Archive

  • EIGHT CHILD PORN CHARGES

    THE managing director of a Worcester flagship audio-visual company has appeared in court charged with eight counts of making child pornography. Keith Istead, head of Present UK Ltd - part of Istead Business Presentations Ltd - in Gregorys Mill Street,

  • Bob's placed a big bet on Arnie for president

    A STARSTRUCK film fanatic is banking rather more than most on the success of Arnold Schwarzenegger's political career. Robert Coppini stands to win a massive £100,000 if the Terminator star - who this week became Governor of California - makes it all

  • Man on child sex charge

    A WORCESTER man appeared in court for the second time yesterday charged with abduction, sex with a minor and helping a girl to attempt suicide. Andrew Taylor, from Fleet Row, St Peter's, appeared at Worcester Crown Court accused of having unlawful sex

  • Head tackles sports body

    A HEADTEACHER has criticised a Government body that could see an all-weather pitch for his school being kicked into touch. Clive Corbett, head at Pershore High School, has hit out at Sport England, the body responsible for delivering the Government's

  • Burglar refuses to name partner

    A convicted burglar has told a jury that a man accused of being his accomplice in an £11,000 smash and grab raid in Worcester is innocent. Stephen Cherry said he targeted Dunn's jewellers in Chapel Walk, CrownGate, with a friend who he refused to name

  • Appeal for help to find the conmen

    POLICE are warning householders to be on the lookout for two conmen who burgled a house in Worcester and one in Evesham by pretending to be there on official business. The first distraction burglary took place in Hemmingway, Evesham, on Wednesday, when

  • Your say on porn comments

    EVENING News readers have united in condemning a former councillor found guilty of possessing child pornography, and the retired vicar who has defended him. Dozens of people contacted the News Desk to express "disgust" at the comments made by the Rev

  • Drink store blood daub man shown mercy

    A MAN who smeared his own blood everywhere while drunk and disorderly in a discount drink store has avoided a jail sentence. Paul Spicer, aged 35, from Pope Iron Road, Barbourne, Worcester, smeared his own blood around Bargain Booze, Ombersley Road, Worcester

  • World's window on church's treasures

    A LITTLE-KNOWN jewel in Droitwich has been opened up to the whole world, thanks to the internet. The Church of the Sacred Heart and Saint Catherine of Alexandria is considered one of the most beautiful in Britain. But whereas until now it was only known

  • It's splash down as studio opens

    A SWIMMING pool and fitness centre in Malvern is celebrating after a successful open day to mark the opening of its fitness studio. The event was the latest chapter in Malvern Splash leisure complex's success story since re-opening at the end of July

  • Benefits advice

    AN awareness day is being held in Malvern at the end of the month to inform residents of what types of benefits they can claim. Billions of pounds of state benefits go unclaimed each year nationally and Malvern Hills District Citizens' Advice Bureau is

  • Police study CCTV for assault clue

    POLICE are studying CCTV footage in a bid to track down a man who assaulted two women in Evesham. The pair were attacked near the nightclub Innuendo, in Crown Court Yard, Bridge Street, at around 1.45am on Sunday. One of the victims had to be treated

  • Knotty problem on banks of Teme

    TENBURY Town Council is facing up to the knotty problem of the Japanese knotweed that is over-running the river bank. Contractors have been called in to investigate the intensity of the notifiable weed, which is out-growing much of the undergrowth on

  • Magnificent work at Kemp Hospice

    DAY care patients at Tenbury Kemp Hospice have been in stitches for the past 12 months - and 46 patients and two volunteers have finally completed two magnificent patchwork quilts. Each quilt has 24 personalised square pockets depicting individual stories

  • It's your chance to help children

    OPERATION Christmas Child has come round again and stacks of empty shoeboxes are waiting to be filled with goodies. The scheme, under the umbrella of Samaritan's Purse for International Relief, runs from November 5 to November 20. Members of St Mary's

  • Marauding Nuns muzzle Malvern

    NUNEATON OLD BOYS 23pts, MALVERN 13pts PREVIOUSLY unbeaten in their Midlands Two West fixtures, Malvern went to Warwickshire to take on a feisty Nuneaton side who had convincingly gained promotion last year. They had done their homework well; stand off

  • PAUNTLEY Correspondent: Mrs S Martin Tel: 01684 562714

    THE coffee morning in aid of the British Heart Foundation is on Saturday, October 18, from 10.30am till noon. It will be held at Eric and Anne's home at Elm Grove, Pool Hill. There will be a bring-and-buy stall and a raffle. A book stall will also be

  • POWICK Correspondent: Mrs M Allsopp Tel: 01905 830746

    AROUND 80 people attended the harvest supper in Powick Parish Hall last Saturday evening and enjoyed a delicious buffet supper prepared by Julia Evans and Helen followed by apple pie and custard. Entertainment was by the Singing Sous Chefs (alias Will

  • STAUNTON Correspondent: Mrs U Groves-Smith Tel: 01452 840273

    This year there is such an abundance of berries of all kinds that some were added to the beautiful floral arrangement in Staunton Church for the harvest festival service and hops and old man's beard was used in the porch to great effect. On Sunday the

  • UPLEADON Correspondent: Mrs S Martin Tel: 01684 562714

    THE new harvest venture for Upleadon church is to be held on Sunday, October 12. It will begin in St Mary the Virgin parish church at 11.15am with a harvest festival service conducted by Mrs Jessie Williams and the Reverend Patricia Phillips, the rector

  • West Malvern Correpondent: Colin Jackson Tel: 01684 577604

    West Malvern is not California (and candidates here are unlikely to resemble Arnold Schwarzenegger!) but one, and possibly two, elections are in prospect in the village in the next few weeks. It has long been a sore point with many residents that although

