LIGHTING up the skies around Malvern and Ledbury next weekend are a variety of spectacular - and safe - organised firework displays to mark the 400th anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot. Malvern: At the Three Counties Showground, fireworks will be set off
THE End of the Year art exhibition at Malvern Theatres takes a comprehensive look at contemporary visual art, from abstract to figurative. The show includes major works by Val Hepplewhite, Claire Spencer, Brian Fletcher and Nick Andrews. Among the 60
THE Richard Alston Dance Company returns to Malvern Theatres on Thursday and Friday, November 3-4. Volumina is a new work based on the organ piece by Ligeti, while Fever was created in 2001 as a series of duets set to Monteverdi madrigals. It has been
BIRTSMORTON children's author Graham Gardner has won a major literary award in Germany. The German translation of his book Inventing Elliot won the Youth Jury Award of the German Youth Literature Prize 2005. High school students aged 11 to 17 across Germany
COLWALL Players' version of Nol Coward's comedy Blithe Spirit is good fun, judging by the private show for members and guests of Colwall Rotary Club. Superb comic timing from the talented cast raised many a laugh from the audience on Wednesday night.
TWO of Britain's favourite actors are set to arrive in the county early next month to appear in one of the classic comedy gems of the English stage. George Baker and Stephanie Cole star in Sheridan's 18th Century romp, The Rivals at Malvern Theatres from
MUSICAL twins The Taberness Brothers bring their singalong hits to Malvern Youth Centre tomorrow (Sat-urday) during at a National Youth Work Week concert. Adam and Tim Hawker, of Clarence Road, cover tunes from the 60s to the present day and were picked
ALL-female Irish band Cherish the Ladies were the first act to perform in Malvern Theatres when it reopened after its refurbishment seven years ago. Now they are back at the Forum for one night only on Saturday, November 5, at 7.30pm. Cherish the Ladies
UNTIL SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 Heads and Bodies An exhibition by Caro Sweet at Droitwich Library Gallery. Open library hours. Nelson in Herefordshire An exhibition to include commemorative mugs from 1805 to 1905, a replica uniform and paintings, at Hereford
Friday October 28 B.A Robertson: My Living Years - Huntingdon Hall, Worcester. ABBA-UK - Swan Theatre, Worcester. John Renbourn and Jacqui McShee - Riverside Folk & Acoustic Club, Stourport Boat Club, Stourport-on-Severn. Medford - Drummond's Bar,
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 The Bochmann Quartet Playing Haydn, Schubert and Beethoven at Huntingdon Hall, Worcester. NOVEMBER 5 Vocal Variations, for solo singers Carice Elgar Room of the Elgar Birthplace Museum, Crown East Lane, Lower Broadheath. Worcester
MALVERN'S Theatre of Small Convenience is staging Up Close and Personal, a series of monologues on a wide range of subjects. The mini-plays include comedies, tragedies, poetry and bittersweet stories and cover subjects as diverse as Iraq and Sarajevo,
HITCHING lifts in hotdog vans and supporting Status Quo - it was all part of the rock and roll lifestyle for Worcester band Aquarius. Rhythm guitarist Chris Mann's eyes light up when asked about his memories of the Worcester band, which formed in 1974
Theatre October Until 29-Blithe Spirit, by Noel Coward, by Colwall Players at Colwall Village Hall. 7.30pm. Tickets £6.50, conc £3 from (01684) 540300. 28-31-Rigoletto by Guiseppe Verdi at the Forum, Malvern Theatres. 2pm & 7.30pm. £16-£24. Box office
A PRIZE-winning duo will perform works by Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and Poulenc at Worcester's Huntingdon Hall on Sunday, November 6. Violinist Eleanor Percy, who comes from Malvern, met pianist Irina Lyakh-ovskaya, from St Petersburg, when they were
THE Bishop of Worcester, Dr Peter Selby, is urging society to take the welfare of prisoners more seriously. Dr Selby condemned those who turned a blind eye to prison suicides, telling the House of Lords that most inmates were also "the victims of crime
A 'golden hello' of up to £7,000 awaits the person who gets a top job at a local council after it couldn't find anyone good enough for the post. Wychavon District Council advertised in September for a deputy managing director, following the resignation
YESTERDAY saw an unusual October heatwave with Worcester temperatures just short of the UK record. The sun broke free from behind the clouds and thermometers rose to 20C, 68F. We may not have been in our swimwear and our sunglasses but the sun was certainly
FIXTURES Harvey World Travel Midland Football Alliance Saturday, October 29, Malvern Town v Oadby Town (3.00). Tuesday, November 8, Malvern Town v Oldbury United (7.45). West Midlands League Division One Saturday, October 29, WFA Cup, Malvern Town Reserves
ONCE again, a triumphant effort by Janet and her team with last week's jumble sale proceeds totalling £397. Thanks to everyone who contributed in any way, this will help to meet the running costs of our busy village hall. Janet will be holding hopefully
ON Sunday, All Souls' service is at Munsley Church at 11am. If you have been bereaved and would like your loved one to be remembered at this special service, contact The Rev. Sue Strutt on (01531) 640144. At 6.30pm on Sunday evening, Bosbury church choir
TOMORROW (Saturday), a coffee morning will be held at St James' Church, Callow End from 10am till noon in aid of the Barnabas Fund, which supports persecuted Christians. Items for bring and buy welcome, including cakes. On Sunday a united benefice service
