WHEN the last of the turkey's gone and the decorations are coming down, there's plenty to brighten up the dull evenings of midwinter, thanks to Worcester's Huntingdon Arts team. Post panto season, it's back to business in January. At the Huntingdon Hall
ALAN Fletcher, better known as Dr Karl Kennedy from Neighbours is one of life's nice guys - yet he always plays villains in pantomimes. His role in this year's Malvern Theatres pantomime, Aladdin, is no exception, as he plays Abanazar, the evil magician
THE much-awaited Stratford District Artists Group Show is opening on December 20. A large range of pieces in all media by the district's wealth of artists is on show at The Gallery at Stratford Leisure Centre right through until February 6. The pieces
F you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, then a concert this Saturday will really get you in the mood. The English Symphony Orchestra, with the award-winning Staffordshire Band, is putting together a White Christmas concert at Malvern Theatres.Tickets
KITE'S Nest Farm at Broadway has long been the showpiece of organic farming - Prince Charles visited there to pick up tips before converting his Highgrove House to natural ways of farming. Rosamund Young, who runs the farm in Snowshill Road with her brother
TEWKESBURY Abbey carol service is this Sunday, December 19 at 6pm. The abbey's Christingle service is at 4pm on December 24. Call 01684 850959 for details.
ENJOY a seasonal treat for a train buff at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway in Toddington when it stages a Christmas Diesel Day on December 27. It runs from 10am to 6pm. Call 01242 621405 for details.
THE strange Yellow Hat Tribe is out again in the Cotswolds and brightening the wintertime with a colourful exhibition. Cotswold artist Irene George is the hand behind the Yellow Hat Tribe - a world of mysterious desert dwellers. The show is running until
A SINGING postman from Kidderminster with stars in his eyes is hoping his newly released CD will find its way into stockings and sacks across Wyre Forest this Christmas. Swing and Smooch is former Stars in Their Eyes contestant, Darren Richards's third
SINGERS aged between three and 86 will be showing off their talent in a seasonal spectacular at Kidderminster Town Hall. Members of Kidderminster Choral Society, Primary Chords and Wyre Forest Young Voices are performing their annual Christmas concert
AN annual celebration of Christmas featuring traditional musical and literary presentations will be taking place in the Rose Theatre in Kidderminster tonight and tomorrow. For more information on the event, which includes carol singing, mince pies and
NEXT year's 150th anniversary of Kidderminster Town Hall will be commemorated with a festival featuring a host of cultural events - kicking off with a Viennese night on New Year's Day. A commemorative, limited edition bone china plate has been produced
RHYTHMIC residents in Wyre Forest can dance their socks off next Thursday at a Christmas tea dance at Kidderminster Town Hall. More information and tickets for the event, which runs from 2pm until 4.30pm and includes a raffle and refreshments, can be
SO councillors want us to shun the new Tesco store? Is this the same group of councillors that passed the building application submitted for approval or is it a case of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing? Perhaps the councillors should
WE were enjoying our round of Golf at Broadway Golf Club two weeks ago, when the tranquillity of the morning was shattered by the now familiar sound, first of police and ambulance sirens followed by the drone of the air ambulance, attending yet another
IT is hard to take seriously town councillors who, according to your leading article, December 2, consider the light pollution from the Tesco sign 'tremendous' and then in an adjoining article announce the launch of a competition for the best residential
Margaret Baldwin and Joy Scarsbrook would like to thank the Moreton-in-Marsh businesses, local areas and all the kind people who donated wonderful prizes and gave donations to a very successful prize bingo evening, which was held at the Royal British
I AM writing further to Peter Luff's comment in the Journal that the government's hunting bill is part to a class war. While this debate will no doubt continue to run, one thing that is clear is that the government has now delivered on one of its 1997
Usually, crows are not very highly regarded birds. This is probably due to their relative abundance and their habit of savaging scraps and refuse, often in a very aggressive way as they squabble and fight amongst themselves. You may find it quite surprising
Bretforton I 1, Bath Buccaneers 1 IN SATURDAY'S final league match before the Christmas break, Bretforton wasted no time in taking the lead. Excellent work by after just five minutes from Lisa Workman allowed Dannie Cox to open the scoring. The home side
Camp Hill 0, Badsey Ladies 2 IN their final game before Chri-stmas, Badsey produced a good solid team performance to take the points on a bright sunny morning in Birmingham. They dominated the match from the start giving Camp Hill little time to settle
CH COACHING are again holding hockey courses for children after Christmas during the school holidays. Book now to ensure your place, costs are Stratford £26 for two days or Blockley £39 for three days. The courses will run at Blockley Sports and Social
A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter by careless driving following the death of a young woman. Hereford Police arrested the man following the crash in which a young woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash happened
ANIMAL lovers will not be able to resist the loveable furry friends looking for a happy 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
A talented young musician from the King's School Worcester has appeared on stage alongside one of the world's most celebrated flautists, Sir James Galway. Olivia Crowe, from Rous Lench, near Evesham, successfully auditioned for a place in the Flute Choir
A wildlife artist who moved to Africa has died after an attack by a buffalo. Simon Combes, 64, who lives in Kenya, was walking with his wife and a cheetah expert when the buffalo charged and gored him in the chest on Sunday in the Great Rift Valley. From
POLICE have named the victim of a late night car collision. Grzegorz Romanek, aged 30, died after his car crashed into a wall on Davies Road, Evesham, at about midnight on Monday. Mr Romanek, from St Margaret's Road, Evesham, was driving a blue Peugeot
Council urged to remove "no loading" sign SHOPS are facing closure unless a ban on loading in a Kidderminster street is lifted, a shopkeeper has warned. Vera Tomlinson, who runs Woolwise in Lower Mill Street, said the erection of a "no loading" sign around
MOBILE phone giants have launched a challenge to overturn a council decision which stopped four mobile phone masts going up in Wyre Forest. Vodafone and Hutchinson 3G are appealing to the Planning Inspectorate against the Wyre Forest District Council
WYRE Forest students were given an insight into the world of work when they tried their hands at a range of jobs and learned more about apprenticeships. The third annual apprenticeship taster day, held at Kidderminster Harriers' Aggborough football ground
MAY I through your columns express a few views on the traffic in Worcester Road. My wife and myself have lived in Worcester Road for the last 38 years and have seen a lot of changes some not for the better. I think it would be a good idea if the industrial
IT is difficult to find the words to describe the people responsible for vandalising the Lights of Love Christmas tree (and remain within the law). For most of us, it is almost impossible to imagine how such an act of pure vandalism could have happened
WE welcome London Irish to Sixways on Saturday for what promises to be a blockbusting encounter. The last time we had a Premiership team at home it was Wasps and what a night that was for everybody involved at Worcester. The hope here is that we can recreate
MOTHER Goose continues at The Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury until January 8. Contact the box office on 01684 295074 for more information.
