KEMP Hospice is appealing for sponsorship for a concert on Saturday. The Valentines Ladies Choir will be appearing with the Gwent Male Voice Choir at Kidderminster Town Hall at 7.30pm. Support is needed to meet the cost of moving a grand piano into the
MID-TABLE Chaddesley Corbett's season continued to peter out with a draw and defeat over the Bank Holiday weekend. Ian Chambers (45) and Kevin Truswell (44) guided Chaddesley to 228-8 on Monday against Ombersley. But the high-flying home side eventually
STOURPORT and Bewdley earned important points for their battles at opposite ends of the table in Monday's draw at Walshes Meadow. Promotion-chasing Bewdley, asked to bat first, totalled a daunting 268-8 with Simon Smith (56) and Craig Allen impressing
TWO new lay chaplains have been welcomed to Kemp Hospice after the Bishop of Dudley formally commissioned them. Jill Smith, an Anglican, and Catholic Jane DaCosta have joined two other lay chaplains and team leader Bob Murrin to give "pastoral care" to
KEMP Hospice has seized a "golden opportunity" to deliver its dream of a new enlarged day care centre at a huge saving - and almost two years sooner than planned. The hospice, currently based at cramped premises in Kidderminster's Sutton Park Road, has
COOKLEY quickly moved out of the Worcestershire League Division Two relegation zone with Monday's victory over bottom-of-the-table Oldswinford. The villagers had been pushed into the danger area by losing to lowly rivals Hereford City two days before.
A STRONG batting display continued Brintons' revival in Worcestershire League Division Five with an eight-wicket success at Knighton-on-Teme. Alan Lockwood (63) and Andy Jones (53 not out) drove Brintons home to 20 points after the home side totalled
CUTNALL Green stayed on Highley's heels with a nine-wicket thrashing of Hewell in Worcestershire League Division Five. Third-placed Green were grateful to another superb innings from Neil Fletcher (96 not out) and the bowling of Neil Evans (4-13). Hewell
MYSTERY surrounds the identity of an organisation that is planning to open an asylum assessment centre at a Worcester landmark. The group has approached the owner of the Northwick theatre in Ombersley Road, with a view to renting the building for six
A MAN whose wife died of cancer has been spurred on to raise money for Kemp Hospice and keep her memory alive. Tony Williams was "devastated" when Madeline died aged 60 in March 2001 from cancer of the liver. His wife, a "highly-regarded" former Bewdley
CHAINWIRE dropped down the Worcestershire League Division Six table after the league received no result from their game with Fladbury. Fixture, Saturday: Hallow v Chainwire (1pm).
FATHER and son Glyn and Paul Thomas were the main scorers for Victoria and Blakeley Hall as their team recorded an 11-run win over Cookley B in the Stainweld Wednesday League Premier Division. P Thomas fired 64 runs and his father 36 but top scorer was
ELDERLY residents in care homes in Evesham and Pershore are having to find new accommodation due to closures which have resulted in the loss of 60 jobs. Seventeen residents of Fairwater Nursing Home, in Coopers Lane, Evesham, are to leave by the end of
A MAIDEN half-century by 14-year-old Richard Harris was the highlight of Bewdley's 39-run win over King's Norton in a Sunday friendly. He was watched by his father and grandfather, Hubie and Bert Harris, former stalwarts for Ombersley and Cutnall Green
AN A-grade GCSE student found dead at her Worcestershire home the day after celebrating her results died from a suspected drugs overdose, it has emerged Police said 16-year-old Sally Leeder's death is not thought to be related to her exam results, but
SLIMMERS are losing pounds and Kemp Hospice is gaining them as waistlines shrink for the charity. Eight people - members of Hartlebury's Torton Turds football club and their partners - have pledged to shed up to seven stone between them to raise at least
MIDFIELD favourite Danny Williams is urging Kidderminster Harriers to rediscover their traditional passing game for the campaign's toughest test yet. Harriers tackle one of the early-season pace-setters, Oxford United, at Aggborough on Saturday after
PATIENTS and volunteers at Kemp Hospice have made a collage to brighten up a brand new facility in Africa. The colourful creation was sent to Tanzania's first ever hospice, due to be completed by November, earlier this month. The gift - which took a month
SPIRITUAL healing - and physical refreshment - is a big draw for one patient marking her first anniversary at Kemp Hospice. Betty Morrison, 71, who is seriously ill with bone cancer, has been visiting the day care centre three times a week since last
A BACK garden strewn with household waste has remained untouched by Worcester City Council, despite its owner dying more than five weeks ago. Residents fear rats will be attracted to the squalid mess in Lichfield Avenue, Ronkswood, Worcester, which includes
A COUPLE who declined ruby wedding anniversary gifts and asked well-wishers to support the building appeal have won a bottle of champagne. Leon and Ena Lloyd, of Furlongs Road, Cleobury Mortimer, held a party to mark 40 years of marriage at the Horse
BUDDING Beckhams were put through their paces at Worcester City Football Club's last soccer school for the summer. The blue and whites have run seven different schemes throughout the six-week break, passing on their skills to more than 450 children. Some
THE new headteacher at a city high school has hit out at what he says is the unfair funding hindering Worcestershire's education. Neil Morris, who officially begins at Christopher Whitehead High School on Monday, September 1, has spent a decade teaching
A CHARITY golf day has swung into action and raised more than double the anticipated amount for Kemp Hospice's building appeal. The event, held last month at Kidderminster Golf Club and organised by members of Hartlebury's Torton Turds football club,
A TEENAGER who took part in two street robberies 15 minutes apart wept in the dock of Worcester Crown Court as he was given 12 months' detention. Michael Cooper and an unknown accomplice targeted 15-year-old youths in Bromsgrove for their mobile phones
A HAVEN for people recovering from major treatments is set to welcome more people through its doors. Kemp Hospice's nurse manager, Helen Windridge, said it aimed to get patients back on their feet, frequently after enduring debilitating courses to combat
THE case of a swan snared by a fishing hook has sparked a petition to rid a Droitwich canal basin of illegal anglers. Vines Lanes residents rescued the injured bird from the Saltway canal basin, where fishing is illegal. Town councillor John Cook claims
A RISE in house prices in Worcestershire has renewed concern for first-time buyers who could have to rely on a "golden handout" to jump aboard the property ladder. Potential homeowners breathed a sigh of relief at the end of May as prices slowed and then
MORE than a decade of dedicated service has been recognised with this week's bottle of champagne. Barbara Ferrier, 60, started visiting Kemp Hospice patients in their homes 12 years ago and she now also helps out at the Sutton Park Road centre three or
A MAN has gone missing from Worcestershire Royal Hospital. Police are appealing for Paul Nosworthy, aged 19, of Evesham, to return home or contact them He went missing while receiving treatment at about 3pm on Wednesday, August 20. Police are concerned
ALL eyes were focused on the sky last night as Mars reached its closest point 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 worldwide. In Worcester, more than 100
TELEVISION star and former Evesham High School student Alistair McGowan is backing a campaign to preserve the landscape of the Vale of Evesham. The Vale Landscape Heritage Trust aims to protect locally distinctive features, such as old orchards and meadows
ELDERLY residents of care homes in Evesham and Pershore are having to find new accommodation due to closures, which are also leading to the loss of 60 jobs. Seventeen residents of Fairwater Nursing Home, in Coopers Lane, Evesham, are to leave by the end
A PRIVATE party had a public spin-off after a couple celebrating their ruby wedding anniversary asked guests to help Kemp Hospice's building appeal. About 70 people helped Ena and Leon Lloyd, of Furlongs Road, Cleobury Mortimer, mark 40 years together
VOLUNTEERS at Kemp Hospice have praised its stimulating atmosphere and professional care - and highlighted the need for a bigger base. Unpaid workers fill a number of roles for the Sutton Park Road centre, including transporting patients, helping with
KEEPING up with Kemp Hospice's day-to-day costs has added importance with all eyes currently on the building appeal, according to the campaign manager. John Fletcher said fundraising to meet running expenses was critical if the dream of the new £2.2 million
EVER since Kemp Hospice was founded two decades ago this week's winner of a bottle of champagne has been a staunch supporter. Marie Beahan, 73, already raised money for Macmillan nurses when the hospice was set up in 1981 and tries to help any cause connected
A PATIENT on just his seventh visit to Kemp Hospice has told how he has already started to regain his self-belief. John Hill has coronary heart disease and unstable angina - a condition that is not necessarily terminal but could kill him at any time.
