Archive

  • Sixth formers win on Intuition

    A GROUP of sixth formers from Alcester Grammar School competed for a place in the Young Enterprise regional finals and came away with a cash prize. The seven girls and their company, Intuition, won the Best Presentation, one of four awards available in

  • Comedy show

    THE comedians' favourite funnyman is due to appear at Worcester's Swan Theatre tomorrow. Johnnie Casson, hailed by Bob Monkhouse, Bruce Forsyth and Des O'Connor as one of the funniest men in Britain, is one of two new faces lined up for A Comedy Night

  • Roll up and give a pint

    BLOOD donors in the Worcester area are being asked to roll up their sleeves and give blood in the run up to the bank holiday weekend. Giving blood, either before or after the bank holiday, is especially important to maintain healthy stocks and meet hospital

  • 'We tried to get the cows off the goose, but we had to run'

    A HERD of cows trampled a goose to death on Golden Valley Common at Castlemorton, near Malvern. Now a pensioner who witnessed the disturbing attack last Saturday is claiming that dogs, children or even adults could be at risk from the wandering herd.

  • Sticker can win you £100

    Motorists across Worcestershire could win £100 simply by displaying special stickers in support of England's Euro 2004 campaign. Local radio station, Classic Hits 954/1530 AM has just launched the "Stick it for England" campaign. They're offering to make

  • All candidates opposed to Chrissies relocation

    ALL candidates competing for election to Worcester City Council in Bedwardine ward have confirmed their opposition to the Christopher Whitehead relocation. A public inquiry into the potential high school move to the outskirts of the city is close to concluding

  • Stories bring the countryside to life

    FAIRY tales and stories will be used to teach youngsters all about nature during a fun-filled woodland stroll at the weekend. Conservation officer Rory McClure will lead children and their parents on a nature trail through Worcester's Countryside Centre

  • Skips bring piles of strife

    RESIDENTS in Salford Priors dumped nearly 19 tonnes of rubbish during the village's annual skip week. But they also dumped a heap of problems on the parish council, which organised the event. For within a couple of hours of arriving, the skips were full

  • Volunteers open centre

    TWO charity workers from Alcester were rewarded for their efforts when they were invited to help launch a new medical equipment centre in Coventry. Pat Kenneth and Chris Prichard, volunteers with the Red Cross, met chief executive Sir Nick Young at the

  • Jump for the prize!

    YOUNGSTERS in Alcester were full of bounce when they set about raising funds for their school last week. The children from Alcester Infants School had to delay their sponsored bounce due to bad weather earlier this month but it finally went ahead on Wednesday

  • Club open with draw

    BROMSGROVE Hockey Club began their 2004 Summer League campaign with a 1-1 draw at Yardley. The visitors started brightly last Tuesday and had the better of the early exchanges, with Bevan Edwards and Ashley Clarke proving a handful for the Yardley defence

  • Race alarm call for Crees

    MIGHTY Mini racer Paul Crees was hoping to better his season's best position at Snetteron on the weekend. However, suspension problems caused the Brockhill racer to spend more than five hours under the bonnet before race day and almost rule out any hopes

  • Fare row sparks taxi alert

    POLICE are warning townsfolk to make sure they use licensed taxis after an incident on Saturday night when a woman got into a dispute over a fare and was threatened. The 22 year old got a taxi from the town centre with a friend, who was dropped off first

  • Studley to the fore

    SECOND-placed Studley A kept the pressure on rivals Stratford with a 4-0 whitewash over FISSC A. Studley's Chris Francis and Chris Hughes overcame Steve Turner and Ali Kashani, of FISSC A 6-2, 6-3. And they were also victorious against the pairing of

  • Arrows show Plymouth ho!

    Plymouth Admirals 0 Redditch Arrows 20 THE Redditch Arrows remain in top spot of the South West Conference Division Two after a convincing win in Plymouth. And after their performance the Arrows can boast the best defensive record in the whole division

  • Dance takes centre stage

    DANCE will be the main attraction at the Birmingham Hippodrome complex with a visit by a major dance company to the main theatre plus a one-off presentation at the DanceXchange. Saturday evening sees the English premiere of Monco by Dutch company Raz

  • homeless

    A COUPLE with a 10-week old daughter claim they are being forced to sleep rough in their car because two councils have failed to find them a home. However, officials say they only have themselves to blame. Gordon Kenny and his partner Sharon Maggs were

  • Now it's official: Rugby club is going up

    WORCESTER Warriors has at last been named a Premiership side. The Sixways club, winners of the National One title back on April 3, was finally given the green light yesterday to join the elite. The board of England Rugby Ltd was to accept Worcester's

  • Drink- driver sent to prison

    ROOFER was sentenced to three months in prison after drinking and driving a fortnight after he was banned from the roads for three years. Nicholas Scott, of Nixon Close, Callow End, ner Worcester, was disqualified on Friday, May 7, for drink-driving.

  • Outrage at plans to give pupils pill

    PARENTS and pro-life campaigners have blasted plans to extend the number of county high schools that prescribe the morning after pill to underage pupils without their parents' knowledge. The move was made as part of the county's Teenage Pregnancy and

  • I'm a ex-cricketer, get me a beer Tuffers drops in

    FORMER England cricketer and now television star Phil Tufnell arrived in Evesham last night as part of his mammoth fund-raising walk across England. The I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! reality television programme winner hopes to raise more than

  • Freshened -up fish return to fountain

    A VICTORIAN fountain in a popular Worcester park will soon spout again following a £28,000 clean-up. The upper section of the cast-iron fountain, which forms a focal point in Cripplegate Park, was yesterday lowered into place. The fountain, which was

  • Intrepid binman fights off pair of subway attackers

    INTREPID "Bindiana Jones" may have survived some of the world's trouble spots unscathed - but he had to fight off muggers in his Worcestershire hometown. Binman John McBride, who gained his nickname after holidaying in some of the world's most dangerous

  • Fun for summer thanks to parish

    YOUNGSTERS in St Peter's will enjoy fun-packed activities over the summer holidays thanks to a new project. St Peter's Parish Council has announced that it would make a contributory grant of up to £1,968 to Worcester City Council to help fund activities

  • Private fees could rise

    PRIVATE school fees could rise by up to 30 per cent after a powerful group of MPs questioned their right to charitable status. Under the draft Charities Bill, due to be published tomorrow, private schools and hospitals will have to prove that they provide

  • Contract for Clarke

    STRIKER Jermaine Clarke's late season burst of scoring has earned him a contract at Common Road, writes Mervyn Collins. Evesham United manager Dave Busst revealed that interest from Moor Green had promoted the club to offer Clarke a deal to keep him with

  • What's On Guide

    Thursday, May 27 The Full Monty, Birmingham Hippodrome. Until May 29. Tickets from 0870 730 1234. City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Hall, Birmingham. Tickets from 0121 780 3333. A Comedy Night Out, Swan Theatre, Worcester. Tickets from 01905

  • Another last ball victory for Boars

    TWO victories in 24 hours marked a successful weekend for Bromsgrove CC First XI. Nick Davies' side won another final ball thriller last Saturday, skittling Aston Unity out one run short of their 191 target, to add to their final ball winning draw against

  • Losing draw despite good fielding

    SOME excellent fielding from Himbleton CC First XI captain Dean Oliver and solid bowling from Steve Mills could not stop a losing draw in a high-scoring match. Wicketkeeper Oliver held on to five catches, including one diving to his left, while Mills

  • Green ease past rivals into semis

    BARNT Green Cricket Club First XI made light work of rivals Wellington to reach the National Knockout regional semi-finals. Lyndon Jones' side saw off their fellow Birmingham and District Premier Division opponents by 80 runs at Cherry Hill Road last

  • Spa disappointed with result

    DROITWICH Spa CC First XI endured a disappointing result in their latest Worcestershire County League Division One match, slipping to a losing draw at Chaddesley Corbett. Steve Walsh's side remains unbeaten after five matches but sit ninth in the early

  • Ten-wicket success for Green

    CUTNALL Green CC First XI recorded their second successive huge victory-margin with a ten-wicket mauling of Stone in Worcestershire County League Division Five. Matthew Harris' side, who saw off Knighton-on-Teme by nine wickets in their previous match

  • Tight finishes at the top

    FOURTEEN primary schools competed in last week's annual Stratford District Council football tournament at the Recreation Ground. Eight teams contested both the boys and girls events with Our Lady's Catholic Primary School from Alcester and Welford-on-Avon

  • Little belters

    FIVE students at the Jutsu School of Shotokan Karate have just passed their black belt grading. After a gruelling five-hour session Tom Moulson, 24, Hayley Goody, 16, Ross Ganderton, 12, Mark Petruccui, 12, and Matthew Williams, 10, all passed with flying

  • For giving us a home - thanks!