WHEN the last of the turkey's gone and the decorations are coming down, there's plenty to brighten up the dull evenings of midwinter, thanks to Worcester's Huntingdon Arts team. Post panto season, it's back to business in January. At the Huntingdon Hall
THREE of Wyre Forest's leading sports clubs are walking in a winning wonderland this week after a festive upturn in fortunes. Kidderminster Harriers ended a run of eight successive defeats to beat Rochdale 2-1, a result which offers them fresh hope of
KIDDERMINSTER go into their last fixture of the year this weekend determined to make their Christmas wish come true. Chris Pocknell set his side a target of being in the top four by the time the winter break ticks around. They are currently fourth but
BEWDLEY Rowing Club members won 28 medals at Evesham Head of the River race - a fitting tribute for the late Ken Sollom, a club stalwart who died recently. The junior 18 coxed four of Rich Jackson, Alex Holden-Smith, Simon Barbour and Stewart Cherrington
UNISON Wyre Forest bowls section celebrated its 40th birthday and annual awards presentation earlier this month. Among those present was Bill Webb, one of the founder members who, at 87, still plays the odd game at White Wickets in the summer, and indoors
KIDDERMINSTER Chess Club Rooks recorded a 3.5-0.5 home victory over Headless Cross in Division Two of the Worcester and District League. Results (Kidderminster names first): Paul Thomas 1, R Sanders 0; Ken Durnell 0.5, M Hore 0.5; Bill Pugh 1, J Holmberg
KIDDERMINSTER Table Tennis League players fared well in the County Junior Championships. A Nutland won the Under-12s, with P Preece as runner-up, Chris Baldwin won the junior event, and teamed with his brother Alex to come runners-up in the Junior Doubles
EVESHAM United manager Dave Busst is looking for an early Christmas present from his players on Saturday - in the shape of three points, writes Mervyn Collins. Victory against Marlow will keep the Robins on top of the table ahead of a busy festive period
STAFF at Worcestershire County Council are celebrating after the authority was ranked as "excellent" for the first time. A provisional rating, released in August, put the authority at "good" - one below the top level. But inspectors from the Audit Commission
THE leader of the UK Independence Party is due to meet some would-be General Election candidates tomorrow. Roger Knapman will travel round party branches in Hereford, Ledbury and Leominster, to meet and greet party members and members of the public. UKIP
FIVE "heartless" distraction burglaries in Worcester, Malvern and Evesham have prompted police to send out an urgent security message to households. Thousands of pounds was stolen in total during the incidents, which included three in Worcester, on Friday
CARS were damaged during a disturbance in a Kidderminster street. Police were called to Park Street just before 10pm on Monday after reports a man in his 20s had suffered puncture wounds and three parked vehicles were being damaged. The man was not seriously
CIVIL War buffs may think they know all there is to know about the bloody clashes between the dashing Cavaliers and the Roundheads in and around Worcester. But 900 17th-Century pamphlets, found stashed away in a Home Office vault, are sure to shed more
A MARRIED man who mounted sex attacks on a schoolgirl up to 28 years ago has been jailed for six months at Worcester Crown Court. James Nightingale touched the victim's breasts and lay on top of her while exposing himself. He had been happily married
A BUNGLING Kidderminster house burglar left his name and address at a shop where he sold his stolen goods. Gavin Carey was arrested but raided another home after being granted bail, Worcester Crown Court heard. Carey, of Queen Street, Kidderminster, pleaded
WORCESTER City's stand-in goalkeeper James Coates ad-mits he is devastated after failing to earn a contract at Coca-Cola League Two club Boston United. The talented 19-year-old had been training with the Pilgrims and played five reserve games in a bid
MORE than 250 people were tested for contact with a range of drugs during a police blitz on a Kidderminster nightclub. Officers used drugs screening equipment at Redwoods between 9pm and 2am on December 3 and 4. Of the 258 people tested as part of the
Saturday Southern League Division One West: Evesham Utd v Marlow. Travel Factory Alliance Stratford Tn v Boldmere SM. Midland Combination Premier Division: Coventry Sphinx v Pershore Tn. Division One: Littleton v Kenilworth Tn. Division Three: Shipston
FURTHER to recent letters regarding the reduction of essential bus services on some routes - with all the anxiety this is causing - in complete contrast is the ridiculous over-increase of buses covering the Areley Kings area. The numbers have gone up
The annual meeting will be held at the club on Thursday, December 30. All members are asked to attend.
Littleton 0, Thimblemill 2 SATURDAY'S bad-tempered affair saw Littleton lose out to the resurgent visitors who have made 15 new signings over the past two weeks and now look a more than useful outfit. Littleton made the early running and almost took the
IN response to the letter criticising the outdoor market in Kidderminster and, in particular, my bookstall (December 9), I was somewhat taken aback by the vitriol reserved for my stock of books. I would agree with the generality that the market could
Peopleton U-8 0, Badsey Rgrs 5 IN AN even first half of a friendly contest, both teams played some good attacking football with Badsey opening the scoring in the last minute with a well taken goal from Stuart Davis. They continued to attack in the second
Badsey Rgrs U-15 13, Bourton Rvrs Yth 0 RANGERS began the defence of the League Cup in emphatic manner with a goal feast against their Cotswolds opponents. Shaun Read opened the floodgates after seven minutes and a carbon-copy made it 2-0 just a couple
Fur and Feather, Poole Hall, Abbey Pool: G Mansell 8-3, R Campbell 5-2.5, S Campbell 4-11, T Cooke 3-.5, K Green 1-12.
Evesham Utd Ladies 0, Droitwich Spa 3 SUNDAY'S Kidderminster Charity Cup game saw United unable to field a full-strength side due to illness and work commitments. Droitwich dominated the early proceedings and Mandy Upton in the home goal made a number
Fur and Feather, BAAA Staffordshire/Worcestershire Canal, bridges 26-27, Caunsall: R Price 9-1, P Wilson 7-10, Ralph Harris 4-7, M Weston 3-15.
THERE were congratulations all round when the mayor, Councillor Andrew Dyke, threw the switch to illuminate the Tree of Light in Evesham. "It all went extremely well," said Rotary spokesman Bob Major. "We had 2,300 people there last Thursday and the atmosphere
Fur and Feather: J Hodgetts 28-5, D Moule 25-6, S Farley 13-9. HETA Pool: M Carrick 16-8, K Moss 14-5, J Hodgetts 13-6.
THE captain of Evesham Cricket Club has been suspended from his post after being allegedly arrested in South Africa. Barry Clements, who has led the team for one season, was said to have been arrested at Johannesburg airport on Wednesday morning. Details
Fur and Feather, Haye Farm: Mark Edwards 38-12, Dave Parry 37-7-8, Rob Cox 31-7, Carl Carter 29-1.
