KEEN walkers are being urged to join a campaign to secure the future of the county's best-loved footpaths. The new year saw the beginning of a countdown to claim public footpaths for an official map - and if they are not registered within the 20-year
PEOPLE in Pershore and Evesham have more chance of surviving a heart attack, thanks to a new volunteer scheme set up by Hereford and Worcester Amb-ulance Service NHS Trust. Four volunteers from Evesham and seven from Pershore have received training in
RESIDENTS in Worcester are being urged to give their views on a bid to transform the face of Worcester's riverside. Worcester City Council has just a day left to produce a plan that will impress Lottery judges in an attempt to win £25m backing. Three
BALTHASAR is a three-year-old dog that has been abandoned over Christmas. The Staffordshire bull terrier, who was found roaming the streets of Worcester, is the ninth of the Worcester News 12 dogs of Christmas. Dave Lannie, kennel supervisor at Danemere
A TEENAGER who refused to give evidence after her boyfriend allegedly assaulted her was ordered to sit in court for a day as punishment. Emily Bateman was told by the judge that, although she was the alleged victim of punches and deliberate cigarette
AN angry Kidderminster resident is "absolutely livid" that trees opposite her house have been chopped down due to safety concerns. Sally Smith, of Emperor Place, said she was shocked when she returned home from work to find willow trees had been felled
AN in-depth survey is being carried out to help Worc-estershire County Council consider changes to a road junction in Bewdley. Currently, traffic turning off the Habberley Road on to the Kidderminster Road in Catchems End is only allowed to turn left,
EXPERT divers put their skills to good use when they rescued a duck stranded on an icy pond in Kidderminster. Samantha Wills, of Stourbridge Road, was visiting Springfield Park with her niece and nephew when they spotted the bird trapped in the middle
WYRE Forest residents could see an increase of 2.5 per cent in the district council element of their council tax this coming year. The proposed package put forward at Wyre Forest District Council's cabinet meeting would see a £4.37 increase for the Band
TWO former Bewdley High School pupils are well on their way to successful modelling careers. Brother and sister, Tom and Katie Archer, of Hexton Lane, Arley, were both photographed for a feature on party clothes and appeared in The Telegraph Magazine
PLANS to make Kidderminster Station on the Severn Valley Railway the "jewel in the crown of heritage railways" have been drawn up. The £750,000 project will include a glass canopy, which will be double pitched to a traditional railway design and cover
SAFETY check procedures at Kidderminster Cemetery are to be reviewed amid continuing complaints from shocked relatives. Many have been left dismayed and angry at finding headstones surrounded by wooden supports or tied with safety bands because they have
MONTHLY WALK: The December walk attracted about 25 villagers, including a number of young children. Although the morning had been sunny the weather in the afternoon turned colder and cloudy but that did not deter the hardy walkers - and the many dogs.
WEDNESDAY CLUB: The club meets on the first and third Wednesday in the month at 2.30pm, in King Georges Hall. New members and visitors welcome.
I WAS interested to read the reports regarding the large turnouts at the Boxing Day meets of our local foxhunts and of the large crowds that attended. One would assume that the hunts would be pleased about this so I am rather puzzled that they are still
THE firm is now called Littlewoods Shop Direct but to Worcester people it will always be Kays. Down the years, generations of the Faithful City's populace have begun and ended their working days with this remarkable company that blazed the trail for the
A ONE-WOMAN show telling the extraordinary stories of refugees from across the world is coming to Chipping Norton in conjunction with an exhibition of prints made by detainees at Campsfield House Immigration Removal Centre in Kidlington. The Uninvited
THE Forum Theatre will be transformed into the jungle of Northwest India during the Raj for the latest production by the Malvern Theatre Players. Rudyard Kipling's immortal Jungle Book will be brought to the stage by Malvern's resident amateur company
A RUGBY player from Stourport who was injured during a match in May and believed he was suffering from a deep muscle injury has discovered he had broken his neck. James Lloyd Jones, who moved to Stourbridge Rugby Club from the Bromsgrove club in the summer
STONE Cricket Club will start indoor nets on Monday at Stourport Leisure Centre, at 8.30pm. New cricketers, or anyone wishing to take part in these weekly sessions, will be welcome. For further information telephone Fred Buxton on 01562 755461.
100 Years Ago January 6, 1906 On Thursday evening in last week the children of the Broad-street, Pershore, Baptist Sunday Schools, nearly 200 in number, were given their annual Christmas treat. A bountiful tea was provided in the large schoolroom, and
IN his first appearance for Kidderminster and Stourport Athletic Club, Jordan Anstey's third place, behind Craig Baldwin, helped the under-13 boys team to second overall in the latest round of the West Midlands Young Athletics Cross Country League. Boys
STOURPORT men take part in the Coaching Solutions indoor tournament at the Glades Arena on Saturday and Sunday. They face Loughborough, Barford and Cannock in the group stages.
SACKED Harriers boss Stuart Watkiss has been handed a part-time scouting role at Wolves - the club where he launched his professional playing career. Watkiss, who lives in Wolverhampton, was appointed after talking to the Championship club's chief scout
HARRIERS will today begin crucial boardroom talks over the future direction of the club with an urgent managerial appointment at the top of the Aggborough agenda. One name sure to be on the director's lips at tonight's meeting is Keith Alexander who is
CARETAKER boss Martin O'Connor looks set to be given licence to wheel and deal as he prepares for potentially his last game in charge of Harriers at Woking on Saturday. Harriers' dip in form under O'Connor and the player-coach's reluctance to apply for
MARTIN O'Connor has challenged either Dan Lewis or John Danby to make the number one jersey their own after blunders from both keepers in recent matches. Having ousted former first choice Danby for the last three months, Lewis was dropped for Monday's
A LANDSCAPE gardener has been jailed for two years and three months after an attack outside a Kidderminster pub which left a man seriously injured. Worcester Crown Court heard that Richard Smith punched Christopher McAdam so hard that his jaw and eye
I WAS pleased to read that people value the excellent, personal services that GP surgeries provide (Letters, December 15). Our recent success in attracting funding to redevelop a number of GP facilities will safeguard those services in the future. Many
FOR many years now, on New Year's Eve, I and a few friends have celebrated New Year by gathering around the Christmas tree in Bewdley town centre. This event, which lasts no more than 20 minutes, is spontaneously attended by approximately 500 people.
