Archive

Headway House: Maria Hicks, 7-9 Galahad Way, Stourport (01299 878738).

Homestart Wyre Forest: Manager Jane Jarman, MCF Complex, 60 New Road, Kidderminster (01562 825896).

League of Friends of Kidderminster Hospitals: Kidderminster Hospital, Bewdley Road, Kidderminster (01562 67653).

Kidderminster Hospital Radio: Kidderminster Hospital, Franchise Street, Kidderminster (01562 515698).

A DESPERATE father-of-two stole a power saw so he could afford to buy nappies for his 18-month-old child, Worcester Magistrates Court was told. David Hughes, of Goldsmith Road, Warndon, hoped to sell the £89.99 circular saw as neither he nor his partner

A WORCESTER employee is hoping to spread a little hope and happiness when she takes part in a charity fun run later this year. Becky Spencer, who works for the department store Beatties in the city, will join hundreds of others in the Flora Light Challenge

STAFF at a Droitwich medical centre were shocked after a live guinea pig was posted through its letterbox. Receptionist Andrea Bolton arrived at the Corbett Medical Practice on Saturday to morning to find a black baby guinea pig among letters. She was

PUPILS from Callow End Primary School put their cricketing skills to the test when competed in the regional Girls Kwik Cricket Tournament 2004. The schoolgirls, who won the Malvern district kwik cricket tournament just two weeks ago, even got to play

A pub landlord hooked on drugs stole more than £13,000 takings and went on a spending spree. Philip Richardson, who with his wife was joint manager of The Mayfly in Studley Road, Redditch, bought cocaine, alcohol and a £2,500 motorbike, Worcester Crown

A CRABBS Cross woman is devastated after her motorised bike was stolen from a Winyates church on Sunday. Mary Tandy, of Kennilworth Close, was at a meeting between 7.30-9pm in the parish rooms next to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Winyates, when the

REDDITCH Arrows took another giant step towards the league title following their 33-14 top of the table victory over South Wales Warriors. But they needed a huge effort in the dying moments to wrap up the points against their nearest challengers. Two

Redditch Swimming Club were celebrating this week after Paul Wilkes was crowned champion at the Midland District Championships. Wilkes took the honours in the 200m fly, leading the way at the event which was held in Coventry. Also taking part were brothers

Husband and wife Stephen and Jill Bliss have set off on a two-wheeled adventure to raise money for Acorns Children's Hospice. The couple will travel on a Yamaha XJ900 motorcycle to Land's End, in Cornwall, before heading to John O'Groats, in Scotland.

A REDDITCH man has told of the pain and nausea he experienced as he waited almost a decade to be diagnosed with serious Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Doug Whitman, 58, of Winyates East, spoke out during Colitis and Crohn's Week, which aims to highlight

Studley A maintained their place among the leaders at the top of the Prudden Road Surfacing Tennis League Premier Division following their 4-0 victory over Inkberrow A. It made it back to back wins following last week's 4-0 defeat of Stratford C but Studley

THREE wins in three rounds of the Diddy League secured Redditch Swimming Club's place in the Division Two final. The young swimmers secured their place at the top of the table with another excellent display at Stechford Cascades - a display that guarantees

NEW players are needed by two junior football teams. Alcester Athletic runs teams from under-8s to under-15s and anyone aged seven or over by August 31, 2004, should give secretary Adie Dipple a call on (01789) 734129. Alternatively ring Ian Chester on

Strongman Simon Fitzpatrick has an unusual way of preparing for the new rugby season - by pulling trucks and lifting logs. The 23-year-old, from Harport Road, Greenlands, plays his rugby with National League outfit Stourbridge. But while his teammates

A GIGANTIC Union flag crafted from a blanket of blue and red delphiniums is a Pershore farmer's way of willing tennis hero Tim Henman to be crowned king of Wimbledon. Glenn Robinson, who owns land in Pershore, hopes the flowery flag will give the British

UNCERTAINTY still looms over the future of Worcestershire's County Museum, despite the ending of a four-month investigation into its future. The report was being finalised today before going forward for consideration by the cabinet at its meeting on Thursday

WORCESTERSHIRE has been put in the deprived, impoverished North, by a new report about the deepening North-South divide. The "unprecedented" migration of skilled workers from the North to London between 1991 and 2001 has resulted in a divided Britain,

Two teenagers who passed on a heroin substitute which killed a friend have been sent to detention for 18 months. At Worcester Crown Court, the pair, aged 15 and 16, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, admitted to supplying methadone to 16-year-old

THREE Droitwich residents who were shot in Spain arrived home to a heroes' welcome today. Philip Brown, his girlfriend Thelma Haverty and their friend David Weaver were all injured in a bar less than 24 hours after arriving on the Costa del Sol - their

A WORCESTER man accused of downloading indecent pictures of children from the internet thought he was a victim of a joke when police came to arrest him, he told Worcester Crown court. David Moseley said he had never used the American-based child porn

A TEENAGER who took some of her boyfriend's methadone died when alcohol already in her system reacted lethally with the prescription drug. Lucy Frankum had just 48mg per 100ml of alcohol in her blood - well below the legal drink-drive limit - when she

BARNT Green CC First XI raced into the last 16 of the National Knockout - narrowly avoiding having their triumph ruined by the weather. Lyndon Jones' side destroyed Vauxhall Mallards by ten wickets in their regional final at Cherry Hill Road last Sunday

THE jury has gone out to consider its verdict in the murder trial of a man accused of smothering a pensioner and stealing her money. Peter Crittenden, aged 64, of Beech Avenue, Barbourne, Worcester denies killing 71-year-old Joan Beddeson at her Macclesfield

POLICE are appealing for help in tracking down criminals who stole a two-year-old's playhouse. The thieves struck in the early hours of Sunday morning, taking the house from the garden of a maisonette in Brookthorpe Close, Worcester. The girl's father

RAIN ruined Droitwich Spa CC First XI's chance of closing the gap on the Worcestershire County League Division One leaders. Steve Walsh's side had their match at second place Brockhampton called off before they even set off from St Peter's Fields last

DROITWICH Spa CC First XI kept their 100 per cent winning record in the Worcestershire Sunday League with a five-wicket victory at Worcester CC. Martin Woodward's side, who go top of the table, fielded first with Woodward and Andy Van Vuuren keeping a

HIMBLETON CC Second XI secured a winning draw from their rain-interrupted 27-over match at home to Hanley Castle and Upton. Martyn Preece's side, one of the few to get a game amid last Saturday's washout, set their visitors 190 to win and they reached

A PRESTIGIOUS annual cricket fixture takes place in Barnt Green this week. A select XI made up of cricketers from Bromsgrove and district schools face Marlybone Cricket Club at Cherry Hill Road from 11.30am this Friday. The fixture, now into its second

Helpline for Worcestershire: (01905 763322).

