A KINGSLEY College student has been selected as one of the finalists in this year's Pop Icon 2005 event. The contest will take place at Malvern's Forum Theatre tomorrow. Year 11 pupil Lauren Whetton, 16, (pictured), will perform the Maroon Five number
Bretforton 1, Clifton 1 BRETFORTON are struggling to find some end of season form and they were indebted to defender Sarah Cooke and goalkeeper Vicky Webb for taking a point last weekend. The midfielders managed to push forward on several occasions supported
A BLACKWELL band which recently relocated to larger premises is now looking for new members. Blackwell Wind Band recently moved to Catshill and has now been asked to be the opening band for the summer season of bands in Sanders Park. The band needs additional
DAVID Dowdles has been appointed by Malvern College Council to become headmaster of Malvern College. Mr Dowdles, currently headmaster of Warminster School, Wiltshire, will take over the post at the school, in the town's College Road, on the retirement
THE Swan Theatre will host a big band swing night in aid of a charity for the elderly. Independent Age, a charity helping to keep the elderly independent, presents the show with Worcestershire Jazz Orchestra on Friday, April 1 at the Worcester theatre
WORCESTER MP Michael Foster's job is under threat at the General Election from stay-at-home Labour supporters, a cabinet Minister has warned. Leader of the House Peter Hain admitted defeats in marginal seats like Worcester could cost Labour the election
ROSETTES and trophies are taking pride of place in many Worcestershire homes after a successful year at Crufts. Dozens of the county's top dogs and bitches walked away with prestigious titles after proving they really are top dog. The county scooped Best
A GREEN Party chief's hopes of peddling around Worcestershire spreading the group's message have been left high and dry - after thieves stole his bike. Malcolm Victory, Green prospective parliamentary candidate for West Worcestershire, planned to tour
IT'S not often pupils are encouraged to buy chocolate at school but at a special event at Pershore High School boxes full of the brown stuff were on offer. A group of Year 12 pupils has been promoting Fair Trade chocolate after studying Fairtrade as part
The Travel Factory Midland Football Alliance Saturday, March 19: Ludlow Town v Malvern Town (3.00). Saturday, March 26: Malvern Town v Biddulph Victoria (3.00). Bank Holiday Monday, March 28: Malvern Town v Westfields. Saturday, April 2: Oadby Town v
Saturday, March 12 2005 Oxford City 1 Bromsgrove Rovers 2 Southern League Division One West An opportunist strike from Riad Erraji earned Rovers their first win in five games and consolidated their play-off place against a spirited Oxford City side at
FOUR people were arrested after a woman suffered serious head injuries and a broken leg when she fell from an upstairs window. Police were called to a home in Kempsey Close, Woodrow, at 9.15pm on Friday to find a 30-year-old woman suffering injuries consistent
A HANDBAG containing cash, bank cards, a pink leather purse and a Nokia mobile phone were stolen during a "sneak-in" theft at a home in Hither Green Lane, Bordesley. The theft happened between 9-11.30am last Wednesday. A police spokesman said: "The bag
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a Securicor guard was robbed at Hewell Road Swimming Pool at 1.40pm on Friday. The guard had called at the pool and was walking in the car park at the front of the building when a man pushed her and snatched the
STAFF at a Redditch post office chased a would-be thief after an attempted robbery. The incident happened at 4.20pm last Wednesday when a man entered Mason Road Post Office. He demanded money but following a short struggle, he was chased out by staff.
MANAGER Jimmy Mullen has called on his side to be more ruthless in order to keep their promotion hopes alive in the Southern League Division One West. The Rovers boss was relieved to see his side beat Oxford 2-1 on Saturday, but felt they should have
THE phrase "beyond the call of duty" has almost become a clich. It is mostly used these days in association with big budget war movies or hero-laden computer games much loved by teenage boys. It is rare to come across someone actually going "beyond the
REDDITCH'S two biggest superbike teams Knotts Motorcycles and Magnum Motorsport have joined forces. The clubs have joined to form Buildbase Knotts Magnum and will be fighting for silverware on two fronts. Astwood Bank superbike ace Andy Tinsley will be
RUGBY League could be on its way to the town for the summer. Redditch Ravens has been set up by Redditch Rugby Club's coach Dave Parsons and former Worcester Saints player Jason Spafford and an open session has been set up for anyone who wants to get
STUDLEY have their sights on winning their own mini league come the end of the season. Bees boss Kevin Rowlands says he wants to be top of the bottom nine clubs after watching his side demolish lowly Bridgnorth 3-2 at the Beehive on Saturday. He said:
REDDITCH Cricket Club's Dick Biddle picked up the Outstanding Contribution of the Year award at the Worcestershire All Sports Partnership Sports Awards last Thursday. But Mr Biddle wasn't the only Redditch winner at the Worcester Rugby Club event as Redditch
BOXING: Webheath boxer Adam Mytton produced a stunning right cross to deliver a second round knockout of Dudley's Richard Ghent at a charity dinner tournament in Ross on Wye. Mytton, 17, who fights out of Droitwich Boxing Club, had previously lost to
Wednesday, March 16 Film: Enduring Love, The Norbury Theatre, Friar Street, Droitwich, 8pm. Music: Shane McGowen (The Pogues), Rock Caf 2000, Mill Race Lane, Stourbridge. Thursday, March 17 Music: Eighteen Visions, Wulfrun Hall, North Street, Wolverhampton
A REDDITCH motorist has slammed Worcestershire County Council's public consultation on the future of transport in the town, claiming it is "too politicised". Steve Fermor, of Kendal Close, Winyates Green, criticised the county council's Local Transport
A PLAN to convert the historic British Mills building into apartments has been given the go-ahead. Redditch councillors agreed to the proposal at a planning committee meeting last Tuesday. Developers want to convert the grade II listed building in Enfield
Studley 3 Bridgnorth 2 THE Bees cruised past bottom club Bridgnorth even without the likes of former blues striker Kevin Francis who was called away on family duties before the game. Bees manager Kevin Rowlands had even left a few known names off the
MILLERS boss Lee Adams is confident his team can get the result they want against Southam in the Endsleigh Challenge Cup second leg on Saturday. An under-strength Feckenham played out a 0-0 at Southam in the first leg but Adams was hoping to have his
Thursday, March 17 The Swan Players: Alan Ayckbourn's Round and Round the Garden, Studley Village Hall. Until March 19. Tickets on door. Students perform Fame, Kingsley College Theatre. Until March 19. Tickets from 830731. Pop Icons 2005 Final, Forum
Fixtures for Saturday Southern League Division One West: Clevedon Tn v Evesham Utd. Midland Combination Premier Division: Pershore Tn v Nuneaton Griff. Division One: Thimblemill REC v Littleton. Division Three: Shipston Excelsior v Northfield Tn Res.