CLEEVE Prior Heritage Trust claims that a plan to turn land next to the gypsy site in the village into a green space has the support of travelling families. Don Warren, chairman of the Trust, said an independent survey had revealed overwhelming backing
BEWDLEY Town dominated their home game with Wednesbury Town, running out 5-0 winners to continue their season's success. Manager Craig Payton expressed his surprise at the poor showing by the visitors, who are lying seventh in the league, and Bewdley
A CONTROVERSIAL housing development near Evesham town centre will be considered by Wychavon planners today. The proposal is to build six houses with garages on land off Princess Road. It would involve the demolition of a 1930's house called Greenavon,
Worcester City 0, Evesham Utd U-14 6 UNITED travelled to their local Midland Junior Premier League rivals on Saturday and put in an excellent all-round performance to move up to second in the table. The Robins soaked up early pressure before starting
KIDDERMINSTER schoolboy Jacques Bennett rubbed shoulders with his Aston Villa heroes when he was chosen to be their matchday mascot for their derby game with Birmingham City. But the Chaddesley Corbett First Endowed school pupil was unable to bring luck
CHADDESLEY Corbett hit a purple patch during their North Mids Two South clash with Clee Hill to run out 32-0 winners. Three tries inside a 10-minute second half spell confirmed their superiority with Greg Jordan, Andy Collet and Richard Billings crossing
DAVID Leatherdale is Worcestershire's new commercial manager. The County, who recently lost Tom Sears to Derbyshire, have replaced him with veteran New Road star Leather-dale. The 37-year-old all-rounder, who is still contracted as a one-day player for
WORCESTER City's stand-in goalkeeper James Coates ad-mits he is devastated after failing to earn a contract at Coca-Cola League Two club Boston United. The talented 19-year-old had been training with the Pilgrims and played five reserve games in a bid
A LARGE crowd cheered on boxers from the Droitwich Amateur Boxing Club at their home tournament at Stoke Prior Sports Club with Droitwich boxers winning six of their eight bouts. Middleweight Alex Strutt (22) left no-one in any doubt about his promise
WORCESTERSHIRE'S Tom McDonagh has won a coveted place to ride in the renowned Osborne Refrigerators Shetland Pony Grand National at the Olympia International Show Jumping Championships this week. They might have short legs and reach a height of no more
THIRTY-seven Midlands youngsters will be competing for places in next month's Divisional Rugby Festival when they take part in the Midlands 16-Group Schools trial at Solihull School on Sunday (1pm). They have been divided into teams 'A' and 'B' for a
ALAN Fletcher, better known as Dr Karl Kennedy from Neighbours is one of life's nice guys - yet he always plays villains in pantomimes. His role in this year's Malvern Theatres pantomime, Aladdin, is no exception, as he plays Abanazar, the evil magician
Frank Townsend was the December guest speaker, talking about "Cards and Christmas customs". His talk included a potted history of the Royal Mail. A visit was organised to Aston Hall "by candlelight" on December 10. The annual dinner will be held in Chaddesley
On Sunday, there will be two rides leaving from The Green, Blakebrook, Kidderminster at 9am. The A ride heads to Yeld for a picnic on the Brown Clee, while the B ride will visit the RAF museum at Cosford. All cyclists will be welcome and should take a
On Sunday, at 10.30am there will be an all-age service, with a children's nativity tableau formed by the younger children, while the teens group will take part in a Christmas sketch. At a carol service for adults and children at 4.30pm, there will be
Lickhill will join Areley Kings for a quiz/social evening on Friday, February 4, at 7pm.
At the December meeting, Mike and Pat Ledbury - Morning Dew - told of the goings on at a Victorian Musical Christmas, when all members of the family would do their "party pieces". The duo were dressed appropriately, and Mr Ledbury played the concertina
THE much-awaited Stratford District Artists Group Show is opening on December 20. A large range of pieces in all media by the district's wealth of artists is on show at The Gallery at Stratford Leisure Centre right through until February 6. The pieces
The Wyre Forest group's next walk will be at Abberley, with a Christmas meal at the Manor Arms Inn. The 3.5-mile walk will start at 10am. Telephone 01299 826941 or 01299 827883 for details.
ENJOY live jazz tonight with pianist Nick Gill and singer Cate Cody at The Crown and Trumpet in Broadway for its last monthly jazz evening of 2004. The jazz resumes on January 27 with the resident duo of Nick Gill and Thomas 'Spats' Langham.
F you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, then a concert this Saturday will really get you in the mood. The English Symphony Orchestra, with the award-winning Staffordshire Band, is putting together a White Christmas concert at Malvern Theatres.Tickets
The next field trip will take place in January. Anyone interested in wildlife, birdlife and conservation is always welcome to join indoor meetings or field trips. For more details, call 01562 67748.
The Kidderminster-based support group in aid of Animals Asia Foundation is selling home-made mince pies. Telephone Vivienne Jones on 01562 746539 for further details.
THE MAYOR of Bewdley has called for an end to a "stupid rumour" suggesting councillors want a clutch of businesses to leave the town. Tony Williams said gossip that Bewdley Town Council did not welcome certain traders was a threat to shopkeepers' confidence
Kenilworth Town 1 Fairfield Villa 2 IN-FORM Villa took a significant step towards safety in the Midland Combination Division One by doing the double over their relegation troubled Warwickshire rivals. Goals for Leon Mooney and Dean Kavanagh in the first
Earlsdon 6, Pershore 12pts PERSHORE managed to grind out an important league win without seven regular first team players. Their injury problems are now reaching crisis point but they showed a huge amount of character to win at Earlsdon who boasted an
Evesham II 26pts, Dixonians 5 DESPITE being heavily outweighed in the pack the Eve-sham forwards fought hard for procession allowing the backs to demonstrate the dynamic flare that has delivered 13 straight wins this season. The game was only minutes
Evesham and District Association THIS year's Fed-Up Open will take place on Tuesday, December 28 with the draw at 9am at the Ferry Cafe before fishing for five hours. The match is a qualifier for the 2005 Wychavon Championships at the annual Evesham Festival
A pensioner was conned into buying forged raffle tickets purporting to raise money for Pershore cottage hospital. The victim - in her eighties - handed over £2.50 for five tickets to Kathleen Skerratt who was accompanied by a girl, Worcester Crown Court
THE president of the Pershore Gentleman's Club John Cook died suddenly on the premises where he had been a member for 40 years. Mr Cook, of Whitcroft Road, Pershore, who had lived in the town since moving with his family when he was aged 11, was 76 when
I HOPE Will Scott is successful in drawing media attention to some of Worcester's ugly buildings because it's painfully obvious that our democratic institutions are largely powerless to defend us from architectural mediocrity and the over-arching power
Police traced four payments for internet pornography to a company whose bosses were jailed for over 1,000 years in America, a jury heard. The credit card transactions were made by John Huntley, who was arrested and his computers seized. One payment to
THE staff at Broadway's Swan Inn have been praised by an Evesham policeman who believes they may have prevented a theft after challenging a stranger who walked into their staff quarters. PC Paul Adams said the man walked through the staff entrance at
TEWKESBURY Abbey carol service is this Sunday, December 19 at 6pm. The abbey's Christingle service is at 4pm on December 24. Call 01684 850959 for details.
