September 11, 1953 THE Redditch and District Small Bore Rifle League have asked Redditch Urban Council to include a rifle range in their scheme for developing the Birmingham Road playing fields. In a letter to the council's parks committee the league
POLICE have been given new powers to seize cans of alcohol in Worcester's "no drinking" zones. The Government has introduced a raft of changes to close a loophole in the law which meant police were only able to seize opened cans and bottles in the "no
FLOOD campaigners are "over the moon" at the decision to install a European-style flood defence system in Worcester that will protect homes and businesses from devastating floodwaters. At a meeting last night, Worcester city councillors gave their full
FRIDGES dumped on land off Pershore Lane between Spetchley and Bredicot, near Worcester, are creating an eyesore for passing motorists. But the fridges have been dumped on private land, which ties the hands of Wychavon District Council. "We respond to
THE deadline is looming for residents to have their say on plans to shape the future of Wychavon. The district council wants residents to comment on the changes that have been made to the first draft of the Local Plan Review, which identifies areas to
THE grisly and glittering secrets of Worcester's Guildhall - past and present - will be revealed during a national Heritage Open Day. Visitors will be treated to a glimpse of days gone by when its notorious cells, built along with the rest of the building
A NEW name on the Droitwich Spa country music scene will be making their debut in the town later this month. Guilty as Charged will be performing for the first time at the Royal British Legion, in Salwarpe Road, on Friday, September 26. The gig has been
A CARE assistant, who was sacked after being photographed allegedly sleeping at work while looking after old people at night, has won his fight for breach of contract. But the Birmingham Employment Tribunal decided against awarding damages to Paul Middleton
A DELIGHTFUL evening of music and poetry will boost the coffers of an international charity. Blackwell woman Janet King is helping organise the autumn concert 'Love Makes the World Go Round', in aid of UNICEF. The night will feature the harmonic voices
THE heat was rising as BBC Hereford & Worcester presenter Dave Bradley dived into a spa yesterday - to present his mid-morning show. The 5ft-wide hot tub was donated to the BBC for the day by Kidderminster-based Hire A Tub UK and placed outside the
TWO Bromsgrove-based hockey players have kept their country on course for European glory after reaching the semi-final stage. Craig Parnham and Jennie Bimson (pictured) are part of the England men's and women's hockey teams currently competing at the
BROMSGROVE Rovers have been unsuccessful in a bid to tempt former favourite Reckey Carter back to the Victoria Ground. Rovers made a seven-day approach for the prolific Barnt Green Spartak striker, part of Rovers' Conference side, last Saturday. The bid
STEVE Pope and Marcus Jackson have committed their immediate futures to Bromsgrove Rovers by signing contracts. The pair have both agreed 12-month deals at the Victoria Ground and are the only two players of the squad now under contract. Skipper Pope,
THIS is the new Bromgrove Rovers home kit for the 2003/04 season. Rovers chairman Tom Herbert and manager George Rooney paraded the latest strip at the Victoria Ground after the team's 4-2 defeat to Hucknall Town last Saturday. The shirt, green and white
YOU'LL have had a very narrow view of life in the Faithful City if the effect of yobbish behaviour on the health and happiness of St John's residents has passed you by. Victims have pointed a firm finger at a hard core of University College Worcester
ASTWOOD Bank captain Alex Robinson blamed a poor Lord's wicket after his side went down to a 67-run defeat against Shipton-under-Wychwood in the final of the National Village Championships on Sunday. But Robinson, who made 16 runs, was full of praise
INKBERROW rider Leslie Law quickly set his sets on next summer's Olympics in Athens - after a fine showing at the world famous Burghley Horse Trails last weekend. The 38-year-old silver Sydney Olympic medallist finished a respectable 11th on board Shear
WATCH out Tiger Woods...there's a new kid on the block who's already proving he's No.1 Despite only taking up golf five months ago, 14-year-old Richard Meredith has already achieved a lifetime ambition of many players in the sport by sinking a hole in
THE Prudden Road Surfacing League held its annual presentation buffet at Stratford Tennis Club last week. The "Millennium Scroll" Trophy for the best Administrator of 2003 went to Bidford's Paul Haffner. Apart from his duties as Secretary/Captain of Bidford
Winyates rider Matt Hayter made a dream start in his first outing on the track with two class wins at Mallory Park. The 27-year-old took part in the Roadstox meeting at the Leicestershire circuit and, after finishing fourth in class first time out, he
A CHARITY football match raised £830 towards a heart scanning machine for the Alexandra Hospital's cardiology department. The Advertiser reported last month Black Horse and Austin Ex-Apprentices battled it out for the first Central Sports Redditch League
JOHN Barton has urged his sharpshooters to hone their predatory skills and it's clear to see why after a good half's work at Weston last night was undone by wayward finishing. The partnership of Mark Owen and Leon Kelly has produced the rather meagre
REDDITCH councillors spent more than half an hour debating the "controversial" issue of which coffee should be drunk during meetings. The discussion was sparked after a motion to switch to Fair Trade beverages was made during a full council meeting. After
STUDLEY are celebrating a double transfer coup ahead of Saturday's FA Cup clash with Dr Martens Western outfit Bromsgrove Rovers at The Beehive (3pm). Bees boss Mark Chambers has snapped up the surprise services of St Kits international Seretse Cannonier
Yate Town 1 Redditch Town 5 REDDITCH United's unbeaten run continued after another five star performance away at bottom club Yate Town. The Reds are now unbeaten in five games after Saturday's 5-1 win over the basement boys. The dream start to the season
EVERY household in the borough will soon be receiving an electoral registration form through the post to register to vote in future elections. The lilac forms will be sent out by post this week and all residents are required to check the existing information
THE Royal Shakespeare Theatre's last Stratford production this season is Shakespeare's rarely seen tragedy Titus Andronicus which previews from Friday. Set against a decadent and disintegrating Roman Empire, the tale of vengeance and violence is described
Quorn FC 3 Studley 2 STUDLEY'S flying start to their Midland Alliance season was halted by table-topping Quorn. The Bees, who had won their first five matches, battled gallantly in the final stages to snatch a draw in a thrilling encounter. Lee Dawson
PLANS for a housing development in Astwood Bank which prompted concerns about overdevelopment and parking will be discussed on Tuesday. The application for six houses and eight apartments on Evesham Road was deferred from the last planning committee meeting
Alvechurch 3 Stafford 1 A BRETT Fitzpatrick brace and a gritty second-half performance helped Alvechurch chalk up a satisfying Midland Football Alliance 3-1 victory over Stafford on Saturday. League newcomers Alvechurch took the lead on 10 minutes when
Feckenham 2 Leamington 1 FECKENHAM earned all the plaudits after wiping away Leamington's unbeaten start to the Midland Combination Premier League season on Saturday. The visitors, who had scored 15 times during their five games, were stunned when James