PINVIN United moved within two points of promotion from Division Four of the Birdseye Sports Evesham Sunday League following victory over third-placed Bell. Pinvin avenged an earlier defeat as goals from Henry and Lamb sealed the win that was all the
Littleton 2, Heather 0 LITTLETON'S recent run of good results continued with a workmanlike win over Saturday's visitors. This followed a comprehensive 6-0 win at Newhall last week when Steve Brown netted a hat-trick to add to two for Paul Jones and one
Gloucester City 0, Evesham Utd U-14 2 AARON Biddle was the hero as his goal put United through to the final of the AMROS Cup after a 3-2 aggregate semi-final success. The Robins will now face either Worcester City or Cambridge City at a venue yet to be
HEREFORD United endured double heartache last night as captain Tony James suffered a serious ankle injury during his side's shock 1-0 FA Trophy quarter-final defeat at Hucknall Town. The extent to James' injury is unknown but it is feared United's inspirational
TOOTHLESS Hereford United were dumped out of the FA Trophy by Nationwide Conference North Hucknall last night, despite dominating most of the game. Aside from a period mid-way through the first-half when Hucknall grabbed their winner, the Bulls mounted
SOCCER: Ledbury Town look for an upturn in fortunes when they head to Goodrich tonight in the West Midlands League Premier Division (7.45pm). The high-fliers have lost their last two games, 7-0 at Lye Town and 3-0 to leaders Tipton Town. But Ledbury are
A WORCESTERSHIRE Hunt Pony Club team were among the winners at a triathlon competition. The quartet of young riders were competing at the Cotswold Hunt Pony Club's triathlon at Cheltenham. Consisting of three separate phases -- shooting, swimming and
Malvern 2 Headless Cross Ladies Reserves 1 HEADLESS Cross Ladies Reserves were desperate to return to winning ways against a Malvern side who knew a win would see them lift the league trophy. Malvern took the lead after a defensive error by Cross but
Bromsgrove 28 Dunstablians 12 Midlands Divsion One BROMSGROVE stunned promotion chasing Dunstablians at Finstall Park with their most impressive performance of the season and took a big step towards warding off relegation on Saturday. The Boars ended
Bromsgrove 28 Dunstablians 12 Midlands Divsion One BROMSGROVE stunned promotion chasing Dunstablians at Finstall Park with their most impressive performance of the season and took a big step towards warding off relegation on Saturday. The Boars ended
FOR a long time car parking charges in Bromsgrove have been a very contentious issue and I am wondering whether the council's latest scheme to charge some of the most vulnerable amongst us may be just one step too far. There seems to be much fury and
AS a recent day unit patient at the Birch Day Surgery Unit, based at Alexandra Hospital in Redditch, I would like to contribute to the long and ongoing debate that often graces these very pages. I found my stay, although a short one, to be an excellent
WE have received a number of kind inquiries regarding the damage to The Pleck at the end of Broad Street. Just to let everyone know the damage to the premises, and a car in the car park, was caused when a driver lost control at the junction last Saturday
AS the opening of the Artrix draws near, we can understand the enthusiasm for its programme of events - The Bromsgrove Festival, the musicals, the concerts, the plays, the cinema screenings and of course the gallery where local artists can exhibit their
A COUNTY council plan to convert the disused swimming pool at North Bromsgrove High School into an open air facility was branded 'ludicrous' by the governors. The pool had not been used since an asbestos scare three years ago. The governors said the 1,100
DOG license dodgers kept Bromsgrove magistrates busy at the town's police court this week. Several of the eight who had been summonsed were labourers or smallholders who pleaded poverty, saying times were hard and what little cash they had could be put
Bewdley Town 1 Droitwich Spa 0 Worcestershire Junior Cup final A FIRST HALF goal broke Droitwich's hearts as holders Bewdley launched a smash-and-grab to retain the cup on March 9. Droitwich had been more than a match for their opponents from the West
Tipton Town Reserves 2 Fairfield Villa 0 FAIRFIELD'S relegation battle goes on in the Midland Combination Division One after promotion chasing Tipton showed their class in the second half on Saturday. Villa had been matching their high-flying rivals,
Upton on Severn 15 Kings Norton 14 Kings Norton threw away a 14-point half time lead to gift the home side with a victory after a series of second half errors. After three weeks without a game Norton started nervously but it didn't last as the forwards
Droitwich Spa Reserves 0 Shipston Excelsior 3 Spa slipped to their worst defeat of the season against lowly Shipston at home on Saturday. In a crazy ten minutes Spa conceded three goals against the Midland Combination Division Three rivals. Before the
DAFFODILS in bloom, birds singing and spring is in the air with its promise of new life. Sadly, for many ferrets this lovely season spells misery and possible death. Ferrets are increasingly popular as pets and working animals. Unfortunately, many owners
I AGREE with Wychavon councillor Judy Pearce's letter about Mr Blair's surprise visit to her constituency. It was crass to hold a press photocall with Evesham and Pershore youngsters at her local youth sailing centre. It should have been a picture of
RECENTLY I had occasion to travel along Saltway, Droitwich, from the direction of Queen Street, a route which I have not used for some months due to the disruption of traffic flow. You can only imagine my surprise to see the Wychavon-inspired monstrosity
WITH reference to the parking letter on March 9. I'm sure Mr Dovey will be pleased to learn that cars displaying yellow stickers denote that the owners have bought an annual car parking ticket, because this is the cheaper option and not because they are
I AM writing this letter in the hope that it will be read by the person who either took or allowed their child to take the Baby Annabell doll that my four-year-old daughter mislaid at Webbs of Wychbold at about 3pm on Friday, March 4. It was only missed
THE Guinness Book of Records new entry for the world's shortest guided tour should be for Droitwich Spa's remaining heritage trail by Wychavon District Council's tourism officer. Don't blink, you'll miss it! Mark Heel, Burrish Street, Droitwich Spa
ON your letters page for March 9 a number of contributors attacked me personally for supporting the removal of the salt water pool from Lido Park. May I make it quite clear, as I did at the council meeting, that had the leader of the council, Martin Jennings
TACKLING a Gay Hill team of single figure golfers playing on their home course, senior members of the Vale Golf and Country Club lost 3-0 in the semi-final of the Kidderminster Cup Scratch Foursomes. The Vale team of Peter Shepherd and Andrew Boyd, Ray
NOW in its second decade, Europe's largest collectors event - The Memorabilia Show - returns to The NEC on April 2 and 3 for another weekend of nostalgia. Once again visitors will be able to rub shoulders with famous names from the worlds of cult TV,
OVER the Easter weekend, the Leeds-based award-winning Royal Armouries Museum will be alive with the thundering sound of galloping horses and shattering lances. The highlight of its fortnight of medieval mayhem - the spectacular annual four-day international
ALLDERS department store staff who are due to lose their jobs next week will not receive any immediate redundancy pay-off, say administrators Kroll. The Kingfisher Centre store, which employs 150, finally closes its doors on Wednesday after the company
AN award-winning independent pub in Headless Cross has just gone one better and scooped another accolade. Steps Wine Bar and Bistro has been offered "Cask Marque" status for its perfect pints. If that wasn't enough, the pub has also just been nominated
