Archive

  • Alcester & District Local History Society

    A FASCINATING tour of Welford-on-Avon was the itinerary for this year's evening visit. Ray Castle, secretary of Welford and Weston Local History Society, hosted the enjoyable event for the 70-strong audience. With the aid of an information pack created

  • Rovers manager puts his faith in new goalkeeper

    BROMSGROVE Rovers manager Jimmy Mullen believes that goalkeeper Lee Evans is only going to get better. Evans, who joined from Bedworth United, has shown signs why was he was named best 'keeper in the Southern League Division One West last season. However

  • Barnt Green batsman dashes back for big game

    RICHARD Wilkinson is set to be back in time for Barnt Green CC's re-arranged Cockspur National Knockout Cup quarterfinal at home to Widnes on Sunday, July 31. The batsman is set to make a last minute dash on his return from a family holiday for the game

  • Sisters point way to victory

    Blockley Ladies 7, Droitwich 2 EXCITING play from the midfield and forwards saw the Drinkwater sisters score six of Blockley's seven goals in the latest Bretforton Summer League match at Evesham High School. The first from a Sally Holmes cross was pushed

  • Pistoleros to rock town

    A 'FLAMENCO Latin Rock' band with members hailing from Bromsgrove are set for a homecoming gig before they embark on an international tour on the back of re-recording their latest album. Gypsy Pistoleros have also signed a new record deal with Evil Boy

  • SAMANTHA EXTERMINATES THE COMPETITION

    CREATIVE Samantha Wilkins exterminated the competition when it came to designing a dalek. Along with other youngsters, the eight-year-old from Droitwich's Westlands First School dressed up as one of the notorious Dr Who baddies and her winning entry was

  • Singing star heads for hall date

    THE National Symphony Orchestra has announced its programme for next month's evening of music with Katherine Jenkins at Ragley Hall, Alcester. While Katherine will be performing tracks from her two highly successful number-one chart albums on August 14

  • Leading the Spitfire proms

    INTERNATIONALLY-renowned conductor Jae Alexander will be performing at Weston Park in Staffordshire on Saturday. Alexander will lead the English National Orchestra at the Spitfire Proms through a host of classic tunes and favourites. The conductor has

  • A musical way to pull in pounds

    BUDDING performers in Worcester will be encouraged try a singing experience with a difference this weekend in a bid to raise cash for charity. Birmingham-based deaf awareness charity Music in Motion will be singing along to recorded songs in the city's

  • St John cadets are simply the best

    CADETS from St John Ambulance in Malvern have won top honours. They have received Grand Prior Award certificates, which are given to those who attain proficiency in 12 subjects, including first aid, map reading, management skills, care and the history

  • 27/7/05 - Kerr has call from Gravesend

    EX-Worcester City 'keeper Aaron Kerr is set to join Conference side Gravesend and Northfleet after being offered a contract. The 22-year-old Ulsterman joined City on a game-by-game basis last season to deputise for the injured Danny McDonnell. Kerr made

  • When east met west

    By Anne Tugwell ALCESTER Grammar School's bid for international status continued last week with a visit from a Russian university student. Natali Gafarova, 18, befriended headteacher Iain Blaikie during his trip to Siberia last year and accepted his invitation

  • Music festival set to raise funds for big quarry fight

    BIDFORD is gearing up for a major music event which, it is hoped, will raise thousands of pounds to fund the fight against a proposed sand and gravel pit on the edge of the village. Members of Bidford-on-Avon Residents Group (BARG) and other volunteers

  • Opposition to new town estate

    ALCESTER Town Council is to object to proposals to build more than 50 homes on a former factory site in Bleachfield Street. The planning application, by Laing Homes, provoked complaints from resident before it was submitted to Stratford District Council

  • Hospice is born

    The first turf is due to be dug today for the new £5.25m St Richard's Hospice. Campaigners, guests, patients and volunteers are set to gather at the site at Wildwood Way, near County Hall, to celebrate the event which follows years of planning, consultation

  • Where to go

    Wednesday July 27 Film: Duma, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, 1pm. Thursday July 28 Film: Millions, Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove, 7.45pm. Event: Clown Kevin, clown show, Sanders Park, off Kidderminster Road, Bromsgrove, 2pm. Film: Coffy, mac, Cannon

  • Neighbours get a say on new community centre

    PEOPLE in a city parish have been invited to help shape the future of a new community centre. The St Peter's Community Centre, which is expected to cost between £700,000 and £1m, will be built in Abbotsbury Court. But before plans are set in stone, residents

  • It's no wonder these bird watchers have a bee in their bonnets

    BIRD watchers are keeping a 24-hour watch on a pair of bee-eaters nesting in the Hereford-shire countryside, hundreds of miles from their normal breeding grounds. The bee-eaters, among the most colourful birds of Europe, have made their summer home on

  • Frain's delight

    IT may be two defeats from two games but Alvechurch manager Peter Frain is delighted with his side's start to the pre-season campaign. And with a string of regulars ready to return to the side, the Lye Meadow boss expects to be challenging for honours

  • Millers a class above

    FECKENHAM continued their pre-season campaign with a 2-0 victory over fellow Midland Combination outfit Fairfield Villa. The two sides may be squaring up to each other in the Premier Division this season but the Millers looked a class above their visitors

  • Wythall promoted

    Warwickshire Summer League WYTHALL A secured promotion in Division Seven with a 3-1 away win against Weoley Hill on Thursday. The squad, whose average age is just 18, have all come through the club's junior coaching programme and a draw at home in their

  • Inkberrow in second spot

    Prudden Road Surfacing League IN the final week of scheduled fixtures, Inkberrow celebrated their known runners-up spot in the Premier Division with an emphatic victory over Henley A. Alex Woodbridge and Tom Trott (Inkberrow) beat Dave Vickers and Tom

  • Bromley retains county title

    CHRIS Bromley, of Redditch Golf Club, has won the Worcester County Matchplay Championship for the second year in a row. The 23 year old is the third person to achieve this in more than 30 years. Bromley (above) took Chris Heeley, from Moseley, to the

  • Young swimmers making a splash

    REDDITCH Swimming Club had a very good year in 2004. After becoming one of the first two clubs in the county to achieve Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) Swim 21 and Sport England ClubMark accreditation, the club achieved a series of successes. In team

  • Harriers humbled by City

    LES Hines believes Worcester City have the credentials to ride high in Nationwide North after last night seeing off his former club Kidderminster Harriers. City shot down their county rivals 2-0 in an uncompromising friendly at St George's Lane, with

  • Brown to compete for jersey

    HEREFORD United head to Bromsgrove Rovers tonight after spicing up competition for the goalkeeper's jersey (7.45pm). The Bulls have signed Chester City 'keeper Wayne Brown on a 12-month loan deal after he was told by manager Keith Curle that he was no

  • Richard's on the Ball again as Evesham triumph

    EVESHAM United picked up their best pre-season victory so far with a 2-1 win over Nationwide North side Moor Green at Common Road last night. Steve Duncan and Richard Ball struck the goals for their third 2-1 friendly success after beating Alvechurch

  • Harriers numbers are up

    KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have revealed their squad numbers for the Nationwide Conference campaign. They are: 1 John Danby, 2 Wayne Evans, 3 Steve Burton, 4 Mark Jackson, 5 Wayne Hatswell, 6 Daryl Burgess, 7 Martin O'Connor, 8 Terry Fleming, 9 Iyseden Christie

  • 23/07/05 - Sillence is golden

    Kenilworth Wardens 156-8 Barnt Green 158-4 Barnt Green won by six wickets ALL rounder Roger Sillence showed his considerable prowess with the bat to steer Barnt Green to the top of the Birmingham and District League Premier Division on Saturday. The Gloucestershire

  • Giles tastes heavy Ashes loss

    ASHLEY Giles tasted defeat at Lord's as Australia took a 1-0 lead in the Ashes series, after a comprehensive victory over England over the weekend. The Droitwich resident was unable to slow down the world champions as they romped to a 239 run victory

