of the Redditch United squad continued yesterday with the release of forward Mark Swann. Swann, another of Rob Smith's signings to fall victim to the Brown revolution, has had an injury-hit season and is currently nursing a hamstring
November 22, 1902 William Unitt, farmer, Dagtail, Crabbs Cross, was charged with allowing a pig to stray in an affected area on November 14th. Pc Crockett proved the case. Defendant said the pig broke out. Supt Hayes said the whole of the county was now
1802: The new and complete Newgate Calendar is now available, containing new and authentic accounts of the lives, adventures, last dying speeches and executions of the most notorious Malefactors who have suffered death at Newgate Gaol from the year 1700
THE centenary of the city's Diglis House Hotel as licensed premises is reached this autumn, judging from a report in Berrow's Worcester Journal for this week of 1901. For a long time now, the Diglis has been a prestigious and popular hotel and drinking
November 15, 1902 MR JG Green, of The Manor House, Studley, entertained about 80 ladies and gentlemen in the district on Wednesday evening, the occasion being the coming of age of his daughter, Miss Gertrude Green. The reception took place in the Public
AN HISTORIC form of punishment for convicts - the treadmill - was finally removed for Worcester Gaol in Castle Street at this time 100 years ago. Berrow's Journal reported: "The Treadmill, which for so long a period was a means of enforcing discipline
A WORCESTER farmer was in very hot water at this time 100 years ago for failing to report an outbreak of Swine Fever among his pigs. George Pitcher of Nunnery Farm was hauled up before the City Police Court and fined £40 with £3.13s. costs after pleading
REDDITCH have been cleared of any wrongdoing by the Birmingham County FA over their signing of Lee Booth. The County FA made their ruling on Monday after Stourport Swifts claimed their Dr Martens Western rivals had made an illegal approach when signing
WORCESTER'S historic Hop, Cheese and Sheep Fair was still a firm feature of the local calendar in 1951 and the Journal was able to report a record entry of sheep for sale at the city's cattle market. "The largest number of sheep for 20 years was sold
November 14, 1952 SEVENTY years ago, a 10-year-old boy began part- time work at P Spencer & Sons Ltd, Oswald Street, Redditch, with the other half of his time, until he reached the age of 13, spent at the Wesleyan School just across the road. Now
1802: A few days since, a person fell off the causeway by the side of the London Road in this city and unfortunately broke a leg. The bad state of that much-frequented place has long been a subject of complaint. The drawing of the English State Lottery
THIS month marks the centenary of the official opening of the former "Sanatorium for consumptives" at Knightwick. The Journal of November 1902 carried a lengthy account of the ceremony where Countess Beauchamp of Madresfield Court, Malvern, opened what
THREE points at Swindon Supermarine on Saturday could see United bridge the gap on Cirencester, the team above them in the league. United sit five points behind them and Cirencester missed the chance to widen the gap when they lost 4-2 to Gresley last
November 7, 1952 Putting Redditch on the map is a phrase beloved of those determined that the town shall achieve the notice they feel is due to it. But there was a time when Redditch literally was not on the map at all. Just such a map was discovered
UNDER-FIRE Reds manager Rod Brown has vowed to keep United up and promised critical fans a top six side next season. Valley fans have called for Brown's head on the redditchunited.com and thisisrufc.co.uk websites after Saturday's dismal 5-0 loss to Shepshed
WORCESTER at this time 100 years ago was certainly not wanting to see the return of its most notorious drunk. During the 1880s and 90s, "Nobby" Guy had been hauled before the city magistrates on no fewer than 60 occasions for being drunk and disorderly
REDS manager Rod Brown has made a seven day approach for Solihull's Peter Sutton. The out-of-favour Boro forward has been loaned to Studley BKL for match practice. The United manager wants to bring in Stourport forward Matty Southwick after speaking to
1802: On Saturday evening last, an inquest was taken before Mr R.M Mence, Gent, on the body of a man found suffocated in a wash-barrel at a public house in Worcester. The deceased had driven the mail coach from Birmingham to this city on the proceeding
