BROMSGROVE Rovers manager Jimmy Mullen has urged striker Rory May to make his mind up on whether he wants to join the club. Mullen has been in talks with the former Lincoln City front man since last week and is eager to bring him on board. May, who was
Ashford Town 0 Bromsgrove Rovers 2 A FREAK goal handed hard working Rovers some early Christmas cheer at the Short Lane stadium on Saturday. Toothless Rovers were given a timely seasonal gift by Ashford captain Ross Davidson, when he deflected the ball
YOUNGSTERS at a Droitwich school brought festive cheer to visitors to the town's library. Pupils from St Joseph's School RC Primary sang carols for folk visiting the venue. Meanwhile, parents revelled in the festive spirit as their children performed
WRESTLING stars were set to battle it out in the kitchen today in the popular TV programme Ready, Steady Cook. Worcester brawler Jonny "the Body" Stallard will be up against one of his main rivals Matthew "Mad Dog" Powell during a culinary championship
ARTISTIC youngsters have used their talents to design posters promoting recycling. A competition run by Wychavon District Council encouraged children to think about waste and choose how best to get their messages across. "We had an amazing response from
THIEVES smashed the cash box of a public telephone in a Herefordshire village and made off with £150 in coins. Police have just revealed that thieves removed the box in broad daylight in Wellington Heath near Ledbury, on Tuesday, November 30, and are
A GROUP of singers is promising a 'Christmas cracker' of a concert for townsfolk on Saturday. The Phoenix Singers are hosting the annual family concert at the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Centre on Berkley Street, off Broad Street, in Birmingham
A BENEFITS officer from Worcester City Council is hoping generous Evening News readers can help her raise money to go on the trip of a life time in aid of the Alzheimer's Society. Lin Tinton from Barbourne, whose mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's
THE group campaigning to open the Droitwich lido has hit back at claims that it will need £100,000 in subsidies to run it. Save A Lido Today (SALT) has pointed out this figure is the worst-case scenario if no one uses the facility, and it is, in fact,
SCORES of children had a "cracker" of a time at a Christmas party held in Malvern by a charity supporting youngsters with disabilities. More than 50 children attended Malvern Special Families' festive event at the Malvern Girls' College in Avenue Road
A BATCHLEY nursing home was alight with festivities at a recent seasonal event. People gathered in the garden of Cedar Park Nursing Home, on Cedar Park Road, to watch the switching on of 4,000 white lights in the trees. The Rev Noel Sharp blessed a tableau
A BAKERY in Studley was gutted by fire in the early hours of Friday morning. Although investigations are ongoing, it is believed an electrical fault at the front of Bruno's Bakery in High Street may be to blame. Three fire engines from Studley, Redditch
REDDITCH Ladies finished their pre-Christmas league programme in fine style with three points after a 4-1 demolition of Harborne 2nds. Two late goals from Redditch captain Jo Stafford and Lianne Cooper made sure of the rout. Redditch moved the ball with
Wednesday December 15 FILM: Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston, Birmingham, 6pm. SINGLES: Live Wyres pub night, Old Leaking Well, Dunhampton, 8.45pm. Thursday December 16 FILM: Kontroll, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston, Birmingham
REDS reserve keeper Paul Maynard got a taste of Nationwide North on Saturday as he started his first game for Redditch United replacing the injured Richard Anstiss. The Redditch number one was taken off the pitch against Stafford last week after fracturing
Ledbury 3 Studley 1 THE Bees were looking to equal if not better their FA Vase dream of last year but had their hopes halted by lower league opposition on Saturday. Studley who had been given a bye into round two of the competition after last season's
Barwell 1 Alvechurch 0 ALVECHURCH boss Peter Frain branded his side "disgraceful" after losing to Barwell on their travels. The single goal from Craig Noble on 51 minutes was enough to settle the midtable encounter. Church boss Peter Frain said: "I'm
n MILLERS' boss Lee Adams wasn't concerned his Feckenham side hadn't moved up the league table after their 2-0 victory over Meir. All the bottom six clubs of the Midland Combination Premier managed to win or draw on Saturday seeing Feckenham stay stagnant
A TREASURE trove of documents found stashed away in a basement will shed more light on Worcester's role in the English Civil War. History buffs will be able to study first-hand accounts of the skirmishes and battles of the Civil War, which first began
A MAN banned from every shop in Britain has vowed to turn over a new leaf and kick his heroin addiction. Paul Orbell, of St Clement's Gardens, St John's, Worcester, appeared before Worcester magistrates on Monday charged with handling stolen goods, but
AN amateur boxing fight night aims to raise money for charity. The Rotary Club of Droitwich Spa is planning a night of bouts and entertainment in May, but needs the initial support of businesses in Worcestershire to make the night a profitable success
WALKERS in the Malvern Hills look set to receive an early Christmas present as a well-known tourist attraction that was stolen from the slopes returns. The Worcestershire Beacon toposcope - the large circular map at the highest point of the hills showing
A MAN who was left for dead after a vicious drink-fuelled assault has issued a simple message to party-goers this festive season - "please be careful how much you drink this Christmas." Lee Reeves, aged 27, who suffered brain damage, a punctured lung
A BEAUTIFUL private wood at Collett's Green in Powick, near Worcester, could be turned into a green burial ground. Instead of a graveyard and a commemorative headstone, those buried at Lordswood would have a natural setting and a canopy of trees. Formerly
A WORCESTER woman who feared she might never be able to sing again has fought back from a major operation to become the city's pop princess. Laura Synnuck was crowned the winner of Worcester's Pub Idol competition, held last night at the city's Marr's
WORCESTER City striker Mark Owen admits he is desperate to terrorise defences again -- starting with Lancaster City on Saturday. Owen, 27, has not started a first team game for City since the National Conference Cup victory over Stafford Rangers on November
WORCESTER Rugby Club's European Shield quarter-final first leg tie with Leonessa with be a Friday night affair at Sixways. The Warriors have confirmed they will take on the Italians on January 7 before the away leg which is expected to be on Saturday,
