IT was supposed to be the season when Bromsgrove Rovers secured promotion to the Dr Martens Premier. In the end it turned into a disappointing anti-climax with Rovers, who knew their ninth place fate before last Saturday's fixtures, watching other teams
PAUL Szewczyk has won the Advertiser/Messenger player of the season award. Szewczyk has picked up seven man of the match gongs and scored 20 goals since his arrival at the club in November. Captain Steve Pope was a close second with six man of the match
THE inquest into the death of a 45-year-old tax inspector who died when the boat she was on capsized, was closed yesterday. Victor Round, county coroner, didn't deliver a verdict on the death of Jane Turner after three people were charged with manslaughter
The body of a 36-year-old Upton-upon-Severn man was found hanging from a rope and bondage belt, an inquest has heard. Richard Farrah-Mills, of Old Street, was also wearing a gas mask when a friend found him hanging from the ceiling, the inquest heard.
THE humble cowslip found growing by roadsides throughout Worcestershire has been voted the county's favourite wild flower. Plantlife International launched a County Flowers campaign in 2002 aimed at highlighting the nation's horticultural roots at a time
AN Asian tourist was attacked and left unconscious by a gang of men during an allegedly racist attack in Worcester. Nauman Zahid , who was visiting from America, was struck with four or five punches to the head when a gang of around 10 men attacked him
THE boss of a Worcester estate agents became involved in a scheme to steal historic fireplaces from a listed building, a jury was told. Nigel Parker's firm had a contract to remove and sell items from the Kays buildings in The Tything before they were
PUPILS in Worcester will be guinea pigs for a pilot consumer website targeted at youngsters and their lifestyles. Year 11 of Christopher Whitehead High School will test the self-help site and provide feedback on content and accessibility. Worcester County
BROMSGROVE'S Spadesbourne Suite will be transformed into the coastal town of Penzance in time for a new production next week. The Bromsgrove Operatic Society will stage their latest show, The Pirates of Penzance, at the Burcot Lane venue from Monday,
AN auction of promises is being held at Worcestershire County Cricket Ground. The profits from the event will be shared among St Richard's Hospice and Rotary charities. Just some of the promises up for grabs include west country weekend accommodation,
A RED CROSS worker has set himself the challenge of cycling almost 700 miles to Geneva, Switzerland, in less than 50 hours. Ted Nawrat, of Lower Broadheath, is hoping to raise £10,000 as part of Red Cross week, which began this week. The 49-year-old administrator
HIT songs from the West End's most popular musicals will be brought to Bromsgrove next month. Redditch Operatic Society will perform songs from the musicals of Cameron Mackintosh in their latest show, The Magic of the Night. Songs from musicals including
A VOLUNTARY scheme providing community transport in the Upton-upon-Severn area has fallen foul of a Government initiative to improve rural transport. Upton Community Care has been running efficiently for nearly 30 years, carrying passengers from Upton
A GRADE-II listed lodge building in Powick could be knocked down and rebuilt - despite strong objections from a leading national charity seeking to preserve historic buildings. An application has been registered with Malvern Hills District Council to
A RARE illustrated envelope sent to a Worcester address in 1842 is expected to fetch up to £4,000 at auction this week. The envelope, described by experts as "fine, extremely rare and attractive" was sent to Worcester in the summer of 1842, just two years
BARBOURNE: An inquest into the death of a three-year-old boy from Worcester, who was found dead by his mother, has been opened. Victor Round, Worcestershire county coroner, yesterday said Tyler Mason, of Hardy Court, Barbourne, was discovered lying face
PRESCRIPTION drugs were stolen for a second time from a house in Birchfield Road, Headless Cross, between 8.30-9.30am on Sunday. Thieves took Diazepan, Temazapan and Riboxitone tablets from the house, which had been targeted for the first time on Thursday
REDDITCH United will play their last game of the season on Saturday...the biggest in their history. United were crowned champions of the Dr Martens Western on Saturday after beating Cirencester. But their was no time to stop and look back on their glory
Redditch swimmer Jamie Mackay was selected to swim in the British Swimming 5km trials in Sheffield on Sunday, May 2. During the 100 lengths of the 50m pool Mackay worked his way up the field and succeeded in taking 4th place for the men, in a time of
REDDITCH Road and Path Cycling Club's latest evening '10' was won by Ollie Braithwaite, who continued his recovery from injury with a time of 22 mins 54 secs. Nick Richie was second in 23.29 with Mike Hopkins third at 23.49. Other times were: Guy Hale
POLICE are warning people to be vigilant after incidents of cars being targeted at beauty spots. Crime Risk Manager Pc Stan Baker warned that as the weather starts improving, many more people begin to visit beauty spots, including the criminal fraternity
RACEWALKER Sharon Tonks arrived at the Memorial Park, Coventry in torrential rain to compete in the Coventry Godiva Harriers annual May Day 5 mile run/racewalk. Fortunately, the rain stopped just before the race started. Sharon had a steady race and comfortable
IT now costs more to park at the Alexandra Hospital for up to six hours than it does to go shopping in the Kingfisher Centre. Revised charges at the Woodrow Drive hospital have been introduced, much to the anger of patients and visitors. The parking charge
AN internal inquiry has been launched at the Alexandra Hospital into the treatment of a Webheath woman who died from bowel cancer almost two years ago. Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust chief executive John Rostill has agreed to interview staff
Headless Cross Ladies 3 Hereford Pegasus 1 (AET) HEADLESS Cross ladies clinched a league and cup double after extra time ecstasy at Pershore Town on Sunday. Having already scooped the league and promotion by goal difference Cross ladies were looking for
Saturday, May 8 CRICKET Birmingham & District Premier League Premier Division 1st XI - Barnt Green v Halesowen (1pm). Premier Division 2nd XI - Halesowen v Barnt Green (1.30pm). First Division 1st XI - Bromsgrove v Stratford-Upon-Avon (1pm). Second
ALVECHURCH ended their season on a high as they beat Ludlow Town 2-1 at Lye Meadow. Ludlow took the lead through Andy Jones on 56 minutes before Brett Fitzpatrick equalised on the hour. Jason Rostill handed the Churchmen all three points with his effort
