A NUMBER of strengths have been found by the Audit Commission in Malvern Hills District Council's Best Value review. A verdict of "fair service; promising prospects for improvement," was given in the review, which looked at the council's revenue and benefits
August 25, 1978 A SPECIAL friendship day for lonely patients at Studley Hospital may have to be scrapped if volunteers fail to step forward. And the organiser of the One-to-One day at Abbeyfields Hospital has launched an attack on "people who are afraid
A MOTHER was left sobbing outside a Worcester supermarket when her trolley overturned with her child on board. Jane Edwards is now questioning the safety of a pedestrian ramp outside Tesco's St Peter's store and intends to make a formal complaint. Three-year-old
August 28, 1953 TO mark the appreciation of "her unfailing kindness, help and courtesy" during her 15 years as postmistress of Bradley Green, Miss FE Lane, who retires at the end of the month, was presented with a cheque for £18 together with a list of
A FIVE-year-old girl survived an horrific accident when she impaled her head on a four-inch nail while playing in a treehouse. The incident took place while the girl was playing in a homemade den at Wasdale Close, Warndon, at 11.15am yesterday. She had
August 29, 1903 HEADLESS Cross day schools, which have been closed for the Summer holidays, will open on Monday next. It is intended at the end of the school year in October to award prizes to the two best boys and girls in each standard who make the
A SINGLE mother who is being made homeless has been told she will have to wait 33 days before finding out if she is eligible for council housing. And even then, if she is accepted, the Droitwich woman has been warned she could end up in temporary accommodation
THE first Worcester Festival has been declared a success by its organisers, who are already putting plans into motion for next year's event. Only hours after the firework display marked the end of two weeks of events, an exhausted Chris Jaeger, the festival
MORE than 70 friendly felines are waiting for families to whisk them away from a rescue centre. Seventy-one cats in total - one with three legs and one with only one eye - are prowling around the Danemere Petotel, in Tibberton, near Droitwich, having
POLICE and people living near University College Worcester have voiced their concerns about the "parking chaos" they believe will ensue when almost 8,000 students flock to the city next month. The college plans to introduce new charges for on-campus parking
STARGAZERS are hoping for a clear sky tonight as Mars reaches its closest to Earth for 60,000 years. Telescopes have been trained on the red planet each night this week and Mars-gazing parties are being held around the world as the planet comes within
THRILL-seekers can combine raising money for disabled sports men and women with the ultimate adrenaline rush by skydiving thousands of feet from a plane. The British Wheelchair Sports Foundation (BWSF) is looking for people to either tandem skydive from
A CHAMPION British lumberjack helped defend his title when he chopped trees for charity. Spike Milton, who is the reigning underhand champion for Britain, defended his title at the Clifton upon Teme Country Fair. The British Lumberjack Sports Association
CONTROVERSIAL plans to allow couples free fertility treatment on the NHS would cost Worcestershire's Primary Care Trust around half-a-million pounds a year. Debate has raged since a Government health watchdog - the National Institute for Clinical Excellence
A NIGHT of classic Cockney sing-a-long songs is in store for an audience at a Bromsgrove venue later this year. White Cliffs of Dover, Bye Bye Blackbird and Daisy, Daisy are just a few of the popular golden oldies set to raise the roof of the Spadesbourne
PEOPLE of all ages will be able to benefit from a week-long fire safety campaign at Worcester YMCA. Rescue demonstrations and a smoke room will be two of the attractions at the Henwick Road, St John's, building. The event, which will be promoted through
STAFF and residents of a Callow End nursing home are celebrating its 10th anniversary. St Cloud Nursing Home, Old Hills, was bought by two Worcestershire brothers, Linton and Philip Connell, in 1993. "We are proud to have worked with the staff we have
COMPETITORS in a Wychavon fishing contest will be able to win some top equipment after the district council hooked a massive sponsorship deal. Wychavon District Council has arranged a three-year deal with angling giant Shakespeare to the tune of £22,500
FIRE chiefs are urging people to help shape the future of the service by speaking out during its biggest-ever consultation programme. Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade is embarking on a modernisation plan which aims to improve its services. As part
Saturday, August 23, 2003 THREE second half goals helped Bromsgrove Rovers to win a hard fought victory against the Moatmen of Gresley Rovers. Strikes from Marcus Jackson on 50 minutes, Sam Bowen's penalty on 67 minutes and Kevin Banner on 83 minutes
Tuesday, August 19, 2003 BROMSGROVE Rovers continued their unbeaten start to the new Dr Martens Western season with a stalemate at Bedworth United last night. George Rooney's side, 2-1 home victors against Taunton Town in last Saturday's opener, found
DARREN Bullock's season has ended before it's started after he was handed a six-month ban and £150 fine. Bullock, already suspended until Christmas, was given an additional 182-day ban by the Worcestershire Football Association after being found guilty
A REDDITCH firefighter hit red-hot form to strike gold at Barcelona's Olympic Stadium. Red Watch's Brian Hughes was crowned decathlon champion at the World Police & Fire Games at the bi-annual event in Spain. The 33-year-old experienced athlete won
A CHARITY is looking for residents to help improve the quality of life for people who have lost a significant part of their sight. Worcestershire Association for the Blind wants to recruit volunteers to support those who may have become isolated due to
JOHN Barton believes Darren Middleton answered a few critics with his display against Moor Green on Monday night. It was packed with plenty of forward breaks plus a willingness to chase down and harry opponents, doing what Middleton calls the 'ugly side