    FAMILIES tucked into a variety of goodies at a specially arranged picnic to thank them for fostering. Foster carers, their families and more than 100 children they care for attended the picnic, which was hosted by Worcestershire County Council's Fostering

  • Warriors delight at ticket to ride

    CECIL Duckworth admitted his "great relief" after Worcester somewhat belatedly received their Premiership ticket to ride. England Rugby Limited finally rubber stamped the Warriors' place in the top flight yesterday after dismissing Rotherham's proposed

  • Supporters' club's inaugural meeting

    THE inaugural meeting of the Worcester Warriors Supporters' Club took place last night as news filtered through of their promotion to the Zurich Premiership. Around 150 supporters packed into the city's O'Neill's Irish Bar along with head coach Andy Keast

  • Bulls announce Swansea friendly

    HEREFORD United have announced another pre-season friendly with the visit of Third Division Swansea City on July 24 (3pm). The Swans' clash is the third friendly to be confirmed against League opposition with visits from Bristol City and West Brom. Coach

  • Last wicket stand denies first victory

    HEREFORDSHIRE were denied victory in their opening Minor Counties Championship Western Division game when Wiltshire's final pair of batsmen held on for the last nine overs at Colwall during a tense finale. Set 394 to win in their second innings, the visitors

  • Law to lead local challenge at Windsor

    OLYMPIC hopeful Leslie Law will lead a quintet of local riders at this weekend's Windsor International Three Day event. This two star competition takes place in the parkland surrounding the Queen's glorious Berkshire castle from May 27-30. Among the leading

  • Saints switch on the power

    WORCESTER SAINTS 44 TELFORD RAIDERS 10 AN outstanding display from man-of-the-match Richard Whitehouse, who scored two tries and four conversions, earned Worcester Saints their first rugby league victory of the season. The home team completely dominated

  • Recycling at a screen near you

    RESIDENTS can now access a wealth of information about going green simply with a click of a mouse after the new recycling section on Redditch Council's website went live. The website reveals every household in the borough threw away more than a tonne

  • 26/05/04 - Twickenham debuts

    THREE players from Bromsgrove RFC First XV will play at Twickenham for the first time this Saturday. Jon Taylor, Tom Churchill and Richard Arnold will be part of the North Midlands side up against Eastern Counties in the Tetley County Shield final. It

  • Park celebrating successful season

    MEADOW Park U15s have seen their hard work rewarded with a successful season. Not present: Tom Dennison, Bradley Algar, Chris Higgins, Cary Barrett and Paul Hutchins. Paul Hutchins' side finished third in the Stourport and District Boys League Division

  • Moore seeking stars

    FORMER Bromsgrove Rovers player Michael Moore is hoping to unearth the stars of tomorrow at a football development course which already lists West Bromwich Albion ace Lloyd Dyer among its graduates. The Great Barr campus at Sutton Coldfield College is

  • Club's annual meeting

    THE annual general meeting of Droitwich Spa Boys and Girls Football Club takes place next month. The meeting is at Droitwich Spa Cricket Club's pavilion, at St Peter's Fields, on Wednesday, June 23. It starts at 7.30pm and notification of any rule changes

  • 26/5/04 - Another ton for prolific Hick

    Graeme Hick's golden sequence of form continued as the Worcestershire batsman registered the 125th first-class century of his career against local rivals Warwickshire at Edgbaston. Hick, who was 38 on Sunday, dominated the opening day of the Frizzell

  • 26/5/04 - Hick changes reap rewards

    WORCESTERSHIRE director of cricket Tom Moody revealed a change of technique has been behind the revival in Graeme Hick's fortunes at the age of 38. Hick notched the 125th first-class century of his career - just one behind WG Grace - with 158 on the opening

  • Opposition get the hump as Marcus goes run crazy!

    MARCUS Humpston, having scored his maiden half-century for Badsey's senior Sunday team the previous day, continued his good form with 100 not out against Pershore Under-14 in the first round of the Worcestershire League Knockout Cup. His century came

  • Aces in starter

    JUNIOR and senior players will take to the field on Sunday when Hill and Moor CC stages its first match at Lower Moor Playing Field. A Junior Kwik Cricket ten-over contest is scheduled to get under way at 1pm with a 44-over clash against Wyre starting

  • John's a 'grand' guy!

    A COUPLE of victims in last Wednesday night's Jack Grove Midweek Lea-gue clash lifted John Park's tally of wickets in a 21-year career at Exhall and Wix-ford to exactly 1,000. The 53-year-old from Redditch added one more to his total at Broadway last

  • Sorry start to season

    EARLY season struggles continued for Evesham as they find life in Division Three of the Birmingham League difficult to come to terms with. It didn't get much better in the Worcestershire Clubs League the next day as Droitwich defeated the Avon Street

  • Angling round-up

    THE Northfield Starlets Veteran's Tony Shuttleworth Memorial Cup attracted 50 members at Moorlands Farm on Tuesday. The cup will take pride of place on Roger Banfield's (Northfield) mantelpiece after taking a winning 93-15-0 by waggler fishing catmeat

  • Development concerns

    GRAVE concern must be expressed over revelations in the Advertiser/Messenger that there are proposals to build 60 more houses in the remaining space left as you enter the Oakalls estate. My husband and I were assured by the construction company, from

  • May 29, 1954 50 years ago

    A NEW venture for Bromsgrove, a two-day arts festival organised by Avoncroft College, at Stoke Heath, was a great success. The packed programme included plays, opera, folk dancing, art, craft and various exhibitions. It was hoped it would become an annual

  • Tall story

    EVERY day the residents of Stoke Prior, particularly on Shaw Lane and Hanbury Road on the Bromsgrove side of the low railway bridges, watch confused articulated lorry drivers approach the low bridge and then try to make a U-turn in order to get back to

  • Wrap it up

    WITH regards to a previous letter 'Town strewn with rubbish' - if the rubbish was put into black plastic bags and tied up, there wouldn't be peelings and paper on the pavement. I'm always glad to see the bin men - they do an excellent job. They are there

  • Retirement pensions

    IN April I received an increase in my state pension - of £2.83 per week. Should I be pleased about this? I wrote to my MP on this subject, and had a letter back from her explaining why this magnificent offer was correct! Yesterday on the news it was mentioned

  • Fun runners lead the way

    THE Bromsgrove and District Branch of the Leukaemia Research Fund would like to thank everyone who helped to make our annual Fun Run on May 16 such a fabulous success. A record number of runners (460) turned out in glorious weather to run a 10k route

  • They have so little to do

    IS it any wonder kids are roof-hopping? There is nothing for them to do. It isn't a new thing as children used to go on top of Bromsgrove School of Dance and spit on passers-by. Until the children of Bromsgrove are sorted out we are going to continue

  • Problems with shops plans

    WE have lived on the Oakalls, Bromsgrove, now for 15 months and were aware after we moved in that there were plans for shops. Ourselves and our neighbours received a copy of the plans and to our horror were very concerned. There was to be a One Stop Shop