ADAM Murray has left Kidderminster Harriers to join Mansfield Town on a free transfer. The midfielder, who joined Harriers earlier this year following a stint at Notts County, has agreed a move to Field Mill after lengthy talks with Stags boss Keith Curle

P. Holloway: 13 Delamere Road, Bewdley (01299 403309 or 0403 79445). Purity: 28 Bewdley Road North, Stourport (01299 829055).

Boots: 3-6 Coventry Street, Kidderminster (01562 754901) and 27 High Street, Stourport (01299 822468). Co-operative: Co-op Superstore, Lombard Street (01299 879097). Glade Pharmacy: 1 Bromsgrove Street, Kidderminster (01562 742888). Lloyds: Medical Hall

Stephanie Ainsley, Kevin Boyle and Mark Foster: 10 Church Street, Kidderminster (01562 746734). Mr and Mrs G Hamilton: Hardmans Dale, Milson (01299 271205). Jackson M. W: 4 Swiss Heights, Stourport (01299 878661). Jones P: 13 New Street, Stourport (01299

Bewdley Clinic: Dog Lane, Bewdley (01299 403677). Cleobury Mortimer Medical Centre: Pinkham, Cleobury Mortimer (01299 270209); Emergency line (01299 270278); District nurse: 01299 271356); Health visitor (01299 271499). Kidderminster Health Centre: Bromsgrove

WORCESTER City have beefed up their strike force with the capture of Conference marksman Christian Moore. Manager John Barton des-cribed the 31-year-old's signing as a 'tremendous coup' for the club. It also ends a year of turmoil for free agent Moore

Bewdley Dental Laboratory: 51 Load Street, Bewdley (01299 400943). H and S Prosthetics: 25B Church Street, Kidderminster (01562 745504). Simmonds R. S: 54 Blackwell Street, Horsefair, Kidderminster (01562 60853). Spear Dental Ceramics: Lombard Lodge,

CHRIS Garrard has turned his back on a Sixways return. The Australian winger, whose future has been uncertain since the end of the season, was last week offered a new deal by Worcester. Garrard, though, has decided to move back to Australia instead of

HEREFORDSHIRE are still waiting for their first Minor Counties Championship victory of the season after losing by 95 runs to Devon. Set a target of 324 to win, Herefordshire were bowled out for 229 to slip to a second successive defeat. Captain Chris

Aylmer Lodge Surgery: Broomfield Road, Kidderminster (01562 824633). Chew, Hickman, Goodman, Kingston, Goodman, Rumley, Heath and Zilvetti: York House, York Street Medical Centre, Stourport (01299 - 827336 - appointments; 01299 827171 - general enquiries

ADAM Murray has left Kidderminster Harriers to join Mansfield Town on a free transfer. The midfielder, who joined Harriers earlier this year following a stint at Notts County, has agreed a move to Field Mill after lengthy talks with Stags boss Keith Curle

ROB Wood enjoyed a dream start to his LuKRacing.net's racing career, winning the Ross-on-Wye 25-mile time trial. It was his first open time trial and attempt at the distance and made it a first competitive outing to remember for the Worcester-based team

West Midlands Strategic Health Authority: Osprey House, Albert Street, Prospect Hill, Redditch (01527 67796).

Micro Digital Hearing Limited: 35 Stanklyn Lane, Kidderminster (0800 0830379).

TWO local schools will begin their quest for U15s rugby glory in September. North and South Bromsgrove high schools have been placed in the first round of the Daily Mail Schools Cup. North Bromsgrove, making their debut, play King Edward VI School from

Kidderminster Hospital: Bewdley Road, Kidderminster (01562 823424). Lea Castle Centre and North Warwickshire NHS Trust: Wolverley (01562 850461). Lea Castle Homes: Castle Road, Cookley, Kidderminster (01562 851968); Coombe House, Broomfield Road, Kidderminster

Holloway P: 13 Delamere Road, Bewdley (01299 403309 or 07703 794473).

Miss S. Downton: Tranquility Limited, 135 Linnet Rise, Kidderminster (01562 862835). Holloway P: 13 Delamere Road, Bewdley (01299 403309 or 07703 794473).

* (I) indicates Internet entries. Tickets to see Sugababes at Ragley Hall were won by: AG Foxall, Nursery Close, Kidderminster, and Mrs J Hall, Eddy Road, Kidderminster. Tickets to see Jamie Cullum were won by: Mrs S Smith, Emperor Place, Kidderminster

Morley M: Mill Cottage, 7 Birmingham Road, Blakedown, Kidderminster (01562 700899). Strong Susan M (accredited): 94 Hurcott Road, Kidderminster (01562 751185). Watson, Rees and Dando: Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic, 3 Franchise Street, Kidderminster

Shropshire Primary Care Trust: William Farr House, Mytton Oak Road, Shrewsbury (01743 261300). Wyre Forest Primary Care Centre: Kidderminster Hospital, Bewdley Road, Kidderminster (01562 755022).

Bodyworks (Roger Grimes): 9 Bala Close, Stourport (01299 826551).

PAUL Monington was the toast of Droitwich Spa Veterans FC after bagging a hat-trick on their tour to Holland. Paul, aged 46, hit his treble in the 3-3 draw with Leerdam Sport '55 on the final day of the team's tenth anniversary tour on Sunday, June 13

COULD former Bromsgrove Rovers manager George Rooney be related to England strike sensation Wayne Rooney? Well, quite possibly, according to Liverpool-born George, himself on the books at Everton as a youngster. He said: "My father was one of nine - eight

WORCESTER City have beefed up their strike force with the capture of Conference marksman Christian Moore. Manager John Barton des-cribed the 31-year-old's signing as a 'tremendous coup' for the club. It also ends a year of turmoil for free agent Moore

GOVERNMENT cutbacks in education grants, amounting to £13m over the past four years, was starting to have serious effects on local schools. Text books were in short supply and teachers had taken on many of the duties normally carried out by ancillary

FOOD rationing was finally set to end this weekend and the final meeting of the Bromsgrove control committee was held at the Council House. Tributes were paid to the 50 committee members who had carried out the government's orders during, what at times

FOR nearly 100 years UK law has required an animal to suffer before any action can be taken - even though it is clearly likely to suffer. RSPCA inspectors routinely see cases of animals that, without intervention, are likely to suffer but they are not

I AM writing with regard to the recemt article - 'Mum fears for kids safety'. As a parent myself, I have found Catshill a generally safe environment for my two children. Several years ago there was an article in your paper, as well as a meeting in Catshill

I HAVE received a letter from a company called Purple Rock, congratulating me to say that I have won a prize, which could be a Mini car, TV or many other high value prizes. To receive the prize I would have to make a telephone call - costing £9 - then

LIVING in Lydiate Ash and driving to work in Redditch this summer, as I have for a number of summers now, I am shocked by the swathes of ragwort adorning the counties verges and road sides. Particularly now that since February 2004 local authorities and

Cleobury Mortimer Bridge Club: Steve Clifton (01746 718434).