A MUCH-changed Malvern Town side conceded four second-half goals to lose 4-1 at home to Castle Vale in the Worcestershire Senior Urn second round last night. The game was even for the first 30 minutes until Malvern went ahead when Duncan Preedy slipped
ARCHDALE '73 continued their push for promotion from Midland Football Combination Division Two with a 2-0 win at Castle Vale Reserves last night. Castle Vale, previously unbeated at home, were second to the ball all over the park with Dales' midfield
WORCESTER'S young guns claimed glory at the North Midlands under-10 festival. A squad of 13 boys were drawn into a league that also contained Stourbridge and Dudley Kingswinford. In the opening match against Stourbridge a try in the first half by William
WE'RE bombarded with it constantly. Daily, shocking headlines, adverts and politicians telling us our health is a ticking timebomb waiting to go off if we don't sort ourselves out. Young women think nothing of sinking more alcohol units in one night than
Bromsgrove 31 Whitchurch 20 BROMSGROVE had to weather a late onslaught at Finstall Park to obtain a vital victory in the Midlands Division One on Saturday. The Boars were reduced to 14 men because of injury and had to show their character to get the better
DROITWICH RFC director of coaching Julian Bailey has called on his embattled troops to double their points tally in the Midlands Division Three West (South) against Ledbury on Saturday (2.15pm start). Droitwich, who have collected two points all season
Shipston-on--Stour 0 Droitwich Spa 5 DROITWICH took their first tentative step towards fending off relegation with a hard fought win on Saturday. Gareth Knight lifted his side out of the doldrums by bagging the all important try to end Droitwich's losing
WORCESTER Rugby Club's European Shield quarter-final first leg tie with Leonessa with be a Friday night affair at Sixways. The Warriors have confirmed they will take on the Italians on January 7 before the away leg which is expected to be on Saturday,
ROYAL Mail's reported plan to close up to 280 Post Offices will be a significant blow to a great many elderly people. As Britain's largest provider of private sheltered housing, we know that many pensioners still rely on the Post Office as their source
I AM the local contact for the War Research Society run mainly by retired and serving police Officers and Ex-Serviceman as a charitable hobby. It was founded many years ago and supports a number of charities including the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal
THE death of decency, honour and standards in public office was witnessed last month. Where did this take place? None other than at the Council House, Bromsgrove. What brought about this demise? A report from the Standards Board relating to property adjoining
I THINK I may have come up with an ideal solution to frustrated fox hunters who are desperate to hunt the innocent fox. Why not line up members of pro-hunting and their offspring, and allow a pack or two of hounds to chase them round the countryside.
FEED the world - what a wonderfull premise the words of this record evoke, especially when you see those sad pictures of starving people in Africa. What I can't understand is why these people keep producing these unfortunate babies that don't stand a
COULD we have another 'Salt King' in the making? What wonderful ideas John Thistlewaite has come up with to really put Droitwich Spa back on the map. The Lido becoming a possible skating venue in the winter! A natural Sea Life Centre! Making full use
READERS may be aware of the rise in the reported cases of mumps. Most of these cases are appearing in teenagers or young adults because this age group missed out receiving the MMR vaccine, which was introduced into the childhood immunisation programme
WE have to realise we are being conned! No, this is not a message from Bromsgrove District Council or any of the MP's jumping on the band-wagon as we go up to yet another General Election, which is - hold your breath everyone - in 'only' 17 weeks time
THE Christmas lights display in Rubery this year is appalling, although it must be pointed out that it is not the actual lights that are the problem, it is the height they have been placed at. They are so high that when you are walking through the village
Kings Norton 21 Birmingham Exiles 5 ANY pre-match thoughts of an easy home game against win-less basement boys Exiles were quickly dispelled as the visitors took a surprise lead at Ash Lane. A quickly taken but unconverted try after five minutes shook
Ashford Town 0 Bromsgrove Rovers 1 A FREAK goal handed hard working Rovers some early Christmas cheer at the Short Lane stadium on Saturday. Toothless Rovers were given a timely seasonal gift by Ashford captain Ross Davidson, when he deflected the ball
FAIRFIELD Villa will be aiming to do the double over Kenilworth Town tomorrow night (7.45pm kick off) and take them one step closer to safety in the Midland Combination Division One. In-form Villa go into the game on the back of a 4-0 victory over Newhall
Barnt Green Spartak 1 Southam United 2 BARNT Green's lacklustre form in the Midland Combination Premier Division continued as Southam snatched all three points at Lye Meadow on Saturday. Spartak were stunned by their Warwickshire opponents, who had defender
Bromsgrove Rovers Reserves 3 Rugby United 1 SHAUN Maynard maintained his excellent scoring form as Rovers cemented their place at the top of the Midland Combination Reserves Division. Rovers had to come from a goal down after their Warwickshire opponents
Evesham United 0 Droitwich Spa Ladies 3 DROITWICH heaped more cup misery on their county rivals with a clinical display of finishing on Sunday. Spa repeated their victory over Evesham in the County Cup last month by knocking them out of the Kidderminster
I AM the local contact for the War Research Society run mainly by retired and serving police Officers and Ex-Serviceman as a charitable hobby. It was founded many years ago and supports a number of charities including the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal
READERS might be interested to know that the Independents on Bromsgrove District Council had voted against the introduction of the new parking system, which requires input of the car registration details before a ticket can be bought to allow parking
THE death of decency, honour and standards in public office was witnessed last month. Where did this take place? None other than at the Council House, Bromsgrove. What brought about this demise? A report from the Standards Board relating to property adjoining
I THINK I may have come up with an ideal solution to frustrated fox hunters who are desperate to hunt the innocent fox. Why not line up members of pro-hunting and their offspring, and allow a pack or two of hounds to chase them round the countryside.