BLITHE Spirit, by Noel Coward, continues tonight (Friday) and tomorrow at Colwall Village Hall, beginning at 7.30pm. This is the latest production by the Colwall Players. Tickets available from John Goodwin estate agent, Colwall or on the door. On Saturday
THE family bingo evening held in Corse and Staunton Village Hall raised £218 for village hall funds. Grateful thanks to Richard Longstreeth for doing the calling, ably assisted by Jon Dickenson, and thanks also to those who helped on the night. Next year
The Guarlford harvest supper held on October 6 was enjoyed by all. The auction of garden produce raised £458 for the Friends of Masasi, Tanzania, which will enable the salary of a teacher to be paid in Masasi. On Sunday, there will be a united benefice
THIS Sunday, there is a united benefice service at St James' Church, Callow End at 10.30am, conducted by The Rev. Douglas Walker, celebrating All Souls' and All Saints' days. On Sunday afternoon at 3.30pm, historian David Oliver will talk on the history
LIGHTING up the skies around Malvern and Ledbury next weekend are a variety of spectacular - and safe - organised firework displays to mark the 400th anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot. Malvern: At the Three Counties Showground, fireworks will be set off
ARTISTS and writers are joining forces to produce an exhibition with a difference. A selection of original poems by members of Malvern Writers' Circle is the inspiration for Malvern Art Club's latest paintings. Both forms of work are displayed together
THE Richard Alston Dance Company returns to Malvern Theatres on Thursday and Friday, November 3-4. Volumina is a new work based on the organ piece by Ligeti, while Fever was created in 2001 as a series of duets set to Monteverdi madrigals. It has been
NEW Tango Argentino dance classes for absolute beginners start at Holy Trinity Church Hall, Link Top, Malvern, on Thursday, November 3, at 8pm. No partner or previous experience is necessary for these classes, which run for seven weeks. For more information
JUST nine weeks after he lay in agony on the Sixways turf, Lee Fortey is back. The sight of the 30-year-old receiving oxygen on the pitch after he dislocated his left shoulder in a friendly in August took much of the shine off Worcester's pre-season optimism
A GOAL either side of half-time from visiting Wilsons RSVP ended Anchor Falcons' hopes of a cup run. ANCHOR FALCONS 0, WILSONS RSVP 2 Will Hale was recalled to midfield in place of the absent Alan Evans, otherwise the side was unchanged from the previous
CROSS Keys won an enthralling top-of-the-table clash against Bell Inn 98 on Sunday and crushed the only 100 per cent record in thesoccersite.co.uk Malvern Football League. Leaders Bell Inn 98 visited Cross Keys and went down 0-2 to their hosts, who replaced
WEST Malvern continued their impressive form on Saturday with a convincing 7-2 league victory over Goodrest Sports. WEST MALVERN 7, GOODREST SPORTS 2 The West opened brightly and the new partnership up front of Derek Brown and Matt Jacklin troubled the
JAMES Brown will make his first start for Worcester Warriors in seven weeks when he lines up against Amatori Catania in the European Challenge Cup tomorrow (3pm BST). The fly-half has been on the sidelines since damaging knee ligaments in the Premiership
WORCESTERSHIRE MPs claimed more than £850,000 in expenses last year, it was revealed last night. Mike Foster, Labour's Worcester MP, claimed £129,260 - down on last year's £131,512 but well above the average for all MPs of £122,677.49. Leominster MP Bill
VOLUNTEERS are needed to ensure Upton Heritage Centre remains open during next summer's tourist season. The centre opens annually from April to September, but at present does not have enough volunteers to staff the 2006 season. Volunteer Nicki Alcock
PLANS to reduce the number of Upton town councillors from 15 to 11 will be voted on in November. Town councillor Simon Wilkinson said it struggled to get a full complement of candidates for elections. "The change would make things more manageable," he
BROWSING through Malvern Hills District Council's annual report the other day made me realise how lucky we are to be living in Malvern Hills. We may be the smallest district in Worcestershire, with a population of only 74,000, but, so what, we have the
A NEW all-weather car park on Old Hills has had to be closed - due to heavy rain. The £17,000 surface, made by the company Suretrac, was installed in the summer. But Malvern Hills Conservators director Ian Rowat this week ordered it closed after cars
GEORGE Sayer, inspirational teacher, scholar and friend to great writers, has died, aged 91. Mr Sayer was the head of English at Malvern College for many years. He enjoyed close friendships with J R R Tolkein, author of Lord of the Rings, and C S Lewis
I just thought I would write to all the dog owners out there who let their dogs foul in the grass at Madresfield. I went conker picking in Madresfield every year as a child and now take my children there each year. We live in Worcester and went to Madresfield
FURTHER talks are planned over the future of fields at Sling Lane. Malvern Hills District Council wants to transfer responsibility for them to Malvern Town Council. However, MHDC wants to see the fields retained as public recreational open space and is
UPTON, what a lovely place to live, except for dog mess all over the pavements. So will all the lazy people in the Hillsfield, Gardens Walk, down to Price's Lane area, please take their mess home or perhaps they might like it brought into their homes
While blocked drains may have been a contributory factor to recent flooding in Malvern, I think a wider issue is being missed. The current trend to replace an area of grass with low maintenance block paving surely has a far greater impact - Meadow Road