  • Firm ceases trading

    Ward Bekker Systems Ltd, a company based on the Spring Lane Industrial Estate, has ceased trading. The business designs and manufactures automatic weighing and powder-filling machines for the pre-packing of food and associated products. A meeting of the

  • New surgery set to be approved

    A DECISION on Upton's proposed new medical centre is due next week, with planners recommending approval. Malvern Hills District Council's planning officers say in their report that permission should be granted, but the applicants should provide funds

  • Tricks pay off for Luke

    MALVERN skateboarder Luke Badham is flying high after winning his first skate competition in Worcester. Luke, aged 15, from Lower Howsell Road, beat around ten other competitors from around the region to take top spot in the under-16s category at RampAge

  • Studio could draw in worldwide talent

    MUSICIANS from all over the world could soon be descending on Malvern to record in a new sound studio. Nigerian-born Ben Okafor, who moved to Malvern six years ago, has submitted a planning proposal to set up a recording studio in Wyche Road, part of

  • Hunt is still on for replicas stolen in Malvern Hills

    The hunt continues for 34 unique pewter replicas of various military head-gear. Artist Clive Kelly suffered the loss of more than £1,000 worth of models on August 10 this year. The theft occurred as Mr Kelly and his father were on the way back to Atherstone

  • 100th volunteer gets behind the minibus wheel

    COMMUNITY groups in and around Malvern are celebrating the training of the 100th volunteer minibus driver. Simon Wilkinson, who is about to start helping the new Upton-upon-Severn shuttle service, is the latest driver to be trained by the Malvern based

  • Post office off to good start

    Callow End's new post office is enjoying a successful trade, according to its operator. Since opening on August 1, after a long-running battle fought by residents of the village, the new post office, attached to the Blue Bell pub, in Upton Road, is attracting

  • Blossoms open

    UPTON'S Little Blossoms Nursery will be showing off its new pre-school department at an open day for prospective parents on Thursday from 9.30am to 11.30am. Owner Jane Clive said: "This is a prime opportunity for both parents and children to view the

  • Bazaar fun

    A GRAND autumn bazaar takes place in Hanley Swan in aid of St Mary's and St Gabriel's churches. A range of stalls will be at the village hall, including cakes, provisions, bric-a-brac, a raffle, books and videos, plants, fancy foods and more. All are

  • Speed campaign seeks volunteers

    A TEAM of civilian volunteers is being recruited to operate speed guns in Ledbury after a trial of the system in neighbouring villages. West Mercia Police has asked town councillor Noel Roberts to co-ordinate the recruitment of seven people to operate

  • Do the maths

    One can only presume from the tone and totally uninformed content of the letter of Mr Frank Hare (Your Letters, October 3) on local government pensions, that he was not in a position to make provision for his retirement and was forced to work until 65

  • MEPs on case

    Well done J Harries (Your Letters, October 3) for raising the important subject of animal welfare during transport across the EU, and specifically the Commission proposal which could compel the UK to drop its ban on the export of live horses and donkeys

  • Quarry car park to be closed

    ANTI-social behaviour and people swimming in the Gullet Quarry at Castlemorton has prompted the Conservators to apply for planning permission to shut the existing car park. Members want to build a new car park near Swinyard Hill to prevent people parking

  • New room in a class of its own

    PUPILS at Eldersfield Lawn CE School have returned to a new classroom constructed over the summer holidays. The school has spent close to £15,000 on building work and new equipment for reception and year one children. The reception classroom was formerly

  • Thanks to MP

    AT last we have a provisional start date for the new Malvern Hospital. This is great news and our thanks should go to Sir Michael Spicer, our MP, who has fought so hard and continuously to make sure his constituents receive the service from the NHS that

  • Do they want to run trains?

    Well, it's that time of year again, Central Trains timetable change time, when, once more, commuters to Birmingham from Worcester, Malvern and Hereford (and all points in between!) have the service further eroded. Not content with discontinuing the stopping

  • Mystery helper

    THROUGH your newspaper I wish to express my gratitude to a person unknown to me who recently rendered a service. When shopping in the Ledbury branch of Somerfield, I realised on returning to the car with shopping that I had mislaid my spectacles. Despite

  • Shared criticism

    IN response to Mr Ray Roberts' recent letter (Your Letters, September 26) in which he claimed to be a "directly elected" Malvern Hills Conservator (Chase Ward), he makes no mention that he stood unopposed at the last election. For the record, ten per

  • Walk set to benefit hospice

    Two county men will walk nearly 60 miles in aid of the Acorns Children's Hospice. Mark Lannie and Ellis Badger work for Cooperative Funeral Services in Worcester and will walk to each of the company's branches in the area on Saturday and Sunday, October

  • Poster promotes safety

    governors, parents and children of Colwall Primary School are working together to promote safe journeys to and from school. Sian Jones, aged 11, who left the school last term and is now at Alice Ottley school in Worcester, won the £10 first prize in a

  • Kay is pipped to award

    AN awards ceremony for Worcestershire's Women of the Year was held at Malvern Theatres. Organised to raise funds for St Richard's Hospice and recognise the important contribution women make to society, the event raised more than £30,000 from sponsorship

  • New life begins for hall

    LONGDON residents were this week enjoying their refurbished and extended village hall, which will offer innovative services to the community. The hall re-opened on Monday after work costing £180,000 was completed in just six months. It will be used as

  • Opinion

    THOSE members of the town council who have volunteered to take an active role in bringing the Speedwatch Campaign to Ledbury are to be congratulated on not just talking about speed but doing something about it. We hope other members of the public will