Wednesday, September 10 MIDLAND COMBINATION PREMIER DIVISION FECKENHAM v Shifnal Town 7.45pm ko Saturday, September 13 FA CUP 1ST ROUND QUALIFYING Solihull Borough v REDDITCH UNITED STUDLEY v Bromsgrove Rovers Both 3pm ko MIDLAND FOOTBALL ALLIANCE ALVECHURCH
The youngest player to earn a professional deal at Aggborough and the reason was 52 goals with Coventry-based non-leaguers Marconi in 2000/01. A player touted as having the potential to become the next Lee Hughes, Lewis signed a three-year contract, scoring
A BRAND new production of Don Giovanni by one of Britain's foremost opera companies can be heard at the Palace Theatre on Friday. Mid Wales Opera begin their 2003 national tour in Redditch, accompanied by the Mid Wales Opera Chamber Orchestra. Written
Saturday, September 13 CRICKET Birmingham & District Premier League First XI Premier Division - Barnt Green v Halesowen (12pm). First Division - Bromsgrove v Wroxeter & Uppington (12pm). Second XI Premier Division - Halesowen v Barnt Green (12.30pm
BARNT Green Cricket Club First XI need a minor miracle if they are to land their third Birmingham and District Premier League title. Lyndon Jones' side, champions in 1995 and 1997, go into this Saturday's final league game at Cherry Hill Road knowing
Thursday, September 11 Shakespeare's Hamlet, Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Until September 20. Tickets from 0121 236 4455. The Rink, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry. Until October 4. Tickets from 024 7655 3055. The Elvis Collection starring Billy J McGregor
JEROME Connor (pictured) hit an unbeaten 113, his highest Saturday score for five years, as Droitwich Spa Cricket Club First XI wrapped up their season with a 46-run win at Eastnor. Connor became the fifth Spa batsman to pass the ton mark this season,
NICK Husbands took his wicket total to 64 for the season during Bromsgrove Cricket Club First XI's winning draw at Stratford. The Boars' skipper recorded figures of 5-53, aided by Kish Patel's 3-83, to see his side restrict Stratford to 198-8 in their
BARNT Green Cricket Club First XI's slim chance of winning the Birmingham and District Premier League remain on track after an overwhelming win over relegated Wolverhampton last Saturday. The six-wicket success, including 6-53 for Zimbabwean Gus Mackay
FOUR local cricketers have been rewarded for their performances this season by being named in dream teams. Former England international Richard Illingworth joined Barnt Green CC First XI team mate Richard Hall in a select side for the Birmingham and District
DROITWICH Spa Cricket Club batsman Ian Duggan has brought the curtain down on his 12-year career with the club. Duggan, First XI captain last year, has moved to a new job in Staffordshire. Ian, with 448 Saturday runs to his name this season, hit 48 in
WORCESTER Wolves began their build-up to the new season with a fine 86-64 win over Bath Romans. Wolves introduced some of their new signings in the University College Worcester clash including Ty Shaw, Luke Sommerville, Ben Clarke and Geoff Sentamun.
BARNT Green Cricket Club are celebrating a league and cup double after success for their junior section. The Cherry Hill Road club's U15s retained the Halford Trophy against Avoncroft at Studley last Sunday to add to their U16s league triumph. Green's
REDDITCH band The Hole made it onto the small screen on Thursday when they performed on new ITV1 show Xposure. The Midlands-based music programme showcases local bands and gives them the chance to prove they have what it takes to be in the music business
BAD luck and poor finishing combined to de-rail Worcester City as they lost 1-0 at Weston-super-Mare last night. A fluke goal on the hour defeated City but on their first league visit to the seaside town they ultimately paid the price for missing a bucket-load
RELEGATED Worcestershire Royals suffered their sixth successive National League defeat when they went down by 18 runs to Warwickshire Bears under the Duckworth-Lewis method at Edgbaston last night. Nick Knight's superb 122 -- his sixth league century
WORCESTER Wolves began their build-up to the new season with a fine 86-64 win over Bath Romans. Wolves introduced some of their new signings in the University College Worcester clash including Ty Shaw, Luke Sommerville, Ben Clarke and Geoff Sentamun.
PERSHORE Town had to settle for a 3-3 draw with Castle Vale Kings Heath in a topsy-turvy Midland Combination Premier Division game last night. Town scored first through Kristian Wood and went on to dominate, only to concede a freak equaliser when a cross
Upton Snodsbury, aiming for an unprecedented fourth successive success in the Birdseye Sports Evesham Sunday League's Tewkesbury Sports Knockout Cup, comfortably reached the second round with victory at Bretforton Old Boys with goals from Cunningham,
BROMSGROVE RFC First XV kicked off their Midlands Two (West) season in convincing style with demolition of old adversaries Hereford at Finstall Park. Grove sailed over for seven tries last Saturday while restricting Hereford to just three penalties from
BOTH newly promoted sides in Wednesday Division One of the E&E Engineering Worcester Friendly Skittle League opened up with wins. The Polecats led from the start thanks to a 109 leg. Stretching the advantage to 25 after two proved too much for Morganite
Worcester Friendly Skittle League Monday Division One Glovers Needle 482 (18) I.Blincoe 58, G.Mowbray 47, D.Jones 44, T.Price, Dean Price 42, Dave Price 40, Dirty Dozen 436 (2) K.Smith 46, H.Pearson 44, I.Fourlong 42; Rushwick 402 (4) W.Hill, B.Griffiths
THE start of the new season of the Nationwide Doors and Windows Billiards League saw last season's champions St Johns 'B' get off to a flying start with a 4-0 win at home to Callow End. Elsewhere, GWR, Heenans 'A', and St Stephens 'A' all had comfortable
RUGBY United were deserved victors at the Victoria Ground against a Bromsgrove Rovers side that lacked passion and imagination. George Rooney's side turned in a very disappointing performance in front of a healthy 525 crowd last Saturday. They relied
BROMSGROVE Rovers went to the top of the Midland Combination Reserve Division with a 3-0 victory at Rugby United. Steve Cotton's side were ahead within three minutes when a right wing combination of Richard Gibson and Sean Maynard set up Ryan Dams to
BROMSGROVE Rovers have agreed a new seven-year lease with the district council. The Victoria Ground club originally put pen to paper on a seven-year agreement 12 months ago but requested several minor adjustments. These have since been made and the new
ADVERTISER/Messenger Football League results for Sunday, September 7. LMS Shield First Round - Droitwich Red Lion 1 Blackwell 2; Bromsgrove Town 0 Victoria Barnt Green 4; Victoria Athletic 0 Star and Garter 1; Cofton Celtic 5 Black Cross 1; Bromsgrove
Droitwich Spa Cobras U12s 0 Callowbrook Swifts U12s 3 SPA man of the match Brett D'Oliveira, grandson of England and Worcestershire cricketer Basil, could do nothing to stop his side losing this game. A nervous first half display was punished by two Arran
UNFORTUNATELY for our young anglers, the popular Broad Acres Junior series came to an end this week. Redditch 12-year-old twins William and John Thompson took first and second places t the final event. William pole fished prawns for a 25-13-0 catch and
WATERS booked by the Birmingham Anglers Association. Saturday, September 13. Avon - Manor Farm 2, Avon Meadows, Barton 1, Bidford L/B, Marlcliff 'A', Cleeve Prior 3 - 8, Wood Norton, Chadbury, Fladbury above bridge, Pershore L/B, Eckington; Severn - Knowle
MATT Birch is lucky to be alive after being crushed between two lorries. The Bromsgrove RFC First XV star was trapped by the vehicles at work. Fly half Birch was walking across a yard when one lorry started to turn, pinning him against the side of a stationery
THE £500,000 LOWES Court Community Centre in Elm Grove, Norton, Bromsgrove, was officially opened. The complex had accommodation for 119 residents and included some bungalows. BROMSGROVE General Hospital staged an open day to allow visitors the opportunity