DROITWICH Spa Cricket Club were one of many to have their weekend fixtures ruined by the weather. Steve Walsh's First XI did not play a ball in their Worcestershire County League Division One trip to Luctonians, a similar story for the Seconds in the
A NEW initiative for girls' cricket will be launched by Bromsgrove Cricket Club this weekend. The St Godwald's Park Club has joined forces with Bromsgrove Sports Development to offer "Introduction to Cricket" coaching. Sessions, scheduled for six weeks
JOE Jackson has fought off competition from ex-Kidderminster Harriers manager Ian Britton to take the hot seat at Bromsgrove Rovers. The former Worcester City midfielder, who led Stourbridge to back-to-back Midland Alliance titles, becomes the seventh
GRAEME Hick brought a welcome ray of sunshine to saturated New Road yesterday when he officially opened the County's new £700,000 Basil D'Oliveira Stand. The ceremony had to be performed in the shelter of the marquee because of wet weather which caused
MALVERN Town tonight hope to land the first of a possible quadruple success when they take on Midland Alliance side Alvechurch in the final of the Worcestershire FA Senior Urn at Kidderminster Harriers' Aggborough Stadium (7.30pm). Although the West Midlands
CAPTAIN Dave Clark (pictured) is hoping he will get the chance to lead Bromsgrove RFC First XV in their Midlands One campaign next season. Clark, at the end of his first season as skipper, is optimistic he will be offered a second year in the post and
A DETERMINED Droitwich Spa RFC U8s are celebrating after winning the Moseley Festival. Spa beat visitors Widnes 25-20 in the final of the prestigious event last Sunday. Led by Scot Howell, tries from Josh Feek, Tom Flowerdew and two from Joe Ingle ensured
DROITWICH Spa RFC First XV retained the Jack Andrews Cup with a 37-0 victory in their traditional end of season fixture with Worcester Wanderers. Tom Child ran in two tries in last Saturday's match at the Memorial Ground along with touchdowns for captain
CAPTAIN Dave Clark (pictured) is hoping he will get the chance to lead Bromsgrove RFC First XV in their Midlands One campaign next season. Clark, at the end of his first season as skipper, is optimistic he will be offered a second year in the post and
BROMSGROVE RFC U16s have added to the club's already successful season by winning the North Midlands Cup. The Finstall Park side beat Old Silhillians 23-11 to lift the trophy at Ledbury on Sunday, April 25, just a week after the First XV won the Midlands
NEW Bromsgrove Rovers manager Joe Jackson got the chop much earlier than expected at the club's annual presentation night. For the Rovers boss was put under the guillotine by magician Tracie Hughes as part of the cabaret acts preceeding last Saturday's
IT was supposed to be the season when Bromsgrove Rovers secured promotion to the Dr Martens Premier. In the end it turned into a disappointing anti-climax with Rovers, who knew their ninth place fate before last Saturday's fixtures, watching other teams
CALLOWBROOK Swifts U7s have an Arsenal-like unbeaten record of their own to be proud of. For the junior team has won Group C of the Central Warwickshire Youth League by winning all of their 18 games. They scored over 126 goals in the process and conceded
PAUL Szewczyk has won the Advertiser/Messenger player of the season award. Szewczyk has picked up seven man of the match gongs and scored 20 goals since his arrival at the club in November. Captain Steve Pope was a close second with six man of the match
Callowbrook Swifts U8s 4 Highgate Youth U8s 0 A workmanlike performance gave Swifts the chance of promotion with one game left. Declann Chinn scored twice and Dean Hodges got one before Daniel Moore's corner was deflected home. Lee Atkins was man of the
GRAEME Hick brought a welcome ray of sunshine to saturated New Road yesterday when he officially opened the County's new £700,000 Basil D'Oliveira Stand. The ceremony had to be performed in the shelter of the marquee because of wet weather which caused
WORCESTERSHIRE'S Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy second round match against Herefordshire will now be played tomorrow at New Road. The two counties agreed to the switch after rain prevented any play today at Luctonians' Mortimer Park ground in Kingsland
WORCESTER City manager John Barton has delayed issuing his retained list until next week. The St George's Lane boss is waiting to see whether the club will be playing in the Conference North or South. Barton admits it could make the difference between
THEY say ID cards will stop the terrorists and bombers, but the terrorists will be British citizens issued with ID cards. They won't need to forge them - they will be issued to them. If Abu Hamza wins his appeal to stay in Britain he will also be eligible
HOW hypocritical of Councillor Mrs Judy Pearce to voice her concern and anger on your front page of April 21, and even be disgusted, over the building on green belt land near to her home in Berry Lane by a gypsy who has bought the land. It would seem
AS a town councillor for Droitwich Spa, I wish to express my regret at the way in which the visitors from Hampton Lovett were treated at the Town Meeting on April 26. To say that they must not speak, as they are not from Droitwich Spa, was, in my opinion
TORQUAY 1, HARRIERS 1 ONE more high flyer was sent down in flames on Saturday as Kidderminster Harriers' season of astonishing inconsistency draws to a close. A home victory could have put Torquay above Huddersfield on goal difference, alongside champions
A GLAMOROUS career on the West End stage beckons for a talented Rubery student who has won a place at a top theatre school. Lisa Sherlock made such an impression on tutors at the London School of Musical Theatre they immediately offered her an unconditional
A STROLL around picturesque Great Witley will take place next weekend. The Fairfield Ramblers will meet at the Hundred House Hotel, in Worcester Road, Great Witley, on Saturday, May 15. They meet at 10.15am for the two-hour walk and all are welcome. For
MEDIEVAL times return to Hartlebury Castle at the end of the month with a Living History presentation on May 30 and 31.
ONE of the world's biggest and most prestigious dance companies appears at Birmingham Hippodrome for just three performances next weekend. Dance Theatre of Harlem, which was formed in 1969 by Arthur Mitchell and the late Karel Shook, will be performing
Honor Craig, the president of the Inner Wheel Club of Droitwich Spa, welcomed members to the April joint meeting with Rotary husbands and partners at the Raven Hotel. More than 40 members and guests enjoyed an excellent supper together. The overseas rally
TALKING of pottery (Mike Pryce, Country News, Saturday, April 24), while I was in hospital, I made a model tortoise wearing a bowler hat, which my mother loved. GEORGE COWLEY, Worcester.