  • 23/07/05 - Corbett slip

    Chaddesley Corbett 178 all out Stourbridge 179-7 Chaddesley Corbett lost by three wickets CHADDESLEY slipped further into a relegation battle in the Worcestershire League Division One, after a narrow defeat to promotion chasing Stourbridge on Saturday

  • Ferryman is shining example of a hero

    A MAN who helped set up the new Cathedral Ferry in Worcester 23 years ago has been awarded for the outstanding contribution he has made to Worcestershire's waterways. Mark Glossop is a shining example of the kind of people we are highlighting in our Pride

  • Family affair at Badsey

    IT WAS an afternoon for the Powell family to savour but Badsey were unable to force a victory in last Saturday's Worcestershire County League Division Five clash at Ballards Park. Knighton-on-Teme's last wicket pair couldn't be parted as they fell eight

  • Results and fixtures

    Cotswold Hills League Results Premier Division: Moreton 101, Exhall & Wixford 104-5; Broadway 197-6, Overbury 198-5; Alcester & Ragley 217-8, Stratford Bards 324-3; Shipston 309-3, Earlswood 244-7; Tanworth 180-9, Twyning 96. Division One: Warwick

  • Right gear

    ON behalf of the trustees of the Bromsgrove mini-bus for the elderly, I would like to thank the Advertiser/Messenger very much for the article in last week's edition regarding the shortage of voluntary drivers. I have had at least a dozen applications

  • Survival

    TAKE heart MD Packer (Your View - July 20), our native orchids are hardy plants and can survive incredible conditions. About thirty years ago a garden on the Calthorpe Estate, Edgbaston, Birmingham, was allowed to become overgrown. The lawn had been laid

  • Let's play on

    THE sign outside the Hop Pole pub stating, 'Live music tonight' has been removed for too long. If it were there now it would read, 'Dead music until?' There is something worse than music deemed to be too loud and that is no music at all. Will Bromsgrove

  • Ignoring our 'Rec'

    I BELIEVE many Bromsgrove residents, most of all those living in Sidemoor, cannot have failed to notice how very little care and attention has been given by the district council to the upkeep of our Recreation Ground adjacent to ASDA. It has not even

  • 23/07/05 - Rovers rattled by Bristol's international flavour

    Bromsgrove Rovers (1) 3 Bristol Rovers (3) 4 MATT Gardiner pounced late on to give Bromsgrove Rovers a respectable score against the visitors from the Coca-Cola League at the Victoria Ground on Saturday. The calm defender bundled in Matt Johnson's corner

  • Club calls on old boys to celebrate anniversary

    DROITWICH Spa want players from the past to attend a celebration of its 20th anniversary on Saturday, August 13. The Castle pub, in Worcester Road, is set to have live entertainment and a pig roast to celebrate the completion of Spa's second decade. The

  • Deport bomb families

    NOW that the suicide bombers who carried out the attacks in London have been identified, their families should be deported to their country of origin If they were born in this country, they should be deported to the country which trained the bombers -

  • Well impressed

    I was very impressed with the new Waitrose. The products were very fresh and well presented and best of all, it was virtually empty. This had its advantages; easy to park, no bumping into trolleys round the supermarket and no queues at the end of the

  • What a waste!

    Has Droitwich been left with the most appalling refuse system since Adam met Eve? Before was bad enough, with bags being missed or spewed on to the ground without a care of the bin men. Now we have to take our bins to the end of the path as the dustmen

  • Parking gloom

    The views expressed by Mr D G Hoist in the July 20 issue on the subject of Droitwich Spa car parks are fully endorsed, but the chances of such a charge of heart taking place are zero. Having moved to the Spa in 1990, and reaching pensionable age in 1998

  • Just the ticket

    Please could you bring to the attention of your readers on The Ridings and Tagwell Heights that we now have been included in a regular local bus service, operated by MHS Travel on routes 157 and 19? Timetables can be picked up from the Spa Shop by the

  • Market force

    Here's how Waitrose can win over the people of Droitwich at one fell swoop - offer to fund the re-opening of the town's lido as Waitrose Waterworld! Graham Taylor Lahn Drive Droitwich Spa

  • Powell picks up a brace of wins

    OWEN Powell was a double winner during a busy schedule of action at Broadway. After claiming top spot in the club's Open tournament, not even a reduction in handicap could prevent Powell winning again in the Midweek Medal. However, not even Powell could

  • Preparing for season

    EVESHAM Rugby Club's pre-season training programme has started under the guidance of new captain Luke Matthews. The Albert Road side will be looking to improve on performances over the past couple of seasons and all existing players and any new faces

  • Auditions coming up soon

    THE All and Sundry theatre group will be holding auditions for their next production of Arsenic and Old Lace. They will take place at Rowney Green Peace Hall from 2pm on Sunday, July 31. Auditions for the show, which is set to start in October, are at

  • Redditch let it slip

    Birmingham Premier League REDDITCH captain Dan Protherough is looking forward to the next fixture after another disappointing loss away at Worcester. Batting first, Redditch made an excellent start to their innings thanks to Simon Allison's 101 in 29

  • Boycott battles for Bank

    Worcestershire League ASTWOOD Bank captain Dan Evans hailed his team's "good result" away at Romsley in a three-wicket victory on Saturday in Division One. The whole team played well, helped by three wickets from Pete Alexander and a stand of 50 from

  • Making a meal of it

    There has been Live 8 and G8 and now residents can enjoy 'Live Ate' - a charity meal event in Droitwich. The Eagle and Sun, Hanbury Wharf, Hanbury Road, Droitwich will hold the meal in aid of 'Hope and Kindness Ministry', a small charity supporting a

  • Fun night at club

    TWO contrasting comedians are set to tickle the audience's ribs down at the Birmingham's Glee Club, in Hurst Street, on Tuesday, August 2. Camp funnyman Alan Carr and smooth-talking Chris Addison are set to test their funniest material on the audience

  • Finstall WI

    Finstall WI's July meeting was well-attended. President Jill Findon welcomed everyone after Jerusalem was sang. Our secretary Ann Parr was unable to attend, so Janet Sable read the minutes of the last meeting. Catherine Davidson, of Stoke Prior WI, had

  • Stoke Prior WI

    President Betty Wolsey welcomed members to the July meeting. Jean Brooks collected payment for 2006 diaries and calendars. Betty Gibbs read out the minutes of the last meeting and outlined future social events with dates for diaries. Members were reminded

  • Lickey WI

    Lickey WI celebrated its 41st birthday at the parish hall. A coach outing in June to Cirencester and Buscot Park had been much enjoyed and a trip to Chester was announced for October. A report was read of the recent national annual general meeting of

  • Memories of vinegar works line

    YOUR photograph (Wednesday, July 20) is of a locomotive on the privately-owned Hill Evans vinegar works line which ran from Shrub Hill goods yard, through Heenan and Froudes Works down to Lowesmoor. Where it crossed roads, traffic was controlled by a

  • Greaser wish was maybe just Pythagoras in the sky

    YOUR Flashback picture of the old Tolladine goods yard with all its locomotives (Letters, Monday, July 18) vividly recalls my only visit to the site. Like many youngsters of my age, I had ideas about becoming an engine driver, and placed my name on a

  • Brave Holly wins battle

    BRAVE little Holly Lindsay is fighting fit just days after having a special helmet, which re-shaped her head, removed. The eight-month-old baby, from Pavilion Gardens, Bromsgrove, wore the plastic helmet 23 hours a day for eight weeks to correct a flattening

  • Reward in birds hunt

    A lifelong pigeon fancier is offering a cash reward for the return of "priceless" birds taken from his home in a night-time raid. Chris Casey, aged 52, gave chase when he disturbed intruders raiding the pigeon loft at his Redhill Lane, Rubery, home. He

  • Well earned retirement

    FOUR dedicated teachers, who have clocked up 128 years at a Rubery school, are retiring. The Waseley Hills High teachers are leaving the School Road site at the end of term. Jean Wickens, who teaches personal, social and health education, is retiring