DEAR EDITOR -- After many months of reading letters complaining about the teenagers of Droitwich Spa, I have decided to put my point across. For many teenagers, this town has absolutely nothing to do. You may say, we have a skateboard park and a swimming
DEAR EDITOR -- I hope you will agree that it is important for me - through the Advertiser/Messenger - to let people who use the trains at Bromsgrove station know about major changes in the service which are now taking place, and which will also affect
DEAR EDITOR -- A supporter of parish councils, Mr Callaway, maintained in a report last week that prior to the parish council elections in May this year there was much negative comment regarding the probable cost of the Lickey End parish council should
DEAR EDITOR -- The fact that net inward immigration increased again last year to the highest level in our history coincides with the news that immigration and asylum is now the number one political concern of a majority of the population. In a recent
DEAR EDITOR -- We would like to congratulate Pat Harrison, Mr Winnall and helpers on winning best kept churchyard at St Nicholas Church, Droitwich Spa, for all their hard work. Many thanks, their efforts have been much appreciated. Mrs C Cottrell &
DEAR EDITOR - There is every reason to be concerned about motor car routing at the Worcestershire Hotel/Wimpey two-bedroom flat development. Even more concerning that statistically some two hundred cars could be owned by the residents and with parking
STAFF in schools across Worcestershire will no longer be given financial bonuses for performing well, after the Government scrapped the controversial School Assessment Awards after three years. Dan Kendrick takes a look at the reasons for - and response
Stourbridge 43 Redditch 20 Redditch warmed for the new North Midlands One season against a side that on paper, was always going to be tricky. Redditch, who will open their league campaign at Old Griffs on Saturday (3pm), started well going 10-0 up after
Saturday, September 13 3pm ko unless otherwise stated MIDLANDS WEST FOUR SOUTH Upton-on-Severn v KINGS NORTON MIDLANDS WEST TWO NORTH Willenhall v DIXONIANS NORTH MIDLANDS ONE REDDITCH v Old Griffs WOODRUSH v Cleobury FIVE WAYS OLD EDWARDIANS v Warley
RELEGATED Worcestershire Royals suffered their sixth successive National League defeat when they went down by 18 runs to Warwickshire Bears under the Duckworth-Lewis method at Edgbaston last night. Nick Knight's superb 122 -- his sixth league century
AUDIENCE participation is a must in a rip-roaring, double-whammy of a show at the Norbury Theatre, which opens this Friday. The Droitwich Spa playhouse is putting on a two-part show requiring a fun-loving and very vocal audience. The first part of the
THE British theatrical sensation Stomp bounces onto the Hippodrome stage this autumn from October 7-11. Already enjoyed by over nine million people, this world-wide hit which began in Brighton in 1991, quickly became one of the UK's most amazing success
Saturday, September 6, 2003 BROMSGROVE RFC First XV kicked off their Midlands Two (West) season in convincing style with demolition of old adversaries Hereford at Finstall Park. Grove sailed over for seven tries last Saturday while restricting Hereford
FILM buffs will be well catered for at the mac cinema in Birmingham's Cannon Hill Park this weekend. They're presenting a Film 360 Festival on Friday and Saturday. "Visitors to the festival will be amazed that some of these films have never been seen
THE 21st birthday of the Midland Game Fair promises to be the biggest and best event to date. Taking place on the third weekend of September - the 20th and 2st at Weston Park, Shropshire - the Midland is planning to attract more than 60,000 people. In
BARGAIN hunters will find goodies galore at a historic market and fair this weekend. The Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings is hosting the event on Saturday and Sunday. Admission will be free on both days until noon. Call the Stoke Heath museum on
WAR poet Wilfred Owen is to be the topic of discussion at the next meeting of a town literary group. Dominic Hibberd will be talking expertly about the famous war poet at a meeting of the Words group on Friday, September 19, at the LG Harris Brush Works
WHAT does Mr McAvoy of the Safety Camera Partnership mean by speed? The SCP is only interested in those exceeding the limit by a large margin. The truth is surely that speed causes all "accidents", for the only vehicles that can cause no "accidents" at
Wednesday, September 10 Film: L'Homme Du Train, Cinemac, mac Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, 6pm. Tribute: Think Floyd in Concert, Palace Theatre, Alcester Street, Redditch, 7.30pm Disco: Noise Pollution Disco, Rock Caf 2000, Mill Race Lane, Stourbridge
The club starts its autumn/winter season with a cine film evening tonight (Wednesday) - it will be an evening of film nostalgia. Our old friend Chris Pratt will be with us to show the films from his vast collection, of course all steam; this will be an
I WOULD like to respond to the article (Evening News, September 4) concerning off-road driving on Rosses Lane and Guises Lane, Wichenford. I live in Worcester and am a member of GLASS (Green Lane Association), I am also a colleague of Chris Marsden who
I FIND Mr Hunt's letter (You Say, August 30) incomplete when he says European integration is for our own long term benefit - but he fails to say why. On the other hand, Richard Chamings letter of the same date clearly and factually gives some reasons
A cheese and wine summer party, followed by a private evening visit to Barnet Hill with coffee/cakes and a speaker from David Austin's Roses, interspersed with our outing to Herefordshire for a wine tasting, followed by a visit to Van Kampan Gardens on
TODAY, I waited 45 minutes for a Northwick bus to take my son Jerome and I into town for his keyboard lesson. We never made it, as the bus was more than 45 minutes' late. The bus service continues to be appalling. As the recent Beer Festival on Pitchcroft
Frankley Guitar Club is starting its fourth season and hoping to attract some new members. The club is run by an American guitarist/teacher. The venue is Frankley High School and Community Centre in New Street, Frankley. The club meets from 7.15-9.15
LEARNING has been made fun by a Marlbrook mum who has designed a new scheme to help parents get their tots in shape for school. Carole Hender is launching The Happy Learning Programme at a special open day at the Lickey Hills Visitors Centre this Saturday
AN HISTORIC horse trough is to stay where it is in Sanders Park after the collapse of a two-year scheme to put it back in the centre of Bromsgrove. Experts who looked into moving the trough back to The Strand estimated the cost at around £10,000 and it
STAFF caring for frail elderly folk, many suffering from age-related illnesses, in care homes in Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa may strike over a bitter row over new contracts. Close on 90 workers employed by Heart of England Housing and Care Ltd (HoE)
WHAT a brilliantly made, haunting film this turned out to be. The mark of a truly good horror is one where certain scenes stay with you long after the film has ended and this certainly has the power to do this. When a teenage girl is found dead with no
RELUCTANT parish councillors in Lickey End were due to meet tonight (Wednesday) to come up with their next move after a Whitehall decision forced them to carry on. The parish councillors almost became the first authority in history to vote for their own
A LICKEY End pensioner, who paid cash for a new washing machine, was told she would not be getting her appliance or her money back when an electrical firm went bust. Laura Sawyer has spent her savings on a new kitchen for her Spadesbourne Road home and