  • Castle is rebranded

    A GRAPHIC design studio in Colwall has been involved in a relaunch of Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire. Artwork Creative Ltd has produced a new corporate image and promotional material for the castle, which is famous as the site of the imprisonment

  • Crunch contest for lowly Harriers

    KIDDERMINSTER Harriers hope to take another giant step away from the Nationwide League Division Three relegation zone tomorrow. They entertain fellow strugglers Southend United in a crunch match at Aggborough. Harriers go into the match in fourth from

  • MP is to press for crossing at school

    PARENTS of pupils at a Malvern school have launched a campaign for a crossing. They say that it is crucial that a pelican crossing is installed on Pickersleigh Road, so children can get to Great Malvern Primary School safely. West Worcestershire MP Sir

  • Polar medals fetch £10k

    POLAR medals that belonged to a Malvern-born explorer were sold for more than £10,000 at auction. The bronze and silver George V and George VI medals had been awarded to George Hamilton Smith, who was born in Malvern in 1899. They were given to him for

  • 10/10/03 - Crunch contest for lowly Harriers

    KIDDERMINSTER Harriers hope to take another giant step away from the Nationwide League Division Three relegation zone tomorrow. They entertain fellow strugglers Southend United in a crunch match at Aggborough. Harriers go into the match in fourth from

  • Pete brings back sound of trad jazz

    Hanley Castle High School will echo to the sound of music courtesy of the Pete Allen Jazz Band. The band, celebrating its 25th year, remains at the top of the UK traditional jazz scene and has appeared at festivals and venues worldwide. Born in Newbury

  • Make mine a portion of faggots and peas, please...

    Had some faggots the other day - home-made ones. Sheppo brought some in for me. Don't they taste good. Home-made faggots taste so much better than the ones you buy frozen do they not? Never mind the after effects, faggots taste great. It reminded me of

  • Let's be subjective about speed

    I ORIGINALLY started to pen this note in support of John Phillpott's editorial a few weeks ago about speed cameras. Anticipating smug and self-righteous responses from some of your correspondents, I binned it. After all, whatever my argument, these out-dated

  • He's trying to divert debate on funding

    I AM sorry to see Mike Foster (You Say, Friday, October 3) once again trying to divert the debate about Worcestershire's education funding into party politics. As our county has done badly under both Conservative and Labour governments, this is an issue

  • Church plugs a spiritual gap

    THE dedication of the new Church of the Ascension in Malvern Link was reported in the Malvern News a century ago. "The population of the upper part of the parish of Malvern Link has increased very much in the last ten years and the necessity for adequately

  • Echoes from the Past

    100 years ago Because of the unusually high rents which the poor have to pay in Malvern for cottages, those in receipt of out-door relief are to be given an extra allowance - 6d or so - during the winter months. The Guardians seemed surprised to learn

  • Cinemas

    Malvern Cinema: Fri 10 - Mon 13 Belleville Rendez-Vous (12A) Daily 8pm, Mats Sat & Sun 3pm. Tues 14 - Thurs 16 Etre et Avoir (To Be and To Have) (U) Daily 7.15pm, Mat Thurs 3pm. Odeon Worcester: New Release - The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen

  • Eilie delighted with response

    TENBURY Tennis Club youth coach Eilie Robinson is delighted with the response to her Saturday coaching sessions now held on her own court at Sutton Farm, off the Bromyard Road, Tenbury. Prompted by Tenbury Town Council's ban on the club using the Burgage

  • Ladies show no mercy as they fire home 10 goals

    Hockey Llandrindod Ladies 2 Tenbury Ladies 10 ALTHOUGH Tenbury could only field nine players for their KBS League match they produced an outstanding performance to hit the target 10 times with Abi Thomas leading with four goals. Llandrindod's youngsters

  • United slip at home to title chasing Bewdley

    Tenbury United 1 Bewdley Town 4 UNITED once again made it difficult for themselves when they gifted their West Midlands League Division 1 South title chasing opponents a first minute goal. From the kick-off Bewdley floated a high ball into the heart of

  • All the latest events taking place this week and next!

    Oct 11: Brian and Philomena invite you to a Ballroom & Sequence Evening, in aid of St Richards Hospice. Dancing to Brian's Supersounds at St John's Sports Centre, Worcester. 8pm-11.30pm. Licensed bar. Telephone Brian or Philomena on 01905 454338 to

  • Classy and easily listening a guide to what's on near you

    Oct 10: Centre Stage at CBSO Centre, Birmingham. Box office: 0121 767 4050 or book online at www.cbso.co.uk Oct 10: City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Hall, Birmingham. Box office: 0121 780 3333 or book online at www.cbso.co.uk Oct 12:

  • Woodward prepares to charm female trio

    THREE widows re-enter the dating game in the funny and moving comedy The Cemetery Club at Malvern Theatres. Anne Charleston, Michele Dotrice and Shirley Anne Field take the lead roles in Ivan Menchell's play, which runs from Monday, October 20 to Saturday

  • What's on

    Theatre October Until 11 - Once in a Blue Moon by Conquest Productions at the Conquest Theatre, Bromyard. 8pm. £7, Concs £6 from (01885) 488575. Until 25 - Quackery Codswallop at The Theatre of Small Convenience, Edith Walk, Malvern. Sat only 11am-4pm

  • Evesham from the air

    The picture was taken from a (French) Jodel aircraft piloted by John Scott out of Bidford airport on Wednesday, February 5. Click here for ordering details

  • Axe killing case faces day's delay

    NO prosecution evidence was heard on day four of the trial of murder suspect Gerald Edwards, because of an ill juror. Edwards, aged 32, denies killing Michael Kelly, a 35-year-old drugs dealer, with whom he shared a flat in Teme Road, Tolladine. The prosecution

  • Traffic chaos follows crash

    RUSH-HOUR traffic became jammed in Worcester yesterday afternoon, after a Honda Civic car collided with a lamp-post. The smash occurred outside the Homebase superstore, in Tybridge Street, at around 4.45pm. No one was injured. Traffic became congested

  • Residents' helping hand to open Lido

    DROITWICH residents could soon be donning their overalls and grabbing a paintbrush in an attempt to have the town's Lido opened next year. Dozens of people have offered to give up their spare time to clean, paint and spruce up the facility before summer

  • Stop for a cuppa at new coffee morning

    A COMMUNITY centre will be bursting with prizes, free newspapers and plenty of chat in an Evening News extravaganza. Residents are being invited to drop in for a cuppa, catch up on gossip and meet their local reporter, councillors and vicar at the Ronkswood

  • Core skills...