REDDITCH will be looking to climb a place with a win at home to Shepshed on Saturday. And Tuesday's dramatic 4-3 win at Stourport leaves the club just one point short of Rod Brown's 26 point survival target. But the visitors are hoping to recall international
IF City ran a goal-of-the-season competition Allan Davies would find himself among the contenders with not one but two efforts. Not bad for a full back who took 75 plus games to register his first competitive strike for the club and whose goal tally stands
October 18, 1902 Alvechurch - Mr F J Batchelor has handed over to the rector (Venerable Archdeacon Walters) Mr D McMichael, a cheque for £8 30s 6d wherewith to purchase coals for the poor during the winter. It will be remembered the gentleman offered
REDS chairman Neil Pagett said tomorrow's planned friendly against Causeway United was set to go ahead despite a last minutes search for officials. The club arranged the game, four days after a similar run-out against Studley BKL, because of a lack of
THE bells of Abberley Tower rang out joyous recitals of different tunes all year round a century ago, according to "Crowquill's" jottings in Berrow's Journal for this week of 1902. "The bells of Abberley sing their song from the towering campanile which
REDS number two Gary Whild said Lee Booth's double strike against Studley on Tuesday will boost the goal-shy forward's confidence. Originally credited with a hat-trick, the second goal has been credited as a Simon Redhead own goal, but Whild said Booth
BEING a successful manager boils down to making the right decisions at the right time -- and John Barton will have to make some ahead of Saturday's vital clash with Stafford Rangers. After months of seeing the team pick itself due to injuries and suspension
AFTER initially joining former manager Rob Smith at Willenhall for training, Scott Colcombe is playing for the Midland Alliance side, also nicknamed The Reds. The former United winger netted a screamer in last night's 3-1 win against Knypersley Victoria
FORMER fans' favourite Nicky Cross scored on his playing return at the Valley Stadium last night with United drawing 3-3 neighbours Studley in a hastily-arranged friendly. BKL's Alliance game at home to leaders Stratford was postponed yesterday because
October 3, 1952 Studley Parish Council decided at its meeting on Tuesday to go ahead with its original proposal to build a permanent village hall rather than be tempted into erecting a prefabricated building because there might be considerable delay in
FORMER United shot-stopper Dave Adey is set to return from the footballing wilderness at Evesham United tonight - if the rain holds off. Adey, out of Saturday football since leaving Redditch last season, joined the Robins last night after Phil Mullen
September 27, 1902 It has been decided by the Joint Unionist Associations of Redditch to entertain the Right Hon. Lord Windsor (First Commissioner of Works) and the Right Hon. Austen Chamberlain MP (The Postmaster- General) at a public dinner at the Royal
FORMER Reds player-manager Nicky Cross could be set for a dramatic return to the Valley Stadium tonight. After an injury-hit spell as a player at Sutton Coldfield Town, Cross has joined Midland Alliance outfit Studley. BKL's planned home league clash
FORMER Bradford and Port Vale defender Paul West has brought an end to an injury-hit spell at his hometown club by rejoining Evesham United. The Reds stopper, who played in the First Division for Vale, linked up with Phil Mullen again at the weekend after
September 23, 1977 REDDITCH carnival's street collection raised £1,340 for local charities this year - but organisers say it could have been a lot more. For they are disappointed the 1977 collection is £100 down on last year's figures - the first time
UNITED'S long haul to Weston could be in vain tomorrow according to assistant manager Gary Whild. The fixture is in doubt because the third placed side have been unable to work on their pitch this week. And Whild said he is hoping for an early decision
IT'S apt at Christmas time to pay tribute to City's Scrooge-like defence but nagging doubts persist at the other end of the pitch. John Barton's wheeling and dealing has forged the nucleus of a championship-winning team together - almost but not quite