I WHOLEHEARTEDLY concur with the letter from Dr Richard Taylor (December 8) in response to the letter from Councillor Anne Hingley and the necessity to keep a co-ordinated response on health matters. However, there is one other issue raised in her letter
A WARNING of the dangers of cash card cloning was issued this week after fraudsters tried five times to take money from an Evesham man's account. And unsuspecting Nigel Craddock knew nothing about it until fraud investigators from his bank called him
A TOWN landmark is set to be returned to Evesham after a three-month makeover. The massive Whalebones is being reinstated in Workman Gardens. The bones, actually the mandibles of a Bowhead Greenland whale, were first erected in the gardens 100 years ago
STOURPORT'S fine run of form came to an end at Rushall Olympic as Roy Rencher's side crashed to a 2-0 defeat on New Year's Eve. And although they recovered with a 1-1 draw at home to Bromsgrove Rovers two days later, Swifts still face an uphill task to
SOUTH Worcestershire police were this week investigating more than a dozen complaints about the illegal use of mini-motos in the four days since Christmas. But they have warned that new powers enabling them to seize and destroy the machines would be used
AN urgent need exists in some parts of Worcestershire for local community mini bus services, an Evesham pensioners' leader has warned. And Fred Kaler, chairman of the Evesham & District Older Peoples Forum has criticised the government's plans to
THE Vale of Evesham National Childbirth Trust is running a home birth workshop which will inform mums-to-be about the choices of where they give birth. Trainee antenatal teacher Clare Charlton, who has been training for the past three years, and midwife
ALL potential riding instructors must undergo a full Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check under new regulations which came into effect at the weekend. The British Horse Society has registered with the CRB in England and Wales, with Disclosure Scotland
CUP kings Cleobury Mortimer will learn their next Powergen Junior Vase opponents after Sunderland play Scarborough on Saturday. The Love Lane men have been in scintilating form in the knockout competition this season, progressing to their furthest ever
In North Midlands Two South, Stourport resume with a trip to Dudley Wasps, while Chaddesley Corbett visit Birmingham Civil Service.
Before the Christmas break, Chaddesley under-10s mauled Malvern 50-0. Ross Westwood grabbed four tries with the other scores coming from Alex Lloyd, Louis Ellesmore, Sam Needham, Sam Watson, Zach Walker and Harry Morgan.
DETERMINED Andy Preece is stepping up his bid to complete Worcester City's first 2006 signing. Over the past few weeks, the City player-manager has been rebuffed in several efforts to strengthen the St George's Lane squad. A new striker is Preece's top
DESPITE failing to pick up a point over Christmas and New Year, Evesham United remain in touch with their fellow strugglers at the wrong end of the Southern League Premier Division. Seven sides have now become detached from the remainder of the division
WARRIORS hooker Andre Van Niekerk could make his first team comeback in the European Challenge Cup match in Montpellier. The South African star has not played since dislocating his shoulder in Worcester's Powergen Cup match against Northampton on October
DROITWICH darts ace Dave Honey believes he can build on the 'amazing' experience of playing in front of the TV cameras at the recent Lad-brokes.com World Championship. He is confident he will gets his hands on a major world ranking title in the near future
FERN Tiveras fought three hard rounds for the WKA English Amateur women's title against Adele Hyde. Derby-based opponent Hyde won the first round on points but Tiveras battled back to take the second round. Then she claimed the third round to give her
WORCESTERSHIRE were easily beaten in an under 12s grade Midland Counties match by Shropshire at Redditch. But county captain Giles Stanton said the final score did not reflect the closeness of many games. On several boards, players were a pawn to the
AT the December meeting Chris Round reported on the county carol concert, and Margaret Cook talked about a trip to Chester. Two visits to Denman are planned. The retiring committee and some members are going to the Christmas dinner, and on January 27
A DAY spent brewing up lashings of tea and coffee has given Operation Covert a financial lift. Sara Hollis held a coffee morning/afternoon tea fund-raising event at her Kidderminster home and raised nearly £200 to be shared by our appeal and Kemp Hospice
THE group celebrated its 80th birthday on November 25 with a dinner at The Hundred House, Great Witley, attended by members and friends. The Shrinkin' Violets entertained with songs from each of the eight decades. On December 7 the annual meeting was
THE group celebrated its 65th anniversary in December, and a party was held at the monthly meeting. County Federation chairman Christine Marriott and WI adviser Suzanne Owen were guests. Early in December 14 members visited Denman College. The next meeting
ON December 14 a selection of prose, poetry and slides was presented by Vic Aspland. The first meeting of the New Year will be on Wednesday when Reg Moule will talk about "Growing Unusual Vegetables". The meeting, at the village hall, Chaddesley Corbett
FILM-MAKERS from around the region are being invited to show off their work at a digital film festival being staged in Gloucestershire in March. Organisers of the ViewFinder festival are inviting budding film-makers to submit their fictional or factual
ON Sunday, there will be two rides, both starting at The Green, Blakebrook, Kidderminster. The A ride will begin at 9am, to visit Ullingswick, near Pencombe, and cyclists should take a packed lunch. A C ride to Bramley's Tea Room at Holt Heath, will leave
PAT Bond is the new president. Some members attended the carol concert in Kidderminster Town Hall. Paul Mullard took the "Stepping Out" scrapbook for members to see. Then Eric Hibbs conducted members in a "Swing Along with Santa", comprising Christmas
THE lecture by Robert Barber on the history of the British Sugar Corporation in Kidderminster will now take place on Wednesday, January 11 and not February 8. The lecture entitled "two architects" who worked in Kidderminster which is to be given by Don
DIGBY Fairweather has been referred to as "one of the best ambassadors jazz could have." His activities in British jazz span 30 years and have consistently garnered praise. He has become one of Britain's best-known jazz musicians, working principally
A STREET collection in Kidderminster on November 26 raised £210. The proceeds of the collection will go towards campaigning work for farm animal welfare. For information telephone 01730 264208 or e-mail compassion@ciwf.co.uk
ONE thousand years ago the lynx used to be part of our natural British wildlife. Indeed, there was a time when the lynx used to be a more common element of our native British fauna than people were. Unfortunately, the last couple of millennia have not
FARMERS have taken full advantage of cross compliance meetings aimed at ensuring they are adequately prepared for environmental inspections. Under the banner Greener Futures, the meetings have focussed on concentrating farmers' minds on new environmental
AS part of plans to increase the size of its local network of agricultural managers, Lloyds TSB has appointed Richard Watts as agricultural business manager for Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Mr Watts has worked for Lloyds TSB for over 31 years, including
VISITORS to Bewdley Museum next year will be able to view a 19th century clock, which once kept time for congregations at the town's Baptist Church. The timepiece was a feature on the balcony of the church in the High Street until it was taken down during
THE new chairman of the Bewdley branch of the Royal British Legion has set himself the target of raising £1,000 towards a new standard. Colin Evans took up the position last month and said his goal was to raise the funds during the next year to replace
GARDENING SOCIETY: There were 53 members present at the December meeting, to hear speaker Dr Michael Jones, from Newman College Birmingham. His talk was entitled Mistletoe - Fact, Myth and Legend. Dr Jones ended his talk by telling his audience about
KIDDERMINSTER and District Lions Club were responsible for organising the New Year's Day concert, and what a success it was. The Midland Concert Orchestra, led by David Joyce and conducted by Jonathan Hill, provided a rousing start with the overture to
A BIDFORD councillor who was involved in a crash with a German motorist has welcomed news that foreign drivers could soon face on-the-spot police fines under new road safety laws. The lorry driver whose vehicle was involved in a collision with Cllr Barnes
BROADWAY Library is to open its doors to readers on Saturday afternoons for the first time as part of a wide-ranging review of services to the public. And to mark the occasion this week, local storyteller Robin Sharples will be on hand to amuse local
THE modern game of croquet had its birth in Moreton in the 19th Century, due largely to a local man who went on to organise the first real croquet tournament in Evesham. Guy Stapleton, of Moreton Historical Society, told Gerry Barnett about the game and
SIR - Tony Blair's presidency of the EU was a flop. He took his begging bowl and failed. Blair has imposed 'back door' taxes on us to 'improve' the economy that Thatcher destroyed. M BURCHER Worcester.