ENJOY a seasonal treat for a train buff at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway in Toddington when it stages a Christmas Diesel Day on December 27. It runs from 10am to 6pm. Call 01242 621405 for details.
FOR an art exhibition with a difference, visit the Spectrum III exhibition of light which is on at the Worcester City Art Gallery Museum in Foregate Street, Worcester, until January 15.
SHOAIB Akhtar pegged back Australia with four wickets for Pakistan in the opening Test match of the series in Perth. Worcestershire's new pace ace finished day one of the Test with figures of 4-89 off 20 overs in an enthralling clash down under. Australia
MARK Newton described BskyB's TV rights victory as "the best result for cricket". Worcestershire's chief executive was delighted with yesterday's announcement from the England and Wales Cricket Board that the satellite broadcaster had won exclusive rights
Bedworth Utd 0, Evesham Utd 0 A SORRY Saturday for the top sides in Southern League Division One West saw United extend their lead despite another disappointing display, writes Mervyn Collins. While the Common Road faithful might have been thinking that
THERE was more end of season success for teenage all-rounder Isobel Newman last weekend. Fresh from success at Worcester, the Vale youngster travelled to Wombourne for the Black Country Splash and Dash where she topped the junior standings. Not content
IT was "full house" in Stourport as two Brownie packs turned to bingo to help raise cash for Operation Covert. About 80 people turned out for an evening of the popular game at the Mid-Severn Scout Centre in Lickhill Road. The event, organised by the 5th
AN amateur historian from Cookley is appealing for help with a conundrum he has been unable to solve on his own. Roger Mathews was clearing out a distant relative's house in Chester Road, Kidderminster, around a year ago, when he came across what looked
THE importance of helping young people achieve their potential has stayed with a former Kidderminster Scout who has made a contribution to our appeal. Teacher, Nigel Balchin, who now lives and works in Reading, said he was pleased to help Operation Covert
A KIDDERMINSTER girl's festive drawing of a robin has won an award in a national art competition. Laura Dredge, 11, from Comberton Middle School, was the regional winner for the West Midlands in Supply Desk's Christmas Art and Design Competition 2004.
A CONTRACT catering company is looking to dish up at least £2,000 to help autistic children at a Kidderminster school with a sell-out charity ball. Valerie Hayes, who runs Carousel Catering, is organising the "black tie" evening at Areley Kings Hall,
THERE'S been success for both senior and junior members of Pershore Kick Boxing Club. Star of the show in Coventry was Terry Ludlow who won all his three bouts by out-pointing his opponent on each visit to the ring. The bravest effort came from Gavin
A NEW edition of a Wyre Forest tourism guide will be available next month. The Wyre Forest Holiday Guide 2004, produced by Wyre Forest District Council, proved popular and a new guide for 2005 is currently being designed. The guide includes details of
A QUESTION mark is hanging over the future of Bidford's old school house amid fears it could be demolished. A number of residents have expressed their concerns to the parish council about the former Bidford-on-Avon Primary school house on the old school
Evesham and District League A CRIB drive in aid of league finds will take place at the Hospital Club on Monday night. There's an entry fee of £2 per pair with a top prize of £20 to the winners of an event that gets under way 8.15pm. Results - Division
THERE'S an Open Pairs darts competition at Hampton WMC on Wednesday, Decem-ber 29. The entry fee is £5 per pair with the action set to start at 7.45pm when there will also be a separate event for the ladies if there is sufficient interest. Book in for
Evesham and District Airgun League THREE points separate the top five teams but it's the Lygon Arms and Offenham RBL who lead the way with 12 points. The former overcame Stanton Club, who drop down to fifth, by nine points with Ian Harwood scoring 48
QUAKERS have donated £300 towards efforts to clear landmines and help survivors whose lives have been devastated by the deadly devices. The cash was raised at a dinner in Stourport for the charity Adopt-A-Minefield.
WITH a flash and a bang and the appearance of Liz Grand as the Fairy Godmother, Cinderella at the Swan Theatre, Worcester, was away with a rhyme. This panto had everything children love to see. The ugly sisters, Trinny and Susannah, played by Paul Tate
MORE than 300 tablets that can be dangerous if taken by people who have not been prescribed them have gone missing in Kidderminster town centre. Among the pills lost last Thursday were 224 darbamzaphene 100mg tablets, prescribed for epilepsy, and 56 felodipine
THE police force covering Wyre Forest has retained an award given for excellence in public service. West Mercia Constabulary has been re-accredited with the national Charter Mark, a Government initiative intended to raise service levels to local communities
A SINGING postman from Kidderminster with stars in his eyes is hoping his newly released CD will find its way into stockings and sacks across Wyre Forest this Christmas. Swing and Smooch is former Stars in Their Eyes contestant, Darren Richards's third
DVD 1 I, Robot (12) 2 King Arthur (12) 3 13 Going On 30 (12) 4 Two Brothers (U) 5 Stepford Wives (15) 6 Spider-man 2 (PG) 7 Garfield (U) 8 They Are Among Us (15) 9 Sniper 3 (15) 10 LD50 (15) VHS 1 I, Robot (12) 2 13 Going On 39 (12) 3 King Arthur (12)
OUR men's choir's annual seasonal concert was well up to its usual standard, with lots of Christmassy songs, plenty of audience participation, and excellent guest artistes. The choir sang many of the popular carols, including an unusual arrangement of
MOTOR sport fans looking for a dose of high-octane adrenaline to kickstart the 2005 season should head to the Live Action Arena at Autosport International at the NEC between January 13 and 16. The one-hour extravaganza, in association with Fulda Tyres
THERE'S been success for both senior and junior members of Pershore Kick Boxing Club. Star of the show in Coventry was Terry Ludlow who won all his three bouts by out-pointing his opponent on each visit to the ring. The bravest effort came from Gavin
Evesham and District Airgun League THREE points separate the top five teams but it's the Lygon Arms and Offenham RBL who lead the way with 12 points. The former overcame Stanton Club, who drop down to fifth, by nine points with Ian Harwood scoring 48
EMPLOYERS in Worcestershire can now benefit from a new guide on how to run their firms. The Learning and Skills Council Herefordshire and Worcestershire yesterday published Skills: Transforming Business, in partnership with the employers' organisation
A WORCESTERSHIRE company is taking on 20 new staff thanks to the popularity of the product. Flushed with success from the recent Garden & Leisure show at the NEC, landscape and gardening timber specialist, M&M Timber is gearing up to capitalise
POPULAR folk supremo Johnny Coppin has a couple of seasonal shows lined up. Tonight, at Cheltenham Town Hall, and next week at the Huntingdon Hall in Worcester, the top singer/songwriter is following on the success of his last West Country Christmas album