A CARP weighing 15lbs helped Jeff Spires gain an easy victory in the latest qualifier for this year's Wychavon Festival. The Bait Box winner, fishing peg eight on the Common water, also netted two tench and skimmer bream in a winning weight of 34lbs 7ozs
LAST Sunday saw 54 anglers vying for an invitation to this year's Shakespeare Cham-pionships at the annual Evesham Festival when a qualifier was staged at Hampton Ferry. Competitors were greeted by a beautiful spring-like day with the river a lovely colour
THE work of a talented artist will be showcased at Droitwich Spa Library. Worcester artist Angela Christopher will show her work at the Victoria Square library until March 29. The natural world and the shapes it forms heavily inspire the work of former
YESTERDAY (Tuesday), Bromsgrove Art Club met for an appraisal of members' paintings by well known local artist Malcolm Brookes. He has been a professional painter since 1964. In the past, he had headed various art departments in the West Midlands; now
TWO Bromsgrove youngsters are dancing for joy after scooping top spot at a freestyle championship. Ten-year-old Michael Fellows, from Aston Fields and Charlotte Lammas, 9, from Stoke Heath, won their individual category at the ADFP Midland Area Championship
ARE our councillors completely devoid of common sense? Why waste £30,000 revamping boundary signs on the basis of being indistinct when probably very few people even notice them anyway. Surely enough money has already been wasted in replacing perfectly
THE Redditch & Bromsgrove Breathe Easy support group meets every third Thursday of the month at the Churchill community centre, Redditch. We next meet tomorrow (Thursday) from 2-4pm. We welcome anyone with breathing difficulties (and carers) to our
SOME of your recent correspondents have been eager to imply that a vote for the Liberal Democrats will mean a Conservative wins. It is obvious to those of us who are watching with dismay to see Tories and Nu Blu Labour competing to produce the most reactionary
HOW many more times do the facts have to be spelled out to the likes of L Spiteri, D E Margrett and so on, regarding the cost of EU membership? They still seem unable, or unwilling, to accept the facts. The UK is the second largest net contributor, after
THE club's AGM was held in in the village hall and the chairman Ruth Bottomley welcomed a smaller than usual attendance. Business matters began with the treasurer Peggy Mears reporting a reasonably healthy financial position. The chairman in her report
IT is heartening to see how many people support the principles of the Fairtrade scheme. I wonder how many of those people also support membership of the EU without realising that they are sanctioning a regime which has a terrible, detrimental effect on
A STATE-of-the-art gym has been opened at a Rubery school. Now youngsters and residents can use the facilities at Colmers School and Sports College, in Bristol Road South. The school was awarded £100,000 from the Government and had to raise £50,000 itself
A MOTHER lost two stones in weight after a violent campaign by neighbours against her, Worcester Crown Court heard. Nicole Checkley was targeted after she reported a brawl in the street to police. Her lock was damaged, she received a threat to petrol
FORMER top jockey turned BBC racing pundit Willie Carson proved he is still a firm favourite with the punters. Willie arrived in Bromsgrove to officially open a new William Hill betting shop in High Street. The jockey enjoyed a career spanning 37 years
RUBERY is rundown, shabby and an embarrassment to Bromsgrove District Council, according to a councillor for the area. Councillor Peter McDonald (Lab-Waseley) believes it is time something is done about the state of the area, claiming it is so bad that
GENEROUS townsfolk have helped the Hikkaduwa Village Fund smash the £50,000 mark. Members of the Millennium Dive Centre, in Harwood Park, set up the campaign after they were caught up in the Asian tsunami disaster which struck late last year. The group
COUNCILLORS have slammed Tory party plans to sell off British Waterways' assets, which they say could affect the restoration of the Spa town's canals. Conservative shadow chancellor Oliver Letwin, announced the plans to make 'several hundred million pounds
A LEADING member of the Bromsgrove Society has slammed the appearance of the town as "down at heel and shabby" and badly in need of a make-over. David Slater has called upon the district council, traders and homeowners to all do their bit to give the
A SPA home was completely destroyed in a blaze on Monday morning and now firefighters will blitz home fire safety in the town. It is unknown how the fire at the house in Farmers Green started at about 9am but it was so bad flames raged out of the windows
MUMS and dads doing the school run may hold vital clues to help hunt down two Post Office robbers. Two men, wearing balaclavas, used a green Renault Laguna - stolen earlier in the day - and a second un-identified vehicle to escape with a substantial amount
Warnings/Promises is the fourth full-length work from Scottish quintet Idlewild and one of the most highly anticipated albums of 2005. The album opens with Love Steals Us from Loneliness, a soft, introspective song whose melancholic feel, coupled with
DRUG dealer-turned rapper 50 Cent churns out more tales of his gun-toting past in his second album. Singles to already have been released are Candy Shop and Disco Inferno and both are instantly likeable with great lyrics. There is the feeling however,
A GROUP of intrepid, not to mention foolhardy, scientists discover an ancient pyramid in Antarctica and get much more than they bargained for. As well as the gems and artefacts they uncover, they also awaken the wrath of two alien beings who have major
WHEN a film is described as "stylish", it usually means it will be a triumph of style over substance. But this firmly bucks the trend and manages to be both stylish and gripping - and gritty to boot. In what is being hailed as a return to the great British
Yate Town 2, Evesham Utd 0 WHEN the going got tough, United just didn't get going, writes Mervyn Collins. A first defeat in seven matches isn't the end of the world for Saturday's losers but the manner of defeat certainly puts a huge question mark against
REIGNING Bryant School of Motoring mens singles champion Grahame Brown will be out to defend his crown when the Eve-sham Table Tennis Association stages the rounds of their Closed Championships at Evesham High School on Sunday from 8.45am. Three previous
WHEN I was 16, the Abbey Stadium development was proposed, with promises it would be completed by the end of last year. Council workers and architects visited my school and took details of what young people in Redditch wanted from the development. A casino
Pershore 17pts, Old Yardleians 7 ALTHOUGH the scoreline suggests otherwise this was a comprehensive victory for the Piddle Park promotion chasers. They probably commanded 75 per cent of the possession but dogged defence and sometimes the wrong decisions
THE Under-14 girls hockey squad from Pershore High School proved the dominant force at a tournament at Chipping Campden. However, despite remaining unbeaten, they had to rely on the three goals that they scored to pip Tewkesbury School, Stratford Girls
PINVIN United moved within two points of promotion from Division Four of the Birdseye Sports Evesham Sunday League following victory over third-placed Bell. Pinvin avenged an earlier defeat as goals from Henry and Lamb sealed the win that was all the
STAFF and users at Redditch's Abbey Stadium were shocked on Monday to find travellers had set up camp in the car park. Redditch Council moved quickly to issue a 48-hour ultimatum to the travellers but they were still there as the Advertiser went to press
THE Alexandra Hospital used No Smoking Day last week to reinforce its smoke-free message. Chief executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust, John Rostill, said the hospital was aiming to introduce a 15-metre smoke exclusion zone at the end of this
IN my work with a software company based in Redditch, most weeks I have people on training courses staying in hotels around Redditch. These people always ask the same question: "What is there to do at night?'' Answer: Nothing, unless you fancy a bit of