A WELL-known Pershore estate agent, Richard Williams has sold the practice that he established in the town over a quarter of a century ago and has retired. The practice has been bought by Andrew Grant, of Worcester. "The reason I chose him to sell to
SIR - The Alzheimer's Society would like to issue a challenge to anyone planning a lifestyle change for 2006. The society has a wide variety of fund-raising events and challenges that can help you to get fit or fulfil a lifetime's ambition. By choosing
SIR - During the days of the Wild West, travelling carpetbaggers would sell their snake oil to a gullible crowd. They would use exaggerated claims and con the public into thinking the useless product was something they couldn't live without. I can't help
RETRO film buffs are in for a treat as The Theatre in Chipping Norton will be screening all three films in Robert Zemeckis' classic 80s Back to the Future trilogy. Audiences are encouraged to dress in 1980s or 1950s clothing, with a special prize going
FOR those who have been watching Strictly Come Dancing and have been inspired by Darren Gough on the dance floor some new and fun dance classes are starting around Worcestershire in January. Dance at 8's new beginners' social ballroom class starts tomorrow
A PROUD dad from Abbots Salford will be taking part in the Flora London Marathon later this year to help raise money for a baby care unit. Derek Sigston, orig-inally from Birmingham, will be donning his running gear on April 23 as he sets out to run 26.2
KEEN Broom swimmers took part in a sponsored swim raising more than £4,000 to help with the reconstruction of the village hall. Adults in their 80s to children as young as three put on their swimming gear and swam lengths at the High Street pool to help
Viennese Concert New Year's Day Kidderminster Town Hall KIDDERMINSTER and District Lions Club were responsible for organising the New Year's Day concert, and what a success it was. The Midland Concert Orchestra, led by David Joyce and conducted by Jonathan
The annual meeting will be held at the Chainwire Club, Kidderminster, on Monday at 8pm. Members who finished in the top 10 places of the aggregate will receive their prize money at this meeting.
RESIDENTS in Kidderminster are fighting a proposed mobile phone mast which they believe will be an eyesore. Mobile phone giant, 02, has applied for a 12.5m monopole mast and mounting, with three antennas as well as ground-based equipment cabinets, a ground-based
A CRAFT centre near Bewdley, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, will be closing its doors for the final time in the spring. Mamble Craft Centre, which is housed in 17th century barns, sells a range of gifts, including jewellery, pottery and
A FORMER Kidderminster mayoress died aged 70 on Christmas Day after losing her battle with cancer. Pamela Winifred Talbot, whose maiden name was Leith, was mayoress between 1965 and 1966. She was born in Birmingham in 1935 and moved with her parents to
PUPILS and staff at Wolverley High School are celebrating after the school was praised following a snap inspection. It was carried out in November under Ofsted's new "short-notice" system, introduced in September, which gave the school just two days'
A POTENTIALLY dangerous quantity of methadone has been reported missing in Kidderminster town centre. Two 60 ml brown bottles of Physeptone, a form of the drug prescribed to people suffering with addiction, were left on Wednesday, December 28. They were
A DAY spent brewing up lashings of tea and coffee has given Operation Covert a financial lift. Sara Hollis held a coffee morning/afternoon tea fund-raising event at her Kidderminster home and raised nearly £200 to be shared by our appeal and Kemp Hospice
SEVERN Valley Railway will begin work on a £4.5million visitor centre, which will display up to 10 steam locomotives, in March. A £3.3million grant has been awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund - HLF - to help build The Engine House - Severn Valley Visitor
RUDOLPH was on hand as a special gift of more than £8,000 was handed over to a hospice following a ball at Witley Court. The Worcestershire Ambassadors, which brings together key people from business and public life to promote the county, raised the £8,685
THE new season has started at a monthly comedy club in Kidderminster, which will be welcoming a host of entertainers in 2006. On Monday, January 16, Roland Gent will be appearing at the Hilarity House, which is based at the Old Waggon and Horses, Stourbridge
FORMER skipper Jon Gregory is returning to Avon Street next summer when Evesham will be hoping for another move up the Birmingham Premier League ladder. The popular all-rounder left the club after steering Evesham to the Worcestershire County League title
BUDDING dancers will be able to learn stylish moves at two new classes beginning in Kidderminster next week. An American Smooth dance course will start on Wednesday and classes will be held at Comberton Middle School from 7.30pm until 8.30pm and from
TEENAGERS in Wyre Forest are invited to join a creative and contemporary dance course. Kidderminster Youth Dance will be held at Baxter College every Tuesday from 4.15pm until 5.45pm, beginning next week. The 10-session course is open to dancers of all
1 Wedding Crashers 2 Land of the Dead 3 Green Street 4 40-Year-Old Virgin 5 Mr and Mrs Smith 6 Animal 7 The Marksman 8 Crash 9 War of the Worlds 10 Fantastic Four 11 The Skeleton Key 12 The Cave 13 The Devil's Rejects 14 Madagascar 15 Charlie and the
MORE than 500 ducks took to the water in an annual race in Bewdley on New Year's Day. The event was organised by the Kidderminster and District Lions Club and the proceeds, which are expected to be in the region of £500, will be donated to the Acorns
A NINE-YEAR-OLD from Broadway has been crowned a European kick boxing champion. Jack Witts was successful at a tournament at Perdiswell Leisure Centre when he fought seven times to earn the prestigious crown in his size and weight category. The pupil
THE first lambs of the year in Worcestershire were welcomed into the world this week. Although the little bundles of wool are more commonly seen during the early spring, Westolhall farm, Radford, near Inkberrow, saw their first lambs on New Year's Day
A CENTURY-old West Midlands manufacturing firm which provides parts for the car industry was taken over by an Indian automotive giant. Mahindra & Mahindra bought 98.6 per cent of shares in Stokes Forgings, which has two factories in Dudley and one
THE former head of security at The Bank of England has joined one of the UK's top security training companies based in Droitwich. New non-executive director at Train 4 Security Bill Wyllie is also the Chairman and a Fellow of The Security Institute. His
SATURDAY WORCESTER & DISTRICT LEAGUE Premier Division: Hanley Swan v Welland Athletic (C Husband); Lamb & Flag v Pershore Manor Rovers (B Nyatanga); Powick v Hallow WMC (J Wynne); Tolladine Sports v Martley Spurs (P Fowler). Division One: Inkberrow
I WAS extremely upset to learn of the tragic experiences of the Lloyd family and the death of their daughter, Hannah, who was injured in the bombing of her hotel in Egypt. I was not surprised by Mrs Lloyds criticism, of our government. British Consulates
WITH reference to the article on Litter Louts in the Evesham Journal of December 8, for almost all of the past 30 years I have driven between 2000 and 4000 miles through at least seven countries of Europe and been aware of less litter on the whole journey
The team at Noah's Ark Trust would like to thank the Worcestershire community for their financial support during 2005. It has been a very successful fundraising year for Noah's Ark and, as we continue to grow, community support will be all the more vital
THE letter about political correctness in a recent Journal reminded me of George Orwell's 1984, a work of fiction when it appeared but which is now coming true. All that is different is the name - Orwell called it the Thought Police. Is this what our
BISHOP'S CERTIFICATE: Eight people who had been studying together in Eckington for the past year met with three other groups from all over the diocese to receive their awards from Bishop Peter Selby. The Bishop's certificate course is designed to broaden
SCHOOL CELEBRATES: Harvington School had two major events at the end of term. The first was the Christmas show - Stars Come Out for Christmas, performed three times in all to a considerable number of delighted parents and friends. It involved every child
MONTHLY WALK: The December walk attracted about 25 villagers, including a number of young children. Although the morning had been sunny the weather in the afternoon turned colder and cloudy but that did not deter the hardy walkers - and the many dogs.