FIREFIGHTERS from Bidford, Alcester and Stratford attended a fire at a Grade II listed building in Broom on Saturday, December 3. After a phone call at 9.32pm, the crew arrived to find the porch of Holly Cottage, Kings Lane, on fire with flames spreading
WE were enjoying our round of Golf at Broadway Golf Club two weeks ago, when the tranquillity of the morning was shattered by the now familiar sound, first of police and ambulance sirens followed by the drone of the air ambulance, attending yet another
I AM writing further to Peter Luff's comment in the Journal that the government's hunting bill is part to a class war. While this debate will no doubt continue to run, one thing that is clear is that the government has now delivered on one of its 1997
Usually, crows are not very highly regarded birds. This is probably due to their relative abundance and their habit of savaging scraps and refuse, often in a very aggressive way as they squabble and fight amongst themselves. You may find it quite surprising
Pershore 5, Atherstone Adders 1 PERSHORE signed off for Christmas with a resounding victory that had looked highly unlikely in the first half. Despite dominance both in territory and possession, the hosts were unable to find the required composure in
PLANS to reopen the Droitwich lido have received a big boost with the backing of the town council. Local Labour, Liberal Democrat and Independent councillors voted unanimously in favour of the proposals put forward by the campaign group Save A Lido Today
THE Government's handling of life and death legislation has been condemned as "lamentable" by Wyre Forest MP Richard Taylor. Dr Taylor confronted Tony Blair over the chaotic scenes, which accompanied the debate on the Mental Capacity Bill earlier this
POLICE are investigating the burglary of a bungalow in Ledbury. Thieves forced a rear ground floor window, made a quick search of drawers and cupboards, and stole a small amount of cash at the address in Bridge Street, last Friday, between 4pm and 5pm
MEETING: The Friends of Gheluvelt Park is holding its quarterly meeting on Friday, December 17, at the Pump House Environment Centre, off Pope Iron Road, in Worcester. Anyone wishing to attend and become a member of the voluntary organisation, which has
SICK, disabled and disadvantaged youngsters were given some early festive cheer when they travelled on a unique Santa Special steam train. Around 200 youngsters yesterday journeyed on the famous Severn Valley Railway - a trip organised by The Variety
TONIGHT: Kidderminster: Seven Stars - The Lightness. Hartlebury: Castle - Kidderminster Male Choir. Bewdley: The Talbot - The Starving Rascals. Birmingham: Marriott Hotel - Lupa. NEC Arena - Manic Street Preachers. Symphony Hall - Carols by Candlelight
A FATHER claims a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Lapland turned into "total chaos" and has spoilt Christmas for his two young children. Kidderminster eight-year-old, Jake Brooks, and his five-year-old sister, Lucy, waited for around an hour-and-a-half in
A STOURPORT councillor has described moves to put a drug users' needle disposal bin "just yards" away from a children's play area as "hugely unfortunate". Councillor Jamie Shaw said he had "grave concerns" about the proposed siting of the bin - one of
LEADING Tory, John Redwood, visited Kidderminster's largest carpet manufacturer as part of the Conservatives' war on "red tape". The Shadow Secretary of State for Deregulation - who famously challenged John Major for leadership of the party in 1995 -
COUNCILLORS fear Stourport faces gridlock following news that a bid for £500,000 for a medium-term solution to the town's traffic problems is dead in the water. Leading Stourport councillor, John Gordon, has described as "a major catastrophe" for the
TAXI drivers in Wyre Forest have received a boost in their fight against an unlimited number of licences being issued in the district after councillors commissioned an independent study on the issue. Anxious cabbies turned out in force to a meeting of
TRADERS are celebrating the relocation of Kidderminster's outdoor market in the heart of the town and hope to see it expand. Fruit and vegetable stallholder, Michelle Simmons, says she and other traders have been congratulated by customers and shopkeepers
A DEVELOPER has won an appeal to build homes next to a Bewdley pub, bringing to an end more than 18 months of wrangling over the site. The Planning Inspectorate has overturned a council decision not to allow bungalows and apartments to be built next to
A HARTLEBURY horse dentist has found that her skills are not only in great demand throughout this country but also in Europe. Philippa Walker, 28, a keen eventing competitor and equine dental technician, recently returned from Portugal after a former
AS they mark the anniversary of their beloved daughter's death this weekend, Kerry Jackson's parents have found a way of ensuring her memory lives on. Kerry touched the hearts of Shuttle/Times and News readers when an appeal was launched last year for
IT was "full house" in Stourport as two Brownie packs turned to bingo to help raise cash for Operation Covert. About 80 people turned out for an evening of the popular game at the Mid-Severn Scout Centre in Lickhill Road. The event, organised by the 5th
OWNERS of a Chaddesley Corbett hotel will take more than a passing interest in the fortunes of a racehorse - as it has been named after them. When members of a horse-owning syndicate descended on Brockencote Hall for breakfast, they were still stumped
VOLUNTARY HELP CENTRE LUNCH CLUBS: The first of the Christmas lunches was held at the Westwood Centre, Northleach, on December 1 when a traditional Christmas lunch was served. Guests arrived to be greeted with a glass of sherry followed by Christmas lunch
THE cost of housing has undermined the structure of the countryside, a place of work as well as pleasure. So much so that family farms which provide the chocolate box image of the countryside that every one likes can no longer exist. Part of the problem
A DIP into the classics for children is on offer as an exciting shopping antidote in Stratford on Saturday. Bullseye - the Adventures of Theseus is the last production in the Plays in the Attic season at Cox's Yard where professional children's theatre
TWO very different Christmas shows are being staged at The Everyman - depicting both white and black sides of the festive season. First up at The Other Space, while panto fans enjoy Sleeping Beauty in the main theatre, is The Night Before Christmas. But
COCA COLA LEAGUE TWO P W D L F A P Scunthorpe 21 13 5 3 37 19 44 Yeovil 21 11 4 6 38 28 37 Swansea 21 11 3 7 21 18 36 Macclesfld 21 10 4 7 25 22 34 Darlington 21 9 6 6 27 18 33 Southend 21 9 5 7 32 30 32 Leyton Ori 21 8 8 5 31 29 32 Lincoln Cy 21 8 7
STOURPORT finished the first half of the season on a high with a 2-1 win at Brooklands which lifts them off the bottom of the National Hockey Premier One League. The result, their third win in four games, gives them a much brighter outlook going into