YOUR report headlined "Bishop target of right-wing" (Evening News, Friday, April 23) stated that the National Front was urging its members to take the Bishop of Worcester to task over his recent call to voters in the city to shun the BNP. However, BNP
AT the society's April meeting, the first part of the evening was taken up with the AGM. After this, we were given a most interesting talk by one of our members, who had recently attended a garden design course at Webbs Garden Centre. It was obviously
I AM writing in response to the letter by Sally Wicksteed (You Say, Monday, April 26). As chairwoman of governors of Manor Park School you would think that she would be aware that all three special schools in Worcester (Manor Park, Rose Hill and Thornton
THE evening was well attended, with two visitors welcomed by the president. Items from the newsletter were read and names taken for several outings mentioned, including tea at Astley Village Hall on May 26, Variety Playhouse in June at the Rose Theatre
WE would like to thank the Evening News for its excellent coverage of the Special Schools march to County Hall. We would also like to thank your readers who continue to offer us their support. The LEA plans to drastically reduce the educational provision
THE Spadesbourne Ladies met at their new venue, Bromsgrove Golf Club, for their April meeting. Due to the temporary absence of the chairman, Betty Long, who was taking a snoozathon, the vice chairman Robyn Newton opened the meeting and welcomed 60 members
DARING youngsters braved the elements in an outdoor challenge on the Lickey Hills. Pupils from Chadsgrove Special and North Bromsgrove High School took part in a heat of the Kielder Challenge, despite the heavy rain, last Wednesday morning. The national
ORGANISERS of a fun competition to help repair Bromsgrove's parish church are hoping the balloon will go up when townsfolk get to hear about it. In fact they are quietly optimistic of selling 1,000 red balloons which will form a spectacular sight when
IT was all aboard as the first of two new bus routes got under way at a Bromsgrove school this week. There's one big difference between these and other buses - the Finstall first school passengers are all on foot. Half a dozen pupils climbed on as the
A GRIEVING Bromsgrove mother who has spent 30 years adorning her daughter's grave with animal ornaments was heartbroken to find they had all been stolen. The collection of elephants, rabbits, cats, dogs and other animals had built up on the grave at Lickey
by Adrian Kibbler BROMSGROVE SCHOOL is going international with the opening of a school in Bangkok, Thailand, that will carry its name. The school in the Thai capital will open at the end of next year for 700 pupils. It will follow the model and techniques
A QUESTION mark is hanging over the future of a Bromsgrove independent school which could be earmarked for closure. Anxious parents of pupils at the Mount School, in Birmingham Road, have vowed to fight plans to close the site and convert the building
A former nightclub bouncer has ben cleared of holding his ex-girlfriend hostage at a hostel for the homeless. Michelle Merrett alleged that Dale Coates dragged her to his room, threatened to have her killed and forced her to phone her new boyfriend and
TEENAGERS in Rubery will finally have a place to meet their friends after council chiefs agreed to the installation of a new youth shelter. Bromsgrove district councillor Peter McDonald (Lab-Waseley) reckons the authority's new chief executive, Sue Nixon
angry parents have hit out at a bus company which has increased its charges by more than 50 per cent. First Travel used to offer a reduced fare, monthly bus ticket for £19 to children under 16 but scrapped it on April 18, in favour of a £8 weekly ticket
A FARMER whose barns were used for the cultivation of a £40,000 cannabis crop has been spared a jail sentence. David Beckett was ordered to pay £9,000 in benefits he made from renting out the buildings at Hill Farm, Doverdale, near Droitwich. The 45-year-old
IMMEDIATE action is being taken to improve a dangerous stretch of road running through Rubery. Officers from Worcestershire County Council have finally agreed to take steps to make safe part of the A38, which cuts through the heart of the village. At
THE Wheatland Hunt has attracted a record entry of 276 for its point-to-point at Chaddesley Corbett, near Bromsgrove, this Saturday. The feature race, the mens' open, has attracted a quality entry. Richard Burton, who is making a strong challenge for
THE woman who has masterminded the Bromsgrove Festival since 1981 has been named as the first person to receive a prestigious new award. Mary White, who took on the festival chairmanship in 1980, has been named Bromsgrove's Citizen of the Year. The idea
A PROFOUNDLY deaf carpenter from Rubery has found the perfect job, thanks to a piece of hi-tech equipment. Despite having more than 40 years' experience in the trade, Paul Annison, aged 57, often found it difficult to apply for jobs because of communication
TOTS in Droitwich Spa donned flower garlands and danced around the maypole to mark the start of spring. Eight youngsters from Bright Eyes Montessori Nursery, in Old Coach Road, celebrated May Day in traditional style last Tuesday afternoon. They grabbed
SPA residents, still reeling after being dubbed "rent-a-mob" at a Wychavon District Council meeting, are calling for an apology. Angry residents brought up the matter when the issue of concessionary fares was brought up at the town's annual meeting last
NEW community pilot project Royal Rides has been launched in Droitwich. The transport service is now available to those wishing to travel to the Worcestershire Royal Hospital, in Worcester, and to patients attending the three GP practices in Droitwich
AN energetic mum from Droitwich Spa took the plunge for a charity very close to her heart. Debi Wainwright completed an exhausting swimathon at Droitwich Sports and Leisure Centre, in Briar Mill, last Saturday. Despite not knowing how to swim last year
This visual compilation of The Who's career up until the late 70s has finally been lovingly restored and re-expanded to its full running length after languishing in grainy, VHS limbo for far too long. And what an improvement. By itself it justifiably
BROMSGROVE golfer Richard Gurney (pictured) holed a stunning birdie to win the latest Faldo Series 2004 event. Gurney won the U17s section and carded the lowest score of the day to win overall. The 16-year-old headed an impressive field for the series
WYCHAVON District Council will today hand Worcester Warriors their Premiership ticket. The National One champions were told last week by the board of England Rugby Limited that they had passed entry criteria to the Premiership subject to them gaining
A BEOLEY farmer has been jailed for 14 months after pleading guilty to smuggling two million counterfeit cigarettes into the UK. Craig Michael Attwell, aged 37, of Seafield Farm, was one of three men jailed at Hereford Crown Court on Friday following
THIRTEEN-years ago, Matchborough man Ed Griffiths was given just two years to live. At one stage, doctors even told him six months might be on the cards. But surviving bowel cancer was neither the start nor the end to Mr Griffith's medical woes. Just
JOHN Aulton's letter (Advertiser, April 21) states 'the eurozone represents a considerable opportunity for UK business'. And so it should, it's on our doorstep. But we don't need to be in the EU to trade with it. The political baggage that goes with EU
MANY readers of your paper living in the Bromsgrove Road, Plymouth Road and Oakly Road area of Redditch will no doubt recall being asked by myself and Debbie Taylor to sign our petition over the dangerous road crossing arrangements across the front of
IN response to Mr Barker's letter (Chronicle, April 21). It was not my intention to respond to, or write any further letters to the press. Largely because editing can portray a totally different picture than the author intended. This may well be the case
