Archive

  • 05/01/01 - Mullen quits Rovers

    JIMMY Mullen has quit as manager of Bromsgrove Rovers on Thursday (January 5) morning. Mullen decided to call it a day after his trusted assistant Bernard Mackie was sacked a week before. Manager Jimmy Mullen has quit Bromsgrove Rovers. He said: "I'm

  • 6/1/06 - Draw made for county cups

    FORMER holders Malvern Town have been drawn away against Bromsgrove Rovers Reserves in the semi-finals of the WFA Senior Urn. The match is due to be played on or before Wednesday, February 22, with extra time and penalty kicks if necessary. The other

  • Students are missing out on education

    A LACK of choice in post-16 education means Worcester students are missing out, says the headteacher leading the fight for school sixth forms in the city. Sean Devlin, of Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College, said he disagreed with the principals

  • It will be a case of bike, pump and circumstance

    ENTHUSIASTIC bikers will be saddling up and tackling the Malvern Hills as part of a festival honouring a certain fellow cyclist - none other than renowned composer Sir Edward Elgar. Arts organisation Malvern Fringe Arts is working with the Malvern-based

  • Tell us what to do with parks and play areas

    EXPERTS have been called in to decide what to do with Wychavon's parks, play areas and woodlands - and now people throughout the district are being asked to have their say, too. Wychavon District Council has appointed specialist sport and leisure consultants

  • Can you give little Mungo a new life?

    THIS friendly little chap is another pet that has been abandoned over the festive period and needs a home. Mungo Jerry was found in Worcester and taken to Danemere Animal Rescue, in Tibberton, near Droitwich. Kennel supervisor Dave Lannie said: "He's

  • Malvern Town FC - Fixtures/Results - 2005/6 Season

    FIXTURES Harvey World Travel Midland Football Alliance Saturday, January 7, Cradley Town v Malvern Town (3.00). Tuesday, January 10, Malvern Town v Romulus (7.45). Saturday, January 14, Malvern Town v Loughborough Dynamo (3.00). Tuesday, January 17, Malvern

  • COLWALL Correspondent: Mrs P Hockett Tel: 01684 564872

    A grand total of £250 was raised at the Christmas concert given by the Colwall Singers in December. This will be going to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. A quiz in aid of Acorns Children's Hospice will take place on Saturday, January 7, at Colwall

  • POWICK Correspondent: Mrs M Allsopp Tel: 01905 830746

    TO conclude the season of Christmas this Sunday's morning service at St Peter's will mark Epiphany and the baptism. It will be a family service starting at 11am. Next Thursday(January 12), the Powick Parish Ramblers will meet for the first walk of the

  • 6/1/06 - Good times just around the corner

    THE festive season has not been the happiest for the Warriors -- but there is still a reasonable amount to cheer about at Sixways. They may have endured three straight defeats and have a number of key players on the treatment table, but all the noises

  • 05/01/01 - Mullen quits Rovers

    JIMMY Mullen has quit as manager of Bromsgrove Rovers on Thursday (January 5) morning. Mullen decided to call it a day after his trusted assistant Bernard Mackie was sacked a week before. Manager Jimmy Mullen has quit Bromsgrove Rovers. He said: "I'm

  • Enjoy a night of magic and a lot of snow

    A MAGICAL evening is promised at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, from Tuesday. The Good Company is set to perform the Snow Queen at the venue bringing an exceptional cast including Shirley Anne Field, Claire Wilkie and Sam Bloom. The Snow Queen features

  • Riverdance chance was an amazing leap for Pam

    AFTER three months of touring Europe with the cast of Riverdance, one Worcester actress has finally got her feet back on the ground. Pam Jolley had a singing role in the hit show, and has sung in front of audiences as big as 9,000 in Zurich, Amsterdam

  • BOY BAND SET FOR THREE-DAY DAZZLE AT NEC

    Fans of Take That can get their fill of the boy's music in April with three dates set aside at the NEC Arena just for the band's new line-up. Mark Owen, Jason Orange, Howard Donald and Gary Barlow are booked to melt audience's hearts with their boy band

  • "True Harrier" Yates is out to make his Mark as new boss

    MARK Yates has been dubbed a "true Harrier" by chairman Barry Norgrove after being appointed Kidderminster's fourth manager in as many years. Yates was hurried into the Harriers hot-seat on Friday morning after crunch late night talks in the Aggborough