Nicky Cross is hoping to continue his winning run as Studley take on fellow Midland Football Alliance outfit Rushall Olympic in the FA Cup on Saturday. Cross will be in charge of the Bees for a third game with manager Mark Chambers abroad on holiday -
MIKE Leigh's famous play Abigail's Party is opening at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre as part of a national tour. The West End production first shown in 1977 went on to be adapted for television as part of the BBC Play for Today series and 26 years
Alvechurch 0 Studley 2 A 2-1 triumph over neighbours Alvechurch kept up Studley's unfaltering record on Bank Holiday Monday. But they needed a second half double to see off the Lye Meadow side. Chances were rare in a disappointing first half with the
REDDITCH Folk Club will be playing host to a talented Welsh duo on Saturday. Trefor and Vicki Williams play a broad range of folk and original music, including some traditional Welsh material sung in that language. Folk club spokesman Bryn Colvin said
Saturday, August 30, 2003 CRICKET Birmingham & District Premier League First XI Premier Division - Walsall v Barnt Green (12.30pm). First Division - Worcester v Bromsgrove (12.30pm). Birmingham & District Premier League Second XI Premier Division
CHIRPY Cockneys Chas & Dave bring their latest show Now and Then to the Palace Theatre next week. In the first half of the show, they play guitars and banjos and share stories with the audience. Then it's sing-a-long time when they play their hits
AVONCROFT Cricket Club First XI have realised their dream of winning promotion to Worcestershire County League division three. Paul Athey's side, third and fifth in their last two seasons in division four, guaranteed second spot despite losing by 37 runs
Thursday, August 28 Abigail's Party by Mike Leigh, Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Until September 6. Tickets from 0121 236 4455. Design for Living by Noel Coward, Festival Theatre, Malvern. Until August 30. Tickets from 01684 892277. Camerata Scotland
CELEBRATIONS continued long into the night as Avoncroft Cricket Club First XI gained promotion from Worcestershire County League division four. Croft's disappointment at losing a tight game against newly crowned champions Harborne was soon forgotten as
THERE were enough plus points to put a smile on boss Dave Titterton's face, despite a 2-0 Dr Martens Western Division home defeat to one of the title favourites Halesowen Town. Goals either side of half-time from former Worcester City forward Mark Hallam
WORCESTERSHIRE Royals' director of cricket Tom Moody has sent out a 'we must win' message to his troops ahead of tomorrow's crucial floodlit National League Division One clash against Essex Eagles at Colchester (4.10pm). The County are in serious danger
Stourport Swifts came away empty-handed as they lost 2-0 at home to Halesowen Town in the Dr Martens Western Division last night. But there were enough plus points to put a smile on manager Dave Titterton's face. Goals either side of half-time from Mark
EVESHAM moved a step closer to the Crusader Worcestershire County League Division One title with a four-wicket win over local rivals Pershore. Ombersley, who can still catch them, beat Chaddesley Corbett by four wickets with Duncan Catterall again in
Worcester's Simon Jones and Mark Atkins swept aside the challenge of York's Mal and Mark Harrison to reach the semi-finals of the National Express Men's All England Bowls Pairs at Worthing last night. Jones and Atkins sped out of the blocks into an 8-
CHADDESLEY Corbett RFC's mini and juniors signing on day takes place this Sunday. Anyone aged between six and 15-years-old can turn up to Chaddesley Corbett Sports Club, in Fox Lane, from 10.30am.
SAM Bowen had the perfect opportunity to get the Bromsgrove Rovers crowd off his back. Presented with a penalty after substitute Peter Sutton was pulled down, Bowen, heckled at times during Monday's clash, was faced with beating emergency goalkeeper Quentin
A LAST gasp equaliser from Phil Upton capped a remarkable turnaround for Fairfield Villa last Saturday. Cliff Hughes' side, who defeated Wilmcote S&S 3-0 last Wednesday, trailed Polesworth at home 3-0 with half an hour left before scoring three times
BARNT Green Spartak continued their commanding start to season with a 6-2 home victory over Thimblemill. GJ Singh's side with 4-1 and 5-1 successes in Midland Combination division one so far, got off to the perfect start when Delroy Brown tucked away
BETTER catches were taken on Monday at the Broad Acres junior open held on the Top pool. In first place was 12-year-old William Thompson (Redditch) who pole fished catmeat in the margins of peg 18 for Carp up to 9-4-8 in his 35-4-8 total. Steven Aspindale
THE free summer dances in Bromsgrove's Market Hall were proving very popular, some 50 couples taking the floor on Saturday. Bromsgrove Town Band provided the music. ONE of Bromsgrove's oldest residents Frederick Jefferies died at his home West View in
GEORGE Stanton, aged 43, a nailor and labourer from Bromsgrove, would rue the day he trespassed on to Mr Thomas Key's land at the Foxwalks to steal 14 pounds of mushrooms worth 7/- (35p). Magistrates at the town's police court fined him 10/- (50p) plus
DEAR EDITOR - In response to 'Scout hut isn't prepared' on August 20, the letter written by Stoke Prior parish councillor, Mr SP Shannon, is flawed. It is full of innuendo, assumptions, inconsistencies and hypocrisy. Mr Shannon declared in his letter
DEAR EDITOR - May I, through your columns, thank all those who so generously supported our Save The Children lunch in July, especially the committee who worked so hard and produced so much of the food. Perhaps it is invidious to mention individuals, but
DEAR EDITOR - In answer to the letter from 'A Very Livid Granny, Bromsgrove', with regard to the extortionate fee of £300 charged for return of her grandson's moped, following the removal of this vehicle from the area of HSBC Bank, Bromsgrove, by a clamping
GOALSCORERS 2 - Jones. 1 - Banner. 1 - Bowen. 1 - Jackson. ADVERTISER/MESSENGER MAN OF THE MATCH 1 - Dawson. 1 - Jackson. 1 - Jones. 1 - Pope. Up to and including Monday, August 25, 2003.
