Archive

  • Malik troubles Stourport tail

    OVERSEAS pace sensation Mahmood Malik added Stourport to his list of victims as the Wyre Forest side were heavily beaten at Brockhampton. The run-away Worcestershire League Division Two leaders set an imposing 289-6 through J Walker (97) and J Mason (

  • Beck singing in Green stormer

    JASON Beck smashed 128 runs and took 5-18 as Cutnall Green beat Worcester Corinthians by 133 runs in Division Five. Beck put on partnerships with Neil Fletcher (70) and a 99-run effort with Charles Dauncey (27) as Matthew Harris's side declared on 279

  • Train victims identified by fingerprints

    THREE farm labourers who were killed when an InterCity train ploughed through their minibus have been identified by their fingerprints. Police had feared they would not be able to identify the victims of Monday's tragic accident at White House Farm, in

  • Getting ready

    AFTER gaining promotion to Worcester League Division One last season, Badsey are starting preparations for life in their new surroundings. The club hopes to build n the success of last winter and any new players interested in joining the club are asked

  • Cleobury cheer

    THERE was relief at Cleobury Mortimer as they finally picked up their first Worcestershire League Division Six victory at the 10th time of asking. They defeated Hallow by 27 runs to close to within two points of their fellow strugglers. Grant Carbines

  • Hit by five-goal salvo

    Bretforton 0, Stourport A 5 BRETFORTON found the opposition tougher in their latest Stourport League outing and, despite some good efforts on goal by Julie Hall and Tracey Hodgkin, they couldn't find the net. Stourport opened the scoring in the first

  • Death of river man a riddle

    AN open verdict has been recorded on the body of a man found in the River Severn last month. The inquest into the death of Alan Green, aged 70, of Manor Road, Stetchford, Birmingham, was held in Worcester yesterday. Mr Green's body was retrieved from

  • Exiles prosper

    A LARGE crowd at Lower Park on Sunday enjoyed the Bewdley Six-a-side competition which was won by HCW Exiles. Four mini-leagues produced winners to contest the semi-finals with Kidderminster Carolians Rugby Club also making the last stage eventually.

  • Cookley give ROS no chance in Field

    JOHN Martin and Gary Field shared an unbroken 135-run opening stand as Cookley A beat ROS. Martin ended the innings on 71 not out and Field on 54 not out in the Stainweld Wednesday League Division A fixture. Results, Tuesday Wednesday Senior Plate semi-final

  • Cricket honours

    BATTING (knocks of 50 or more) 128 Jason Beck (Cutnall Green) 102no Mike Weideman (Stone) 94 Mike Kirby Davies (Spennells A) 87 Paul Lyman (Chaddesley) 79 Kevin Truswell (Chaddesley) 76 Russell Tovey (Chainwire) 75no John Shackleton (Stourport 2nds) 75

  • Harvey goes from couch potato to body builder

    A FORMER "couch potato" turned to exercise at the age of 50 and has now competed in his first body building competition. Spending the majority of his life behind a desk, Harvey Pritchard admits that stretching for a pen and wading through papers was about

  • Have a say on new GM food laws

    CAMPAIGNERS against genetically modified food are set to take their message to the streets of Worcester. A series of debates about the pros and cons of GM crops has been taking place across Britain over the last two months - but none have been organised

  • Setting fire to flat was a cry for help

    THE lives of residents in ten flats were put at risk after a man with an alcohol problem began four separate fires, Worcester Crown Court heard. Richard Tranter was upset after an argument with his girlfriend and a telephone conversation with his business

  • Minister wins weekend away

    A BAPTIST minister from Droitwich will be enjoying a weekend in a Yorkshire hotel, after winning an Evening News competition to find the city's finest cleaning tip. Gwendydd Askew won an all expenses paid luxury weekend for two at a country house hotel

  • Circus is in town

    ACROBATS, clowns and trapeze artists are on show in Evesham as Billy Smart's Circus has rolled into the area. The show runs at Evesham's Crown Meadow until Sunday, July 13, with performances today and tomorrow at 4.45pm and 7.30pm. Show times on Saturday

  • Hosing down fire crews

    EVESHAM firefighters have been trained to use mass decontamination equipment in case of chemical attacks. Crews were trained last week in how to use portable shower equipment which enables people to have three minute showers if they have been contaminated

  • Julie's a champion

    BROMSGROVE MP Julie Kirkbride has been honoured for her work in making a difference for people living with cancer. Mrs Kirkbride was presented with a "Macmillan Champion" award at a Westminster reception this week, compered by broadcasters Jeremy Vine

  • Tablers dig deep to aid Africa

    TENBURY Round Table members have met up with other local sponsors of the Into Africa project that featured in last week's Advertiser. Tablers are pictured right with youth workers and youngsters who were involved in buying a scrap digger, refurbishing

  • Teenage rider competes for country at dressage

    A TEENAGE horse rider from Burford competed for gold in Ireland at the weekend in her first international contest with the British Pony Team. Thirteen-year-old Natalie Everall, a pupil at Tenbury High School, was one of eight riders chosen to represent

  • Lift-off for arts festival

    AN exciting new arts festival is set to hit the streets of Kidderminster this summer. The first Kidderminster Arts Festival has been organised by Wyre Forest District Council and will offer a range of workshops, events and performances.district arts and

  • Estate delight over yob bans

    A BAN on yobs entering parts of a Kidderminster estate has eased the level of intimidation and vandalism, say nearby traders who have now urged shoppers to return to the area. Storeowners, along with the vicar of a church terrorised by the youths, said

  • School meeting the mightiest yet

    ONE of the biggest public meetings yet held by an under-threat school saw 200 adults and 60 children throng Wilden First. Headteacher Joy White said parents, past pupils and the community came together to champion the school's "unique and special" strengths

  • Waste disposal plan rubbished

    THE blueprint to deal with household rubbish until 2015 has been labelled "pathetic". Stop Kidderminster Incinerator's (SKI) Clare Cassidy said the outline Worcestershire County Council plan - due to be voted on by the cabinet today - neglected recycling

  • 10/7/03 Harriers are back in action

    A DOUBLE dose of action awaits Kidderminster Harriers as their tiny squad open the pre-season friendly campaign at the weekend. Ian Britton's men make the short trip to Dr Martens League Evesham United on Saturday and Midland Alliance Stratford Town the

  • Call to fund wardens fairly

    CRIME-busting street wardens, who patrol nuisance hotspots in Wyre Forest, should be expanded into other areas to improve safety. But the cost of increasing patrols should be borne by the whole community - not just by the "least well off", say district

  • Council's boost to skatepark bid

    THE bid to create a skatepark at Bewdley Leisure Centre has had a big boost after town councillors voted to lead the way to secure vital funds. A unanimous vote saw Bewdley town councillors pledge to obtain the money - which could need to be as much as

  • Hunt ban a 'waste of time'

    BANNING fox hunting is a waste of government time, according to Wyre Forest's MP. Dr Richard Taylor, who voted against the anti-fox hunting Bill pushed through Parliament last week, said the Government should be dealing with more important issues such

  • Twist in hall saga

    THE race to solve a funding crisis over the new-look Market Hall in Cleobury Mortimer has been put on hold after parish councillors were "strongly advised" by legal eagles to keep quiet on the subject. Parish councillors were unable to discuss the latest

  • Evesham

    ART SOCIETY: The annual appraisal of members' paintings was taken last month by Alex Jackson. The society had an excellent input and Alex was able to analyse a painting from every member who brought one. Members find this annual exercise helpful and interesting

  • 10/7/03 - Hickey wins Keast praise

    ANDY Keast has labelled new signing Drew Hickey 'The best back row forward in National One by a country mile.' Worcester Rugby Club's coach has been delighted with the new signings that began training last week and admits that he cannot wait to see Hickey

  • Willersey

    VILLAGE HALL: Cream teas were served on the Lower Green on Sunday afternoon in aid of village hall refurbishment funds and £289 was raised. Organisers Jennie Bond and Val Roberts thanked their helpers and supporters. ST PETER'S MARKET/COFFEE MORNING:

  • Drawing a line under trauma

    THE foot-and-mouth crisis in 2001 was a nightmare from which our rural communities are slowly recovering. For the residents of Throckmorton, the process has been tougher to cope with than it has been for many others. The decision to bury around 133,000

  • CHARLIE'S ANGELS - FULL THROTTLE (12A) UCI Cinema Merry Hill

    CHARLIE'S ANGELS - FULL THROTTLE ( 12A) UCI Cinema Merry Hill FOR those of who enjoyed the first film, this one will blow you away! Fasten your seat belts and brace yourself for the ride of your life. Yes, the girls are back, kicking, screaming and even

  • Iron displays from Bewdley

    ROWING: Bewdley Rowing Club came home from Ironbridge two-day regatta with 10 wins, including eight on Sunday's 500m course. The novice eight showed their superior fitness on the longer 1,000m course on Saturday to collect their second win of the season

  • From rural England to Greece

    RURAL England, Greek dramas and plenty in between - there's a mixture in store as ever for local theatregoers. 'A tale of love lost and found in the Shropshire hills' is being staged in neighbouring Worcestershire, at Witley Court, near Worcester, from

  • Theatres unveil panto seasons

    IT might seem a bit early but theatres all over the area are turning their thoughts to panto season - and it might be worth knowing what's on so you can be sure of a good seat. The eagerly awaited RSC family show for the festive season will this year

  • Freke heading the leaderboard

    MOTORSPORT: Racer Nathan Freke returned to winning ways and maintained his lead in the British 125 Superkart Long Circuit Championship. Freke triumphed with an overall victory in the fourth round at Snetterton following a disastrous meeting the previous

  • Relay hooray for swimmers

    SWIMMING: Wyre Forest are toasting a great success after winning the overall top club trophy at the Worcester County relay event in Wolverhampton on Sunday. The district also gained the award for the best boys' team and were narrowly edged out of first

  • A national test

    ATHLETICS: Hurdling hero James Parsons heads to the English Schools Championships at Sheffield this weekend to represent Worcestershire. The 14-year-old from Bliss Gate will be competing in the 80m hurdles after recording a time of 12.2 seconds in the

  • Burns blaze at Beacon bash

    CYCLING: Wyre Forest Cycle Racing Club rider Steve Burns raced to an impressive third place in the Beacon CC 10-mile time trial at Wythall on Saturday. In the perfect conditions, Burns stormed around the course in a superb 21 minutes 32 seconds behind

  • New fixtures out

    STOURPORT Hockey Club's National League Division One 2003/04 fixtures October 5 Firebrands (A) 12 Bowdon (H) 19 Chelmsford (A) November 1 Nottingham (H) 9 Belper (A) 16 Doncaster (H) 22 Southgate (A) 30 Beeston (A) December 7 Bournville (H) February 8

  • Tricky senior first

    MOTORSPORT: Theresa Keightley found the going tougher on her debut in the senior motocross class but she was still happy. The 46-year-old, promoted from the junior category before the weekend's competition in Redditch, was delighted with a fourth place

  • Pride of parish

    PARISH GAMES: Wolverley and Cookley clinched the 2003 Parish Games title after winning the final event at Stourport Sports Club on Monday. They took the maximum 10 points in the quiz night which saw six parishes answering posers from quizmaster Tony Powell

  • Tracks on top

    HOCKEY: Eat Our Tracks lead the Cleobury Mortimer Sports Centre Indoor Girls League by two points after drawing 0-0 against main title rivals Team Xtreme.

  • Having a Ball

    CHESS: Kidderminster's John Varilone heaped further success onto the town's brilliant season by winning the Ball Cup. Varilone defeated Brian Drummond, of Redditch, in the final of a competition which attracted entries from across Worcestershire. He took

  • Two short on royal hunt

    ORGANISERS of Stourport Carnival are appealing for the names of two former carnival queens to complete the set. The identity of the 1926 and 1982 figureheads is not known and a family ticket for this year's September 6 event - worth £10 - is on offer

  • POOLE HALL FISHERY

    ALL pools have fished well throughout the week and one angler landed 63lb of mixed fish with sweetcorn and maggots on the Abbey pool's peg eight. Kidderminster's Robert Beard, fishing from peg 25 on the Kingfisher pool, managed 53 fish with sweetcorn.

  • WILLOW MARSH FISHERY

    THE Friday Evening Open was well attended with Steve Pearce easily winning with his 72lb catch. Popular baits were strawberry-flavoured luncheon meat, corn and worms. Friday Evening, Willow Marsh Open, Dragonfly pool: Steve Pearce 72-15-8, Doug Greenow

  • TOMKINSONS AC

    THERE will be a contest on Sunday on the River Avon at BAA Fladbury. Members fishing should meet at the drive in lay-by opposite the Mitre Oak pub at 7am.

  • Fed up of rottweilers being in the dock

    AFTER reading letters in the Shuttle/Times and News over a number of weeks about rottweilers, I am completely outraged and cannot keep quiet any longer. In letter after letter we read about people's attitudes towards such a wonderful breed of dog. We

  • LYTTELTON AA VETERANS

    RESULT, third round: Derek Buckle 65-10, Brian Hill 50-4, Brian Dickinson 45-4, Arthur Andrews 41-4. Round four will be fished at the Wrens Nest pool next Wednesday with a 9am draw and fishing from 10am until 3pm.

  • Penalising a school when it excels...

    AS parents of a five-year-old child who attends St Barnabas Church of England School in Kidderminster we feel compelled to write about the plans to close it and merge it on the Marlpool First School site. After fighting to get our son a place at the school

  • Chance for market

    AS it is Marks and Spencer's intention to relocate to new premises within Kidderminster's Weavers Wharf complex, would this not be the right time to help our ailing indoor market? It could move from the dilapidated buildings at the end of Worcester Street

  • WILLIS BUND AC

    RESULT, Pitchcroft: Ron Russell 13-4, Barry Southall 8-2, Mick Rowe 6-6, Neil Walford 5-5. The next contest is at Brook End on Wednesday which will be drawn at 9am. Members are reminded two keep nets are required at this venue.

  • Thanks for my watch

    MAY I thank the lady who handed in my Rotary watch at Kidderminster Market and the market manager at the district council who telephoned and informed be it had been found. They have restored my faith in human nature. Thank you again to all concerned.

  • Do we repeat the 'Dr Taylor experiment?'

    ALTHOUGH General Elections must be held at least every five years, a four-year gap is commonplace. This means that we are now probably at the mid-point of this parliament. Our interests at Westminster are represented by MP Dr Richard Taylor. We sent him

  • Our views on airport must not be ignored

    I WISH to register my protests against plans for the proposed extension of Wolverhampton Airport. In the midst of a massive industrial and housing conurbation, Bewdley and the Wyre Forest stand out as the only tranquil oasis in hundreds of square miles

  • Waiting list for parking tickets over?