  • Development concerns

    GRAVE concern must be expressed over revelations in the Advertiser/Messenger that there are proposals to build 60 more houses in the remaining space left as you enter the Oakalls estate. My husband and I were assured by the construction company, from

  • Tall story

    EVERY day the residents of Stoke Prior, particularly on Shaw Lane and Hanbury Road on the Bromsgrove side of the low railway bridges, watch confused articulated lorry drivers approach the low bridge and then try to make a U-turn in order to get back to

  • Sale's a success

    THANKS to everyone who contributed and supplied the Plant Sale held by the Catshill Churches in aid of Christian Aid Week. We raised a total of £550. Judy Manson Birmingham Road Marlbrook Bromsgrove

  • Retirement pensions

    IN April I received an increase in my state pension - of £2.83 per week. Should I be pleased about this? I wrote to my MP on this subject, and had a letter back from her explaining why this magnificent offer was correct! Yesterday on the news it was mentioned

  • Fun runners lead the way

    THE Bromsgrove and District Branch of the Leukaemia Research Fund would like to thank everyone who helped to make our annual Fun Run on May 16 such a fabulous success. A record number of runners (460) turned out in glorious weather to run a 10k route

  • Seniors lose in play-off

    DEFEAT at the third extra hole condemned Evesham to heartache in the final of the Worcestershire Scratch Foursomes Over-55s competition. Facing Droitwich at Blackwell GC, first pairing Bran Campbell and John Duval were also involved in a fierce struggle

  • Major firm in buy-out

    ONE of the largest employers in Redditch has been bought out by two of its directors, who have announced ambitious plans for its future. AMS Group, based in South Moons Moat, employs 240 people and is one of the UK's leading manufacturers of bespoke interiors

  • Rugby awards night

    Redditch Rugby Club held their annual end of season awards ceremony on Friday night, May 21. Awards were given out by club chairman Dave Jones. Most improved player of the year went to Glen Francis, young player of the year went to Rubin Albert, Redditch

  • Saturday at Fishery

    Evesham Jubilee Society THE next Open match will take place at the Fishery on Satur-day. The draw is scheduled for 9am with fishing for five hours. All are welcome, book in on 01386 41273 asap. There's a members' only match on Sunday, June 6 on the Top

  • Tight tussle in opening league match

    Evesham and District Disabled AC and Partnership's THE first round of the Eve-ning Summer League was held at Manor Farm Leisure last Thursday when 17 members, fishing the Middle Pool, enjoyed the closest of matches with everyone catching plenty. The eventual

  • A useful tip

    I AGREE with Mrs Tipping that it would be good to have the occasional day off from George Cowley's opinions. You can't stop him writing, but you could try printing them only when he has something useful to say. DAVID HOOD, Bewdley.

  • It will be worse

    THE traffic in St John's on a Wednesday morning is so continuous that it is very difficult to cross the road in the Bull Ring. As soon as one lot stops, the others start up. With a new supermarket it could be much worse. JOAN EDWARDS (Mrs), Cotheridge

  • See beauty

    WALKERS will enjoy beautiful Belbroughton this Saturday. The Fairfield Ramblers will meet at the village's recreation ground car park at 10.15am. For further details call 0121 453 6501.

  • Filter tip

    TALKING of smoking (Phillpott File, Monday, May 17) when my late dad was in his 30s, he had a bet with a workmate that they would both try to stop smoking for a month. They both stuck it out, but then the other man started again. Dad gave it up for good

  • Fear of rain

    ONCE more, Christopher Whitehead School is in the news and no one seems to realise we have rain, sometimes torrential. If the pupils arrive at school soaking wet will there be anywhere for them to dry out? People in the Cotheridge area had this problem

  • Hadzor and Oddingley WI

    OUR president, Jenny Marsh, welcomed members and guests to our May meeting. After a short business meeting, we settled down to discuss the three resolutions for the annual council meeting. This was our members meeting and Phil Healey had organised a delicious

  • Diving in to save free swims

    STOPPING town pensioners the right to free swims at the Dolphin Centre was "utterly ludicrous," a Rubery councillor has claimed. Leader of the opposition on Bromsgrove District Council, Cllr Peter McDonald (Lab-Waseley), is campaigning to reinstate the

  • Firm hits back at vandals

    A BROMSGROVE firm is hitting back at the vandals who caused more than £70,000 of damage by implementing drastic new security measures. Car Crash Line UK is investing a whopping £25,000 to improve security at its Aston Fields site after vandals wreaked

  • Heartbroken over pony

    AN eight-year-old girl has been left heartbroken after the lease of a pony she was given as a birthday gift was cut short. Little Eva Bowering, of Barnt Green, is distraught after the three-month loan of a pony was withdrawn six weeks early without explanation

  • White elephant car park claim

    CLAIMS that the town's new multi-storey car park is a "white elephant" and is hardly ever more than half full have been refuted by Bromsgrove District Council, who say the facility has been designed to enable the town to cater for growing numbers of visitors

  • Parrot flees the coop

    A PRETTY parrot has flown the nest after doing a spot of sunbathing in the garden during the spate of fine weather. Gypsy, a miniature Macaw, of Palmyra Road, the Oakalls, was soaking up the sun in her cage in the garden last Wednesday at about 6pm. Her

  • Pan pipes

    TOTS at a Rednal school swapped their pencils for ponchos when they learnt about life on a different continent. Rednal Hill Junior School held an arts festival to celebrate the vibrant culture of South America. The event was supported by the local education

  • When the going gets Tuff the tough gets going

    CRICKETER and TV star Phil Tufnell will be in Belbroughton tomorrow (Thursday) and this Friday as part of his 500-mile walk across the country to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Relief. 'Tuffers', who roughed it out in the jungle during television show

  • Spa cracks down on anti-social behaviour

    NEW powers are set to be given to housing associations to help them deal with anti-social behaviour and damage to Spa properties. Spa Housing Association and Malvern-based Elgar housing recently met to discuss the new legislation, which would either allow

  • Trying to move a mountain

    A CHARFORD pensioner says his life is being made a misery by a mound of rubble which was dumped by highways contractors in front of the house where he has lived for more than half a century. Widower Gordon Emus has been trying for a month to get the six

  • Plan to build 60 more homes sparks anger

    ANGRY residents, who claim they were "hood-winked" into paying up to £400,000 for houses on the Oakalls estate, are pledging to fight plans to build another 60 homes which they say are not needed and were not in the original blueprints. Karen Moore, who

  • Singing in the Rain Alcester Greig Hall

    ALCESTER Amateur Operatic Society's all-singing, all-dancing, all-talking version of Singin' in the Rain proved this popular group to be as good as ever. Despite a few first-night hitches, such as the odd sequencing of the seating (what did happen to

  • A grandstand seat

    A GUEST visitor at the House of Commons has spoken of the dramatic moment when a man sitting less than a yard from him hurled three flour bombs at the Prime Minister. Newly-elected district council chairman Councillor Ted Tibby (Con-Norton) and his daughter

  • Cash needed for landmark

    THE campaign to save Oddingley's unique 15th century church is nearing a successful conclusion but more money is still needed to restore the beautiful landmark. A grant from the English Heritage and Droitwich Preservation Trust has helped a great deal

  • Tree planting

    A UGANDAN headteacher made his mark by planting a tree in the garden of a Rednal school. Ssembuga Kasimu, headteacher of the Masindi Islamic Primary School, travelled thousands of miles to meet children and staff at Rednal Hill Junior School. Ssembuga

  • Major upset as 'Wital' smite er, Wishaw

    "IT was the best result I've been involved in with this club," said Wythall vice-captain Matt Elwell after the Silver Street men overcame the might of Wishaw. The Wishaw team who came down a division last season were branded 'arrogant' and 'nonchalant

  • Bank on a roll

    ASTWOOD Bank CC managed a winning draw against Belbroughton at the weekend. Skipper Alex Robinson notched up 71 as the Sambourne Lane men put on 237 for 8. But Belbroughton held strong and by the end of play were 202 for 7.