PLANS to radically improve landscaping in Church Green and Alcester Street in Redditch town centre will soon be put into motion. Redditch Council is looking to apply through the Heritage Lottery fund for a grant for landscaping work which will complement
WE were pleased to read in your March 2 issue that you reported the outcome of the planning application for the Co-operative site in Studley. A major influence on the case presented by the district councillors were the views put forward by the residents
A 53-YEAR-old arsonist has been sent to a secure hospital for psychiatric assessment. Susan Burton, of Netherfield, Redditch, pleaded guilty to setting her rented home ablaze when she appeared at Worcester Crown Court. At the request of her barrister,
I WOULD like to ask Studley Parish Council chairman Bill McCarthy just what was his point when he made the remark about "old Glasgow tenements''? (Advertiser, March 2) Was he making a derogatory remark? What is wrong with old Glasgow tenements? I myself
I SHOULD like to express our thanks to B&Q for allowing us to collect at their store. We had exceptional help and consideration from all the staff on what were two extremely cold days when we collected £595.15. Thanks too, to all the people who gave
THIS week, the Chancellor will deliver his Budget. With the backdrop of an economy that over the last eight years has been the envy of the world, my prediction is for a ''steady as she goes'' affair. After all, we have enjoyed growth in the economy in
NEW youth shelters are to be installed across the town following a £25,000 investment by Redditch Council. The modern shelters are more vandal-resistant and said to be more attractive for young people than others already in place around Redditch. Councillor
HEADLESS Cross has developed steadily for more than 200 years. It is a desirable area to live and has always catered adequately for its own sensible youth, with many well-run community youth centres and facilities that have developed along with its growth
THE row created by Conservative group leader Carole Gandy and Council Leader David Cartwright over this summer's AIR festival clearly demonstrates once again the Tories in Redditch know the cost of everything and the value of nothing. Last year's fiasco
AFTER her recent illness, chairman Alexandra Waters was back on form and in the chair to take the AGM in March. Several new members were welcomed. Reports from the chairman and treasurer were presented and accepted. Representatives from the 12 special
DROITWICH motorbike riding sensation Chris Jones sent out an omnious warning to his rivals in his first full testing day at Donnington Park on Sunday. Jones, aged 14, finished a clear second ahead of his rivals on his Honda. The rookie had been in the
Droitwich 1st XI 3 Leamington 1st XI 1 PROMOTION was secured as Droitwich won a nervy encounter at home on Saturday. Victory, sealed by a Barry Williams double, combined Whitchurch's draw with Redditch cemented Droitwich's place in the two of the West
FRIDAY night, March 18, sees the highlight of the year's activities when patron Penny Weedon will give her Patron's Concert at Cookhill Village Hall, 7.30 pm for 8pm. Penny will play her magnificent ''top-of-the-range'' Yamaha EL900m electronic organ
HOCKEY: Bromsgrove men's second team ensured the West Midlands Division Two title with two wins over the weekend. Victories over Market Drayton on Saturday and Kingswinford on Sunday ensured that the Boars' grip on the top of the table tightened considerably
VICE-president Wendy Hart stepped in for president Sue Lawson for the March meeting. The correspondence included an invitation from Kingston with Dormston WI to attend any of their meetings and information on this year's resolutions. Wendy discussed the
BASKETBALL: In-form Bromsgrove Blaze A grabbed two victories in the Worcestershire Junior Division. Blaze enjoyed their most successful period with wins over Worcester based Kings School and improving Malvern. In Worcester Bromsgrove controlled the first
The group met on February 10. The arranged venue of Matchborough West Meeting Rooms was locked and apparently the group was not allowed to use it. This lack of communication caused considerable inconvenience and embarrassment, saved only by Phil Williams
PROBUS (Professional and Businessmen's) Clubs are active around the world and there about 800 in the UK. The Kingfisher Club of Redditch was formed in 1987 with a maximum membership of 50, mainly from Alvechurch, Redditch and Alcester and has an interesting
THE Life and Work of Edward Burne-Jones was the subject of a talk by Brendan Flynn, Curator of Fine Arts at Birmingham Art Gallery. As a young man, Burne-Jones decided his future lay as a priest and he went to Oxford to study divinity. It was there he
AT the January meeting, Derek Harrington spoke about Bewdley - a Riverside Town. Mr Harrington has lived in Bewdley for the past 25 years and is a town tour guide and a member of Bewdley Museum Society and Bewdley Civic Society. He came to tell members
March 14, 1980 REDDITCH traders have questioned district council leader Pat Wilson's claim that proposed new £6.4 million civic offices are ''a necessity'' for the town. In a letter to the Redditch Indicator, Mr GM Grove, of the Chamber of Trade, said
March 18, 1955 A FIRE at a farm in Alvechurch caused traffic chaos for motorists on Monday night. The blaze was started when Mr BJ Meredith, of Cobbs Barn Farm in Birmingham Road, lit a bonfire on his property. The wind blew sparks from the fire and ignited
MEMBERS of the public should be playing their part in fighting crime in Alcester - and that includes shopping offenders to the police. The message comes from Councillor Cliff Meade who said a more responsible society would be more effective than a larger
DRAG racing, one of the fastest motor sport disciplines known to man makes a welcome return to Stratford-upon-Avon's Shakes-peare County Raceway this weekend for two days of pre-season testing and public participation! With the event being open to all
LUDDINGTON Road again provided the perfect curtain-raiser for this week's annual Cheltenham Festival on Monday afternoon. A fabulous seven-race card boasting no fewer than 86 runners provided some thrilling action for the big Stratford crowd that saw
THE Under-14 girls hockey squad from Pershore High School proved the dominant force at a tournament at Chipping Campden. However, despite remaining unbeaten, they had to rely on the three goals that they scored to pip Tewkesbury School, Stratford Girls
Evesham and District Association WYRE Barbedwyre remain on course to lift the Division Two title following an 8-2 victory over Bengeworth Lions. Andy Bryant beat Joan Parfitt and Colin Green but Mike Moore won his three singles and Parfitt and Green both
EVESHAM Archery Club's Indoor Championships produced a couple of surprise winners. Shooting the traditional five-zone Worcester round, novice archer John Dixon took the gents' recurve title from an on song Mike Crayford and veteran Charles Worrell. Linda
A NEW caf has opened in Redditch town centre which hopes to provide a socially inclusive environment for both deaf and hearing people. MV Sign Caf, which recently opened above Barnett's Hairdressers in Church Green East, was set up by members of disability
REDDITCH's oldest club is celebrating its 60th anniversary next month - but needs new committee members to step forward. The Redditch Society was formed in 1945 to bring together people who share an interest in science, literature and art. There had been
Evesham Ladies League Results - Division One: Sun Nomads 6, Beckford SC 4; Norton Grange 6, Corner Cup-board 4; New Inn 5, Fairfield 5; Long Lartin B 7, Golden Cross 3; Littleton Bowls 3, Hospital B 7. Division Two: Masons Arms 7, Cider Mill 3; Talbot
HOME movers and solicitors are set to benefit from improvements to land search services in the Malvern Hills district set to be introduced today. Changes have been made by the district council to the service to make it faster and more cost-effective.