    WITH the district council having been under the effective control of Health Concern for a couple of years, it is pleasing to see that one or two positive decisions are at last being taken. A couple of weeks ago you reported on the waiting list for car

  • Lucky to have orchestra

    LAST Saturday there was a particularly disappointing audience at Wyre Forest symphony Orchestra's summer concert. Less than 100 people came to hear Weber, Strauss and Vaughan Williams Fifth Symphony. I imagine there were other attractions on Saturday

  • Charity event

    THE annual Justin Gilks Memorial five-a-side competition takes place on Saturday, July 19 at Wickhamford Sports Club. There are still a few vacancies for teams in the 20-strong tournament, while the help of local referees would also be appreciated. Ring

  • Junior back up needed

    A COUPLE of junior sides are seeking to recruit players for the new season. Evesham United Under-18s are holding trials for youngsters aged between 16 and 18 as of August 1. More details from Jordan Maskell on 01386 48306 or 07880 708385. Pershore Town

  • MP questions driving standards

    EXPERTS are sifting through the evidence to find out why three people died in this week's fatal rail accident at Charlton. Mid Worcestershire's MP Peter Luff was querying the training levels of people expected to use unmanned rail crossings within hours

  • Stop giving a bad name to cyclists

    IT is with regret but little surprise that I read the letter from James Woodman (Shuttle/Times and News, July 3) concerning the place of cyclists on the canal towpath. I use this route to work daily and my experiences seem totally different. I elected

  • MP among passengers shaken by crash ordeal

    THE mood of passengers from the First Great Western train was sombre as they were finally allowed to leave it at Evesham station - almost five hours after the crash. Barely a word was spoken as they walked quietly over the bridge. Some were still visibly

  • Train running late on fateful day of crash

    THE chain of events which led to the fatal crash at Pools Crossing, Ryden Lane, Charlton began with the departure of the 7.03am Hereford to London Paddington commuter train on Monday. British Transport Police said a call was made to the Evesham signal

  • Sign warns drivers to ring signalman

    THERE are more than 1,600 rail crossings in the UK of the type at Pools Crossing, Charlton, according to Network Rail, the organisation responsible for maintaining track. Callum Collins, press officer with Network Rail, said: "It's a type of crossing

  • Title credentials

    PRAWN Stars showed why they have been confirmed Kidderminster six-a-side league champions with two games left after a 12-0 thrashing of Walshes Warriors. Other results: Prawn Stars Reserves 5, FC Golden Balls 2; Loom and Shuttle 5, JDFC 3; Ad's Lads 2

  • League to start

    TEAMS are still invited to join a five-a-side league at the Forest Glades Leisure Centre which begins on Sunday. The competition, run in Kidderminster by Premier Leagues, is set to be expanded to 10 or 12 teams due to a good response. Anyone interested

  • Man's jailed for two assaults in town

    A man who hit a friend who then fell through a shop window, and knocked another man "senseless", has been jailed for six months. Stephen Rusher, aged 24, of Coronation Street, Evesham, appeared before Worcester Magistrates Court charged with wounding

  • You've got to hand it to them!

    PUPILS at Bretforton First School have started work on an artistic masterpiece which will stretch an entire length of their school hall. The children were first asked to create pictures which reflected their school motto, 'small enough to care, strong

  • Wild flowers

    I HAVE always enjoyed watching the way different wild flowers come into bloom at different times of the year. The different flowering periods of each plant create wonderful changes in the way the landscape looks, especially if there is a change in colours

  • Thank you for our hall

    VILLAGERS at Birlingham have said thank you to the organisations giving grants that made the refurbishment of their village hall possible. The hall was constructed in the early 1920s of four-inch stone blocks made of gravel from the neighbouring river

  • No licence? No chance with us!

    PEOPLE watching TV without a licence in Evesham had better watch out as a new generation of detector vans takes to the streets. The new vans take advantage of the latest technology and are capable of going under cover to look like any other white van.

  • Four-year drop in rural crime halted

    RURAL crime across the Midlands has risen for the first time in four years, according to a report published on Monday by Stratford-based rural insurer NFU Mutual. Theft in the countryside increased by nearly four per cent across the region last year,

  • Hickey wins Keast praise

    ANDY Keast has labelled new signing Drew Hickey 'The best back row forward in National One by a country mile.' Worcester Rugby Club's coach has been delighted with the new signings that began training last week and admits that he cannot wait to see Hickey

  • Beechey called up

    WORCESTER oarsman Matt Beechey will compete for Great Britain in the final World Cup meeting of the season in Switzerland this weekend. The 26-year-old is part of a lightweight quad outfit that recently pushed the Polish heavyweight crew to within a length

  • Evesham move in to sign Marsh

    STOURPORT Swifts' favourite Simon Marsh has signed for Evesham United in a surprise move. The midfielder was a firm favourite at Walshes Meadow but has moved for financial reasons according to Swifts manager Dave Titterton. "It's a massive blow to lose

  • French flavour on tour

    FRENCH cricket normally conjures up images of playground games, where the batsman stands square on with the bat in front of his legs. But Worcestershire and Herefordshire had a taste of French cricket proper style last week. France U19s took on King's

  • Arctic Bird too hot for race rivals

    ADRIAN Bird (Arctic 2000) outclassed the opposition to win Worcester St John's 14.5 mile hilly cycle time trial by over four minutes. Bird blasted round the tough Suckley-based circuit in 34.32 leaving Saint's Chris McSweeney and Kevin May to fight a

  • Are you a winner?

    * (I) indicates Internet entries WINNERS of the recent ETCC competition, who each received a pair of tickets to Donington Park were: N Caldwell, Highfield Road, Kidderminster; Ian Chedzey, Pope Drive, Staplehurst (I); Thomas Delo, Lyndholm Road, Kidderminster

  • BEWDLEY ROTARY CLUB

    Town Rotarians welcomed their new president . Neil Hardwick said he will lead the club towards investing in flower beds for one of the traffic islands at Bewdley by-pass as well as working hard to raise money for good causes throughout Wyre Forest. Members

  • HOSPICE SUPPORT GROUP

    A pig roast and clay shoot to raise funds for Shropshire and Mid Wales Hospice will be held at Hollows Nursery, Cleobury Mortimer, on Saturday. The family event has been organised by the hospice's Stottesdon and Cleobury Mortimer Support Group and will

  • Free blues festival

    A FREE blues festival featuring about 20 bands will be rocking the town of Upton next weekend. Headlining acts such as Claude Bourbon, Bluze, and Machine Shed Band are booked to play the pubs, along for the three-day event, which begins on Friday, July

  • WOLVERLEY WI

    Liz Cornish gained first and second awards for the two items she submitted to the food, flower and craft day. The speaker in June was Harry Soruton, who talked about Hedgehog Care and Rehabilitation. The stars of the evening were the two live hedgehogs

  • On the campaign trail for fair trade

    A CAMPAIGN by Bewdley Trade Justice , which promotes fairer trade in the Third World, has resulted in more than 40 signed postcards being sent to Tony Blair. Supporters of the national Trade Justice movement were joined by the town's mayor, Jeremy Ferguson

  • At the Spearhead of technology

    IT WAS celebrations all round when the award-winning Spearhead Machinery team returned to the Pershore headquarters from the Royal Show. The firm collected runners-up spot in the prestigious Royal Agricultural Society of England's New Equipment Awards

  • Just what the doctor ordered

    AN innovative computer system which keeps staff at Bewdley Medical Centre up to date with the latest health news has scooped a top prize. The 30-strong team at the centre received the Risk Management Award from the Royal College of General Practitioners

  • Firefighters now 24/7 at Bewdley

    FULL-strength Bewdley Fire Station is now responding to calls round the clock. The station - which boasts 14 part-time "retained" firefighters compared with just six last year - can serve the town and surrounding areas 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week

  • Delight turns to despair

    DELIGHT after recording their first Crusader Worce-stershire County League win of the summer turned to despair when Pershore could only land a losing draw at basement outfit Pedmore. Saturday's crucial first division clash saw skipper Trevor Ridings ask

  • 'We will re-open hospital' pledge

    A JOINT bid has been launched to quash rumours Stourport's Lucy Baldwin Hospital will be permanently closed rather than redeveloped. Patient representative Sarah Wall, director of clinical services Colin Vines and ward manager Patrick Dwyer have issued

  • Stourport Swifts FC - Fixtures and results - 2003/04

    Pre-season friendlies Sat July 19 Bromyard (a) Wed July 23 Studley (h) Tues July 29 Westfields (h) Sat Aug 2 Bilston (a) Tues Aug 5 Stourbridge (h) Mon Aug 11 Worcester (h) Pre-season scorers: Dr Martens Western Division Sat Aug 16 Yate (h) Mon Aug 18

  • Draw comfort after hitting back from jaws of defeat

    ALTHOUGH Evesham will be disappointed to have only taken three points from a home 3-3 draw with Droitwich, it could have been much worse. In the top two games, Eve-sham lost heavily but Richard Minton and Sean Curtis ground out a victory on the last to

  • Let's not beat about the bush! Coursing's wrong

    JON Burgess (You Say, Saturday, June 28) challenges my claims about hare coursing and suggests I'm misleading readers. Let me put the record straight. To quote bloodsport supporter, Tim Pinney: "I have never been hare coursing and have no desire to."