CLEARLY the plan to open the River Arrow to pleasure boats has caused much heart-searching in our community. However, the plan does present us with another excellent leisure opportunity and that is for the construction of a purpose-built cycle way from
IT is interesting reading the letters regarding making the rivers Arrow and Alne navigable. If people had read your report properly (Chronicle, April 7), both Alan Stevens and myself made it quite clear that we were talking about the effect on the whole
The body of a 57-year-old Oakenshaw man was found by police after a call from a neighbour. David Withington, of High Trees Close, died from natural causes. A neighbour called police after becoming concerned Mr Withington had not been seen for several
THE body of a man was discovered at a house in Oakly Road, Southcrest, at about 6.20am on Thursday. A post mortem gave the cause of death as asphyxiation. Officers are carrying out an investigation into the unexplained death. A man was arrested on Thursday
Saturday, May 7, 1904 SIX youths named Joseph Wilkes, Charles Wilkes, Alfred Gibbs, Ernest Sealey, Ernest Tolley and Frederick Haden were charged with playing tip-cat in Beoley Road on April 25th, to the annoyance of fellow passengers. They pleaded guilty
GENEROUS regulars and staff from a Webheath pub have helped to bring dreams to life for one Redditch child and are planning to do the same for other youngsters in the town. Jamie-Leigh Parker, four, from Lodge Park, was diagnosed with leukaemia two years
AT THE April 14 luncheon, the president gave members an update on the two people who unfortunately had an accident after the March meeting. She was pleased to report both ladies were making progress and feeling much better. Best wishes were also sent
JOAN Witherington-Perkins chaired a full and exciting programme at the last meeting. Two new members made a start with their first speeches. Eileen McMahon gave a very dramatic reading entitled Little Red Riding Hood. Carmel Hickey's first speech was
PRESIDENT of Ipsley WI, Alison Warren, welcomed members and guests to the meeting held at Studley Road Social Club on April 21. Guests included Susanne Owen, county chairman; Julia Roberts, county treasurer and other members of the Worcestershire Federation
BROMSGROVE RFC First XV have been honoured for landing their second Midlands Two (West) championship in three years. The Finstall Park side had their achievement recognised at a civic reception hosted by Bromsgrove District Council Chairman Councillor
RAIN stopped Avoncroft Cricket Club First XI recording a memorable victory over Worcestershire County League Division Three favourites Barnards Green. Croft, playing their first fixture in the division, bowled their visitors out for 139 last Saturday
IT was a change of scenery on Tuesday, April 27, for the Northfield Starlets Veterans when they held their event at Greenhill Fishery at Hallow, near Worcester. And wherever he fishes, Bill Drew (Bewdley) seems to find the winning method. This time it
ACORNS Children's Hospice Trust is expanding its care and bereavement support services in the Redditch area with the appointment of a new community worker. Sheryl King has recently joined Acorns' community care team and is already working with 15 families
NUISANCE behaviour in Alvechurch may be curbed as a result of a new initiative aimed at occupying youngsters. Village beat manager Pc Mark Townsend told a meeting of Alvechurch Parish Council how the pilot scheme - based on diversionary activities for
A NEW course will start tomorrow which will give people the chance to learn more about Redditch's rich and fascinating history. Tutor David Morgan, in conjunction with NEW College and guest speakers, will take participants on a range of walks and visits
YOUNG people hit the headlines too often for the wrong reasons. Drink, drugs, vandalism and truancy are just four of the negative topics we read and write about on a regular basis. But we know that there are far more positive stories to be told and we
STUDLEY High School pupils with a gift for learning have been enrolled in a new national organisation acknowledging their talents. The students all have a prestigious place in the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth, indicating they fall into
CHILDREN from Our Lady's School had a taste of technology on Friday when four engineers visited. The engineers were from Warwickshire Education Business Partnership and they worked with children from Years 6 and 7 on four projects, including building
A REDDITCH man is preparing to swing into action to regain a trophy which was donated last year in memory of his brother. Pete Masters, from the Neville Arms golf team, is gearing up for the Astwood Bank Carnival golf tournament to try to win for the
ALCESTER Male Voice Choir has been invited to take part in a prestigious international event in Truro next year. The choir heard the news last Saturday after performing its 30th annual concert at the Greig Centre. In the audience was Dr Roy Wales, organiser
ALCESTER'S intrepid rambler Roger Noyce has published another book of recommended walks. Adventurous Pub Walks in Warwickshire is a collection of 20 circular walks ranging from seven to 12 miles and are all more challenging than his previous, short walks
A NIGHT in front of the television led an Alcester woman to a new interest and a degree in Humanities. As Jackie Unitt, of Seymour Road, flicked through the channels thinking "this is a load of rubbish, I could do something better with my time", she came
British industry is being dogged by a culture of staying late, with many "company creeps" putting in extra hours simply to please their bosses, according to a new report today. Fifty per cent of workers said they put in unpaid work while two out of five
A BUILDING firm which specialises in retirement properties has scooped victory at the 2004 British Housebuilder Awards. Developer McCarthy & Stone is planning to build state-of-the-art flats in Worcester Road, Droitwich, after it snapped up Whittingham
TWO Alcester women who have clocked up more than 55 years service to the Red Cross between them have been rewarded for their efforts. Peggy Long and Wendy Beesley have been collectors for the charity for 28 and 27 years respectively and were given certificates
JUST over a year ago, the Primrose Hospice broke new ground by taking over the operation of the visitors' coffee shop at Blakenhurst prison. The project has proved to be hugely successful for both parties, with the service being provided to families and
WORK has begun on the £1.8million expansion programme at Alcester High School Technology College which will see the end of temporary classrooms on the Gerrard Road site. A two-storey extension to the English block will add 12 new classrooms and there
A NIGHT of music and entertainment will be laid on tomorrow in aid of Redditch Association for the Blind. Seven artists have given their services free for the event at the HDA Social Club in Willow Way, Batchley, from 8pm. The entertainment will be wide
A MAN died after his motorbike was involved in a collision with a car at an accident blackspot on the A46 at Billesley. The man, who was aged 32 and from Coventry, was travelling from Alcester towards Stratford when the accident happened on the bend at
ALCESTER firefighters are getting younger! The retained crew is about to launch a branch of Young Firefighters at its station in Seggs Lane and wants to hear from anyone between the ages of 11 and 17 from Alcester and the surrounding area who is interested
AN Alcester town councillor is calling on the chief executive of Stratford District Council to step into a row over rubbish. Councillor Shahid Juned has written to Paul Lankester asking him to take action over the dumped waste and green waste at the site