  • Nativities popular

    A Christmas exhibition at Upton Parish Church has raised more than £1,200. More than 100 visitors saw an assortment of Christmas trees and nativity scenes from across the world, that were on display at the church throughout December. The money will be

  • Ringers visit

    A BAND of bell ringers from Egg Buckland, Plymouth, will visit Ripple Church's tower on Saturday, January 14. They will be ringing the bells from 3pm-4pm. Bell ringers at Ripple are looking for new members to enable regular ringing at Sunday morning church

  • Youngsters shape up

    YOUNGSTERS shaped up for the New Year at a street dance and musical theatre workshop in Upton. Local dance teacher Ida Edman organised the two-day workshop at The Hill Centre last week. Nearly 30 children learned dance routines and even some basic acrobatics

  • Club celebrates birthday

    HANLEY Youth Club will celebrate its first anniversary with an open evening at Hanley Swan Village Hall on Tuesday (January 10). During the evening, a committee will be selected to take responsibility for much of the running of the club. The club has

  • Hands up to join the Race for Life

    THOUSANDS of women will run for charity in Malvern this summer when the Three Counties Showground hosts the Race for Life. Both the race and a visit from the world-famous Moscow State Circus are major new events for the showground this year. The first

  • Peter takes lead in tackling drugs

    KEEPING children off drugs is the aim of a new course for parents being launched in Malvern by a former headteacher. Peter Buchanan, head of Dyson Perrins CE High School for 20 years, will start teaching the successful anti-drugs course How To Drug Proof

  • Mystery of injured cyclist

    A MAN was found with severe head injuries lying by his bike in a Malvern road. He was discovered by a woman at the junction of Hall Green Road and Teme Avenue, with his electrically-assisted pedal-cycle on the kerb nearby. The incident happened around

  • Hear my plea!

    IN response to many recent letters regarding the 24-hour licensing laws in Malvern, please hear my plea! In an era where we are seeing new bars such as Priors Croft opening in Malvern along with bars boasting 3am licensing and table dancers like the Vaults

  • Deserve better

    I read with interest your front page article (Malvern Gazette, December 30) about Mr James McArthur's experience at Worcester Royal Hospital. Early last year, I had surgery which entailed an overnight stay at the Worcester Royal. Care? What care? Neither

  • Club leaps into action in appeal to equip new HQ

    MALVERN Hills Gymnastics Club is appealing for donations and sponsorship to help with its move to a new home. The club is on the move after plans to convert an industrial unit in Spring Lane were approved by Malvern Hills District Council. Coach and founder

  • A blind alley

    I WOULD like to pass comment on Mr Russell Hamilton's (Your Letters, December 23) letter regarding proposals for the relocation of Ledbury ambulance service, in his capacity as chief executive of the Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

  • Bound to be good

    LET'S all go and see Malvern Theatre Players post Christmas show, The Jungle Book, at Malvern Theatres from January 14-21. The 14 children in the cast will be well rehearsed, costumes and make up by pupils at Worcester College of Technology will be excellent

  • Thieves put lives at risk

    THIEVES have put lives at risk by stealing a rescue ambulance from Upton Marina. One of a pair of Landrover 110 Defenders belonging to Mercia Inshore Search and Rescue (MISAR) was stolen between 1.30pm and 6pm on Tuesday, January 3. The vehicle was driven

  • Lack of care condemned

    A former mayor of Malvern has made an official complaint to Worcester Royal Hospital following the death of her husband. Douglas Coates died in November after a nine-week stay at the Worcester Royal. His wife Whinray has condemned the hospital for neglect

  • Church window tribute to William

    A NEW stained glass panel depicting the dove of peace could soon be installed at All Saints' Church, Coddington. Dinah Cowper-Johnson wants to put in the colourful roundel as a memorial to her late husband William. The couple married at the church in

  • Drahm sits out Saints crunch

    SHANE Drahm will not make the starting line-up to face former club Northampton at Sixways tomorrow (2.45pm). The Australian fly-half has been unable to train for the last two weeks because of an ankle injury and will have a fitness test today to see whether

  • Death of society's founder at age of 94

    A Founder member of the Elgar Society has died, aged 94. Winifred Lambert and her husband Stanley were among the first members of the society when it was set up in 1951. Its aims were to promote the study, performance and appreciation of the works of

  • Call to consult public over North Site plan

    A residents' group campaigning against the felling of trees at North Site in Malvern has published its first newsletter. The first issue of The North Site Right includes residents' thoughts, along with a petition calling on Malvern Hills District Council