THERE will be some cracking fun for youngsters during Easter at Forge Mill Museum. On Tuesday, March 29, children will be able to challenge their friends during the "Great Egg Race", decorate Easter eggs and go on a "Chicken Trail". The next day, youngsters
MYSTERY still surrounds a car showroom in Alcester which closed suddenly two weeks ago. Randles Suzuki, in Priory Road, suffered repeated vandalism attacks last year and lost thousands of pounds in repair bills. Cars parked in Cross Road and on the forecourt
REDDITCH people with special needs are in danger of "being abandoned" if volunteers can't be found to help a club. Joint founder of the Friday Fun Club special needs group, Liz Brunt, said a lack of support meant services for members over 25 could be
ALCESTER and Studley's police inspector Tim Bailey will be leaving his post next week to become Acting Chief Inspector at police headquarters, Leek Wootton. Insp Bailey, who has been stationed at Alcester for the past three years, said he was leaving
WANNABE pop stars from Arrow Vale Community High School wowed audiences with their renditions of popular 80s hits at the school's recent "Back to the Eighties" evening.
WORCESTERSHIRE-based employees of TNT Express Services put in a first class performance in a charity appeal for used stamps. The express delivery giant, which has a depot in Hartlebury, donated 75,000 stamps weighing 12.6kg to help swell the coffers of
A man who landed a £125,000-a-year job with an Alcester company after claiming to have qualifications to which he was not entitled has escaped being jailed. Ronald Weinstein, 57, who lived in Chipping Campden at the time, claimed to have a PhD and an
A SOFTWARE development company has launched a pioneering product that converts text into speech. Heavy Horse Research, based in Worcester, has announced the release of KeyMaster. This enables the computer to speak as someone types a document or to read
BIG-hearted residents from all over Redditch took part in a host of madcap activities to raise cash for this year's Comic Relief. Schools, nurseries, offices and factories all joined in the fun by buying Red Noses and wearing brightly coloured clobber
ROAD safety has been the key for pupils at Dunnington CE Primary School who have been learning to cross with care during regular kerbside training lessons. Dominic Lloyd and Harriet Alder, both 6, put the theory into practice.
SCORES of Redditch clubs and groups have now put their names forward for the Redditch Community Arts Festival Event, which takes place in June. Entertaining the crowds with singing and dancing will be Redditch Area Music, Nancy Butterfly Morris Dancers
HEATHER Gerrard likes helping people and her latest role is going to give her plenty of opportunity. Mrs Gerrard, of Holland Close, Bidford, has been appointed Village Liaison Officer (VLO) in a new initiative run by Stratford Council for Voluntary Service
STUDENTS from NEW College were puffed out after a Heart and Lungs Fun Run on No Smoking Day last Wednesday. Students from the Peakman Road campus ran as many 400-metre laps as possible around the Abbey Stadium's running track. Sponsorship money was given
DYNAMIC dancers at Kingsley College put on a colourful show for the Schools Standards Minister Stephen Twigg when he visited them recently. The Labour MP called in to congratulate headteacher Leslie McGuigan on improvements made at the school in recent
RESIDENTS in Alcester and the surrounding villages could be in line for a better transport system if town and parish councillors agree to take it on board. Stratford District Council has set aside £100,000 in next year's budget to support social and community
A REDUNDANT slip road off Feckenham Road in Headless Cross may be grassed over and landscaped if residents get their way. At a recent neighbourhood meeting, residents said they would prefer to see something done with the disused road where it meets Swinburne
ALCESTER stands to lose thousands of pounds a year because of a cut in district council funding. Councillors at Stratford have decided to discontinue a payment to parishes to cover such things as playground maintenance and grass cutting. The cut in the
PUPILS and staff at St Nicholas School, Alcester, hit the right note while raising money for charity on Friday. They combined a music day with support for Red Nose Day and raised cash for Comic Relief. Everyone dressed up as pop stars or someone from
A QUICK-witted policeman tied a 30ft dog lead round his waist to rescue a man from a sinking car. PC Kevin Glanville showed "remarkable bravery" when he clambered down a riverbank to rescue the driver - who was determined to kill himself in the fast-flowing
ANYONE thinking of putting off claiming for a state pension for a while is being reminded that changes will be made to the choices they have on Wednesday, April 6. Age Concern Herefordshire and Worcestershire will be explaining the full details of the
A DEFIANT Worcestershire sub-postmaster has said he will not allow an attempted armed robbery to put him off opening his post office today. Paul Twist, from Upton-upon-Severn Post Office, said it would be "business as usual" even though yesterday a man
CITY bell ringers are hoping home advantage will help them make the finals of a national competition - for the first time ever. Eight teams will meet at All Saints Church on Deansway on Saturday, March 19, for the heat of the National Twelve-Bell Competition
A PORTUGUESE family, who claimed they were subjected to racist taunts and an arson attack on their home, have gone missing. Yesterday, police confirmed that Marcelino Rita, his wife, and their three daughters - including a five-and-a-half month old baby
A TOP reggae and Christian singer whose music was shaped by his experiences as a boy soldier dropped in on a Worcester school to work with youngsters. Nigerian-born Ben Okafor visited Bishop Perowne CE High School in Merriman's Hill Road, Worcester, on
SPRING is in air and those who enjoy the first signs are sure to have a blooming good time raising cash for charity when the Blossom Trail Bikeaway gets underway. The event, which takes place on Sunday, April 17, is in aid of the Pershore branch of the
FIERY celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay is a fan of Worcestershire Sauce - he says it is an essential ingredient in many of his recipes - and he loves it in beans on toast. Gordon, who is as famous for his colourful language as his cookery, uses the sauce
THE police inspector for Studley, Tim Bailey, will be leaving his post next week to become an acting Chief Inspector at police headquarters in Leek Wootton. Insp Bailey has been stationed at Alcester for the past three years. He will be succeeded by Insp
A BLACKWELL band which recently relocated to larger premises is now looking for new members. Blackwell Wind Band recently moved to Catshill and has now been asked to be the opening band for the summer season of bands in Sanders Park. The band needs additional
THE Swan Theatre will host a big band swing night in aid of a charity for the elderly. Independent Age, a charity helping to keep the elderly independent, presents the show with Worcestershire Jazz Orchestra on Friday, April 1 at the Worcester theatre
THE power of fear is like nothing else. It will immobilise you, cause irrational behaviour and make you do things you never thought possible. It will take you to your limits. Fear is what Saw is all about. From the dramatic opening scene through to the
JOHNNY Depp stars in this enchanting true tale of author and playwright J M Barrie and his inspiration behind the story of Peter Pan. The viewer is slowly emerged into a world of imagination and creativity where anything is possible if only you believe