    CHILDREN at Kempsey Primary School are turning their backs on biscuits and chocolate bars in favour of healthy fruit and vegetables. Pupils and staff have worked together to win a Healthy Schools Award by eating healthier snacks and drinking more milk

  • Top award for healthy, tasty food

    A SANDWICH shop in Worcester city centre is celebrating after scooping an award for its efforts to provide residents with tasty, healthy food. The Red Tomato takeaway bar, in Sidbury, will be presented with the prestigious Heartbeat Award, by Worcester

  • Guidelines give docs power of life or death

    A NEW policy that decides whether a dying patient should be resuscitated is set to be implemented at hospitals and GP surgeries across Worcestershire. The policy is aimed at giving patients the right to die in peace with dignity and it is hoped it will

  • Talks on second drugs film

    A SEQUEL to the revolutionary drugs education video featuring Rachel Whitear and images of her dead body is being considered by her Ledbury parents and the video producer. Pauline and Mick Holcroft have said they are considering it following news the

  • Alan receives helping hand

    A SUPER fit 61-year-old, who is running 250 miles to raise money for charity, has received a helping hand from his friends in Worcestershire. Alan Haw, who has been a member of the Tunstall Rotary Club for a decade, is running from his home in Stoke-on-Trent

  • Death of former senior master

    FORMER senior master at Christopher Whitehead Boys' School Eric Hooper has died aged 75, after a short illness. Mr Hooper was a teacher at the city school for almost three decades, starting in 1950, and was both head of the music department and senior

  • Trim for Maggie

    FORMER Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher continued her holiday in Worcestershire with a visit to the Faithful City. Lady Thatcher took her time window shopping in Friar Street, before stopping for a hair cut - though shops were under orders to remain tight-lipped

  • Church funds

    AN open day at a church in Worcester has raised more than £2,000 to go towards its building appeal fund. St Clement's Church, Henwick Road, St John's, needs to raise almost £100,000 over the next five years to pay for repairs. At Saturday's open day,

  • Just reward for patient Jessica

    A NINE-year-old girl from Evesham who has helped a partially blind pupil at her school since she was five has been named West Mercia Police's Good Citizen of the Year. Jessica Andrews won the award at a special ceremony at the force's headquarters in

  • Gold for donor

    A TOTAL of 135 blood donors, including four first-timers, turned up when the collecting team visited Tenbury Wells on Sunday, September 28, and 124 of them were able to give blood. Russell Wall earned a gold award for 50 donations, one donor received

  • Visit sparks fire cuts fear

    THE people of Tenbury will have a chance tomorrow, Friday, to tell senior firemen why the town's fire station should be kept open. Divisional officer Paul Amos, of the Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority, and colleagues will be outside the Regal Cinema

  • CASTLEMORTON Correspondent: Mrs R Bolton Tel: 01684 833287

    A REMINDER about the Hills Singers concert at St Gregory's Church tomorrow (Saturday, October 11) at 7.30pm. Tickets £5 to include refreshments from 01684 833869 or on the door. Harvest festival celebrations the following day, Sunday, at 11.15am, followed

  • COLWALL Correspondent: Mrs P Hockett Tel: 01684 564872

    THIS evening (Friday, October 10) at 7pm the harvest supper takes place at Colwall Village Hall. Dancing to live music being provided by Roger Wilkins and Marion Percy (caller). The theme of this weekend's harvest festival at St James Church, Colwall

  • ELDERSFIELD Correspondent: Mrs R Bolton Tel: 01684 833287

    WITH the theme Our World, the monthly family service at Eldersfield Lawn School was led by the younger members of the benefice with ages ranging f rom five to 17 years. The junior benefice choir was joined by pupils of the school who between them provided

  • LONGDON Correspondent: Mrs E Moss Tel: 01684 833256

    THE service in St Mary's Church on Sunday, October 12, will be 8am holy communion using the Book of Common Prayer, an opportunity to begin the week in quiet prayer and reflection. St Mary's Church Choir will be rehearsing in church on Monday, October

  • MALVERN WELLS Correspondent: Mrs V Greaves Tel: 01684 566860

    THE Revellers' autumn programme of events begins on Saturday, October 18, with the very popular quiz night. The venue is the village hall THE Revellers' autumn programme of events begins on Saturday, October 18, with the very popular quiz night. The venue

  • OXENHALL Correspondent: Mrs S Martin Tel: 01684 562714

    ON Sunday, October 12, there will be a family communion in St Anne's Church, Oxenhall, at 11am. The service will be conducted by the rector, the Reverend Patricia Phillips. On Sunday, October 19, it will be matins at 9.30am. Also on Sunday, October 19

  • REDMARLEY Correspondent: Mrs U Groves-Smith Tel: 01452 840273

    AT the end of a very successful first year, Redmarley Short Mat Bowls Club held its annual general meeting and so successful were they that, depending on the availability of the village hall,an evening session is to be started on Thursdays. The roll up