  • Anger over a confusing sign

    A MOTORIST has hit out at misleading parking signs in the town centre after she was left stranded when her car was locked in a multi-storey. Tina Hughes, from Wythall, had parked her car in the Churchfields multi-storey while her daughter took part in

  • Fire safety

    TOWNSFOLK had the chance to quiz Bromsgrove firefighters for top safety tips. The crew were at the Multi-Agency Resource Centre, in Humphrey Avenue, Charford. People had the chance to talk to them about safety issues and to book free home fire safety

  • Putting safety first

    Nursery children were taught the importance of road safety when a lollipop lady paid them a visit. Sandra Hollins went to the Jellybabies Nursery, in Longbridge Methodist Church, to talk with safety conscious youngsters about the dangers of crossing the

  • Opening hours

    MORE people suffering from minor injuries are taking advantage of the improved opening hours at Bromsgrove's Princess of Wales hospital. Health chiefs say it is too early to come up with precise figures, but early indications are that the additional hours

  • Seven injured as cars collide in storm

    SEVEN people - including two children - were injured in a road smash during a torrential rainstorm on the A4133 between Droitwich Spa and Ombersley. The air ambulance joined all three emergency services at the scene of Sunday's crash, which involved a

  • Tots take to the slopes

    TINY tots at a pre-school group have been making the most of the glorious summer sunshine by enjoying their new outside play euipment. The little ones at the Salvation Army Pre-School, inOmbersley Way, had a fundraising drive to buy more toys and games

  • African exchange teacher missing

    A TEACHER accompanying two pupils from The Gambia on a three week visit to a Bromsgrove school has mysteriously disappeared. Bubacarr Sanyang, aged 31, head of modern languages at Armitage Senior High School in The Gambia, West Africa, went missing on

  • Appeal for lollipop men and women

    AN appeal has been launched to find more school crossing patrols in Bromsgrove. Only one out of every three sites which needs a patrol in the district has someone in the post. Now Worcestershire County Council is appealing for anyone with five to eight

  • Concern over council payouts

    THE cost to local tax payers of making one senior officer at the Council House redundant as part of a major jobs restructuring programme is approximately £150,000. This figure and possible others, yet to be decided upon, will be discussed by the district

  • 'Homeless' mum's plea

    A SPA mum says she and her three young sons have been left homeless because she cannot afford temporary council accommodation. Mum-of-three Eleanor Checketts has been separated from her sons Luke, aged 16, Nicholas, 15, and Kyle, eight, as they rely on

  • Sports day

    RUNNING races, obstacle courses and a 'hat and bag' race were some of the highlights of St Peter's Pre-School Group's sports day. Hooked: Alistair Russell, Ellie Ward and Jemma Keen at the sports day. The energetic three and four-year-olds entertained

  • Saved by blaze alarms

    TWO house fires in as many days have caused Spa firefighters to issue a warning to homeowners to make sure they have safety plans prepared and smoke alarms fitted. Both homes were fitted with smoke alarms,allowing firefighters to extinguish the flames

  • Driver in holiday-pay dispute

    A Droitwich lorry driver is seeking compensation for constructive dismissal and unpaid holiday money after accusing his former employers of cutting workers perks following a takeover. Mr Stephen Bishop, of The Oaklands, made his accusation at Birmingham

  • Two for Ball in a double

    A FIRST friendly win over higher status opposition maintained Evesham United's impressive build-up to the Southern League Premier Division campaign. Tuesday's 2-1 victory over Conference North outfit Moor Green followed hot on the heels of a win by the

  • Parsons set for Swiss test

    IT'S been a busy couple of weeks for Worcester Triathlon Club's International duathlete Michelle Parsons as she prepares for the Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championships in Switzerland next month. Last weekend the Vale star took part in the

  • Holly sets sights on England place

    "SLEDGING" is bound to be rife - and accepted - in this summer's Ashes Test Series but, when it's aimed at a teenage girl, well that's a different matter entirely, writes Mervyn Collins. However, Holly Penwarden has the best possible answer to the opposition

  • Mondello woe as Dan slips to third

    A BRACE of victories for Yvan Muller at Mondello Park on Sunday relegated Moreton-in-Marsh racer Dan Eaves to third in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship standings. Reigning champions Vauxhall won all three of the races in Ireland with lead

  • Cash prizes

    ENTRIES are needed for a pool competition at Hampton WMC on Saturday, August 13. Numbers are limited to 32 for the event that is set to start at 8pm. A full complement of entries at £5 per time will see the winner collect £70 and runner-up £40. Losing

  • Ginetta glory is the aim of Pershore racer James

    JAMES Harrison from Pershore, will be competing in the first UK rounds of the inaugural PlayStation2 Ginetta GT Junior Championship at Brands Hatch this weekend. The event is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Motorsport News, with an action-packed line

  • Bengeworth spot on

    THE third event in the 2005 Wychavon Parish Games took place on Sunday when bad weather made conditions difficult in the five-a-side football at Badsey Rec. However, eight teams from across Wychavon contested the event, with many of the last round games

  • Cinema - Madagascar (U)

    ON the promise of a large buttery bucket of popcorn, I apprehensively agreed to accompany my two young nephews to see one of this summer's top-billed kids' movies. Children's films aren't usually my bag and I struggle to understand the hoards of adults

  • DVD - The Nest (15)

    Although the DVD box suggests this French movie is just another run-of-the-mill shoot-'em-up, it actually turns out to be a half decent action flick. A group of French special forces are assigned to escort a ruthless Albanian Mafia boss to trial. Inevitably

  • Duffill sets the pace as team do the business

    SPRINTERS from Bromsgrove and Redditch Athletic Club (B&R) excelled in the penultimate Young Athletes League in Cardiff. Luke Evans produced the best performance of the day in the boys' under-15s 400 metres. Evans broke Ryan Ward's record, set only

  • Perfect pairing

    PAIRING Pete Fox and Jeff Rushton produced an impressive performance as Bromsgrove Golf Club won the latest Worcestershire Handicap League match against Cleobury Mortimer. The duo won their matches 9-7 to secure a 5-1 win. Bromsgrove's juniors drew with

  • Off to parishes new

    REDDITCH residents have bid a fond farewell to a town vicar leaving for parishes new after 10 years of service. Rev Andrew Smith (pictured), vicar of St George's Church, is seeking "fresh challenges and experiences" when he leaves Redditch for a West

  • 'Dicing with death'

    YOBS taking part in a dangerous new pastime in Church Hill are "dicing with death", a Redditch councillor has claimed. Councillor Bill Hartnett, of the Church Hill ward, said it was only a matter of time before the new craze for twisting streetlights

  • Call to minority groups

    REPRESENTATIVES from Redditch's minority groups are invited to join an existing police steering group. North Worcestershire police are looking for new members to help move its Diversity Steering Group forward. The group was launched several months ago

  • Man's heartfelt plea to robbers

    By Emily Bridgewater A CHURCH Hill man has made a heartfelt plea to the person who burgled his home to return irreplaceable items of sentimental value. Brian Egerton, 50, is appealing for the safe return of two of the precious items taken during a burglary

  • African arts alive

    INTREPID tots at Oak Hill First School took a walk on the wild side during an African-themed drama workshop. Year Four pupils have been exploring African wildlife as part of an "Arts Alive" after school club, which culminated in a lively and colourful

  • Skatepark revamp cash

    By Catherine Stone A GRANT of £7,000 is to be spent on a Redditch skatepark revamp despite complaints of "abuse and violence" from some of the youngsters in the area. The Local Network-funded project will see the installation of custom-designed ramps

  • Missing teacher

    A GAMBIAN teacher who was staying in Redditch during an exchange trip has gone missing just days before he was due to fly home. Police are appealing for information about Bubacarr Sanyang (pictured above) who went missing during a day-trip to Birmingham

  • 'Unsung hero' attends event

    A REDDITCH policeman who "exemplifies all that is good about community policing" has been nominated to receive a prestigious award. North-east sector beat manager Pc Dave Wilkins will be attending West Mercia Constabulary's award ceremony tonight at Hindlip

  • Drastic fall in violent crime

    VIOLENT crime in Redditch has fallen dramatically, despite latest Home Office figures showing a national rise of seven per cent. The number of violent incidents in the town per 1,000 people from April-June this year fell from 7.98 to 5.58 compared with

  • Pair power on

    EVESHAM bowlers Brian Quarterman and John Mansell for the county over-55 Pairs championships. And, the Sports Club duo went all the way to the final where they again enjoyed success to lift the prestigious Worcestershire crown.