POSTERS for residents to put up asking Halloween trick-or-treaters to stay away are now available. People who are elderly, vulnerable or simply do not want to be disturbed by youngsters playing trick-or-treat, should put up a poster so it can be easily
OLDER people in the Malvern Hills area can get help to prepare for the predicted cold weather this winter. Malvern and District Age Concern, South Worcester-shire Primary Care Trust and Social Services have joined together to advise people how to stay
A VISUAL impairment has not stopped Leslie Watts creating an award-winning garden. Mrs Watts, of Corse, came second in the New to Gardening category of the first national Blind Gardener of the Year competition. She never considered herself a natural gardener
EROTIC dancing nights will be held at a bar given a license for adult entertainment. Malvern Hills District Council received no objections from residents to the application, made by Karl Crangle of the Vaults at Link Top. The application refers specifically
THE area covered by the speed camera system in Welland is being extended further. Mobile speed cameras will now operate on Marlbank Road, the main route from Welland to British Camp and Malvern Wells. This is in addition to the mobile cameras already
AS champion racehorse Best Mate returns to the turf, his Callow End owner hopes a wager will raise £165,000 for charity. Betfair have given Jim Lewis £5,000 to bet on a three race challenge at 33-1, which will pay out £165,000 if Best Mate wins each time
ANDY Preece is demanding another FA Cup-style atmosphere tomorrow when Wor-cester City host Barrow at St George's Lane. Victory against the Cumbrians is expected to push City, who are without a league win in eight attempts, out of the Nationwide North
FOR the third year running, the redwood tree in Priory Park will be sparkling with lights. Malvern Rotary Club, with the help of Malvern Hills District Council, has organised a Tree of Light. People can sponsor lights in remembrance of family and friends
ANDY Preece faces a painful midfield decision tomorrow as captain Graham Hyde returns to lead Worcester City against Barrow at St George's Lane. Veteran Hyde was absent from last Monday's unforgettable FA Cup giant-killing of Accrington Stanley -- and
FORMER Malvern hotel owner Alys Street celebrated her 100th birthday on Sunday. Mrs Street lives at Court House Nursing Home in Barnards Green. Born in Herefordshire, she has lived in Malvern since she married her husband, Jack, in 1931, bringing up her
STUART Watkiss cannot wait to pit his wits against a manager who had a big influence on his football career. The Kidderminster Harriers boss will go head-to-head with Hereford United chief Graham Turner in front of an anticipated 3,000-plus crowd at Aggborough
TONY James reckons Hereford United can kick-start their below-par start to the Nationwide Conference campaign with victory at rivals Kidderminster Harriers. Before a ball was kicked this term, the Bulls were firm favourites to clinch the league title
MARIAN Wakefield wants people to wear their poppies with pride this November. When former nurse Mrs Wakefield, 78, was forced to retire through ill-health, she wanted to continue managing her home and household affairs. Support from Malvern branches of
MEMBERS of Arden Sailing Club competed in the last race of the Arden Burgee series on Sunday. Five classes of dinghy were represented when the wind from the west provided a long beat down river for the first leg of the course. The Enterprise of Niall
THE Worcestershire Golf Club welcomed their new lady captain this week when Veronica Shaw performed the traditional 'drive-in' at the Malvern Wells course. Amongst the many members at the event was outgoing lady captain Ruth Scott and new vice-captain
SATURDAY FOOTBALL THE TRAVEL FACTORY MIDLAND FOOTBALL ALLIANCE Malvern Town v Oadby Town. FA vase First round: Bromyard Town v Chasetown. WEST MIDLANDS LEAGUE Premier Division: Heath Hayes v Ledbury Town. Division Two: Bromyard Town Reserves v Brereton
TWO of Britain's favourite actors are set to arrive in the county early next month to appear in one of the classic comedy gems of the English stage. George Baker and Stephanie Cole star in Sheridan's 18th Century romp, The Rivals at Malvern Theatres from
MALVERN RFC Saturday, October 29 1st XV v Stafford (Home). Meet Railway Inn 12.15pm. Kick off 3pm. No 1 dress code. Maroon shorts and socks. S Cooper, M Richardson (capt), S Lancett, A Ruddock, C Smith, A Burns, S Clark, G Taylor, I White, R Martin, D
MUSICAL twins The Taberness Brothers bring their singalong hits to Malvern Youth Centre tomorrow (Sat-urday) during at a National Youth Work Week concert. Adam and Tim Hawker, of Clarence Road, cover tunes from the 60s to the present day and were picked
TAIWO Atieno will be called on to reproduce his goalscoring exploits from earlier in the season tomorrow. The Kidderminster Harriers forward is set to step in for suspended top scorer Iyseden Christie after sitting out their recent cup clashes. Atieno
NATIONWIDE Conference honours have worked out evenly in derbies between Kidderminster Harriers and Hereford United. While Hereford recorded a double over Harriers in 1997/98 after relegation from the Football League, the Worcestershire side got their
A TEAM from QinetiQ have qualified for the finals of an international sporting event - World Team Challenge. Five employees will head for Florida in December to compete against teams from all over the world in a series of gruelling physical challenges
SIR - Can anybody explain to me why Worcester City Football Club want to move to a bigger ground? They can't even get gates of 1,000 here. MR G BUDD, Worcester.