PATIENTS will suffer when the plug is pulled on Kidderminster Hospital's telephone switchboard next month in a "financially-driven" move, it has been claimed. From September 12 all calls to operators - who currently book appointments and operations as
A TEENAGER with a rare genetic disorder affecting one in 2,000 girls is helping to raise awareness of the condition. Fourteen-year-old Emma Browning discovered she had Turner Syndrome, which causes infertility and stunted growth, eight years ago. Emma
ARCHITECTS have given the thumbs up to a bid to turn Kidderminster Town Hall into a thriving arts complex. A study has been handed to councillors giving the all-clear to a £3 million plan which would bring theatre, live music and a caf to the 19th century
HEALING hands will be invigorating an appeal when a masseur attempts a day-long marathon for charity. Andy Cox is lining up 18 people for sponsored hour-long massages over 24 hours in aid of terminally-ill children. He hopes to raise at least £500 from
EXHIBITS tailored by a group of patchworkers and quilters are going on display to mark its 10th birthday and drum up cash for charity. Forest Quilters will stage the two-day spectacle, which represents the whole range of its repertoire, at Kidderminster
l It is now more than two years since Dr Richard Taylor sent shockwaves through the political system by becoming the first independent elected to Parliament on a local issue in the modern era. Labour was ousted in June 2001 when the former Kidderminster
FINES have been astronomical at a cricket club this season - but the players have been happy to pay them. Stagborough Cricket Club, based in Stourport, has been penalising members for everything from dropped catches to turning up late for matches. By
AN intrepid couple have survived a two-wheeled trip the length of Britain for the Kemp Hospice appeal - and even enjoyed it. Sonia and Mark Hyrons, of James Road, Kidderminster, completed the 950-mile route from Land's End to John O'Groats in just 12
AN antiques valuation day has given a welcome boost to Kemp Hospice's planned state-of-the-art home. Last week's event, held in glorious sunshine in Shatterford, raised £800 for the appeal. Two experts from Halls Fine Art, which has an office in Kidderminster's
FLOWER SHOW: Ebrington and District Gardening Club's annual flower and vegetable show on Saturday was once again organised by Lucy Dunphey assisted by the committee and members of the club. There were many excellent displays in all categories, with a
CSRF: Following the Evesham group's summer break the meeting on August 12 was well attended with plenty of talk between members while enjoying coffee and biscuits. The chairman, Mrs Anne Innes, spoke of the recent death of Mr Eric Munday, a valued and
ART CLUB: Harvington Art Club will be holding an exhibition in the village hall on Saturday, September 20, from 10am to noon, when members' art work can be seen and discussed and, possibly, bought. There will be no charge for entry but refreshments will
PARISH COUNCIL: At the August meeting of the parish council, chaired by coun Tony Wilkins, a letter of resignation from Mr F J Edmunds was read out by the clerk, and was received with regret. Mr Edmunds had been a councillor for 15 years, and had done
COTSWOLD farmers and landowners are feeling threatened by the prospect of their estates shrinking under The Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CROW) which gives people new rights to walk on areas of open country and registered common land. According to
INTEREST AND LEISURE CLUB: In August Bournemouth, Queen of the South, was the destination for the club outing. Members travelled there by coach. This seaside resort was discovered by Victorian Society in the mid-19th century. Some members even went up
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION WOMEN'S SECTION: Pershore branch is holding a harvest supper on Tuesday, September 2, at 7pm at St Wulstans Hall. Prospective new members and old members are invited to join. Transport is provided. Information from 553231 or 553435
A WHEELBARROW race has proved an inventive way of raising cash for the Kemp Hospice appeal. Students from Kidderminster College careered along pushing specially decorated wheelbarrows on Friday and are putting sponsorship money towards the campaign to
DESPITE her cancer, Kemp Hospice gave Julie Smith her pride and dignity back. Her mother Jean has told of the sensitivity of Kemp Hospice staff and the confidence her daily visits gave her. Julie, who died last July at the age of 31 after being diagnosed
THE whole community continues to back Kemp's appeal and this week a police officer finally decided what to do with the money he raised in the London Marathon. Sgt Mark Bissett ran the 26-mile course in under four hours in April and picked up almost £300
THE momentum created by the public launch of Kemp Hospice's £2.2 million appeal nearly two weeks ago has continued with the prospect of another huge donation. The sum of £20,000 has been pledged by the Bulmer Benevolent Fund, linked to Herefordshire cider
THE new man at Kemp Hospice has dedicated himself to fighting for its future. Michael Rowan came from an academic position at a Finnish university to fill the newly created post of hospice manager at the beginning of May. He arrives at a momentous period
"IN Worcester I'm proud to say a happy relationship has been maintained with all the local communities. This is the good message for the rest of the country, who should follow the positive example" - so said Nurul Haque of Worcestershire Racial Equality
WHEN the new centre opens in 2004 a major gap in the health care available in Wyre Forest will be plugged. Kemp Hospice's £2.2 million building will provide specialist in-patient palliative care beds for the first time. Campaign manager John Fletcher
UNLIKE many hospices run as part of the NHS or by national charities, Kemp Hospice has been an independent venture run almost entirely on voluntary contributions for more than two decades. The launch of its ambitious project to provide in-patient care
IN the coming weeks, the Shuttle/Times and News will feature an interview with new Kemp Hospice manager Mike Rowan who will share his thoughts on developments at the Kidderminster centre. We will also focus on families who have suffered bereavement and
KIDDERMINSTER Male Choir and the Valentines ladies choir spent the Bank Holiday weekend in Germany, as guests of twin town Husum, to help celebrate the 400th anniversary of the German town's charter. VON STEWART joined in the fun. MY trip to Husum with
THE Young Vic Theatre Company are bringing a new adaptation of Hobson's Choice to the Everyman at Cheltenham in September. Tanika Gupta's adaptation transforms Harold Brighouse's boot-making family into a dress-making family within Salford's Asian community
CYCLING: Two firemen are hoping to blaze a trail against the best in the service at the Firefighter World Cycling Championships. Warren King, 36, and Phil Blacker, 32, are in the Great Britain squad competing in Valdi Fiemme, Italy, from September 17.