FEED the world - what a wonderfull premise the words of this record evoke, especially when you see those sad pictures of starving people in Africa. What I can't understand is why these people keep producing these unfortunate babies that don't stand a
THE Norbury Theatre will be putting the spa-rkle into Droitwich Spa's Christmas on Saturday. Father Christmas will be on hand to see all the boys and girls have a wonderful afternoon out at the 'Stodge, Podge and Twinkle' show at the Friar Street theatre
A BROMSGROVE dance school is celebrating a hit show by opening up their studio for inspired townsfolk to come and check it out. Elite Performing Arts, of Sherwood Road, Aston Fields, held the film music themed show, entitled A Night at the Oscars, at
THE meeting was well attended and prayers were said to start the evening's programme. Tickets were sold for the raffle organised by Upton Warren Women's Fellowship, the prize for which was the magnificent quilt handmade by Jenny Deighton. Members were
YOUR report on Tuesday, December 7, about the charity Santas being abused by drivers comes as no surprise. An increasing number of our drivers want to be able to drive as fast as they like, where they like, park anywhere, and close down bus and cycle
AT the November indoor meeting, members and friends were enthralled by the wonderful scenes shown to them by professional wildlife photographer Mike Lane. Fantastic Oman sunsets and a brief glimpse into back street poverty around New Delhi preceded scenes
FOOTBALL is a results-driven business and in that respect, the most important thing to take away from last Saturday's Nationwide North game against Runcorn FC Halton was the win. I thought the performance was below par but at the end of the day, we are
ON November 18, newly-elected president Jenny Kerridge and several new officers took charge of our affairs. Retiring committee member, Anne Powell, was presented with a hand-made card with our thanks in recognition of 14 years in charge of our refreshments
THERE was a shock result in the Slideslow by-election when voters elected the district's first Liberal Democrat councillor by a landslide. Gordon Selway, of Austin Road, Charford, won the seat, which was vacated when Independent Dr Elizabeth Lammie retired
GOLD 'N'BLACK met rock'n'roll when the Bromsgrove taxi firm held a grand opening for their new branch. Rockin' Berries founder member, Geoff Turton, got out his guitar and entertained a crowd in New Road, Rubery, on Friday. "We had a lot of people there
BROMSGROVE police are calling on townsfolk to be 'wise men and women' with their Christmas shopping. "Members of the law-abiding public bearing gifts are a welcome seasonal sight for crimi-nals," said crime risk manager, PC Stan Baker, of Bromsgrove police
December 17, 1954 IN recent tests of air-raid warning equipment on the Batchley estate, Redditch, householders living in the far end of the estate said they could not hear the siren when it was set off, Redditch Civil Defence Committee was told on Tuesday
CHILDREN at Charford First went back to nature when rangers helped them plant trees and hedges around the school grounds. The Charford Road school was given a grant from the Tree Council, which promotes the planting of trees, and rangers from the Duckworth
AN under-used village hall, in need of £45,000 worth of refurbishment, is set to be given a lifeline by residents hoping to recreate a traditional Christmas scene. The Friends of the Village Hall, a voluntary group of residents, has been formed to revive
A BROMSGROVE butchers is getting into the festive spirit after travelling 1,250 miles to bring back a piece of mouth-watering prize-winning beef for Christmas. Jon Banner and Glyn Richards, of Banner Foods in Aston Fields, went to the Orkney Islands,
A MAN tried to force a 17-year-old girl into his car in Bromsgrove. Now the police are appealing for any information to track the man down. The girl was walking along the Birmingham Road, just near the Kwik Save supermarket, when she was approached by
FESTIVE tots have been getting into the Christmas spirit by putting on seasonal shows for their parents and teachers. More than 100 talented youngsters from Holywell Primary School, in Gunner Lane, Rubery, performed their own twist on the traditional
THE group fiercely campaigning to re-open Droitwich Spa's Lido has hit back at claims they will want £100,000 a year of subsidies to run it. Save a Lido Today (SALT) has said £100,000 is the very maximum they will need and that's only if no one uses the
YOUNGSTERS got behind the wheel to practice driving skills at a Rubery school. Pupils from Waseley Hills High, in School Road, learnt how to drive as part of their life skills course. An instructor from Worcestershire County Council's road safety team
READERS have already reacted positively to our special Advertiser/Messenger Christmas appeal to ensure the many animals being cared for in local rescue centres are not forgotten while the rest of us tuck into the traditional festive fare. Tins and packets
NORMAN the miniature pony was the star of the show at a Christmas fayre last Saturday. The pony, who thinks he is a reindeer, was Father Christmas' special helper in the grotto at Hanbury First School. Families flocked to the seasonal bazaar and enjoyed
A WESTLANDS man has hit out at the amount of rubbish being left behind by bin men on their rounds of the estate. Keith Hobson claims the amount of litter strewn after the refuse collectors make their calls on a Monday or Tuesday is getting worse. "It's
YOUNG farmers saddled up for a charity bike ride with a difference. Energetic members of the Bromsgrove Young Farmers Club recently got on board a 23-seater bike for the 11-mile trek from Wychbold to Worcester. The ride started at Webbs garden centre
ANIMAL lovers will not be able to resist the loveable furry friends looking for a good home this Christmas. The Danemere Animal Rescue Centre, in Tibberton, has a host of cats, dogs, ferrets and rabbits, which may make the perfect pet. "In particular
THE clock of a prominent Droitwich Spa building is to be re-programmed in line with a new European Union directive. Droitwich town councillors recently agreed at a community and amenities meeting the clock on Salters' Hall, which is now the library, should