RAGLEY Hall will be the venue for six firework concerts featuring top class bands this summer - and there may be further bookings to come. Status Quo, Jamie Cullum and the Sugababes are among the stars set to grace the grounds of the stately home and
SALFORD Priors is to be taken out of the Alcester division in county council elections following a review of the electoral boundaries. The village will, instead, join Bidford and Welford. The change was announced by The Boundary Committee for England,
JOE Jackson has been named as the new manager of Bromsgrove Rovers. Jackson, who led Stourbridge to back-to-back Midland Alliance titles, was unveiled at the club's presentation evening last Saturday. He becomes the seventh manager in four years at the
NEW Bromsgrove Rovers manager Joe Jackson got the chop much earlier than expected at the club's annual presentation night. For the Rovers boss was put under the guillotine by magician Tracie Hughes as part of the cabaret acts preceeding last Saturday's
Thursday, May 6 Derren Brown, Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham. Tickets from 0870 607 7533. Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry. Until May 8. Tickets from 024 7652 4524. The Norman Conquests by Alan Aycbourn, Birmingham Repertory
THE family of a teenage girl who died after dancing with friends have spoken of their shock. Claire Stones, a 17-year-old pupil at Pershore Sixth Form Centre, had had a heart defect since birth, but was living a normal, healthy life. However, during a
SIX people living in Worcestershire will take part in the county's first citizenship ceremony to become British citizens. Under the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 British citizenship cannot be granted until applicants have attended this
A FUNDING "crisis" that has thrown plans for new GP surgeries in Worcestershire into doubt could also hit family doctors, a county MP claimed in the Commons yesterday. But the allegations were strongly denied by health officials this morning and Ministers
A SENIOR chef was sentenced to six months in prison after cooking the books and stealing more than £7,000 from his catering firm. Simon Yapp, of Ransom Avenue, off Bath Road, Worcester, admitted six charges of theft and six counts of falsifying accounts
LUCKY youngsters from Worcester won a host of goodies after entering an artistic competition to help raise cash for county life-limited children. Nine-year-old Rebekah Humphries and six-year-old Jessica Bolton were all smiles when they showed off their
STAFF at Worcestershire Royal Hospital have created a permanent memorial to mark an annual day of remembrance. Tina Russell, Unison health and safety representative at Worcestershire Royal Hospital commemorated The Workers Memorial Day, by planting a
EXTENSION plans for a service bay at Tesco, St Peter's, have been withdrawn by the store after being recommended for refusal. The store was considering expanding its storage facilities for a home delivery internet shopping service which would have meant
A COUNTRY music duo will be hoping to hit the right note at a gig in Droitwich Spa this Friday. Pure Country will make a return visit to the End of the Trail Country Music Club, based at the Royal British Legion Club, in Salwarpe Road. The talented duo
A WAR veteran who has been picked to accompany a Worcester choir to a concert to mark the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings was actually ill in bed during the final showdown. John Hinton, who will join the Worcester Male Voice Choir for a three-day
A NIGHT of stadium-style rock is on the cards at a Bromsgrove club this weekend. Popular tribute band Fred Zeppelin will return to Bromsgrove this Saturday when they play at the Stoke Prior Country Club. The premier Led Zeppelin sound and look-a-like
A TALE exploring the follies of young and old alike is about to be staged in Malvern. Don Pasquale tells the story of a rich and elderly bachelor, who wishes to marry just in order to spite his nephew who otherwise stands to inherit his fortune. The Romanian
Opera lovers are in for a treat when one of London's premier touring opera companies sings at a charity event in Worcester Cathedral this summer. Pavilion Opera will be performing Donizetti's comic opera L'elisir d'amore, which means "the elixir of love
A CHARITY is nearly £1,000 better off, thanks to a team of patriotic people who raised money while celebrating St George's Day. The team of seven, including Rosemary and Steve Henman, drummed up £903 for Acorns Children's Hospice when they sold roses
ORGANIC foods may be a growing healthier option, but packaging without preservatives is raising big problems for health and safety officials in the food industry. There are now more safety requirements by the European Union after an increase in the global
A PIONEERING device which could improve the lives of blind people throughout the world has been invented by four students in Droitwich. The sixth formers, who are studying A Level Physics at Droitwich High School, have created a sensory system that will
THE key to a long and happy marriage is to make sure you marry the right person in the first place. For Canon John Cooke, of Chantry Crescent, the right person was Daphne and the couple have recently celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. "I was
A WOMAN was indecently assaulted in Redditch town centre in broad daylight by a man who then exposed himself to her. The incident occurred at about 7.45am on Wednesday, April 28, when the woman was walking down Unicorn Hill towards the train station.
IT'S ironic, yet sadly unsurprising, that news of a vicious assault on an Asian tourist should break the day before Worcestershire holds its first ceremony to grant six immigrants British citizenship. Though police haven't so far confirmed the attack
SUPERSTOCKS speedster Andy Tinsley claimed his second win of the season and took his championship lead to 17 points. The Astwood Bank racer took the lead at Oulton Park in the first few laps on his Knotts Suzuki GSX R 1000 and was never overtaken - setting
A CRISIS meeting was held on Friday to try to address a £25 million deficit faced by the health trust which runs the Alexandra Hospital. Only one other trust in the country is in a worse financial position than Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
SNOOKER bad boy Quinten Hann will be at the Centrepoint Club in Redditch on Saturday. Rumours had been circulating that the unpredictable Aussie has gone back down under following his defeat in the World Championships. But this couldn't be further from
Redditch Arrows stage the first home game of the new American football season against South Wales Warriors on Sunday (ko 2pm). Both teams come into the game with wins in their first match. The winners will see themselves clear at the top of the table.
IN the first time in history Redditch Golf Club beat rivals Halesowen 3 - 1, at Halesowen, on April 23rd. Redditch Seniors won 4 - 2 away to Worcester Golf Club on Friday, April 30th, but the ladies lost 3 - 2 away to The Vale on Saturday May 1st.
WITH their first two Taekwon-do students just receiving their black belts at over 40 years old the Wythall martial arts club has shown age is no boundary when it comes to martial arts. The club has been running at Wythall's Coppice Primary School Do-jang
CONCERN over post-treatment care given to elderly patients discharged from the Alexandra Hospital has been expressed by a new health watchdog. Redditch and Bromsgrove's Patient and Public Involvement Forum (PPI) has now been created and will carry out
AN annual referendum day on controversial issues is one of the pledges being made in a manifesto by the town's Labour party. On June 10, all 29 Redditch councillors will be up for re-election in the town and this year, new ward boundaries come into force
Cirencester Town 0 Redditch United 3 REDDITCH United are champions of the Dr Martens Western division. The Reds started the season on top of the division and that's exactly where they have finished up... and five points clear of their closest rivals.