MOTORSPORT: Six crews from Kidderminster Motor Car Club will be bidding for success at Saturday's popular Woodpecker Stages Rally in Ludlow. Wolverley's Rob Archer and co-driver Peter Field, leaders of the BTRDA Dunlop Gold Star Championship class B12
BOWLING: The race for the Kidderminster and District Midweek Bowling League Division One title is drawing to a climax with only two games left. Bewdley A still lead the division, one point ahead of St Johns A and two in front of Franche A in third place
Versatile Hinton began his career at right-back before reverting to a centre-half role during the Conference championship-winning season. The change of position proved the making of the former Birmingham City trainee who was once rated at £1 million and
The son of former England goalkeeping legend Peter spent two seasons at Hartlepool before his free transfer move to Third Division opposition Harriers. An attacking midfielder who also filled in at wing-back, he moved from Plymouth Argyle to Coventry
Bennett was a then club record buy of £30,000 from rivals Bromsgrove Rovers in January 1999 and proved a goal-scoring menace to Conference opponents in the title-winning season. The ex-England semi-professional international signed a two-year deal at
Vastly-experienced Flynn took over the captaincy in Mark Blake's absence after putting pen to paper on a year's deal before the first 2002/03 league game with Lincoln. The influential central or right-sided midfielder is known for his tough tackling and
DAVE James set a new record for a catch at Moorlands Farm Fishery on Friday in the evening three-hour competition on the Meadow Pool. The catch, taken from peg 19, weighed 228lb 2oz and completed a successful week for the angler. Two days previously,
A £500 reward has been put up for information on a thief who stole a Kidderminster man's car radio. Thirty-four-year-old Graham Walden said he was offering the cash for information leading to the arrest and charge of the culprit to deter people from buying
THERE has been good fishing on all coarse waters with weights varying from 18lb to 73lb. The most popular baits have been sweetcorn, maggots, luncheonmeat, and macaroni cheese. A 22lb common was landed from peg six on the Cuckoo Pool, using worm and sweetcorn
NIGHT-TIME surveillance by environment officials landed two Rock men in deep water for illegally stocking diseased fish. Mike Giles and Paul Evans were caught after they were spotted by officers from the Environment Agency emptying carp into a pool at
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
THE Wednesday Junior Open provided much sport for the young anglers, with Richard Pardoe landing a 12lb carp. Wednesday morning, Junior Open: Sean Anslow 21-2, Pardoe 15-8, Paul Bray 11-14. Friday Evening Open, Dragonfly: Andy Newton 89-9-9, Doug Greenow
A WOMAN is awaiting sentence after pleading guilty at Worcester Crown Court to a racially aggravated assault. Emma Blundell, 21, of York Court, Kidderminster, was remanded on bail for a report after admitting the attack on Bodrul Mustafa on August 16
l The Shuttle/Times and News has teamed up with North Worcestershire Police to help reduce crime in Wyre Forest. This monthly Crimestoppers column features video images supplied by the police who would like to trace the people in the pictures as part
I WAS encouraged to see that other people are as concerned as I am with illegal parking in Bewdley and, in fact, throughout the Wyre Forest area. (View on the Street, August 21). The two traffic wardens that patrol the streets of Wyre Forest also patrol
POLICE at Kidderminster are appealing for information after almost £90 worth of cigarettes were stolen. The theft occurred at Waitrose, Swan Centre, Kidderminster, on Friday, May 30 at about 6.10pm. A man entered the shop and asked for 400 Benson and
KINGFISHER Pool, Poole Hall: Barry Chesson 30-15-8, John Parry 10-12, Carl Carter 10-3, Alec Cowen 9-5-8. There will be a contest at Sion Farm on Sunday, meeting at the Park Inn at 7am. Anyone wanting breakfast is asked to call Dean Ashcroft by this evening
IT was interesting to read the report in last week's Shuttle/Times and News that Nuneaton and Bedworth voters had forced their council to abandon a fortnightly refuse collection scheme and revert to a weekly one. The voters complained that the fortnightly
HELP is needed to solve an offence of obtaining money by deception after a man went into Lloyds/TSB bank on the High Street in Stourport and stole £300. The incident occurred on Thursday, May 8 at about 10.15am when the man gave details of an Oldbury
HETA Pool: C Price 50-12, S Rowe 32-0, G Birch 30-9. A juniors contest has been arranged for Saturday on the Three Crowns Pool, meeting at the Old Bear at 9am. A seniors meet is at the same venue on Sunday with cars leaving Broadwaters at 6.30am. The
I AM mortified to learn from the Shuttle/Times and News that Councillor Stephen Clee, leader of local Conservative councillors, has invited some of my Health Concern colleagues to defect and stand as Conservatives in next year's elections. Where is my
I AM writing this letter to congratulate the two gentlemen who work for Stourport Town Council and who look after our memorial park. I have seen all the mess and vandalism that they have to put up with but they still manage to keep it looking lovely.