CHRISTMAS church services in Droitwich Spa are as follows: Droitwich Baptist Church, Ombersley Street East l Sunday December 19 at 4pm Carols by Candlelight l Christmas Day at 10.30am Family Worship St Nicholas' Church, Ombersley Road l Friday December
GOOD sports at a Droitwich Spa school have won an award for getting physical. Ombersley Endowed First School was recently presented with a prestigious Sportsmark Award. The award, which is handed out by Sport England, recognises a high standard of physical
THE European flag will not be flying in Droitwich Spa during next year's VE Day celebrations. Droitwich town councillors discussed whether the flag of the European Union (EU) should fly outside the council buildings during the Victory in Europe Day celebratory
FESTIVE tots performed a musical extravaganza telling the real story of Christmas in front of proud parents. Pupils from St Joseph's Primary School in Ombersley Way put on 'It's a Party' for their mums and dads. Youngsters have been busy rehearsing for
KAREN Lumley was quite right to draw attention to Labour's failure to keep its manifesto pledge to hold a referendum. But it's a failure I welcome and hope will continue. Referendums are expensive and, in most, cases a waste of time. No politician will
A 12-week-old puppy will soon be looking for a new home after it was found abandoned on a building site near Matchborough. Dog Warden Julie Edmonds picked up the cross breed smooth coated pup onThursday. She said the pup, who has been taken to Hollytrees
A PROFESSIONAL burglar who used a two-way radio to keep in touch with his accomplice during raids on houses in south Warwickshire has been jailed for six years. Michael Juson, who was also ordered to serve the remaining 255 days of a previous sentence
I LIVE in Walkwood and travel to Moseley every day along the A435. This morning, heading towards Birmingham just a few yards from the Maypole roundabout, a Transit van was on fire in the outside lane. It was well alight and there was quite thick, acrid
I WAS intrigued by the letter about the beaurocracy of filling in forms to re-apply for various benefits when you marry (Advertiser, December 8). Unfortunately, not everyone in this country is honest and the process is necessary to prevent fraud. What
WHEN I got onto a bus recently at Church Hill Centre, there was an almighty commotion going on between passengers seated at the rear. Despite repeated requests from the young female driver, the noise did not abate. It centred on a young lady asthma sufferer
I AM hoping your readers might be able to help me. I am looking for a relative, Beryl Malcolm, who was born on October 17, 1929, in the Midlands. She moved to Dorset just after the Second World War but I have no information after that. If you know of
CHRISTMAS can be a difficult time for anyone who has lost a loved one. But one group is on hand to try to alleviate the loneliness and isolation people may be experiencing. Parents Experiencing Adult Loss (PEAL) helps support not only parents whose grown-up
THE League of Friends of the Alexandra Hospital gratefully acknowledges donations made in memory of the following: Elizabeth Ackrill, Marian Amsden, Jean Margaret Beards, Olwyn Gwyneth Bell, Stanley Birt, Anthony Bell, David Bott, Alexander (Sandy) Bruce
A PIRATE DVD amnesty is being held in the Kingfisher Centre today (Wednesday) as part of a pre-Christmas blitz to raise awareness of the growing problem. The Industry Trust will be in the centre with Trading Standards officers crushing any pirate DVDs
IN recognition of the success of both students and staff at Trinity High School and Sixth Form Centre, headteacher Marion Barton received a personal invitation to a reception with the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street. The event was held to celebrate
A LEARNING centre which was threatened with closure is now so busy students are having to go on waiting lists. Today and tomorrow, the Redi Centre in Smallwood is hosting parties to hand out certificates of achievement to 125 students who have successfully
MUSIC will fill Kingsley College this evening when a host of talented bands rock the night away. Performing at the Woodrow school will be the Nigel Clark Band, led by the former frontman of popular chart act Dodgy, and seven college bands. A school spokesman
THE headteacher of Alcester Grammar School has hit back at allegations that the school is lacking in community spirit. Iain Blaikie was angered by remarks reported in last week's Chronicle after the school announced it was to set up a series of free drama
IT was feared a temporary secure unit a Barnsley Hall Hospital could turn out to be permanent. After learning from the regional health authority, Community Health Council secretary Brian Thomas, stressed the unit at Barnsley Hall was only meant to be
POLICE investigating a spate of burglaries in south Warwickshire villages have turned their attention to Welford. Last Thursday saw raiders break into a home in High Street and take jewellery and a laptop computer. More jewellery, computer equipment and
HUNDREDS of visitors made their way to St Laurence's Church, Bidford, at the weekend to admire the creations in this year's Christmas tree festival. Vicar's wife Jane Hall said she was delighted with the success of the event, which has raised nearly £3,000
RESIDENTS in Bleachfield Street are worried they will lose their parking spaces following the closure of a nearby factory. And they are so concerned they have appealed to Alcester Town Council for help. Many drivers living in the road have been leaving
THE Horn & Trumpet public house in Worcester city centre has reopened after a £100,000 revamp. The pub, which is in Angel Street, has received a facelift on the outside as well as inside, and now offers a more varied drinks and food menu. "We are
WORKERS at Worcestershire County Council have been awarded for their energy efficiency work. The council took this particular category at this year's National Green Apple Environment Awards, which are recognised as one of the country's top honours. Ensuring