  • Top man Seadon sets a new Fishery record

    Evesham Jubilee Society GARY Seadon set a new record weight at The Fishery last Saturday when taking top spot in an Open contest with a bulging net of more than 34 pounds. Society members fished a Severn Shield match at West Diglis the next day when winner

  • Decision for Vale bypass

    THE Wyre Piddle public inquiry recommendation, which backs the closure of the Evesham end of the village except for buses and emergency vehicles, is expected to be rubber stamped by the county council today. The inspector's report also recommends access

  • Banana

    WHY, when you could be discussing Shirley Bassey's knees, or the flavour of bananas, do you devote a whole leader column (We Say, June 12) to boring old cricket? GEORGE COWLEY, Worcester.

  • OAP intruder alert

    PERSHORE residents are being warned to be vigilant after an intruder targeted a pensioner's home. The elderly woman discovered the man, described as tidy and reasonably clean looking, in the hallway of her house in the Besford Bridge area of the town.

  • Natalie's just another on the P3 conveyor belt

    I THOUGHT your article 'From star to Star, Natalie proves a hit' (Evening News, Saturday, July 5) describing 20-year-old Natalie as possessing stardom status was a slight exaggeration. If she was a one-in-a- million P3 girl-blonde, I might be inclined

  • The art of copying the masters

    BUDDING Picassos and Rembrandts had their talents recognised in an art competition organised by Pershore Midsummer Brass. Year nine students from Pershore High School were asked to draw a brass instrument in the style of a famous artist. Pupils spent

  • I'm fed up with prattle

    I'VE never been bothered by George Cowley's correspondence until now. I assumed the publishing of his inane prattle was designed to placate and amuse those of us who don't have the capacity to consider relevant matters, or who simply couldn't care less

  • Leaving it to the professionals

    I WOULD like to reply to Carolyn Hunt's letter (You Say, July 1). As a firefighter of 22 years standing, my colleagues and I have unfortunately participated in a number of body recoveries, but have accepted this as an unfortunate but necessary job. I

  • Faceless machinery of law enforcement

    I WRITE in reference to Roy Calvert's intention to challenge the speed camera partnership over his alleged breaking of the 30 limit. The country has become, grudgingly as a whole, used to the ubiquitous speed camera, often believing it to be a genuine

  • Medieval mayhem at castle

    HEAD out to Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire for Joust - A Weekend of Medieval Mayhem. Open from 10am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday (July 26 and 27), the event will include jousting, falconry, a siege re-enactment, cannon displays, minstrels, traders

  • Community prize

    NOMINATIONS can now be made for the annual Broadway Community Award. The award has been running for three years after Broadway resident Dr Walter Wentz gave £150 to run the scheme. Individuals, groups and charities can receive the £50 award to help them

  • Pupils shine in musical

    BROADWAY First School children have been treading the boards at the village's Lifford Hall this week. Eighty-five children were taking part in the school musical, Pinnochio, written by head teacher Mike Appleby, which ends tonight. Mr Appleby said: "The

  • Police probe into Vale rail tragedy

    POLICE would consider manslaughter charges against the driver of the minibus involved in the fatal collision with a train on a railway crossing near Pershore, depending on evidence gathered during their ongoing investigation into the tragedy. Det Insp

  • Stalwart couple win top St John honour

    A COUPLE who have worked as St John Ambulance volunteers for more than three-quarters of a century are to be rewarded for their hard work. Kidderminster pensioners 81-year-old Fred Jennings and his 78-year-old wife Cathleen will be invested as members

  • Street name for Ray

    A STREET is to be named after a much-loved character who was affectionately dubbed "Mr Kidderminster". Ray Mercer Way will feature in the new housing development on the former cattle market site in Aggborough, the ward in which Mr Mercer was a district

  • Body found in chalet blaze

    THE body of a man was pulled from a chalet gutted by fire yesterday morning. Fire crews raced to the scene at Narroway Lane in Crossway Green, at about 7.45am where they found the body. It had not been identified at the time of the Shuttle/Times and News

  • New weapon hits the road

    THE national launch of a new weapon in the war against rogue bus and lorry operators is being unveiled in Kidderminster today. The £400,000 system uses number plate recognition equipment to trap illegal vehicles. A camera sends images of number plates

  • Speak before too late

    TIME is running out for people to register their views on genetically modified crops, a district campaigner has warned. The Government's month-long consultation on the subject ends on Friday, July 18, and Vicky Randon urged the public to take part. She

  • Army's new leaders sally forth

    NEW leaders - with a passion for magic tricks - are hoping to conjure up more support for the Salvation Army after taking over the running of the Kidderminster corps Captain Ian and Major Rena Young replace Ian and Tracey Mountford who left for pastures

  • 7-year ban on directorships

    A HUSBAND and wife whose Kidderminster business failed with debts of more than £73,000 have agreed not to hold directorships or take part in company management for seven years. Timothy and Karen Lazenby, of Steatite Way, Stourport, did not dispute Insolvency

  • More cash for shop security

    A ROW of shops in a crime-hit area of Kidderminster is to get extra cash to improve security, the Home Office says. Shops in Severn Grove have been allocated £20,000 as part of an allocation of cash from the Treasury's Capital Modernisation Fund. It is

  • Toddlers' wares on sale at market

    GREEN-fingered toddlers will be selling their home-made and home-grown wares at tomorrow's Farmers' Market in Kidderminster. The three and four-year-olds will be selling cakes, bread - including their special granary "hedgehog bread" - and vegetables

  • Seagulls attack chick's rescuers

    SEAGULLS dive-bombed a firefighter trying to rescue their stranded chick which fell out of its nest and into roof guttering.Mark Moule under attack from one of the parents of the seagull chick he was trying to rescue after it fell from the nest. The protective

  • Asthma in lift ordeal

    A TEENAGE girl suffered an asthma attack when she and seven friends were trapped in a lift at a Kidderminster block of flats. Firefighters took 15 minutes to rescue the group from Coniston House, Hurcott Road, at about 11pm on Sunday. The girl was given

  • Skills go on show at extravaganza

    ARTISTS, craftsmen and performers from Wyre Forest are poised to take part in an event billed as Worcestershire's "biggest free event". The Skills on Show festival, organised by Worcestershire County Council's arts service, will take place this weekend

  • Ghana beckons for Felicity

    A TEENAGER who hopes to join the Royal Navy is raising more than £3,000 to do voluntary work in Africa - and to get some "life experience" before her career. Felicity Wheeler, 18, will head to Ghana, for six months, in October to take on a variety of

  • Pedal power

    STAFF in the district council's planning, health and environment division are out in front when it comes to getting on their bikes. Employees were challenged to use two wheels to get to work during National Bike Week and those in the winning department

  • Free business seminar

    BUSINESS brains in Kidderminster can put their heads together at a free seminar on the benefits of taking on modern apprentices. The event is due to be held by the Chamber of Commerce Training Company on Friday, July 18, from 11.30am until 2pm, at 26

  • Cashing in at carnival

    VILLAGERS dug deep for good causes when they turned out in force for Wolverley Carnival on Saturday. The street collection during the colourful parade of floats raised a record £378 and organisers eventually hope to hand out £1,800 to non-profit-making

  • You can help group do its bit

    A SUPPORT group is going crazy for cans in a recycling drive to raise vital cash. Members of Wyre Forest Day Opportunities Centre, in Kidderminster, have launched their own aluminium collection service. The initiative aims to help the adults, who have

  • Schools celebrate with arts of gold

    SEVEN schools have seen their artistic ambitions rewarded with a national accolade. The first, middle and high schools from across Wyre Forest received Artsmarks - valid for three years - from Arts Council England in recognition of their work both in