A MAN who helped guide Bromsgrove through good times and bad and who "made a significant contribution" to the town retired last week after 40 years' service with the district council. Bob Lewis, who initially indicated his intention to leave next spring
A TALENTED Spa student said it with flowers and scooped second prize in a national art competition. Nine-year-old Helena Cleaver's painting of wild flowers won second place in the national Heart of England Britain in Bloom awards. Spa mayor, Cllr Jan
A MEMORIAL is set to be held in memory of a man who breathed life into the heart of the Droitwich community. Reginald Pearson, former county councillor, 1961 Spa mayor and St Peter's Church organist, died in December 2002 at the ripe old age of 98. Unfortunately
PARISHIONERS in Catshill and Dodford welcomed their new vicar at a special church service yesterday evening (Tuesday). The Bishop of Worcester, the Rt Rev Dr Peter Selby, inducted Rev Craig Smith as the new vicar at Christ Church, Catshill and St Mary's
AN elderly woman died of a fractured skull after falling down the steps of a Bromsgrove bank. Town police are seeking witnesses after 80-year-old Dorothy Geeves, of Victoria Road, Dodford, fell down the steps of Lloyds TSB bank. On August 19, the morning
A care assistant, who was sacked after being photographed allegedly sleeping on the job while looking after old people at night, has won his fight for breach of contract. But the Birmingham Employment Tribunal decided against awarding damages to Paul
FIVE Ways succombed to a five-wicket Warwickshire League Division 3 defeat at the hands of Ambleside on the penultimate day of the season. Five Ways were put into bat, making 109 all out with their opponents sweeping to victory in relative ease (113-5
TWO caring Spa friends are preparing to raise bucketloads of cash to visit and help the citizens of Uganda. Jean Auty and Mari Singleton are preparing to spread their love, care and support this November. The pair, who will join a team of four to teach
A HEROIN addict stole more than £7,000 from his father to fund his drug habit. Matthew Martindale withdrew the cash over a two-year period using his dad's stolen bank cards. He also smashed up his room and burgled the next door neighbour's house, searching
THE wretched rain denied Studley CC an almost certain Birmingham Senior League Division 2 East victory last Saturday - and dampened promotion chances. Brendon Miler's men were 184 all out before rain leaving their opponents Kings Heath needing to knock
Feckenham's solid Division Two season faded out with a 29-run defeat to Malvern. With N Roos taking 5-86, Malvern were skittled out for 171 but Feckenham, who finished a respectable fourth in the table, weren't up to the task on the day, making 142 all
THE future of a would-be beauty spot will be discussed at a public meeting next week. Residents are being urged to have their say on the future of the Primsland Way open space, at the Spring Meadow pub on Mulberry Tree Hill on Tuesday, September 16. After
THERE were celebrations galore when a Droitwich resident marked her 100th birthday with family and friends. Elsie Thomas celebrated her birthday at Rashwood Residential and Nursing Care Home last Thursday. The former St Andrew's Close resident was born
GEOFF Strike hit a hole-in-one during celebrations to mark Bromsgrove Golf Club's tenth anniversary. The club, based at Bromsgrove Golf Centre, in Stratford Road, held two days of events last Friday and Saturday, finishing with 144 people attending a
BROMSGROVE'S Joe Rowe and Chris Poole rode superbly in the 36-mile LVRC North Bucks RC Road Race at Towcester on Sunday. In a field of 45 riders, Rowe finished third overall and second in his age category while Poole was 12th overall and fifth in his
IF there was any reminder needed that justice doesn't always prevail in football it came at Weston last night and at St George's Lane on Saturday. A less than impressive display against Dorchester ended with us salvaging three points two minutes from
THE jewellery of a dead woman was stolen in a raid on a funeral home as her body lay awaiting burial. Huntleys Funeral Directors in Ipsley Street, Smallwood, was broken into at the weekend and a large safe containing the jewellery, cash and donation cheques
TEACHERS at a Redditch school have had to ferry children home because of severe overcrowding on the buses, it has been revealed. Pupils at Kingsley College have been left stranded because buses they use have been full up since the start of term last week
THE Redditch of yesteryear has been captured in a fascinating new book which features photographs and articles on many buildings and landmarks which are gone but not forgotten. Redditch Remembered has been compiled in conjunction with the Advertiser from
TWO brave Redditch paramedics ran into a blazing building after they saw a mother and child standing behind a window on the burning third floor. Redditch ambulance staff received a call at 9.15am last Wednesday to a fire in Eunal Court in Crabbs Cross
THREE postcards postmarked from 1912, 1918 and 1941 addressed to properties which no longer exist in Redditch appeared at the town's Royal Mail delivery office last week. The discovery has prompted an appeal to find the rightful owners to the postcards
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
I THINK if you were to ask us pensioners, you would find 99 per cent would not mind putting a sum of money towards our bus passes. We come from an age when we did not expect free handouts. Unlike the younger generation, we have always had to work and
A REDDITCH teenager was among 100 youngsters who helped launch the newly-revamped Bullring in Birmingham on Thursday. Damon Morris, 14, is a member of drama group BSS Spotlight School of Performing Arts, based at the city's Hippodrome theatre. The youngsters
ALVECHURCH'S new Co-op store opened its doors on Thursday. The former Alldays store, based in The Square, has had a £130,000 facelift and was officially opened by Denise Edmonds, of the Alvechurch Sports and Social Club. The club is raising money to send
By Melina Cannon REDDITCH Nightstop has joined forces with a housing association to tackle homelessness among 16 to 25 year olds in the town. Nightstop and St Basil's, which delivers floating support to young tenants through the Supporting People scheme
JANET Moorhouse's letter (Advertiser, September 3) must represent the first occasion on which NEW College has been berated for not running a course which it never advertised in the first place. For adults wishing to go on to university study, we would
A SERVICE is to be held to institute a new vicar in Wythall after the role was left vacant for a year when ill health caused the previous vicar to step down New vicar The Rev Mike Godfrey, 52, was born and bred in Norfolk and spent four years in the Royal
REDDITCH-based soldiers are busy honing their skills at an annual camp in east Sussex. More than 290 men and women from 37 Signal Regiment - comprising HQ Squadron in Redditch, 96 Signal Squadron in Coventry and 67 Signal Squadron in Stratford and Stourbridge
A FORMER Bridley Moor High School pupil has been commissioned into the Parachute Regiment as a 2nd Lieutenant following a year's training at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst. Officer Cadet Jonathan Cox, 22, who also went to Walkwood Middle School
PRESIDENT Brenda Dainty welcomed members to the August meeting. A possible outing to Warburton's Bakery was suggested and members responded enthusiastically. Names were taken for the Autumn Council Meeting to be held in Evesham. Speaker for the day was
THE visiting speaker for the September meeting was Paul Hardy, who spoke about landscape painting in pastels. Before starting his demonstration, Paul briefly described his background and artistic development. Even though he trained as an architect, the