FORWARD Stuart Grosvenor is expected to put pen to paper for Redditch in time to travel to Weston on Saturday. The former Lye, Oldbury and Willenhall striker was at the club to discuss a move last night and plans to join training tomorrow. Reds assistant
IT'S three years since John Barton replaced Graham Allner as manager at St George's Lane -- though after Saturday's blank at Weymouth he did admit it felt more like 33 years. The transformation in that time has been nothing short of remarkable with Worcester
AFTER the reported lack of beds at Worcester's new hospital you might be forgiven for thinking Sixways had started admitting patients. With Ben Hinshelwood rattling around on crutches with his plastered leg, David Officer's boot and Mark Gabey's splint
EXACTLY 100 years ago this week, a new Methodist Church was completed and officially opened at Pump Street, Worcester. It was to be the fourth Wesleyan chapel on roughly the same site though - as we know with the benefit of hindsight - it has not survived
August 12, 1977 A WARNING has been given that a Redditch road could be a "death trap" for pensioners living nearby because of increased traffic. So Chapel Street in Headless Cross, which will contain several bungalows for old people, should be turned
THE animosity felt towards his estranged wife by Droitwich's legendary "Salt King" John Corbett right up until his death was fully exposed with the publication of his will this week exactly a century ago. John Corbett made a fortune as owner of the Salt
REDDITCH'S trip to Cirencester was an early victim of the weekend's storms with a decision made at 10.30am on Saturday. But while Rod Brown's men had a training session, fellow strugglers Rocester were recording a 1-0 win over Bilston, who were rumoured
GOALS -- who needs them -- well City do and quickly if they want to sustain their title challenge. All bar one of the top 14 teams of the Dr Martens Premier Division has scored more goals than City's tally of 17. It's not a telling statistic just yet,
THE rumour mill is claiming Dr Martens Western Division crisis club Bilston have folded. No-one was available at the Dr Martens League to confirm the news but a number of e-mails and websites are buzzing with the rumour. The Steelmen lost new manager
August 9, 1902 REDDITCH - New Work by Mr J H Yoxall MP. Mr Yoxall MP, who is as our readers know a native of this town, has written a romance called The Romany Stone which Messrs Longman's are about to publish. Those who remember the long connection of
1802: A considerable trade is being opened up between this country and Japan - a nation which is stated to be the richest in the world for gold, spices, silks and silver. The Emperor is, fortunately, well disposed towards England. Mr Edmund's first Subscription
CECIL Duckworth may have been viewed as king of the conspirators inside English rugby's Bastille over the past few years. Yesterday, though, the ruling class had to accept that there was good reason to think that there could indeed be revolutionary plotting
WORCESTER people crowded the streets at this time 200 years ago to greet a son of their monarch (George III) when he paid a royal visit to the Faithful City. The Journal reported the occasion: "On Monday evening last, His Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland
REDS stopper Paul West was refusing to panic after Tuesday's friendly defeat to Valley tenants Feckenham. United lost out 3-2 but Reds manager Rod Brown chopped and changed an experimental lineup. "We are not reading too much into it because the manager
JON Holloway has been doing an admirable job shoring up the centre of Worcester City's defence in place of the injured Mark Shail -- but he still hankers after a midfield slot. Despite impressive displays at right-back and as a centre-back alongside Carl
RUGBY Lions might not have seemed a defining match for Worcester when they scanned through the fixture list back in August. But with the scars of Millmoor still fresh, Saturday's clash at Sixways represents just that for the promotion-chasing club. Anyone
THERE were troubled waters at Worcester in Edwardian times with regular protests about the pleasure steamers plying the Severn. The "steamboats" were obviously very popular with their users, but the temperance lobby and various local authorities were