Wednesday, March 16 Film: Enduring Love, The Norbury Theatre, Friar Street, Droitwich, 8pm. Music: Shane McGowen (The Pogues), Rock Caf 2000, Mill Race Lane, Stourbridge. Thursday, March 17 Music: Eighteen Visions, Wulfrun Hall, North Street, Wolverhampton
THE Palace Theatre will swing to the sound of Ray Gelato and his powerful seven-piece band on Friday evening. Described as "a cross between Louis Prima and Dean Martin with a touch of Robert de Niro", Ray Gelato was chosen by Paul McCartney to perform
SENSATIONAL all-male dancing troupe Tap Dogs bring their show to the Birmingham Hippodrome next week as part of only two UK dates in their World Tour. Be prepared to be amazed as "six sexy guys in Blundstone boots and jeans tap, stomp and splash their
NOW in its second decade, Europe's largest collectors event - The Memorabilia Show - returns to The NEC on April 2 and 3 for another weekend of nostalgia. Once again visitors will be able to rub shoulders with famous names from the worlds of cult TV,
THE work of a talented artist will be showcased at Droitwich Spa Library. Worcester artist Angela Christopher will show her work at the Victoria Square library until March 29. The natural world and the shapes it forms heavily inspire the work of former
TWO Bromsgrove youngsters are dancing for joy after scooping top spot at a freestyle championship. Ten-year-old Michael Fellows, from Aston Fields and Charlotte Lammas, 9, from Stoke Heath, won their individual category at the ADFP Midland Area Championship
INKBERROW Players deviated from their usual pantomime to bring the village its first ever musical in the form of Oliver!, which played to packed houses for three nights last week. It was a brave move and one which paid off for the company and audience
Warnings/Promises is the fourth full-length work from Scottish quintet Idlewild and one of the most highly anticipated albums of 2005. The album opens with Love Steals Us from Loneliness, a soft, introspective song whose melancholic feel, coupled with
Call me a cynic but can it be pure coincidence that a new offering from Ireland's finest has been released just in time for St Patrick's Day? And as an added bonus, those clever marketing people at Warner Music have made it a double whammy with a bonus
WHEN a film is described as "stylish", it usually means it will be a triumph of style over substance. But this firmly bucks the trend and manages to be both stylish and gripping - and gritty to boot. In what is being hailed as a return to the great British
MINIATURE musicians at The Coppice Primary School will be performing a plethora of tunes at a spring music concert. Violins, recorders, flutes and keyboards will be among the instruments featuring in the performance at the Shawhurst Lane school, Hollywood
WEBHEATH parents will don their glad rags for a black tie ball in aid of the village school. The ball is being held at Redditch Golf Club on Saturday, May 7, and partygoers will enjoy a four-course meal followed by a late-night disco. All money raised
Evesham 0, Kings Heath Pickwick 1 EVESHAM failed to sparkle and find any real attacking fluency as their latest West Midlands Prem-ier League match saw them stutter to defeat. In a game where both teams had nothing to play for, the match was played at
Pershore 5, Chaddesley Corbett 2 PERSHORE made a welcome return to winning ways in the Coaching Solutions League last weekend. They took the lead early on after surviving some strong Chaddesley pressure when a good move down the right saw Richard Lisle
Sonja's story WHEN single mum Sonja Rees found herself needing help after the pressures of looking after her toddler daughter became "overwhelming" she feared there was nowhere to turn. Sonja, whose daughter Becky was then two years old, felt so vulnerable
HUNDREDS of people are expected to dig out their walking boots this spring and tackle the Malvern Hills in a huge fund-raising effort for a new hospice. Last year more than 700 people took part in aid of Worcester's St Richard's Hospice and this year's
A CONCERT of English music will be held at St John's Church, in Bromsgrove, over Easter. The concert, presented by Bromsgrove Choral Society this Saturday at 7.30pm, will feature music by Elgar, Vaughan Williams and John Stainer. Tickets cost £7.50 with
WORCESTER'S 18-stone wrestling star Johnny the Body will be getting to grips with another opponent on Friday night, when a host of top grapplers appear on stage at the city's Rainbow Hill Club. Johnny - real name John Stallard - lives only 100 yards from
A NEW Brownie pack opened in Alcester on Friday in response to increased demand. Brown Owl is former Queen's Guide Stephanie Jackson who moved to Kings Coughton last year from Surrey where she also led a pack. Mrs Jackson said that the new pack complemented
POLICE in Redditch are appealing for information after a man indecently exposed himself to two girls in Matchborough on Monday, March 7. The girls, both aged 12, were playing in the Easenhall Road area between 6.45-7.45pm when the man exposed himself
THE power of fear is like nothing else. It will immobilise you, cause irrational behaviour and make you do things you never thought possible. It will take you to your limits. Fear is what Saw is all about. From the dramatic opening scene through to the
JOHNNY Depp stars in this enchanting true tale of author and playwright J M Barrie and his inspiration behind the story of Peter Pan. The viewer is slowly emerged into a world of imagination and creativity where anything is possible if only you believe
MINI racer Paul Crees got his first outing in the Mighty Mini's Championship at Brands Hatch on Saturday. The Brockhill racer finished fourth in the race and is now brimming with confidence which he says could take him all the way to glory come the end
THE trust which runs the Alexandra Hospital has accumulated one of the worst debts in the country in recent years, according to figures released by health minister John Hutton last week. Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which also runs Worcester
WORCESTER City's end of season presentations will be made at a dinner-dance held at Worcestershire Cricket Ground on April 23. The evening, which runs from 7pm until late, comprises a three-course meal, music and entertainment. Tickets are £25 and available
TENNIS: The Prudden Road Surfacing Junior Tennis League competition gets under way this month with free entry to teams of 12 years old and under. The competition takes the format of pools of generally four teams who take it in turn to host a pool match
SQUASH: Club Ventura's league and cup campaign is heading for a crucial climax. The Ventura first team have a cup semi-final to play against Stourbridge. The winners will play either Evesham or Hereford in the final. Meanwhile, Ventura seconds have already
CRABBS Cross residents are being called on to become part of a pioneering scheme to save lives. Hereford & Worcester Ambulance Service NHS Trust is setting up a community first responder scheme in Crabbs Cross and needs volunteers who can be the first
FAMILIES in Lakeside and Lodge Park are set to benefit from a new £230,000 Sure Start centre. Redditch Sure Start has plans to build the single-storey centre as an extension to the existing nursery at Oakhill First School in Wirehill Drive, Lodge Park
THERE was no screaming and shouting after defeat at Yate last weekend and Evesham United manager Dave Busst is confident his players can get their championship chase back on course, writes Mervyn Collins. "They are the same bunch of players who have got
Redditch United 3 Worksop Town 2 IT was just the respite Redditch needed after three straight defeats in the Nationwide North. Reds boss Rod Brown stuck with the five-man midfield as Scott Rickards recovers from injury but it was midfielder Richard Softley