It was a most unusual start to the new season of Redditch Speakers Club. About five minutes into the first meeting, the lights in the room fused and very rapidly, another room had to be made available. Many congratulations to the chairman for the evening
By Matt Smith A CATALOGUE of errors led to the coursework of 120 GCSE maths students at Alcester High School being lost in the post. This year's crop of GCSE students - who still received a maths grade at the end of last month - had no clue that their
BIDFORD fire station has come up smelling of roses again after winning the retained station category of the Dennis Lawrence Garden Competition for the third year running. The competition, named after a former personnel officer, was judged by fire chief
ALCESTER councillors have asked for an in-depth damage report on the Conway Fields Skate Park after yet more vandalism. Councillors Eric Payne and Jim Kenyon both asked how much the town council had paid out in repairs for the skate park since it opened
A 93-YEAR-old Alcester woman had £4,000 cash stolen in a distraction burglary at her home last Wednesday. The pensioner, of Moorfield Road, came downstairs at about noon when she found a man in her kitchen. He told her he was a builder and wanted to talk
THE Alcester and district walkabout for the British Heart Foundation kicks off on September 21. The walk will start at Great Alne Village Hall at 2pm and the BHF is looking for people to join in the fun and raise money to fight heart disease. BHF regional
THE British Red Cross has launched a recycling initiative that will allow people in the Alcester area to turn their empty inkjet cartridges into cash for good causes. For every cartridge returned, the British Red Cross will receive a donation of £1, allowing
A FORMER trustee of Coughton Court's Roman Catholic Church and first cousin of Clare Throckmorton has died. The funeral of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Twickel was held at the Catholic Church at 2pm yesterday and a reception for more than 300 family and
THE remains of an ancient ship dating back to 1468 have been traced to Warwickshire - thanks to Coughton Court's Throckmorton family records. The 65-foot ship, older than the Mary Rose, was discovered in the foundations of a new art centre on the banks
I AM writing with reference to the article on the handing over of Broom WI Hall to the village (Chronicle, August 27). I feel I must correct two statements on behalf of all the ladies who have been members of Broom WI over the last 60 years. I have been
MAY I say a big thank you to everyone involved in winning the Gold Award in the Heart of England competition? It is impossible to thank so many people. A special thank you to all the shops and offices for contributing. There were not many who did not
September 12, 1903 ALFRED William Spencer, who resides in Green Lane, in Studley, an old offender well known in Redditch, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Evesham Street on Tuesday. Pc Bonell, the officer who arrested Mr Spencer on the night
September 8, 1978 LOCAL councillors plan to keep up the pressure for improvements to the Redditch-Birmingham rail link following top-level sanction for a pilot scheme. Redditch public services committee full for "full steam ahead" to back up the top level
A STUDENT who received the Diana Memorial Award for outstanding GCSE results has had his life turned upside down after being told he must quit the country. Kosovan Aleks Noci started studying for a BTEC National Diploma in Business at Worcester Sixth
BRISTOL ROVERS 1, HARRIERS 0 A FAILURE to fire a single shot on target at Bristol Rovers told the story of Kidderminster Harriers' third Division Three defeat of the season. Harriers seemed to be guilty of relying on a defensive operation to snatch a
A MAJOR study is being launched into ways of improving safety at a notorious pedestrian crossing in Malvern where three people have been killed. Worcestershire County Council and Network Rail have joined forces to carry out a feasibility study into safety
WORCESTER motorists faced traffic chaos this morning as the city was hit by two accidents. Worcester police were first called to reports of a horsebox blocking two lanes of the carriageway on the A4440 in St Peter's, Worcester, at 7.30am. The horsebox
A DAILY playgroup for Worcester opened its doors to children for the first time this week. St Clement's Playgroup, held at St Clement's Primary School in Henwick Road, St John's, began on Monday and offers fun and play for children aged between three
SMALL start-up businesses on a Kempsey farm would be welcomed by the parish council, but an application for light industry, storage and distribution firms rang alarm bells with members. Previous problems with large articulated lorries using former farm
A MAN narrowly escaped death after being stabbed through the neck into his windpipe following a drinking bout on a council estate. David Hughes attacked Matthew Cooper with a kitchen knife inside a flat in Springhill Rise, Bewdley. There was "mutual animosity
A HEALTH watchdog is demanding to know how Worcestershire Royal Hospital's accident and emergency department coped after doctors were told not to refer their patients to the medical assessment unit (MAU) for the second time in less than a month. A fax
A POLICE officer had to restrain a retired businessman by forcing him to the ground when he became abusive after refusing to take a breath test. Worcester Magistrates Court yesterday heard that 61-year-old Roger Giles, from Chadbury Road, Lenchwick, near
Saturday, September 13 CRICKET Birmingham & District Premier League First XI Premier Division - Barnt Green v Halesowen (12pm). First Division - Bromsgrove v Wroxeter & Uppington (12pm). Second XI Premier Division - Halesowen v Barnt Green (12.30pm
NEW students due to attend University College Worcester will be given a warm welcome as well as a stern warning when they arrive for the new term. The college authorities say they have worked hard during the summer to tackle the problem of anti-social
SHAKESPEARE'S marriage bond and other historic treasures will be on show to the public in a special "behind the scenes" event at Worcestershire County Council's Record Office. The Records Office at County Hall on Spetchley Road in Whittington, Worcester
THE Evening News' Birthday Bonanza will kick off with a frying start at the Rose Avenue Fryer, which is offering readers a fishy prize. One lucky reader will win fish and chips once a week for a year. The Rose Avenue Fryer, in Tolladine, has recently
THE community of Dines Green had the chance to meet Evening News' reporter Liz Freeth and newspaper sales executive Chris Lane when they dropped in at The Green Centre yesterday. People who turned up to the Gresham Road community centre, were given a
A PARROT that whistles telephone ring tones has been spotted throughout Worcester after disappearing from its home. Alli, a 14-month-old African grey parrot, flew out of an open window at its house in Bath Road last Monday. Iftakhar Ahmed bought the parrot
A LIFEGUARD club launched its new fleet of boats at a naming ceremony at the weekend at Upton Warren. More than 30 people turned up to Upton Warren Watersports Centre to see the Pershore-based South Worcestershire Lifesaving and Lifeguard launch its new
A SHOCKED solicitor could not believe her eyes when she saw a cockatiel perched on a driver's shoulder. Judith Kenney was on her way to Worcester Magistrates Court to defend a client when she saw the pretty polly inside a blue Jaguar. The car slowed down
A BIG clean-up should make life brighter for residents in the Malvern Hills district, from Upton-upon-Severn to Tenbury Wells. A review of street cleaning, footpaths and public lavatories will be carried out this autumn by Malvern Hills District Council