GORNAL proved the stronger side throughout as Bewdley Town's bid to regain the West Midlands League Division One South title slipped up. Bewdley were defeated 2-1 at home, despite taking a 15th-minute lead through Steve Mares who headed home Chris Hough's
ALAN Blount won the Rob Millward Shield as overall winner of a 24-hour sponsored fish with a total weight of 149-15. Other weights: Bill Dowing 136-10, Richard Bourne 92-7, Les Wright 71-5, Dave Morris 70-6, Trevor Wilks 43-11, Bill Hipkiss 36-3, Alex
IN no way do I condone the use of inappropriate speed, especially in built-up areas, but I challenge those smug, self-righteous people who have criticised John Jackson and Dave Perks to deny they have ever sped, even if unintentionally. Remember also
HABBERLEY Valley local nature reserve is a location many of us choose to visit over the summer holidays to take in the beauty of the landscape, enjoy an easy stroll and relax in the countryside away from the strife of modern life. What makes Habberley
THE hot humid weather may be a bit wearing for some of us but one plant, the Himalayan balsam, seems to have thrived and has grown in many areas with alarming vigour. Himalayan balsam is the tall, sickly-smelling, pink flower that is commonly seen growing
FIREFIGHTERS had to launch a rescue boat after sheep became trapped in the River Avon at Harvington. Three of the sheep survived their ordeal and two died in the incident, which happened on Sunday at around 3pm at Anchor Lane, Harvington, near The Mill
A RIDER was killed when her horse fell onto her after hitting a fence at the Spring Hill horse trials near Broadway. Samantha Hudson, aged 33, was pronounced dead at the scene of her fall at the one-day event which is sponsored by the Journal Series.
A NEW international fraud scam targeting anyone advertising and selling a car has been discovered by Worcestershire County Council's Trading Standards Service. The fraudsters, who target both private sellers and car retailers, contact the sellers claiming
SEDGEBERROW villagers are looking forward to the opening of a £440,000 cycle way that will provide them with a safer route into Evesham. Work is due to be completed this week on the cycle way, on the southbound carriageway of the A46 trunk road between
THE dilapidated 17century South Littleton Manor looks set to be sold, after its eccentric owner died in May this year. The estate agency Knight Frank of Stratford has been inundated with viewing requests to see the Grade II* listed building which has
A THREE-YEAR-OLD Harvington boy with a terminal illness could soon have the tricycle he has always dreamed of, thanks to community spirit in the village. Doctors previously told Kate and Andy Hall that their son Isaac's condition was too unstable for
WYCHAVON District Council has netted £22,500 in sponsorship for a Vale fishing event. The Evesham Angling Festival - previously known as the Wychavon Festival - will be supported for the next three years by angling equipment firm Shakespeare, which is
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
HUNDREDS of green-fingered growers went flower crazy over the weekend as the Vale hosted two great shows. All roads to Great Comberton were congested last Saturday as visitors made their way to the 57th show, and with superb weather it is likely that
JANUARY was certainly a time when it looked as if Armageddon had broken loose on Burlish Top Nature Reserve. Tractor mounted heavy-duty flail mowers were used to cut into large swathes of scrub gorse. Six-foot gorse and broom were transformed into great
ALL life on earth is dependent on capturing energy. With very few exceptions this energy is the radiation given off by our solar system's sun. While we may enjoy its warmth, cold-blooded creatures like reptiles and amphibians rely on basking in its warmth
WEST Midland Safari Park is teeming with tots following an unprecedented baby boom. And keepers are bracing themselves for the imminent arrival of yet more newcomers. More than 10 different species have given birth in the last four weeks, including wolves
SHEPSHED 1 SWIFTS 1 Everything looked rosy at the Dovecote as Stourport Swifts looked to build on an early wonder goal from Kerry Giddings on Saturday. Striker Antony Robinson was up to his usual ball juggling tricks and three Dr Martens Western Division
HOT sunny days in May are always great to go out in search of some of the districts more interesting creepy crawlies. Finding a south facing slope with a patch of bare sandy soil, I sat down on an area of soft hair grass and enjoyed the warmth of the
MAY is here and the woods all around the district are ablaze with wild flowers. A trip to Hurcott Pools and Woods nature reserve, Kidderminster, is strongly recommended, as these are now a sea of blue. I always find it such an uplifting experience to
MITCH Counsell is set to quit Worcester City and sign for Dr Martens Premier Division rivals Bath City. The 21-year-old will complete his move in the next 24 hours after Bath put in seven days notice of approach for him. Counsell arrived at City in January
Recently, the weather has been superb for enjoying a springtime walk in the countryside, with the early spring flowers putting on some wonderful shows of dazzling colour. The wetlands of Spennells Valley, Hurcott Pool and Blake Marsh have had some truly
AN unbeaten knock of 158, including 15 sixes, was enough to land Himbleton's John Caudle the batting prize in our Evening News/Fearnley Factory Shop Cricketer of the Week awards. And a career-best analysis of 7-34 earned the bowling honours for Pershore's
THE season is rapidly drawing to a close and there are many crucial issues to be decided in the Crusader Worcestershire County League. The last set of games in Divisions Three to Six take place on Saturday, with Divisions One and Two concluding the following
WORCESTER Athletic Club Men's Team returned to winning ways to retain their Midland Masters Track & Field League Title after a hard fought battle with Birmingham rivals Birchfield Harriers. They convincingly won the final league meeting scoring 233
I have to admit it even feels a bit strange to me, but it is at this time of year decisions are taken to plan the conservation work for the next 12 months. From what has already been decided it looks as though it is going to be quite an exciting year
WHEN they think of heath birds, most people imagine skylarks soaring above the heather or a kestrel hovering with amazing skill, ready to pounce on a hapless mouse. However, during the past week I had two encounters with birds which are not exactly rare
I recently saw a wildlife documentary, which featured a river python attacking, constricting and then consuming an antelope. This was quite a stunning bit of footage and I could not help but be impressed by this magnificent snake. Here in England we don't
* (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
COME high summer, most of the wetland nature reserves are covered with tall, rank vegetation. However, on each of the reserves, tall reeds and rushes usually tower above this jungle-like tangle, where they grow together to form dense patches which sway
THE woods at Hurcott Pools and Wood nature reserve have a wonderful appeal. Even now, with the bluebells just a fading memory and the views of the magnificent marshland flora obscured by the dense growth, the wood is still a pleasant place to take an
THE dark evenings of January can be dismal and I often find myself longing for warm, sunny summer evenings. However, I have found there are some advantages to the short daylight hours. My favourite time of day is dawn as I always feel there is something
IN common with many people, I like to spend a few moments at the start of a new year reflecting on the highlights of the previous year. Last year as a whole is perhaps best categorised as being very mild, albeit a little soggy. With January 2002 being
ONE of the hardest things about managing nature reserves is looking after the trees. It is a difficult act, trying to ensure people's safety from the risk of falling trees, while at the same time caring for the wildlife, which in many cases depend on
Here in the Wyre Forest district visitors from Africa are arriving. Migrating birds, which have spent the cooler months in tropical Africa, are now arriving to feed on the abundance of insect life, which are begining to emerge from their dormant winter
On Saturday afternoon, a family ride will leave Highgate Country Park (OS map ref 137 835984) at 2pm and will take in Halfpenny Green vineyard and caf. This ride will be suitable for families with young children. For details telephone Phil and Louise
MOST of us either when we were at school or, from an early age, learned a little about the lifecycle of butterflies. They start off as an egg, which hatches into a caterpillar. The caterpillar then eats and eats before pupating within a chrysalis to emerge
A man who mounted a two-year campaign of harassment against an earl's daughter has been banned from contacting her for the next two years. But Stephen Adamson has vowed to appeal against three convictions of harassing solicitor's wife Lady Rosalthe Randall
The lunch venue for September is the Old Beams, Stourport and members should meet at noon for 12.30pm on Tuesday. At the in-house meeting on Tuesday, September 16, Godfrey Jones will be Looking back at Kidderminster, at 2pm at the Trinity Church Centre