  • Brady move good for club and player

    GRAHAM Turner insists his decision to off-load winger Jon Brady to Cambridge United was made to benefit both Hereford United and the player. Australian Brady was failing to hold a regular first-team place at Edgar Street and the 30-year-old also had problems

  • County seeks extension to roads depot

    AN extension to the existing highways depot at Newland, near Malvern, is wanted by Worcestershire County Council. The council has submitted a planning application for a prefabricated office building and the creation of 30 new parking spaces. "We want

  • Firm buys US rival

    THE parent company of Malvern-based Psimedica has just acquired an American firm. Psivida Ltd bought Control Delivery Systems of Boston last Friday, December 30. The buy-out increases Psivida Ltd's US profile and its standing in the world of biotechnology

  • O'Connor hunts for the formula

    PROBLEMS at both ends of the pitch are threatening to make life even more difficult for Kidderminster Harriers at Woking tomorrow. Caretaker-boss Martin O'Connor continues to search for his much-needed first Conference victory with just one recorded in

  • 6/1/06 - Annual Christmas tennis invitation

    MANOR Park Club player Ryan Hardiman, from Hanley Swan, reached the final of the 10th Christmas Herefordshire & Worcestershire U14 Invitation Indoor Tennis Tournament. He knocked out top-see Jordan Plant, of Bewdley, in the semi-finals in a closely

  • 6/1/06 - Classes open for sport with a kick

    THE Professional Kickboxing Association is opening its first clubs in Ledbury and Malvern later this month under the guidance of Steve Newby, chief instructor in the area. Steve, who writes a regular column in Combat, the UK's largest martial arts magazine

  • 6/1/06 - Jones misses U19 cup

    WORCESTERSHIRE'S talented youngster Richard Jones has been forced to withdraw from England's Under 19 World Cup cricket squad. Jones, a bowling all-rounder, was due to travel to Sri Lanka in February but has suffered throughout the winter with a back

  • Ambitious project will need more vocal power

    LEDBURY Choral Society enters the New Year in search of new voices for an ambitious spring performance of Mendelssohn's Elijah at St Michael and All Angels' Church. Choir chairman Mike Gorvin hopes to match the numbers of singers and musicians who took

  • 6/1/06 - O'Connor hunts for the formula

    PROBLEMS at both ends of the pitch are threatening to make life even more difficult for Kidderminster Harriers at Woking tomorrow. Caretaker-boss Martin O'Connor continues to search for his much-needed first Conference victory with just one recorded in

  • DAVE BRADLEY FRIDAY FEELING

    GOOD to be back with you after a while and happy new year to one and all. I've had the veins done (again) and hopefully will be back to full fitness soon, targeting the 2012 Olympics to reach my peak! As ever, the build-up to Christmas seemed to be about

  • Quintet stars of the jazz season

    THE autumn and winter season of jazz at Stourbridge's Bonded Warehouse continues this week with The Roy Forbes Quintet. The respected Midlands outfit will be taking to the stage at the Canal Street venue on Friday January 6. Theirs is the latest gig in

  • 'Nun' better than a sing-a-long

    HAVE you ever watched a musical film and had an uncontrollable urge to burst into song? Well, now the Artrix in Bromsgrove is about to provide your chance to unleash your vocal talent with several hundred assorted Von Trapp family members, guitar-wielding

  • 6/1/06 - Malvern Town win team of the month

    MALVERN Town have been awarded the Harvey World Travel Midland Alliance team of the month award for December. Malvern enjoyed 100 per cent success in December winning a Worcestershire Senior Urn tie on December 7 at Lye Town 4-1, followed by four league

  • 6/1/06 - Victory needed for survival

    MALVERN Rugby Club must win their home Midlands Two West match against Old Laurentians tomorrow (Saturday) if they are to continue their climb up the table. Their visitors are presently at the bottom of the league with Malvern just one place above and

  • I like Good Friday

    SIR - Despite my often frivolous letters, I sometimes feel I prefer Good Friday to Christmas Day. It seems more starkly realistic, considering all the pain and suffering on this earth. GEORGE COWLEY, Worcester.

  • GIG GUIDE

    If you have any gigs going on at your pub/venue call Joby Mullens on 01905 742252 or email: jobymullens@midlands.newsquest.co.uk TONIGHT Rush Hour Blues: Mike Hatton Quartet - Symphony Hall, Birmingham. TOMORROW Crush Trio - Sketchley's Bar, Weir Lane

  • Peter Pan panto was just the ticket

    IR - I am writing to say a big thank you to the Worcester News for the family ticket to Peter Pan at Malvern Theatres, which I won recently. My husband, son, granddaughter and I thoroughly enjoyed the pantomime. JEAN MORSE, Hallow.