  • Whitewash wings Inkberrow to top

    THE Prudden Road Surfacing League had been led by Strat-ford C in recent weeks, but not even their sister side, Stratford B, could help their cause when losing 4-0 to Inkberrow. The weakened visiting team from Stratford found life difficult against an

  • School top of Ofsted's class

    INSPECTORS have awarded a Kidderminster infant school top marks for excellence - and failed to find any areas where it could do better. The Ofsted team praised Franche Community First School for providing high quality education. The inspectors did not

  • Kidderminster Harriers FC - Fixtures and results - 2003/04

    Pre-season friendlies Sat July 12 Evesham (a) Sun July 13 Stratford (a) Sat July 19 Boldmere (a) Mon July 21 Leicester (h) Sat July 26 West Brom (h) Wed July 30 Walsall (h) Sat Aug 2 Hereford (a) Pre-season scorers: Nationwide League Division Three Sat

  • Cash boost treble total

    Wyre Forest Amnesty International has had a cash boost of more than £300 from three fund-raising events. Two bookstalls in Bewdley brought in £71.27 and £127.63 respectively, and a street collection in Stourport raised £117.24

  • Shopkeepers call it a day after 35 years

    A SHOPKEEPING couple are to serve their last customer after 35 years behind the counter. Fifty-nine-year-old Derek and Jean Hughes, 58, are retiring from Baskerville Stores to spend more time with their three young grandchildren. The pair, who will celebrate

  • July 10, 2003

    AS the only unwhipped MP I was delighted to hear during the debate on the Health and Social Care Bill that a senior Tory ex-minister regards himself as unwhippable. It was splendid that so many Labour MPs also showed themselves to be unwhippable by voting

  • Farm gates to swing open

    VISITORS will be able to get a snapshot of life on a farm at a special open day this weekend. Tractor and trailer rides and the NFU Farming Roadshow will be among the attractions at Walsgrove Farm, Great Witley, on Saturday. The open day runs from noon

  • Stately setting for fun cricket match

    SPORTSMEN game for a laugh are being sought to take part in an 18th century cricket match at Witley Court. Wyre Forest players are needed to pit their wits against visitors in the match on Sunday, July 27. The game, to be played in full Georgian costumes

  • New member of the team

    A NEW reporter has joined the award-winning Shuttle/Times and News team. Becky Hayes, 22, will be focussing on leisure news and features and wants to find out what is happening in the area. Becky, who studied international history and politics at Leeds

  • International look at art

    AN exuberant art exhibition by a Herefordshire-based artist is set to take Kidderminster Library Gallery by storm. Paintings by Kenneth Lauder will be displayed in an exhibition entitled New Directions from Monday until July 26. His work combines a number

  • Carpet of dreams is festival promise

    THE pavements of Kidderminster will be transformed into a "carpet of dreams" in the forthcoming Kidderminster Arts Festival. Creating an urban canvas on the town's streets is one of many exciting activities organised for the fun-filled extravaganza, designed

  • Music lovers tune in to classical treat

    A CLASSICAL feast is on the agenda for music lovers in Kidderminster. Talented soprano Elizabeth MacDonald, who has toured the Czech Republic and Germany, will perform at Kidderminster Library on July 17. The highly-acclaimed singer will be accompanied

  • Lights go on for 'Robbie' tribute

    THE Midlands' only live Robbie Williams tribute band plays its debut gig in Wyre Forest on Saturday. Five-piece group "Live Thru the Lens" will take to the stage at the Kingsford pub in Wolverley to perform a range of hits illuminated by a full light

  • 10/7/03 Marsh leaves the Meadow

    POPULAR Stourport Swifts star Simon Marsh has signed for Evesham United in a surprise move. The midfielder was a firm favourite at Walshes Meadow but has moved for financial reasons, according to Swifts manager Dave Titterton. "It's a massive blow to

  • Win the chance of a weekend of luxury

    A SUPER weekend for two at one of Britain's top spa resorts is up for grabs in a special Woman to Woman competition. The Shuttle/Times and News has joined forces with the makers of Dettol to turn the spotlight on summer health - and one reader will scoop

  • Putting on the style?

    THE country's finest putters will gather in Stratford on Saturday for the British Minigolf Championship. The competition takes place at the recently improved 18-hole course at the Recreation Ground. Reigning champion John 'Ted' McIver and British No 1

  • Lose on all rinks

    BROADWAY Ladies visited Overbury last Saturday and lost only their second Concorde League game of the season with defeats on all four rinks. Overbury 78, Broadway 56 - (Broadway scores first): S Davies, J Perry, B Kirk 15, J Henderson, D Andrews, M Kentfield

  • Welford remain in second place

    WELFORD failed to make headway up the Courier League table after the club's first team could only collect three points from their latest outing. The second-placed side won on a solitary rink thanks to the efforts of Peter Day, Phil Jones and Ian Smith

  • Parsons' power brings third at Bishop tester

    IT WAS another busy weekend for local triathletes with Michelle and Phil Parsons in action twice. On Saturday the pair took part in their first tandem triathlon in Castle Bishop near Ludlow. This event was similar to a normal triathlon except that the

  • Whitewash wings Inkberrow to top

    THE Prudden Road Surfacing League had been led by Strat-ford C in recent weeks, but not even their sister side, Stratford B, could help their cause when losing 4-0 to Inkberrow. The weakened visiting team from Stratford found life difficult against an

  • Crib League AGM

    Evesham and District League ALL teams, new and old, who wish to play next season, must register their interest at the league's annual general meeting that takes place at Evesham Hospital Social Club next Wednesday (8). New players interested in joining

  • Rhodes on road!

    LAST Sunday's weekly club run saw Richard Rhodes led 13 Evesham Wheelers. The pack passed through Bret-forton, Aston-sub-Edge, Chipp-ing Campden, Moreton-in-Marsh and Kingham, before successfully negotiating the dang- erous bend in Bledington and on to

  • Haywood lands a double

    EVESHAM Sailing Club has seen a strong turnout recently and last Sunday was no exception when a fair number of visitors also watched from the bank. It was a warm humid day and the breeze appeared to swirl round from every direction all afternoon. With

  • Selfridges positions available

    SELFRIDGES will be creating 1,000 new jobs in Birmingham with the opening of its newest store, Selfridges Birmingham. Recruitment for the store is currently underway in preparation for the September opening. Positions are available in all areas including

  • Clare's childcare boost

    A 27-YEAR-OLD who set up her own childcare agency has said the support she received from The Prince's Trust and Business Link, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, was invaluable. Clare Hale was made redundant from her marketing job and decided that rather

  • Train running late on fateful day of crash

    THE chain of events which led to the fatal crash at Pools Crossing, Ryden Lane, Charlton began with the departure of the 7.03am Hereford to London Paddington commuter train on Monday. British Transport Police said a call was made to the Evesham signal

  • Dramatic win over Stratford

    A TENSE finish saw Kidderminster Victoria move up a place in Birmingham League Division One with an important win at Stratford. With both clubs near the bottom of the table, KVCC took the honours with just one ball to spare after chasing the home side's

  • Light relief at school

    RE: Floodlighting at Evesham High School, the Head of Sports at Evesham High School has not set the record straight. In addition to after-school activities, local sports clubs are to be recruited to use the facilities in the evenings, at weekends and

  • Grand final for seconds

    A VICTORY over Walsall booked Kidderminster Victoria seconds' place in the Birmingham League Challenge Cup final next Thursday. They face Harborne at Chester Road (6pm) in the 20-over competition but first take on the same side in the Seconds Premier

  • Bewdley title surge stutters in Malvern

    BEWDLEY'S Worcestershire League Division Two title ambitions took a blow with a losing draw at Malvern, despite another good innings from Paul Beard. The batsman drove 71 runs but the Wyre Forest side had to concentrate on getting the fourth batting point

  • Players fight on for vital draw

    COOKLEY settled for a creditable losing draw in their Worcestershire League Division Two clash at home to high-flying Alvechurch and Hopwood. Batting first after winning the toss, the visitors rattled up 250-7, thanks to ex-Birmingham League player J

  • Consistent knock from Dave

    IN-FORM Kidderminster Victoria skipper David Mitchell scored 73 runs for the second week in a row as Kidderminster Victoria remained top of Worcestershire League Division Three. KVCC are 25 points clear after a strong victory over struggling Birlingham

  • WHY DID THEY SAY SHE WAS FINE?