MALVERN Seconds played host to visitors Pershore seconds last Saturday on an afternoon when the conditions favoured the running game. MALVERN II 55pts, PERSHORE II 12pts The home side's classy backs took full advantage, scoring nine tries to secure their
You report that an event with Morgan cars will not be held in Malvern. Good news! I imagine most Malvern people (I used to be one) are ashamed that sports cars are made there. Elgar must be spinning in his grave - he gave up cycling 100 years ago, complaining
TERRY Jenkins' hopes of glory in the Sky Bet World Grand Prix were ended in the opening round by seventh seed Kevin Painter. The Ledbury-based thrower was defeated 2-0 (3-1, 3-0) and never really got going against a fired-up Painter. He took the first
UNTIL SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 Heads and Bodies An exhibition by Caro Sweet at Droitwich Library Gallery. Open library hours. Nelson in Herefordshire An exhibition to include commemorative mugs from 1805 to 1905, a replica uniform and paintings, at Hereford
Just because he's had bad luck himself, there is no need for George Cowley to constantly attack us better-off folk. I've worked had all my life for my house, car and holidays abroad. Isn't envy a deadly sin, George? JOHN CONNOLLY, Warndon, Worcester.
Friday October 28 B.A Robertson: My Living Years - Huntingdon Hall, Worcester. ABBA-UK - Swan Theatre, Worcester. John Renbourn and Jacqui McShee - Riverside Folk & Acoustic Club, Stourport Boat Club, Stourport-on-Severn. Medford - Drummond's Bar,
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 The Bochmann Quartet Playing Haydn, Schubert and Beethoven at Huntingdon Hall, Worcester. NOVEMBER 5 Vocal Variations, for solo singers Carice Elgar Room of the Elgar Birthplace Museum, Crown East Lane, Lower Broadheath. Worcester
George Cowley asks how many children I have - the answer is a modest two and I love them very much. In 1900, there were 1.5 billion people in the world and despite wars, disease, genocide and so on, we are currently up to 6.5 billion. Predictions suggest
UNTIL SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 Rebecca Starring Nigel Havers at Malvern Theatres. UNTIL OCTOBER 31 Rigoletto Giuseppe Verdi's masterpiece at Malvern Theatres. OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 5 A Man For All Seasons Starring Martin Shaw at the Festival Theatre, Malvern
SIR - Are we facing the Apocalypse? Are the Four Horsemen about to ride? The threat of Nemesis is four-pronged. We have the virtual collapse of law and order in Britain and in many other lands. Political and religious fanatics may be able to acquire and
SIR - I would like to correct one inaccuracy in your report of the inspection of the county council's adoption service. You rightly comment on the many positives, but as you say, the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) did suggest that more adopted
A FIGHTER jet of the RAF crashed near Malvern, killing its pilot, the Gazette reported 50 years ago. The pilot of the single-seater jet managed to avoid a double-decker bus and an army camp before it fell to earth near the Danemoor crossroads, Welland
CADETS from Malvern College helped repel a fictitious invading army, reported the Gazette a century ago. The military exercise supposed that an enemy army had landed at Bristol and was making its way north up the Severn to Birmingham. A total of 270 Malvern
"SIGNS of the approach of the fifth of November are upon us," said the Gazette 100 years ago, "And already quiet and dark places are illuminated by flashing lights of different colours. "Noisy crackers and squibs are less prominent this year, probably
COLWALL Cricket Club's members, playing, juniors and non-playing, are encouraged to attend the AGM at Stowe Lane, Colwall, next Friday (November 7), at 7.30pm. There are many exciting changes ahead for the club that will significantly enhance its future
REVENGE will be very sweet, Elizabethan-style, in Malvern Theatre Players' next production. The poisonings, murders and plotting of the Revenger's Tragedy will be staged in a recreated Elizabethan playhouse from Wednesday to Saturday, November 9-12. Vindice
MALVERN'S Theatre of Small Convenience is staging Up Close and Personal, a series of monologues on a wide range of subjects. The mini-plays include comedies, tragedies, poetry and bittersweet stories and cover subjects as diverse as Iraq and Sarajevo,
Theatre October Until 29-Blithe Spirit, by Noel Coward, by Colwall Players at Colwall Village Hall. 7.30pm. Tickets £6.50, conc £3 from (01684) 540300. 28-31-Rigoletto by Guiseppe Verdi at the Forum, Malvern Theatres. 2pm & 7.30pm. £16-£24. Box office
MALVERN U17 Pirates suffered a major set-back in their bid for a place in the North Midlands U17 Premier League in the New Year after they were soundly beaten by Worcester in the NM U17 League (Southern Division) on Sunday. After containing Worcester
THERE will be eerie goings on at a Worcester opticians tomorrow when staff at Specsavers in Broad Street dress up for Hallowe'en. The team - who will be donating £2 each to come to work dressed as witches and wizards - will be running various children's