EVERY day another 100 people will start to lose their sight. The Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB) helps to rebuild those lives devastated by sight loss. We estimate that there are over 2,500 registered blind and partially sighted people in

Bodenham Arboretum: Earth Centre, Wolverley, Kidderminster (01562 852444). Cookley and Wolverley Footpaths and Countryside Conservation Society: Roy Hall, Chairman (01562 850869). Kidderminster Field Club: Anne Witte (01562 752929) or Secretary Gwen Jones

Club Redwoods: Dixon Street, Kidderminster (01562 862288). Elements: Blackwell Street, Kidderminster (01562 861266). Mirage: Dixon Street, Kidderminster (01562 863738).

Wyre Forest Tourist Information Centre: Bewdley Museum, Load Street, Bewdley (01299 404740).

SOME recent tips from 'Droitwich Gardeners Question Time' with Wychavon's own expert DC Planner- 1st caller: What should I do with my lawn? DC Panner: Get rid of useless grass and put in houses. 1st caller: Suppose I dont like housing everywhere? DC Planner

JUDGING by the comments in a recent letter from a Mrs Neary it is clear she has no comprehension of the complex local partnership involved in providing better health services for Droitwich and other parts of Wychavon. I quite properly praised the officers

HERE we go again! Droitwich has produced it's finest inept blunder to date. Yes, we know we have our very own 'Colditz' in the very heart of the town. Yes, we know we have a very obtrusive supermarket being built, which nobody wanted, plus a car park

TOWN tots dazzled an audience at the Redditch Palace Theatre in a dance extravaganza. Light-footed girls from the Stage Door Dance Academy joined almost 300 other county children in 'A Chance 2 Dance' and 'Redditch Dance' last Saturday. It was organised

A WALK between Chaddesley Corbett and Rushock is taking place next month. The Fairfield Ramblers are organising the trek on Saturday, July 10. It starts from Chaddesley Corbett church, off Kidderminster Road, at 10.15am. For more details call 0121 453

NOT long ago I was sorry to see the feature water fountain in Cripplegate Park removed. That's the end of that I thought. Now it's back - and what a treat it looks, a superb job, fully restored, painted and gilded to perfection. SHIRLEY MASTERMAN (MRS

TALKING of birthdays (Bradders, Friday, June 18) I remember going to Fred and Victor Chidleys' parties in the 1940s. Their mum always made a delicious pink blancmange with coloured hundreds and thousands (dozens of them) sprinkled on top. Yum, yum. GEORGE

A BROMSGROVE school is hoping to raise pots of cash with their summer fete on Saturday to buy new outdoor play equipment. St Peter's RC First School, on Worcester Road, will open their doors from noon until 3pm. A bouncy castle and fire engine will be

I FOUND Councillor Tom Wareing's weak attempt to claim the high moral ground for Conservatism wholly unconvincing (You Say, Saturday, June 26). His letter claimed that Methodism was most instrumental in forming the early trade union movement and the subsequent

INCESSANTLY, we are assailed with nonsense from UKIP and fellow travellers. If Britain pulls out of Europe the economic loss will be approximate £25bn per annum. British business benefits from tariff-free access to the Planet's largest market - 55 per

president Catherine Kealy welcomed the members to the meeting on a beautiful evening. A member of the institute, Mrs Shirley Cadman, had been appointed to the home economics committee and our congratulations were expressed. Our representative to the AGM

JOHN Phillpott, in his column (Evening News, Monday, June 28) refers to what he describes as certain Worcester New Labour elements who, he says, could openly state their case in the readers' letters column instead of skulking in the background, whining

REGARDING your article headlined No one wants to be a brickie, in which you state that school leavers are going on to further education or are choosing more lucrative and glamorous jobs than the building trade, my partner's son would love to become a

In the absence of our president, Gill Weston took the chair for our June meeting. She welcomed two new members, Shirley Woodhead and Margaret Young, plus two visitors. Flowers in the hall had been provided by Gayle May and Gill. Our talk, An Afternoon

STUDENTS at a Bromsgrove school developed a head for business at a two-day enterprise event. The pupils from North Bromsgrove High created their own businesses and had to produce a marketing plan, develop training ideas, and then town entrepreneurs had

WYTHALL'S cricketers will be hoping to put a dismal month behind them when they come face to face with Jaguar Daimler in Warwickshire League Division Two. The Silver Street side failed to win in June and will be hoping for a better return in Saturday's

Gilbert and Beryl Sherbourne danced the night away with 17 other golden couples when they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. The romantic couples twirled around the dance floor and Beryl said: "I'm sure it must be some kind of record to have all

THE traditional activities surrounding Bromsgrove's Court Leet's ancient Midsummer Fair took place on Saturday in weather more suited to mid January than flaming June. The steady downpour prompted those taking part in the procession from Perry Hall hotel

TWO disaffected councillors have made a shock move this week which could see Labour ousted as the official opposition on Bromsgrove District Council. They've resigned the Socialist whip claiming they can no longer tolerate working with Labour leader,

A ROLLICKING evening of favourite songs from the good old days of popular music hall has led to Bromsgrove getting its second ornate town sign. The sign is situated on a prominent grass bank near the junction of Kidderminster Road and Willow Road and

A GRAVE error by Bromsgrove District Council leaves ratepayers potentially facing a massive six-figure bill. Local government ombudsman Jerry White has ordered the authority to pay Andrew Nash £250 and meet half the estimated £150 cost of reinstating

RUBERY is to get something almost as rare as a Beckham penalty that goes in - a National Health dentist. Jason Dosanjh, aged 29, will be opening a NHS practice next month at the former Hollymore Water Tower, in Tessall Lane. The tower already houses a

THE owner of the Epic' Bar and Brasserie in Stoke Prior has slammed county council chiefs after they demanded he remove the sign from outside his premises. Patrick McDonald, who brought the former Ewe and Lamb pub in Hanbury Road in 2002, had been told

Kidderminster: Wendy Nutter (01562 68165).