AWARD-winning comedy Stones In His Pockets arrives in the region direct from massive West End success, with shows at Stratford, Coventry and Worcester this month. Written by Marie Jones, the hilarious comedy has received the Laurence Olivier Award for
THE sounds of the 60s can be heard at the Palace Theatre on Saturday when The Animals and Friends take to the stage in their 40th anniversary tour. The band, still with some original members and accompanied by the Class of '64, specially created for the
GIBRALTAR in the summer of 1982 is the setting for a new play by Gregory Burke - The Straits - at Birmingham Repertory Theatre's The Door from next Wednesday. Following his hit debut play Gagarin Way, Gregory Burke has drawn on his experiences growing
STUDLEY ended the season in fifth spot after a 2-1 over Rushall Olympic at the Beehive. The Bees top scorer this season Mark Crisp netted both goals either side of the break to give Studley a deserved end of season win. But Studley didn't have it all
THE Millers had a double blow on Saturday after their patched up team ended up at Meir late for kick off. Awful weather coupled with major M5 traffic ended with Feckenham turning up late and now facing a hefty £100 fine. The 3-1 scoreline to Meir was
TWO hours of heavy rain brought an end to Bromsgrove CC's promising start in their opening Birmingham and District Division One fixture of the season at Kenilworth Wardens. Captain Nick Davies was forced to sit out his first game in the role with a hamstring
WYCHAVON District Council will today hand Worcester Warriors their Premiership ticket. The National One champions were told last week by the board of England Rugby Limited that they had passed entry criteria to the Premiership subject to them gaining
WORCESTERSHIRE'S Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy second round match against Herefordshire will now be played tomorrow at New Road. The two counties agreed to the switch after rain prevented any play today at Luctonians' Mortimer Park ground in Kingsland
WORCESTER City manager John Barton has delayed issuing his retained list until next week. The St George's Lane boss is waiting to see whether the club will be playing in the Conference North or South. Barton admits it could make the difference between
GREATER Birmingham reached the final of the Robinson Low Francis North Midlands Rugby Championship with a 24-5 win over Worcestershire & Herefordshire at Edwardians RFC last night. Greater Birmingham needed to win to progress beyond the group stage
A record number of Worcester Triathlon Club members have been chosen for the Great Britain Age Group team to compete in the World Championship in Madeira this weekend. The club has six representatives -- Les Bailey (65-69yrs), Maureen Burrows (60-64yrs
BROMSGROVE RFC U16s have added to the club's already successful season by winning the North Midlands Cup. The Finstall Park side beat Old Silhillians 23-11 to lift the trophy at Ledbury on Sunday, April 25, just a week after the First XV won the Midlands
A DETERMINED Droitwich Spa RFC U8s are celebrating after winning the Moseley Festival. Spa beat visitors Widnes 25-20 in the final of the prestigious event last Sunday. Led by Scot Howell, tries from Josh Feek, Tom Flowerdew and two from Joe Ingle ensured
BROMSGROVE RFC First XV have been honoured for landing their second Midlands Two (West) championship in three years. The Finstall Park side had their achievement recognised at a civic reception hosted by Bromsgrove District Council Chairman Councillor
FAIRFIELD Villa Ladies FC won 8-0 at Racing Hibernian in their last game of the season last Sunday. Stacey Rea, Debbie Harris and Kaye Mason put Villa three up before Shez Donnelly hit the fourth from half way. Harris then grabbed her second and Anna
THE next meeting of the Mercian Festival Junior Football League takes place this Sunday. It starts at 8pm in the Bell Inn, St Johns, Worcester, and all clubs should attend. Next season the league will provide mini soccer on Saturdays for U9s, U10s and
I HATE racists and bigots but most of all I hate teachers who, on St George's Day, banned schoolchildren from wearing the England football strip. No - I am not an over-indulgent mother, just a 76-year-old grandmother who happened to hear of the ban. I'm
POLLING stations in Bromsgrove were busy from the word go on Thursday, as residents went to vote in the General Election and local elections. A team of over 100 at North Bromsgrove High School would work through the night to count the votes. The Conservative
I DO not reside in Marlbrook but may I suggest that the locals take a leaf from others who are similarly affected over the loss of Post Office services and completely boycott their local store until such time as the new proprietors install a Post Office
LEO Antosiewicz, 46, had been recaptured in Worcester on Saturday after escaping from Barnsley Hall Mental Hospital, in Bromsgrove, the previous day. He had been spotted by a hospital worker who recognised him. Antosiewicz had been sent to Bromsgrove
JUST to put the record straight with regard to the proposed development of the Market Hall and the Antique Collectors Fair (held weekly and monthly). As far back as 1982 it was suggested that there should not be a Market Hall as such. By popular opinion
VISCOUNT and Viscountess Cobham, from Hagley Hall, were renting a house in London for the season, during which time their second daughter the Hon Frances Lyttleton was to come out. She would be presented at one of the May courts. THE usual May Day dinner
I'VE made falling down a trademark of my act over the years, but the reality of having a fall in later life is no laughing matter. Did you know, for instance, that falls are the most frequent and serious type of accident among the over 65 age group? Falls
I WANTED to write and thank all your readers who lodged their support of the British Lung Foundation's (BLF) campaign for the implementation of the new NICE COPD Guideline. More than 2,000 people returned signed postcards in just 14 days to the BLF asking
WHAT is the difference between a leprechaun and a district councillor? If you catch a leprechaun, he tells where his pot of gold is hidden. If you find your own pot of gold hidden, you have caught out a Wychavon councillor. But only in Droitwich Spa!
IT was stated at the town council's annual public meeting by Councillor Terry Spencer that the town council had given SALT (the campaign to save the Lido) a volunteers organisation, a golden opportunity to produce, in six months, a viable plan to reopen
THE renewed application by Safeway/Morrisons for an additional 8,500sq ft of retail space attached to the existing Droitwich Spa store will have a significant impact of growing loss of adequate parking spaces in the town. This will cause the loss of 8,500sq
THEY say ID cards will stop the terrorists and bombers, but the terrorists will be British citizens issued with I.D. cards. They won't need to forge them they will be issued to them. If Abu Hamza wins his appeal to stay in Britain he will also be eligible
DROITWICH'S annual Town Meeting was one of the best attended for many years but it was a great pity it was not run in a more professional way. The public had aright to be heard and listened to in a much more sympathetic manner than they were treated.
CRIME fans are invited to help solve a thrilling murder mystery at a Droitwich Spa theatre. One of the world's best loved fictional detectives, Miss Marple, will be arriving at The Norbury Theatre next Wednesday, May 12, until Saturday 15. She will find
The Wales Theatre Company offers a voyeuristic slice of life in a typical Welsh seaside town at Malvern's Festival Theatre next month. Staged to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dylan Thomas's death, Under Milk Wood runs from Tuesday, June 1 to Saturday
AN innovative new play invites townspeople to dine and spend and evening with the legendary Oliver Cromwell. The play, 1651: An Evening with Oliver Cromwell, will be launched next month by a group of actors in Stratford. Initial rehearsals and plays have
THE former chairman of the board of a Redditch-based energy and utility skills organisation has beaten off stiff competition to become a finalist in this year's Public Servants of the Year Awards 2004. As a finalist in the ''On Board'' category - the
Wednesday, May 5 Dance: Paco Pena, Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst Street, Birmingham, 7.30pm. Show: Derren Brown Live, Alexandra Theatre, Station Road, Birmingham. Also on May 6. Singles: Live Wyres Pub Night, New Inn, Ombersley Road, Worcester, 8.45pm. Thursday
MEMBERS of a Barnt Green club will be taken for a walk in the park at a lecture later this month. Chris Jones from the Birmingham Parks Department will be talking to members of the Friendship Club of Barnt Green on Tuesday, May 18. It will take place
THE Mary Stevens Hospice areplanning to hold their first ball to raise funds for continued patient care. The venue for this top class event will be Dudley Castle and Zoo on Saturday, June 19, at 7.30pm. The evening will include an auction with exclusive
THE club welcomes Rotherham-based Ken Horan for our May meeting. Ken is an ex-railway worker with a passion for steam trains. This will be Ken's second visit to our club, and this time his presentation is entitled A Bit of This and a Bit of That -- this
THE proposed introduction of ID cards in this country by this Government without the total consent of the people is a fundamental abuse of democracy. A matter such as this should be voted on by the population as it has far-reaching consequences and frightening
PRESIDENT, Catherine Kealy, welcomed the members who then stood for a minute's silence in memory of an old member of the institute, Olive Worrall, who died in March. The members were also told of founder member, Mrs Shopland, now 94, who had a fall and
THERE'S less than a month to go until the start of the county's biggest youth event - the Bromsgrove Youth Carnival. This week we're looking at the kind of music which will be rocking out on the day. An awesome sound system will entertain the crowd and
STUDENTS at a Waseley Hills High School had the chance to bring out their inner Einsteins doing experiments using their DNA as part of science week. The science-mad pupils also heard a talk about the fun side of science called 'Exploding Custard'.