SALES of organic products continue to grow much faster than sales in the non-organic grocery market and last year reached £1.213 billion, an increase of 11 per cent on the previous year, according to figures from the Soil Association. The report's key
I WAS interested to read the reports regarding the large turnouts at the Boxing Day meets of our local foxhunts and of the large crowds that attended. One would assume that the hunts would be pleased about this so I am rather puzzled that they are still
WORCESTERSHIRE County Council's excellence in arts education is reflected in a new publication. The Arts Council of England has produced a booklet, Reflect and Review: The Arts and Creativity in Early Years, that covers areas of creativity which allow
A ONE-WOMAN show telling the extraordinary stories of refugees from across the world is coming to Chipping Norton in conjunction with an exhibition of prints made by detainees at Campsfield House Immigration Removal Centre in Kidlington. The Uninvited
THE Forum Theatre will be transformed into the jungle of Northwest India during the Raj for the latest production by the Malvern Theatre Players. Rudyard Kipling's immortal Jungle Book will be brought to the stage by Malvern's resident amateur company
FILM-MAKERS from around the region are being invited to show off their work at a digital film festival being staged in Gloucestershire in March. Organisers of the ViewFinder festival are inviting budding film-makers to submit their fictional or factual
DIGBY Fairweather has been referred to as "one of the best ambassadors jazz could have." His activities in British jazz span 30 years and have consistently garnered praise. He has become one of Britain's best-known jazz musicians, working principally
AS part of plans to increase the size of its local network of agricultural managers, Lloyds TSB has appointed Richard Watts as agricultural business manager for Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Mr Watts has worked for Lloyds TSB for over 31 years, including
RETRO film buffs are in for a treat as The Theatre in Chipping Norton will be screening all three films in Robert Zemeckis' classic 80s Back to the Future trilogy. Audiences are encouraged to dress in 1980s or 1950s clothing, with a special prize going
Viennese Concert New Year's Day Kidderminster Town Hall KIDDERMINSTER and District Lions Club were responsible for organising the New Year's Day concert, and what a success it was. The Midland Concert Orchestra, led by David Joyce and conducted by Jonathan
A CLEOBURY Mortimer-based band is celebrating after receiving a £500 cash boost, which will benefit its younger members. The Bell Inn Brass Band has received a BT Community Champion's Award, which will fund new instruments and tuition books. Band chairman
BUDDING dancers will be able to learn stylish moves at two new classes beginning in Kidderminster next week. An American Smooth dance course will start on Wednesday and classes will be held at Comberton Middle School from 7.30pm until 8.30pm and from
TEENAGERS in Wyre Forest are invited to join a creative and contemporary dance course. Kidderminster Youth Dance will be held at Baxter College every Tuesday from 4.15pm until 5.45pm, beginning next week. The 10-session course is open to dancers of all
1 Wedding Crashers 2 Land of the Dead 3 Green Street 4 40-Year-Old Virgin 5 Mr and Mrs Smith 6 Animal 7 The Marksman 8 Crash 9 War of the Worlds 10 Fantastic Four 11 The Skeleton Key 12 The Cave 13 The Devil's Rejects 14 Madagascar 15 Charlie and the
MORE than 500 ducks took to the water in an annual race in Bewdley on New Year's Day. The event was organised by the Kidderminster and District Lions Club and the proceeds, which are expected to be in the region of £500, will be donated to the Acorns
A lucky woman has walked away with a necklace worth £250 after winning a Worcester News competition. June Harford, of Lower Wick, near Worcester, won the opal jewellery after entering the contest, run in conjunction with an exhibition of fine opals held
THE first emergency care practitioners have started work for Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Serv-ice NHS Trust. Chris Farmer and David McCaskie, based at Broms-grove Ambulance Station, and Rob Adshead, based in Malvern, are experienced paramedics who
BY PORcha treanor 01905 742248 pt@thisisworcester.co.uk A DISC jockey didn't have such a happy new year when his attempt at breaking a world record flopped due to lack of support. Stephen Smith, of Wichenford, near Worcester, wanted to spin records to
AN abandoned nanny goat which was found dumped and in a poor condition before Christmas has made a miraculous recovery. Now, the RSPCA hopes that someone will give it a new year home for a happy ending to the story. On Sunday, December 18, RSPCA inspector
TONIGHT: Birmingham: Marriott Hotel - Lupa. Birmingham: Symphony Hall - Swan Lake. Wolverhampton: Civic Hall - CBSO Viennese Gala. Wolverhampton: Robin R'n'B2 - Iron On Maiden and Skandal. FRIDAY: Stourport: The Angel - jazz. Birmingham: Symphony Hall
'Justice' for couple who thought they had lost £10,000 prize A COUPLE'S numbers eventually came up after they feared they would miss out on a jackpot cash prize because of a technical hitch. Mike and Denise Fleming, of Stourport, thought the £10,000 windfall
A KIDDERMINSTER teenager and his family suffered a miserable end to 2005 after thieves stole two of their scooters in the space of six weeks. Sixteen-year-old Andrew Simpson was left "devastated" after both bikes, which were locked with chains, were taken
COMMUNITY representatives are needed in a bid to improve the quality of life on the east side of Kidderminster. Partners and Communities Together - PACT - meetings form the backbone of a new Government-led initiative called Local Policing, which will
A RESOURCEFUL Kidder-minster shopkeeper has closed the doors to her "Aladdin's cave" store after 28 years and has turned to selling on the internet. Pat Johnson, who owned Books and Bargains in the Horsefair, said goodbye to her business last Friday and
VOLUNTEERS with Kidderminster Hospital Radio are celebrating filling the airwaves on the wards with entertainment for 30 years. The station, went live on August 30, 1975 and has helped brighten up patients' stays at the town's hospital ever since. It
PEOPLE in Worcestershire define success as achieving personal ambitions rather than being rich, having designer clothes, or driving expensive cars. Residents in the city would much rather be happy in their job and achieve a good work-life balance than
BISHOP'S CERTIFICATE: Eight people who had been studying together in Eckington for the past year met with three other groups from all over the diocese to receive their awards from Bishop Peter Selby. The Bishop's certificate course is designed to broaden
WARRIORS hooker Andre Van Niekerk could make his first team comeback in the European Challenge Cup match in Montpellier. The South African star has not played since dislocating his shoulder in Worcester's Powergen Cup match against Northampton on October
SINGLES' GROUP: The next meeting of the Evesham Singles Group (Over 45) will take place at the Amber Caf on Wednesday, January 11 at 7.30pm. All are welcome. Details from eveshamsinglesgroup@hotmail.com or phone Janet on 01386 422307.