Waterford Wedgwood brought a tie-up with china maker Royal Doulton a step closer today after announcing the terms of an agreed £39.9 million takeover. The proposed deal, which still requires shareholder approval, is expected to boost the competitiveness
A FIXTURE on the Bromsgrove rock scene, The Dillingers, are hanging up their drumsticks after their last gig on Saturday. It is being held at The Hibernian, Pershore Road, in Stirchley, Birmingham. Band spokesman Andy Thomas said: "We would like to thank
FOR a country Christmas townsfolk need look no further than the End of the Trail Country Music Club in Droitwich Spa. On Friday the club, based at the Royal British Legion on Salwarpe Road, will be hosting the Christmas Show, which will feature Denver
A GROUP of singers is promising a 'Christmas cracker' of a concert for townsfolk on Saturday. The Phoenix Singers are hosting the annual family concert at the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Centre on Berkley Street, off Broad Street, in Birmingham
THE Norbury Theatre will be putting the spa-rkle into Droitwich Spa's Christmas on Saturday. Father Christmas will be on hand to see all the boys and girls have a wonderful afternoon out at the 'Stodge, Podge and Twinkle' show at the Friar Street theatre
Bromsgrove 1st XI 2 Droitwich 1st XI 4 BROMSGROVE'S hopes of a late promotion surge in the West Midlands Hockey League Division One were shot down by sharp shooting leaders Droitwich on Saturday. While Droitwich cemented their place at the top in the
Shipston-on-Stour 0 Droitwich Spa 5 DROITWICH took their first tentative step towards fending off relegation with a hard fought win on Saturday. Gareth Knight lifted his side out of the doldrums by bagging the all important try to end Droitwich's losing
A FIXTURE on the Bromsgrove rock scene, The Dillingers, are hanging up their drumsticks after their last gig on Saturday. It is being held at The Hibernian, Pershore Road, in Stirchley, Birmingham. Band spokesman Andy Thomas said: "We would like to thank
BARNT Green Choral Society is promising to bring 'a great and mighty wonder' to the locality on Saturday when it presents its annual Christmas concert in the village's St Andrew's Church. The programme includes the usual festive favourites, which will
FOR a country Christmas townsfolk need look no further than the End of the Trail Country Music Club in Droitwich Spa. On Friday the club, based at the Royal British Legion on Salwarpe Road, will be hosting the Christmas Show, which will feature Denver
AN ADVENTURE course company has teamed up with St Michael's Hospice near Hereford to help raise funds for the centre in a festive appeal. Team Adventure Activities, set up in Hereford in July, runs adventure courses for schools and families and team-building
Jack and the Beanstalk, January 6-8, 12-15, 19-22. Norbury Theatre, Friar Street, Droitwich. Tel 01905 770154. Aladdin, starring Alan Fletcher, Andy Collins, Nicole Davies, Steve Hewlett and Pongo and James Biddlecome. December 16 until January 9, Malvern
A LIFELONG fascination and love of vintage machinery has led me to a discovery which I am hoping Evening News readers may be able to help to shed some light on. I have a particular fondness for American automobiles spanning the period 1910 to 1930 and
POLICE officers will flood Redditch town centre on Friday night to start a blitz on booze-fuelled crime around the festive season. Dozens of officers will be involved in Operation Christmas Presence, which aims to tackle crimes such as drink-driving,
TWO air rifles were among items stolen in a raid on a garage in Hollywood. Thieves also made off with a circular saw, three drills, a jigsaw and an electric plane from the Hollywood Lane home between 5-5.15pm on Thursday. The first rifle, a sports air
POLICE are appealing for information after a fire at a house in Lodge Road, Smallwood, just after 8am on Thursday. A man has been arrested in connection with the incident and is helping police with their inquiries. DI Tony Love said: "Fortunately, the
A 12-week-old puppy will soon be looking for a new home after it was found abandoned on a building site near Matchborough. Dog Warden Julie Edmonds picked up the cross breed smooth coated pup onThursday. She said the pup, who has been taken to Hollytrees
AS Christmas draws near, a Redditch charity is asking people to consider youngsters who find themselves living alone on the streets. Nightstop, which is based in the Ecumenical Centre, takes referrals from organisations such as the Salvation Army and
SO spending a penny in Worcester next year will actually cost several pence. On the face of it, the city's proposed budget costs seem to be sensible. Forced to make £800,000 of savings, the council has no choice but to take a long, hard look at its budget
STUDLEY manager Kevin Rowlands is hoping for some Christmas charity after bombing out of the FA Vase, slipping into the Alliance relegation mire and losing a couple of key players to injury all in the space of 90 minutes. Studley were dumped out of the
REDDITCH United have brought in Walsall reserves 'keeper Dean Coleman as cover for the injured Richard Anstiss. Anstiss, who was brought off the pitch after 70 minutes against Stafford Rangers a week ago has fractured his hand. Reds reserve keeper Paul
PEOPLE will have to pay to use Worcester City Council's public toilets under a series of planned cutbacks. The authority wants to replace its seven sets of free conveniences with "superloos" to help save £800,000. No fee has yet been set, although "spending
EYESORE rubbish sites in Worcester will be cleared within 48 hours after a campaign by the Evening News targeted a growing litter problem in the city. The Evening News Grot Spot crusade let readers highlight parts of the city being blighted by continual
A PENSIONER was conned into buying forged raffle tickets purporting to raise money for Pershore Cottage Hospital. The victim - in her 80s - handed over £2.50 for five tickets to Kathleen Skerratt who was accompanied by a girl, Worcester Crown Court heard
ARCHITECTS in Worcester have been told to sharpen their minds as well as their pencils after a building design contest found no winner. For only the second time in the Civic Award's 23 years, no project in the city was considered worthy of taking the