ONE of City's most colourful supporters is Stetson clad vicar Dennis Griffin who can be seen (and heard) hollering support for his beloved team both home and away. I had the pleasure to meet Rev Griffin at last night's FA Cup replay and he truly is a
RELEGATION-haunted RC Warwick won a point at Bedworth last night to climb within three points of United. But it could have been worse for Redditch with the Racers missing a penalty when they were 1-0 up. The Reds have two games in hand over their rivals
A TERRIFIC spectacle at St George's Lane on Friday and a 2,711 fingered salute to anyone still intent on denying City a switch to a stadium worthy of that support. Okay it was a centenary one-off but not one Conference club attracted a bigger gate the
AN "EXTRAORDINARY" highway robbery was reported by the Worcester Journal this week exactly 200 years ago. The edition of 1802 stated that the crime had been was committed within a mile of Ledbury. "Mr Henry Holden of this city had been staying at the
Redditch midfielder Neil Cartwright has joined arch rivals Bromsgrove Rovers after parting with the club by mutual consent. The Halesowen Town old boy links up again with former Reds number two Gary Hackett, joint manager at Rovers. Reds boss Rod Brown
BEN Hinshelwood has undoubtedly been one of Worcester Rugby Club's success stories over the past year. Since his Sixways arrival at the beginning of last season, he has made a massive contribution to the progress of Worcester and took great pleasure in
THIS week a century ago, a hugely significant first performance took place at the Three Choirs Festival in Worcester of Elgar's great choral masterpiece, The Dream of Gerontius. The world premiere in Birmingham Town Hall two years earlier had been a disaster
ROD Brown has shrugged off complaints from his former employers Stourport about alleged illegeal approaches for two players. The Walshes Meadow side have complained to the Birmingham County FA about alleged approaches for Lee Booth and Paul Mountjoy.
AMBITIOUS Mark Newton has started his second year as chief executive at New Road with one main aim - to make sure Worcestershire are a knockout! And that, he says, means 'punching above their weight' against the bigger counties. He said: "I would love
FULL Back Andy Bradley has linked up with Express & Star Premier outfit Causeway United after parting company with Redditch. The former Halesowen Town full back is back at The Grove, where Causeway groundshare with his old club, and was on the bench
FITTINGLY, the Rugby Football Union's response to being investigated for foul play was to deny everything. It says all you need to know about English Rugby's Bastille that even when the humiliation of being probed by the Office of Fair Trading became
WITH a name like Bates and a nickname 'nutter' you might expect this man to run an out-of-town motel. But Richard Bates is far from the norm. The 17 stone powerhouse has spent time in Japan, Australia and the Zurich Premiership in a varied career which
WORCESTERSHIRE'S Steve Rhodes is again proving that age is no barrier when you're part of the wicketkeepers' union. The popular stumper, who celebrates his 38th birthday a week today, is as sharp as ever and even more determined to keep in his place in
LEA Shaw is the final piece in Rod Brown's jigsaw - for the time being at least, according to the manager. The former Stourport Swifts skipper signed for United last night after just one match for Bilston, the club he joined from Walshes Meadow. Redditch
VIKRAM Solanki goes into Thursday's Benson and Hedges Cup semi-final showdown with Essex as Worcestershire's top run-scorer in the competition. And with a showpiece final at Lord's at stake, he's desperately keen to boost his tally with a major innings
THREE reasons why Exeter Chiefs should not be underestimated on Saturday. Alistair Murdoch, Dave Sims and Tony Yapp return to Sixways with an Exeter side determined to dent Worcester's National One challenge. Of course, you get used to the odd player
FORMER Australian Test player and World Cup winner Tom Moody is hoping to give the 'old enemy' England a helping hand by producing players at Worcestershire good enough to perform at the highest level. "I think it would be great to have a few more players
ORRELL may yet be the surprise package this season in National One but I don't see them upsetting the applecart on Saturday. The Lancashire side, boosted by their allegiance with Super League giants Wigan Warriors, go head to head with Worcester in an