IT may have been a wet month, but in terms of temperature it has been very mild. One indication of just how mild it has been is the fact that there are some wild flowers still in bloom. On a recent trip to Redstone Marsh nature reserve I encountered three
GOOD weather, especially at this time of the year, always seems to bring out the best in a nature reserve. There may not be the spectacular blasts of colour we will see when the majority of springtime flowers come in to bloom a little later this month
The group celebrated its 85th birthday by visiting the gardens at Stocktonbury, Kimbolton, near Leominster. The original gardens were laid out in Victorian-style with a walled kitchen garden. Since the 1990s the gardens have been extended to include the
LAST week's high winds saw the end of many fine trees. Damage on the nature reserves was relatively minor but one species of tree which suffered more than most was the crack willow. The land around Kidderminster and along the Stour and Severn river valleys
AT last, as far as the fungi are concerned, autumn has arrived. This year as on many previous years, I've carried out a fungal foray around Habberley Valley in September. We found some fungi, including interesting species such as the bizarre looking beef-steak
Astley Village Hall was the venue for a well-attended cheese and wine evening on June 25. Geoff Knowles and Tom Walker gave an interesting talk on the fire service of yesteryears, which proved to be very entertaining. An extraordinary general meeting
A most interesting afternoon was enjoyed by members when the Headway Singers came to sing popular songs for them. The music and singers were conducted by Stella Bagnall. A nice tea was served for everyone and Margaret Stringer thanked the singers and
OCTOBER has given us our first few chilly days. One consequence of this is the low lying land which runs along the district's major river corridors has been shrouded in a deep creepy mist. Marshes have often had supernatural stories associated with them
The first of the Severn Valley Winter Walks takes place on September 21 at Bliss Gate and the start time is from 9am to 9.30am with check-in from 8.30am. Two routes are available, either 10k or 20k, and both are waymarked. Walks cost £1 and non-members
AS we move into October and the weather starts to turn we often start to think about getting out our warmer winter clothing. Animals out on the nature reserve will also be making preparations for winter. Many of our common summer birds have already left
One animal which always seems to be around in abundance at this time of year is the spider. There are the house spiders, which scuttle across the carpet of your living room, or those which hang towards the centre of a beautifully constructed cartwheel
During the early half of this month, weather and ground conditions were wet. Heavy rain and the high levels of water combined with mild weather created miserable conditions. But, it provided the ideal conditions for amphibian wildlife to begin their springtime
THE Blues over Broadway nights continue next month with Free Wheelin Blues on Thursday, September 11. Steve Kent and Trevor Berry will be performing at The Crown and Trumpet Inn, playing a mixture of blues-based material drawn from city blues to country
When out for a stroll in the countryside it is quite a sobering thought that maybe, just a few metres away hidden in the undergrowth lurks a predator which has a fabled reputation for being one of the most ferocious and vicious on earth. Legend has it
Summer has always been a hectic time ever since I started working for the Wyre Forest District Council Ranger Service. This year was no exception, and, if anything was even more busy. Through the school holiday the ranger service hosts a wide range of
YOUNG people involved with a Stourport church have met their German counterparts in the latest cultural exchange. Some 13 visitors, aged between 14 and 23, from Barby in the former East Germany made the trip to Wyre Forest to find out more about the area
They say that in our world, change is the only constant, and change is recognised as something that leads to uncertainty, and can lead to stress. In recent years the rate that the process and function of our life changes has risen dramatically, as has
AS the frost and snow of the New Year period melt, the first green leaves to be seen in the woody areas of Habberley Valley are thoseof the small and unobtrusive plant called dog's mercury. It grows no more than 30cms tall, in large numbers and can be
MY job is to manage the nature reserves of the Wyre Forest district. The principle aim in doing this job is to create the best possible condition so that each habitat - for example marsh, woodland and heath - can support the greatest variety of wildlife
IT would seem to me this summer there are more puddles to be found on the nature reserves than usual. These puddles are doing the animal life no end of good. Many of the reserves' larger animals will be glad of this extra water at this time of year, particularly
THE warm summer has ensured that 2003 will be remembered as a bumper year for butterflies and moths. As well as being one of the best years for painted lady butterflies, many unusual migrants have arrived in the area. Mrs Jean Holt from Adlestrop, near
IT is always nice to spend a few moments reflecting on the previous months at this time of year. I have prepared a recap of the developments and wildlife encounters spotted, while out and about on the Wyre Forest District Council nature reserves. Winter
BURLISH Top is one of the districts' heathland nature reserves. On a recent visit I was rewarded with a beautiful and yet completely unexpected scene. The last few weeks have, in my opinion, produced one of the most spectacularly beautiful autumn landscapes
THE cattle grazing on the Rifle Range and Devils Spittleful Nature Reserves have been munching away on the heath. Their choice of food has been the patches of acid grassland, which is part of the heathland plant community mosaic. It is defined by wavy
ST ANNE'S church in Bewdley is to welcome its new rector in time for Christmas. The institution of Keith James will take place on December 16. Mr James was born in New Zealand and has three young children. He is married to Linda and counts Burnley Football
AT first glance the humble earthworm appears to have no human characteristics, but if you take a closer look you will see it has a surprising number of similarities. Earthworms and humans are propelled through the use of muscles which operate in a similar
KIND-HEARTED councillors have given the thumbs up to a family who want to extend their Bewdley home - despite being urged to reject it by planning experts. They gave the green light to the extension at Burltons Terrace, High Street - a Grade II listed
THIS year has been a particularly good year for the Fly Agaric Toadstool which has been made famous in children's stories because of its and white speckled appearance. In all the nature reserves, the dead and dying remains of this year's fungal blooms
MAYBE it is just me, but one of the things I enjoy is taking a trip across some of the bogs, wetlands or marshes we find in our district. Wyre Forest has some of the finest along the river corridors of the Severn and Stour and along the brooks that are
OVER the past few years, the Young Rangers Club has grown to be very popular with its members. They have enjoyed exciting adventures, daring challenges and crazy races. They have learnt survival skills, map reading and shelter building and have been on
A SIGHT I often take pleasure in is of magnificent birds of prey twisting in thermals or tearing across woodland clearings in the sky above the reserves. These birds are one of the signs that the natural environment on these reserves is a healthy one
IT might be a rather pessimistic observation, but it would seem that the nature reserves are already starting to show the first signs of the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. A walk through the woods of Habberley Valley will prove, or as in the
RECENTLY my duties as Countryside and Conservation Officer for Wyre Forest District Council took me for a walk along the River Stour near Puxton Marshes. Walking along the banks near Puxton Marsh nature reserve is a commonly enjoyed pastime for many of
HABBERLEY Valley Nature Reserve is a location many people visit over the holidays to take in the beauty of the landscape, enjoy a stroll and relax in the countryside. What makes Habberley Valley an appealing place to visit is the number of different habitats
BIG fluffy Belted Galloway cattle wandering through head height scrub and grassland may create a bit of a spectacle but does it really benefit our wildlife or is it just a way of giving cows holidays? Many people must have wondered this when the Wyre
TWO real-life heroes are set to receive commendations for their bravery at a special ceremony today. Pershore-based paramedic Tom O'Keeffe and ambulance technician Tim Holt were called out to the A4104 over the southbound carriageway of the M5 in May
FELICITY Kendall says she hopes to be still gently flirting when she's 80. I wish she would flirt in my direction now - I can't wait til she's 80, I might not be around. GEORGE COWLEY, Worcester.