Lucky youngsters from a Spa first school are quite literally getting to grips with science thanks to a new sensory garden. The garden, the brainchild of science co-ordinator, Sarah Wellstead, has proved a great success with the children of Chawson First

A BROMSGROVE marine set off for Iraq yesterday (Tuesday) leaving behind a worried girlfriend and family. Stuart Brooks, aged 26, who lives on the Oakalls estate, admitted to being apprehensive but said it was all part of the job. Stuart is one of 500

Staff at a Spa medical centre were shocked after a live guinea pig was discovered in their post box on Saturday morning. Receptionist Andrea Bolton arrived at the Corbett Medical Practice on Saturday morning and had the surprise of her life when she found

BOYS at a Droitwich Spa school had an inspirational meeting with a wealthy businessman and an Olympic medallist to encourage them to try harder at school. As part of the Worcestershire County Council-funded Raising Boys Achievement Project, the pupils

Abberley: Secretary Mrs H. Coglan (01299 896659). Areley Kings: President, Mary Wehner, (01299 822520). Astley: Shirley Fieldhouse (01299 876122). Blakedown: Mrs C. Burt (01562 700281). Brockencote: Mrs J. Miller (01299 851589). Broome: Lorraine Purcell

JUNIOR swimmers from Bromsgrove have qualified for the final of the Diddy League. The youngsters from Bromsgrove Swimming Club secured their place at the September event in Wolverhampton by winning the league's third round in Nuneaton last Saturday. Bromsgrove

FORMER England badminton star Lorraine Cole has launched an initiative to raise the standard of juniors in the county. Lorraine, of Blackwell, has set up a Worcestershire Development Squad following trials last Friday at Whitford Hall and Dodderhill School

JOHN Bickerton collected £20,000 after finishing joint 24th at the French Open. The Droitwich Spa golfer fired a four-round total of four over par at the Paris event last weekend, ending 16 shots behind winner Jean-Francois Remesy. The highlight for Bickerton

BROTHERS Ross and Jason Dingley continue to go from strength to strength in the world of cycling. Ross and Jason, who live in Bromsgrove, were first and second respectively in their age groups in the British Schools' Best Allrounder National Championship

BARNT Green Tennis Club has missed out on the latter stages on a national competition. The club's women's team finished third out of seven in the Kia National Club League division one, missing out a play-off spot by one place. They lost 5-1 to Telford

BROMSGROVE cyclist Paul Prince took fifth place in the latest round of the Wishaw Road Race series. Prince, recently back after an 18-month break from the sport, stayed with the bunch last Wednesday until three broke away with a lap to go. The Bromsgrove

AM I the only person in Redditch who is sick and tired of being harassed by market research people outside the Kingfisher Centre? More to the point, to whom do they answer? I get stopped about 20 times a week as I have a local business and go to the bank

July 2, 1904 COMPLAINTS are again becoming frequent on the wanton despoiling of gardens in the wake of other selfless mischief in the neigh- bourhood. A report from Crabbs Cross, in this issue, gives a full example of the midnight marauders' work. In

VISITOR numbers to the Arrow Valley Countryside Centre have rocketed over the past three years with almost 10,000 people going through the doors during the June half term. The centre, which is fast becoming a regional destination, opened at Arrow Valley

HISTORY was made last week when Mappleborough Green finally became its own parish after years of living in Studley's shadow. The village, north of Studley, has been granted the right to have its own parish council. It came into being last week when Stratford

July 2, 1954 REDDITCH manufacturers are to be asked their opinions about instituting apprentices or schemes of training for girls and, if so, in what particular crafts or occupations. The investigation is to be made by youth employment officer Mrs WD

REDDITCH police have voiced concerns that if plans for a pizza takeaway in Smallwood are given the go-ahead, there could be a significant increase in violent offences. A planning application to create the takeaway at the junction of Marsden Road and Glover

TONY Blair has invited a Redditch 14-year-old cricketing sensation to a prestigious reception honouring people who have excelled in sport. Luke Sugg, who has been picked to play for England men's blind cricket team on an Ashes tour against Australia in

By Helen Clarke LICENSEES from the area have been invited to a free presentation event next week when the new licensing laws and doorstaff legislation will be explained. The presentation will take place at 9.30am on Monday at the Abbey Hotel Golf and

MR W Kennett complains that he was not contacted by the candidates in the recent local elections. (Letters, June 23) With an electorate of 6,800 (the largest in the town) it is impossible for the candidates to personally contact every elector. However

I WOULD like to thank all those who took part in or helped in the organisation of the annual Community Arts Festival Event (CAFE), which took place in Redditch over the weekend of June 10-12. This year's event was the biggest yet. Thanks also to the sponsors

FROM the extracts from Mr Nadir's letter, quoted by Mrs Nuttall (Letters, June 23), I find it crystal clear why he presented the local police chief with a translated copy of the Koran. Mr Nadir "hoped people would be able to get a much better understanding

LET'S give our Alexandra Hospital the support it deserves instead of loads of grumbles. I fully realise and appreciate the fact I am not one of the unfortunate people waiting nine months for urgent treatment but I have cancer and have had two major operations

MAY I, through your columns, assure all those who were present in the phlebotomy department of the Alexandra Hospital on the afternoon of June 23 - and like myself were unable to have their blood tests done - that I have complained to the NHS trust's

THE June meeting opened with a minute's silence in memory of Nancy Moss, former president of Beoley WI. After Jackie Gregory had read out notices, the members' meeting began, presided over by Di Larkham, who proceeded with the evening's entertainment,

A PROJECT aimed at breaking down barriers and promoting inclusion will begin at a Redditch first school in September. The Nurture Project, which has been set up at St Luke's First School in Southcrest, has been given £85,000 from Worcestershire Children's

STAFF at a Redditch Catholic high school have told parents it will not adopt plans to give pupils access to pregnancy tests and contraception. In a newsletter to parents, St Augustine's High School staff stressed they would not be introducing the enhanced

AT the May meeting, speaker Pat Hoare gave an entertaining talk on her life in the Orient. When refreshments were served, members raised their glasses in memory of Mary Morley with wine donated in her honour by her family. At the June meeting, speaker

ON a beautiful June evening, members set off on their summer mystery tour. After a pleasant drive, they arrived at Coventry Transport Museum and were warmly welcomed by staff. The museum displays the largest collection of British road transport in the

GARDENERS come only second to farmers when it comes to complaining about the weather. So said chairman Tom Hodgkinson at the annual rose show held at Inkberrow Village Hall on Saturday, June 19. Many exhibitors had mentioned that had the show been held

MEMBERS turned out in force on May 27 for the workshop run by author of historical novels, Christopher Harris. He covered the various ways dialogue can enhance a story and gave feedback on members' efforts. The group will be meeting on Thursday, July

LEGAL wrangling has delayed the construction of a brand new, purpose-built headquarters for Alcester's army cadets. The cadets have funding from the Ministry of Defence for the £120,000 HQ and want to build it on the site of one of the former Scout huts

SYLVIA Hyde and her team will be opening their charity shop in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief at Alcester Town Hall on Monday. The shop will be open from 9.30am-4pm six days a week until July 17. Anyone with items to donate can call Mrs Hyde on 01789

East Shropshire Talking Newspaper for the Blind: 5 Dawley Road, Wellington, Telford (01952 243102). Guide Dogs for the Blind: Pauline Knowles (01562 68882). Midland Societies for the Blind: 18 Ludgate Avenue, Kidderminster (01562 515122). Sensory Resource