  • New fundraising drive fits charity to a 'T'

    A BROMSGROVE 'charitea' is launching a quiz to find out how much residents know about the nation's favourite drink. The Primrose Hospice is inviting townsfolk to take part in their Tea at Three challenge with the chance to grab one of three top prizes

  • Walking the walk

    ENERGETIC Spa youngsters put their best foot forward to walk the length of the country. Children and staff from the town's first and middle schools limbered up to walk a distance equivalent to that between Lands End and John O'Groats, which is more than

  • School's ACE!

    PUPILS at Droitwich Spa High School are set to be offered extra curricular activities with a difference. With years 10 to 13 away on study leave and work experience, the younger pupils will be given the chance to take part in an Alternate Curriculum Experience

  • "Disaster" for canals project

    THE Droitwich canals project will be a disaster for the town, causing landslides, destroying rare birds nest sites, and maybe even posing an explosion threat. At least that is the view of an anonymous letter writer, who apparently works for Wychavon District

  • A Grand Don't Come For Free The Streets

    WHETHER you think it's chav culture making a breakthrough or a spectacle of socioeconomic differences in the British class system, you have to admit The Streets are a one-off. After the powerful debut Original Pirate Material, The Streets return...to

  • Hurt No More Mario Winans

    WITH a voice as smooth as silk, this man is so easy on the ear and so nice to listen to, he is sure to go a long way. I had not heard of Mario Winans until his fabulous hit I Don't Wanna Know featuring Enya and P Diddy hit the streets. The style and quality

  • Lilsumo's farewell gig Redditch Liberal Club

    REDDITCH rocked on Friday night in tribute to Lilsumo, a local band who have sadly decided to call it a day after two very successful years. Three bands preceded the main attraction; starting with the up-and- coming young band A Losing Side. They were

  • CYCLING: Young cycling stars poached from club

    BROMSGROVE Olympique Cycling Club is counting the cost of success. The club has produced many talented riders over the years who have raced at regional and national level. Yet now they are seeing their prized possessions snatched away by the lure of sponsorship

  • The Magdalene Sisters (18)

    THIS is one of the most compelling, heartbreaking films produced in years. Set in the 60s, three Irish girls are sent to an institution run by the sadistic Magdalene Sisters because their families and guardians believe they have sinned. Rose has a child

  • POINT-TO-POINT: Race goes to wire

    THE race to become the West Midlands leading male rider went to the wire last year and the 2004 season has provided a carbon copy to that scenario. The matter will be resolved at Bank Holiday Monday's Albrighton Woodland meeting at Chaddesley Corbett.

  • CYCLING: George hitches a lift

    A YOUNG Bromsgrove cyclist literally went the extra mile after getting lost on a club time trial. George Bate, aged 14, set off for Bromsgrove Olympique Cycling Club's 10-mile ride from Mere Hall, in Hanbury, last Thursday. But he failed to return within

  • GOLF: Success continues

    BROMSGROVE Golf Club has continued its success in the West Midlands League. Following last week's draw at Halesowen, the Stratford Road club recorded a 4-0 home victory over Moseley. The hosts were well supported once again and supporters were not disappointed

  • Contract for Clarke

    STRIKER Jermaine Clarke's late season burst of scoring has earned him a contract at Common Road, writes Mervyn Collins. Evesham United manager Dave Busst revealed that interest from Moor Green had promoted the club to offer Clarke a deal to keep him with

  • 26/5/04 - Supporters' club's inaugural meeting

    THE inaugural meeting of the Worcester Warriors Supporters' Club took place last night as news filtered through of their promotion to the Zurich Premiership. Around 150 supporters packed into the city's O'Neill's Irish Bar along with head coach Andy Keast

  • Wilks wields willow well!

    ONE of the biggest margins of victories ever achieved at The Bottoms elevated Pershore to second place in Division One of the Worcestershire County League. Lee Wilks took the individual honours with a swashbuckling century as Luctonians were put to the

  • SELF-DEFENCE: Lions roar into action

    A NEW martial arts course for children is being launched in Bromsgrove. The British Free Fighting Association, based in Aston Fields, is starting Little Lions sessions for youngsters aged three to six-years-old Classes will focus on having fun while learning

  • TOURING CARS: Neal to be star

    WYCHBOLD racing driver Matt Neal is set to make his acting debut in a series of commercials to promote Green Flag's sponsorship of the British Touring Car Championship. Matt, 38, who drives a Honda Type R in the championship and was a recent winner at

  • Cup tribute to Jimmy

    THE proud mother of a rising Redditch football star who was killed in a car crash in August has spoken about the touching tribute her son's club paid to him at the FA Cup final on Saturday. Jimmy Davis, 21, had played for Manchester United since he was

  • Slender sessions!

    WOMEN are invited along to Prince Henry's Sports Hall in Evesham next Tuesday for the first session of a "Return to Slender" class. Instructor Emma Green will be in charge of the fitness start-up course that takes place weekly between 7 and 8pm at a cost

  • Campbell and Smee record repeat success in Series

    AFTER two weeks of visits to friendly rivals Evesham and Wyre Mill Sailing Clubs, members of the Arden club at Defford returned to their regular programme of events on home water. Sunday's first race was the first in the Ladies Series and light winds

  • Drugs tests for revellers

    PEOPLE on a night out in Redditch will be the first in Worcestershire to undergo a drugs test before they are allowed into pubs and clubs. Police will take a new drugs analyser to a pub or club in the town for the first time within the next month. The

  • Night buses forced off

    SEVERAL buses have had to be been taken off the streets of Redditch at night because they have been subjected to vandalism. Pete's Travel bosses have said they will continue running the night time services despite bus windows being smashed while they

  • One sunk and another rises

    THE survey to deepen the River Arrow (Letters, May 5) to allow boats at Alcester has brought another point to the surface. Some six years ago, a survey conducted around the Conway Estate (which led to the establishment of the highly successful Alcester

  • Whittling down opposition

    A NEW College student is celebrating after hearing his work is to be published in the 2004 Student Design & Art Direction Annual. Andrew Whittles, a first year HND graphic design student, entered his work into the prestigious and fiercely fought competition

  • 25 years ago

    May 25, 1979 LOVELY ladies in the Redditch area are being called up by the British Army - to go on an all-expenses paid trip of Northern Ireland. The army wants a girl to visit military bases on a morale-boosting and publicity tour. She will be wined

  • 100 years ago

    May 24, 1904 ARTHUR Jenner, a rough-looking tramp, and his wife, Lily Jenner, who said they came from Windsor, were charged with being drunk and disorderly in Mount Pleasant on Tuesday evening. Both defendants admitted having had drink but denied being

  • Bail for man in sex case

    AN ALCESTER man has admitted having sex on four occasions with a 14-year-old girl at his home and at her home in Redditch. William Perkins, aged 38, of Ten Acres, Alcester, had originally denied three charges of raping the girl and one of indecently assaulting

  • Alcester Gardening Club

    THE May meeting had as its speaker Philip Aubury, director of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. He had spoken to the club many times before but was, as usual, very interesting on the subject of labour-saving gardening. He split his subject into four areas

  • Make way for all the fun of the fish

    A GLIMPSE of Redditch's thriving fish hook manufacturing past will be offered when the national Vintage Fishing Tackle Fair comes to town. The Abbey Stadium will be opening its doors on Sunday to anglers who want to buy, sell or swap fishing tackle, books

  • Appeal lodged over chimney

    THE secretary of state will now decide a controversial planning application to increase the chimney height for a proposed animal carcass incinerator in Astwood Bank. Bosses at Popes Lane By-Products have appealed because Redditch Council planners have

  • Alcester WI

    MAY was the meeting where the three resolutions for the AGM, this year in Sheffield, are discussed. The president presented arguments for and against and there was a degree of debate before members voted. The competition, the number of words of four or