  • THEATRE

    Until January 8 Peter Pan Malvern Theatres. Until JANUARY 28 The Blood Brothers The multi-award winning musical at Malvern Theatres. Until JANUARY 29 Peter Pan Birmingham Hippodrome. JAN 30 - FEBRUARY 4 The Creeper Starring Ian Richardson at Malvern Theatres

  • Thoughts turn to plight of elderly

    SIR - The weather is cold, the forecast says colder. Many people's thoughts will be turning to elderly people, who have problems with heating bills. I get both sad and angry on seeing the predictable regional TV item showing an elderly person struggling

  • Charity would like to hear from you

    SIR - Has cancer had an impact on your life? If so, Macmillan Cancer Relief needs to hear from you. Have you been diagnosed with cancer? Or perhaps someone close to you has? If so, you'll have valuable experience and views on the various ways in which

  • Britt's dog was of no use to man or beast

    SIR - Once again Chris Jaeger has surpassed himself. What a marvellous pantomime! My grand-daughter thoroughly enjoyed Jack And The Beanstalk and I am told all the houses were packed. However, I must mention that the dog in Britt Ekland's arms was neither

  • 6/1/06 - Colwall nets

    COLWALL Cricket Club junior section are starting their winter training next Friday (January 13) at Ledbury Leisure Centre, 7.30pm start. Players up to the age of 15 are due to attend a 10-week course as a build-up to the season. More than 30 children

  • No sign of water

    There were several important items on the agenda when Malvern Council met for the first time in 1906, as the Malvern News reported. "The water question is presenting new and unexpected difficulties," said the report. "Happily, these have nothing to do

  • Echoes from the Past

    100 years ago Mr Alfred Baldwin was on Tuesday formally adopted as the Conservative candidate for West Worcestershire. There has been much skirmishing; now the campaign has entered upon its most serious phase. The contending political parties have had

  • Cinemas

    Malvern Cinema: Mrs Henderson Presents (12A) 8pm, Sat, Sun & Thurs mats 4pm. Odeon Worcester: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe (PG) 2.30, 5.15, 7.00, 8.00, Fri/Sat/Sun 11.40; Just Friends (12A) 2.20, 4.35, 6.40, 8.50

  • centre stage

    A very happy new year to both my readers! At the time you will be reading this, I shall be in Australia getting a few rays and hopefully having a good time. I think if I could have a choice of any venue in the world that I could run, it would be the Sydney

  • 6/1/06 - Skipper poised to bolster midfield

    SKIPPER Graham Hyde is poised to make his first Worcester City start in almost a month as Andy Preece strives to piece together his best midfield. Veteran Hyde missed City's previous four Nationwide North games with influenza, his last appearance coming

  • BUSINESS BRIEF

    Steady China Ceramic tableware maker Churchill China said it expected to achieve forecasts for 2005 profits after a 'satisfactory' sales performance and an improvement in costs following the use of overseas manufacturing sites. Churchill, which was set

  • HBOS chief to step down from top job

    The first chief executive of merged financial giant Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS) has announced plans to quit the group in the summer. James Crosby, who became chief executive of Halifax in 1999, and led it into a tie-up with Bank of Scotland in 2001

  • Retirement scheme with prized security

    SANTLER Court, a purpose-built retirement development in Worcester Road, Malvern, is one of many McCarthy & Stone schemes with a prized security award from police. PC Mike Stephenson of West Mercia Constabulary visited the development to hand over

  • Amateur lensman wins major award

    AN amateur photographer from Malvern has snapped up a prestigious international award. It was not the first photography competition 56-year-old Richard Sheppard, of Upper Chase Road, has entered but it is the first he has ever won. He fought off thousands

  • Vandal-hit fence will soon be fixed

    WORKMEN will soon fix riverside railings that were knocked down by yobs. The barrier at South Quay, Worcester, was vandalised before Christmas. Passers-by raised fears that children could easily fall into the River Severn. A spokesman for the Royal Society

  • 6/1/06 - James hits two in home victory

    MALVERN Town Reserves ended 2005 on a winning note as they entertained and defeated Ludlow Town Reserves 2-1 on Saturday in this West Midlands division one fixture. MALVERN TOWN RESERVES 2, LUDLOW TOWN RESERVES 1 Town were in good form and totally dominated