HOUSEBUILDERS Barratts have donated £300 towards Alcester's floral decorations this year. The company, which is building Pullman Place in Station Road, handed over the money to Alcester in Bloom chairman Maggie Payne and a sponsorship sign has been put

THE Greig Centre has launched itself on the gig scene with two tribute bands lined up over the next two months. Juke Box Heroes play Stevie Wonder, Sting, Phil Collins, Robbie Williams and hits from the 60s onwards and can be heard on Saturday, July 31

PUBLISHER Felix Dennis is selling a house on his newly purchased Spernal Estate because it is surplus to requirements. The multi-millionaire bought the estate for an estimated £12 million and plans to create further extensive areas of conservation woodland

TOMBSTONES may have to be removed from the churchyard at St Milburga's, Wixford, unless families agree to pay to make them safe. Strict safety regulations require church wardens to inspect the stones once or twice a year and as soon as any become unstable

A STORE manager, a researcher and a lab technician are among the new probationers in Warwickshire's police force. They were among 12 new recruits welcomed at police headquarters on Tuesday, where they will take part in initial training before spending

Cards for Good Causes: Leystile Farm, Heightington, Bewdley (01299 827849). Cleobury Branch, Save the Children Fund: Secretary Mrs P. Marsh, 37 Lower Street, Cleobury. (01299 270043). Kemp Hospice: 58 Sutton Park Road, Kidderminster (01562 861217) Nursing

THE longest serving member of Salford Priors Parish Council believes he is one of the latest victims of the Iraq war. Reg Francis served on the council for 32 years but was voted off this month because, he thinks, of his affiliation with the Labour party

Bishops Wood Centre: Crossway Green, Stourport (01299 250513). Centre for Sheltered Housing Studies: 1st Floor, Elgar House, Shrb Hill, Worcester (01905 21155). Kidderminster Home Educators: Gail Tutcher, 74 Aggborough Crescent, Kidderminster (01562 822034

BOOKWORMS in Alcester schools have been shadowing two literary competitions this term in a bid to find the best writer and illustrator of children's books. They have been following the Carnegie and Greenaway book awards and one of the contenders, Linda

British Institute of Learning Disabilities: Campion House, Green Street, Kidderminster (01562 723010).

Aphasic: C Preston, 10 King Charles Close, Kidderminster (01562 700580). Children's Information Service: (01905 790560). Wyre Forest Children's Short Break Unit: 1 Moule Close, Habberley Road, Kidderminster (01562 823653).

Cleobury Pioneer Centre: Louise Gill, Bookings Administrator, Cleobury Mortimer (01299 271217). Good Neighbours Helpline: Manor House Nursing Home, High Street, Cleobury Mortimer (01299 271571). NW Dial Outreach: Oldington and Foley Park, Director, David

Kidderminster and Wyre Forest Branch Diabetes UK: Jonathan Hildred (078139 33906).

BROMSGROVE Rovers return to pre-season training this week after a two-month break. New boss Joe Jackson, who has secured the services of the majority of last season's squad, leads his first training session tomorrow (Thursday) night. Jackson has made

Disabled Living: Lancaster Road, Shrewsbury (01743 444599). North Worcestershire Disablement Information Advice Line: 25 Comberton Road, Kidderminster (0800 970 7202). Shropshire Disability Consortium: Lancaster Road, Shrewsbury (01743 444599).

British Heart Foundation Kidderminster Branch: Mrs P. Davis, Secretary, 11 Lobelia Close, Kidderminster (01562 60069).

RUBERY rockers The Dillingers will be hitting the stage of The Hop Pole Inn this weekend. The four-piece covers band will bring the hits of The Beatles, The Who and The Jam to the Birmingham Road venue this Friday night. They were a roaring success when

A DRUG peddler who delivered his orders on a mountain bike was arrested during a police crackdown in Hereford city centre, Worcester Crown Court heard. Undercover detectives - code-named Gaz and Trev - called 22-year-old Paul Sessarego on his mobile phone

THE top brass of a Bromsgrove band is looking for some talented musicians to hit the right note. Kevin Pearson, chairman of the Blackwell Wind Band, is looking for players of the trombone, saxophone and euphonium to join the lively group. "We are always

THE impact that a professional response can have upon the bereaved, following the sudden death of an adult child, will be discussed at a conference next week. The event, called Getting It Right, is being organised by PEAL, a charity voluntary bereavement

A NEW Bromsgrove rock group will be firing on all cylinders at its official launch party next month. Trigger are planning a night of stadium style rock at Lickey End Social Club, in Alcester Road, on Friday, July 23. Live music fans can look forward to

ANOTHER two finalists hope to become lucky winners of a new car in the Evening News Win a Polo competition. The Evening News has joined forces with Listers Volkswagen to give readers the chance to win a VW Polo, worth £8,095. Diana Elt, of St Dunstan's

FUN and entertainment are on the agenda as the organisers put the finishing touches to the new Droitwich Spa Music Festival which opens this weekend. Sounds, organised by the Sounds Music Festival Committee and supported by the town council and Wychavon

STUDENTS graduating from University College Worcester could have an edge in the job market thanks to a scheme bridging the gap between study and work. The Henwick Grove college has launched a Graduate Development Programme to help former students gain

A move to change the organ donor register to enable more life-saving operations to take place has been rejected by MPs. It would have meant that when someone dies, consent for a donation would be presumed unless the individual had signed an "opt-out"

ACTOR Stephen Tomkinson, of Ballykissangel and Drop the Dead Donkey fame, has joined the celebrity line-up for a charity cricket match next week. The Lords Taverners celebrity team will play Birlingham Cricket Club, near Pershore, on Tuesday afternoon

A OLD motorbike restored by a Lakeside man for his five-year-old daughter has been stolen from the family's garden shed. Roland Rogers, of Beoley Road East, realised the bike was missing at lunchtime on Saturday, June 19, and believes it was stolen in

Review - Dinner at the Festival Theatre, Malvern, until Saturday, July 3, 2004. WARNING! If you're easily offended by swearing then this is definitely not for you. At one stage I had to check it was indeed Moira Buffini who was the author and not Gordon

BROMSGROVE Hockey Club Men's team were given a hockey lesson as they were thrashed 11-4 at home by Les Miserables in the Summer League. Les Mis, a Summer League only side made up of players from Edgbaston, Harbrone and Bournville, led 5-1 at the break

WHEN you return from a package holiday on the Costa del Sol, most of us want to put the kettle on and slide into an easy chair. Philip Brown, his girlfriend Thelma Haverty and their friend David Weaver won't have had the chance, though, and with good