A PENALTY from Worcester Warriors' George Crook could not prevent the Midlands going down 21-8 to London & South East in the Under 18 Divisional Festival. The Bromsgrove School fly-half put the Midlands' first points on the board in the ninth minute
SCHOOL CELEBRATES: Harvington School had two major events at the end of term. The first was the Christmas show - Stars Come Out for Christmas, performed three times in all to a considerable number of delighted parents and friends. It involved every child
CONCERT: Professional singer Richard James Griffin will be performing favourite songs from the 1950s, 60s and 70s through to today at a concert to be held in the village hall on January 21, 2006. Tickets at £4 for adults and £3 concessions are available
SALES of organic products continue to grow much faster than sales in the non-organic grocery market and last year reached £1.213 billion, an increase of 11 per cent on the previous year, according to figures from the Soil Association. The report's key
WORCESTERSHIRE County Council's excellence in arts education is reflected in a new publication. The Arts Council of England has produced a booklet, Reflect and Review: The Arts and Creativity in Early Years, that covers areas of creativity which allow
POLICE fear missiles being thrown at passing vehicles in Stourport could lead to people being seriously injured. Objects such as stones and bricks have been thrown from the Kingsway area next to Burlish Top and in up to four incidents the missiles have
STOURPORT readers are being given more time to browse the bookshelves or surf the net at the town's library. Bookworms of all ages are being invited to take advantage of extended opening hours. From this week the library is open from 9.30am until 5.30pm
JIM Friar held off a strong challenge from Mark Riley to win Kidderminster Chess Club's annual Lightning Tournament. Friar remained unbeaten with five wins and two draws. After losing his first game, Riley won five in succession. Needing to defeat Paul
A COURAGEOUS Stourport boy who suffers from a rare form of cancer had his wish granted when he hopped on board his favourite television character for an unforgettable journey. Damian Foster, who was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma seven months ago, was surprised
JUST two Kidderminster and District Wednesday Snooker League matches were played on December 21. Division One: St Johns A 0, Franche A 5; Franche C 4, St Johns E 1.
THE Harriers powers-that-be will also discuss the futures of a host of key players including club captain Mark Jackson, former skipper Wayne Hatswell and top scorer Iyseden Christie at tonight's board meeting. That trio, who are the club's top earners
TAIWO Atieno has admitted that Kidderminster Harriers did not see the best of him after calling time on his spell at Aggborough. The 20-year-old striker ended his three-month loan stint by returning to parent club Walsall earlier this week. And Atieno
URGENT - send for Graham Allner. Last Friday night's match at Aggborough must rank as one of the worst displays of football I have seen in 61 years from the home team. They were out-played in all departments by part-timers. In 20 years as manager, Graham
HARRIERS' search for a new manager took on fresh urgency as two goalkeeping howlers from John Danby condemned caretaker boss Martin O'Connor to his third Conference defeat from four games. Making his first start for 14 games after Dan Lewis gifted Burton
AT at a time when Harriers are sifting through a long list of possible candidates they have finally found a leading contender - for worst performance of the season, that is. Without tempting fate, it's fair to say Harriers would be hard-pressed to put
A CHRISTMAS Day stabbing victim was seriously ill in hospital and hopes for his recovery were poor, Worcester Crown Court was told. Prosecutor Mr Francis Laird said the case against 39-year-old Janusz Suwala, who is accused of attempted murder, might
A 59-year-old Bewdley man is awaiting sentence after being convicted at Worcester Crown Court of sex offences against a young girl. Keith Tolley, of York Road, Bark Hill, was remanded on bail for a pre-sentence report. After a week-long trial, he was
A DISTINCTIVE stick used in the Irish sport of hurling could hold a clue to the identity of thieves who struck in Kidderminster and stole a mini-motocross bike. The offender or offenders used the wooden stick to force a fence apart at the house in Greatfield
A 21-year-old woman who wielded a knife during an argument has been warned the subsequent stabbing could have proved fatal. Natasha Smith, who stabbed Adam Sellick in the chest, was told by Recorder Lowne that such a wound could easily have led to her
KIDDERMINSTER police are appealing for witnesses after a satellite navigation system worth £450 was stolen from a car. Damage of £100 was caused to the Jaguar, which had a window smashed, in Comber-ton Park Road between 8.30pm on Sunday, December 18 and
NEIL Cameron, Laura Williams and Anthony Powis appeared before Worcester Magistrates Court jointly charged with using threatening or abusive words or behaviour. Cameron, 33, and Williams, 24, both of Findon Street, Kidderminster, and Powis, 21, of Taunton
Thursday, Mid-week Fur and Feather, 20 fished, Meadow Pool: Roger Finch (Dudley Bait and Tackle) 58lb 4oz (peg 44), Gary Picken (SBS) 44-4 (59), Bill Hill (Lifestyle) 39-2 (56). Friday Rover Open, 14, all pools: Martin Lefebvre (Kamasan Kids) 55-9 (Silver
Wednesday Open, December 14, River Severn, Stourport: S Ashmore 11lb 8oz 8dr (peg 78), D Harrell 8-15 (60) and S Pierpoint 8-15 (61), T Chalk 7-13 (58). Friday Open: M Nicholls 11-4 (82), P Wilson 10-7 (67), T Wills 8-15 (58). Saturday Open: Harrell 4
An Evesham pensioner, who had to be rescued by hovercraft after being trapped to his waist in freezing mud, has sent a heartfelt "thank you" to coastguards and volunteers who raced to his aid. Retired civil servant Ian Makepeace and his wife Sue were
ANYONE who took the trouble to read the latest Bewdley Tory leaflet could be forgiven if they believed that Stephen Clee and Co were solely responsible for the new bus shelters that are shortly to be installed in Bewdley and for the extended road closure
TRADING standards chiefs in Worcestershire issued an alert this week after phoney offers of a free digital camera poured into the Evesham area. The cards, which had all been sent through the Royal Mail, were delivered to homes and businesses in various
WHILE shopping recently in Kidderminster, I lost my plastic wallet containing my credit cards. I cancelled the cards immediately. Shortly afterwards I received an envelope, by mail, containing my credit cards. There was no indication of the identity of