  • Dennis in deadly form

    DENNIS Hall, a late substitute for Droitwich Spa namesake Richard, had an excellent day at Broadway's 81 Trophy when he walked off with the £300 prize money after victory over B Jones (Ronnies Rockets)from Barbourne BC. Host club member Hall put together

  • Rewards for efforts

    THE Evesham club's annual Sum-mer Championships was the culmination of many weeks' hard work for those youngsters competing for medals and trophies. Given the number of fantastic, young swimmers who didn't even reach the finals, all the competitors aged

  • Pub plan fury

    STUDLEY residents are up in arms about plans to extend the opening hours of a lively village pub. Villagers living next to the Nags Head are concerned that extended opening and serving times will result in increased drunken and yobbish behaviour. The

  • Latest homing returns

    Evesham and District Flying Club NINE members sent 121 birds to Frome on July 23, liberated at 1.45pm into no wind. 1, 2, 3 & 4 J Fretwell 1547.22, 1542.11, 1539.93, 1539.57; 5 & 6 G Carter 1451.21, 1342.91; 7 I Carenza 1334.40; 8 J Kelly 1332.33

  • Lose after leading

    A HALFWAY lead of nine shots proved insufficient as Evesham's men lost out to Overbury in the Concorde League. The hosts secured a couple of rink successes in what was a closely-contested clash that eventually went the way of Overbury who won on the remaining

  • Make their mark at Staines!

    STAINES Boat Club have always been strong supporters of the Evesham Regatta so it was the turn of Evesham crews to repay the favour last weekend at the London club's Amateur Regatta. The Staines course, while only 500m, was narrow with a deceptive bend

  • Mental health help is needed

    By Emily Bridgewater KIND-hearted residents are needed to bring sunshine and light into the lives of those suffering from depression. The Bromsgrove and Redditch Mental Health Volunteer Scheme (B&RMHVS) is looking for people who can spare an hour

  • Bengeworth spot on

    THE third event in the 2005 Wychavon Parish Games took place on Sunday when bad weather made conditions difficult in the five-a-side football at Badsey Rec. However, eight teams from across Wychavon contested the event, with many of the last round games

  • Stolen phone warning

    MOBILE phone owners who lose them and then pretend they have been stolen are being warned they will face criminal charges. There has been at least one recent case in Redditch of a mobile phone reportedly being taken during a robbery when it had just been

  • Ruth rules

    RUTH Eyles strengthened her grip at the top of the women's British Best All-Rounder competition after riding at last Sunday's 25-mile Time Trial organised by Evesham Wheelers. Eyles, who races for Beacon Roads CC, clocked 37 seconds over the one-hour

  • Rewarded with palace visit

    THE dedication and hard work of two Redditch councillors has been rewarded with a visit to Buckingham Palace for a garden party. Councillors Antonia Pulsford and Mike Brailey visited the palace on July 14, the day the Queen and the nation stopped to remember

  • BUSINESS BRIEF

    Car making hit THE MG Rover crisis continued to hit UK car production last month, with the number of cars made dipping 7.2 per cent. Car production reached 144,252 units in June, 2005, compared with 155,451 in June, 2004, the Office for National Statistics

  • Twin town trip to forge links

    INTREPID members of Redditch One World Link (ROWL) will jet off for a three-week visit to the twin town of Mtwara in Tanzania on Sunday. The exchange trip aims to forge links between schools and churches in the town, which lies on the southern coast of

  • New deli offers diners a spicy bit on the side

    MALVERN restaurant and caf Pepper & Oz has been joined by a new delicatessen a few doors down called Pepper & Oz II - A Bit on the Side. Run by husband and wife team Helen and Julian I'Anson, the Abbey Road deli puts an emphasis on locally-produced

  • Talks hope to get area's MG staff their jobs back

    A BUSINESS group in Worcestershire is confident the county's former MG Rover workers will get their jobs back, despite reports that the new owners will transfer most of the work to China. Nanjing Automobile bought the firm on Friday and said that it would

  • Studley Women's Country Club

    SPEAKER Linda Barr was from Traidcraft, a Christian response to poverty. Traidcraft started in 1979 and has been helping hard-working producers from poor communities around the world work their way out of poverty. They work with people of all faiths and

  • Solihull & District Orchid Society

    AT the July meeting Huw James gave an enthralling talk and slide show on the genera Lycaste, showing the places they grow in Guatemala and Peru. He also brought some plants along as examples including the unusual dark green-flowered Lycaste Locusta -

  • Merry Wives of Alcester

    ON July 5 the Wives enjoyed an interesting evening with Wendy Brain, a distributor for Aloe Vera products. Wendy explained the many different ways Aloe Vera can be beneficial to healthy living, including healthy drinks, lotions, skincare products and

  • Men's Probus Club of Alcester

    THE 217th meeting took place on June 22 with 29 members in attendance and several apologies. President Horace Jobson welcomed everyone and congratulated Adrian Madge and John Buchanan on their recent birthdays. He gave a report on the funeral of Alan

  • Bromsgrove & District Flower Arranging Society

    AT the May 19 meeting Margaret Walker gave a demonstration entitled Musical Interlude. Margaret made six beautiful arrangements all with a musical theme, which were raffled at the end of the afternoon. The June meeting was a trip to Bridgemere Garden

  • Astwood Bank Flower Club

    THE July meeting was held on a beautiful summer's evening when members relaxed to a demonstration given by Frances Hales entitled Surprise. Fran used some very different containers for her arrangements, her foliage was very varied and complemented her

  • Belting out Elton

    AN Elton John tribute act is lined up to play at Bromsgrove's Artrix with all proceeds going to three different charities. Andrew Weekes will be a Rocket Man at the event set to be held at the School Drive entertainment venue on September 10 and 18. Profits

  • Tribute to the King

    ELVIS Presley fans will be all shook up when they mark the 27th anniversary of the legendary entertainer's death. A guest appearance from Deke Rivers, who specialises in a 'Tribute to Elvis', will be the highlight of the event at Aston Fields Social Club

  • Scottish duo to play in air

    FANS of The Proclaimers will rejoice to hear about their return to Birmingham following the recording of their sixth studio album. On Saturday, July 30 at 7.30pm they are performing in the Open Air Arena at the mac, Canon Hill Park, Birmingham, as part

  • Pistoleros to rock town

    A 'FLAMENCO Latin Rock' band with members hailing from Bromsgrove are set for a homecoming gig before they embark on an international tour on the back of re-recording their latest album. Gypsy Pistoleros have also signed a new record deal with Evil Boy

  • Singing star heads for hall date

    THE National Symphony Orchestra has announced its programme for next month's evening of music with Katherine Jenkins at Ragley Hall, Alcester. While Katherine will be performing tracks from her two highly successful number-one chart albums on August 14

  • Leading the Spitfire proms

    INTERNATIONALLY-renowned conductor Jae Alexander will be performing at Weston Park in Staffordshire on Saturday. Alexander will lead the English National Orchestra at the Spitfire Proms through a host of classic tunes and favourites. The conductor has

  • Auditions coming up soon

    THE All and Sundry theatre group will be holding auditions for their next production of Arsenic and Old Lace. They will take place at Rowney Green Peace Hall from 2pm on Sunday, July 31. Auditions for the show, which is set to start in October, are at

  • Cinema - Madagascar (U)

    ON the promise of a large buttery bucket of popcorn, I apprehensively agreed to accompany my two young nephews to see one of this summer's top-billed kids' movies. Children's films aren't usually my bag and I struggle to understand the hoards of adults