Russ Ager, the 17-year-old captain of Redditch Juniors, has been crowned youngest ever champion of Redditch Golf Club. The teenager earned the coveted title with rounds of 75 and 81, two shots ahead of Willie Kerr and Gary Roberson whose both carded 156

BROTHERS Jamie and Stuart Mackay, members of Redditch Swimming Club, braved a rainy and windswept Nottingham rowing regatta course to take part in international open water events. Jamie swam in the European Cup and British 5Km open water championships

WYTHALL'S junior tennis players took centre stage on Saturday when their annual tournament was held. And it was a day to remember for the Todd family with youngsters Emily and Philip among the winners. There were three groups, girls, boys and improvers

BRETT Allard is the new captain of Alcester RFC. Allard, a first team regular for ten years, takes over from Pat Lamb who is now vice-chairman. The club's AGM also saw Grant Skidmore appointed 2nd XV captain while all of last year's committee were reappointed

ORGANISERS of this year's Worcestershire Youth Games have praised the event claiming it was the 'biggest and best yet'. More than 1,000 young athletes from across the county took part in Sunday's spectacular at Worcester's Nunnery Wood Sports Complex.

WIXFORD AC fished its first aggregate match of the season for the J Watton Cup on the River Arrow at Ragley. Experienced Colin Avery, fishing the pole at 12m, scaled 11lb from a peg on the 40 acre. Graham Rowe was second with chub and bits for 7lb 10oz

A POPULAR councillor was elected Mayor of Redditch on Monday night. At Redditch Council's annual meeting, Councillor Jack Cookson, 75, was voted in by his colleagues to act as civic mayor for the next year. The father of six and grandfather of seven was

FECKENHAM Juniors sealed an under-9s league and cup double at the weekend. A 3-1 victory over Studley Juniors saw them lift the Oakland International Spring League title - a first trophy success for the team. But this was followed last week with a 3-2

DOUBLE tragedy has hit a Pershore family after a father, suffering from depression since one of his daughters died in a car crash, was found hanged. Robert Goodes, aged 40, was discovered at the weekend hanging by the neck from a dressing gown belt, which

A DEPRESSED man told his family he was going to commit suicide and drew a map telling police where to find the body before hanging himself. Anthony Bostock, of Harvey Road, Evesham, had separated from his wife and suffered from depression for two years

VOLUNTEERS are being urged to give up some time to help victims of illness avoid a stay in hospital. Worcestershire resident and television antiques expert Henry Sandon attended yesterday's launch of the British Red Cross Stay Well at Home scheme. The

anti-social youngsters have been travelling to St Peter's from as far as the other side of Warndon and causing problems, claims a police officer. PC Ashley Oliver, the new beat manager for St Peter's, said that youngsters were "coming here off the main

A TEENAGER described as one of life's givers is to be rewarded for her work in the community. Stacey Foulkes is to pick up a Good Citizen Award from West Mercia Police for her outstanding contribution to life in Droitwich. The Droitwich Spa High School

SATURDAY, JULY 3 Birmingham & District Premier League Premier Division 1st XI - Barnt Green v Knowle & Dorridge (1pm) Premier Division 2nd XI - Knowle & Dorridge v Barnt Green (1.30pm) Division One 1st XI - Bromsgrove v Harborne (1pm) Division

CHILLED tunes and funky beats filled Worcester Sixth Form College as teenagers from across the city learned jazz from an expert. Steve Berry, a double bassist and composer from Manchester, visited the Spetchley Road college yesterday to offer Year 10

Bewdley Town Centre Forum: Betty Bridgewater, Chairman (01299 403123). Chamber of Commerce and Business Link Herefordshire and Worcestershire: Enterprise House, Castle Street, Worcester (01905 723200) or Crossgate House, Crossgate Road, Park Farm North

FURIOUS residents in a quiet country lane say they have been subjected to a year of noise, dirt and disruption at the hands of Severn Trent Water. The company's £2m scheme to prevent sewers flooding at four properties in Broadheath, Broad Green and Broadwas

BROMSGROVE CC First XI got the better of the rain but not lowly Smethwick in their Birmingham and District Division One clash. Nick Davies' side, who stay fourth in the table, endured a losing draw in a rain-reduced 25-over match last Saturday. Davies

AVONCROFT CC will be hoping for a better slice of luck when they take on Worcestershire County League Division Three leaders Barnards Green. Paul Athey's side travels to the table toppers this Saturday with the aim of inflicting their first loss of the

THE weather cost Barnt Green CC First XI the chance to keep the pressure on Birmingham and District Premier leaders Himley. Lyndon Jones' side had to settle for just ten points as their match was abandoned at West Bromwich Dartmouth last Saturday after

A SUPERIOR all round performance from Avoncroft U16s saw them defeat Bromsgrove U16s by 51 runs in their Worcestershire 20-over League encounter. Avoncroft posted 184-6 last Friday, including 65 from Andy Nichol, while Bromsgrove reached 133-7 at the

THE Twenty20 Cup match between Worcestershire Royals and Gloucestershire Gladiators at New Road this Friday is a sell-out. County chief executive Mark Newton said: "The success of last year's inaugural Twenty20 Cup is well documented, but we did not sell

Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Service NHS Trust Training and Development: Unit 60D, Hartlebury Trading Estate, Hartlebury (01299 251325).

Park Attwood Clinic: Trimpley, Bewdley (01299 861444).

P Kitson: 84 New Road, Kidderminster (01562 861717).

Nigel Fullerton and Lawrence Benner: Snuffmill Warehouse, Park Lane, Bewdley (01299 404699).

Worcestershire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust: Isaac Maddox House, Shrub Hill Road, Worcester (01905 681511).

Arrowsmith R:110 Bewdley Road, Stourport (01299 826073). Atkinson R. and Harding T. W: Mercian House, York Street, Stourport (01299 827437). Bradley D. G., Shorthouse R. M: 25 Church Street, Kidderminster (01562 822052). Clarke P. M. Masters R and Bard

THE heroics of Kidderminster's Grant Burgess could not rescue England as they crashed to Scotland in the British International Bowls series at Llandrindod Wells last night. There was an early shock, however, for the Gilt Edge Maestro -- one of England's

Family Planning and Cytology Clinic: Kidderminster Health Centre, Bromsgrove Street, Kidderminster (01562 820091).

RACER Martin Robbins overcame the lingering effects of a broken shoulder to go fourth fastest at Prescott Hill Climb. The Worcester biker also came within a whisker of breaking the record for the Cheltenham course, missing out by just over a second. Robbins

ONE sickening moment stunned racegoers at Pitchcroft yesterday. Champion jockey Tony McCoy's mount Thumper bravely carried on racing despite breaking his leg in the 3.40pm handicap hurdle at Worcester. The six-year-old was later destroyed after this horrendous

Kidderminster Holistic Therapists: Diane Allen, 14 Franche Road, Wolverley (01562 851223).