RESIDENTS from Evesham and Pershore have more chance of surviving a heart attack, thanks to a new volunteer scheme set up by Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Service NHS Trust. Mid Worcestershire MP Peter Luff joined the Ambulance Service and volunteers
BEWDLEY branch of Cat Action Trust 1977 is very grateful to Wilson's Pet Centre for their generous gift of cat food for the many cats and kittens in our care. We wish all of their staff a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. DIANA EDMONDSON Chairman
MP PETER Luff this week vowed to continue the fight to defend Evesham Community Hospital in 2006 as he warned it would inevitably come under further pressure in the coming year. Setting out his top ten priorities for the New Year, Mr Luff told members
FIVE-a-side footballers in Wyre Forest could net a £1,000 prize thanks to a lucrative league being launched in Kidderminster. The cash incentive will be up for grabs for the winning team when Leisure League kicks off at the Glades Arena in Bromsgrove
POLICE are anxious to trace a man and a woman after an Evesham man was attacked and robbed in the street. The victim, who was robbed of £53, was approached on Workman Bridge and asked to hand over money for transport. The robber then followed him into
LOCAL councillors have called in a firm of consultants to help them decide how best to use the open spaces of Wychavon. And now members of the public throughout the district are being asked to have their say. Wychavon District Council has appointed specialist
Bewdley firsts did not play over the festive period after their New Year's Eve trip to Ledbury was called off. They are back in West Midlands League Premier Division action at home to Lye at 2.45pm on Saturday when Neil Turpin returns from injury.
MOURNERS led by Bishop Derek Bond and vicar, the Rev Barry Collins, packed St Peter's Church in Bengeworth for a funeral and requiem mass for retired priest, the Rev Sydney Lambert. He served as an assistant curate in Oxford before taking the role of
GEMINI moved up to third in the Saturday Premier table following their Kidderminster and District Football League 6-2 win over Areley Kings on Saturday. Wyre Forest extended their lead at the top, now being seven points clear of Blackheath Town Reserves
LOCALLY produced food is going down a treat at lunchtimes at Bredon Hill Middle School, Ashton-under-Hill, and the dining room is being extended to cope with demand. Fran Webb, of Vale-based Food Marketing Services, was inspired to contact local schools
HOUSING chiefs in the Vale of Evesham have welcomed new rules which are likely to tax landowners if they are given planning permission to build homes on their land. The new rules would make it less profitable to sell their land for development and so
Kidderminster Carolians get back up and running in Midlands Three West North with a home clash against high-flying Lichfield at 2.15pm on Saturday. Meanwhile, KCs seconds enjoyed a convincing46-10 win during their friendly with Stourbridge. They recovered
LITTLETON suffered a double holiday heartbreak when two late goals robbed them of points in their Midland Combination matches. The young Littleton side were within seconds of a stunning away victory against table-toppers Knowle on Monday but a penalty
A PENALTY from Worcester Warriors' George Crook could not prevent the Midlands going down 21-8 to London & South East in the Under 18 Divisional Festival. The Bromsgrove School fly-half put the Midlands' first points on the board in the ninth minute
MATT Williams has been re-elected as Worcester Dominies and Guild's Saturday first team captain. The decision was made at the city club's annual meeting, held at the Bell Inn, St John's, with Ian Wilks declared seconds skipper. Meanwhile, Sunday captain
KIDDERMINSTER'S Samurai Judo Club are looking forward to more success in 2006 after completing a tremendous year. The club won four British titles at junior level which was the best tally for any local club. Emily Watson, Rachel Moon and Kelly Edwards
THE Royal Shakespeare Company is giving everyone the opportunity to discover more about the work that goes into making its productions come to life. On five consecutive Saturdays beginning this weekend, members of the RSC's wigs, make-up, costume and
THE Christmas message of giving was felt by all at Brompton house residential home in Broadway during the festive period. Pupils from St Mary's RC first school spent an afternoon singing Christmas carols to residents at the care home while the teachers
A BROADWAY man has spent the Christmas break driving shoppers around the village in his horse and carriage to raise funds for charity. Tim Crump, a retired Broadway fire fighter decided to treat shoppers arriving in the village to a unique experience
A MAN'S love of Scouting and the Wyre Forest combined to bring Operation Covert an end-of-year boost. Stan Heath, of Franche, Kidderminster, died at the age of 76 in Worcestershire Royal Hospital in December and his widow, Margaret, decided to ask for
THE annual meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 18 in Astley village hall, at 7.30pm. Derek Walker has offered to supply potted polyanthus for members to grow for the Spring Show on March 25. Anyone wishing to take part is asked to collect their
SIX charities, including Operation Covert, have shared more than £400 from the Shuttle/Times and News and its sister papers in Worcestershire. Parent company, Newsquest Midlands, has made a host of donations to children's groups in recent years instead
ON December 13 play was over seven tables, with Terry Lucey and Doreen Round taking first place in north-south, with 56 per cent, while John and Barbara Northfield were second with 54 per cent. Liz Leslie and Sadie Sainsbury won east-west with 58 per
THE Vale Ladies' Barbershop chorus entertained at the December meeting, held in the village hall. The music ranged from Beatles' numbers to Christmas songs, with audience participation in the Twelve Days of Christmas. The competition for a Christmas decoration
A WALK of approximately four miles, will take place on Tuesday, starting from the Rock Cross Inn, Rock at 10.30am. Details of next year's programme can be obtained from Paul Noons on 01562 74'386 or e-mail noonsieathome@ukgateway.net The handbell ringing
THE Wyre Forest Heart Support group has organised an evening with Mike George, from BBC Hereford and Worcester, on Monday at the Ramada Hotel, Bewdley, starting at 7.30pm.