PERSHORE'S annual celebration of the plum is putting the town on the map nationally, according to the event's organiser. Dave Shaw, who has run the Pershore Plum Fair for the past six years, said coach loads of visitors were now being bussed in from Birmingham
PERSHORE residents have been reassured their town remains a low crime area by the commander of the Vale. Senior police officer Inspector Steve Brooker of West Mercia Police held talks with town councillors at a meeting last Thursday. He said despite a
JUST what on earth is Mr Margrett talking about when he says Ireland's "standard of living is higher than in this country since they joined the euro" (You Say, August 19). For his information, average wages in Ireland are lower than in the UK and income
IT is easy to moralise with no personal involvement as does L Spiteri (You Say, August 18) Like your correspondents F L Jones and D E Margrett, I served in South East Asia Command in the Second World War and can readily identify with the sentiments they
THE Edinburgh Woollen Mill in Broadway is helping Ma-millan in its quest to break the record for the world's biggest ever coffee morning in September. The record was broken last year for the world's largest simultaneous party when more than 545,000 people
WRITER, singer and broadcasting legend, Sir Jimmy Young is on at the Everyman Theatre next Thursday. His fans are being urged to spend an evening with the great man starting at 7.45pm. In December, 2001, Jimmy received a knighthood from the Queen when
A LISTED Building in Broadway is set for a facelift if Wychavon's planners agree to alterations. The applicants are applying to replace an existing metal window frame facing Bibsworth Lane with French windows.
LOCAL land artist Simon English has created a work of art outside The Gallery in Stratford to celebrate an exhibition by fellow land artist Andy Goldsworthy. Simon, famous for the rabbits mown into a field in Warwick Road in Stratford, was set the challenge
VALE residents are being offered the chance to cool down with cha cha cha at Wulstan Hall in Priest Lane, Pershore. Classes run for six weeks and cost £3 a session, starting on Friday, September 19, from 7.30pm to 8.30pm. It is a great way to exercise
YOU can generally tell it's the first day back at school by the nervous buzz in the air, the embarrassed scuffing of too-new shoes and abundance of razor-sharp haircuts. Or at least you could at my school, where your peers' verdict on a new uniform, coat
HAVING released both Resident Evil and Resident Evil 0 for the Nintendo GameCube it seemed only logical that Resident Evil 2 would follow. Rather than being a remake, like the original Resident Evil, this is a conversion. However, there are notable improvements
A WORKING men's club has handed over £1,221 to Kemp Hospice after staging a Black Country musical evening. Combined with several raffles, the event - held earlier this month - has more than doubled last year's total raised for the cause by the club. It
A REGAL performance will be supported by the king of all props when a musical extravaganza takes to the stage in aid of Kemp Hospice. The King with Cold Feet will be performed at Kidderminster Town Hall tomorrow and Saturday evening - with the help of
KIDDERMINSTER folk went quackers over the launch of the town's first-ever carnival duck race. Last Saturday's event saw nearly 600 plastic ducks come under starter's orders from carnival queen Caroline Greenhill with passers-by watching from the riverbank
ORGANISERS of Kidderminster Carnival are hoping to raise up to £1,000 for charity with a "quacking" new event. The carnival's first fund-raising duck race will be held on Saturday - a week ahead of the big day - in aid of Kemp Hospice, this year's chosen
THE Friends of Kemp Hospice are holding a bazaar at Kidderminster's Corn Exchange next Thursday. Plants, hanging baskets, china, books and bric-a-brac will go on sale in aid of Kemp between 10am and noon.
HOPES of giving a father-of-five suffering from leukaemia a life-saving operation were cruelly dashed just days after his family celebrated finding a bone marrow donor. David Mills was all set to have the transplant when his half-sister Mandy was found
CONCERNED Bidford residents staged a protest yesterday against plans to build a waste recycling centre in the village. Members of Warwickshire County Council's regulatory committee inspected the proposed site at Wellington Road on the Waterloo Industrial
A "MUSICAL extravaganza" with almost 200 parts will take to the stage next month in aid of the Kemp Hospice appeal. The King with Cold Feet - a joint effort between Kidderminster's Comberton Middle School and the New Dimensional Choir - will play at the
A TEENAGER from Kidderminster has been found safe and well almost a month after his family reported him missing. Nineteen-year-old John Butler was picked up by police at Birmingham New Street Station last Thursday after being reported missing in July.