  • WELLINGTON HEATH Correspondent: Mrs P Jacobs Tel: 01531 634941

    HARVEST festival will be celebrated this Sunday at Christ Church at the usual time of 9.30am and everyone is welcome. The church will be decorated in the traditional way with examples of the local produce and this is a particularly relevant event in the

  • Tamsin's singing for survival on Saturday

    ASPIRING pop star Tamsin Vaughan will be singing for survival and a place in the final 10 of this year's Pop Idol competition live on TV. And students at her old performing arts school, Harlequin Stage School at Perdiswell Young People's Leisure Centre

  • R&B legends play Hall

    AN all-star band of great musicians will be taking audiences on a trip down memory lane when they play a selection of music from the heady 1960s. Ray Dorset, better known to many as Mungo Jerry, will be just one of the big names playing, when the show

  • It's all pants for the punk popsters lads

    AN energetic pop punk band by the name of Lukash, pictured right, will be playing their new material at Worcester's Marr's Bar, tomorrow. The band decided that their friend Jason Lukach, a tattooist in Chicago, America, had such a cool name that they

  • Festival talk set to be inspiration

    How Madresfield Court provided the inspiration for Brideshead Revisited is the subject of a talk that begins the final week of the Autumn in Malvern Festival. Novelist Evelyn Waugh's grandson Alexander, who is writing a history of the family, will give

  • GWR rolls out classic diesels

    THE autumn diesel gala at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway is being held from October 24-26. All available locomotives from the GWR's home-based and restored classic diesel heritage fleet will be used at the event. Star of the show will be its

  • Museum group to host events

    MALVERN Museum Association has announced details of its next three events, beginning with a fundraising concert. The concert is an evening of jazz, popular and light classical pieces tomorrow (Saturday), at 7.30pm, at Christchurch Hall, Avenue Road. Malvern

  • Milestone reached by Elgar's oratorio

    THE centenary of Sir Edward Elgar's great oratorio The Apostles will be celebrated this week. The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) will be performing the work at Symphony Hall, in Birmingham, on Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30pm. The piece, originally

  • Replaying days of glory

    MALVERN'S glory days as host to some of the biggest names in music are included in a new book. Concert promoter Freddie Bannister was the man behind the Big Beat Sessions at what was then the Winter Gardens, now the Malvern Theatres, in the 1960s. "There

  • Delays mean children miss out

    THE role sport plays in our society cannot be understated. As a nation we are obsessed with our sporting heroes and many of our children grow up hoping to emulate their successes. But sport is so much more than hero worship. It plays a vital role in our

  • Martinu String Quartet of Prague n The Downs School

    Immense diversity of artistic understanding was embodied in this quartet's superlative concert. The Czech blood of these musicians flowed through their interpretation of Smetana's Quartet No.1 in E minor 'From my Life''. Quality of sound and constant

  • Rupert Brooke - A Memoir n Barn Theatre, Hellens

    The fine acoustic of the Barn Theatre, and its intimate architectural ambiance, was the perfect venue for this representation, where Jamie Glover portrayed the poet Rupert Brooke and Lucinda Curtis spoke as a friend narrating. Marcus Andrews (pianist)

  • Once in a Blue Moon n Conquest Theatre, Bromyard

    The Conquest Players romped though this comedy of relationships, many showing an admirable lack of embarrassment at being seen in their underwear on stage. Set in a small flat in London, the play's action focuses on Gregory, a repressed amateur astronomer

  • Bid to halt the 'brain drain'

    HIGH-tech businesses have welcomed proposals to help stem the flow of Malvern's most talented young people out of the area. Malvern Hills District Council could open talks with the town's JobCentre for it to advertise well qualified young people to businesses

  • Traders make a night of it by opening late for Christmas

    A MALVERN Link shop owner is hoping to gather support from other traders for late night Christmas shopping evenings in the area. Pauline Golding, owner of Past and Present Collectables, wants shops to open until 10pm one night a week in the run-up to

  • Flying the flag on Concorde's last flight

    A MALVERN man will be dressed in style high above the British Isles on Concorde's last ever flight. Brian Bradford, of Layton Avenue, won a competition run by British Airways to be a passenger on the flight and has invited his son Colin to join him. The

  • Far-flung business

    THE Malvern-based Coaster Company has won a contract to supply the National Trust of St Helena with coasters and mouse mats featuring a picture of the South Atlantic island seen from the sea. The order came as a result of the Spring Lane South company's

  • North Site brief will be unveiled

    DETAILS of Malvern Hills District Council's vision for the redevelopment North Site will be revealed within weeks. The council is unveiling its Local Plan, incorporating the North Site development brief, at a meeting of its planning committee on Thursday

  • Hotel and spa back on agenda

    A NEW hotel, tyre depot, Malvern Hills Science Park and a needle exchange are all up for discussion at a meeting next week. Malvern Hills District Council's southern area planning sub-committee will be discussing key developments at Priory Lodge Hall,

  • Poets win their share of praise

    THE talents of two young Malvern poets have been rewarded. Harriet McCulloch, a former student at The Chase sixth form, has won the Simon Elvin Young Poet Award, while 13-year-old Helen Parker has had a poem published in Young Writer magazine. Helen's

  • Thrilled to be in Upton

    UPTON'S new Roman Catholic priest is settling into his post at St Joseph's Church. Father Dominic Round has moved to the parish after 11 years in Redditch. He started in Upton on September 14 and is also responsible for Our Lady and St Alphonsus at Blackmore

  • Breakfast is praised

    TILTRIDGE Farm and Vineyard has won a Highly Commended prize at the Heart of England Food and Drink Excellence Awards. The business, near Upton, which runs bed-and-breakfast accommodation, picked up the award in the Best Breakfast using Local Produce