CHADDESLEY go into the mid season break in buoyant mood despite concluding the first half of the season with a 6-1 defeat at leaders West Bromwich. The table-toppers proved too strong for Corbett and Oliver Owen Smith's consolation was the visitors' only
STOURPORT oarsman Lewis Beech has rowed his way into Great Britain's elite squad for a training camp in Switzerland. The 16-year-old Stourport High student has been in the Swiss region of Sarnen with his national team-mates this week. Beech has been rowing
STOURPORT High School pupil, Stephanie Hill's, design for a money collection box for water has earned her a place in the final of a competition run by Severn Trent. The 15-year-old won £150 for the school as well as £20 for herself after making a prototype
STOURPORT Boat Club's junior squad stole the show at Walton Small Boats Head of the River to bring up the club's 50th victory of the season. With an entry of over 650 crews, Walton has traditionally been an event which regularly attracts national and
IT was a game of two halves when the top two of the Gilt Edge Short Mat Bowling League met midway through the season. Leaders Invincibles lost the first half 11-4 to second place Telly Tubbies but recovered to win the second half 6-5 thanks to good bowling
SPORTSMAN A have won the Sunday Darts League, but there has to be play off for second place between Golden Lion and Horsefair Six. The teams will battle it out at their Sportsman headquarters, on Sunday, January 9, starting at 1pm. Cup: winners Park Inn
A CONTROVERSIAL strike six minutes into injury time cost Stourport all three points from their trip to the West Country as they drew 2-2 with Taunton Town. The furious Swifts players were left seething after the home side snatched a point from a game
VANDALS have trashed a charity Christmas tree, adorned with lights grieving friends and relatives had dedicated to the memory of their loved ones. They cut the wires and removed and smashed the light bulbs of the St Richard's Hospice Lights of Love Christmas
FIREFIGHTERS had to cut a casualty from the wreckage of a two-car crash on a country road yesterday. The smash happened in the evening on the B4204 Worcester to Martley road in a dip on a damp road, just outside the village at Castle Hill. Two ambulances
A SHAKE-UP of the Army infantry which threatens the future of the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters is due to be announced later today. After months of concern since defence secretary Geoff Hoon announced four of the 40 infantry battalions had to
RESIDENTS on a Droitwich estate are campaigning for safety measures on a "death trap" road. People living on the Westlands have called for a crossing on the main island outside the estate, which leads to the industrial park and to the main town centre
WORCESTER and Hereford Cathedrals, along with the 40 other Cathedrals in England, drew nearly nine million visitors in 2003 - two million more than visited Blackpool Pleasure Beach and five million more than went on the London Eye. This is just one of
A MISSING man who sparked a police search amid fears for his safety may be alive and well and living in Cardiff, say detectives. Police are searching the Welsh capital for Einstein Ellis (right) who turned up for work at Ottakars bookshop, in The Shambles
Grim reading, but they're ironing out the weaknesses UPBEAT leaders at Worcester City Council are confident the authority will improve after it was rated as "fair" - despite the concerns of Government inspectors. A report into services found the public
THREE more couples have contacted the Evening News to say their wedding plans are in disarray after city councillors refused to allow a hotel to retain its popular reception venue. We revealed on Saturday that the Diglis House Hotel's riverside marquee
STAFF at a special babies unit at Worcestershire Royal Hospital have urged more kind-hearted county residents to dig deep and raise cash to buy vital equipment. The Evening News launched its Tiny Tots Appeal two weeks ago in a bid to raise thousands of
MUSIC groups from Worcestershire performed to a full house at a concert organised to raise cash for a hospice for people with life-threatening illnesses. Close harmony vocal quartet, Razz-ma-Tazz and string musicians Selina Bella Strings, provided the
THOUSANDS of homes were left without electricity this morning as a result of a fault at Tunnel Hill sub station in Worcester. Around 2,774 homes in Tunnel Hill and Ronkswood were left without light and power. The power cut struck at 7.14am said spokeswoman
A POPULAR city wrestler lost to one of his main rivals during a televised championship bout - but this was about oven rings, not wrestling rings. John Stallard - better known in Worcester as "Jonny the Body" - took on fellow grappler Matthew "Mad Dog"
STUART Watkiss has continued his Kidderminster Harriers revolution by snapping up former Aggborough loan striker Gary Birch following his release from Walsall. The signing is a coup for Harriers who beat off competition from more than half a dozen clubs
WHEN Stuart Watkiss arrived he promised to get Kidderminster Harriers playing in his own image. And if Saturday's honest, hardworking and, ultimately, winning performance is anything to go by, he is hell-bent on keeping his word. Given the eight-game
MOORLANDS Farm-based angler Dave Highfield won the Wednesday Open from peg eight on the Bank Pool, with a catch of 64lb 13oz. Wednesday open, Bank, 15 fished: Highfield (Moorlands) 64-13 (8), Gary Kirkham (Droitwich Angling) 61-1 (6), Mal Watson (Daiwa
WYRE Forest shoppers have been called on to be "wise men and women" to protect their festive purchases. "Members of the law-abiding public bearing gifts are a welcome seasonal sight for criminals," said Kidderminster crime risk manager, PC Ian White.
Wednesday Open, River Severn, 38 pegs: Dave Harrell (Match Fish-ing) 26-14 (24) , Brian Bennett (Eves-ham) 25-13 (72), Jeff Perrin (Shake-speare) 25-0 (54), D Kirk 20-3 (7). Harrell used waggler and maggots on the shallows for his roach and chub catch
Round One: Brian Dickinson 14-14, Ian Tetsall 8-14, Stan James 8-7, Brian Hill 8-5, Mick Scott 6-0. Round Two will be held at Woodlands View on Wednesday, draw 9am, fishing 10am- 3pm.
Bedworth Utd 0, Evesham Utd 0 A SORRY Saturday for the top sides in Southern League Division One West saw United extend their lead despite another disappointing display, writes Mervyn Collins. While the Common Road faithful might have been thinking that
EVESHAM United manager Dave Busst is looking for an early Christmas present from his players on Saturday - in the shape of three points, writes Mervyn Collins. Victory against Marlow will keep the Robins on top of the table ahead of a busy festive period
SO George Lord claims that the three-tier system of education is tired and need regenerating (Letters, December 9). This will be of surprise to not only all the successful schools in Wyre Forest, but to the rest of the county still on the three-tier system
A GOAL from Stuart Boyd could prove a crucial strike as Ilmington Revolution stayed firmly in the race for the Journal Premier Division crown in the Stratford Alliance. Boyd's winner at Henley Forest leaves the table toppers level on points with Halfords
Fur and Feather, Canal: G Owen 1-14, T Wills 1-10, M Sztybel 1-6. Wrens Pools: K Woodhead 21-10, D Davis 17-4, P Knowles 12.1.