  • Big-name trio to help launch dance sizzler

    THREE of the biggest names in salsa dancing will be coming to Malvern this month to launch a new salsa night on Saturday's at Club Nine. The Salsa Sizzler is the brainchild of local salsa teachers Anthony Nairne and Angie Williams. Under the name Just

  • Enjoy a night of magic and a lot of snow

    A MAGICAL evening is promised at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, from Tuesday. The Good Company is set to perform the Snow Queen at the venue bringing an exceptional cast including Shirley Anne Field, Claire Wilkie and Sam Bloom. The Snow Queen features

  • Riverdance chance was an amazing leap for Pam

    AFTER three months of touring Europe with the cast of Riverdance, one Worcester actress has finally got her feet back on the ground. Pam Jolley had a singing role in the hit show, and has sung in front of audiences as big as 9,000 in Zurich, Amsterdam

  • Digby's in town to blow up a storm with his Half Dozen

    JAZZ maestro Digby Fairweather is set to pull out all the stops in Worcester this month as he puts on a performance at the city's Huntingdon Hall. Although Digby first formed a band called Dig's Half Dozen back in 1971, he officially began his professional

  • Tune in to Andi's gripping octaves

    A TALENTED musician toasting a remarkable 2005 has already got 2006 off to a good start as scores of radio listeners have seen in the new year with his work. Andi Garbi has been a musician for about 10 years and has performed in several bands locally,

  • Ambitious project will need more vocal power

    LEDBURY Choral Society enters the New Year in search of new voices for an ambitious spring performance of Mendelssohn's Elijah at St Michael and All Angels' Church. Choir chairman Mike Gorvin hopes to match the numbers of singers and musicians who took

  • Evergreen Plant...

    Robert Plant Wolverhampton Civic Hall THEY'RE a varied mix to say the least at a packed Wolves Civic to pay homage to the Black Country's very own godfather of rock. Some are old enough to be my parents; others are (just!) young enough to be my kids.

  • EVENTS

    JANUARY 6 Worcester Carers Group Getting to know you meeting at Friends Meeting House, Sansome Place, Worcester at 10.30am. Ballroom and sequence dancing Brian and Philomena invite you to an evening of dancing at Powick Village Hall, Powick, Worcester

  • centre stage

    A very happy new year to both my readers! At the time you will be reading this, I shall be in Australia getting a few rays and hopefully having a good time. I think if I could have a choice of any venue in the world that I could run, it would be the Sydney

  • 6/1/06 - Changes for West

    WEST Malvern FC return to action tomorrow (Saturday) with a changed fixture. Their Worcester League division one game at home to Bromsgrove Corinthians has been altered to a Phipps Cup quarter-final tie away at Bromsgrove Corinthians. Players to meet

  • 6/1/06 - Welland training

    TRAINING for all age groups returns tomorrow (Saturday) for Welland Juniors with under 6 to 11s at Welland Spittelfield, and league teams at Upton sports pavilion. There are still spaces for players in the U13s age group, call Pete on 07768 657870 or

  • Hospital staff are cutting the wait

    STAFF across the county's hospitals have been praised for helping to deliver the fastest ever access to treatment for patients. Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust - which runs the Worcestershire Royal, the Alexandra in Redditch and Kidderminster

  • SUPPORT TRUST AND RECYCLE YOUR PHONE

    THESE are just some of the phones being recycled by Worcestershire Wildlife Trust after people were given new ones for Christmas. Along with The Link and Shields Environmental, the trust has joined Fonebak, a scheme that recycles old mobiles. Julie Allen

  • Skips help in battle for a green city

    SPECIAL skips have been set up around Worcester where people can take their used Christmas trees for recycling. The trees will be shredded, and, once full, the skips will be taken to Hill & Moor large scale composting facility where all material is

  • Come and see what new gym has to offer you

    ANYONE who's overindulged during the festive period can take the first step towards working it off and learning about a healthy lifestyle at the first of two open days for a new community gym. The Worcester YMCA Community Gym, based at the centre off

  • So much room for roaming

    THE Countryside Agency is encouraging more people in Worcestershire to use the open spaces in and around their local area to enjoy a happier and healthier way of life. The agency estimates seven out of 10 people are not physically active enough and as

  • BERROW Correspondent: Mrs R Bolton Tel: 01684 833287

    BEGINNING of a new year but fundraising still needed and has to continue, so Janet (Charles) has her first jumble sale of the year at Berrow/Pendock Village hall tomorrow (Saturday), at 2pm. All items needed. Please take them along on the morning of the