IT'S time to start preparing for the new school term, ensuring your child has all the clothing and equipment for the all-important first day. To keep children occupied during the long Summer vacation, the Shuttle/Times and News has teamed up with Kidderminster
THE ability to make an audience think through its laughter is a rare and particular talent, which Nol Coward made apparently effortless. His Design for Living is a comedy combining sex and love with lust in an explosive, hilarious mixture - a mnage a
MEMORIES of World War Two are being sought by Malvern Theatres as they attempt to follow last year's success of King Lear with a second major production this November, We Happy Few. This is a new piece of writing by successful actress and writer, Imogen
WENDY Hands asks how I manage on the autobahn. Very well thank you. I drive in the nearside lane, except when overtaking. On many autobahnen there is no legal maximum, just a "recommended" 130Km/h. That's one reason why twice as many people die in "accidents
SPA swingers are being invited to come dancing at a beginners ballroom class starting next month. Popular dancing teaching machine, Dance at 8, are launching the new eight-week class at Chawson First School on Tuesday, September 16. It is open to absolute
WHAT a great shame that N Taylor ("Forcing motorists off Britain's roads", You Say, August 15) seems unable to accept the empirical research of a world-class institution as the Transport Research Laboratory. The Government - supported by authoritative
L SPITERI (You Say, August 18) and others are still trying to convince us "killing of innocents cannot be justified." Fifty-eight years on - the bonus years added to my life - and I still celebrate Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I recall the orders issued by
I HAVE read the letter from M Hunt (You Say, August 13) several times and it makes me wonder if it is just a great stupid joke by a foolish young person suggesting the EU as our "homeland". He says the Union Flag should be torn up and replaced with the
A POINT is being missed regarding the comments of Councillor Gareth Jones about the Northwick theatre. It is not that the future of the particular building is in doubt - it has been for a long time now. The point is surely the paucity of the imagination
Bromsgrove Photographic Society members have continued to meet each Tuesday evening during the summer. The weather has been kind and a mixture of photographic and social events have been held. Cameras were taken to Worcester city and riverside, Arley
ANIMAL lovers and bargain hunters alike are in for a treat this weekend with the fundraising Blue Cross Adoption Centre fete. Townsfolk who would like their pottery, porcelain, glass, silver and pictures valued can pay £1 and get the expert advice of
A SWAN, snared by a fishing hook, has sparked a petition to rid a Spa canal basin of illegal anglers. Vines Lanes residents last week rescued the injured bird from the Saltway canal basin, where fishing is illegal. Councillor John Cook (Lab-West) claims
A HEART-WARMING reunion between two airmen took place this week, 50 years after a record-breaking flight to New Zealand. And thanks to a kind-hearted Advertiser/Messenger reader, former RAF navigator Don Gannon and Officer Brian Crook had the chance to
AN ACCOMPLISHED Worcestershire writer visited the Spa this weekend for the signing of his new book about his time in the National Service 50 years ago. Michael Kettle, a former Fernhill Heath resident, launched his new book entitled Get Your Hair Cut
By LISA HERITAGE BUILDERS have finished work to create £500,000 worth of new homes on Droitwich Spa's largest estate. Spa Housing Association has built seven new rented homes, for local people, at Woodmans Way on the Westlands estate. The seven two and
DRINKING alcohol has been banned from three areas in a Bromsgrove vil-lage in a bid to crackdown on anti-social behaviour. Bromsgrove District Council, working in partnership with West Mercia police and Stoke Prior Parish Council, has designated the Ryefields
KIND-HEARTED town residents are urged to pop along to a forthcoming charity toy auction to raise much-needed cash for youngsters with disabilities. The auction will be held at St Andrew's Parish Centre in St Andrew's Street between 10am and 1pm on Saturday
A TRIP of a lifetime to Disneyland could be on the cards for a Rednal tot who is being treated for a rare form of cancer. Nine-month-old Cameron Morris was diagnosed with neuroblastoma a month ago and has been in Birmingham Children's Hospital ever since
UNWANTED flats on the Spa's Westlands estate will be knocked down - despite having millions spent on them. The 16 terraced flats in Meadow Walk have been fitted with new kitchens, bathrooms and railings in a push to attract buyers to the area, seen as
STUDLEY will be hoping to secure division two status next season by winning their last three games. The Birmingham Senior League division two east division will be split next season with just the top six clubs staying up. But The Washford Fields side
A MEMORIAL service for a Catshill man who was killed in World War Two will take place this Saturday morning to unveil his name nearly 60 years after he died. Douglas Pratt was a sergeant rear gunner with the RAF. His name was missed off the Catshill war
A COMPANY director hanged himself from a tree in his back garden after tying a length of hosepipe round his neck. Nicholas Roche was found by his wife at their home in Crown Lane, in Wychbold, an inquest heard last week. Worcestershire coroner Victor
PARENTS can feel more at ease now that work has started to make their child's journey to school even safer. Construction and refurbishment work, costing around £60,000, has begun on two projects to assist pupils at Westacre Middle, St Josephs Primary
SCHOOLS, scouts and societies in and around the Spa were just some of the organisations to benefit from a £200,000 windfall. Play for the five to 15-year-olds was the theme this year and Cutnall Green and District Memorial Hall were the biggest benefactors
NEVER before has this reviewer given any film no stars or so felt a film had absolutely no reason to be made in the first place. This was utter dross and its only merit was there's a vaguely amusing dog in it called Bags who is sadly killed in the first
WHAT a silly, silly film and what a brilliant one. Naked Gun director David Zucker has come up with a sure-fire key to belly-laughs galore in this classic lesson in zanyness. Trey Parker and Matt Stone play two hapless 'dudes' who accidentally invent