PLANS have been announced for a new multi-million pound gas pipeline running through the Welsh and English countryside, transporting about 20 per cent of gas needed to meet UK consumption. National Grid said that the preferred corridor of its gas pipeline
TWO new speculative office buildings under construction at the former MEB headquarters at Whittington Hall are scheduled for completion at the end of November. Teme House and Brook Court are both 21,000sq ft and are being let by Harris Lamb. Self contained
A WORCESTER wedding party endured flash floods, 150mph winds, no food, water or sanitary facilities, encounters with looters and hours sheltering in squalid conditions when hurricane Wilma ripped through Cancun, Mexico. Traumatised, exhausted but safe
ANDY Preece faces a painful midfield decision tomorrow as captain Graham Hyde returns to lead Worcester City against Barrow at St George's Lane. Veteran Hyde was absent from last Monday's unforgettable FA Cup giant-killing of Accrington Stanley -- and
ARTISTS and writers are joining forces to produce an exhibition with a difference. A selection of original poems by members of Malvern Writers' Circle is the inspiration for Malvern Art Club's latest paintings. Both forms of work are displayed together
NEW Tango Argentino dance classes for absolute beginners start at Holy Trinity Church Hall, Link Top, Malvern, on Thursday, November 3, at 8pm. No partner or previous experience is necessary for these classes, which run for seven weeks. For more information
ELEGANT American organist Ann Elise Smoot introduced a good mix of compositions. Of her expertise and understanding of the instrument, there was no doubt and the audience's appreciation of this was augmented by the large video-screen view of the manuals
VIOLINIST Eleanor Percy, from Great Malvern, and pianist Irina Lyakhovskaya, from St Petersberg, are performing at the latest Worcester Concert Club event. The concert, at Huntingdon Hall on Sunday, November 6, at 3pm, includes works by Mozart, Brahms
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 Charity Bazaar In aid of the County Air Ambulance at Kempsey Parish Hall. Books, tombola, raffle and many more stalls. Come along and support this good cause. For further details telephone 01905 821177. Kempsey Handbell Ringers Are
UNTIL SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 Rebecca Starring Nigel Havers at Malvern Theatres. UNTIL OCTOBER 31 Rigoletto Giuseppe Verdi's masterpiece at Malvern Theatres. OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 5 A Man For All Seasons Starring Martin Shaw at the Festival Theatre, Malvern
THE boy who asked for more comes to Malvern Theatres cinema this week. Oliver Twist (PG), directed by Roman Polanski, shows at 7.15pm daily from today (Friday) to Thursday, November 10. There are matinee shows at 4pm on November 5, 6, and 10.
REVENGE will be very sweet, Elizabethan-style, in Malvern Theatre Players' next production. The poisonings, murders and plotting of the Revenger's Tragedy will be staged in a recreated Elizabethan playhouse from Wednesday to Saturday, November 9-12. Vindice
BIG State Theatre makes its debut visit to Colwall Village Hall on Thursday, November 10, at 8pm with Fetch!, a fast-paced and physical comedy. A young pet-sitter is found clinging to a buoy in the middle of the ocean and she reveals how the apparently
DANCING Queens will be dusting off their gladrags and getting ready to party like it's 1979 tonight as ABBA UK hit the city. The group is the British tribute act to Sweden's most successful perfectionsists of the pop genre. The shows celebrate 30 years
TOWN Reserves returned to winning West Midlands division one ways with a classy display of controlled passing football over hapless visitors Darlaston Town. MALVERN TOWN RES 3, DARLASTON 1 The visitors lacked any attacking ambitions and resorted to closing
ONE of Worcestershire's star attractions is going into hibernation for the winter. The spectacular Perseus and Andromeda fountain at Witley Court, Great Witley, near Worcester, will be fired for the last time this year at 4pm on Monday. The imposing 25
DROITWICH Lido campaigners are reminding people that they only have until Monday to complete their questionnaires on Wychavon District Council's proposals for the site. Blueprints for the lido restoration have been on display at the library and Community
Worcestershire people are being invited delve into the past and find out more about history. The county council's record office is running two heritage workshops. The first will cover the introduction to the history centre, while the second will deal
THE owners of a missing moggy have renewed an appeal for information about its whereabouts. Harvey, a three-year-old sandy coloured Persian has been missing from his Ambrose Close home in St John's, Worcester, for two weeks. Anyone with any information
THE body of a woman was pulled out of the river Avon at Eckington, near Pershore, on Wednesday afternoon. Emergency services retrieved the body using a boat after they were called at around 4pm but the woman was pronounced dead by the riverside at 5.15pm
Olivia Weston, aged three, meets Noddy at Worcester's Woolworths store, after the branch won the visit for being one of the top 10 performers across Britain during a three-week Noddy promotion.