  • DVD - The Magic Roundabout (U)

    All our favourite characters from the 70s kids' TV series return to the screen in this reworking of the Magic Roundabout, featuring the voices of Robbie Williams, Kylie Minogue and Ray Winstone and a sprinkling of other stars. The gang reunites to confront

  • DVD - The Nest (15)

    Although the DVD box suggests this French movie is just another run-of-the-mill shoot-'em-up, it actually turns out to be a half decent action flick. A group of French special forces are assigned to escort a ruthless Albanian Mafia boss to trial. Inevitably

  • Alcester U3A

    THE interest groups are thriving with the Wine Appreciation Group to visit a winery at Welford-on-Avon in October. This month the Church Group will go to Chaddesley Corbett church and the Ambling Group will walk from Cleeve Prior and enjoy a well-earned

  • Skipper confident Boars can escape drop

    CAPTAIN Nick Davies is confident that Bromsgrove CC can escape from their relegation worries in the Birmingham and District League Division One. The Boars are second from bottom after losing their vital clash with Aston Unity. To make matters worse Bromsgrove

  • Neal pushed all the way by Muller

    MATT NEAL is finding life tough at the top of the British Touring Car Championship's leaderboard, after a rain swept weekend at Ireland's Mondello Park. The Droitwich driver grabbed two podium places on the Irish circuit to keep his place at the top.

  • Belting out Elton

    AN Elton John tribute act is lined up to play at Bromsgrove's Artrix with all proceeds going to three different charities. Andrew Weekes will be a Rocket Man at the event set to be held at the School Drive entertainment venue on September 10 and 18. Profits

  • Tribute to the King

    ELVIS Presley fans will be all shook up when they mark the 27th anniversary of the legendary entertainer's death. A guest appearance from Deke Rivers, who specialises in a 'Tribute to Elvis', will be the highlight of the event at Aston Fields Social Club

  • School's out

    TO celebrate the end of another taxing school year Bromsgrove's very own Trigger are playing a gig at Lickey End and District Workingmen's Club on Friday, July 29. The 'School's Out' show is set to be packed with tracks from the sextet's new album, Call

  • Scottish duo to play in air

    FANS of The Proclaimers will rejoice to hear about their return to Birmingham following the recording of their sixth studio album. On Saturday, July 30 at 7.30pm they are performing in the Open Air Arena at the mac, Canon Hill Park, Birmingham, as part

  • So many stars at prize-giving

    BISHOP Perowne CE High School, in Merriman's Hill Road, Worcester, this year held its celebrations of school achievement in St Barnabas' Church and St George's Church. Headteacher Julie Farr said that the ceremonies rewarded "the considerable and significant

  • Band's charity gig raises cash haul

    Bromsgrove band Reflections drew in the crowds to raise over £2,000 at a charity gig. The popular event held at Hanbury Village Hall on Saturday, July 16 featured a pig roast and a bar and was attended by 180 people. All proceeds will go towards ARC (

  • Cash for householders

    PEOPLE who want to convert their loft or build an extension could have their blueprints approved faster after the Government dished out cash to speed up the planning process. Local authorities in Worcestershire and Here-fordshire are set for a slice of

  • Sian will declare play centre open

    A nine-year-old girl who complained about the state of a parish play area will see her dreams come true when she opens the revamped site, three years later. Sian Maguire was only six years old when she decided to take action and highlight the poor facilities

  • Charity call for help in a pub crawl

    A CHARITY for the blind is calling on volunteers to help out during an up-coming pub crawl around Worcester. The city-based Worcester-shire Association for the Blind (WAB) is arranging the charity event, which will include a collection of money during

  • Bomb couple united in death as in life

    THE joint funeral service for a Herefordshire couple killed in the London bombings will be held in Ledbury on Friday, August 5, church officials have announced. Thirty-year-old Lee Har-ris, originally from Here-ford, and 36-year-old Sam-antha Badham,

  • Calling all mini-Indianas

    CHILDREN and their parents will be able to have their own Indiana Jones-style adventures in a Worcester park this summer. Cripplegate Park, in St John's, is staging Raiders Of The Lost Park on 12 mornings and afternoons between Tuesday, August 16 and

  • 27/7/05 - Harriers humbled by City

    LES Hines believes Worcester City have the credentials to ride high in Nationwide North after last night seeing off his former club Kidderminster Harriers. City shot down their county rivals 2-0 in an uncompromising friendly at St George's Lane, with

  • Brooklyn pulls out of town

    By Anne Tugwell A MAJOR Alcester motor dealer is preparing to shut up shop after a decade in the town - prompting speculation about what will happen to the vacant site. Brooklyn, which took over from Coulters in Priory Road in 1995, will close its doors

  • Greig Centre finances are on the road to recovery

    THE Greig Centre's finances are out of the red for the first time in four years. Half-yearly figures for the Kinwarton Road centre show a surplus of £1,700, which represents a massive turn around from the huge losses reported at the last three annual

  • Arsonist is a danger to the public

    AN Alcester woman who started a 'bonfire' in her own flat and then locked herself in a wardrobe with her pet kitten, has been given a life prison sentence. A judge at Warwick Crown Court imposed the sentence after hearing that Dawn Herdman had a previous

  • A fond farewell for two friends

    MUSIC, sports day and the Isle of Wight are all words which have featured strongly in Barbara Swinn's calendar for nearly three decades. But on Friday she put most of them behind her when she retired from St Nicholas School in Alcester (formerly St Faith's

  • Sisters' fitting tribute to parents

    TWO sisters from Salford Priors are celebrating their success in the village's Best Kept Garden competition with a toast to their late parents. Jackie and Julie Malin persuaded their father, Joe, to enter the competition earlier this year after their

  • Shame of one-star hospital

    IF you wanted a room for the night, you might have a choice between a slightly-down at heel one-star hotel and a more luxurious three-star establishment over the road. Both would offer clean sheets and somewhere to lay your head, but the latter would

  • Two for Ball in a double

    A FIRST friendly win over higher status opposition maintained Evesham United's impressive build-up to the Southern League Premier Division campaign. Tuesday's 2-1 victory over Conference North outfit Moor Green followed hot on the heels of a win by the

  • July 24, 1980

    SPRAY paint doesn't damage concrete - and that's the problem for Redditch councillors. For county council workmen, who used to clean rude words from the town's subways, have now been taken off the job. The reason - graffiti "has no detrimental effect

  • July 29, 1955

    NOT one of the villages in the Redditch district was placed in the Worcestershire "Tidy Village" competition, the results of which were released on Wednesday. The Bromsgrove Rural District on Western Road in Clent was placed first and Cleeve Prior took

  • July 29, 1905

    HENRY Rogers, basket maker, Arrow Road, was summoned for being drunk and disorderly in Arrow Road on July 20. Police Constable Garrard said defendant was mad drunk, and surrounded by about 100 children. Defendant got into the brook with his clothes on

  • Fixtures

    July 2005 (friendlies) Tues 19 Alvechurch (a) 2-1 Martin 2 WEDS 20 TAMWORTH (H) 0-1 SAT 23 Leamington (a) 2-1 Ball, Pinkney TUES 26 MOOR GREEN (H) 2-1 Duncan, Ball SAT 30 WORCESTER CITY (H) August TUES 2 REDDITCH UTD (H) Sat 6 Stratford Tn (a) Southern

  • Drivers pay £3m in speeding fines

    MOTORISTS in the West Mercia area paid out just over £3m in fines after being caught speeding by safety cameras during the last year. The figure is up on the previous year but camera chiefs say the reason for this is because more cameras have been sited

  • Ex-England men in town

    A THIRD Sinton Day Football Course will take place at Evesham High Sch-ool between August 8 and 11. Former England stars Peter Bonetti and Andy Sinton will be joined by fellow coaches Bernard Day and Simon Parry and other coaches from the professional

  • 27/7/05 - Brain taking advantage of a full squad to train

    WORCESTER Warriors director of rugby John Brain says it's great to have his full squad back together for training. Skipper Pat Sanderson and scrum-half Andy Gomarsall were given extra leave after returning from England duty. The pair were allowed time