BROMSGROVE rally driver Iain Henderson aims to consolidate his class lead going into this weekend's fifth round of the National Tarmacadam Championship. Henderson, and co-driver Paul Farley, head the N3 class after four of seven rounds and travel to the
BROMSGROVE Golf Club's 17-24 team have been crowned division two champions with a game to spare in the Birmingham and District Golf League. Steve Hart's side maintained their 100 per cent record with victory at Warley Golf Club last Saturday. Bromsgrove
ASTON Fields youngster Deklan Vines looks like any normal, happy nine-year-old boy, but what many people do not know is he suffers from a debilitating and incurable disease. Two years ago Deklan was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease (CD) after suffering
DAVID Beckham, Sir Alex Ferguson and top Manchester United players joined hundreds of mourners to pay their respects to Jimmy Davis. The 21-year-old rising football star from Redditch was killed in a car crash earlier this month. The funeral of the former
THE closure of some children's play areas in Redditch is good news for most of us who live near to these facilities but bad news for the community as a whole. It is no use some parents complaining now the decision to close them has been made, especially
SECURITY at the Alexandra Hospital is being reviewed after a nurse was attacked with a metal bar in the accident and emergency department on Sunday night. The 26-year-old female nurse was outside at the back of the A&E department at about 9.20pm when
A MALE friend, aged 40 and single, said recently, in all seriousness, that he believed the marriage contract should be for 10 years renewable. A woman friend, aged 41 and recently divorced, said last week that she believed she would find it difficult
PROTESTERS are gearing themselves up to fight for a second time against plans for a round-the-clock animal carcass incinerator in Astwood Bank. During the last few months, members of Astwood Bank Against Incinerator (ABAI) action group have raised several
I WAS interested to read the comments from two Alvechurch readers concerning Dodd Homes' proposed development of 16 two-bedroomed apartments on land to the rear of Randall Avenue (Letters, August 20). To reiterate my first point: The leaflets - and there
I WAS disgusted to read the council taxpayer had to foot the bill for the last clear-up after the travellers who camped near Halfords HQ, in Washford. I noticed this week new caravans have arrived again on the very spot. My suggestion is that Redditch
THE League of Friends of the Alexandra Hospital gratefully acknowledge donations to their funds in memory of the following: Raymond John Bartleet, Leonard Bather, Doris Edna Bird, Edna Ruth Burrows, Nora Cox, Mary Florence Davis, John Anthony Fitzgerald
PUPILS from the town's high schools were celebrating on Thursday after receiving their GCSE results. St Augustine's High School students equalled last year's record score of more than 71 per cent achieving five A-C grades. Headteacher Carol Buchanan said
IN July, 25 members and nine founder members celebrated at the 40th anniversary party of Alcester Conservative Wives, held at the home of Mrs Jackie Clark. A very enjoyable time was had by all. Winners of the two quizzes based on the 1960s were Enid Coffee
THE normal meeting place was not available due to school holidays so the August meeting was an evening outing instead. Members were transported through several villages on a mini-mystery tour before arriving at Bridges Carvery Restaurant in Worcester,
HOME, away (Dr Martens Western fixtures unless stated) JULY Sat 19 WALSALL (Friendly) 5-1 (Sutton, Banner, Dyson, Bowen, Scheppel) Tue 22 WOODFORD UNITED (Friendly) 3-1 (Sutton, Stephenson, Scheppel) Sat 26 STOCKPORT COUNTY (Friendly) 0-0 Wed 30 ASTON
STAFF and students at Ipsley CofE Middle School are celebrating a positive Ofsted report. The report stated it was "an effective school with some very good features where pupils receive a good education". It said the quality of teaching overall was good
'CURIOUSER and curiouser,' said Alice when she paid a visit to Redditch Library and stumbled across the Mad Hatter's Tea Party. The library was holding the party last week for youngsters and their parents to celebrate the end of its summer holiday activity
A FORMER Redditch builder has created a series of enchanting books aimed at amusing both children and adults alike. Steve Haywood, 50, from Southcrest, and illustrator Anthony Hopkins, from Alvechurch, were in WH Smith on Saturday signing copies of The
TWO Redditch youngsters scooped first place in a recent Warwickshire Doubles freestyle dance championship. Sophia Watts and Emily Frampton, both nine, are pupils at the Gemini Dance School, Easemore Road, and are taught by Samantha Williams. Both have
BIDFORD residents were today being urged to protest against controversial plans for a waste transfer site on Waterloo Industrial Estate. Bidford Parish Council appealed to villagers to turn up to a Warwickshire County Council inspection of the Wellington
AMBITIOUS plans for a £5 million improvement programme look set to put Bidford Grange Hotel in the big league of the leisure and tourism industry if given the go-ahead And residents are set to benefit from the expansion as new facilities will be made
A CORONER has recorded a verdict of death from industrial disease on a man suffering from asbestos-related cancer. The family of Barry Price, of Mason Road, Headless Cross, who died aged 67 on October 18, were initially unhappy with the cause of death
FOR the first time in its history, Broom now has its very own village hall for community events and meetings. A building in High Street, opposite the post office, was until now used by the village's WI for meetings after it was donated to the organisation
REAL ale connoisseurs will be able to sample a wide range of beers at what could be Studley's first ever beer festival. Landlord of the Little Lark Pub in Alcester Road, Mark Roskell, said he had not heard of any other beer festivals in the village so
AN ORGANISATION that encourages companies to invest in people is leading by example. The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) Herefordshire and Worcestershire has recently achieved the Investors in People standard following a 10-month assessment period.