  • MALVERN WELLS Correspondent: Mrs V Greaves Tel: 01684 566860

    THE Christmas Celebration at the village hall on December 20 was well attended and raised £130 for the local Salvation Army Christmas appeal and ARCOS. On New Year's Eve the village hall was the venue for over 40 Revellers and friends to gather for a

  • WELLAND Correspondent: Mr S Try Tel: 01684 310068

    All thoroughly enjoyed coming out and singing around the village for the Friends of Welland's carol singing event. It was a great success and raised £128.48. Thanks must go to Rob and Lisa for the loan and operating services of the trailer and Tessa and

  • WELLINGTON HEATH Correspondent: Mrs P Jacobs Tel: 01531 634941

    THE parish plan event on December 17 was well attended. Many people read the draft plan and made comments. The draft will stay on the Wellington Heath website and comments are welcome during January. The steering group meets on January 11 at 8pm at the

  • West Malvern Correspondent: Colin Jackson Tel: 01684 577694

    The start of the spring term at St James' CE Primary will see the start also of an ambitious three-phase school grounds project initiated by the PTA to make better use of the land surrounding the school. Devised by a working group of parents, staff and

  • 6/1/06 - Drahm sits out Saints crunch

    SHANE Drahm will not make the starting line-up to face former club Northampton at Sixways tomorrow (2.45pm). The Australian fly-half has been unable to train for the last two weeks because of an ankle injury and will have a fitness test today to see whether

  • Big-name trio to help launch dance sizzler

    THREE of the biggest names in salsa dancing will be coming to Malvern this month to launch a new salsa night on Saturday's at Club Nine. The Salsa Sizzler is the brainchild of local salsa teachers Anthony Nairne and Angie Williams. Under the name Just

  • It's time for this tax to be dumped

    RIGHT. Gather round and pay attention all of you on Worcestershire County Council and answer the following question. If the current rate of inflation is roughly 3.5 per cent, most wage and pension rises are either at or below this level, and you want

  • Whild ready for relegation fight

    GARY Whild has started to rebuild his struggling Redditch side ahead of their relegation battle. The Reds boss saw Matty Clarke and Scott Rickards quit the club before Christmas, leaving him with the bare minimum over the festive fixtures - he was able

  • ROUND-UP: TRIBUTE TO REGGAE STARS

    THE Red Red Wine will be flowing in Worcester this month as UB40 tribute act Johnny 2 Bad drop in on the city for a concert. The eight-piece tribute band is made up of professional musicians with a top class pedigree. They play a generous selection of

  • Digby's in town to blow up a storm with his Half Dozen

    JAZZ maestro Digby Fairweather is set to pull out all the stops in Worcester this month as he puts on a performance at the city's Huntingdon Hall. Although Digby first formed a band called Dig's Half Dozen back in 1971, he officially began his professional

  • Tune in to Andi's gripping octaves

    A TALENTED musician toasting a remarkable 2005 has already got 2006 off to a good start as scores of radio listeners have seen in the new year with his work. Andi Garbi has been a musician for about 10 years and has performed in several bands locally,

  • Smooth start to year

    UPTON Arts Music Group will celebrate the new year with some smooth jazz tunes. The group is holding a new year tea party with music from saxophone quartet Saxafonix at the Memorial Hall on Saturday, January 21, at 3pm. The group has a varied season of

  • Looking ahead . . .

    FOLLOWING a successful festive period, Upton Tourism and Trade Association is looking forward to an equally productive 2006. Chairman Barry Kitchin has already turned his attention to the New Year and Upton's busy schedule of events and festivals. He

  • Local opinion steamrollered

    I was interested to read that Coun Clive Smith feels there are nothing but "positive advantages" (can advantages ever be negative?) from building flats near Moat Way (Malvern Gazette, December 30). More policing is the solution to anti-social behaviour

  • Aiming to set a new record

    IN response to T M Harris (Your Letters, December 23) permit me, please, to explain the situation your correspondent describes from the council's viewpoint. As part of our commitment to encourage waste minimisation (i.e. reducing the amount of rubbish

  • Tight attitude

    I was somewhat relieved to read T M Harris's letter (Your Letters, December 23) reference his wife having a problem with obtaining further supplies of black rubbish bags from Malvern Hills District Council. I did think it was only me that had been dealt