  • Recruiting

    INKBERROW Eagles Under-15s - school Year 10 - are looking for additional players including a goalkeeper to bolster their squad for the next season. League games are played on Saturday mornings in the Ambassador Evesham League and training starts next

  • Medals joy for Special Olympians

    FORGET London's 2012 Olympic joy - Glasgow was the place to be this month to see the Olympic spirit at its very best. The Scottish city hosted the 2005 Special Olympics National Summer Games and it was a record-breaking event for the Redditch athletes

  • Watkiss continuing his striker pursuit

    KIDDERMINSTER Harriers boss Stuart Watkiss is turning up the heat in his striker search after their front men drew a blank at Worcester City in last night's 2-0 defeat. Watkiss saw a strong Harriers team brought down to earth and there were worrying signs

  • Wash-out dampens the spirits

    A DISAPPOINTED crowd of around 3,000 were left with no action in Worcestershire Royals' game yesterday. Hosts Hampshire suffered their fourth home wash-out of the season when the totesport League match was abandoned at the Rose Bowl without a ball being

  • Brain taking advantage of a full squad to train

    WORCESTER Warriors director of rugby John Brain says it's great to have his full squad back together for training. Skipper Pat Sanderson and scrum-half Andy Gomarsall were given extra leave after returning from England duty. The pair were allowed time

  • Derby win secures league for Nomads

    WORCESTER Nomads beat local rivals Worcester to claim the Division One Evening League title. Worcester managed 125 all out with Chris Franklin top-scoring on 25. Miles Illingworth (3-25) caused them most trouble. But Paul Gardner (36) and James Watkins

  • Williams appointed Ledbury's new rugby director

    FORMER player Darrell Will-iams (left) has been appointed Ledbury's director of rugby. The 39-year-old links up with coach Rob Collins, having previously worked as director of junior rugby. Williams' responsibilities will include recruiting players and

  • Choirs, opera, quartets and all that jazz

    THE famous Three Choirs Festival, this year at Worcester, comprises not only exciting classical and choral music, but also opera, spoken word and a range of jazz events. The 300-year-old festival runs from August 6-14 and has a well deserved reputation

  • Stepping up the suspense

    ALFRED Hitchcock's memorable film The 39 Steps has been adapted for the stage with just four actors playing more than 39 classic roles. Written by John Buchan in 1915, the "gripping romantic whodunnit" arrives at Malvern's Festival Theatre for a week

  • 23/07/05 - Blossoming Rose can't save Boars

    Bromsgrove 151 all out Aston Unity 153-4 Bromsgrove lost by six wickets BROMSGROVE slipped into the bottom two of the Birmingham and District League Division One as they crashed to defeat in a key relegation clash on Saturday. The Boars' seventh defeat

  • 26/07/05 - Barnt Green batsman dashes back for big game

    RICHARD Wilkinson is set to be back in time for Barnt Green CC's re-arranged Cockspur National Knockout Cup quarterfinal at home to Widnes on Sunday, July 31. The batsman is set to make a last minute dash on his return from a family holiday for the game

  • 23/07/05 - Droitwich outshone by table toppers

    DROITWICH put up a fight against Worcester League Division One leader Ombersley but in the end slumped to their seventh defeat of the season on Saturday. Spa did their best to push the division's pacesetters all the way, but a batting collapse after a

  • 23/07/05 - Buoyant Avoncroft ignite title challenge

    Avoncroft 221 all out Lye 130-9 Avoncroft obtained a losing draw AVONCROFT enhanced their own slight title chances and ate into the lead of Worcester League Division Three leaders Lye on Saturday. The draw saw 'Croft leap above Feckenham, who lost to

  • 23/07/05 - Tons miss big chance

    Belbroughton 221-8 Cookley 214-9 Belbroughton held to losing draw BELBROUGHTON missed a chance to catch up with the leading pack in the Worcestershire League Division Two after bottom side Cookley held them on Saturday. Fourth placed Belbroughton missed

  • Old foes dig in for draw

    SATURDAY'S eagerly awaited local derby at Avon Street ended with Pershore's final pair hanging on for a draw. The result, though, gave Evesham 16 points to keep them at the top of Birmingham League Division 24 points clear of Aston Manor. Pershore, who

  • College festival feast

    THE annual Cheltenham Cricket Festival gets under way next Wednesday - an occasion for hoards of eager spectators to descend on the College Ground and witness some top-class action. Lining up to face Gloucestershire this year are Hampshire and Sussex

  • Junior season ending

    JUNIOR action in the Cots-wold Hills League is almost at an end for another summer. Overbury were crowned cha-mpions of the Under-12 south west section with overall champions Stratford taking top spot in the north west. Tanworth-in-Arden emerged as overall

  • New run record for Bards as Exhall march goes on

    A NEW club record score helped Stratford Bards strengthen their bid for second place but nothing can halt Exhall and Wixford's charge to the Cotswold Hills League Premier Division title. The leaders are now a massive 62 points clear of the chasing pack

  • Ton-up pair denied

    A SIMILAR ending to the first team match saw the second strings of Evesham and Pershore play out a draw at The Bottoms. The visitors dominated proceedings after Pershore had invited Evesham to bat on a good pitch. Henry Newman fell to the fifth ball of

  • Second trophy triumph

    BRETFORTON lifted the Jack Grove Memorial Trophy for a second time last Thursday when they overcame Elmley Castle in the final at Ashton. The annual competition is played in a league format initially with the top four sides progressing to the knockout

  • Too costly

    I READ with horror the article on Aston Fields Middle School 'prom'. As a parent of a 14-year-old I think it is ridiculous that children as young as 12 are being encouraged to take part in such an event. The school, parents, and the Advertiser/Messenger

  • Graduation evening

    AS parents of one of the graduates from Catshill Middle School this year, we would like to express our pride in the standard of achievements and sheer talents we were privileged to experience last week. An outstanding performance from all the pupils involved

  • Carnival accolades

    JUST a few words of thanks to all those who have given so much time and effort towards this year's Bromsgrove Carnival. Everyone did a wonderful job - these include the marshals for the procession, the drivers and those who took part with such enthusiasm

  • Piping up!

    WATER shortage? You would not think so to see the way hosepipes, sprinklers and high-pressure hoses are still being extravagantly used to waste a rapidly diminishing vital resource. Roger Southwell Crabtree Drive Bromsgrove

  • 27/7/05 - Wash-out dampens the spirits

    A DISAPPOINTED crowd of around 3,000 were left with no action in Worcestershire Royals' game yesterday. Hosts Hampshire suffered their fourth home wash-out of the season when the totesport League match was abandoned at the Rose Bowl without a ball being

  • Lido lament

    I was in Peterborough the other day when I heard this strange sound, a sound I remember from my youth - the sound of children having a good time in their local lido! When is the group of self-opinionated people who call themselves a council going to get

  • Filter farce

    Back in April, when it was clear to any driver that the stupidly-planned traffic lights at the junction of Worcester Road and Tagwell Road in Droitwich Spa were causing far more problems than they had solved, my e-mail of complaint to Wychavon Council

  • 'Quality' lido

    In his recent letter to the Advertiser, councillor Christian-Brookes welcomes the coming of Waitrose to Droitwich as the "quality benchmark" for local shopping - a supermarket which will in his words "move the town forward to a brighter future". When

  • Ribbons fury

    I am really angry with the council for re-moving the yellow ribbons around the town. What was wrong with it? I'm sure there is no law against it. And as for a few people saying they were against it, I don't believe it! I'm sure all the people of Droitwich

  • Busy times bring mixed fortunes

    EVESHAM members have completed a busy period with mixed results in six Inter-Club matches. The annual Invitation Day saw home players competing with numerous invited guests from around the Midlands. Brian Chapman paired up with K Williams (Broad-way)

  • Society on road

    MEMBERS of the Harvin-gton Society returned to The Wychwood Golf Club for their mid-Summer fixture. Before lunch, the three-man team competition, where two scores counted on each hole, was easily won by the team of Bob Claude, Paul Harper and Terry Mead

  • Skipper steers Cookhill revival

    Cotswold Hills League DIVISION Six leaders Cookhill got back to winning ways on Saturday with a 234-run victory over Evesham III. Batting first, Cookhill scored 306-3, including 103 from skipper Billy Harris, 94 not out from Shaun Hemming and 68 in just

  • Pole position with record weight as Drew nets carp

    Evesham WMC JOHN Drew smashed the club's match record at Riss-ington Road last weekend when he caught carp on the pole to weigh in a magnificent 206lbs. Runner-up Vic Woods wasn't far behind with 196lbs and 4ozs, while Ian Jennings was third with 142.8

  • Bored with passengers?