Purity: 28 Bewdley Road North, Stourport (01299 829055).

Holloway P: 13 Delamere Road, Bewdley (01299 403309 or 07703 794473).

Arden House: 11 Roden Avenue, Kidderminster (01562 744056). Ashwood: 34 Woodfield Crescent, Kidderminster (01562 741455). Woodlands: 164 Chester Road North, Kidderminster (01562 755787).

Gateway Award Scheme: Adrian Jenkinson, Youth House, Bromsgrove Street, Kidderminster (01562 752711). Kidderminster Hospital D Block: Bewdley Road, Kidderminster (01562 823424). MIND: Co-ordinator Bob Edge, Paddington House, New Road, Kidderminster (01562

Astley Hall: Church Lane, Astley, Stourport (01299 827020). Bryden House: Marlpool Lane, Kidderminster (01562 755888). Coach House Nursing Home: Broome Village, near Clent (01562 700417). Herons: Heronswood Road, Kidderminster (01562 825814). High Habberley

Adams House: Woodfield Street, Kidderminster (01562 740195). Age Concern: Tulip Tree Centre, Castle Road, Kidderminster (01562 827788). Age Concern: Helan Davies, Cleobury Day Centre, St Mary's Place, Cleobury Mortimer (01299 270185). Arch Hill: Orchard

Chapman and Myers: 9 Rowland Hill Centre, Kidderminster (01562 822276). Crawford P: 8 Oxford Street, Kidderminster (01562 822577). Dollond and Aitchison: 6 Carlton House, Worcester Street, Kidderminster (01562 824474). Perrigo Opticians: 71 Load Street

Kavanagh N. V: 22 Church Street, Kidderminster (01562 822115) and 92 Bewdley Road North, Stourport (01299 877774).

Areley House: Jane Poppitt, Areley Lane (01299 823751). Broome House Rest Home: Broome Village, near Clent, (01562 700417). Cambrian House: Chester Road North, Kidderminster (01562 825537). Drakelow Manor Rest and Retirement Home: Sladd Lane, off Drakelow

Age Concern Rural Links: Irene McFarland, Victory Hall, Clows Top (01562 827788). Association of Retired and Persons Over-50: Mrs Ros Southam, 4 Oriole Grove, Kidderminster (01562 743512). Civil Service Retirement Fellowship: Secretary Pam Hussey (01562

Age Concern, Cleobury Mortimer: Helan Davies, Cleobury Day Centre, St Mary's Place, (01299 270185). Age Concern Kidderminster and Wyre Forest: Chief Officer, Pat Simmonds, Tulip Tree Centre, Castle Road, Kidderminster (01562 827788). Age Concern Shropshire

Naomi Richardson: 2 Farfield, Kidderminster (01562 829297). Options Analysis: Dr Pauline Reeve, 6 The Avenue, Waresley (01299 250169 or 01905 726727).

Holloway P: 13 Delamere Road, Bewdley (01299 403309 or 07703 794475). Miss S. Downton: 135 Linnet Rise, Kidderminster (01562 862835). Purity: 28 Bewdley Road North, Stourport (01299 829055). Watson J: Sion Barn, Hillpool, Chaddesley Corbett, Kidderminster

BROMSGROVE Rovers return to pre-season training this week after a two-month break. New boss Joe Jackson, who has secured the services of the majority of last season's squad, leads his first training session tomorrow (Thursday) night. Jackson has made

SIX local junior footballers have spent some time in sunny Spain on an end of season tour. Pete Cartwright, Ben Hodgetts, Lewis Kite and Aaron Murphy, all from Droitwich Spa, and James Wells and Tom Shipman from Bromsgrove were part of the Bilford FC

YOUNGSTERS from a Bromsgrove school got into the Euro 2004 spirit by taking part in a football tournament. The football-mad children from Rigby Hall special school came second in a county competition, which was held at University College, Worcester. Around

FIVE football teams have won titles at Rubery Juniors FC's annual tournament. In the second weekend of action, the U6s, U7s and U8s five-a-side championships were decided at the club's Wythall base. Rubery Juniors Yellow U6s beat Royal Eagles A U6s 2-

BROMSGROVE Town U8s have retained their Withymoor Colts tournament title. The team, winners of the 14-strong team event last year, lost just once in four group games earlier this month before coming through a play-off, semi-final and defeating Wyre Forest

THE Advertiser/Messenger marks the end of an era as it says goodbye to one of its longest-running columns. Angling writer Tony Brunn has decided to call it a day after 15 years of compiling results from local clubs and fisheries. However, the Angling

A FOOTBALL club's vision for the future has been rewarded after it secured Football Charter status. And it means Redditch United's Youth and Junior section can now offer youngsters an opportunity to progress through the ranks and, ultimately, challenge

THE following waters have been booked for contest by the Birmingham Anglers' Association. Saturday, July 3 Avon - Barton, Bidford L/B, Fladbury above & below bridge, Mythe Farm. Severn - Danery, Hampton Loade L/B 1, 2, Brook Section, Highley Stanley

WILLIAM Crampton, landlord of the Boat pub at Stoke Works, and George Patterson, of the White Hart in Hanover Street, appeared before Bromsgrove magistrates charged with adding water to their whisky and rum respectively. In both cases Lucy Perry, whose

HAVING read the letter from MFD Marlbrook about Canada being a much more honest country. I don't think so! My daughter has just had a letter of thanks printed in the local press to the kind and honest person who returned her purse through her letterbox

I WOULD like to say to the person who posted a typed, anonymous letter to me on behalf of - 'a large number of my neighbours' - you wasted your postage. Any unsigned letters/junk mail I receive is automatically thrown into the bin. Had this person the

I WOULD be interested to know if any other readers have had difficulty in contacting local MP, Julie Kirkbride, by e-mail? I have sent her a number of letters over recent months, and although I am using her correct e-mail address my messages are not delivered

RESPONDING to the letter from a worried parent in Catshill - who is too scared to let her children out to play for fear of them falling prey to crime, drink and drugs - I would like to say this. My parental fears are very real. What a shame the parents

I WAS most upset by the comments made in a recent article about a 'single mum's' fears for the safety of her children in Catshill. As a parent living in Bourne Avenue, I totally agree that more public amenities need to be made available to the children

I LAST wrote to the Advertiser/Messenger in early May, to tell you about The Mount School's situation, and the Action Group's battle to save it from closure. I ended the letter with an exhortation to "watch this space". Sadly, the time has come to fill

Cleobury Parish Hall: Secretary Mrs G. Shorter, 16 Orchard End, Cleobury. (01299 270826). Cookley Parish Hall: Lea Lane, Cookley (01562 852509). Far Forest Village Hall: Booking Secretary, Pauline Sheldon (01299 266585). Great Witley Village Hall: Worcester

RUGBY rivals Woodrush and Redditch will face a new challenge at the start of their season in North Midlands One (South). Staffordshire outfit Handsworth have switched leagues and will line up alongside the Worcestershire pair and Hopwood outfit Kings

Bewdley Museum: Load Street, Bewdley (01299 403573). County Museum: Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury (01299 250416). Friends of Carpet Museum Trust: Melvyn Thompson (01562 67077). Kidderminster Railway Museum: Station Drive, Kidderminster (01562 825316).