    GRIEF-stricken parents of a Malvern girl who died from meningitis want an inquiry after doctors failed to diagnose the illness. Seven-year-old Emily Davidson died at home last Saturday, cuddled up to her mother Lizzie. Now her parents have called for

  • Brintons fall short

    LOWLY Brintons produced an improved display but still slipped to a 10-run defeat in Division Five. They narrowly lost a high-scoring and exciting match against Hewell after dismissing their opponents for 187. Ian Waldron claimed 3-36 and then Andy Maiden

  • The truth is out - it's Nush 4 Scott

    THE feeling is mutual in the Big Brother house as Malvern hippie chick Nush and Scott finally confessed they fancy each other. After sinking a few drinks in the reward room turned Irish theme bar, things got a bit frisky between the housemates. "Is it

  • Chainwire hold off rivals at top

    CHAINWIRE gained a winning draw to stay above rivals Stone in the Division Six title race. The Kidderminster side, asked to bat first, were in trouble at 75-5 but a superb 76 from captain Russell Tovey enabled them to reach 192-9 off 45 overs. Gary Bourke

  • Death of deaconess who fought for female priests

    A WORCESTERSHIRE deaconess influential in the drive to allow women to be ordained in the Church of England has died. Dr Diana McClatchey, who was believed to be 83, passed away at St Michael's Hospice, in Hereford, after battling cancer. Dr McClatchey

  • Daniels seals win

    A SUPERB spell of seam bowling from Lee Daniels sealed a third consecutive win for rampant Kidderminster Victoria at home to Stourbridge Social in Worcestershire League Division Six. Bowling first, Daniels and Simon Whitmore took wickets at regular intervals

  • Tragic fire death OAP was recluse

    A PENSIONER who died in a fire that destroyed his home has been described as an independent recluse. Firefighters were called out to the bungalow on Narroway Lane in Crossway Green, near Stourport-on-Severn yesterday after a resident from the nearby Shorthill

  • Himbleton hit by Stone

    MIKE Weideman scored 102 not out as Stone defeated Himbleton in a Sunday friendly. Brazier (59) also starred in a huge 266-4 in 40 overs. Ian Dawson (3-28) and Fred Buxton (2-22) were instrumental in dismissing Himbleton for 97. Stone 266-4, Himbleton

  • Cutting edge of firefighting tools

    FIREFIGHTERS have been getting to grips with the latest high-powered tools, which are tailor-made for use in car crashes. More than £100,000 has now been ploughed into arming front-line engines of the Hereford and Worcester Fire Service with high-tech

  • Spa town firm is to chop 130 staff

    MORE than 100 people at a Droitwich firm are facing a bleak summer after hearing they will lose their jobs in October. This morning, office equipment manufacturers Acco announced they intend to close their site at Berry Hill Industrial Estate, where they

  • Did you see this vicious attack?

    A MAN needed surgery to rebuild his face after he was attacked as he walked down Broad Street in Worcester. The attack happened at about 11.30pm on Friday, July 4, and a man has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. Police want to

  • Spruce-up for royal visit

    A CIDER farm enjoying its 125th anniversary this year is gearing up for another major celebration when the Duke of Edinburgh is due to pay a visit tomorrow. Staff at Westons Cider in Much Marcle, near Ledbury, have been busy for the past few weeks ensuring

  • Cricket fixtures

    SATURDAY (2pm unless stated) BIRMINGHAM LEAGUE DIVISION ONE Harborne v KIDDERMINSTER VICTORIA (1pm) SECONDS PREMIER DIVISION KIDDERMINSTER VICTORIA 2nds v Harborne (1.30pm) CRUSADER WORCESTERSHIRE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CHADDESLEY CORBETT v Kington (1sts

  • Attack on blooms by young yobs

    VANDALS have destroyed nearly £1,000 worth of flowers in Droitwich on the eve of the prestigious Britain in Bloom contest. The attacks nearly ruined the town's chances in the competition, which is being judged within the next few days. It is only thanks

  • Business rates cash promises new hope

    WORCESTER has been promised a £597,000 windfall under Government plans to encourage new businesses to set up in the city. Council chiefs will be allowed to keep the cash raised from extra business rates as a reward for attracting firms to rundown areas

  • Read all about the joys of eating out in city

    READERS of the Berrow's Journal, sister paper of the Evening News, will have food for thought when they receive a new guide in tomorrow's edition. Worcester's latest Eating Out Guide, which is produced jointly by the city council and Worcester Tourism

  • School-run parents suffer verbal abuse

    NEIGHBOURS of a Droitwich Spa school are suffering daily abuse from school-run parents causing chaos in their quiet close, it has been claimed. Parking problems at St Joseph's RC School are getting worse by the week, according to Droitwich Spa town councillor

  • Steaming into town

    RAILWAY buffs and photographers should head for Kidderminster Railway Museum's open day on Saturday. The museum's photograph collection will be on display, featuring pictures of trains, stations and line-side views. The earliest photograph dates back

  • Balloon launch for new bus

    SCHOOL pupils took part in a balloon race to help promote a new bus service which comes when you call for it. About 380 pupils from Gorse Hill Primary School on Holly Mount Road in Worcester unveiled the new Flexilink bus, which covers the Warndon area

  • Robert and Nicky team-up to take helm

    A HUSBAND and wife team have taken over at the helms of the Rotary Club of Pershore and its female equivalent, the Inner Wheel Club of Pershore. Robert and Nicky Clark, of The Old Off Licence, Peopleton, are believed to be the first married couple for

  • Family left homeless as blaze guts bungalow

    A FIRE that totally destroyed a bungalow at Hanley Childe last week has left a family homeless. Two pumps from Tenbury Wells and one from Bromyard attended the blaze and a water carrier was sent from Kidderminster. The alarm was raised at about 3.30pm

  • Fete boosts school special status bid

    TENBURY High School's major bid for Special Status in Science and Engineering is gathering momentum and the campaign by local people to raise funds for improved educational opportunities has got off to a flying start. A fantastic £12,875 has been raised

  • TV star's town gig to boost hospital

    TELEVISION chat show host Jason King is returning to his home town of Tenbury Wells for a charity gig. Presenter of the Pure Soap TV show and a top DJ on the Breakfast Show for Key 103 Radio in Manchester, Jason's dance music gig will raise money for

  • Tenbury crews to pioneer new rescue device

    TENBURY firefighters are now front runners in the race to rescue people who have been involved in serious road traffic accidents. Thanks to a unique leasing arrangement with German manufacturers Clan Lukas, the Tenbury firefighters are the first in the

  • Fixtures and results 2003/04

    AUGUST 16 H Havant & W. 19 A Merthyr Tydfil 23 A Welling United 25 H Moor Green 30 A Crawley Town SEPTEMBER 1 H Hinckley United 6 H Dorchester Town 9 A Weston-s-Mare 13 H Tiverton Town 16 A Hednesford Town 20 H Bath City OCTOBER 4 A Nuneaton Borough

  • In the money through CAB

    A STAGGERING £301,037 of unclaimed benefits has found its way into people's pockets thanks to the district's Citizens' Advice Bureau. Advisers at Wyre Forest CAB discovered many who visited them last year with financial problems were not claiming benefits

  • Mum's plea to grave thieves

    A DISTRAUGHT mother has made an emotional plea for thieves to leave her daughter's grave alone so she can grieve in peace. Ornaments and plants have been going missing from around Rachel Sugden's gravestone at St George's Church in Kidderminster for eight

  • New role for town old boy

    AN MP who hails from Kidderminster has become a member of the Government. Labour's Tom Watson, who won the West Bromwich East constituency in 2001, has been promoted to a junior position in the treasury. The 36-year-old former King Charles I High School

  • 10/7/03 Harriers to be given the Birch?