Bromsgrove 1st XI 2 Droitwich 1st XI 4 BROMSGROVE'S hopes of a late promotion surge in the West Midlands League Division One were shot down by sharp shooting leaders Droitwich on Saturday. While Droitwich cemented their place at the top in the final league
BROMSGROVE 2nds defeated Pershore 6-0, with goals for Steve Gill (2), Bruce Turner (2), Scott Reeves and Simon Clifton. The 3rds lost 5-1 to Wolverhampton 5-1, while Mark Robinson and Alex Marginson scored in the 4ths' 7-2 defeat to Old Wulfs. The Badgers
Kings Heath ladies 1st XI 1 Droitwich ladies 1st XI 6 SPA made sure they had a stirring end to the first half of the county league on Saturday. Hannah Weston was the main threat for Droitwich as she bagged a hat-trick. Kate Davies (2) and Kate Rodgeman
A WORCESTER woman who feared she might never be able to sing again has fought back from a major operation to become the city's pop princess. Laura Synnuck was crowned the winner of Worcester's Pub Idol competition, held last night at the city's Marr's
WORCESTER City striker Mark Owen admits he is desperate to terrorise defences again -- starting with Lancaster City on Saturday. Owen, 27, has not started a first team game for City since the National Conference Cup victory over Stafford Rangers on November
MARK Newton is backing BskyB in cricket's television rights battle. Sky Sports and Channel 4 are both bidding for the right to screen cricket in the UK between 2006 and 2009 and a decision from Lord's is expected later today. At present, the two television
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers manager Stuart Watkiss is adamant his side now have the potential to score goals following the free transfer signing of Walsall striker Gary Birch. Watkiss continued his revolution at Aggborough yesterday by snapping up the promising
WORCESTERSHIRE ended 2004 with a narrow 32-29 home defeat against West Yorkshire in English Counties League Division Three. Both teams went into the fixture with unbeaten records but it was the visitors who left with an early Christmas present of five
Bromsgrove Tuskers U9s 15 Droitwich U9s 15 Bromsgrove's Alex Russell bagged a brace and Jed Mellors also touched down to ensure it was honours even in the derby. Joseph Terry and Tom and Jospeh Flowerdew touched down for Spa. Bromsgrove Hogs U9s 15 Droitwich
READERS might be interested to know that the Independents on Bromsgrove District Council had voted against the introduction of the new parking system, which requires input of the car registration details before a ticket can be bought to allow parking
REGARDING the recent Bromsgrove District Council meeting where my motion, seconded by Councillor Mike Gill, to give the people of Bromsgrove the street cleaning service, for which they pay in their Council Tax, was lost. Councillor Dennis Norton, at this
MANY thanks to all concerned for the Christmas party for the senior citizens of Rubery at the Leisure Centre. We appreciate all the hard work and planning that goes into this and thanks also to the shops and businesses who contributed, helping to make
I AM afraid I cannot make sense of the reasons given by Cllr Richard Morris for excluding the public from a meeting of Droitwich Town Council's planning committee discussing the plans for the Lido drawn up by the SALT group. He does however state there
WEST Heath Snooker stunned high flying Bromsgrove Athletico by defeating them 5-0 in the Redditch and South Warwickshire League Premier Division on Sunday. Black Horse got the better of Mettis Aerospace 5-3 to stay in touch with leaders Mayfly. In Division
Droitwich Spa Reserves 2 Shipston Excelsior 1 SPA made a winning return in their first home game since October on Saturday, after a long sequence of away games. After six games on their travels Droitwich maintained their excellent form in the Midland
Trinity Guild 41 Alcester 0 ALCESTER suffered more away day misery, losing comprehensively to a side they had beaten at King's Coughton only three weeks ago. A pumped up home side were determined to exact revenge on their visitors, and Alcester found
THE Kingfishers had the chance to get some Christmas shopping in on Saturday as their cup tie against Worcester Wanderers was called off. Worcester's league commitments meant they were unable to fulfil the scheduled fixture which has now been re-arranged
KIDDERMINSTER Harriers manager Stuart Watkiss is adamant his side now have the potential to score goals following the free transfer signing of Walsall striker Gary Birch. Watkiss continued his revolution at Aggborough yesterday by snapping up the promising
ROYAL Mail's reported plan to close up to 280 Post Offices will be a significant blow to a great many elderly people. As Britain's largest provider of private sheltered housing, we know that many pensioners still rely on the Post Office as their source
REGARDING the recent Bromsgrove District Council meeting where my motion, seconded by Councillor Mike Gill, to give the people of Bromsgrove the street cleaning service, for which they pay in their Council Tax, was lost. Councillor Dennis Norton, at this
MANY thanks to all concerned for the Christmas party for the senior citizens of Rubery at the Leisure Centre. We appreciate all the hard work and planning that goes into this and thanks also to the shops and businesses who contributed, helping to make
COULD we have another 'Salt King' in the making? What wonderful ideas John Thistlewaite has come up with to really put Droitwich Spa back on the map. The Lido becoming a possible skating venue in the winter! A natural Sea Life Centre! Making full use
READERS may be aware of the rise in the reported cases of mumps. Most of these cases are appearing in teenagers or young adults because this age group missed out receiving the MMR vaccine, which was introduced into the childhood immunisation programme
WE have to realise we are being conned! No, this is not a message from Bromsgrove District Council or any of the MP's jumping on the band-wagon as we go up to yet another General Election, which is - hold your breath everyone - in 'only' 17 weeks time
I AM afraid I cannot make sense of the reasons given by Cllr Richard Morris for excluding the public from a meeting of Droitwich Town Council's planning committee discussing the plans for the Lido drawn up by the SALT group. He does however state there