TOTS at a Bromsgrove nursery were given a top treat when a special puppet show was performed for them. Children at Jack and Jill's Nursery, in Millfields Road, sat mesmerised while the district council-funded show gave a twist to traditional performances
DENNIS Richardson has just completed 30 years working as a delivery driver during which time he has clocked up an amazing 500,000 miles - the equivalent of 20 times around the world. Dennis, from Deansway in Bromsgrove, started his career at Webbs of
BROMSGROVE'S new first citizen reckons his two highly disciplined careers in the army and the prison service provide him with the ideal background to keep his fellow councillors soldiering on and ensure they don't step out of line at meetings. Last night
IT'S not everyday we get to see the regional premiere of a new musical at our very own Palace Theatre and it will live long in my memory. It was very impressive. And it was also very much a personal triumph for Kevin Hirons. He not only directed this,
CAUGHT At Dawn, winner of the Lady Dudley Cup, has scooped another top prize after success at Cheltenham. Ridden by 17-year-old Tom Weston, Caught At Dawn was a 5-1 winner by 3/4l of the 7.40pm race at the famous course last Wednesday. Balinova was second
A MESMERISING candlelit performance of vocal music will be a fitting finale to this year's Bromsgrove Festival. Tenebrae, featuring choristers from the country's top choirs, will perform at St John's Parish Church, off Kidderminster Road, this Saturday
A WELL-known landmark for voluntary groups in Droitwich is set to become even more accessible -- thanks to a generous cash injection of more than £2,000. An application for a lottery grant to help upgrade and refurbish the Rotary House, in Corbett Avenue
AN angry conservationist has hit out at the decision to chop down trees in a Bromsgrove park. Julie Kendall, of Stoke Prior, is furious the authority's parks' department decided to cut down trees in Sanders Park during the spring, when many birds are
THE Conservatives rolled out one of their big guns for the launch in Bromsgrove of their European election campaign in the West Midlands. Tory co-chairman Dr Liam Fox and six of the seven prospective candidates were at a breakfast meeting on Friday at
THE failure by auditors to spot a major, ongoing problem with Bromsgrove District Council's accounts stretching back to 1991, will cost council tax payers £50,000. That's the fee auditors are charging the authority to go back through the books to find
A DEDICATED young sports star from Droitwich has picked up an award for making a positive contribution to the community. Gemma Daly, 12, was put forward by her parents, Hugh and Debbie, for her Ju-Jitsu achievements and was shocked to find herself as
TWO men who were killed in a car crash on a dangerous stretch of road near Ombersley were not wearing seatbelts, an inquest heard. Twenty-two-year-old Michael Jennings and 19-year-old William Hall were pronounced dead at the scene of the collision --
THE strange but brilliant Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a refreshingly surreal and highly original love story. Scripted by Charlie Kaufman, the director of Being John Malkovich, its simple plot details a man and woman falling in love, out of
THE thing with re-telling fairy tales is that everyone already knows the story so there can only be very limited scope to do something original. This is particularly true of Peter Pan, with the Disney film accepted as the definitive version and Hook a
WHAT an excellent choice of play for the Ullenhall Players, a good old-fashioned Yorkshire comedy by J B Priestley and well performed by this accomplished group. This is the finest production I have seen to date by the Players. Rosie Hammond portrayed
A GROUP of very different but extraordinarily talented youngsters are sent away from their parents for several weeks to perform musicals and plays in a variation of the traditional American summer camp. They all come from various backgrounds and throughout
BROMSGROVE rally driver Nathan Crewe is counting the cost after literally having his latest race turned upside down. Crewe, and navigator Mark Ammonds (pictured), lost valuable time when their MG ZR ended up on its roof for six minutes following a roll
MEMBERS of Bromsgrove Kickboxing Club have enjoyed success at their first ever tournament. Eight fighters, all novices, from the club took part in an inter-club event in Evesham, featuring clubs from across the Midlands, on Sunday, April 18. Joel Gibson
MARK Hawkins won the Captain's Shield at Bromsgrove Golf Club. Hawkins recorded a nett 69 to take the title of the competition, which allows players to use just three clubs and a putter. Andrea Kiernan won the ladies' event with a nett 70. Elsewhere at
THERE is concern that a proposal to downscale or even close Redditch fire station could be put on the table if Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade is forced to cut its budget. The Government announced last week it is likely to cap the Hereford and Worcester
ALL the houses in Abbeydale and surrounding roads have received a newsletter from the Liberal Democrats listing the achievements of councillors Nigel Hicks and Diane Thomas and I thought it should be pointed out the anomalies that occur in this publication
REDDITCH United fans stormed the pitch at Cirencester on Saturday as their club became champions of the Dr Marten's Western Division. But not only that, the Reds put icing on the cake as they beat Eastern Division champions King's Lynn by a single goal
I WRITE concerning free bus travel in Redditch. Many of us have warned that by removing it for those over 60 and the disabled, the knock-on effect would be to severely harm the Dial-a-Ride service. Saying I told you so will not help the elderly, saying
REDDITCH folk can attend a two-day course at Arrow Valley Countryside Centre to revive an ancient boating tradition. The centre is running a coracle making course on May 22 and 23 from 9.30am-5pm. The coracle comes from the Welsh word cwrwgl and is a
I WOULD like to express my thanks for all the replies I received to my letter published in the Redditch Advertiser regarding my hill climb car. This is a 500cc car called the Eric Guest Special (EGS), built in Redditch. Several people wrote to me and
MAY we, through your column, express our thanks for the support of those who braved the cold to visit our garden on April 10 and 11. The total sum raised was £389.05 - all in aid of the National Gardens Scheme, which supports several charitable foundations
MY thanks to the Redditch Advertiser (April 14) for covering the demonstration held outside Brockhill Prison which was a public protest following the death there on April 3 of Sheena Kotecha, 22. My comment that the Prison Service should not be sending
THE controversy about the River Arrow and its navigability is becoming turbulent. Mr Barker is correct when he cites the Ragley Bowl and the 497 houses proposed as NIMBY types of plans. But deepening the Arrow is in a different category, because of the
TWO Studley pupils on their way to school were treated by ambulance crews - one for a broken leg - after they were involved in a road collision yesterday. The accident, near the junction of Alcester Road and Castle Road, happened at about 8.10am. It is
I AM compelled to write in connection with comments printed in the Chronicle (April 21) which implied that the most tragic accident that occured on Alcester Heath recently was in some way attributable to the business premises at Alcester Lodge known as