A BANNED driver landed a job with a coach firm after showing a bogus licence at an interview, Worcester Crown Court heard. Alan Savage was taken on to drive a 53-seater coach and turned up at the Hereford company to transport a party to Dartmoor. He was
WORCESTER Rugby Club are already struggling with injuries just one week into the season. The Sixways club, who suffered a terrible time last year with a catalogue of injuries, will be without Dan Zaltzman, Drew Hickey and David Officer for Saturday's
Saturday, September 6, 2003 RUGBY United were deserved victors at the Victoria Ground against a Bromsgrove Rovers side that lacked passion and imagination. George Rooney's side turned in a very disappointing performance in front of a healthy 525 crowd
GEORGE Rooney faces a selection puzzle for Bromsgrove Rovers' season starter with half of his preferred players out of action. Rovers begin their Dr Martens Western campaign against Taunton Town at the Victoria Ground this Saturday (3pm). But the boss
(HOME, away) October Sat 4 EVESHAM Sat 11 Stone Sat 18 YARDLEY Sat 25 Walsall November Sat 1 STAFFORD Sat 8 Leamington Sat 15 KYNOCH Sat 22 Rugeley HC Sat 29 BROMSGROVE December Sat 6 REDDITCH Sat 13 Barlaston January 2004 Sat 17 BARLASTON Sat 24 Evesham
(HOME, away) October Sat 4 STONE Sat 11 Yardley Sat 18 WALSALL Sat 25 Stafford November Sat 1 LEAMINGTON Sat 8 Kynoch Sat 15 RUGELEY HC Sat 22 REDDITCH Sat 29 Droitwich Spa December Sat 6 BARLASTON Sat 13 Evesham January 2004 Sat 17 EVESHAM Sat 24 Stone
USERS of mental health services in Redditch can discuss their treatment as part of an inspection starting this week. The Commission for Health Improvement will be reviewing Worcestershire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust for 17 weeks. Individual or
Redditch driver Colin Willmott had his best qualifying to date in the Mayflower MG Trophy Championship, with the new MGZR car now sponsored by Willmott Rentals and Edwards of Stratford (MG Rover dealership). He was competing in MG Car Club meeting at
DARK Lane Angling Club's Pete Quirke landed all chub and barbel to top the list for the Peridot Shield and 7th aggregate match on Saturday with a total weight of 11lb. Second was Keith Jones with two barbel for 8lb 2oz followed by Dave Gibbs with 6lb
AFTER a two-month break during which she undertook only light training, Bromsgrove & Redditch Athletics Club's racewalker Sharon Tonks entered the final Coventry Godiva Harriers 5-mile summer league race at the Memorial Park, Coventry. Although she
THE Redditch branch of a national charity is calling for West Mercia Police to set up a system to help deaf or hard of hearing victims of crime. The town arm of the Royal National Institute for the Deaf is also appealing for people to write letters supporting
The versatile Gadsby was Ian Britton's first signing after the 2002/03 season, agreeing a one-year contract at Aggborough. A player with good defensive qualities in the air or on the ground, he did not figure much in a turbulent Division Two campaign
A REDDITCH councillor is championing cleaner streets in Winyates and Matchborough. Brandon Clayton has secured trials of a new mechanical sweeper on the east side of the town to clear up any grass and litter left behind by the regular mowing maintenance
BLACK Horse continued their excellent start in the Central Sports Redditch & South Warks Combination with a 3-2 win away to Bromsgrove Athletico. Elsewhere in the Premier Division, South Redditch recorded an excellent 3-1 win over Mettis Aerospace
REDDITCH Council has just received the first of six new refuse collection vehicles. It is hoped the new bin lorries will help make Redditch's refuse collection even better and more efficient with less breakdowns. All of the new vehicles will also display
THE Palace Theatre will be transformed with The Locrian Ensemble's production Classic Romance by Candlelight on Saturday. In period costume and in an evocative candlelit setting, The Locrian Ensemble will play well-loved classics such as Bach's Air on
HEADLESS Cross women got off to a good start with new signing Sarah Day opening the scoring after five minutes in a nine goal thriller. Redditch equalised shortly with a Rachel Hopkins' 35-yard free kick into the back of second choice keeper Paulfryman's
Young stars are wanted for the Hunt End Rangers Under- 13s football team. Anyone interested in joining the team for this season should call Tom Kirkham on 01527 857845.
Once capped by England U-20s and also in the national youth sides, the Birmingham-born midfielder joined Harriers on a month's loan in late August. Described by boss Ian Britton as someone with "a bit of everything", Murray is an energetic and tenacious
GROOVY 70s music aplenty is on offer when smash hit musical Oh! What A Night returns to the Birmingham Hippodrome on Monday. The show caused a sensation last year and returns by popular demand at the start of a new tour. Set in the 1970s in New York disco
SWIFTS 1, GRESLEY 1 CAPTAIN John Shirley scored a vital second-half header to secure a point for Stourport Swifts against a Gresley side still looking for their first Dr Martens Western Division win. Swifts found themselves a goal down by half-time but
WORCESTER Rugby Club are already struggling with injuries just one week into the season. The Sixways club, who suffered a terrible time last year with a catalogue of injuries, will be without Dan Zaltzman, Drew Hickey and David Officer for Saturday's
JOHN Barton has urged his sharpshooters to hone their predatory skills and it's clear to see why after a good half's work at Weston last night was undone by wayward finishing. The partnership of Mark Owen and Leon Kelly has produced the rather meagre
IF there was any reminder needed that justice doesn't always prevail in football it came at Weston last night and at St George's Lane on Saturday. A less than impressive display against Dorchester ended with us salvaging three points two minutes from
LAST season's Division Four champions in the Worcester and District Skittle League, the Sausagemen, made a winning start in Division Three with a 33- pin away victory against the Outsiders. Sausagemen won every leg with Simon Clarke top scoring with 36
Back row, from left, Della Bailey (Sports Therapist), Dean Ball (Director of Coaching), Mark Cornelius, Dave Hurcombe, Richard Arnold, Andy Bridge, Tom Churchill, Ross Baxter, Carl Bradley, Steve Phillips, Dave Wilkinson (Director of Coaching) and Neil
DROITWICH Spa RFC First XV got their Midlands Three West (South) season off to a winning start with a solid 17-9 victory at Old Leamingtonians. Matt Blackmore kicked four penalties and debutant Tom Childs added an unconverted try last Saturday. Director
BROMSGROVE Rovers have been unsuccessful in a bid to tempt former favourite Reckey Carter back to the Victoria Ground. Rovers made a seven-day approach for the prolific Barnt Green Spartak striker, part of Rovers' Conference side, last Saturday. The bid
FAIRFIELD Villa were beaten by the odd goal in seven in a thrilling encounter at Stockingford AA. Cliff Hughes' side clawed their way back from 2-0 down to 3-2 up in last Saturday's Midland Combination division one clash before conceding twice in the
BARNT Green Spartak have made it seven wins in seven as their remarkable start to the season continues. GJ Singh's side, who beat Burntwood Town 3-2 at home last Wedensday, won 2-1 at Bloxwich Town last Saturday, keeping them top of Midland Combination
FAIRFIELD Villa Ladies began their West Midlands division one south campaign with a last minute 2-1 home defeat to Ross Town Ladies. With three players making their debut, Fairfield played a controlled first half. Strikers Kaye Mason and player of the
DROITWICH Spa have lost their fourth Midland Football Combination division one game of the season. Kevin Blaber's side lost 4-2 at home to Continental Star Reserves last Saturday. They also drew 1-1 with Tipton Reserves last Wednesday.