THE Conservative Party has held on to the Wyre Forest District Council seat in the Aggborough and Spennells ward. Voters went to the polls on Thursday in the by-election called following the sudden death of Maureen Aston in August. The Tory candidate,
TO mark the feast of All Souls' Day, which falls on November 2, there will be a benefice memorial service in Birtsmorton Church at 6.30pm on Sunday. It will provide us all with an opportunity to remember loved ones who have died and to give thanks to
IT was always going to be a close affair with top team Upton playing improving Redditch, who themselves had designs upon the top spot. REDDITCH 27PTS, UPTON-UPON-SEVERN 15PTS From the first scrum it appeared Upton had superiority in the forwards, their
Cradley Correspondent: N G Holden Cradley's annual bonfire and firework night will be held at St Katherine's, in Cradley, on Saturday, November 5. The evening will include a professionally-staged firework display, bonfire, bar and pork roast. Gates open
IF you haven't bought your tickets for the Revellers' quiz night tomorrow (Saturday), there is still time to book with Pat O'Malley on (01684) 575682 or Peter Flagg on (01684) 567058. It starts at 7.30pm and the £4 ticket includes supper. The village
After a year's break, Guy Fawkes will once again be commemorated in proper style at Croft Farm next Saturday, November 5, with a village bonfire, fireworks, barbecue and all the trimmings. It will be preceded by a torchlight procession, which will set
THE End of the Year art exhibition at Malvern Theatres takes a comprehensive look at contemporary visual art, from abstract to figurative. The show includes major works by Val Hepplewhite, Claire Spencer, Brian Fletcher and Nick Andrews. Among the 60
BIRTSMORTON children's author Graham Gardner has won a major literary award in Germany. The German translation of his book Inventing Elliot won the Youth Jury Award of the German Youth Literature Prize 2005. High school students aged 11 to 17 across Germany
RANGERS travelled to Walsall on Tuesday evening and lost their fourth consecutive league match, although again, as in the previous two games, gave a fairly good account of themselves. WALSALL WOOD 2, MALVERN RANGERS 1 The most alarming statistic is that
THE plans had hardly left the drawing board when some people were saying that Worcestershire Royal Hospital would never be big enough to cope with demand. Indeed, those with the temerity to suggest that Worcester's rising population and the closure of
POWICK continued their push for top spot in the Worcester Saturday premier division and saw off the challenge of a Lamb and Flag side recently buoyed by a five-goal victory over Martley. POWICK 6, LAMB & FLAG 1 It was the visitors who took the lead
THE Villagers entertained Prinner Sports, who had beaten them 2-0 only a few weeks previous in a league fixture. VILLAGERS 1, PRINNER SPORTS RESERVES 1 (aet - Villagers won on pens) The Villagers started brightly with Roly Green and Phil Wild threatening
A WORCESTER wedding party endured flash floods, 150mph winds, no food, water or sanitary facilities, encounters with looters and hours sheltering in squalid conditions when hurricane Wilma ripped through Cancun, Mexico. Traumatised, exhausted but safe
WEST Mercia Constabulary is one of the best police forces in Britain, according to two new reports. Excellent crime investigation and enthusiastic leadership has helped to put the force - which covers Worcestershire and Herefordshire - in the top four
WORCESTERSHIRE Royal Hospital went on red alert this week and shut its doors to the city's sick residents. The Newtown Road hospital became full to capacity on Wednesday and any patients needing treatment were referred to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch
COLWALL Players' version of Nol Coward's comedy Blithe Spirit is good fun, judging by the private show for members and guests of Colwall Rotary Club. Superb comic timing from the talented cast raised many a laugh from the audience on Wednesday night.
ELEGANT American organist Ann Elise Smoot introduced a good mix of compositions. Of her expertise and understanding of the instrument, there was no doubt and the audience's appreciation of this was augmented by the large video-screen view of the manuals
WORK on Upton's new doctors' surgery is set to begin by the end of the year. GP George Wilson said he was confident work would start before Christmas and would take up to a year for completion. Planners originally gave the go-ahead for the new development
TWO hotels have made the shortlist for the Conde Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2006. The White Lion Hotel, Upton, has been nominated for most excellent traditional inn,and the Colwall Park Hotel will compete in the most excellent value for money
UPTON youngster Jess Williams will spend her half-term holidays riding a new mountain bike. Jess, nine, who goes to Upton Primary School, won the bike by successfully solving a crime scene puzzle at the town's Community Safety Day earlier this month.