    GOD and First Midland Red evidently have one thing in common, they both move in mysterious ways. First mystery why are so many First Midland Red buses charging around the county with 'Sorry not in Service' banners on them? Are their drivers exercising

  • Steve's top spot

    ANOTHER Shakespeare qualifier took place on Hampton Ferry and Evesham Town Waters last Saturday when 67 anglers were in action. Nottingham's Steve Toone took top spot with two tench taken on the pole/worm early on in the match. He then resorted to hemp

  • Marvellous Severn view

    MAY I use the columns of Worcester News to thank Max Sinclair for sending me those wonderful photographs of vessels on the Severn. There was a marvellous photograph of the Holt Castle, the destruction of which was an act of gross vandalism. In the picture

  • Loading up the barrels

    THE train crossing on Page 6 could well be the one at Hill Evans Vinegar Factory in Pheasant Street. They used to load up barrels of vinegar then bring them back to Sherriff Street goods yard to be despatched all round the country. L HOLLINGS, Pershore

  • -Pheasant Street?

    WITH reference to the picture of the locomotive in today's Worcester News, may I suggest it is crossing Pheasant Street. This was the railway line from the Vinegar Works to Shrub Hill Station. MARY HYDE, Worcester.

  • The train is crossing...

    REGARDING the letter published on Wednesday, July 20, the recent picture showed the 4.30pm train from the vinegar works at the Shrub Hill Crossing. The gatekeeper was Mr House who lived in the house shown on the left of the photograph. MARY BLADEN, Kempsey

  • Blackwell & Burcot WI

    Our resident, Mrs Prior, was very pleased to welcome four new members to our meeting, and also to welcome two new committee members. Mrs Denning, as usual, had prepared a lovely table decoration, and, incidentally, won first prize in the competition -

  • Time to call a halt to it

    THE well-known photograph of the Vinegar Express crossing Shrub Hill Road on its way to Pheasant Street will not be much of a mystery to most of your readers, but they may be puzzled by your reference to something called "Henwick Halt". There was no such

  • Spadesbourne Ladies Club

    The meeting started with a minute's silence in memory of those involved in the London bombings. The ladies met at the Bromsgrove Golf Centre for the July meeting, to be greeted with lovely surprise! We have been invited to visit the gardens at the home

  • Hagley Gardeners' Club

    Christine Peer shared her love of plants with us at our last meeting, bringing some lovely examples of the shrubs and flowers that bring pleasure at this time of year. She was disappointed that she couldn't show us more perennial flowers due to the dry

  • At the heart of the community

    A NEW face, who has taken over the helm at Bromsgrove Fire Station, is forging closer links with the community and focusing on fire prevention measures. Ian Jallands is the new station manager at the Windsor Street base. He joins the town station from

  • Steeplejacks are in-spiring

    STEEPLEJACKS scaled the 198-foot spire at St John's Parish Church in Bromsgrove yesterday (Tuesday) to repair the faulty lightning conductor. High fliers Ian Dawson and Nick Page, from Dawson Steeplejacks of Bristol, spent most of the day on their lofty

  • To Bath and back

    Members of Blackwell Wheelers cycled to Bath and back over two days to raise cash for charity. More than 30 people from the club based at Blackwell Club, Linthurst Newtown, completed the challenge, with 16 doing the full 223 miles over the two days and

  • Changing again

    A BROMSGROVE high school is to get a new head in September - the fourth in three years. North Bromsgrove High School is still in special measures two years after an Ofsted report classed it as a failing school. Leading troubleshooter Nick Browne was drafted

  • Rovers' return!

    THE Victoria Ground, the district council-owned home of Bromsgrove Rovers since 1910, could command a commercial rent of anything over £15,000 a year. That's the figure the council is using as a basis to charge the club rent if it agrees to offer it a

  • SALT anger over 'troglodytes' jibe

    LIDO campaigners have hit out at a councillor who dubbed them 'backward Socialist/Liberal troglodytes'. District councillor Andrew Christian-Brookes (Con-Lovett and North Claines) criticised the yellow ribbon campaign designed to show support for renovating

  • Fairway to heaven

    YOUNG golfers Nicola Hill and Emma Green are given some tips by coach Russell Adams at the Gaudet Luce Club near Droitwich. The Middle Lane club hosted the free special coaching day for pupils at Droitwich Spa High School last week. Russell was on hand

  • Theatre 2005 streets ahead

    BROMSGROVE'S 'Street Theatre 2005' promises to be the biggest and best yet as it celebrates it's tenth anniversary this year. The five Wednesdays in August will be jam-packed with free all-round entertainment in a programme full of fun and frolics for

  • Keep 'em busy this summer

    A NEW essential guide for holiday fun means youngsters in the Bromsgrove area need never be bored during the long summer break. The colour Go4Fun magazine, launched by the district council, is full of hundreds of ideas for making the most of the holidays

  • Course is icing on the cake for Cassie

    A SPA mum is offering to pass on her specialist sugarcraft skills to sugar babes in a new workshop coming to the town. SWEET SENSATION: Cassie Brown with one of her works of sugarcraft art. Awarding-winning sugarcraft expert Cassie Brown, of Oakleigh

  • Anger over 'rude' letter

    A SPA woman has hit out at the leader of the district council after he wrote her a 'very rude' letter in response to a query about the town's lido. Sheila Preston, of Charles Dickens Close, said: "I wrote a perfectly polite letter to Councillor Martin

  • Fitness keeps charity in shape

    SPA youngsters are on course to raise £1,000 for Cystic Fibrosis sufferers with a cash-raising keep-fit campaign. On the ball: Droitwich High School students (from left) Billy Chevens, Martyn Price, Clint Bryan, David Wellstead and (front) Stef Chadwick

  • Holly sets sights on England place

    "SLEDGING" is bound to be rife - and accepted - in this summer's Ashes Test Series but, when it's aimed at a teenage girl, well that's a different matter entirely, writes Mervyn Collins. However, Holly Penwarden has the best possible answer to the opposition

  • Wales call after gold win

    EVESHAM rower Peter Ford brought back a gold medal from the National Championships after success in the J16 Pairs event. The Worcester Royal Grammar School pupil teamed up with Tom Clark and the pair rowed a well judged race to claim the title by just

  • Old foes dig in for draw

    SATURDAY'S eagerly awaited local derby at Avon Street ended with Pershore's final pair hanging on for a draw. The result, though, gave Evesham 16 points to keep them at the top of Birmingham League Division 24 points clear of Aston Manor. Pershore, who

  • Niall and Jane rule the waves at Arden

    MEMBERS at the Arden club at Defford raced for the Arden Trophy and 11 boats took to the water, including a couple of trainees. A hot day with shifty winds saw the race officer set a short course and, after a bad start, Niall Campbell and Jane Smee (Enterprise

  • Grass action

    THE "big chairs" - 1000cc sidecars - return to the Worc-ester Grasstrack meeting on Sunday. The action gets under way at 1pm at the club's superb track adjacent to Worcester Rugby Club. The ever popular and exciting sidecars will doubtless provide the

  • DVD - Sling Blade (15)

    NINE years after Sling Blade was first released comes this special edition DVD, packed with fascinating extras. Karl Childers (Billy Bob Thornton) stares out of the window of a mental hospital - his home for years - ignoring the rantings of his maniacal