A £600 DRAINAGE scheme in Littleheath Lane, Lickey End, had to be temporarily shelved when it was discovered a privately-owned watercress bed behind houses would be affected and the owner refused to give up his rights to the free water. WORK preparing
AN inquest into the death of labourer William Fisher, aged 55, from Green Lane, Catshill, found he had died accidentally after he fell 40 feet from scaffolding while hod carrying at the new vicarage under construction in Lickey Square. CROWN Close in
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL (12A): A sensational lead performance by Johnny Depp, whose salty sea dog Captain Jack Sparrow is a mix of Rolling Stone Keith Richards and Warner Brothers' Pepe lePew. Odeon, Worcester 1.30, 4.30,
REDDITCH United face tough test away to league rivals Solihull Borough in the FA Cup first qualifying round on Saturday - but will be without six key players. Quentin Townsend and Matty Gardiner go under the knife for operations while Richard Field (back
DEAR EDITOR -- Now that John Prescott has decided Lickey End must have a Parish Council, perhaps the anti-parish councillors that were elected could 'meet' for one minute and choose a charity to send a 1p contribution from each household in the parish
DEAR EDITOR -- In response to the letter entitled 'What happens to your rubbish' by Ms SA Sheppard I would like to point out that her observation of the recycle bags going into the rubbish wagon is correct, however, if she had actually looked properly
DEAR EDITOR -- Ricochet South, a television production company, is looking for friends or family who want to run a restaurant together, but have little or no prior experience. If you're ready to give up your jobs or go part-time to find out what running
DEAR EDITOR -- Detailed employment statistics for each EU Member State are now available for 2001. The results are most revealing. Only four countries have employment levels higher than EU targets: the Netherlands, the UK, Denmark and Sweden. For people
DEAR EDITOR -- I would like to thank the kind and honest people who came to my assistance last Friday afternoon, August 29, summoning an ambulance following my nasty fall in St John's Cemetery. I was found by those people suffering from concussion. I
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
Alcester 45 Claverdon 19 Alcester started the new season with a resounding win over their local rivals at a friendly in King's Coughton. Despite being 30 points down inside half an hour, Claverdon never let their heads drop and in the end brought some
THE award nominated Storymaking at the Hippodrome returns to the theatre again this autumn after its summer break. Storymaking at the Hippodrome is an hour-long workshop aimed at 5-7 year olds. The workshop takes place every Saturday, beginning this weekend
ONE of the world's greatest and most tragic love stories returns to the Malvern Theatres later this month when the English Touring Theatre stages a major new revival of Romeo and Juliet. This brand new production, which opens on September 30, sets the
EMPLOYEES at a Lakeside company are gearing themselves up to receive a prestigious award from a royal visitor and his accompanying entourage. On Tuesday, Arrowvale Electronics, based at Arrow Business Park, will greet HRH The Duke of Gloucester and the
A CHARMING collection of pastel and watercolour paintings will be on display at Bromsgrove Library. The work of Anita Stevens, titled Inspired by Nature, will feature at the Stratford Road library from September 29 for a month. Call 01905 765025.
IS there something in the water at Malvern? First, we read M Hunt of Malvern (no relation) expanding on the wonders of Europe, and then we read S G T Beard daring to compare Tony Blair with the great man Winston Churchill. Churchill, of course, was the
Lickey WI met at the parish hall last Tuesday. Notices included a fashion show with cheese and wine to be held on Tuesday, October 14, at the parish hall. Further names were added to the list for a Christmas shopping outing to Bath in November. Members
Len Salt entertained his audience as he explained numerous ways of creating and enhancing a small garden. His love of old plants and his fascination with the old fashioned names made for an interesting, as well as nostalgic, evening. We look forward to
I UNDERSTAND that more than 18 months ago, the Government brought in a law that made it illegal for cyclists to ride on pavements and, if found doing so, would run the risk of a £100 fine. Well, they are still riding on pavements and I have yet to hear
Astwood Bank's dream of winning the National Village Championship at Lord's was burst by Shipton-under-Wychwood in a crushing 67-run defeat - but they still gave their army of travelling fans a day to remember at the home of cricket. Brave Bank reached
THE fairer sex was treated to a host of pampering beauty preparations at a Charford community centre. Reflexology, manicures, pedicures and facials were just some of the treatments on offer at the Multi Agency Resource Centre as part of last Friday's
GENTLEMEN looking for a made-to-measure suit may notice something different the next time they visit a traditional town tailor. Outlook Bespoke Tailors has a new shop sign, which honours both the age-old art of handmade suits and the historical premises
MUSIC-loving landlords of a Bromsgrove pub have thrown down the gauntlet by inviting town talent to take part in a weekly 'Open Mike' night. Every Thursday, Bromsgrove's best acoustic musicians are urged to take to the stage at The Hop Pole Inn, in Birmingham
NARCOTICS cop and family man Nick Tellis is suspended by the police force when a drugs bust goes horribly wrong. His only way back in is to investigate the mysterious death of another drugs cop Michael Calvess. Tellis, played by Jason Patric, teams up
PLANS to redevelop the Spa's Lido pool suffered another blow after developers pulled out of the multi-million pound project. Thermae Ltd planned to develop the disused site with indoor and outdoor relaxation pools, treatment rooms, a sauna and restaurant
THOUSANDS of people in Bromsgrove were left in darkness after more blackouts hit the town on Sunday and Monday. On Monday, almost 10,000 homes were left without light for most of the evening from 7.15 to 9.40pm. Swimmers at a ladies only night at the
TENNIS star Alice Richardson was in inspired form to scoop three titles at the five-day Herefordshire and Worcestershire Junior Tennis Championships in Malvern. Richardson, of Barnt Green Tennis Club, won the U18s girls singles, U16s girls doubles and
ASTWOOD BANK v SHIPTON-UNDER-WYCHWOOD SHIPTON-UNDER-WYCHWOOD Constable b Summers lbw 34 Bates b Sealey c Robinson 24 Gillett b Sealey c Robinson 1 A Hemming b Sealey c Robinson 9 Panter b Boycott s Robinson 1 P Hemming run out Robinson 24 Miller b Boycott
BEING overweight caused great misery for one Rubery woman, especially as it meant she could not play with her baby daughter. Paula Hooper, of New Road, had always been conscious of her figure but after going through an operation to correct a back injury
A MAN who deliberately drove a stolen Land Rover at a Bromsgrove police motorcyclist, knocking him off, later used an afternoon dentist's appointment as an alibi. But the police discovered Alan Plimmer had turned up early and, because another patient
REDDITCH ensured their Division Two West status with a hard-fought draw at Penn. Penn, batting first, made a brisk start to their innings, despite losing an early wicket to Dave Apperley. It was soon realised it was a spinner's pitch and with the introduction