A MALVERN customer contact centre has appointed a new sales director to take control of the growing team. Contact centre specialists Knxus Ltd has welcomed Michael McGukin, aaged 35, to its ranks. Originally from Yorkshire, Mr McGukin has fifteen years
AN inquest has been opened into the death of a 30-year-old Headless Cross man who was found dead in bed at his home on August 12. Darren Sable, a self-employed builder who lived alone in Feckenham Road, was found by his parents who could not contact him
THE mother of a child, raped by a man, reacted with joy today as it was revealed that he will not be released into Worcestershire. Sex fiend Shaun Hayes, who videotaped himself carrying out the savage attack on the girl when she was just seven, had applied
TWO of the five Indian women cricketers who vanished after appearing at a county cricket match have turned up safe and well. Speculation was mounting that the women, from the Punjab, had used a cricket tournament at Colwall, near Malvern, as a ploy to
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a three-day country and western jamboree at a Ledbury hotel turned into an alcohol-fuelled brawl. Four men had to be taken to Hereford County Hospital after 10 people, the majority of whom are believed to be from
CHELTENHAM 2, HARRIERS 1 DANNY Williams' stunning 30-yard rocket free-kick only served to demonstrate Kidderminster Harriers' inability to score goals from inside the penalty area. Harriers struggled to create chances in a low-key derby between two below-par
A WORCESTER woman has severly criticised the NHS after she was told she would have to wait five months for a scan that eventually showed she had liver cancer. Margaret Clement, aged 58, only found out she had the potentially life-threatening condition
MUSICIANS are being asked to pick up their instruments and raise money for an arthritis charity by guitar legend Gordon Giltrap. The Midlands musician, famous for his hit Heartsong, which was used as the theme music for the BBC's Holiday programme, is
A NIGHT of traditional country music is in store for visitors to Droitwich Spa's British Legion Club this Friday night. The End of the Trail Country Music Club has invited Keith Manifold and Dave Bryan to perform at the Salwarpe Road venue from 8pm onwards
A MAN had 24 miniature replicas of old military headgear, worth £1,000, stolen from his car in Malvern. Clive Kelly was returning from a militaria show near Bristol with his father when they stopped off on a car park at Hollybush, Malvern, for 10 minutes
A POPULAR rock band will be hitting Bromsgrove for the first time this weekend. Redditch-based band Lilsumo will be playing a selection of their material, new and old, at the Black Cross, in Worcester Road, this Sunday night. The five-piece act has recently
A CRATER found in the lake at Croome Park, near Worcester, could have been caused by a Second World War bomb. It has come to light during the dredging of the lake as part of a National Trust scheme to restore the water quality to what it was like in the
MELODIES by Mendelssohn and Haydn will be performed by the Sorrel Quartet at the Spadesbourne Suite next month. Bromsgrove Concerts has invited the delightful quartet, made-up of two violins, a viola and a cello, to wow an audience at the Burcot Lane
CLASSIC paintings produced by a master copier failed to attract much attention at a Worcester auction. Flamboyant furniture salesman John Nason spent his lifetime recreating masterpieces including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. Military battle scenes
ARCHIVISTS are urging families to look through their cupboards and attics in the hunt for pieces of oral history. The Worcestershire Record Office is planning to create a new sound archive and is looking for recorded stories of yesteryear. Archivists
HAVING your Evening News home delivered certainly pays - as Malvern woman Janice Jancey found out when she became the first winner of the paper's new Weekly Windfall competition. Every week your favourite evening newspaper issues a winning number that
FIXTURES WEST MIDLANDS REGIONAL LEAGUE Saturday, August 30 Premier Division: Smethwick ST v Malvern Town (2.45). Division One South: Malvern Town Reserves v Bewdley Town (2.45). Tuesday, September 2 Division One South: Malvern Town Reserves v Reality
Monday, August 25, 2003 SAM Bowen had the perfect opportunity to get the Bromsgrove Rovers crowd off his back. Presented with a penalty after substitute Peter Sutton was pulled down, Bowen, heckled at times during Monday's clash, was faced with beating
THE summer hockey season is currently in action. Please send reports by clicking on the above name.
THERE are few positives in cases of sexual assault - especially against children. The best that can be hoped for is that the victims are given the love, support, advice and guidance they need to put these evil episodes behind them, and get on with the
REDDITCH United defender Quentin Townsend is set to keep FA Cup minnows Leek CSOB at bay at the weekend - by donning the goalkeeper's jersey. The former Bromsgrove Rovers ace will be forced to start the match in goal after regular keepers Richard Anstiss
A NEW scheme to encourage breastfeeding has been set up at the Alexandra Hospital. A drop-in centre offering support and advice has been created for mums-to-be, mothers still in hospital and those who are breastfeeding at home. The scheme, which runs
REDDITCH tennis ace Pauline Fisher has returned from Germany, having represented Great Britain in the three-person team that finished sixth in the International Tennis Federation's Maria Esther Bueno Cup, for women in the 50-plus age group. Barnt Green
RESIDENTS can now give their outgrown and unwanted clothes a new lease of life by putting them to good use and recycling them. When clothing is put out with the normal refuse for weekly collection, it is taken to the landfill site at Pershore. This adds
MOBILE caterers whose ham sandwiches failed hygiene spot checks have all been given a clean bill of health after further testing. The hot weather prompted environmental health officers to test sandwiches sold by mobile caterers. But half of the units
Feckenham manager Lee Adams is looking to draft in an experienced defender ahead of this weekend's match with Coventry Marconi. Mistakes at the back have cost the Millers vital points already this season and Adams is keen to plug the holes. Adams said
A NUMBER of events are being held in Redditch to mark National Housing Week from Monday. Redditch Council has organised events at different locations to show residents how they can make a difference to where they live through tenant participation groups
Bromsgrove Rovers 0 Redditch United 1 EMERGENCY goalkeeper Quentin Townsend saved a Sam Bowen penalty as Redditch United beat arch rivals Bromsgrove Rovers 1-0 at the Victoria Ground on Monday. With no substitute stopper, centre back Townsend was forced
BROADWAY musical The Rink rolls into Coventry's Belgrade Theatre for a month beginning on September 9. Set in a family-owned roller rink near New York, the critically acclaimed musical tells the story of the complex and bittersweet relationship between