  • Astwood Bank Flower Club

    CHAIRMAN Joyce Mumford welcomed members and two visitors to the May meeting. Retiring president Ann Pyne was presented with a voucher. Daphne Drinkwater was presented with the Rose Bowl for her entries in the novice section of monthly competition arrangements

  • Beoley WI

    THE May meeting opened with a one-minute silence in remembrance of Joan Hooper, a former president who had recently passed away. Barbara Parker was thanked for organising an excellent evening with Carl Chinn, which raised more than £300 for the Acorns

  • Cymdeithas Gymraeg (Welsh Society)

    THE president's evening on May 14 was well attended. Essillt Thomas welcomed everybody and introduced the speaker for the evening, Nicole Burnett. Originally from Bridgend, she has a degree in history - design with art history. She also has a post-graduate

  • Drakes Cross WI

    VICE-president Beryl Parsons welcomed members to the April meeting and thanked them for their contributions and help at the recent hot cross bun morning when the raffle raised £70 for Macmillan Nurses. Netta Pearson gave reports on the Malvern council

  • Hopwood WI

    THE May meeting was to discuss the resolutions, after which members heard about the luncheon club's April meeting. The lunch was preceded by a trip to Bournville to visit The Rest House, see a video about the Bournville Carillon and a tour of Selly Manor

  • Call for action after jail death

    THE latest suicide at Redditch's Blakenhurst Prison has prompted a penal reform charity to call for action on overcrowding and staff shortages. Spencer Smith, 30, who was on remand for the murder of his daughters, who were just three and six years old

  • Kington with Dormston WI

    PRESIDENT Jenny Cox welcomed members, the speaker and two visitors to the May 12 meeting. Birthday cards were given to Marion Collins and Jenny Simpson. Jenny reported on a meeting she had attended regarding the reorganisation of the groups in the area

  • Studley Women's Country Club

    AT the May 12 meeting, the future programme was discussed and the minutes of the last meeting read out. Speaker Linda Kettle then spoke about her life at the BBC and her freelance work. She worked mostly at the Pebble Mill Studios, in charge of designing

  • Richard sprints into Athens team

    A TOP sprinter from Bromsgrove has secured his place in the Great Britain team for this summer's Paralympics in Athens. Richard White, of Wildmoor Lane, will compete in the 100 and 200 metres at the Games between September 17 and 28, shortly after the

  • Young cycling stars poached from club

    BROMSGROVE Olympique Cycling Club is counting the cost of success. The club has produced many talented riders over the years who have raced at regional and national level. Yet now they are seeing their prized possessions snatched away by the lure of sponsorship

  • Mark pots the treble

    A SNOOKER star has made a name for himself by setting a unique record. Mark Sutton, who plays for West Heath in the Bromsgrove League, has become the first player to win the singles, doubles and triples competitions since the treble came into existence

  • Chelsea joy for Hannah

    A Rowney Green garden expert has kept up her excellent record at the Chelsea Flower Show by picking up a prestigious bronze award. Hannah Genders created the sensory sensation on behalf of Living Paintings Trust to celebrate the charity's 15th anniversary

  • Redi future in hands of users

    THE future of a popular skills centre has been left in the hands of users and staff who have been given the chance to come up with a business plan for it. The Redi Centre has been the subject of a Redditch Council shake-up twice in one year and in September

  • Cash help is the goal

    A FORMER Alcester High School pupil may be forced to abandon his dream of becoming a professional footballer because of lack of funding. Adam Steventon, who lives in Salford Priors, represented his school, county and the West Midlands region at the sport

  • Andrews roars to first-ever victory

    SIMON Andrews and the Piranha Rac-ing team set a new British Supersport lap record on their way to an historic first win at Mondello Park in Ireland on Sunday. It was a steady and methodical build-up for the Cheltenham- based squad with a number of changes

  • Slender sessions!

    WOMEN are invited along to Prince Henry's Sports Hall in Evesham next Tuesday for the first session of a "Return to Slender" class. Instructor Emma Green will be in charge of the fitness start-up course that takes place weekly between 7 and 8pm at a cost

  • Ladies needed to lift league status

    Evesham Badmnton League THE league's annual general meeting provoked discussion on the shortage of teams wishing to play competitively - a problem particularly associated with the women's game. Thirty-nine teams, ranging from West Mercia near Worcester

  • Go wild again with a barrow

    GET your barrows running and head out on the highway! It's nearly time again for the annual Studley Wheelbarrow race again and organisers want more people than ever to get involved and expend a bit of energy for two good causes. Bob Wall, landlord of

  • Smith's on song

    CLUB captain Ian Smith enjoyed a profitable week with Welford. Smith helped Roy Adams and John Wright to a rink victory in the Courier League match against Warwickshire County Council. He then teamed up with M Adams, P Jones and ladies captain G Smith

  • It's hall over!

    BROMSGROVE MP Julie Kirkbride cut the ribbon for the opening of Tardebigge's new community hall on Friday. Ms Kirkbride enjoyed a guided tour of the building, which has a multi-purpose hall, kitchen, meeting room, storage for groups and disabled facilities

  • Villagers have the answers to hand!

    LOST lorry drivers are testing the linguistic skills of villagers in Wixford and Exhall. The drivers are en route for industrial estates in Exhall, Coventry, and despite signs on the A46 and other main roads, they still end up driving along the tiny country

  • Stand by those beds for gardening glory

    IT'S that time of the year again when the green-fingered residents of Redditch are given the chance to bloom in the annual gardening competition. This year has been designated the national Year of the Garden to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the founding

  • Alldays

    THE Co-op has acquired Alldays store, in Malvern, and is set to unveil a smart new look tomorrow, following a £140,000 re-fit.

  • Basket of memories

    ALCESTER residents can brighten up the town with memorials to their loved ones this summer. Alcester in Bloom is offering people the chance to sponsor one of the town's hanging baskets, at a cost of £20, and have an inscribed plaque on the post. The scheme

  • Concert tickets for sale

    TICKETS are now on sale for the Primrose Choir's Summertime Concert, to be held on Thursday, June 17 at Redditch Town Hall at 7.30pm. The choir will perform a programme of light entertainment, both ensemble pieces and solos by choir members. Tickets are

  • Arrow Vale head leaving

    THE headteacher of Arrow Vale Community High School is leaving at the end of this term after four years at the helm. Chris Leech will be leaving for a bigger school in a different county and a new head for the Matchborough school is expected to start

  • Congratulations on a plate

    FUNDRAISER Mike Abbott was the guest of honour at a tea party in Alcester to celebrate Mind week. Mr Abbott, who has raised hundreds of pounds for Springfield Mind in Stratford, was at the Resource caf at the Pavilion in St Faith's Road, where he revealed

  • Lose out in stiff starter

    Evesham 2, Les Miserables 4 AFTER a successful winter that saw promotion achieved, Evesham began their Summer Hockey League campaign against a high quality team that included many ex-National League and International players. With the emphasis on developing

  • Schoolchildren may be to blame for garden fire

    FIREFIGHTERS believe schoolchildren could be behind a fire which engulfed conifer trees and spread to a shed and the wall of a Worcester house. Two fire engines from Worcester were called to the scene of the incident in the garden of a house in Addison

  • cream teas on offer at garden

    A BEAUTIFUL garden featured last year on BBC2 television will be open to the public on Sunday under the National Gardens Scheme. The garden at Cedar Lodge, Blakeshall, Wolverley, near Kidderminster, is in a rural setting alongside Kinver Edge. It has

  • Fire do

    FIREFIGHTERS from Worcester Fire Station's Green Watch will be hanging up their hoses for a while when they take part at a charity function next week. The dinner and disco, at the Bank House Hotel, Bransford, on Friday, June 4, is in aid of St Richard's

  • Delay on tree decision

    THE Marquess of Hertford will have to wait another month to find out if he can go ahead with plans for a topiary garden next to Ragley hall. Lord Hertford has objected to a tree preservation order (TPO) which Stratford District Council has served on a

  • Winter season over

    WITH the hockey winter season at an end, this section of the website will not be updated as often as others. Please e-mail any hockey news by clicking on the above link.