PLANS to extend an Alvechurch care home have been given full backing by councillors, despite fears it is "completely alien" to the building's original design. Bromsgrove Council officers had recommended councillors refuse plans to build a conservatory
ALVECHURCH councillors have hit out at the "severe inequality" of villagers in Alvechurch, Beoley and Wythall having to pay extra for their parish councils. Bromsgrove District Councillor Roger Hollingworth has slammed parish council precepts, which force
SULTRY award-winning musical Chicago returns to Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre on Monday for a short run as part of a national tour. The smash-hit show, based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, is choreographed by Anne Reinking in the style of Bob
Yate Town 2, Evesham Utd 0 WHEN the going got tough, United just didn't get going, writes Mervyn Collins. A first defeat in seven matches isn't the end of the world for Saturday's losers but the manner of defeat certainly puts a huge question mark against
THE Palace Theatre will swing to the sound of Ray Gelato and his powerful seven-piece band on Friday evening. Described as "a cross between Louis Prima and Dean Martin with a touch of Robert de Niro", Ray Gelato was chosen by Paul McCartney to perform
ST Stephen's Church is the venue for The Redditch Orchestra's spring concert on Saturday at 7.30pm. Cellist Graham Morris is guest soloist and will play Dvorak's Cello Concerto. He began playing the cello at the age of eight and studied at the Royal Northern
SENSATIONAL all-male dancing troupe Tap Dogs bring their show to the Birmingham Hippodrome next week as part of only two UK dates in their World Tour. Be prepared to be amazed as "six sexy guys in Blundstone boots and jeans tap, stomp and splash their
THERE was no screaming and shouting after defeat at Yate last weekend and Evesham United manager Dave Busst is confident his players can get their championship chase back on course, writes Mervyn Collins. "They are the same bunch of players who have got
SHAUN Stanley bolstered Blockley's Stratford Alliance promotion push with a four-goal salvo against championship rivals Long Compton. The Cutler Division Three hosts won an eight-goal thriller at Sparmoor to reinforce their championship credentials while
Evesham Academy 5, GlosCAT 0 EARLY pressure meant that it was only a matter of time before Evesham scored and the breakthrough came when Danny Deehan's thro-ugh ball led to Shaun Stanley netting after 35 minutes. The hosts continued to dominate but hadn't
ANDY Preece faces a late fitness test tonight ahead of Worcester City's Nationwide North rearranged clash at Bradford Park Avenue (7.45pm). Player-manager Preece has withdrawn himself from action over the past month after damaging his ribs in the home
MARK Shepherd scored on his Malvern Town debut but they fell 3-1 at Romulus in the Travel Factory Alliance. Malvern boss Neil Hunt had to make changes once again as he was without Nathan Jukes, Andy Chalmers, Duncan Preedy, Paul Wyatt, Nick Clayton and
WESTFIELDS recorded their second 1-0 win in the Travel Factory Alliance in four days with another Matt Aubrey match-winning goal last night. The Hereford side managed their 14th league success of the season with the triumph at Racing Club Warwick and
HEADLESS Cross Ladies were left without a game at the weekend. But the time off will give Cross the chance to prepare for their county cup final on Sunday against Hereford Pegasus. Headless Cross Ladies manager Rob Auld said: "After not playing a game
Studley Women Res 3 Sandwell Lions 2 AFTER an enforced three-week break due to the weather Studley Women reserves were eager to continue their winning streak and they managed it by the odd goal. Sandwell, who started the game with only ten players, took
DROITWICH RFC aim to pull one of the shocks of the season when they take on neighbours Bromsgrove in the North Midlands Cup quarter-finals on Friday night (7.30pm start). The hosts go into the crucial cup clash as massive under-dogs against a Bromsgrove
BROMSGROVE aim to avoid an upset in the North Midlands Cup quarter-finals when they take on Droitwich away on Friday night (7.30pm start). The hosts go into the crucial cup clash as massive under-dogs against a Boars side brimming with confidence. While
DROITWICH RFC aim to pull one of the shocks of the season when they take on neighbours Bromsgrove in the North Midlands Cup quarter-finals on Friday night (7.30pm start). The hosts go into the crucial cup clash as massive under-dogs against a Bromsgrove
RELEGATION-threatened Kidderminster Harriers are determined to get their young fans on-side as the season draws to a thrilling finale. Harriers have introduced a number of incentives for under-16 supporters in order to lift their gates and the Aggborough
SINCE Andy Padmore expects it is the local council's job to take away his additional refuse, would he support my leaving the packaging of my new freezer next to my wheelie bin? Or perhaps my old armchair or mattress? Of course he wouldn't: limits have
NOT content with increasing parking fees, charging disabled badge holders to park and withdrawing free swimming for pensioners, Bromsgrove District Council now intends to stop free parking for users of the Dolphin Centre. We have already paid for the
ACCORDING to the Advertiser/Messenger, disabled drivers, or less abled which I prefer, will now have to pay to park, coinciding with the Shopmobility scheme which will enable disabled people to get around town in buggies. Not all D/A drivers will be able
I WONDER if residents are aware of the true consequences of the budget set by Bromsgrove District Council, and the way their councillors voted for what was one of the largest increases in the country. From April all community grants will cease, only Amphlett
SINCE moving to Bromsgrove several years ago, my standard of living has fallen due to firstly, the road system which seems to increasingly disadvantage motorists. It takes longer to cross Bromsgrove on the A38 than Birmingham! The numerous traffic lights
IF Bromsgrove Council is going to charge people with disabilities for parking, even in designated slots, then they would be better off choosing to park on any of the double yellow lines and add to the traffic chaos. A person with a disability will find
I READ with incredulity the proposal to close the footpath known colloquially as Pigs Alley, and the bridleway known as Well Lane, both situated in Bromsgrove. The reason for closure is claimed to be the congregation of drug users and bullies committing
I WAS astounded to read in the Advertiser/Messenger of a proposal to close both Pigs Alley, and the Well Lane Bridleway in Bromsgrove. The use of these ancient rights of way goes right back to Bromsgrove's market town heritage and should be jealously
FIREMEN from Bromsgrove and eight other local towns were called to fight a major fire in the five storey Halfords Cycle Store, in Birmingham. It was full of flammable materials and the blaze was said to be the city's worst in peacetime. Damage to the
Coventry Tech 3 Alcester 41 ALCESTER breathed a sigh of relief after preserving their Warwickshire One status but at the same time dumped their hosts out of the league with a comprehensive victory. After a nail-biting week, which also saw them docked
MANAGER Jimmy Mullen has called on his side to be more ruthless in order to keep their promotion hopes alive in the Southern League Division One West. The Rovers boss was relieved to see his side beat Oxford 2-1 on Saturday, but felt they should have
Oxford City 1 Bromsgrove Rovers 2 Southern League Division One West An opportunist strike from Riad Erraji earned Rovers their first win in five games and consolidated their play-off place against a spirited Oxford City side at Court Place Farm Stadium