AN INVASION of bodies from out of town could cause grave problems in the future for Bromsgrove burials, a new report warns. Requests for burial from non-residents have increased in recent months, according to a report to the Executive Cabinet meeting
FIT Spa residents are urged to step up the pace and get their entries in for this year's North Worcester Fun Run. The four-mile run, in aid of Save The Children, will start and finish at the Hadley Bowling Green Inn, Hadley Heath on Sunday, September
Saturday, September 13 BIRMINGHAM SENIOR LEAGUE DIVISION 2 WEST Fordhouses v REDDITCH 12pm BIRMINGHAM SENIOR LEAGUE DIVISION 2 EAST STUDLEY v Highway 12pm WARWICKSHIRE LEAGUE DIVISION 3 FIVE WAYS OE v WYTHALL 12.30pm
STAFF caring for frail elderly folk in Droitwich Spa and Bromsgrove, may strike over a bitter contracts row. Close on 90 workers say they are being "emotionally black-mailed" into accepting a new deal which will leave them worse off. The staff are employed
THE spa came alive this weekend when Droitwich Spa Baptist Church marked their 130th anniversary with a flower festival. Over 200 residents turned out to the charity event at the church in Ombersley Way to mark the occasion. The flower festival, along
A SPA headteacher is backing the Government's latest bid to clampdown on bullying. Worcestershire County Council, which is the local education authority, will receive funding to appoint "behaviour and attendance consultants" who will advise secondary
A FILM with Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock is never going to break the mould, push boundaries or challenge the IQ. But what it will do is, to coin a phrase, exactly what it says on the tin. Hugh will be Hugh, playing Hugh in typical Hugh-like fashion.
Listening to indie popsters The Ataris reminds me of those heady days of my youth spent in smokey pubs listening to a bunch of lads - never a girl in sight - belt out a jumbled collection of songs to the heavy thrashing of guitars. They may not have been
IT'S hard to believe this is Jewel's fifth studio album when she's barely made a dent in the British charts. But this American songbird is apparently huge in her native US of A, selling more than 10 million albums in the last three years. And the Americans
ABS, real name Richard Breen, has an uphill battle on his hands and it's nothing to do with his music. It's his name. Even with his taut and muscular torso, it's a dopey name to be saddled with, and how on earth is Mr Breen to cope when his impressive
BROMSGROVE Olympique Cycling Club's Alex Billington faces a race against time to be fit for the start of the new West Midlands cyclo cross season. Billington crashed heavily while racing at Lilleshall National Sports Centre last Saturday and suffered
BEACON Roads Cycling Club is road testing a product from an international company. The club, based in Bromsgrove, will test WD-40's 3-IN-ONE with PTFE product for a six months from this weekend. The product helps keep cycles lubricated, making gear changes
FALARAKI, Ayia Napa and Majorca may be today's "hip hop" holiday destinations but in years gone by a fortnight in rural Bosbury was as far as many Bromsgrovians got. Every September thousands of town and city dewellers left the smoke and grime to spend
BRITAIN has one of the worst rates of heart disease in the European Union. A recent study found that 150 men in every 100,000 died every year from heart disease in Great Britain, while 67 women in every 100,000 fell victim. These statistics are no shock
Tuesday, September 9, 2003 BAD luck and poor finishing combined to de-rail Worcester City as they lost 1-0 at Weston-super-Mare last night. A fluke goal on the hour defeated City but on their first league visit to the seaside town they ultimately paid
ON many occasions during my years as a Labour councillor in Redditch, people asked me: "Will we lose our bus passes and free travel?" I always gave the same answer: "While you have a Labour council, your passes are safe." At the local elections only four
FEARS have been voiced that the Alexandra Hospital's maternity unit may eventually be closed as a direct result of a shake-up of the special care baby unit (SCBU). According to the Royal College of Midwifery, the SCBU is to be downsized ''considerably
AN animal rights organisation has called on people to boycott Halfords stores until the company withdraws its adverts featuring performing chimpanzees. Members of the Captive Animals' Protection Society (CAPS) held protests several months ago outside
CONTROVERSIAL plans for "the most exciting building project Alvechurch has seen for 150 years" have been revealed. Leaflets showing how the extension to St Laurence's Church will look have been delivered to homes in the area. The Advertiser reported in
THE late ''Old Labour'' County Councillor, Eric Treadgold, on hearing the details of the proposed Redditch free bus pass scheme, said: "This is all fine and dandy but what about the housebound or those who go without to run a little car, because there's
MESS left by travellers over the last two years has cost Redditch taxpayers £50,000 to clean up. The figure was revealed during a full council meeting when the controversial issue of bunds, used to stop travellers entering a site, was debated. Councillors
IT has not taken the Tories long to hit the Redditch community in its pocket. Bus fares are set to be imposed on our elderly citizens and the disabled, all of whom enjoyed free travel under previous administrations. The rumour is each journey will cost
WHILE fully appreciating Tom Wareing's words about the dangers Britain faces in policing post-war Iraq, I take deep exception to him comparing post-war Iraq to Palestine in 1945-48. Surely he must know Britain suffered in Palestine where Jews and Arabs
I WRITE to express my disgust at the way vandals in Matchborough East act like morons by smashing the windows at our new Matchborough First School. It is a new school, so why do these people use wanton destructive bad habits? We, the council taxpayers
CAN anyone help me trace a long lost painting? My grandfather, Frank Harris, was a local artist. In the 1950s, he painted a beautiful picture of Jesus and his disciples at the Last Supper. He then donated it to a church in Batchley. I believe the church
REDDITCH line-dancers The Bootleggers will be helping to bring Redditch closer to one of its twin towns at Rocklands Social Club next Friday. The group has raised thousands of pounds for charity over the years and this time will be offering support to
LAST week, the inaugural meeting of a town organisation took place which aims to help people with arthritis to empower themselves. The Redditch Arthritis Self Help Group was formed by Diane Cooke and others who all have differing degrees of the often
THERE has been a 10 per cent increase in student intake at NEW College as they are lured by state-of-the-art new buildings and a wider range of learning opportunities. The department which has seen the biggest influx of new students has been the sixth
THE autumn programme started with a visit from Carole Fennel with her extensive and beautiful range of luxury candles and accessories. The candles came in a wide range of perfumes and there were many modern and traditional accessories such as decoratively
PEOPLE power has stopped plans for a waste transfer recycling centre in Bidford. County councillors went against officers' recommendations to approve the proposal on Thursday after more than 240 residents and neighbouring companies wrote to object to