ASTWOOD Bank Operatic Society's new season of rehearsals is looming and work starts in earnest next month on the company's production of Ruddigore. The haunting story of Ruddigore is the 10th comic opera from the Gilbert and Sullivan collaboration and
SYMPHONY Hall's International Concert Season opens with the mammoth two-part opera, Berlioz's The Trojans on Saturday. The epic event celebrates the composer's bi-centenary and includes 18 soloists, massive choral and orchestral forces and will be one
BROMSGROVE Cricket Club First XI endured mixed fortunes against two promotion-chasing sides at St Godwald's Park last weekend. Nick Husbands' side recorded a much-needed two-wicket victory over Harborne on Saturday but went down by 124 runs to Water Orton
KARL Goddard recorded career-best figures of 7-39 from 16 overs as Droitwich Spa Cricket Club First XI won and lost over the bank holiday weekend. Goddard's haul came during a 123-run victory over already relegated Pedmore, 48 hours after Spa lost by
CUTNALL Green Cricket Club kept up their impressive run of results as they beat already relegated Hewell by nine wickets. Matthew Harris' side, unbeaten since the end of June, still sit third in Worcestershire County League division five after Stourbridge
BARNT Green Cricket Club First XI are involved in a tense battle to land the Birmingham and District premier division title. Just 19 points separate the top five teams with three games left. On Monday, Green suffered a narrow one-wicket home defeat to
VIKRAM Solanki's bid to bat himself back into form proved successful when he hit a fine century on the opening day of Worcestershire's Second XI Championship match against Warwickshire at Barnt Green. The England one-day international hit 116 off 157
ENGLAND skipper Michael Vaughan has been branded "totally out of order" by Worcestershire chairman John Elliott over his stinging criticism of county cricket. The New Road chief said that Vaughan and Co "should look at themselves" rather than blame the
DARTS legend Phil 'The Power' Taylor proved a hit with regulars at a Worcester pub last night. The 10-times world champion spent an evening at the Glovers Needle in Warndon, pitting his arrow skills against local players. Afterwards he chatted and signed
THE City of Worcester Ladies' Open Bowls tournament at Cripplegate Park ended with a worthy final in the Margaret Wharton Singles. The scores were evenly balanced throughout, being level on the ninth end (7-7) and again on the 16th end (13-13). Jean Taylor
JUNIOR rugby players can sign up for the new season at Droitwich Spa RFC this Sunday. The club holds its signing on day from 10.30am at the Glyn Mitchell Memorial Ground, in Hanbury Road, and anyone aged between six and 17-years-old is welcome. Matches
BROMSGROVE Rugby Football Club's mini and junior section kicks off the new season with a registration day at Finstall Park on Sunday, September 7. The club runs teams from U7s to U17s and is one of the largest in the region with more than 250 players
* (I) indicates Internet entries THE following each won a pair of tickets to Passionate Classics, at the Three Counties Showground: Pauline Annis, The Ridgeway, Stourport; Simon Harrington, Castle Terrace, Bridgnorth ; Royce Sandall, Elm Road, Kidderminster
DARREN Bullock's season has ended before it's started after he was handed a six-month ban and £150 fine. Bullock, already suspended until Christmas, was given an additional 182-day ban by the Worcestershire Football Association after being found guilty
THREE second half goals helped Bromsgrove Rovers to win a hard fought victory against the Moatmen of Gresley Rovers. Strikes from Marcus Jackson on 50 minutes, Sam Bowen's penalty on 67 minutes and Kevin Banner on 83 minutes sealed the points. George
DROITWICH Spa Football Club have rediscovered their form after two wins over the bank holiday weekend. Kevin Blaber's side, who lost their first two Midland Combination division one fixtures, defeated Fernhill Heath Sports 2-1 at King George Playing Fields
WYCHBOLD RBL gained their first point of the season with a 3-3 hard fought draw at Sherwood Rangers. The hosts took control and scored twice before Steve Gandy slotted Wychbold's first goal in the Redditch and South Warwickshire Combination premier division
BROMSGROVE Rovers Reserves defeated Shepshed Dynamo 3-1 in their first Midlands Combination Reserves Division match at the Victoria Ground. The hosts, 3-0 victors at Bedworth United on the opening day, controlled the first quarter but squandered several
FEARS that the new £10m district hospital to serve Bromsgrove and Droitwich may be shelved because of a lack of cash appeared to be unfounded. The health authority confirmed it was still the county's number one priority to replace the outdated and inefficient
DEAR EDITOR - I would like to thank all the kind people who helped me when I fell on Fox Lane on Sunday, August 10. You were a really lovely crowd. The ambulance crew was grand, a special thank-you to you both. After a check-up at the Alexandra Hospiotal
DEAR EDITOR -- Could someone, or has someone calculated how much Droitwich has lost in visitors and revenue since the Lido was closed? DW Sheppard Charles Henry Road Droitwich
DEAR EDITOR - In response to the 'Stoke Prior Resident' concerning the redevelopment of the disused scout hut and garage site in the village. It is my view that the scout hut is not capable of conversion or facelift to provide safe, modern facilities.
DEAR EDITOR - I think that the owners of Safeway's should show a little more respect to the residents of Droitwich. They have erected a clock on our skyline and can't even be bothered to put the time right. It has never been the correct time from day
DEAR EDITOR -- There has been much criticism of the plans to bring Waitrose to Droitwich Spa, e.g. a letter recently 'Let's have consultation.' Without wishing to enter into discussion about promises made by councillors, may we put on record the fact
DEAR EDITOR- Banking on a change of heart - last week I needed to pop to Lloyds TSB in Bromsgrove. With a baby of just four months old I hoped I'd be able to park in the Lloyds TSB customer car park to make my quick transaction. However, I ended up waiting
DEAR EDITOR - With reference to the article earlier this month in which a grandmother says her grandson had his moped stolen by wheelclamp thieves and had to pay £300 to them to get it back. She says it's legalised robbery, but how can the removal of
DEAR EDITOR - As co-ordinator of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme with only two minor incidents to date, I am concerned about the way certain deliveries are carried out, in particular newspapers, to the homes within our scheme. I have personally requested
In a bid to solve the national problem of obesity, schools are being targeted as the first step towards a healthier lifestyle, with 'weigh-ins' for children suggested. Dan Kendrick has a look at some of the issues surrounding weight checks in schools.