  • Start due on sports centre

    Work is set to begin on a long-awaited £1.3 million sports centre in Malvern. District council chairman Val Myatt will perform a special turf-cutting ceremony to mark the start of the project at Dyson Perrins CE High School on Monday (January 9). The

  • Second to none

    IN recent times the National Health Service and Worcestershire Royal Hospital has been having some critical press. The treatment I received at Worcestershire Royal Hospital was excellent. Recently, I attended the Laurel Three haematology unit Worcestershire

  • Dummy bomb dug up

    A DUMMY bomb was found on Hollybed Street Common, near Castlemorton, by a woman using a metal detector she was given for Christmas. After the Bomb Disposal Squad established it was not dangerous, the device - believed to be a Second World War practice

  • Return fare to London could cost 33% more

    NEW restrictions mean some rail passengers travelling between Malvern and London face paying increased fares on their journeys. Since the New Year, Cheap Day Return tickets on the Hereford to London line are no longer valid on any services leaving London

  • Wonderful job

    I would like to thank all the postmen and women who did such a wonderful job over Christmas, out in all weathers, carrying enormous sacks full of mail and often in the pitch black. I especially want to thank our postman on Fruitlands, David, who is always

  • Care home gets new lease of life

    THE new owner of a nursing home closed after a damning inspection report plans to demolish the building and replace it. Minster Care Homes has submitted plans for a modern, 45-bedroom unit at Moat House Nursing Home, Leigh Sinton to Malvern Hills District

  • Trouble feared as new nightclub gets licence

    RESIDENTS are concerned a new nightclub will bring noise, fighting and drunken behaviour to Bromyard town centre. The owners of popular Hereford nightspot Saxtys have been granted a licence to re-open TC's Bar in Broad Street. Despite appeals from residents

  • It's the height of stupidity

    A Ledbury man says he is "dumfounded" to be told his children's climbing frame needs planning permission. Jonathan Roberts, of Frome Brook Road, New Mills, finished the hand-built wooden structure 12 months ago, much to the delight of his children, William

  • Fring brings life to streets

    THE creative community of Malvern is being urged to throw its weight behind a new fringe festival. In association with the ESO's 2006 Elgar Festival in June, Malvern Fringe Arts will be taking to the streets to bring the town alive with art, music and

  • Grants give map group new sense of direction

    MALVERN and District Orienteers are celebrating the New Year in style, having been given enough money to buy their own equipment. The group, known locally by its initials MADO, has been awarded maximum grants by two organisations - £1,000 from the BBC's

  • NSA boss John gets OBE on retirement

    THE former chief executive of the Malvern-based National Sheep Association has been awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours list. John Thorley, who has headed the NSA since its inception in 1968, was recognised for his outstanding contribution to the British

  • Tribute paid by families to crash pair

    two men who died at an accident blackspot near Ledbury have been named. David Haines, aged 35, and Malcolm Ward, 44, both of Droitwich, were on their way to Tenby to deliver Christmas presents on December 22. Their Toyota Yaris was in collision with a

  • Opinion

    OF COURSE, you need planning regulations, people can't just build anything they fancy. Good planning over many years has done much to make our towns and countryside the pleasant environments they are today, albeit with the odd exception that makes you

  • Jones misses U19 cup

    WORCESTERSHIRE'S talented youngster Richard Jones has been forced to withdraw from England's Under 19 World Cup cricket squad. Jones, a bowling all-rounder, was due to travel to Sri Lanka in February but has suffered throughout the winter with a back

  • County upbeat for new term

    WORCESTERSHIRE chief executive Mark Newton is eagerly awaiting the start of the 2006 campaign and he firmly believes the current squad is the most balanced it has been for a long time. The County have moved wisely to snap up Aussies Phil Jaques and Nathan

  • New medical centre is perfect cure for cramped conditions

    CRAMP is a condition that has affected staff and patients at Avenue Road Surgery in Malvern for years. A move to the Whiteacres Medical Centre at the Enigma Business Park on Wednesday (January 11) should provide a permanent cure, as the building is five

  • Brady did not deliver in Hereford spell -- Turner

    GRAHAM Turner believes Jon Brady failed to deliver the goods during his six-month stint at Edgar Street. Boss Turner takes his Hereford United side to struggling Scarborough tomorrow without Australian Brady, who joined Conference rivals Cambridge United

  • Skipper poised to bolster midfield

    SKIPPER Graham Hyde is poised to make his first Worcester City start in almost a month as Andy Preece strives to piece together his best midfield. Veteran Hyde missed City's previous four Nationwide North games with influenza, his last appearance coming