BROMSGROVE art gallery Bohemia is celebrating its first birthday this month. The Worcester Road venue is looking forward to exhibiting more exciting contemporary work by talented county artists in the next year. Owner Karen Tait said: "We would like to

FUN loving townsfolk looking for something different to do this weekend need go no further than Sanders Park. Bromsgrove District Council has organised a host of exciting events in the Kidderminster Road park throughout the summer months, kicking off

YOUNG history enthusiasts are invited to 'Pencil the Past' at Selly Manor this weekend. The Bournville Trust house, in Oak Tree Lane, is holding a children's art day on both this Saturday and Sunday between 2 and 5pm. Older youngsters can have a go at

Wednesday, June 30 Film: Something's Gotta Give, Cinemac, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, 8.30pm. Singles: Live Wyres, Pub Night, Talbot, Barbourne, Worcester, 8.45pm. Show: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre,

THE annual general meeting of Bromsgrove Art Club will be held on Tuesday, July 20. The venue will be at the Red Cross Centre, in Barnsley Hall Drive, Lickey End, and the meeting will start at 7.45pm.

WHERE have all the flags gone? Yes, our team lost in Portugal, and maybe they didn't play their best, but from where I sat watching the game (dressed in my England T-shirt) it looked to me like they did the best they could, and that's all we should ask

I WOULD like to congratulate Councillor Allah Ditta on becoming the new Mayor of Worcester and to thank the outgoing Mayor, Coun Gareth Jones for his hard work over the last year. As the first Asian to take up this position in Worcester, Coun Ditta will

FOLLOWING the secretary's report, Joanne Gloger was introduced to give an illustrated talk entitled There Is More To A Needle Than Meets The Eye. This gave a history with slides to show the methods and tools used in the making of needles. Needle production

CHRIS Garrard has turned his back on a Sixways return. The Australian winger, whose future has been uncertain since the end of the season, was last week offered a new deal by Worcester. Garrard, though, has decided to move back to Australia instead of

BIG boys had the chance to play in Rubery when 'Roys Hobbies and Toys' held a special open day. Pride of place was a Hornby miniature steam-driven railway that has taken 40 years to develop. Water in the tender of the train is heated by electric from

ACCLAIMED children's author John Townsend visited a Bromsgrove school to host a creative writing workshop. Pupils at North Bromsgrove High School jumped at the chance to work with the writer. Teacher Jane Worrall said: "The opportunity arose to invite

A TOWN nursery heard the patter of tiny feet when 44 toddlers took part in the Foresters Big Toddle. Under fives at the Princess Christian Penny Cottage Day Nursery, off Stoke Road in Bromsgrove, had to toddle round a half-mile course to raise pots of

Beauty Therapy Compli-medicare: 28 Bewdley Road North, Stourport (01299 829055). Elizabeth Hall Nutrition: Ann Hall, The Mount, Trimpley (01299 400545). Health and Nutrition: Mrs G Hamilton, Hardmans Dale, Milson (01299 271205 or 07803 197003). P Holloway

A PACKAGE of measures to deal with crime, drinking problems and anti-social behaviour in Catshill is reaping rewards - according to local community leaders. Community safety officer, Graham Rocke, said that problems in the village were being addressed

ARSONISTS are believed to be responsible for a fire which destroyed Barnt Green Scout hut. Michael Docherty, aged 64, and a member of the scout group executive, said fire brigade experts were investigating the cause of the blaze but he thought it had

A BROMSGROVE athlete has had the honour of carrying the Olympic Flame through the streets of London. Tennis player Adam Hodgson, part of Worcestershire Special Olympics, joined some of the biggest names in British sport on the Olympic Torch Relay in the

A MAN was rushed to hospital with a serious head injury after a night in a Charford pub. Bromsgrove police are trying to find out what happened to the man who was found suffering from his injuries in Austin Road, Charford, after visiting the Sugarbrook

There were smiles all round when energetic youngsters from a Spa school learnt new skills as part of their performing arts week. St Joseph's Catholic Primary School welcomed Bollywood dancers as part of the educational and fun week. This was one of many

CAMPAIGNERS in Wychbold are celebrating after giving a plan to turn the village post office into a fish and chip shop a battering. An application to turn the post office into a fish bar and take away from Bromsgrove businessman Jogo Samra has been withdrawn

The demolition of the historic Worcestershire hotel sparked a great deal of interest for one 10-year-old boy who has devoted hours compiling a project about the landmark. Jamie Deas, of Rebekah Gardens, was so moved by the decision to demolish the town

A FAMILY of gypsies has appealed against an enforcement notice to kick them off green belt land. The Evans brothers set up site on land to the east of Colley Pits Lane, Upton Warren, despite the land being in the green belt. The site had no planning permission

SPA residents should see a more co-ordinated plan for Droitwich, thanks to a town councillor's new ideas. Deputy Mayor and chairman of the planning committee, Richard Morris (Con-South-East), has introduced new initiatives to achieve a better integrated

ORGANISERS are hoping for a big turnout to the St Richard's New Hospice Appeal family fun day this Saturday and have a packed programme of activities in store. Fifteen teams will be joining in the bed push, collecting donations for the appeal as they

Bewdley E: Maureen Golborne (01299 401299). Kidderminster Central Morning: Secretary, Muriel Wanklin (01562 823184). Lickhill Evening: Secretary, Wendy Steadman (01299 825331). Stourport Burlish Park E: Mary Harris (01299 823683). Walshes and District

MORE than 1,200 young athletes competed at this year's Worcestershire All Sports Partnership Youth Games. Some of the county's hottest sporting prospects descended on Nunnery Wood Sports Centre in Worcester last Sunday for the sixth annual event. Athletes

FENCING: TALENTED fencers have helped Bromsgrove School win three titles at a county event. Skilled competitors led the Worcester Road school to victory in the junior, senior and best overall categories at the seventh annual Bromsgrove School Challenge

A BROMSGROVE badminton club is offering youngsters the chance to learn during the summer holidays. Manor Badminton Club, based at Bromsgrove School in Worcester Road, is running coaching every Tuesday from July 20. Members will set aside a court between

AN INTERNATIONAL draughts player has helped his county qualify for a national final. Tony Boyle, from Bromsgrove, won his match as the West Midlands beat South Lancashire 4-2 in Manchester last Saturday to reach the inter-county final against North Wales