  • Holl-is back at Redditch

    REDDITCH United boss Rod Brown has already started to bolster his championship winning squad with three new signings. Hinckley United central defender Andy Penny, young Stourport Swifts winger Rob Taylor and former Reds loan star Simon Hollis have already

  • Town's day of triple triumph

    THE first national sprint triathlon to be held in Redditch has been hailed a great success after more than 300 competitors from across the country took part. Organisers are now keen to see the event, which included a 750m swim, a 20k cycle ride and a

  • Joy at decision over new centres

    PLANS that will see a district council splashing out £6m to build a new community hospital and health centre in Pershore could be the first initiative of its kind in the UK, officials claim. Wychavon District Council will pay for the new development and

  • Pensioner 'suffocated'

    TWO pathologists have told how they believed a pensioner had been suffocated in her bed by someone holding a pillow over her face. Home Office pathologist Dr Paul Johnson and Dr William Lawler, of Cumbria, were giving evidence relating to the death of

  • Chrissies bid 'is in conflict'

    A BID to relocate Christopher Whitehead school conflicts with Government planning advice, a council planning chief has said. Malvern Hills District Council's David Murray told a public inquiry that his authority continues to oppose the possible move.

  • Masters of the stage

    THE Birmingham Rep presents a new play by Simon Gray, starring Edward Fox and Peter Bowles and directed by Harold Pinter next month. The Old Masters explores the world of the international art market using real events and characters. Set in Mussolini's

  • Sorry, we killed cock robin

    AN investigation is under way into how a garden centre was allowed to kill nesting baby robins. The national Wyevale Garden Centre chain based in Hereford, has apologised after one of its centres took the decision to cull two chicks and an adult bird

  • Halle to the start of the new season

    WARWICK Arts Centre has announced its new 2004/05 classical Concert Series, which runs from September until next May. Subscription tickets for four or more concerts are now on sale, at a saving of 20 percent, before tickets go on general sale on August

  • Man, 41 charged over death of teen

    A MAN is due to appear at Worcester Magistrates' Court this morning charged with murder following the death of city teenager Stuart Clark. Gary Cunningham, aged 41, is due before the court at 10am. Mr Clark, from Spring Hill, was found in Willow Court

  • Fixtures

    SATURDAY, MAY 29 Birmingham & District Premier League Premier Division 1st XI - Barnt Green v Old Hill (1pm) Premier Division 2nd XI - Old Hill v Barnt Green (1.30pm) Worcestershire County League (all 1.30pm start) Division One 1st XI - Droitwich

  • Life peerage for former King's man

    A FORMER pupil and governor at King's School Worcester, who is now one of the country's leading foreign policy advisors, is set to receive a life peerage. Sir Timothy Garden, right, will become Lord Garden when the Queen confirms him as a Liberal Democrat

  • James scores second best

    DAVID James hit his second highest score for Avoncroft CC First XI in their defeat at Harborne but finished the match injured. James deposited the hosts' attack to all corners of the ground en route to a brilliant 158 not out as Croft posted 234-5. But

  • Man's body identified

    THE body of a man found in woodland close to where dead French student Celine Figard's body was found almost 10 years ago has been formerly identified. The man, found on Monday, May 17, in woodland alongside the A449 near Ombersley has been named as Joseph

  • End season in second

    ALCESTER 2000 Under-10s rounded off an excellent season with runners-up medals from last Sunday's Chelmsley Wood Open Tournament. The team, made up of players from Evesham and Alcester, finished fourth in North Warwickshire E Division after being promoted

  • Another ton for prolific Hick

    Graeme Hick's golden sequence of form continued as the Worcestershire batsman registered the 125th first-class century of his career against local rivals Warwickshire at Edgbaston. Hick, who was 38 on Sunday, dominated the opening day of the Frizzell

  • Hick changes reap rewards

    WORCESTERSHIRE director of cricket Tom Moody revealed a change of technique has been behind the revival in Graeme Hick's fortunes at the age of 38. Hick notched the 125th first-class century of his career - just one behind WG Grace - with 158 on the opening

  • Twickenham debuts

    THREE players from Bromsgrove RFC First XV will play at Twickenham for the first time this Saturday. Jon Taylor, Tom Churchill and Richard Arnold will be part of the North Midlands side up against Eastern Counties in the Tetley County Shield final. It

  • Youth work stepped up

    YOUTHS living on two Redditch estates are being offered a more positive alternative to hanging about on street corners - which can often lead to the intimidation of nearby residents, particularly the elderly. Detached youth workers employed by the Worcestershire

  • Pope tribute for 'fab' club

    STEVE Pope has paid tribute to Bromsgrove Rovers as a 'fabulous club' after finally completing his move to Halesowen Town. Pope (pictured), aged 27, left the Victoria Ground this week to join up with Rovers' rivals in the Dr Martens Premier. Yet he has

  • Charity teams needed

    TEAMS are still needed for the third annual Stuart Thompson Memorial Fund charity football tournament. A six-a-side competition to raise money for the fund takes place at South Bromsgrove High School, in Charford Road, on Saturday, August 7. Stuart Thompson

  • Juniors stage event

    RUBERY Juniors hold their annual soccer festival next month at Baytree Farm, in Middle Lane, Wythall. Five-a-side tournaments will be held on Saturday, June 12, for U9s and U10s, with U13s and U14s on Sunday 13. Saturday 26 sees U7s and U8s take to the

  • Win return

    REFORMED three years ago, Lenches CC are back in competitive action. There's a strong Eve-sham influence to their side that opened its Jack Grove Midweek League campaign with victory over Exhall and Wixford last week. Francois Nel, Warren Irvine and Will

  • Second ton for Cowley

    A SECOND successive century from the bat of Tony "George" Cowley helped Badsey to an easy victory in last Saturday's Worcester-shire County League Division Six fixture. Cowley's unbeaten 101 helped his side amass a daunting 260-6 from their allotted overs

  • Quartet setting pace as title race set for thrills

    EVEN at this early stage of the Cotswold Hills League season, it looks like being a four-horse chase for the Premier Division championship. Exhall and Wixford are the current incumbents of top spot but their record is matched by a trio of teams who have

  • Holl-is back at Redditch

    REDDITCH United boss Rod Brown has already started to bolster his championship winning squad with three new signings. Hinckley United central defender Andy Penny, young Stourport Swifts winger Rob Taylor and former Reds loan star Simon Hollis have already

  • May 25, 1979 25 years ago

    RUBERY was a "forgotten village" as far as Bromsgrove District Council was concerned, Jack Troth, chairman of the Chamber of Trade, complained. Rubery always had to make do with second best regarding amenities, cash allocation, transport and even Christmas

  • Neighbours

    STORIES of neighbours battling it out over that overgrown hedge or arguing about who owns the strip of turf at the end of the garden tend to hit the headlines. But it's the excellent day-to-day relationships of British neighbours that make our communities

  • May 28, 1904 100 years ago

    ONE of the most disastrous fires in the memory of man destroyed a large part of the carriage works belonging to Daniel Giles. in Station Street, Bromsgrove. The blaze, which was thought to have been started deliberately, was spotted just after midnight

  • Helping hands

    ON Wednesday, April 21, I tripped and fell heavily on the pavement in Droitwich Spa High Street. A lady and gentleman tended to me very carefully and with great kindness during the time that I was unconscious and until the arrival of the emergency services

  • Sale's a success

    THANKS to everyone who contributed and supplied the Plant Sale held by the Catshill Churches in aid of Christian Aid Week. We raised a total of £550. Judy Manson Birmingham Road Marlbrook Bromsgrove