  • Birds of prey will be on show

    A PARLIAMENT of owls makes up one of the attractions at a Farmers' Market in Hanley Swan. Baroness von Barth of Kippen-ruer will bring the birds to the event at the village hall on Sunday, October 19. She will also be selling a range of wild bird food

  • Ben is training for marathon

    A PUPIL at Bredon School, near Upton, is preparing to tackle the London Marathon to raise money for dyslexia awareness. Ben Coupe, aged 18, chose last week's national Dyslexia Awareness Week to start training for next April's event. Ben is dyslexic himself

  • Village to host re-fight of battle

    THE Sealed Knot will re-enact the Battle of Ripple in the village this weekend. Prior to Sunday's event, members of the group will attend a service at Ripple Church in memory of its founder, Brigadier Peter Young, who lived in the village. The day starts

  • Chris glad MPs have seen light

    A MALVERN astronomer campaigning for action against light pollution has welcomed a House of Commons report on the issue. Dr Chris Baddiley, a technical advisor to the Campaign for Dark Skies, supplied evidence to the House of Commons Science and Technology

  • Developer says homes plan will meet needs of area

    PLANS have been submitted build ten three-bedroom houses in Colwall. Consent has already been granted for six houses off Station Road, but developer Miton Ltd has changed its mind with regard to the site. Managing director Brian Holton said: "We originally

  • Bed push raises £700

    A bed push around Malvern last Saturday raised £700 for charity. Twenty volunteers pushed the bed from Barnards Green to Malvern Link, via Great Malvern, for the County Air Ambulance. They stopped to collect money at every pub en route and were supported

  • Book bus

    THE county council's mobile library will be at the Hill Centre car park at Tunnel Hill, Upton, on Tuesday, October 14, from 5.45pm to 7.15pm. New members are welcome.

  • Tyre depot a credit to its owners

    IN the September 26 edition of the Malvern Gazette I read an article headlined 'No decision yet on tyre building'. I was infuriated by the remarks of Coun Roger Hall Jones regarding the proposed development. He commented that the "building was not comparable

  • Fireworks under threat

    Ledbury's annual town bonfire is less than a week away from being cancelled unless £1,000 can be found through sponsorship to meet basic costs. Organisers Ledbury Round Table are facing a fireworks bill alone of £2,000, but only have just over £400 in

  • Positive face put on change

    I really must take issue with Frank Hare's ill-informed attack on nurses, teachers and council staff (Your Letters, October 3). Firstly, I would challenge the myth that inflation-linked pensions are somehow superior to other forms of occupational pension

  • Lights plea for crossroads

    Traffic lights should be installed at Newtown cross-roads, which has one of the worst accident records in Herefordshire, says county councillor Rob Manning. Hesays the success of lights at Trumpet crossroads should be proof that they would work. Since

  • Balanced view

    I cannot agree with Mr Williams (Your Letters, October 3) that the 50-year-old picture shown in your last two issues represents any kind of improvement on the British Camp we enjoy today. That bare and eroded version would soon look a good deal worse

  • Villages take a lead in planning for the future

    VILLAGES near Upton have produced the first parish plan in Worcestershire, outlining the area's strengths and weaknesses and providing a focus for future action. The plan was delivered to the residents of Hanley Swan, Hanley Castle and Gilberts End, last

  • Primary source

    YOUR feature on the Elgar-thon last Friday (October 3), mentions the Wyche Primary School. Elgar's Land of Hope and Glory was completed nearby at Craig Lea and, wishing to hear how the words by A C Benson would sound with his music, he is believed to

  • CAB welcomes report findings

    MALVERN'S Citizens' Advice Bureau has welcomed the findings of a new report on rural transport. Rural Transport Futures highlights shortcomings in the service in the UK and examines possible solutions from Europe. These include door-to-door transport,

  • Spread it about

    I notice in the Malvern Gazette & Ledbury Reporter (September 28) that Ledbury Town Council found it wise and proper to give a grant of £400 towards a young girl's dancing costs. While I can understand the girl and her family seeking financial support

  • Fair boosts animal charities

    A FAIR to promote awareness of animals raised around £100 for charity. The fair was held on Saturday, World Animal Day, at the Lyttelton Well, Malvern. Animal charities including the Cats' Protection, Worcester Animal Rights Coalition and Vegfam had stalls

  • Tribute to Ken

    Until I saw another reader's letter about the sad loss of Ken Harker, I was not sure whether it was the same person that we had known. My son is autistic and some years ago became extremely depressed. Mr Harker, in his healing capacity, was the only person

  • GM too bitter a pill to take

    MALVERN residents refused to swallow the argument for genetically modified food at a public debate on Wednesday night. Around 100 people voted against crops being genetically modified at the meeting at the Forum, Malvern Theatres. However, the audience

  • Under threat

    AS the present elected Link Ward Conservator, may I alert all residents, particularly those who use and love our Link commons, that the county council is still intent on imposing across the lower common an unnecessary cycle track diagonally from Pickersleigh

  • Firms on early visit to centre

    Malvern JobCentre held a breakfast meeting for local employers yesterday (Thursday). Representatives from nine local firms visited the Portland Road centre to find out about its services. Manager Tracey Harvey said: "The idea is to engage local employers

  • Elections due for Hills body

    ELECTIONS for places on the board of the Malvern Hills Conservators will be held in five areas. Nominations for seats closed on Monday, with contests being declared in West, Wells, Dyson Perrins, Priory and Link wards. The elections will be held on Thursday