FORMER United favourite and player-manager Nicky Cross could be ruled out of a charged return against his former club on Saturday. The former West Brom legend joined Sutton Coldfield Town as a player after leaving the club by mutual consent in mid-November
1802: On Wednesday, the Right Hon.Viscount Nelson, accompanied by Sir William and Lady Hamilton, arrived in Oxford where the Freedom of the city was presented to his Lordship. The following day, an honorary degree of Doctor of Civil Law was conferred
REDS manager Rod Brown was this week hoping to tie up the signing of former Stourport captain Lea Shaw in time for the trip to Sutton Coldfield Town on Saturday. 'The General' captained the Walshes Meadow side to their Midland Alliance title last season
United director Neil Paget has taken the helm at the Valley after Rod Laight stepped down as chairman. Paget was on hand to see the side's 0-0 draw with Gloucester City at the weekend after taking over last week. Reds manager Rod Brown has voiced an interest
June 21, 1902 While on the subject of police arrangements at Redditch, necessitated by the impeding retirement of Superintendent Jeffery and the formation of Redditch into a separate sessionary division with a superintendent together stationed there,
1802: Theatre, Worcester - The Manager respectfully informs the public that for Race Week only, the Theatre will present the comedy, "The Heir at Law" and the farcical play "The Romp." The parts of "Cicely Homespun" and "The Romp" will be played by Miss
June 28, 1952 AT a meeting of Worcestershire Health Committee today (Saturday) the ambulance sub-committee will recommend the acquisition of a site in Hewell Road, Redditch, offered by Redditch Urban District Council for the erection of a prefabricated
A SERIES of public notices and reports in the Worcester Journal of 250 years ago make fascinating reading and give a glimpse into local life in 1752. 6 "As some part of the Talbot Inn in this city (presumably in College Street) is re-building and intended
PRINCESS Margaret, beaming and looking glamorous even in uniform, took centre-stage in a full page of pictures and lengthy reports in Berrow's Journal this week exactly 50 years ago. The Princess had been in Worcester on a royal visit in her role as Commandant-in-Chief
July 5, 1952 Studley Parish Council is to seek the advice of Mr John Profumo MP for the division on the possibility of obtaining ministry permission for the provision of a pedestrian crossing along what was described by Mr AG Cooke at a previous meeting
1802: During a violent storm of thunder and lightning on Thursday last, Edward Taylor, a potato dealer of Ombersley, while driving a cart on a road in that parish with his two horses, was struck dead. A woman and two children who were riding in the cart
July 8, 1977 REDDITCH'S Bordesley Meadows were the scene of a major event in European history recently - the routing of the French forces following the Battle of Waterloo. Capturing the effects of a fight to the death were 40 members of the Sabre Society
July 19, 1902 The execution of Samuel Middleton, the Foxlydiate murderer, took place at Worcester prison on Tuesday morning. Middleton was very pale as he approached the scaffold. He murmured not a word, looked neither to the right nor to the left and
July 19, 1952 The funds of Bates Hill Methodist Church will benefit by £75 from a successful garden party last Saturday. The grounds of the "Southcrest" placed at the disposal of the organisers by Ald. and Mrs Charles Terry made an ideal setting for the
July 15, 1977 CATS enjoy nine lives - but there's one in Astwood Bank which might make nonsense of this belief before he's much older. Six-month-old Tiger has already been in more scrapes than pets ten times his age. Time and again he bounces back as
SOME EYE-CATCHING cases were reported by the Journal from the Worcester Petty Sessions court this week exactly 100 years ago. Here are just four:- "AN ITALIAN AND HIS DONKEY": "Lucas Diplacite, an Italian organ grinder, of Pheasant Street, Worcester,
July 26, 1952 THE new fire engine which has been acquired by Redditch Fire Brigade was officially handed over by Ald WR Amphlett, Chairman of Worcestershire City and County Fire Brigade Committee, at a ceremony at Redditch Fire Station on Friday last.