THERE was quite literally a close shave at Tesco in Redditch when staff member Matthew Williams had his locks removed for a good cause. Mr Williams was raising money for Matthew Skinner, who in turn is walking the Great Wall of China in aid of Cancer
THE April meeting was a lively one when members discussed the three resolutions going forward to the AGM in Sheffield. The subjects were the trafficking in women and children, Air Ambulance service funding and growing of GM crops in the UK. On a sad note
Friday May 4, 1979 QUESTION: How do you make fat people thin and thin people fat? Answer - hand them over to the costume department of a theatre. Members of Astwood Bank Group WI learned that at their recent meeting, when guest speaker Mrs Elizabeth A
Friday May 7, 1954. AFTER 41 years of a varied existence - during which it has been devoted in turn to professional and amateur band shows and professional boxing tournaments - the Palace Theatre, Redditch, will close at the end of tomorrow's show, possibly
THERE was more political fallout this week following the uproar caused by recent rumours of school closures. Lib Dem county councillor Diane Thomas laid into the Labour group at Worcestershire County Council for not opening up a debate on a notice of
SPEAKER John Wakeman gave a talk and slide show on his many journeys around the world judging border canaries and also showed pictures of the wildlife around Canada, where his son lived. Next month's speaker is Mr Tilsley, an expert on budgerigars. On
JOE Jackson has been named as the new manager of Bromsgrove Rovers. Jackson, who led Stourbridge to back-to-back Midland Alliance titles, was unveiled at the club's presentation evening last Saturday. He becomes the seventh manager in four years at the
AT the April 19, meeting Suzanne Shacklock gave a talk entitled Desires, Disasters and Delights. Twelve years ago, she and her husband searched for their ideal spot, which had to have an old cottage, an acre of ground and a stream and they found these
A CENTRE offering information and advice to older people is now up and running in Wythall. Residents aged over 50 can attend the Age Concern and Pension Service information surgery in Hadley Close on the last Tuesday of every month to receive advice on
A district councillor for the Inkberrow area says something has to be done to help the farming community before even more livelihoods are destroyed. Audrey Steele said most farmers were having to either partially or wholly diversify away from agriculture
DROITWICH Spa finished their Midland Combination Division Two season with one point from two home games. Kevin Blaber's side drew 2-2 with league runners-up Enville Athletic last Saturday and lost 4-0 to champions Wellesbourne last Wesnesday. The results
DROITWICH Spa RFC First XV retained the Jack Andrews Cup with a 37-0 victory in their traditional end of season fixture with Worcester Wanderers. Tom Child ran in two tries in last Saturday's match at the Memorial Ground along with touchdowns for captain
THE Wheatland Hunt has attracted a record entry of 276 for its point-to-point at Chaddesley Corbett, near Bromsgrove, this Saturday. The feature race, the mens' open, has attracted a quality entry. Richard Burton, who is making a strong challenge for
A MAN accused of breaking into a Redditch flat and attacking the occupant has been cleared by a jury at Worcester Crown Court. Mark Tongue denied burglary at Andrew Beale's home in Mount Pleasant and assaulting him, causing actual bodily harm. He insisted
THREE brave Redditch people will be bearing their 'soles' and doing some real hot-stepping to raise cash for the Primrose Hospice and Cancer Help Centre. Alice Odell, Alistair Willcox and Franziska Behr are all taking on the challenge of the Primrose
A REVAMPED Blakenhurst Training Centre was officially opened on Friday. Prison staff from all over the West Midlands turned up to celebrate the opening of the centre, which has already been running for a year. The centre, which received a total facelift
A POPULAR seven-piece Redditch band will feature in an evening of live music at the White Lion in Astwood Bank on Friday, May 28, to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Relief. Somethin' Else), which featured on BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester last year
VIOLENT crime and vandalism are turning Bidford into a terror zone, according to residents. They say they have to put up with regular attacks on cars and property, drunken behaviour and, most recently, petrol bombs. They have now called on the police
UP to 200 Muslims from across Redditch will march through the town centre on Sunday as part of an annual celebration. It will be the second time a procession has taken place in Redditch to mark the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him.
THERE was good news for the new Studley Village Hall when it was announced it had made a small profit in its first year since opening. Village councillor and hall committee member Hazel Wright hailed the news as a success for the building. She said: "
MYSTERY abounds in Alvechurch Dramatic Society's spring production A Murder is Announced. The Miss Marple tale, written by Agatha Christie and adapted for stage by Leslie Darbon will be performed at Alvechurch Village Hall on Thursday, Friday and Saturday
STUDLEY councillors sometimes complain that because the village is right on the district and county boundary, they feel a bit "off the beaten track". But tomorrow, Studley will be the singular focus of two of Stratford Council's most powerful men as they
A WOMAN was airlifted to the Alexandra Hospital on Wednesday afternoon after an accident at Alcester Heath. Her Audi A3 was involved in a collision with a Ford Transit van travelling towards Alcester. The woman, who is 51 and from Evesham, suffered concussion
LAST-minute Christmas shopping in Worcestershire could be curtailed by a leading trade union. Usdaw, the Union of Shop, Distribution and Allied Workers, has called for shop opening hours on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve to be curtailed. It claims stores
REDDITCH and Bromsgrove Amnesty International want Alvechurch residents to offer their support in a national 'Million Face' petition. The appeal will be used to persuade the world's governments to sign up to a global Arms Trade Treaty, which would put
ANIMAL rights protesters were last night due to stage a demonstration outside Bobby Roberts' Circus - which is in town until Sunday. Redditch Animal Rights group was planning to gather at Weights Lane with banners and hand out leaflets in an attempt to
REDDITCH folk can take part in a number of events which will bring them closer to nature. Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, in conjunction with many other environmental groups, will be celebrating the 17th Worcestershire Wildlife Week with more than 40 events
YOUNGSTERS at two Redditch schools are celebrating after receiving an educational boost thanks to a funding scheme. Holyoakes Field First School, Bridge Street, has received £300 to set up and develop a conservation and garden area for the pupils thanks
A TRAINEE chef from Bidford is cooking up a charitable feast with a little help from his friends. Nelson Mansfield and his girlfriend, Hayley Loomes, want to raise £6,000 for breast and prostate cancer charities because the diseases have hit both their