Barnt Green Spartak 1 Northfield Town 2 Smedley Crooke Memorial Cup semi-final SPARTAK'S cup woes resurfaced again as another chance of silverware slipped through their fingers on Saturday. Despite being the overall favourites to defeat their Midland
STAR and Garter booked their place in the Bridgwater Cup final by defeating Cofton Falcons 1-0 on Sunday. Andy Cartwright scored from the penalty spot in extra-time to ensure Star defeated Cofton in a tense semi- final. Spring Meadow edged Leisure Line
Droitwich Spa 0 University of Birmingham 0 Challenge Vase semi-final (first leg) DROITWICH still have a chance of silverware this season after two evenly matched sides battled out a draw on Saturday. In an end-to-end game both sides had their chances
WITHIN all the claim and counter claim about the Lido is it not possible for the SALT people to obtain an injunction to stop any destruction of the present buildings at least until more information has been given to the Droitwich people - I would like
WE have seen many letters with regard to the Lido - its future and demise etc. Perhaps there should be consideration to the enhancement of part of Droitwich which now lies empty. Why does no one consider the development of the former SAAB garage on the
COULD I correct a wrong impression that may have been created by Mr Dovey's letter in your last issue, regarding arrangements at the Lido car park? The yellow stickers carried by some cars are season tickets available to everyone, at a considerable discount
ON Saturday evening it was my pleasure to be at the Norbury Theatre listening to wonderful singing courtesy of Hatstand Opera, which was a just one night production of sheer joy. But, oh what a shame that the theatre was only one third full. I am a Droitwich
MY wife and I, in common with a great number of voters in Droitwich Spa, will no longer be supporting the Conservatives in the May 2005 county elections. As an exercise in saving money, closing the Droitwich Lido was badly flawed. The site has become
SAM McDonald received a call-up to represent England's Under-18 rugby squad. The 17-year-old Evesham youngster, who attends the Royal Grammar School in Worcester, was selected to play against Wales last weekend after scoring a try when England overcame
Worcester Wanderers 10, Evesham 11pts EVESHAM caused something of a surprise last Saturday when they dealt a serious blow to the home side's chances of promotion. The afternoon started disastrously for the Avon Street men when Wanderers scored a converted
Evesham U-13 17pts, Bredon 15 EVESHAM turned their run of bad luck around last Sunday to gain a victory after a hard-fought contest. Captained by Adam Meadows, the hosts received the opening kick and were put under early pressure and conceded a score
BREDON'S Under-14s reached the semi-finals of North Midlands County Junior Cup with a 22-10 victory over Kidderminster Carolians last weekend. The tries were scored by James Waite, John Harkness, Will Ripley and Ben Gabbot, whose late effort was converted
A DANCE company made up of 30 talented youngsters is set to give an original performance. Worcestershire Youth Dance Company will perform at the Swan Theatre, The Moors, Worcester, next Thursday, March 24. The group is made up of youngsters from around
WE may have lost our four-game unbeaten run at Stalybridge Celtic -- but I'm confident the lads will react in the right way at Bradford Park Avenue tonight. It was disappointing to lose 1-0 at Bower Fold because I felt we were much the better team overall
ON a very cold evening members of the Inner Wheel Club of Droitwich Spa were warmly welcomed by president Patricia Phillips to the Raven Hotel for their February meeting. Following supper, new officers were elected for the year 2005-2006. The president
THE lamentations of F L Jones and D E Margrett (Letters, Tuesday, March 8) for the years of their life spent serving their country hardly seem to me to be typical of their generation. As I remember those times, there was a wonderful spirit of everyone
WE met in St Mary de Wyche church for our New Year party, when our Rector Roger and his wife Pat were our guests. As usual the food and refreshments were excellent, all enjoyed in an atmosphere of warmth and fellowship, and as before, there were no shortage
THE AGM was well attended by members and visitors and four new committee members were voted on board. We were then transported to New Zealand to the gardens created at the homesteads. Marie Paginton filled us with her enthusiasm for the country and for
MARION opened the meeting by introducing our speaker Gwnth Zanzottera, who likes to be called Gwen, her subject was to be topless in Stratford. Gwen didn't really like the idea of retirement so when an opportunity arose to apply to become a guide she
A NEW scheme to provide extra parking for rail commuters in Aston Fields could mean passengers facing a trek along a dangerous road or walking up a narrow lane to reach their cars. The facilities, to stop on-street parking in nearby roads and provide
THE distant, comforting sounds of Big Bertha sent thousands of Bromsgrove people to sleep for nearly 40 years. This is not a politically incorrect reference to a lady of large girth and easy virtue but is how many remember a very special steam engine.
RED Nose fever hit Bromsgrove as townsfolk pulled together to raise funds for Comic Relief. Everything from leg waxing and gunging to youngsters decked out in red was seen in the area on Friday March 11 for Red Nose Day. This year's fundraising bonanza
BROMSGROVE motorists are being warned to be on their guard after a Dodford garage owner admitted five offences of false description of a used car. Mohammed Naveed of Crossroads Garage, sold a BMW with 65,000 miles on the clock when it had in fact done
STAFF and teachers at a Bromsgrove school have named their favourite lunch time customer. Fifteen-year-old Tom Hughes, from South Bromsgrove High, was named most courteous customer after a secret observation by all catering staff. They secretly kept an
RUBERY has been given a major cash boost of nearly £200,000 for improvements to St Chad's Park. Work is set to start in the coming months after it was announced in the recent district council budget that cash is to be spent on projects which will include
FIRST time buyers could get help to get a vital toehold on the difficult home ownership ladder in Bromsgrove, the Advertiser/Messenger can exclusively reveal. The district council's powerful executive cabinet will meet tonight (Wednesday) behind closed
RESIDENTS have been quizzed on their views on health services in the town. The Public and Patient Involvement (PPI), which is a forum attached to Redditch and Bromsgrove Primary Care Trust, was in the High Street raising public awareness. Members asked
TRADERS in Bromsgrove Market Hall claim trade has slumped so badly they are barely taking enough cash to pay their rents. Since Christmas some maintain their daily takings have dipped to the lowest since the Market opened a decade ago. They say rumours
INKBERROW Players deviated from their usual pantomime to bring the village its first ever musical in the form of Oliver!, which played to packed houses for three nights last week. It was a brave move and one which paid off for the company and audience
A NEW £47,000 play area could be built in Cofton Hackett if a funding request gets the green light. Cofton Hackett Parish Council has applied for grant aid from Bromsgrove District Council for the work at the site in Myhill Field. The parish council owns
A DROITWICH Spa dairy is crying over spilt milk after it was hit with a £9,000 bill for polluting a Worcestershire brook. Robert Wiseman and Sons Ltd, which is based at the Stonebridge Cross business park, pleaded guilty at Worcester Magistrates Court