  • Forebears wouldn't be happy

    I AM horrified to read in your newspaper that the London House shop in Barnards Green is to become a betting shop. My grandfather, J George Smith, bought this shop and the house above it in around 1904 and set it up as a highly respected and much frequented

  • Safety tests for cemetery

    MALVERN cemetery will be inspected as part of a nationwide memorial safety testing project. The Malvern testing programme will begin on October 20 and last for around three months. Contractors Memsafe will send a group of inspectors to test the sturdiness

  • College takes up campaigns

    MALVERN Hills College is taking part in two national campaigns. The first is to promote family learning and the other to promote drawing. An exhibition of drawings by staff and students takes place at the refectory on Saturday, October 18, from 10am to

  • Cyclepath plan gets rough ride

    PLANS to extend a cyclepath in Malvern Link have been criticised by Malvern Hills Conservators. Worcestershire County Council wants to lengthen an existing route, from Malvern Link station to Pickersleigh Road, as part of the town's cyclepath network.

  • Spare a thought

    ALLOW me to set the scene. It's Tuesday, September 30, at 8.45am. I'm stood on the pavement in Geraldine Road trying to cross at a very busy time. I am carrying my 2 year old and holding the hand of my 6 year old very tightly. No road traffic appears

  • Alan to take on Great Wall

    A MATHON man is preparing for a trek along the Great Wall of China for charity. Alan Wallcroft, editor of the Bromsgrove Advertiser, part of the Newsquest newspaper group, leaves for the fundraising attempt on Friday, October 17. "I'm fulfilling the ambition

  • Highest priority

    I REFER to the letter from Mr T J Turner (Your Letters, September 26). I would like to take this opportunity to emphasise that Worcestershire County Council considers road safety, and in particular the safety of school children, to be of the highest priority

  • Tributes paid to guardian of hills

    Tributes have been paid to long-serving Malvern Hills Conservator Irene Southall, who died on Saturday, aged 92. Mrs Southall, nee Scott, was born in London in 1911 and at the start of the Second World War moved to Mathon with her husband, Richard, where

  • Subtle difference

    WITH reference to the article in last week's Malvern Gazette concerning our relocation plans, I need to point out that our ground has NOT been sold to Barratts. We simply have a contract with them to pursue the sale of the existing site, on the basis

  • Long service is rewarded

    A MALVERN man retired last week after 41 years working on the roads of Worcestershire. Dennis Wilcox began his career in 1962 with Worcestershire County Council and has spent the last four years with RCS, the county's maintenance contractors. He has been

  • Radar targets speeding cars

    POLICE plan to use radar in West Malvern Road after complaints from residents about speeding. But they have rejected calls for an electronic sign to warn drivers as too expensive. Officers are also looking at illegal parking in the parish's narrow roads

  • TV chef turns up the heat

    A twenty per cent increase in sales was reported at the Festival of Fine Food and Drink at Eastnor Castle. Last weekend's event gave visitors a chance to sample the delights of 47 trade stands, brought together by Heart of England Fine Foods (HEFF). There

  • Legion launches plea for collectors

    The Royal British Legion is asking for volunteers to collect money for this year's Poppy Appeal in the Malvern Link area. Despite the great deal of publicity covering the forces this year, there is a real shortage of volunteers in the area. Rolph James

  • Fraudsters still active

    MALVERN Hills District Council has warned retailers to be on the lookout for bogus council cheques. Several attempts have been made to use the cheques, as reported in the Malvern Gazette in August, when fake cheques worth £60,000 were intercepted by the

  • Harriers chase two targets

    KIDDERMINSTER Harriers boss Ian Britton has confirmed that he is in talks with two potential targets following his decision not to extend striker Andy Bishop's loan spell at Aggborough. The 21 year-old has been struggling with a knee problem, prompting

  • Local duo shine in Holland

    JOHN Bickerton and David Park both made impressive starts to the Dutch Open golf tournament at Hilversum. Droitwich's Bickerton was in joint 13th place after the first round with a three-under-par 67, while Hereford's Park was a shot further back in equal

  • Felled trees could be made into green fuel

    A MALVERN man is hoping to work with Malvern Hills Conservators on plans to turn felled trees into fuel. Paul Doyle, a mature student at University College Worces-ter, wants to start a company, provisionally called Malvern Biofuels, to sell logs and chippings

  • First teamers to get run-out

    MARK Owen and John Snape will be among a clutch of first team players appearing for Worcester City reserves against Highgate United at St George's Lane tomorrow (2.45). With City not having a first-team game tomorrow, the duo are in need of match action

  • Car show is a success again

    thousands visited the annual Vintage and Classic Car Show at the Three Counties Showground at the weekend. Organisers say that attendance was up on last year, with an estimated 10,000 coming to the event. More than 1,500 vehicles, ranging from Morris

  • Rovers need to climb mountain

    THE last time George Rooney played on Congleton Town's sloping pitch in the 1960s he likened it to scaling the North face of the Eiger. Thirty-five years on and Bromsgrove Rovers' boss says his players will need to climb another mountain if they are to

  • New boost for sports club

    MANAGEMENT and trustees of Manor Park sports club have appointed a commercial manager to make the best use of its facilities. Andy Nicholls has taken up the newly-created post and will act as a contact for any new members or visitors to the centre. He

  • 10/10/03 - Harriers chase two targets

    KIDDERMINSTER Harriers boss Ian Britton has confirmed that he is in talks with two potential targets following his decision not to extend striker Andy Bishop's loan spell at Aggborough. The 21 year-old has been struggling with a knee problem, prompting