THE club for social singles has organised the following pub nights, meeting at 8.45pm approximately at each venue. Anyone interested in attending will be welcome - they can just turn up, or telephone 01562 742390 or 01384 273004 for details. The following
A WALK of around eight miles at Broadheath, Worcester, has been organised for Sunday. Ramblers are asked to meet at the Memorial Park gates, Park Avenue, Stourport, at 10am prompt - transport can be arranged. For further details telephone 01562 631448
COTSWOLD Charolais enthusiast Rachael Wyllie has collected the prestigious Eprinex Pour-On Charolais of the Year award with Brailes Vienna, a homebred heifer from her 15 cow herd based at Lower Brailes, Shipston. The yearling Vienna amassed a plethora
A BEWDLEY student was given the chance to quiz MPs on a range of issues at a high-profile event in London. Eighteen-year-old Abbey Lewis, a member of Worcestershire's Youth Parliament, attended the Circles of Influence event at the British Museum. More
A BEWDLEY town councillor has appealed for missing concrete bollards alongside part of a busy Bewdley road to be replaced to prevent potential accidents. Paul Gittins said he noticed the bollards in Catchems End had gone missing several weeks ago. They
BEWDLEY town councillors are appealing for information after a Bewdley sign disappeared from the town. The sign, which had the town's name and coat of arms on it, used to be on Stourport Road, at the top of Blackstone Bank, and was one of two remaining
A GROUP which aims to strengthen the community in Bewdley is looking at setting up a portal website for the town as part of its plans for the future. Opportunity Bewdley has mainly been working on delivering the grant-funded programmes of Advantage West
WYRE Forest MP, Dr Richard Taylor, has welcomed news that a North Worcestershire A and E will not suffer the same fate as Kidderminster's in 2000. The board of the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust agreed that a possible transfer of emergency surgery
IT has been a hard couple of weeks for everyone at the club -- but I think the guys have been a little bit unlucky with the results. We could have won any one of the last three games but we've ended up losing all three. There have been a couple of little
NEW Year - same old problems! Dodgy refereeing calls, shocking defending and a third reverse of the festive period at Bath City marred Evesham's introduction to 2006, writes Mervyn Collins. A yellow card for petulance was followed ten minutes later by
THE Cotswold Hills League will be well represented in the early rounds of next summer's npower National Village Cup. And two of them could meet in an all-Premier Division third round clash. Should Bretforton overcome Garnons and Overbury win at Offenham
A NEW face has been welcomed at Kidderminster-based Kemp Hospice to help provide spiritual support to patients and their families. Rev Dr Sue Foster has joined the cross-denominational chaplaincy team and was commissioned as a chaplain at St Mary's Church
SIR - Noting George Cowley's views on council tax, has he now switched allegiances? MARK BRUNNER, Redditch.
SIR - Already, I have been informed that my electric, gas and water charges have been increased by way over inflation. That's before the council tax comes, which without a doubt will be more than inflation. JOHN SHEARON, Worcester.
SIR - We need to give both our local chief constable and the police authority our maximum support to ensure the Government doesn't roll our force into a pan-Midlands force that will be based in Birmingham. Such a force would have no understanding of the
SIX years after Brooklyn Ford donated an award to Pershore College to be given to the motor vehicle student achiev-ing the most over his stay at the college, an Evesham student working at C&D Autos has won it. David Van Der Merwe, aged 18, of Fairfield
SIR - I was deeply concerned to read the letter from S D East alleging misconduct by the driver of a Safety Camera Partnership enforcement vehicle in Worcester recently. This is an allegation of a criminal offence and it is essential for it to be thoroughly
Ratepayers in Pershore look like having to dig deeper into their pockets to meet council tax demands. A meeting of Pershore Town Council is being held tonight to discuss the budget for the next financial year. Councillors are being recommended to include
SIR - I would like to thank your readers for the part they played in ensuring an unprecedented level of campaigning on global poverty in 2005. The political decisions made during the year would not have happened without the passionate commitment of many
SIR - Mike Parkes (Monday, December 19) insists that the Prime Minister should have been resolute in demanding reform to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) before agreeing to trade away a chunk of our rebate. This was never going to be possible, because
SPECIAL events for open gardens are being organised during February by the National Gardens Scheme. "This should be during the period when so many plants are beginning to come back to life and certainly will include winter aconites, cyclamen, hellebores
POLICE were this week hunting a group of callous thugs behind the shooting of a swan on the River Avon in Evesham. They were alerted after a local woman and her family spotted a group of three youths, aged between 15 and 18, armed with what appeared to
Round two, Winter League: Brian Hill 15-0, Roy Vaux-Harvey 3-12, Brian Dickinson 3-8, Peter Knowles 3-4, Roy Conde 3-0. Round three will be fished at Elmbridge, Heron Pool, on Wednesday, draw 9am, fishing 10am until 2.30pm.