    KIDDERMINSTER Harriers target Gary Birch has signed a new one-year deal with Walsall which could pave the way for a loan move to Aggborough. The 21-year-old had originally turned down an extension to his contract and seemed set to leave the Bescot Stadium

  • 3-month ban from council

    A LEADING Kidderminster Hospital campaigner has demanded better guidelines after being banned from serving as a councillor for three months. The Standards Board for England has disqualified Health Concern's Madge Shineton, who represents Stottesdon on

  • Help lower the landfill mountain

    WYRE Forest waste chiefs are urging people to "buy recycled" to help reduce the district's landfill mountain. The district council is stepping up its recycling initiatives ahead of the introduction of kerbside house-to-house collections in September.

  • School top of Ofsted's class

    AE:ja@nqmids.co.uk:JANE ABBOTT INSPECTORS have awarded a Kidderminster infant school top marks for excellence - and failed to find any areas where it could do better. The Ofsted team praised Franche Community First School for providing high quality education

  • Bredon

    PIED PIPER: As a summer term project, Bredon Hancock's First School has put on a superb production of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. A large cast of cats, rats and villagers came from years three, four and five and a group of musicians came from years three

  • Eckington

    FOES FAMILY FUN DAY: Last Saturday was a great success enjoyed by many families from the village. The weather just managed to stay fine and everyone enjoyed the bouncy castle, tug-o-war, football, face painting, quiz, pig roast, welly wanging and crazy

  • Evenlode

    SAVE THE CHILDREN: On Saturday, June 21, the Festival Players from Cranham presented their summer production of The Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare, on the Village Green in Evenlode. Members of the audience were invited to bring their own seating

  • History that is under your feet

    A NEW guide has been published to make farmers and landowners more aware of the history buried beneath their feet. The Cotswolds AONB partnership is working together with Gloucestershire County Council to highlight the importance of archaeology in the

  • Harvington

    HARVINGTON SINGERS: Harvington Singers Summer Concert, entitled Gloria, which took place in St James' church last Friday evening, was a great success and prompted some pleasing comments from the choir's loyal supporters. The programme included Vivaldi's

  • Honeybourne

    WEDNESDAY CLUB: Met on July 2 when Mrs M Boath presided. Birthday cards were distributed and to members still on the sick list. The trip to Weston-Super-Mare was thoroughly enjoyed and members now look forward to the mystery tour which takes place on

  • Wickhamford

    HOBBIES: Why not paint your favourite flowers the Chinese way, or paint your own Christmas cards, Japanese folded patchwork makes lovely Christmas presents, cushions, tablemats and Japanese embroidery is rewarding. A number of workshops on all of these

  • Looking towards chaos!

    CONTINENTAL Ambience fine words indeed, where on earth do they get them? It brings to mind another expression Silk Purse From a Sows Ear. I agree entirely that the Market Place in Evesham is in need of improvement and could be and should be a real asset

  • Europeans set in Howard's sights

    SHOOTING: Top gun Andrew Howard could see his European Championships hopes shot down if he cannot secure funding. The 19-year-old Kidderminster rifle ace is having a great season after being promoted to captain Great Britain juniors. Howard, an aerospace

  • Stars tread the boards for cricket

    FROM reading the news to making the news. That's the transition that Nick Owen will be making on Sunday when he treads the boards at The Swan Theatre in Stratford to hep raise funds for the town's cricket club. The BBC Midlands Today presenter has been

  • Town pair win silvers

    SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Two of Worcestershire Special Olympics' Kidderminster stars gave silver-medal winning displays for Great Britain in the World Summer Games. Swimmer Debbie Allen-Trew, 23, added a freestyle relay bronze to her 50-metre freestyle second

  • Even the supporting cast will flock to Hardy's love story!

    "EXPECT passion, love, jealousy and lots of sheep - and me in a smock!" said Stephen McGann, enthusing about his latest acting adventure. He is currently on tour with a new stage version of Thomas Hardy's rural romance, Far from the Madding Crowd, heading

  • Modern slant on a legend

    A MODERN interpretation of an ancient Greek myth is being performed in Stratford next week. Death, drama and moral dilemma is being promised in Antigone, being staged by Second Thoughts Drama Group at the Civic Hall from July 16 to 20. The play was written

  • Something for everyone

    AMERICAN Rock 'n' Roll and farmyard frolics are the themes behind two very different plays at Tewkesbury's Roses Theatre later this month. At The Hop is a touring tribute to the early rock 'n' roll years courtesy of a band led by the Stephenson brothers

  • Grant keeps cool

    BOWLING: Kidderminster's Grant Burgess kept his head to help England salvage their pride in the final session of the British Isles International Bowls Series at Ayr. England, who started their campaign bidding to win the title for a successive year, finished

  • Road runner in hot form

    ATHLETICS: Hot conditions proved no obstacle for Kidderminster and Stourport Athletic Club runner Tom Kenderdine who won the Hereford 10-mile road race. Kenderdine clocked 56 minutes 33 seconds, ahead of Steve Gould who was second and first veteran over

  • New course for women

    ATHLETICS: Kidderminster and Stourport Athletic Club have a new 10-week programme for women beginners starting on Tuesday at 6.30pm. The initial one was a big success as around 50 ladies progressed through 12 weeks before many tackled the 5km Worcester

  • A solid gold for Samurai Greg

    JUDO: Greg Oertel led the Samurai charge at the London Junior Open with a gold out of nine medals for the Kidderminster club. Perhaps the most notable of the other results was Katherine Lloyd-Jones' silver in her own limited grade group. The up-and-coming

  • Bewdley three bowl them over

    BOWLING: The last of the Kidderminster and District Midweek Bowling League competitions were completed over the weekend. The Rafmain Cup honours went to Bewdley's Ray Underhill, Pete Byng and Tom Phillips who beat Stuart Logan, Gavin Logan and Malcolm

  • Powell's record

    TENNIS: Bewdley coach Tracey Powell secured a record ninth ladies' title win at the Herefordshire and Worcestershire County Closed Championships in Malvern. Powell defeated Frances Eckersley, of host club Manor Park, 6-3, 6-1 and teamed up with the same

  • It's the Middis touch

    GOLF: There were more than 150 entries for Wharton Park's stableford competition on Sunday which marked Captain's Day, hosted by Steve Owen. Kevin Middis took the honours for the men with 46 points, three ahead of Malcolm Jones. The Bewdley club have

  • Towering Wood

    GOLF: Marilyn Wood won the Little Lakes July Monthly Medal on Sunday and, along with Mike Wood, was the only winner in a 4-1 defeat to Cleobury Mortimer the day before. The Woods beat Cleobury captain Peter Colquitt and his partner Nicola Jarman on the

  • Teams lined up for first championship

    PLACES are going quickly for the first Daiwa-Bewdley Teams of Four Championship over the weekend of August 16 and 17. The event, on the Kidderminster and District Angling Association stretch of the River Severn, will be run on points with the venue split

  • Severn stunner from Dave

    STOURPORT'S Dave Williams enjoyed a fabulous match in the Daiwa Bewdley midweeker, taking top spot with 67lb 2oz of mixed fish on the River Severn. The Mark's Tackle star landed barbel, chub, roach and perch from peg 50, just below the old railway stanchions

  • MOORLAND FARM FISHERY

    RESULTS, Wednesday, Meadow pool: Dave Bennett 53-0 (peg 38), B Garner 47-15, B James 46-1, S Watson 43-8, J Cooper 39-3, A James 35-8. Thursday: Dave James 185-12, H Ward 55-6, D Hall 40-0. Thursday, Meadow pool: Dave James 80-3 (peg 15), J Stockton 76

  • SHATTERFORD LAKES

    KIDDERMINSTER'S Mick Penn caught seven trout to 2lb on the Stella lake where the best flies were viva and cat's whisker. Buzzers and orange or pink lures were most effective on the Masters lake with a Halesowen man landing a 13lb 8oz trout with a black

  • FRANCHE VILLAGE CLUB

    CONTEST result, Nordley pool: Steve Stebbings 4-15-0, Jamie Barfield 2-6-8, Fred Hutton 1-12-0, Al Griffiths 1-4-0. The next contest is on Sunday at Franche Pool.