THE Christmas lights display in Rubery this year is appalling, although it must be pointed out that it is not the actual lights that are the problem, it is the height they have been placed at. They are so high that when you are walking through the village
L SPITERI, as a member of our democratic society, has a right to express his opinions publicly. But he also has duty to ensure they are based on fact, not fiction. The Second World War was not the result of UK rearmament. It was caused by the interplay
THE November meeting was very successful, serving to introduce several new faces to the proceedings - all members had been encouraged to bring a friend. The guest demonstrator Liz Nicholson was very relaxed and entertaining as she embarked on her programme
AS a GP, I see the tragic results of people who become cold in the winter months. Sometimes, that cold creeps in gradually and the end result is pneumonia or even a heart attack. It is not just when temperatures are freezing. The risks increase as soon
PRESIDENT Betty Wolsey welcomed members to the December meeting. A two-minute silence was observed in memory of long-time WI member Hester Rea, who died recently at the age of 94. Secretary Betty Gibbs outlined business and future events. Festive entertainment
MY husband Martin (Head of Maths at a Sixth Form College) died, aged 52, four years ago of pancreatic cancer. After he died, I decided I wanted to help improve cancer awareness, diagnosis and care. There was an article in the local paper about starting
ON November 11, we met for the AGM, together with the cookery and craft show. The judges congratulated members on their entries. Marion gave a summary of our activities during the past year, not forgetting to mention members unable to be present. Audrey
SO the Government "wants Worcestershire schools to become the focal point of communities, by providing a wider range of services", in exchange for "some additional funding". Is this their obscure way of tempting Worcestershire schools with a carrot of
I DECIDED to have a sing-a-long with a Shirley Bassey record, even putting a new needle in my gramophone. My wife came home and as soon as she walks in the door she switched it off, saying she didn't want to listen to that noise. It appears Shirley Bassey
December 14, 1979 RESIDENTS of the Slough, Crabbs Cross, have had enough of living in a death trap. Ever since the Rough Hill Drive/Windmill Drive roundabout was built at the end of their road, their peaceful lives have been invaded by the constant roar
December 17, 1904 THREE boys named George Woodall, labourer, of Dudley, George Ashfield, of Red Lion Street, Redditch, and Samuel Cox, of Silver Street, Redditch, were brought up in custody charged with begging alms on December 13. Police sergeant Brunton
DROITWICH Spa's answer to Sherlock Holmes believes he has solved the mystery of the missing Christmas lights. Super sleuth Mark Heel claims it took him less than two hours to find out where the lights have been hiding. Last month, the Advertiser asked
VILLAGERS near Bromsgrove are looking at ways to find out more about the early life of a Nobel-prize winning scientist who was born there. Sir John Vane, renowned as one of the most outstanding scientists of the 20th century, was born in Tardebigge in
A NEW Stoke Prior youth scheme, set up by the police, the district council and the parish council, has been hailed a success by its organisers. Bromsgrove district community safety constable PC Andy Holliday has helped set up the initiative with leisure
TRADITIONAL family board games are set to battle it out against the latest hi-tech toys to top the Christmas wish lists of children in Droitwich Spa. With the big day little more than a week away, the Advertiser popped into Toyworld to find out what is
PIZZA Express, Next and Holland and Barratt have been revealed as some of the big name stores heading for Droitwich Spa. Droitwich town councillors shared their ideas on the exciting proposals for the Salters Shopping Centre at a planning committee meeting
AN all out drive to bring about greater efficiencies is to be made to prevent Bromsgrove people having to fork out higher council tax bills and suffer savage cuts in services. That's the message the councillor responsible for controlling the district
PENSION protesters from Garrington's in Bromsgrove staged a traffic-stopping demo in the middle of Birmingham on Saturday. Around 40 placard-waving demonstrators blockaded Queensway, near the Bull Ring, and held up Christmas shoppers for almost 30 minutes
A DEDICATED Droitwich Spa woman has been rewarded for her work in setting up the new out-of- hours doctors' service. Sara Lewis was named senior manager of the year at the South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust (PCT) Staff Achievement Awards on December
A COUPLE accused of murdering an adoptive child were divorced and remarried before taking the three-year-old on, a jury heard. Ian and Angela Gay met at university but on their third date she revealed she was unable to have children. They wed in 1990,
DROITWICH Spa's mayor would like to wish residents a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Councillor Anne Taft has decided not to send Christmas cards this year, instead she will donate the money she normally spends to her charities - WaterAid
MARK Newton is backing BskyB in cricket's television rights battle. Sky Sports and Channel 4 are both bidding for the right to screen cricket in the UK between 2006 and 2009 and a decision from Lord's is expected later today. At present, the two television
TWENTY-ONE people have been arrested and car crime in Redditch has been slashed by almost 50 per cent in just four weeks following a police operation. Last month, the Advertiser reported a car was either stolen or broken into almost every day in the town
A POPULAR Lodge Park man who lived life to the full despite being paralysed from the neck down died suddenly on Friday aged 23. Paul Cook's funeral will take place on Tuesday, December 21, and his family want as many of his friends as possible to attend