A MANUFACTURING firm has handed over £1,000 to the Kemp Hospice appeal after a joint effort by staff and directors. A Christmas raffle at Elmley Lovett-based Taylor raised more than £500 from employees which was then topped up by directors. Spokeswoman
FIREFIGHTERS were called to 11 grass fires during the Bank Holiday which are believed to have been deliberately started by children. Kidderminster fire crews were called out to five fires at Burlish Top and six on the Rifle Range between Friday and Monday
POLICE are warning people against entering a field of hemp which thieves are confusing for cannabis. Kidderminster Police spokeswoman Joanne Hammond said it was important people realised hemp was being grown legally - to stop thieves stealing and smoking
THE woman behind Saturday's stunning ball at the Harriers football ground has won a sparkling thank-you. Professional party organiser Dawn Anglin - this week's champagne winner - gave more than 100 hours of her time to put on the extravaganza at Kidderminster
A "WILD" time was had by guests at Saturday's ball in aid of the Kemp Hospice appeal held at Kidderminster Harriers' Aggborough Stadium. More than 250 people were entertained at the glittering event under a marquee on the football pitch. One of the prizes
Pre-season friendlies Sat July 12 Evesham (a) 3-1 Lewis, J Williams, Paschalis Sun July 13 Stratford (a) 1-0 Ward Sat July 19 Boldmere (a) 6-1 (og), J Williams 2, Lightbourne, Wilding, Danks Mon July 21 Leicester (h) 1-1 Shilton Sat July 26 West Brom
A MAN who has dedicated his working life to a Kidderminster carpet firm is celebrating becoming a fellow of a prestigious academy. Managing director of Brintons Carpets John Pilling has been elected a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, which
HOME-GROWN plants and home-made cakes will be on sale in aid of Kemp Hospice on Wednesday, May 28. Roger Perks - who raised £254 for the charity when he bedecked his Kidderminster home with Christmas lights - is holding the sale at 11 Avill Grove between
BUILDERS are set to start transforming a former hotel into Kemp Hospice's new enlarged day care centre in July. Construction was scheduled to have started already and campaign manager John Fletcher put the delay down to difficulties in obtaining planning
A GARDEN centre owner who has cultivated his support for Kemp Hospice over 15 years has reaped a little refreshment. This week's champagne winner Paul Cook, who runs Cooks Garden Centre & Nursery, Stourport, holds annual open days for the charity
THE sale of Kemp Hospice's site to a developer could make up to £1 million to secure the move to Mason Road. There is planning permission to demolish two buildings at the current Sutton Park Road base in Kidderminster to accommodate nine detached and
A BOWLING club celebrating its centenary has "adopted" Kemp Hospice for the year - meaning up to £1,000 could soon roll towards the charity. Kidderminster's Chester Road Bowling Club has already organised two events to boost Kemp's appeal - as well as
HARRIERS stars were out in Kidderminster town centre last week drumming up support for this month's glittering ball in aid of the Kemp Hospice appeal. Nine players - including top scorer Bo Henriksen - and manager Ian Britton dressed up in tuxedos to
TALENTED young actors are needed for a production at the Rose Theatre. Resident theatre group The Nonentities are looking for two boys to play 16 and 13-year-old American brothers in the play Lost in Yonkers. Rehearsals for the amateur production, which
TWO Wyre Forest authors had their first taste of national success when their visions of the future were published in a star-studded BBC book. Friends Keith Bullock and Geoff Anderson beat thousands of other entries from across the country to appear in
A BIKE ride through stunning scenery in memory of a cycling fan will raise money for the future of Kemp Hospice - which helped her through her final months. Elaine Carter died in October aged 52 from liver cancer and now her husband David has organised
A COUPLE have reeled in a whopping £2,250 for Kemp Hospice by asking fishermen based on their land for donations. Champagne winners Val and Eddie Blount, of Hawkbatch Farm in Bewdley, own a field fronting the River Severn from where two fishing clubs
A CHARITY bet kicked off refurbishment celebrations at a Kidderminster betting shop. Harriers manager Ian Britton and player Sean Flynn called in to Coral, New Road, to try to win cash for Kemp Hospice. They were given a £50 bet to place on the Harriers
KEMP Hospice has kissed goodbye to a £6,000 windfall after trustees unanimously turned down a tanning salon's offer to produce raunchy calendars for its appeal. Trustee chairman Dr Michael Taylor said the two calendars - featuring scantily-clad men and
STAFF and volunteers who had a look round Kemp Hospice's future home have predicted patients will "adore" the change. An open day was held to introduce people connected with the hospice to the spacious former hotel on Mason Road, Kidderminster, on Saturday
THE Kemp Hospice appeals office has renewed its plea for a computer. Any company or organisation with an unwanted machine - capable of running Windows 98 and with a large hard drive capacity - should contact Emily Foxall on 01562 865105.
THE Kemp Hospice appeals office needs a computer. Any company or organisation with an unwanted machine - capable of running Windows 98 and with a large hard drive capacity - should contact Emily Foxall on 01562 865105.
A £5,000 windfall is set to swell the Kemp Hospice Appeal after Kidderminster Carnival organisers chose the hospice as its annual charity. The 10-member carnival committee has decided all money raised at the June 21 event and a concert eight days earlier
A MAN who decked his entire house with festive decorations has more than doubled the amount he previously raised for the Kemp Hospice appeal. Roger Perks transformed his Avill Grove semi in Kidderminster with lights, snowmen and santas to generate more
FOR more than a year Kemp Hospice has been enjoying the sweet taste of a cake company's generosity. Now Katerfresh, a family firm employing nine people based at Far Forest Industrial Estate, has seen its monthly donations of cakes rewarded with champagne
ONE of Kidderminster's oldest family businesses has scooped a bottle of champagne after years of helping Kemp Hospice. For more than three years Tony's Bakery, based in Peel Street, has donated 24 cakes a month to the weekly coffee mornings held at Kidderminster
ARTISTIC calendars featuring men and women in various states of undress are set to go on sale later this year to boost the Kemp Hospice Appeal. The risque idea is the brainchild of Justin Exley, the owner of Just Tan in Kidderminster, who will photograph
WH Smith feels the heat n Retailer WH Smith today showed the impact of the heatwave on sales as it confirmed that temperatures had kept shoppers away from the high street. In the first update from a major UK retailer since the start of the hot spell earlier
SHOPPERS can help the environment and Kemp Hospice by re-using carrier bags while shopping at a Kidderminster supermarket. For the whole of this year Sainsbury's will donate 1p for every plastic bag shoppers re-use to its Penny Back Scheme. Kemp Hospice
LEAN and dynamic enterprises are emerging in the area thanks to a hot new initiative. Mustard.uk.com is a business support initiative designed to help new, young and high-growth companies reach their potential. It is a private and public sector partnership
A TECHNOLOGY company that develops products to help screen unwanted marketing calls is in the running for a top award. UK Data IT, based at Shrub Hill, in Worcester, has been selected as one of ten regional finalists in the Parcelforce World-wide Small
WORK will start before the end of the month to convert a former hotel into Kemp Hospice's new enlarged day care centre. The Mason Road building will be transformed into a 24-patient facility, double the size of the present centre, by early summer. Once
A CONCERT compered by one of the country's top industrialists is set to bring in £5,000 for Kemp Hospice. The Young Proms event will hit the stage on Saturday, January 18 with Digby Jones, director general of the CBI, introducing the entertainment and