REDDITCH supporters who visited Cinderford for Saturday's farcical match had every reason to voice their disapproval, writes Max Hall, Advertiser Sports Editor. The match was a Christmas pudding of a surface to start with but Mr D Hannis, from Stonehouse
A FURTHER insight into the lives of England's rich and famous a century ago is given by the Journal's London correspondent "Aurora" in her Ladies' Column for this week of 1902. "From England there has been quite an exodus of travellers to the Continental
1802: The 5th Dragoons, who for some time have been stationed in Worcester, have received a route for Newcastle-upon-Tyne. One division marched from hence this morning, and the remainder are expected to follow in the course of the present week. Wanted
Rod Brown this week continued to reshape his squad by releasing Scott Colcombe, Ian Mitchell and Martyn Lakin. Keeper Lakin and midfielder Mitchell have joined Midland Alliance neighbours Studley and Colcombe looks set to choose between Bromsgrove, Stourbridge
THIS week 250 years ago, Worcester people were offered the chance to gaze on possibly the world's tallest man at that time. The Worcester Journal of 1752 carried a public notice and engraving "to acquaint the curious that Mr Blaker, the modern Living
REDDITCH have rearranged two fixtures next month and may have to rearrange a third. United's home game against Gresley Rovers is on Tuesday, February 5 (ko 7.30pm) and the trip to Stourport, postponed on New Year's Day, will be played on Tuesday, February
SWIFTS old boy Lee Booth is assured of a hot reception on his return to his former stamping ground tomorrow. The Dr Martens Western leading scorer left Walshes Meadow to follow manager Rod Brown. And the absence of Booth has left Swifts with a striker
September 12, 1952 When Redditch Urban District Council meets next month it will be advised for the second time by its Parks and Open Spaces Committee not to allow the use of the Valley Stadium - the home of Redditch Town FC - for greyhound racing. The
UNITED chief Rod Laight is still waiting on a verdict from the Worcestershire County FA about the disputed Senior Cup defeat to Solihull. Borough fielded a player not listed on the team sheet but the County FA have yet to decide their fate. And the Redditch
September 9, 1977 THIEVES who stole £210 worth of property from a car left in Redditch's multi-storey car park have wrecked Malcolm Hawkes' holiday plans. The raiders 'went fishing' in the boot of his car and landed four rods and other equipment valued
AN EXECUTION at the former Worcester Jail in Castle Street was described in detail in Berrow's Journal this week exactly a century ago. Back then, it was the dubious privilege of predecessors of mine as local reporters to attend hangings inside the city
ROD Brown has hailed Craig 'Chopper' Harris a revelation after his gritty displays for United. Brown signed the hard-tackling midfielder from the now-defunct Bloxwich three weeks ago. "To be honest, Craig's name has been mentioned to me a few times in
THE Avonside town of Evesham was in the news for all the wrong reasons at this time a century ago. The Journal of 1902 explained: "There was a word of warning to the innkeepers of Evesham at the town's Police Court this week. It was again pointed out
1802: To Country Gentlemen and Others - Try Hunter's Restorative Balsam of Life and Health to cure the Deplorable Decays and Weaknesses brought on by dissipated pleasures, hard drinking and too powerful courses of mercury. The Balsam has been well known
EVESHAM United midfielder Andy Hodgetts has turned down a move to the Valley because he wants to play up front. After bringing in Lee Booth to partner Paul Danks, Reds manager Rod Brown had earmarked the out-of-favour Hodgetts for a role as an attacking
JULIE Freeman's hat-trick helped keep honours even for Harriers Ladies in a 5-5 draw with Headless Cross. Cross' A Elliott scored all her team's goals and put the Redditch side ahead on four minutes. Freeman equalised quickly from long range but a corner
September 16, 1977 £100 to spend and a well-stocked supermarket to go at. It sounds like a housewife's dream and it was a dream come true last week for Mrs Sheila Clarkson at the Redditch Co-op store. Mrs Clarkson, a regional winner of the Bacofoil Wrapping
BEN Stanley was spot on as he proved to be the penalty king in a competition organised by the Shuttle, Times & News with Kidderminster Harriers. The 11-year-old won the half-time penalty competition at Aggborough during Harriers' 1-0 victory over