  • Beating the bogus caller

    YOUR readers are urged to back the Help the Aged campaign against bogus callers, rogue traders and distraction burglars, by asking their MP to sign a Parliamentary motion. Help the Aged has been working with Gordon Marsden MP, who has recently presented

  • Leading the 'fightback'

    I AM writing to ask your readers to take part in 'The Big Red Fightback' during Heart Week, June 5-13. The British Heart Foundation is challenging the nation to take as many steps as possible to help raise vital funds to fight heart disease. The top heart

  • Neighbours

    STORIES of neighbours battling it out over that overgrown hedge or arguing about who owns the strip of turf at the end of the garden tend to hit the headlines. But it's the excellent day-to-day relationships of British neighbours that make our communities

  • Helping hands

    ON Wednesday, April 21, I tripped and fell heavily on the pavement in Droitwich Spa High Street. A lady and gentleman tended to me very carefully and with great kindness during the time that I was unconscious and until the arrival of the emergency services

  • Wrap it up

    WITH regards to a previous letter 'Town strewn with rubbish' - if the rubbish was put into black plastic bags and tied up, there wouldn't be peelings and paper on the pavement. I'm always glad to see the bin men - they do an excellent job. They are there

  • They have so little to do

    IS it any wonder kids are roof-hopping? There is nothing for them to do. It isn't a new thing as children used to go on top of Bromsgrove School of Dance and spit on passers-by. Until the children of Bromsgrove are sorted out we are going to continue

  • Beating the bogus caller

    YOUR readers are urged to back the Help the Aged campaign against bogus callers, rogue traders and distraction burglars, by asking their MP to sign a Parliamentary motion. Help the Aged has been working with Gordon Marsden MP, who has recently presented

  • Leading the 'fightback'

    I AM writing to ask your readers to take part in 'The Big Red Fightback' during Heart Week, June 5-13. The British Heart Foundation is challenging the nation to take as many steps as possible to help raise vital funds to fight heart disease. The top heart

  • Problems with shops plans

    WE have lived on the Oakalls, Bromsgrove, now for 15 months and were aware after we moved in that there were plans for shops. Ourselves and our neighbours received a copy of the plans and to our horror were very concerned. There was to be a One Stop Shop

  • On county tee

    BROADWAY pair Pete Stedman and Chris O'Hagan experienced fluctuating fortunes at last weekend's Gloucestershire County Championships at the Bristol and Clifton Club. Stedman, playing off three, carded rounds of 78 and 77 that failed narrowly to book a

  • Invite to win!

    THE Bailey/Moss partnership repeated last year's success at Evesham Golf Club's Men's Invitation Day but it was a different pairing that took this year's honours. Men's captain James Bai-ley tempted fate by asking Adam Moss, brother of 2003 partner Craig

  • Music legends head for club

    TWO stalwarts of the country and western music scene will perform in a Droitwich Spa venue next weekend. The hilarious Slim Pickins will be joined by the smooth voice of Ed Person in a double bill show at the End of the Trail Country Music Club on Friday

  • String group

    THE glory of the English string quartet will delight an audience at the Spadesbourne Suite tomorrow (Thursday) night. The Maggini Quartet will perform classical music by Frank Bridge, Malcolm Arnold and Arnold Bax as part of the Bromsgrove Concerts annual

  • Urgent review sought

    KINGS Norton Rugby Club are lobbying for an urgent review of proposed changes to the North Midlands league system. The club say there is general dissatisfaction among most of the clubs in the North Midlands league regarding the change in system proposed

  • Carnival Queen

    A TOP Bromsgrove band will be bringing Queen to the town carnival next month. Trigger will perform classic rock hits by Queen, Bon Jovi and Bryan Adams at the Bromsgrove Carnival on Saturday, June 19. The band, which originally featured husband and wife

  • Elvis tribute, jazz night, folk band

    l BLUE suede shoes will be the footwear of choice at a disco next weekend. The Elvis Presley Fan Club will hold their next disco devoted to the king at the Aston Fields Social Club, in Stoke Road, on Friday, June 4. For further details call branch leader

  • Group need female lead for line-up

    A HARMONIOUS voice is needed to complete a sizzling sixties band. The Taylor Made Band is looking for a new female singer to replace their current vocalist who is leaving the line-up to have a baby. The five-member act performed their final gig together

  • Driving on for success

    A MULTI-million pound deal and hundreds of new jobs could be coming to the town thanks to a Bromsgrove businessman. Douglas Clark, of Clark's Motors, has applied for planning permission to build a unique motor village spanning nine acres on the Buntsford

  • Artist Norman publishes work

    A PROLIFIC artist, whose historical illustrations of Bromsgrove appear in the Council House, has had a book published. Norman Neasom's new book 'Birchensale' features his watercolour paintings of life and work on a Redditch farm between the two World

  • Council seeking assistance to get back on track

    'A ROCKET-assisted boost' of help from the Government could see the failing district council get back on track. Bromsgrove District Council is set to sign up for voluntary engagement with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in what is said to be one

  • Adequate training for youth required

    SYMPATHETIC souls oozing with the milk of human kindness are all very well and good. But if the Tomlinson Report's recommendations are to be implemented successfully, and the 14-19 year olds motivated to take up the much-needed craft and other worthwhile

  • Smokes curb needed

    LACK of respect for rights of smokers read the headline on Christopher Barlow's letter in You Say. His letter described any government legislation on smoking in public places, as imposing draconian restraints on a legal behaviour. By contrast, Peter Alcock

  • Lickey End WI

    SUE Taylor welcomed fellow president Pearl Prior, from Blackwell and Burcot, to the meeting of the Lickey WI, held in May. There were several apologies due to holidays and Brenda Cullimore read the minutes of the previous meeting. The skittles team were

  • Does he really think fire rejig will work?

    I READ with disgust the article in Evening News on Tuesday, May 18, in which Richard Udall was quoted as saying he was concerned that Worcester was becoming a dormitory city. He said he was keen to find a way of attracting new businesses to open in Worcester

  • Finstall WI

    PRESIDENT Jill Findon welcomed members on a May day afternoon to Finstall WI's resolution meeting. But first there was the sad news that Dorothy Hughes had passed away. In memory, members stood for a while in silence. Dorothy was a loyal member and was

  • Service revived after 70 years

    ONE of the most significant days in the Christian calendar was celebrated in Bromsgrove last Thursday for the first time since the 1930s with an open-air service. Ascension Day, when Jesus ascended into Heaven, was marked at St John's Parish Church with

  • School steps up security

    A BROMSGROVE school is beefing up its security after a spate of attempted break-ins. Trespassers have repeatedly tried to break into the grounds and the buildings of South Bromsgrove High School, in Charford Road, and now headteacher Phil McTague has

  • A nautical milestone

    SHIPMATES from a Bromsgrove school are celebrating after sailing through their exams. Five students from South Bromsgrove High, in Charford Road, have gained the coveted stage three of their Royal Yachting Association awards. Pupils making the grade were

  • Highway robbery

    REDDITCH Cricket Club put in a better performance but their losing run continued on a good wicket at Highway. Redditch captain Dan Protherough was upbeat although his team is still rock bottom of the Birmingham League Division Three after the six-wicket

  • Putting body and soul into fundraiser

    A BROMSGROVE beauty salon held an open evening to raise funds for cancer research and gave guests some top tips on slimming. More than 30 women turned up to Body and Soul beauty salon, in High Street, for the special evening last week and made £175 to

  • Joy over cash for healthcare

    THE announcement that millions of pounds will be pumped into Droitwich's healthcare facilities has been met with jubilation by councillors and residents. Funding towards the development of Spa Medical Practice, in Ombersley Street, was granted by the

  • Doorstep clampdown

    AGE Concern in Bromsgrove is backing a move to ban unsolicited doorstep selling of property repairs in a bid to make life safer for more than 20,000 older people in the town. Keith Sherman, chief officer for the Bromsgrove branch of Age Concern, is supporting