The third annual pike and zander fishing competition will be held in Upton on Sunday. Fishermen will compete for the annual trophy as well as a cash prize. The competition takes place on the Waterside at 8.30am. Places are limited and anyone interested
UPTON Community Pride is seeking a new member. The group serves community interests and is involved in creating Upton's town plan. Town clerk Gill Jennings said: "We're involved in community projects, so ideally we need someone with experience of landscape
Florists Sylvia and Peter Dawson are retiring from The Flower Ring after 18 years. The couple are well known in Upton and have been active fundraisers for the town festivals and the Rotary Club. Joy Farrell, of Bridge End Cottage, East Waterside, has
After hearing about the successful application by the Vaults Bar, at Link Top, for a licence to have adult entertainment i.e. pole dancing and lap dancing, I thought I would be one of the brave men who would like to publicly support and wish luck to the
YOU report (Malvern Gazette, October 21) that 150 people attended the exhibition of architects' designs for the old Wells House School and grounds. This, I think, was a measure of the alarm felt locally for this large-scale proposal. Despite the clever
A LARGE DIY store could replace the Kwik Save supermarket in Malvern Link. Malvern Retail Park owners Hercules Unit Trust have bought the Kwik Save site and this week made a planning application to extend it. If the plans are approved, Kwik Save would
AFTER reading about the event in Hampden Road, I was amazed at the amount of police presence, nearly 30 officers to restrain a man with a knife. Surely with all the combat training, stab vest etc it really should have taken two policemen to disarm this
MALVERN pub landlord Duncan Ironmonger has offered to buy Upper Welland's Hawthorn Inn and save it from closure. Mr Ironmonger, who owns the Nag's Head in Malvern and The Chase in Upper Colwall, told villagers he would make an offer for The Hawthorn at
AS Malvern Hills District Council charges for parking up to midnight at its car parks adjacent to Malvern Theatres, then the least it could do is provide some illumination to the ticket machines. Anyone arriving after dark, especially visitors to the
I moved to the hills around 10 years ago and, to my knowledge, Priory Park has never been used for an evening concert, especially Celtic (death metal) Rock. However, at the end of May this year, and with the support of local police and council officials
IT was interesting to read on the front page of the Ledbury Reporter (October 21) that Herefordshire Council says Ledbury needs a further 175 affordable housing units in the next five years. Of greater concern is where will these be built? So much of
A DECISION over the future of the Pickersleigh Road health centre project should made by next month. Malvern Hills District Council's executive committee said such an important decision should be taken by the full council, which meets on Tuesday, November
A picture of a Malvern man who died of a heart attack at the age of just 32 is being used to raise awareness of cardiac problems in the young. Scott Jackson, who died suddenly of a heart attack in 2000, is one of eight faces on a postcard showing people
COMMUNICATION between police and residents will be raised at the next Police Community Consultative Group meeting. Supt John Jones, in charge of West Mercia's communications, and Supt Rod Reynolds, who heads the Worcester C division operational police
CHRISTMAS is coming and Malvern Town Council is urging local traders to get festive. Businesses can buy decorative trees and lights for the outside of their premises by calling the council by November 1. Trees are £25, including supply and installation
THERE'S never a good time to do major roadworks. Certainly in a tourist area like Ledbury, you wouldn't want disruption during the summer, but surely there must be a better time than in the run-up to Christmas? That is the prospect which faces businesses
JAMES Brown will make his first start for Worcester Warriors in seven weeks when he lines up against Amatori Catania in the European Challenge Cup tomorrow (3pm BST). The fly-half has been on the sidelines since damaging knee ligaments in the Premiership
SMOKERS will be encouraged to stub out their cigarettes and create a smoke-free Malvern when a new campaign is launched. Malvern Hills District Council kicks off the campaign in March, to coincide with National No Smoking Day. Likely initiatives include
Volunteers from Malvern will be visiting the remote reaches of Thailand on an aid mission. The Parkside Mission Trip to Thailand is a project by the Parkside Church, a local house church. It already supports missionaries in Thailand, near its northern
JOHN Trewick believes Hereford United's players will have recharged their batteries for tomorrow's big derby after the mid-week FA Cup exertions. The Bulls toiled through extra-time and a penalty shoot-out in poor conditions before beating Alfreton in
PARENTS worried by finding their child a school place for next September will be relieved to hear that they should get their first choice school. Figures released by local councils show most new entrants in the Malvern Hills area went to their parents
TAIWO Atieno will be called on to reproduce his goalscoring exploits from earlier in the season tomorrow. The Kidderminster Harriers forward is set to step in for suspended top scorer Iyseden Christie after sitting out their recent cup clashes. Atieno
DAVE Busst is continuing his pursuit for a new striker at Evesham United after being snubbed by Solihull Borough hot-shot Justin Marsden. The 21-year-old was the subject of a seven-day approach from the Robins, but he opted to stay at Damson Park following
MALVERN Men's hockey team won their first ever league game on Saturday when they entertained Atherstone Adders. MALVERN 1, ATHERSTONE ADDERS 0 In their latest Coaching Solutions League West Midlands division four fixture, and with the majority of their
CRACKPOTS B have played more matches than any other team but have nevertheless established a strong position at the top of the Malvern Table Tennis League's third division table. They have collected five three point wins and Alan Forsdike and Ted Cates