A BATCHLEY nursing home was alight with festivities at a recent seasonal event. People gathered in the garden of Cedar Park Nursing Home, on Cedar Park Road, to watch the switching on of 4,000 white lights in the trees. The Rev Noel Sharp blessed a tableau
FREE bus passes for the elderly and disabled in Redditch will be back in operation on Friday, December 24. The new scheme means disabled pass holders can travel for free within the borough and also between Redditch and Worcestershire and between Redditch
ON behalf of the Astwood Bank Against Incinerator Group (ABAI), I would like to thank everybody who has voiced or written in support of our campaign for the removal of the industrial-sized animal waste incinerator from its site at Popes Lane. We anticipate
A CHURCH Hill woman will have an extra reason to be merry this Christmas after winning three superb prizes in a radio competition. Teresa Busby, of Barnwood Close, gambled a two-week holiday in Turkey and the chance for her 10-year-old daughter, Alisha
I HAVE spent a long time thinking about a list of things that we should do in 2005 which would make everyone a lot happier. I wrote the list in my very best ink pen and I hope your readers will take time to read it and lend their support. l Free buses
A WOMAN who has lived almost her entire life in Inkberrow celebrated her 100th birthday on December 6, surrounded by family and friends. Edith Hunt worked in the needle factory in Astwood Bank from the age of 13. She married William Hill, brother of the
A PROPOSED link road from the M42 near Hopwood could "spell disaster" for villagers and residents in surrounding areas, says a Bromsgrove councillor. Councillor Jean Luck says she fears the £10 million link road, aimed at improving access from Rover's
I'VE noticed most of your letters only seem to make only one point so I thought I'd break the trend. Firstly, I find it annoying the opening hours of The Kingfisher Centre and the individual shops aren't listed on a mounted plaque next to the doors or
"ALL medicines are drugs but not all drugs are medicines" was the message given to children during a six-week drugs awareness course. The structured lessons were run at Walkwood Middle School by beat manager Pc Richard Waterhouse, of Crabbs Cross police
BROMSGROVE Swimming Club overcame a lack of practice time in the pool to finish fourth in round three of the Speedo League Division Two on Saturday. Closure of the Dolphin Centre for construction work has meant that Bromsgrove have only had limited time
FIGHTERS from Droitwich Amateur Boxing Club wowed a large crowd at Stoke Prior Sports and Social Club on December 10 (Friday). Boxers showed off their skills at the club's first home tournament of the season. Middleweight Alex Strutt, 22, convincingly
DROITWICH Dolphins' swimmers produced some fine individual performances in the latest round of the West Midlands Speedo League on Sunday. The Dolphins found it tough going against teams from Bedfordshire, Shropshire and Derbyshire at home, but impressive
HARD-working education staff from Redditch have been honoured in a ceremony at County Hall for their long service and dedication. Fifty teachers, cleaners, dinner ladies and administration staff from around the county were awarded commemorative plaques
MEMBERS of Stoke Prior Parish Council decided at their meeting to give their active support to the appeal for help in meeting the cost of renovating Stoke Prior Village Hall. Treasurer Mr ES Passmore told colleagues that the provision of a new floor had
IT was announced some 50 students from Bromsgrove County High School would be assisting with the mail deliveries to assure the Christmas post got through on time. University and college students were also assisting in mail sorting. People were being urged
FEARS that health services in Bidford could not cope with the extra workload are among the objections to plans for a new housing development in the village. The plans, to build on Friday Furlong, are due to be discussed by Stratford District Council's
STRATFORD's homeless have been handed a cash boost by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott. A £150 million national package has been announced to fund schemes aimed at reducing homelessness. And £29,000 of that money has been earmarked for Stratford District
TEENAGERS struggling to succeed at secondary school could be offered help through a new business set to open in Worcester. Youngsters aged 14-16 who are "not benefiting from mainstream education" will be offered courses in sports, music, health and beauty
UNIVERSITY College Worcester's Principal hosted a manufacturing Question Time featuring a panel of leading West Midlands businessmen. Professor David Green took the chair at the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire organised event on Friday
A REGIONAL ICT association has made a New Year's resolution to pass the 50-members mark. The Herefordshire and Worcestershire branch of the West Midlands IT Association (WMita) had only nine members in the summer. But it has nearly quadrupled its size
POLICE and road safety officers in Warwickshire are using some unusual ways of tackling the drink driving problem this Christmas. They include handing out fortune cookies at supermarkets with messages predicting the consequences of drinking and driving
A MAN banned from every shop in Britain has vowed to turn over a new leaf and kick his heroin addiction. Paul Orbell, of St Clement's Gardens, St John's, Worcester, appeared before Worcester magistrates on Monday charged with handling stolen goods, but
BARNT Green Choral Society is promising to bring 'a great and mighty wonder' to the locality on Saturday when it presents its annual Christmas concert in the village's St Andrew's Church. The programme includes the usual festive favourites, which will
Wednesday December 15 FILM: Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston, Birmingham, 6pm. SINGLES: Live Wyres pub night, Old Leaking Well, Dunhampton, 8.45pm. Thursday December 16 FILM: Kontroll, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston, Birmingham
A BROMSGROVE dance school is celebrating a hit show by opening up their studio for inspired townsfolk to come and check it out. Elite Performing Arts, of Sherwood Road, Aston Fields, held the film music themed show, entitled A Night at the Oscars, at