  • All the latest movies and where to catch them

    FINDING NEMO (U, 104 mins) See main feature. Odeon, Worcester (11.00, 6.30, 9.00 Fri & Sat), 12.00, 1.30, 2.45, 4.00, 5.30, 7.00, 8.00. UCI Merry Hill (10.30, 11.00, 11.45 Sat/Sun), 1.00, 1.30, 2.30, 3.45, 4.15, 5.15, 6.30, 7.00, 8.00, 9.10.Warner

  • Lindisfarne head Roses line-up

    Dance, comedy and music all feature at The Roses Theatre, in Tewkesbury this week. Musicians and vocalists Lindisfarne will appear tomorrow (Saturday). The group first emerged in the early Seventies, its output including Fog On The Tyne, the top selling

  • Brian takes fresh look at Ibsen

    The Swan Theatre Company will take to the stage to present an entirely new version of Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House. This classic tale of marriage and blackmail has been modernised by playwright Brian J Burton, author of more than 50 published plays,

  • Rock 'n' roll legends pack hall

    LEGENDS of rock and roll and British rhythm and blues will feature during a packed week of arts at Worcester's Huntingdon Hall. Tonight (Friday), at 8pm, The Jets and Maria Vincent and the Millionaires will feature in a night of rock and roll. Tickets

  • Nemo's the catch of the month, if not the year...

    If you have any young nieces or nephews, or perhaps even godchildren, you may want to "borrow" them for an afternoon as an excuse to dive into the latest full-length computer animated feature from the wizards at Pixar, who previously made Toy Story, A

  • Town go back on table top

    MALVERN TOWN 2, WOLVERHAMPTON UTD 1 MALVERN Town went back to the top of the Express and Star West Midlands League Pre-mier Division, with Saturday's incident-packed victory at the Langland Stadium . From the start, the visitors' approach was intimidatory

  • Well, that's fine by me

    FROM her letter (You Say, Wednesday, September 24) it would appear that I have obviously upset Miss Bonomini. I was originally only trying to point out that I didn't think Mr Spiteri, as a Christian, had a very good attitude towards hunting people. Miss

  • Not the answer

    WENDY Hands (You Say, Friday, October 3) says she personally cannot see that EU policy is being driven by Socialists. I find this odd. Until four years ago, the Socialists had for 20 years been the largest political grouping in the European Parliament

  • Why I owe MP Mike Foster an apology

    IT appears I owe Mike Foster MP for Worcester an apology (You Say, Friday, October 3), for assuming he was not in attendance at the meeting for funding of Worcestershire schools. The only daily newspaper I take is the Evening News and it was unfortunate

  • Murder evokes Ripper outrage

    A MAN was arrested in Malvern as part of an investigation into a gruesome murder case, reported the Malvern News a century ago. On the previous Sunday, Kidderminster was shocked by an "awful and ghastly tragedy" when a "horribly mutilated" body of a woman

  • Call for Casino

    A LETTER-writer in the Malvern Gazette 50 years ago was asking why Malvern could not have a casino. The writer, identified only as "Deedee", of Tewkesbury, said of a visit to the town: "On arriving at the top of the steep hill and wandering round, the

  • 10/10/03 - First teamers to get run-out

    MARK Owen and John Snape will be among a clutch of first team players appearing for Worcester City reserves against Highgate United at St George's Lane tomorrow (2.45). With City not having a first-team game tomorrow, the duo are in need of match action

  • Dace make up bulk

    The first outing of the season to the River Wye took place on Sunday when Malvern United Angling Association members travelled to Bredwardine. Despite the lack of rain, the river was carrying more water than in some previous years but an overnight frost

  • What's on at a theatre near you

    Until Oct 11: Stomp at Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre. Box office: 0870 730 1234. Until Oct 11: Cat On A Hot Tin Roof at Swan Theatre, Worcester. Box office: 01905 611427. Until Oct 11: Gregory's Girl by Bill Forsyth. An amateur production presented by

  • Schools support stage festival

    THE Shakespeare Schools Festival came to Malvern Theatres this week, with a series of short presentations of abridged plays. Pupils from Malvern Girls' College, Malvern College, St James's School and John Masefield High School were among those taking

  • Grisly tale sparks comedy chaos

    A MUSICAL tale of grisly deaths at a convent comes to Upton Memorial Hall next week. Nunsense is the darkly comic tale of a group of American nuns in Hoboken, New Jersey. One day, 52 of them acciden-tally die of botulism, which forms the basis for the

  • 'There's just nothing to do around here...'

    In my role as county councillor and my involvement in youth activities, I have witnessed the work carried out by the county council's Youth Service and voluntary youth groups. To provide a wide range of activities for our youth across Worcester is complicated

  • Organic Carrot bids for funding

    PROJECT Carrot, the multi-million pound plan to put Herefordshire among Europe's top organic economies, made its first full bids for funding this week. Carrot needs around £3m from European, regional and charitable coffers to convert Holme Lacy College

  • An offer to tempt supermarket taste-buds

    SIXTEEN food and drink producers from Worcestershire and Herefordshire are all set to tempt top store buyers. The first Midlands Regional Food and Drink Trade Show, managed by Heart of England Fine Foods (HEFF) on behalf of regional development agency

  • Crematorium plan given boost

    PLANS for a crematorium at Astwood, Worcester received a major boost at this time 50 years ago. The Journal reported in October 1953: "The erection of a crematorium at Astwood Cemetery to cater for the county was put forward in a statement issued by the

  • Worcester bucking the national trend

    MARKS & Spencer's Per Una clothing range has helped its Worcester store buck the national trend. The High Street chain released its quarterly figures this week, which showed a disappointing sales performance. Like-for-like sales had remained little

  • News Items down the years

    1803: Several of the volunteer militias raised around the kingdom in the face of the latest threat of invasion from France have now been ordered upon actual duty, and it is expected that others will be employed as detached corps or be brigaded with the