EIGHTY jobs were axed when a Kidderminster designer clothes and homeware department store closed its doors for the last time on Tuesday. Three weeks after De Bradelei Mill was passed into the hands of administrators, Dilip Dattani and Patrick Ellward,
A KIDDERMINSTER couple had "a great start to the year" with the birth of their daughter on New Year's Day. Kacey-Louise Dixon was born at Worcestershire Royal Hospital at 8.25am and weighed 8lbs 14oz. Her parents, Andrew Dixon, 19, a plumber, and Charlotte
SAFETY improvements are under way to help make the journey to a Bewdley school safer for pupils. Worcestershire County Council has begun work on the Safer Routes to School scheme at St Anne's First School. The work, which will cost around £148,000, is
RESIDENTS in Wyre Forest are being urged to recycle more of their rubbish. Jane Paynter, waste challenge manager at Worcestershire County Council, said: "The New Year can be seen as a new start for people to get into the recycling habit. "Residents can
A CLEOBURY Mortimer-based band is celebrating after receiving a £500 cash boost, which will benefit its younger members. The Bell Inn Brass Band has received a BT Community Champion's Award, which will fund new instruments and tuition books. Band chairman
CIVIC dignitaries in Wyre Forest have come up with an unusual way of raising money for their charities. Bewdley mayor, Liz Davies, Bewdley mayoress, Anne Mace and Kidderminster mayoress, Helen Dyke will be starting a three-month sponsored diet next week
DETERMINED Andy Preece is stepping up his bid to complete Worcester City's first 2006 signing. Over the past few weeks, the City player-manager has been rebuffed in several efforts to strengthen the St George's Lane squad. A new striker is Preece's top
Manor Farm Leisure Results - December 21 (Middle): 1 Martin Woods (Evesham WMC) 83.2.0 (peg 25); 2 Andy Simmonds (Queens Head, Redditch) 65.3.0 (23); 3 Chris Styler (QHR) 50.6.0 (27). December 22 (Affordable Open, Middle): 1 George Avery (Alcester Spts
Pensions anger UNIONS were demanding answers from tycoon Philip Green on why staff at his Arcadia fashion group must work an extra five years for a full pension. Shop workers' union Usdaw said its members were worried their retirement could be made financially
HIGH street fashion chain Next promised better-than-expected profits after new stores helped it battle through a tough Christmas season. The chain said its 85 new shops and a recovery from its worst high street performance in a decade helped lift total
THE Godfather of British folk-rock will be performing for one night at The Theatre, Chipping Norton, with his new band, Rainbow Chasers. Ashley Hutchings is to British folk-rock what John Mayall is to British blues. Beginning in the 1960s, Ashley co-founded
A loyal employee of Worcester's biggest employer has issued a rallying cry to save the firm. Catalogue giant Littlewoods Shop Direct, formerly Kays, employs about 700 people in the city and the woman, who does not want to be named for fears of compromising
THE Government has nam-ed and shamed Worcest-ershire schools for failing to stretch their brightest pupils in a national talent programme. As revealed by the Worcester News last month, more than half the county's schools do not have any youngsters in
Engineers trying to repair a burst water main in Worcester have been forced to create temporary mini-fountains in another part of the city. Workmen from Severn Trent were called out to a burst main in St Clement's Gardens, St John's, at about 3pm on Friday
A PASSENGER group has hit out at new restrictions on rail travel between London and Worcestershire which it says will land users with increased fares. Changes by First Great Western to the use of cheap day return tickets to London on the Hereford-Worcester-Oxford
THE hearts of some of our misguided local teenage tearaways, who get peculiar pleasure from tying tin cans to cat's tails for a bit of fun, must have leapt for joy seeing the Journal's front page. A hunting we will go (December 29). All those seriously
ONCE again the people of Pershore and District have been more than generous in their response to the Poppy Appeal. This year they have donated £10,267.75 which is the most that this branch of The Royal British Legion has ever received. We are most grateful
Monday, December 19: Attended a meeting with Town Clerk & representatives of owners of the Town Hall to discuss possible refurbishment works. Mid-morning joined Mayor of Pershore at Cherry Orchard House to sing carols to residents with Members &
TONIGHT: Birmingham: Marriott Hotel - Lupa. Birmingham: Symphony Hall - Swan Lake. Wolverhampton: Civic Hall - CBSO Viennese Gala. Wolverhampton: Robin R'n'B2 - Iron On Maiden and Skandal. FRIDAY: Stourport: The Angel - jazz. Birmingham: Symphony Hall
SINGLES' GROUP: The next meeting of the Evesham Singles Group (Over 45) will take place at the Amber Caf on Wednesday, January 11 at 7.30pm. All are welcome. Details from eveshamsinglesgroup@hotmail.com or phone Janet on 01386 422307.
CONCERT: Professional singer Richard James Griffin will be performing favourite songs from the 1950s, 60s and 70s through to today at a concert to be held in the village hall on January 21, 2006. Tickets at £4 for adults and £3 concessions are available
WEDNESDAY CLUB: The club meets on the first and third Wednesday in the month at 2.30pm, in King Georges Hall. New members and visitors welcome.
THE Royal Shakespeare Company is giving everyone the opportunity to discover more about the work that goes into making its productions come to life. On five consecutive Saturdays beginning this weekend, members of the RSC's wigs, make-up, costume and
ONE thousand years ago the lynx used to be part of our natural British wildlife. Indeed, there was a time when the lynx used to be a more common element of our native British fauna than people were. Unfortunately, the last couple of millennia have not
COTSWOLD Charolais enthusiast Rachael Wyllie has collected the prestigious Eprinex Pour-On Charolais of the Year award with Brailes Vienna, a homebred heifer from her 15 cow herd based at Lower Brailes, Shipston. The yearling Vienna amassed a plethora
FARMERS have taken full advantage of cross compliance meetings aimed at ensuring they are adequately prepared for environmental inspections. Under the banner Greener Futures, the meetings have focussed on concentrating farmers' minds on new environmental
GARDENING SOCIETY: There were 53 members present at the December meeting, to hear speaker Dr Michael Jones, from Newman College Birmingham. His talk was entitled Mistletoe - Fact, Myth and Legend. Dr Jones ended his talk by telling his audience about
KIDDERMINSTER and District Lions Club were responsible for organising the New Year's Day concert, and what a success it was. The Midland Concert Orchestra, led by David Joyce and conducted by Jonathan Hill, provided a rousing start with the overture to
SPECIAL events for open gardens are being organised during February by the National Gardens Scheme. "This should be during the period when so many plants are beginning to come back to life and certainly will include winter aconites, cyclamen, hellebores
FOR those who have been watching Strictly Come Dancing and have been inspired by Darren Gough on the dance floor some new and fun dance classes are starting around Worcestershire in January. Dance at 8's new beginners' social ballroom class starts tomorrow
THE new season has started at a monthly comedy club in Kidderminster, which will be welcoming a host of entertainers in 2006. On Monday, January 16, Roland Gent will be appearing at the Hilarity House, which is based at the Old Waggon and Horses, Stourbridge
THE Godfather of British folk-rock will be performing for one night at The Theatre, Chipping Norton, with his new band, Rainbow Chasers. Ashley Hutchings is to British folk-rock what John Mayall is to British blues. Beginning in the 1960s, Ashley co-founded
I WAS extremely upset to learn of the tragic experiences of the Lloyd family and the death of their daughter, Hannah, who was injured in the bombing of her hotel in Egypt. I was not surprised by Mrs Lloyds criticism, of our government. British Consulates
THE hearts of some of our misguided local teenage tearaways, who get peculiar pleasure from tying tin cans to cat's tails for a bit of fun, must have leapt for joy seeing the Journal's front page. A hunting we will go (December 29). All those seriously
WITH reference to the article on Litter Louts in the Evesham Journal of December 8, for almost all of the past 30 years I have driven between 2000 and 4000 miles through at least seven countries of Europe and been aware of less litter on the whole journey
The team at Noah's Ark Trust would like to thank the Worcestershire community for their financial support during 2005. It has been a very successful fundraising year for Noah's Ark and, as we continue to grow, community support will be all the more vital
ONCE again the people of Pershore and District have been more than generous in their response to the Poppy Appeal. This year they have donated £10,267.75 which is the most that this branch of The Royal British Legion has ever received. We are most grateful
THE letter about political correctness in a recent Journal reminded me of George Orwell's 1984, a work of fiction when it appeared but which is now coming true. All that is different is the name - Orwell called it the Thought Police. Is this what our
Monday, December 19: Attended a meeting with Town Clerk & representatives of owners of the Town Hall to discuss possible refurbishment works. Mid-morning joined Mayor of Pershore at Cherry Orchard House to sing carols to residents with Members &