We were talking in the pub last week about friends. Now, the back bar of the Barmaid's Bosom is not known for its frank, honest and down-to-earth chats about relationships - far from it. But the topic drew quite a response from the locals gathered. I
VIOLINIST Eleanor Percy, from Great Malvern, and pianist Irina Lyakhovskaya, from St Petersberg, are performing at the latest Worcester Concert Club event. The concert, at Huntingdon Hall on Sunday, November 6, at 3pm, includes works by Mozart, Brahms
ALL-female Irish band Cherish the Ladies were the first act to perform in Malvern Theatres when it reopened after its refurbishment seven years ago. Now they are back at the Forum for one night only on Saturday, November 5, at 7.30pm. Cherish the Ladies
STUART Watkiss cannot wait to pit his wits against a manager who had a big influence on his football career. The Kidderminster Harriers boss will go head-to-head with Hereford United chief Graham Turner in front of an anticipated 3,000-plus crowd at Aggborough
JOHN Trewick believes Hereford United's players will have recharged their batteries for tomorrow's big derby after the mid-week FA Cup exertions. The Bulls toiled through extra-time and a penalty shoot-out in poor conditions before beating Alfreton in
TONY James reckons Hereford United can kick-start their below-par start to the Nationwide Conference campaign with victory at rivals Kidderminster Harriers. Before a ball was kicked this term, the Bulls were firm favourites to clinch the league title
MALVERN Town consolidated their place at the top of the Midland Alliance table with a victory against an in-form Loughborough, who had won their previous five matches. LOUGHBOROUGH DYNAMO 0, MALVERN TOWN 1 This was Malvern's tenth consecutive league win
What does Peter Mandelson think he's doing now he's trying to lift the ban on Argentinian beef? Is he trying to flood this country with beef that is 60 per cent cheaper than our own and most EU countries? M E BURCHER, Worcester.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 Charity Bazaar In aid of the County Air Ambulance at Kempsey Parish Hall. Books, tombola, raffle and many more stalls. Come along and support this good cause. For further details telephone 01905 821177. Kempsey Handbell Ringers Are
A hard-working friend asked me why six councillors were chosen to test out wheelie-bins for six weeks. Surely they will be biased in favour of them. It would be much more democratic to let six ordinary members of the public test these bins. GEORGE COWLEY
The former Worcester city policemen were great pranksters and it paid to be always on guard and have a sense of humour. Few of us owned cars soon after the war and generally came on duty on our bikes. Occasionally, you found on coming off duty that some
HAVE you got something to say about Malvern Rugby Club or Malvern Town Football Club? If so, you now have a voice that can be heard as this week the Malvern Gazette digital media department has launched a new online news forum on both club's websites.
THERE is to be a feast of women's rugby at Spring Lane on Sunday afternoon with three Malvern teams in action. The Malvern Angels play a league fixture against Ripley Rhinos, the Malvern Angels second XV play Old Edwardians in a friendly and as a curtain-raiser
THE increasing power of White-hall over local authorities was condemned by senior council officers in the Gazette 25 years ago. Len Martin, Malvern Hills District Council's chief executive, told readers: "What people don't realise is the right to make
100 years ago The Earl of Rosebery, who addressed a Liberal demonstration at Stourbridge on Wednesday evening, arrived at Madresfield on Tuesday afternoon on a visit to Earl and Countess Beauchamp. The ex-Premier travelled from London by the corridor
THE boy who asked for more comes to Malvern Theatres cinema this week. Oliver Twist (PG), directed by Roman Polanski, shows at 7.15pm daily from today (Friday) to Thursday, November 10. There are matinee shows at 4pm on November 5, 6, and 10.
BIG State Theatre makes its debut visit to Colwall Village Hall on Thursday, November 10, at 8pm with Fetch!, a fast-paced and physical comedy. A young pet-sitter is found clinging to a buoy in the middle of the ocean and she reveals how the apparently
DANCING Queens will be dusting off their gladrags and getting ready to party like it's 1979 tonight as ABBA UK hit the city. The group is the British tribute act to Sweden's most successful perfectionsists of the pop genre. The shows celebrate 30 years
HITCHING lifts in hotdog vans and supporting Status Quo - it was all part of the rock and roll lifestyle for Worcester band Aquarius. Rhythm guitarist Chris Mann's eyes light up when asked about his memories of the Worcester band, which formed in 1974
AGAIN forced to make wholesale changes, Malvern visited the banks of the Avon to meet a Newbold side that featured some lively backs. NEWBOLD 30PTS, MALVERN 19PTS Malvern missed the presence of Chris Smith at the line-out and the back-row had trouble
A DROITWICH nursery was celebrating this week after being named one of the finalists in a national competition. Droitwich Spa Nursery and Kindergarten, known as the Hollies, is now set to battle it out to scoop accolades in two categories on Friday, November
NATIONAL Health Service employees in Worcestershire are set to benefit from a new training partnership aimed at increasing their skills. The training partnership has been developed by the Learning And Skills Council Herefordshire And Worcester-shire together
AMICUS members at engineering firm Wolverhampton Pressing begin strike action today in a dispute over pay which is only just above minimum wage. The workers have been taking stoppage action over the last 12 weeks in a bid to get a better pay deal. Production
WEBBS of Wychbold garden centre is offering all 250 staff a pre-Christmas treat - free tickets to a special screening of the latest Wallace & Gromit film. Popcorn will be flowing at the Odeon Cinema in Worcester when staff turn out in force to enjoy
ANDY Preece is demanding another FA Cup-style atmosphere tomorrow when Wor-cester City host Barrow at St George's Lane. Victory against the Cumbrians is expected to push City, who are without a league win in eight attempts, out of the Nationwide North