  • LYTTELTON AA

    THE Junior Championships are set for Saturday, July 19, with a noon draw at Wrens Nest pool. All names need to be forwarded by ringing 01562 822047.

  • OLD BEAR AC

    WRENS Nest, juniors: A Buxton 7-4, B Mills 4-14, E Truesdale 3-10. Stackpool Summer Cup: R Robinson 17-6, M Morris 9-14, H Rowe 8-2. The seniors' contest is on Sunday on the river at Trimpley and cars will leave Broadwaters at 6.30am.

  • PARK INN AC

    THE Docklow annual Park Inn trip will be on Saturday, August 16. Anyone interested can call Carl Carter on 07855 050913.

  • WOODWARD GROSVENOR'S AC

    SUNDAY result, Larford Lakes contest: M Brown 30-10, G Mansell 24, R Burrows 21-14, P Cox 20-2, D Saunders 18-14.

  • Now police should apply law to bikers

    I AM very pleased that at last Bewdley has been designated as a restricted zone for the consumption of alcohol in the street - a scheme I initiated last year. I hope that this new legislation will assist the police in their duty and reduce the amount

  • No help back in Britain

    I WAS so shocked to read (Shuttle/Times and News website, June 26) that when a British citizen moves abroad and then returns home she gets no help whatsoever. I have lived in the States for nearly six years and just reading the story of Lynda White upset

  • Athletic recruit

    NEW players are wanted to train with Kidderminster Athletic U-13s who are celebrating promotion to Stourport and District Youth League Division One. Athletic, who finished fourth in Division Two last season, train at Habberley Playing Fields on Wednesdays

  • Growers' firm to launch own probe into accident

    BOSSES of vegetable growers Simms and Woods, which rents around 120 acres at White House Farm, have launched their own investigation into why the minibus was on the crossing at the time of the accident. The Wyre Piddle-based company said there seemed

  • Sneaky way to catch speeders

    I WOULD like to thank John Jackson (Shuttle/Times and News letters, June 19) for giving me the chance to state that what happened to him is almost a replica of what happened to my daughter, who is a hard-working nurse at Kidderminster Hospital. She was

  • Company appeals over claims by council

    VEGETABLE growers and packers Simms and Woods Ltd are appealing to a Government inspector to allow them to continue operations at Chapel Lane, Wyre Piddle. Wychavon District Council issued an enforcement notice which alleged the washing, trimming, packing

  • Road crossings for Vale roads?

    CHILDREN having to cross Vale roads to get to school could be safer under proposals to install two pelican crossings. One of the roads earmarked for a crossing is Pershore Road at Hampton in Evesham - where schoolgirl, Stefanie Mace, now aged 15, was

  • Computer boffin's cancer cure project

    A HARVINGTON man is calling on computer users to join the fight against cancer and HIV. Keith Davies is spearheading a campaign for a network of computers for testing potentially life-saving molecules. Specialist software designed by Mr Davies has already

  • Parents' warning on rogue children

    PARENTS in the Vale have been receiving letters from police warning them their children might be causing a public nuisance while out of their sight. The letters have been despatched by West Mercia Constabulary as part of the force's Anti Social Behaviour

  • Charity contests

    STOURPORT Swifts host the Kidderminster Hospital Charity Cups' annual five-a-side competition on Saturday. The tournament starts at 11am and more details are available from cups' secretary Kenneth Caldwell on 01299 871059.

  • MP fights to beat vitamin ban

    WEST Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer said he fully supported a move to amend European regulation which would ban 300 vitamin supplements from being sold in health stores. "I have had hundreds of letters from angry constituents about this matter,"

  • No need to panic claims Barton

    JOHN Barton insists there is no need to panic despite Worcester City's failure to sign any new players so far this summer. The St George's Lane manager's latest attempt to bolster his squad has seen him meet with a Conference defender who is weighing

  • May on form despite defeat to land award

    AN incredible innings by Old Elizabethans' Steve May has earned him the batting prize in the Evening News/Fearnley Factory Shop Cricketer of the Week awards. And a seven-wicket haul from Phil Hipkiss of Knighton-on-Teme saw him take the bowling award.

  • Worcester take title

    WORCESTER Hockey Club won the the Leominster Sixes tournament beating Kingslands 2-0. They went in as favourites after last year's victory but faced four hard matches in the pool stages against National League Barford Tigers, home side Leominster, Abergavenny

  • Exciting time for theatre on move

    PLAYBOX Theatre, Warwickshire's foremost theatre for young people, moved into its new home in Stratford at the weekend and launched an exciting new future for youth theatre in the town. The theatre company, which has a main base at its own Dream Factory

  • Walking in God's steps

    THE new vicar at St Michael's Church in Broadway is looking forward to enjoying some of his favourite pastimes in the village. The Rev Terry Mason, aged 46, said he expected rural ministry in Broadway would be very different from his current church in

  • Summer fun for all children

    THE first set of summer holiday activities for youngsters has already been announced by Playbox, eager to make use of its new Stratford studio. Training and performance sessions for young theatre members will take place on Mondays and Saturdays, with

  • FAR FOREST WI

    Sheila Ward entertained the group with an account of her experiences with the University of Wales. Each year, for the past 12 years, she has spent a week or two with an international group of enthusiasts studying different aspects of Welsh life or culture

  • KIDDERMINSTER CYCLING CLUB

    There are two rides this Sunday. The A ride starts at 8am and goes to Sarn, near Bishops Castle. The B ride starts at 9.30am and is a mystery tea ride. Both rides leave from The Green, Blakebrook, opposite the hospital. All cyclists will be welcome and

  • STOURPORT WRVS DARBY AND JOAN CLUB

    Members enjoyed a strawberries and cream tea on Monday afternoon. Over the past few weeks the club has held a regular cacti planting afternoon.Each member took a cacti in a pot which they will bring back at the end of the year to be judged. Simple exercises

  • LICKHILL WI

    Members enjoyed a visit to Evesham last month to see Calendar Girls , a film about a Yorkshire WI. The visit was suggested by President Kath Oakley following the decision not to go ahead with the visit to Worcester Herb Garden in August. Members were

  • TOC H

    The speaker on Monday will be Geoff Andrews who will talk about farming in the 1920s. Weekly meetings are held at the Methodist Church Schoolroom, Chapel Lane, Callow Hill, at 7.30pm. Non-members are welcome to attend.

  • Going potty for a good cause

    A CHAMPIONSHIP-winning snooker team from Wyre Forest went into overdrive when they cued up for a marathon effort to help charities pocket hundreds of pounds in donations. The six-strong team from the Upper Arley Sports and Social Club chalked up 80-plus

  • Give up handful to sparrows in gardens

    JUST a handful of bird seed each day could hold the key to the survival of one of the country's most charismatic little birds, according to the RSPB. A massive survey of house sparrows across the country carried out by the RSPB in May has revealed that

  • Meeting on flood works

    FLOOD-WEARY residents in Bewdley will be able to hear about the first stage of defence works coming to Severnside South later this summer. Representatives from the Environment Agency and Severn Trent will speak at the meeting at Bewdley Baptist Church

  • Bidford

    OUT AND ABOUT: From July 16 until September 3 a Yoga Summer School will be held at Bidford Infant School, £30 for eight weeks, phone Lesley 01789 764658. Dorsington Village Fete will be held on the Village Green on Sunday, 2pm to 5pm. A dance and crafts

  • Exhall men tied in knots

    THEY hid their disappointment well but Exhall's cricketers knew they had thrown away a great opportunity to stay on the road to Lord's, writes Mervyn Collins. Last Sunday's quest for a place in the last 16 of the National Village Championship took the