A DEDICATED all-rounder introduced to Kemp Hospice through the loss of her husband has seen her fund-raising rewarded. Rita Nash, of Hunts Rise, Bewdley, spares time to help organise events in aid of Kemp Hospice's move to premises in Kidderminster's
THE Tree of Light is back to brighten up the lives of patients suffering from cancer and other life-threatening conditions. Sponsors for this year's tree, which has been put up in the Swan Centre in Kidderminster, can remember a loved one or special occasion
I left Stratford-upon-Avon nearly five years ago for a new job in the West Country. I had lived in the same house near the town centre for 18 years and over the years had become increasingly upset and disillusioned at the increasing emphasis on Stratford
REACTION to Kemp Hospice's plan to move to new ready-made premises - at a huge saving - has been universally positive, according to the campaign manager. John Fletcher said not one of the letters or phone calls on the subject has criticised the move to
I WHOLEHEARTEDLY support David Griffith's letter (Evesham Journal August 14) re the proposed skateboard park in Pershore. If this is to be built, why not site it near the leisure centre and football ground, thus keeping all sporting and youth activities
THE former Victoria and Blakeley Hall Cricket Club have marked their last season at the Hoobrook ground by lifting a trophy. Kidderminster Victoria, the new club created by a link-up with Kidderminster CC, have been crowned champions of Worcestershire
IT was with great sadness that I read the official notice that said that Horticultural Research International, Wellesbourne, is to be sold. This research station was set up after the war as the National Vegetable Research Station and as such played an
AN UNDER-strength Kidderminster Victoria were beaten at Barnards Green but still took the Worcestershire League Division Three title. KVCC claimed the four points they needed to lift the championship, despite a 138-run defeat on Saturday. Green batted
A GRANDFATHER will forego the comforts of family life on Christmas day to tackle the highest mountain in Wales to boost Kemp Hospice's building appeal. Fifty-eight-year-old Jesse Brookes will scale the 1,085-metre Mount Snowdon when most people are slumped
ROB Williams blasted 105 runs in a high-scoring Worcestershire League Division Six clash which ended in a winning draw for Kidderminster Victoria over Stone. Williams was the big inspiration behind KVCC's 247-7 which secured 15 points from the fixture
A WOMAN who suffers from vertigo has tackled her phobia to boost Kemp Hospice's appeal after being inspired by friends' praise of its care. Ann Williams has braved two abseils to raise almost £800 for both the campaign to secure a new home for the hospice
RECYCLING boxes being delivered to households across Wyre Forest are to be supplied with lids following public pressure. The district council had intended supplying them on request but will now deliver lids with the boxes designed to take newspaper, cans
STOURPORT suffered a three-wicket defeat at the hands of Romsley on Saturday as the flawless Walshes Meadow wicket yielded another avalanche of runs. The home side were asked to bat first with Ian Delo and Dave Cook (75) launching a century partnership
MARK Bennett and Mark Edwards were major contributors as Bewdley defeated Astwood Bank by three wickets in Saturday's important top-of-the-table clash. Chasing 197 runs for victory, Bewdley subsided to 88-6 and then 131-7. But a winning stand of 71 between
COUNTY commuters are taking unnecessary risks on the road as long journeys to and from work take their toll, according to a new survey. Spending more time on the road is causing nearly two-thirds of people to drive dangerously, with over a third taking
GRANT Carbines compiled a century as Cleobury Mortimer disturbed West Malvern's promotion chase with a 15-point winning draw. Carbines (101 not out) and Ben Griffiths (57 not out) batted superbly for eighth-placed Cleobury who were then unable to dismiss
A DETERMINED seven-year-old has helped raise £730 for Birmingham Children's Hospital to show her thanks for the work in helping her half-sister dubbed "Amazing Amy". Casey Cornes joined family, friends and regulars of The Lakes pub, Warndon Villages,
A CONCERT in memory of a late trustee - and to celebrate Kemp Hospice's 21st birthday - is being held next Friday. The Betty Davis Memorial Concert, which starts at Kidderminster Library at 7.30pm, will feature a variety of music from Scott Joplin to
A MAN who carried out "mean and spiteful" offences against relatives and friends to obtain money for drugs has been sent to prison. Kevin Young raided a fruit machine at the home of his uncle and aunt, which was used to save spare change. He also stole
A law firm is offering free wills for a donation to Kemp Hospice of just £10. Both the Kidderminster and Stourport offices of Painter Solicitors are taking part in the deal next week and the company will take the contribution on behalf of the hospice.
SWANS sporting green feathers have appeared in Worcester this week, sparking fears of pollution or vandalism. But it has now been revealed that the green colouring is actually a harmless dye used at the Swan Rescue Centre, in Wychbold, near Droitwich,
A WORCESTER man has been ordered to do 200 hours community service for falsely claiming more than £8,000 Housing and Council Tax benefit. Worcester magistrates heard yesterday how Peter Thisleton-Dyer, of Corruna Close, Brockhill Village, Norton, failed
OXFORD have always been tricky opponents for Kidderminster Harriers since their relegation from Division Two in 2001. But Ian Atkins' side promise to be an even tougher prospect on Saturday when they visit Aggborough. They have started the campaign in
A PLUCKY five-year-old girl, whose head was impaled on a four-inch nail for nearly two hours was freed thanks to the emergency services, community spirit and a pair of scissors. Eleanor Jenkins is recovering well after the seven-foot tumble from a tree
AN Asian man was found lying in a pool of blood after being punched, kicked and head-butted in an apparent unprovoked racist attack. Father-of-three Parvez Iqbal suffered a fractured cheekbone and was left battered and bruised by the attacker, who struck
HOPES of having a new post office at Powick Service Station hang in the balance because of continuing concern for the welfare of a large beech tree. Owner Priyvadan Rughani said he would have to abandon the idea of opening a new post office if his latest
NATURE lovers are being urged to take a walk on the wild side and join in the hunt to catch a glimpse of a rare butterfly. The Brown Hairstreak only occurs in the forest of Feckenham in the area around Grafton wood, near Grafton Flyford, Worcestershire
A CHILDREN'S entertainer hopes he has put a smile on hundreds of faces over the years in more ways than one. Brian Milton, of Corn Meadow Lane, Claines, does a Punch & Judy show in his spare time, but he has helped make people laugh in another important
AN annual horticultural show has been hailed "the best yet" by organisers. Claines Royal British Legion said the show had been "fantastic", with 348 entries for the 97 different classes. For the first time in the 10 years it has been running the show
THE murderer who cut the cords of Herefordshire skydiver Stephen Hilder's parachute could be a student with a good background and no criminal record, Humberside Police believe. The 20-year-old officer cadet, from Stretton Sugwas, near Hereford, plunged
PET lovers are being asked to "paws" for a second and consider providing a home for a loveable dog. Titch, a 16-year-old female Jack Russell cross, has been cared for for the past two years by owner Margaret Kirkwood, of Cecilia Avenue, Worcester. The
TWO brothers will be pounding the streets next month to help keep the building appeal on track. David and Paul Brown, who work at Kidderminster printers Aydon Silver, Hurcott Road, are competing in the Dublin Marathon to raise money for Kemp Hospice's
THE camaraderie at Kemp Hospice is helping to make one patient's life worth living. Sixty-seven-year-old Peter Simmons is terminally ill with bone cancer but values the company he gets from his trips to the hospice - especially as he lives alone. He visits