  • MP's fears over civil service jobs threat

    MID-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff has voiced fears that the closure of the Droitwich Spa army medal office could threaten other civil service jobs. He raised his question to ministers about the other employees at its Government buildings location recently

  • Balloons are smiles better

    YOUNGSTERS at a Bromsgrove dentist have been flying balloons for National Smile Week. More than 100 young patients at the Dr Crisp's dental practice in Aston Fields launched a balloon as part of a campaign to raise awareness of the importance of looking

  • Going to the Euro polls

    FIVE main political parties will be fielding a total of 34 candidates in the West Midlands for the European elections, which will be held next month. They will be contesting seven seats and voting will be by proportional representation. The Labour Party

  • Mystery over Lara's ID

    TESTS have failed to reveal the identity of a baby girl found entombed in a concrete block. Anne Chadwick, of Sandles Road, believes the four-month-old tot may have been her secret sister, born to her mother Sheila who had an affair with her married neighbour

  • ATHLETICS: Richard sprints into Athens team

    A TOP sprinter from Bromsgrove has secured his place in the Great Britain team for this summer's Paralympics in Athens. Richard White, of Wildmoor Lane, will compete in the 100 and 200 metres at the Games between September 17 and 28, shortly after the

  • Dancing to the Samba beat

    HOT-footed youngsters got to dance the day away when an expert came to teach them the samba. Samba specialist Nick Ledbury taught children at Meadows First School, in Stourbridge Road, the basics of the South American dance. The reception children also

  • Tourist slams parking sham

    A CANADIAN tourist has said he will never visit Bromsgrove again after being unfairly hit with a parking ticket. Sixty-one-year old Bruce Mitchell is furious after being given a ticket for parking in a disabled bay, despite displaying a valid badge. "

  • Full of the joys of spring

    CURIOUS youngsters from Wychbold First and Nursery School celebrated the joys of spring as three chicks were hatched. The children from class one at the School Road establishment have been carefully looking after the eggs in an incubator and were delighted

  • A poetic justice

    THE innocence of childhood is just one of a wealth of topics touched upon by a Rubery poet whose work has been published in a new anthology. Angela Hopkins, of Lyonels Road, was thrilled to find out she was one of ten writers whose work had been selected

  • Diabetic steps up needle campaign

    A TOWN diabetic, who is running a campaign for the safe disposal of used needles, met up with MEP Liz Lynne to press her case this week. Pamela Jackson-Smith, of Trent Close, has been campaigning for years to find a way of disposing of needles in a safe

  • Walk the dogs!

    KIND-hearted animal lovers are being urged to come forward to volunteer as puppy walkers. The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is appealing for people who can care for and educate guide dog pups from six weeks of age for a year, when they begin their

  • Top brass!

    TWO young musicians from Droitwich Spa have had the chance to play with a top brass band. Jacob Jones and Laura Perkin, aged 11 and 12, were invited to perform a duet with Canada's Hamilton Band of the Salvation Army last Friday. The pair, playing cornet

  • Body in woods

    THE identity of a man whose badly decomposed body was found in Worcestershire woodland has been revealed. Joseph James Thain, 59, from Hayes in Middlesex, was discovered in Hawford Wood, off the A449, near Ombersley, last Monday. A police spokesman said

  • Home side dismissed

    Cookhill continued their good early season form, beating Welford on Avon by four wickets. Fielding first, they dismissed the home side for 120. Bobby Wormington was the pick of the bowlers with 4 for 15. In reply Cookhill finished on 122 for 6, Nick Charles

  • Subaru stolen in Holt Heath

    THIEVES attacked a man and stole a blue Subaru Impreza worth £25,000 from outside a shop in Holt Heath. Two men pushed Christopher Kelsey, a civil engineer from Rednal, against the driver's door as he went to get in the vehicle. As he fell, a window broke

  • George is a real cracker

    CAT lovers will be completely smitten by an affectionate puss called George. This domestic, short-haired cat is presently in the care of Worcester and District Cats Protection but is in need of love and care. Publicity officer Zoe Jenner-Jones said: "

  • Meltdown Ash

    If ever the term 'soundtrack to the summer' was appropriate for an album, it must be for Ash's fourth offering, Meltdown. Even the title suggests searing temperatures, and it seemed like fate that I should be listening to it in the midst of the recent

  • GOLF: One over par for John

    DROITWICH Spa golf ace John Bickerton (pictured) finally has something to shout about after finishing joint 39th at the Deutsche Bank Open. The 34-year-old professional, who had missed the cut in his previous seven tournaments, ended the four-day event

  • CYCLING: Rowe in victory form

    BROMSGROVE cyclist Joe Rowe continued his superb form with victory in the LVRC Frank Tidmarsh Memorial road race. Rowe won the category C race last Sunday, finishing fourth overall behind winner anf former world champion Les West. Rowe and two other riders

  • 26/5/04 - Warriors delight at ticket to ride

    CECIL Duckworth admitted his "great relief" after Worcester somewhat belatedly received their Premiership ticket to ride. England Rugby Limited finally rubber stamped the Warriors' place in the top flight yesterday after dismissing Rotherham's proposed

  • Letter from Westminster

    Congratulations to all who took part and helped organise the Redditch fun run in Arrow Valley Park at the weekend. The event brought visitors to the park and encouraged everyone to do some healthy exercise. It was combined with a national triathlon event

  • Wilks wields willow well!

    ONE of the biggest margins of victories ever achieved at The Bottoms elevated Pershore to second place in Division One of the Worcestershire County League. Lee Wilks took the individual honours with a swashbuckling century as Luctonians were put to the

  • Lights switched off as Littletons chase a win

    THE top two teams extended their lead at the head of the Prudden Road Surfacing League's Premier Division. Stratford B and Studley A both enjoyed easy 4-0 victories, while fourth-placed Littletons A had a humdinger of a match at home to Henley A. Every

  • Oh what a carnival!

    THOUSANDS of people took to the streets of Astwood Bank at the weekend for the hugely popular annual carnival. Sunny weather accompanied the event, which every year raises thousands of pounds for charity.

  • 50 years ago

    May 28, 1954 REDDITCH Fire Brigade did not have to send engines to a fire which broke out on Wednesday night. The fire was literally on their own doorstep in Red Lion Street. A short circuit in the wiring system of a motorcycle caused the fire. The rubber

  • Arrow Valley Countryside Group

    ACTIVITIES in late spring have taken place in locations from the Lake District to the ''Big Apple'' country near Hereford, from the Burton Dassett Hills near Banbury to the Cotswolds south from Painswick. A good turnout enjoyed the views from the sixth

  • Ward rolls up for toast to fun

    A BAKERY business more than rose to the occasion when it was asked to help bring smiles to the faces of poorly children staying at the Alexandra Hospital. Entertainers went in to cheer up the youngsters, thanks to a donation from Warburtons. The show

  • Feckenham Forest History Society

    THE society held a successful local history exhibition on May 8 and 9 in Feckenham Village Hall. More than 500 visitors saw a display on the history of the large Feckenham parish that featured the villages and hamlets within its boundaries, as well as

  • Inkberrow WI

    AT the May meeting, president Sue Canfield extended a special welcome to WI adviser Sandra Farquhar, who led the discussion on the resolutions before members voted. Members reported on events they had attended during the last month. These included a hanging

  • Inner Wheel Club of Redditch

    AT the May meeting, the candle of friendship was lit for Inner Wheel Association president Beatrice Lapham's club, Chelsea and Westminster. Four Redditch club members recently attended the Association Inner Wheel Conference held in Bournemouth and Marlene

  • Kingfisher WI

    THE May meeting concerned the resolutions, which were voted on. At the meeting, money was raised for ACWW's Water for All project by selling glasses of tap water for a minimum of 50p. Institute funds were also boosted by a bring-and-buy sale. WI advicer