Pre-season friendlies Sat July 19 Bromyard (a) 7-1 Ball 3, Robinson, Giddings, A Wright, Wood. Wed July 23 Studley (h) 1-3 Ball Tues July 29 Westfields (h) 1-1 Wood Sat Aug 2 Bilston (a) 6-1 Ball 4, Sayer, Wood Tues Aug 5 Stourbridge (h) 4-1 Robinson
WORCESTERSHIRE Royals' director of cricket Tom Moody has sent out a 'we must win' message to his troops ahead of tomorrow's crucial floodlit National League Division One clash against Essex Eagles at Colchester (4.10pm). The County are in serious danger
VIKRAM Solanki's bid to bat himself back into form proved successful when he hit a fine century on the opening day of Worcestershire's Second XI Championship match against Warwickshire at Barnt Green. The England one-day international hit 116 off 157
FINE dining and live jazz are on the menu at an award-winning Bromsgrove bar next week. Epic' Bar Brasserie, in Stoke Prior, is hosting an all-star line-up with the famous Trevor Burton Band and Dutch Lewis playing live this Sunday. Trevor Burton is a
IN reply to John Phillpott (Evening News, August 18) I'd much rather listen to Shirley Bassey or Mozart than watch a ballet. GEORGE COWLEY, Warndon, Worcester.
THE inimitable style of British artist Beryl Cook will be discussed at a meeting of the Lickey Hills Arts Society next month. Member Jean Wiseman will be giving the talk on the popular painter who is known for her colourful depictions of scenes of revelry
I WOULD like to thank Worcester City Council and the respected participants for the Bands in the Park event at Gheluvelt park. It made for some great Sunday afternoons and I hope that we will see more of the same next year. MARY CANE, Worcester.
Wednesday, August 27 Family: Bromsgrove Street Theatre, Recreation Ground, Bromsgrove, from 10am. Children: Teddy Bear's Picnic, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, 12pm. Film: The Pianist, Cinemac, mac, Cannon Hill Park
COUNCILLOR Gareth Jones' views follow a history of Worcester City Council decisions of destroying our city heritage. These include the demolition of the mediaeval Lychgate and the closure of the Museum of Local Life. If these are the personal views of
GREAT Alne lost their first league game in a record breaking two years against Cotswold Hills League division four strugglers Kineton seconds at the weekend. Kineton seconds made 179 for eight but Great Alne missed out by just the single run after managing
SHRIEKS of joy and an overwhelming sense of relief radiated from South Bromsgrove High School as town teenagers collected their GCSE results. Bucking the national trend, the Charford Road school achieved its best-ever results last Thursday. Ninety-eight
A MIXED bag of acts including stunning acrobatics and comedy delighted large audiences who turned up at Bromsgrove's Recreation Ground on Wednesday to enjoy all the fun of Street Theatre 2003. Stars of the show were the Black Eagles, originally from Tanzania
WITH three Oscars, the Palme D'or and a brace of Baftas to its credit, we are promised a Roman Polanski epic "masterpiece". The director's characteristic obsession with detail results in a very good film, even a worthy one, about the Holocaust. But it
TOWN leaders have called for an independent review on the Spa's canal restoration project. Droitwich Spa Civic Society called for action in response to the Wychavon District Council and British Waterways guide for future canalside planning applications
SECURITY is being stepped up at the Alexandra Hospital after a nurse from Bromsgrove was attacked by two youths brandishing an iron bar. The female nurse, who has not been named, was taking a break at the rear of the Redditch hospital's A & E department
A FAILURE to check and maintain an underground pipe, which led to a Bromsgrove brook being polluted, resulted in Severn Trent Water being prosecuted by the Environment Agency and fined £2,000. Severn Trent pleaded guilty to a charge of causing fuel to
A JUNIOR tennis player from Bromsgrove has surpassed her own expectations by defeating the top seed at Wimbledon. Victoria Moffett, aged 14, upset Berkshire's Victoria Watson 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 in the first round of the Road to Wimbledon National U14s Challenge
A HANDFUL of senior councillors from Bromsgrove had a secret meeting with bosses at Tesco's Hertfordshire headquarters last October, it was alleged this week. This startling claim follows inquiries by the recently formed action group set up to fight proposed
ALCESTER & Ragley played against Ashton-under-Hill on Saturday in a game full of meaning for both sides; Alcester needed a win to stay in promotion contention and Ashton needed a win to avoid relegation. Alcester took first innings started well with
REDDITCH had mixed fortunes over the Bank Holiday weekend, with a 66-run victory over Stourbridge on Saturday followed by a 159-run defeat at Beacon on Monday. In the Saturday game, taking first innings on a dry, dusty pitch, Redditch were made to fight
ANGRY residents say their patience is running out after the tenth power cut in three months in the district. Bromsgrove was again plunged into darkness last week. But now residents may be able to claim compensation for the disruption caused. Last Wednesday
JUBILANT Spa students are celebrating a pleasing crop of GCSE exam results. Two hundred and eighty six students sat exams at Droitwich Spa High School in May and June this year and 51 per cent achieved A* to C grades. This compares with 58.1 per cent
A PLUCKY Spa youngster is gearing up for this year's annual charity bikeathon. Six-year-old Lucy Dayer is getting ready to take her marks at Mere Hall in Hanbury on Sunday, September 14. The sprightly Showell Close resident, took part in the ten-mile
A TEACHER killed himself days after police launched an investigation into his alleged 'inappropriate use of computers' at a Black Country school. Matthew Vaughan-James, 43 of Whittingham Road, Stourbridge was hit by a train in Cutnall Green, near Droitwich
It's almost as if Elbow didn't want you to hear their music at times. So hushed and tentative is the sound the Manchester band create, it's as if they feel embarrassed to raise anything more than a whisper. But this is quite an endearing quality and most
FOR those unfamiliar with the work of this Californian band, they were the ones who did that superb rock cover of Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal. But if you're expecting more of the same, you may be disappointed because the album features such a mixture
I have to confess that I am not a Neil Young fan. I found 'Harvest Moon' monotonous and was and looking forward to his latest offering as much as being locked in a cellar full of spiders. But Young seems to have found a new lease of life with an album
THREE Droitwich Spa athletes have swept the board in a county race league. Natalie Tyler, Janine Hahner and Anita Tyler took first, second and third senior lady places respectively in the Worcestershire Road Running League 10km series. The trio, all from