  • DVD - The Magic Roundabout (U)

    All our favourite characters from the 70s kids' TV series return to the screen in this reworking of the Magic Roundabout, featuring the voices of Robbie Williams, Kylie Minogue and Ray Winstone and a sprinkling of other stars. The gang reunites to confront

  • Cinema - Fantastic Four (PG)

    ANY man who can boast the ability to stretch every part of his body gets the thumbs up from me. And that is exactly what geeky scientist Dr Richard Reed (Ioan Gruffudd) discovers he can do after he and his three friends are struck by a powerful intergalactic

  • Rain is pain

    GOLFER John Bickerton was unable to reproduce the fine form, which took him to the final four at the British Open this weekend, when he missed the cut at the Deutsche Bank Players' Championship of Europe. Bickerton, who finished 60th at St Andrews' Old

  • Trust still below par

    THE trust running the Alexandra Hospital has failed to improve its one-star rating and is still substandard in some key performance areas, a report published today has revealed. New league tables by the Healthcare Commission show Worcestershire Acute

  • 'Taxi bus' on target

    PLANS are taking shape for the September launch of Redditch's unique new "taxi bus" scheme. The pilot project, designed to transport residents to and from the town centre in the evenings, was discussed at a recent county council forum meeting at Redditch

  • All aboard!

    ALVECHURCH Boat Centre played host to an official naming ceremony after building a prestigious Royal Air Force narrowboat. The 66ft semi-traditional boat was named Lord Portal after the first Viscount of Hungerford and British Marshal of the Royal Air

  • Help cut Alex waiting times

    By Helen Clarke PEOPLE with non-serious injuries could help relieve pressure on the Alexandra Hospital's accident and emergency department by travelling to nearby hospitals for quicker treatment in minor injuries units (MIUs). Maria Wilday, modern matron

  • New deli offers diners a spicy bit on the side

    MALVERN restaurant and caf Pepper & Oz has been joined by a new delicatessen a few doors down called Pepper & Oz II - A Bit on the Side. Run by husband and wife team Helen and Julian I'Anson, the Abbey Road deli puts an emphasis on locally-produced

  • Mondello woe as Dan slips to third

    A BRACE of victories for Yvan Muller at Mondello Park on Sunday relegated Moreton-in-Marsh racer Dan Eaves to third in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship standings. Reigning champions Vauxhall won all three of the races in Ireland with lead

  • Charity marks its 21st

    THE sun shone on Saturday when people gathered to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the Where Next charity. Visitors caught up with old friends and congratulated those who were integral to the organisation's creation. Redditch Mayor Diane Thomas cut the

  • Inkberrow seal second place after easy win

    Prudden Road Surfacing League IN THE final scheduled week of fixtures, Stratford B celebrated their title triumph with a 3-1 victory over Claverdon. That one point gained by the losers, though, proved crucial in their fight against the drop. Top Stratford

  • Husband jailed

    A husband ignored a court's restraining order and broke into his estranged wife's Redditch home in the early hours. Babar Nadeem used a rock to smash the kitchen window and was found in the lounge sitting on a sofa. He told his terrified wife Saiqi Bibi

  • Cash prizes

    ENTRIES are needed for a pool competition at Hampton WMC on Saturday, August 13. Numbers are limited to 32 for the event that is set to start at 8pm. A full complement of entries at £5 per time will see the winner collect £70 and runner-up £40. Losing

  • Newsagent to cut his losses

    By Emily Bridgewater A POPULAR Studley newsagent is being forced to shut up shop this Saturday after losing trade to big-name competitors. Tony Cronin, owner of Studley News, blames the arrival of Tesco Express in the village as the main reason for the

  • Ginetta glory is the aim of Pershore racer James

    JAMES Harrison from Pershore, will be competing in the first UK rounds of the inaugural PlayStation2 Ginetta GT Junior Championship at Brands Hatch this weekend. The event is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Motorsport News, with an action-packed line

  • Hall hits the high spots

    FRESH from success in Bro-adway's 81 Trophy, Dennis Hall's good week continued when his rink qualified for the National Finals at Worthing following a comfortable 25-9 victory over Brian Borthw-ick's rink from Worcester BC. After a close first few ends

  • Skatepark controversy

    A CONTROVERSIAL skating facility in Headless Cross is set to open this week, amid accusations the voting system is "dubious". Resident Margaret Morley, of Tennyson Road, said even supporters of the Morton Stanley skatepark raised concerns about the "undemocratic

  • Niall and Jane rule the waves at Arden

    MEMBERS at the Arden club at Defford raced for the Arden Trophy and 11 boats took to the water, including a couple of trainees. A hot day with shifty winds saw the race officer set a short course and, after a bad start, Niall Campbell and Jane Smee (Enterprise

  • Grass action

    THE "big chairs" - 1000cc sidecars - return to the Worc-ester Grasstrack meeting on Sunday. The action gets under way at 1pm at the club's superb track adjacent to Worcester Rugby Club. The ever popular and exciting sidecars will doubtless provide the

  • Beauty spot wins green flag award

    REDDITCH's most popular beauty spot has been awarded a coveted Green Flag Award. Arrow Valley Country Park was one of 322 areas to receive a coveted award and one of just 17 in the West Midlands. The awards recognise standards of excellence for parks

  • Dairy milk brand whips up sales for Cadbury's

    CONFECTIONERY firm Cadbury Schweppes said its flagship Dairy Milk brand had helped it increase group sales by six per cent. Cadbury said nine per cent growth in sales of the famous brand and an even better performance by its chewing gum and Halls cough

  • Misys pushes button for jobs in Worcester

    A WORCESTER business celebrated sprinting ahead of the competition with a special event involving former athlete Roger Black. Warndon-based Misys General Insurance, which sells IT systems to insurance brokers, achieved revenues of £34m (up eight per cent

  • CCTV safety

    REDDITCH'S CCTV network is succeeding in securing the safety of the public, according to a Redditch councillor invited to see how it worked. Conservative Councillor Juliet Brunner said she is now more reassured about the safety of people on town streets

  • Ceremony for town soldiers

    THE bravery and commitment of two Territorial Army (TA) soldiers from Redditch was recognised at an awards ceremony. Corporal Lee Carroll and Warrant Officer 2nd Class (WO2) Monty Walker, members of the Redditch-based 37 Signal Regiment, were honoured

  • Striking a chord for town music scene

    A COUPLE of talented town musicians are using their knowledge of the local music scene to help other young performers on the road to success. Tom Burbridge and Ben Davidson are offering to help up-and-coming bands and solo artists set up their first gigs

  • Alcester Grammar School Play

    WE are often told young people lack organisation, discipline and respect for the past. On Saturday Alcester Grammar School's entirely student-run drama group, Absolute Beginners, proved such critics entirely wrong. Entirely unaided, they put on a splendid

  • Alcester In Bloom

    MAY I thank the many people who turned out to greet the judges for the Britain in Bloom judging day. The hope was always that it was possible to show how the community are always so enthusiastic to take part. I cannot thank everyone enough for the support

  • 25 years ago July 25, 1980

    A PROPOSED new sports hall, earmarked to be built near the Dolphin Suite in School Drive would upset plans for a new £250,000 community centre for the Methodists, it was claimed. The site was on the corner of Stratford Road and School Drive, Bromsgrove

  • 50 years ago July 30, 1955

    THE blistering heat of the last month was the best haymaking weather that many local farmers could remember. The Messenger said it hoped the sunshine would last over the forthcoming bank holiday. But warned holidaymakers to be careful not to start fires

  • 100 years ago July 27, 1905

    THE 'treats' season was well under way - this week it was the turn of senior Sunday school scholars from St John's Church, Bromsgove. After a brief service they marched behind a band to Mr Newbold's field at Stoke Prior where they enjoyed the usual games

  • Redditch Rotary Club

    MONDAY, July 4, besides being USA Independence Day, was the date when president David Hunt handed over the leadership of Redditch Rotary Club to vice-president David Taylor. Before doing so, the retiring president thanked his fellow Rotarians and particularly