FOURTH division Eckington upset the formbook in the Evesham Mechanical Services Subsidiary Cup when they defeated Shipston Excelsior. The second division visitors led at the break with goals from Wright and Lowe with Warren pulling one back for the home
I HAVE read the reported comments of Councillor Stephen Clee relating to the proposed siting of a skateboard park in Shaw Hedge Road, Bewdley. Only a person completely out of touch with the needs of the wider community in the vicinity of the park would
WOULD someone mind telling me what our Health Concern county councillors are doing dancing to the Labour tune at county council? While I am not surprised to see that Labour are trying to make political mileage out of the two tier/three tier education
EVESHAM'S first sex shop has been heavily criticised by a Vale vicar, despite the venture being endorsed by the town mayor. Reverend Edward Pillar of Evesham Baptist Church fears the new Port Street store, called Adam and Eve, will simply 'feed a sordid
COUNTY Council officers have been slammed as "mean spirited" after taking down a banner promoting the Christmas pantomime in Evesham. Keith Norledge, producer of "Mother Goose" at the Phoenix Theatre claims the authority is making a right pantomime over
I AM writing to relate my recent experience of a visit to your town, and to explain why I would be reluctant to return. We had heard that Kidderminster had benefited from recent developments, and decided to come over to do some shopping and see for ourselves
A CONTROVERSIAL strike six minutes into injury time cost Stourport all three points from their trip to the West Country as they drew 2-2 with Taunton Town. The furious Swifts players were left seething after the home side snatched a point from a game
TRADERS in Evesham and Pershore have been dealt a bitter blow with the rejection of a bid for Government funding for traffic schemes. Council chiefs have warned that the refusal will hit business in the two towns. "The town centre trade is going to suffer
THE results of the crime survey, published in the November 18 issue of the Shuttle/Times and News, made both interesting and disturbing reading. The crime of assault against the person has risen in our area by a staggering 36.8 per cent in the space of
AN initiative to reduce the inconvenience of heavy lorries without damaging the economy in the Vale of Evesham is being led by Wychavon planners. This follows a series of cases in which villagers have expressed concern about the nuisance and dangers from
CHADDESLEY Corbett gave three silly goals away to Cradley Town Reserves in a hapless 25-minute spell, and eventually were beaten 3-2. Cradley were well organised and deserved their victory, though in the first third of the match they had little opposition
Southside Cubs 4, Evesham Utd U-12 4 DEAN Lee snatched an injury-time equaliser after United had trailed three times in a topsy-turvy contest. Olly Davies made it 1-1 after Southside's early opener and Karl Myers then gave Evesham the lead. Cubs took
KIDDERMINSTER AND DISTRICT LEAGUE Saturday results Premier: George & Dragon Colts 10, Kings Heath Old Boys 2; Kinver 3, Quarry Bank 3; Parkdale Rovers 1, Furnace Sports 1. Division One: Dudley Wood Athletic 4, Clee Hill United 1; Tenbury United 7,
KIDDERMINSTER Carolians enjoyed some much needed Christmas cheer by showing plenty of spirit to end their five game losing run with a vital victory at Wednesbury. The 16-11 win at Wednesbury puts KCs back in touch with their relegation rivals at the foot
KIDDERMINSTER Carolians under-15s recorded a comfortable 33-5 victory over Birmingham/Solihull . Bill Bennett scored three tries with Joe Johnstone crossing the line twice. There were also four conversions. There was a 31-7 defeat for the under-12s against
JAMES Brown has been handed the task of ending London Irish's cup dreams -- two years after sharing in their glory. The Sixways fly-half takes his place in Worcester's side for Saturday's Powergen Cup sixth round clash with the Exiles following a neck
MARK Newton described BskyB's TV rights victory as "the best result for cricket". Worcestershire's chief executive was delighted with yesterday's announcement from the England and Wales Cricket Board that the satellite broadcaster had won exclusive rights
SHOAIB Akhtar pegged back Australia with four wickets for Pakistan in the opening Test match of the series in Perth. Worcestershire's new pace ace finished day one of the Test with figures of 4-89 off 20 overs in an enthralling clash down under. Australia
There were 18 members at the pre-Christmas lunch on December 6. The last meeting of the year is the Christmas party in the village hall on Monday from 2pm until 4pm. There will be quizzes and games, and members are asked to take a wrapped Christmas present
A Mitchel movement was played at The Lion Inn, Cleobury Mortimer, on November 30. The north-south winners were Philip Morgan and Wendy Duly with 58 per cent, while Terry Lacey and Doreen Round came second with 54.5 per cent. East-west winners were John
The next meeting at St Cecilia's Church hall will be on Tuesday, January 14, starting at 7.30pm, when Olive Broadfield will give an illustrated talk about her holiday in Australia and New Zealand.
The Christmas party was the final event of the year, when a short musical entertainment was followed by an American supper. Recorded music and seasonal readings were presented by members. Terry Wilkinson chose to play songs performed by Kathleen Ferrier
TRADERS and villagers are up in arms after hearing of plans to tarmac broken paving slabs on Broadway's High Street to comply with health and safety regulations. More than 100 locals and 40 traders have signed petitions fearing that the plans could ruin
The December meeting featured a murder, party time and carols. Members from Areley Kings performed a playlet "Castle Dangerous", written by Andrew Wehner, and members had to solve the crime. Members questioned the characters, and made their choices. Mr
The group meets every month in Worcester, Malvern, Kidderminster and Evesham. On Monday, there will be a meeting at a member's house at Evesham, from 2pm until 3.30pm - telephone 01386 41680 for directions. All people with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME
A ceilidh was organised by the children's committee on Universal Children's Day, November 20, in Areley Kings village hall. There were around 80 people, of varying ages, dancing away the evening to the Golden Lion Ceilidh Band. The proceeds will be shared
Wyre Forest branch members welcomed Tony Hamblin to the November meeting. He showed examples of his photography of the many birds in and around the county. The final indoor meeting of the year will take place tonight in the King Charles Room at Kidderminster
On Tuesday, the pub night will be at The Talbot, Chaddesley Corbett, and on Tuesday, December 28, members will meet at The Briars, Kidderminster. The first pub night of the New Year will be at The Queen's Head, Wolverley, on January 4.