A BARNT Green tennis player has helped Great Britain finish sixth in the International Tennis Federation's Maria Esther Bueno Cup. Pauline Fisher, a member of the village's sports club and a Herefordshire and Worcestershire county player, was part of
ALICE Richardson will be one of the main attractions at a top junior tennis event this week. The Bromsgrove Tennis Club talent, U16s and U18s winner at Malvern's Junior Open earlier this month, is favourite for the girls title at the Herefordshire and
JOE Rowe continued his impressive cycling season on the track with a winning performance in the 500-metres sprint at the Halesowen Track League. Bromsgrove cyclist Rowe, riding for Wyre Forest Cycle Racing Club, held off a chasing bunch of 15 riders to
MONDAY'S win against Moor Green made it three on the trot and it was by far our most convincing performance to date. Everything clicked into place both individually and collectively and it was a very strong display. The criticism up until the Moor Green
A DERELICT 'eyesore' which was a blot on the landscape of Oversley Green has now been transformed into a state-of-the-art care home for more than 80 residents. Next month will see the opening of Cherry Trees Care Home by Barchester Healthcare on the former
Monday, August 25, 2003 MARK Owen reclaimed his old stamping ground last night as City lit up St George's Lane last night with a stellar performance. The 25-year-old striker scored the second of Worcester's three goals as the threat of rivals Moor Green
ELEVEN packets of potentially lethal cancer causing chilli powder have been found in Redditch. Redditch Council environmental officers were carrying out searches of all shops and restaurants where there was a chance the illegal powder, imported from India
HARD-HIT Redditch bus passengers will have to cope with even more service cuts after it was announced Pete's Travel is cancelling all its evening services. From Thursday, September 4, the company is cancelling most of its services in the county, including
THREE members of the same family have been locked up after breaking into a neighbour's home and meting out violence in a misguided revenge attack. Mayhem was caused when Linda Doughty wrongly believed that three women had broken the glass in her front
AN Oakenshaw couple who failed to clear up the dog mess in their garden have been fined £1,600 with £400 costs by Redditch magistrates. Redditch Council took action against Chris Whyte and Helen Jackson, of Patch Lane, after complaints of pungent and
Londoners may have Big Ben, Madame Tussauds, a high crime rate and stifling traffic congestion but here in Astwood Bank we live life to the fullest. On Sunday, the local cricket team spent the day hammering some cloth- capped outfit from Yorkshire, my
RESIDENTS have hit out at the county and district councils over plans for an incinerator in Hopwood. Plans have been submitted for a chimney at Mayfield Farm, Redditch Road, which will be used for the 'processing of animal feed and the rendering of animal
YOUR correspondent Les Clarke is mistaken if he believes that the photograph of berries printed in conjunction with his letter (Advertiser, August 20) shows deadly nightshade. The plant depicted is Solanum dulcamara, otherwise known as woody nightshade
THERE were roars of approval when youngsters from an Enfield nursery put on a play with a wild theme. The children at Little Bears Nursery's Kool Kidz group performed a play based on the hugely popular Disney animated film The Lion King. As well as putting
A Parliamentary select committee has been looking at the need for parks and open spaces - a topic of real interest to many people here. Arrow Valley Park is an asset. We need to make it a better, more interesting amenity. And maintaining open spaces properly
THE group is moving to a larger venue at the Memorial Hall, Great Alne, in response to increased attendance at recent meetings. The group runs weekly dances drawn from the English and American folk traditions and live music is provided by the resident
COMPANIES in Redditch are being warned to ignore letters demanding £95 to register under the Data Protection Act. On Thursday Bob Lewsley, who runs a small computer business in Church Hill North, smelt a rat when he received a letter from the 'Data Protection
AVONCROFT Cricket Club First XI have realised their dream of winning promotion to Worcestershire County League division three. Paul Athey's side, third and fifth in their last two seasons in division four, guaranteed second spot despite losing by 37 runs
FOR the summer outing, members enjoyed a drive through lovely villages to Beckford Silk Mill. The visit started with a talk about all the different processes through which the silk has to be treated from the cocoon, the spinning of the silk and ended
SPEAKER at the August meeting was Mr Wolfe Wahle who spoke of his experiences as a German prisoner of war. Wolfe has lived in England for 58 years in and around Evesham. In March 1942, at nearly 18 years old, he was called up into the Luftwaffe and sent
A PUBLIC meeting is to be held for residents to air their views on a planned In Town Without My Car event - after it was proposed to close part of Headless Cross at the start of the working week. Although the event will only run from 9am-4pm on Sunday
SAM Bowen had the perfect opportunity to get the Bromsgrove Rovers crowd off his back. Presented with a penalty after substitute Peter Sutton was pulled down, Bowen, heckled at times during Monday's clash, was faced with beating emergency goalkeeper Quentin
A SCHEME piloted in Redditch two years ago to reduce the number of unwanted teenage pregnancies is now proving a great success across the whole of Worcestershire. Fifteen Time 4U drop-in centres now exist in the county, some in youth service premises,
ALCESTER Grammar School has maintained its exceptional pass rate of 100 per cent for grades A*-C at GCSE this year. And St Benedict's and Alcester High schools were also celebrating after achieving their best set of results ever. 77.6 per cent of pupils
A WORCESTER firm is making sure it stays at the top of its game by consolidating its operations on one site. Misys General Insurance is the UK's leading supplier of software and IT systems to insurance brokers. Part of Misys Plc - a global software company
THE only arthritis self help group in Redditch will be launched next month. Last year, a group in Bromsgrove folded, leaving a lack of help for people struggling to cope with the often debilitating illness. But Diane Cooke, a former nursing sister from
WURZEL Gummidge would have had a lot of fun at Arrow Valley Countryside Centre when people were given the chance to get creative. On Bank Holiday Monday, the centre held Scarecrow Day which featured all manner of weird and wonderful creations which had