A CANDLELIT evening of medieval carols in a Cotswold church is just the thing to lift the Christmas spirits. This Saturday, Opus Anglicanum is visiting Blockley for one of its annual Christmas concerts, which it has been delighting audiences with for
HELPFUL Scouts have embarked on their annual quest to raise vital cash and ease the yuletide burden of supermarket shopping. Children from 14 Kidderminster Scout groups will pack bags at Sainsbury's and Morrisons between now and Christmas Eve. It is hoped
KITE'S Nest Farm at Broadway has long been the showpiece of organic farming - Prince Charles visited there to pick up tips before converting his Highgrove House to natural ways of farming. Rosamund Young, who runs the farm in Snowshill Road with her brother
Local History Society: Hoo Mill - A Brief History was the subject of a talk presented by Terry Carter to a packed Greig Centre. The society's committee member explained how the local landmark has a wealth of history, being recorded in the Domesday Book
JAMES Brown has been handed the task of ending London Irish's cup dreams -- two years after sharing in their glory. The Sixways fly-half takes his place in Worcester's side for Saturday's Powergen Cup sixth round clash with the Exiles following a neck
HEALTH chiefs have issued advice about what Wyre Forest residents should do if they face medical problems over the festive period. In the case of severe or serious accidents, 999 should be dialled immediately, as normal. For access to a GP out of hours
AS the title may suggest Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude is not the most politically correct of games. Last week readers may recall Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, an equally controversial title but a much better game overall. The main problem with
THE new acting chief executive of a Wyre Forest health trust will share his job with another trust covering Redditch and Bromsgrove, it has been confirmed. As reported in the Shuttle/Times and News on December 2, Eamonn Kelly was poised to share his post
LAST Thursday I attended the prize-giving at Baxter College. I wished for a glimpse of the school after all the changes that have occurred. I hoped that dramatic improvements would be visible as letters from parents disappointed at the prospect of their
CHRISTMAS is traditionally a time of giving, especially when it comes to children. But, according to a new survey, 47 per cent of children worry that their parents go over the top when it comes to buying gifts. Instead, they would prefer to have some
MIDLANDS rugby clubs and schools are being asked to answer an SOS appeal for unwanted kit to help some of the world's emerging rugby countries. The SOS IRB Kit Aid project is authorised by the International Rugby Board to collect and distribute unwanted
Evesham 12pts, Keresley 17 EVESHAM went into Saturday's league game looking for a return to winning ways after two defeats but they found their opponents in resilient mood. The Avon Street outfit started the stronger and scored an excellent early try
Yardley & District 14, Evesham U-11/12 46pts EVESHAM travelled to Birmingham on a cold morning with a mixed squad of 11 and 12-year-olds and they weren't going to let the conditions, journey or opposition faze them. Right from the first whistle they
Evesham U-13 Yth 5, Yardley & District 22pts YARDLEY were short of Under-13 players and had arrived with a team of mainly older youngsters. The hosts, captained by James Ingleby, started the game with a full squad of match age players who were overwhelmed
FURTHER to George Cowley's recent encounter with the Community Housing Office (You Say, Thursday, December 2), I wonder if I may offer him a piece of advice. If Mr Cowley really believes that he did not play his Joe Loss' record excessively high - and
TRADERS in Evesham and Pershore have been dealt a bitter blow with the rejection of a bid for Government funding for traffic schemes. Council chiefs have warned that the refusal will hit business in the two towns. "The town centre trade is going to suffer
I'M delighted to learn, from Mike Pryce's interview (Evening News, Saturday, December 4) that our current Bishop has a robust sense of humour. GEORGE COWLEY, Worcester.
NEWS of forthcoming celebrations of the anniversary of VE Day reminds me there was little in the way of celebrations as I remember them. In the Far East, the war seemed likely to continue for years to come. Not surprisingly there was resentment at radio
A PERSHORE nursery is bidding to overturn a decision by planners not to allow them to put up a building for growing crops. Wayside Nurseries is warning that the refusal could put jobs at risk and is lodging an appeal. The company, in New Road, Elmley
OVER the past year, every article I have read concerning the Worcestershire Royal Hospital seems to have nothing good to say. Therefore I feel I simply have to write to readdress the balance. Our 16-year-old daughter recently spent 16 days in the Critical
AN anaesthetist's assistant who received a £2,400 horse trailer which had been stolen from a Pershore woman has escaped going to jail. Instead Lorraine Pegler was given a 12-month prison sentence suspended for two years, and was also fined £1,000 and
SON et Lumiere is returning to Worcester Cathedral this Friday and Saturday, December at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from Cathedral Gift Shop 01905 21004, the TIC, Guildhall, 01905 726311 at £14 (£10 child under 16) reserved, £10 (£8 child under 16)
THE strange Yellow Hat Tribe is out again in the Cotswolds and brightening the wintertime with a colourful exhibition. Cotswold artist Irene George is the hand behind the Yellow Hat Tribe - a world of mysterious desert dwellers. The show is running until
DAVID Leatherdale is Worcestershire's new commercial manager. The County, who recently lost Tom Sears to Derbyshire, have replaced him with veteran New Road star Leather-dale. The 37-year-old all-rounder, who is still contracted as a one-day player for
THE death of a motorist whose blue Peugeot 306 collided with a wall in Evesham has prompted calls for the removal of the road's traffic calming scheme. The dead man, 30-year-old Grzegorz Romanek of St Margaret's Road, Evesham, suffered multiple injuries
Old Wulfrunians 2, Evesham 5 AN OUTSTANDING opening 20 minutes during which Evesham scored three times settled Satur-day's final league match before Christmas to move Evesham within distance of the top three. Skipper Martin Husbands said: "This was a
A CCTV scheme for Kidderminster has again been delayed and will not be up and running until 2005. Technical and legal problems have meant the £130,000 scheme will not go live this year, even though it was agreed in March. The Wyre Forest District Council
A CINEMA plan for Kidderminster will now include three screens, instead of four. Plans for the cinema, at a former shoe warehouse in Green Street, have been re-designed and will not be considered by councillors in December, as had been expected. Kidderminster
It took little more than a week for the 850 seats to be snapped up for the Betfred.Com Premier League Snooker tournament featuring world number one Ronnie O'Sullivan on Thursday, February 10. Jimmy White, Paul Hunter and Marco Fu will also be showing
EXCLUDED pupils brushed up their culinary skills by making cakes for a table top sale in aid of our appeal. Youngsters from the Pupil Referral, Unit in Bewdley Road, Kidderminster, baked more than 80 cakes for Saturday's sale, which raised £130. The sale
BLOOD donors are being asked to attend Christmas Eve sessions before they begin celebrating. Kidderminster's Trinity Methodist Church will host the sessions between 9.30am and 12.30pm and from 2pm until 3.45pm on Friday, December 24.
LICENSEES of pubs and clubs across Wyre Forest are being warned by police not to serve people who are drunk, in a bid to cut alcohol-fuelled trouble this Christmas. West Mercia Constabulary officers have teamed up with the district's licensing officers
GENEROUS parents showed they were no Scrooges by pledging cash to Operation Covert at a school's retelling of the classic Christmas tale. A collection at Wolverley Sebright First School's production of Scrooge, based on Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol
A DAMPER has been put on Christmas for a Kidderminster family whose dog disappeared in the same week as a £1,500 trailer was stolen from their home. The owner, who does not wish to be named, said the disappearance of her 11-month-old lurcher, called Ruby
A TALE of bullying has won a Kidderminster schoolgirl a top poetry prize. Amy Jordan's poem Stuck In A World You Can't Escape came first in the 2004 Open Poetry Competition for Schools. The St John's Middle School pupil wrote a poem which told the story