  • Chris takes over Pony Club reins

    Malvern's branch of the Pony Club has a new district commissioner. Don Hall retired at the end of 2005 and has been replaced by Chris Esling, formally assistant DC, who has had a long involvement with the club, with both of her daughters being active

  • Boss Mullen leaves Rovers

    JIMMY Mullen resigned as manager of Bromsgrove Rovers yesterday claiming his position had become untenable following the sacking of assistant Bernard Mackie. Rovers chairman Tom Herbert thanked Mullen for the excellent job he had done at the club and

  • I've collected a bucketful for hospice

    Saint Richard's Hospice volunteer Angela Tippett helped collect a whopping £652 from generous shoppers at the Co-op in St Johns, Worcester. Now the charity, which is based in Rose Hill, Worcester, but is building a new hospice near County Hall, is looking

  • 6/1/06 - Trainers eye success as new season starts

    FOLLOWING on from last week's article, we continue our look at more of the stables that could be providing some of the highlights in the new point-to-point season through the observations of Peter Mansell. Claudia Wilesmith (nee Steele) - Upton-upon-Severn

  • 6/1/06 - Fixtures

    SATURDAY FOOTBALL HARVEY WORLD TRAVEL MIDLAND FOOTBALL ALLIANCE Cradley Town v Malvern Town (3.00). WEST MIDLANDS LEAGUE Premier Division Cup: Market Drayton Town v Ledbury Town - postponed; Bromyard Town v Wednesfield. Division One: Malvern Rangers v

  • 6/1/06 - County upbeat for new term

    WORCESTERSHIRE chief executive Mark Newton is eagerly awaiting the start of the 2006 campaign and he firmly believes the current squad is the most balanced it has been for a long time. The County have moved wisely to snap up Aussies Phil Jaques and Nathan

  • 6/1//06 - Teams

    MALVERN RFC 1st XV v Old Laurentians (home). Kick-off 2.15pm. Meet Railway Inn 11.45am. No 1 dress code. Maroon warm-up tops, shorts and socks. X Han, D Irish (captain), S Lancett, A Ruddock, B Edwards, G Taylor, P Rawle, P Snare, J Davis, D Wilkinson

  • Music student Megan makes concert debut

    A MUSIC student from Welland is giving her first public concert tomorrow (Saturday). Megan Howells, of Giffard Drive, is a second-year student at Queen's College, Oxford. She sings in the college's chapel choir, which plans to tour in the USA this Easter

  • 'Make a joyful noise while wearing very silly clothing'

    MALVERN Samba Band is looking for new members for this year's May Day parade. The band is a familiar presence in the town, with its distinctive orange costumes and Brazilian carnival sound. It is holding an open session on Sunday, January 15, for anyone

  • Hoping for good residents' response

    TENBURY Wells residents are being invited to volunteer for a scheme to help to save lives. Hereford & Worcester Ambulance Service NHS Trust is setting up Community First Responder programmes in the area and needs volunteers who can be the first person

  • Evergreen Plant...

    Robert Plant Wolverhampton Civic Hall THEY'RE a varied mix to say the least at a packed Wolves Civic to pay homage to the Black Country's very own godfather of rock. Some are old enough to be my parents; others are (just!) young enough to be my kids.

  • 6/1/06 - Winning run is brought to end

    MALVERN Town's 100 per cent Harvey World Travel Midland Alliance home record was smashed on Saturday when Tipton Town secured a 2-0 victory at Langland Stadium. MALVERN TOWN 0, TIPTON TOWN 2 Malvern, without the Tomkins brothers, Jukes and central defender

  • 6/1/06 - Festive hangover still in evidence

    MALVERN Rangers entertained Hereford-based Hinton in their last fixture of 2005 and it turned out to be a disappointing result, performance and game. MALVERN RANGERS 0, HINTON 1 Players from both sides appeared to have not recovered from the festive period

  • EVENTS

    JANUARY 6 Worcester Carers Group Getting to know you meeting at Friends Meeting House, Sansome Place, Worcester at 10.30am. Ballroom and sequence dancing Brian and Philomena invite you to an evening of dancing at Powick Village Hall, Powick, Worcester

  • So how will they raise cash now?

    SIR - Good news for the motorists - the spread of speed cameras is to be halted. But how will the Government generate the revenues the cameras created? Because they were a good money-making machine. After all, that's all they were, because the motorist

  • Patients are badly in need of beds

    SIR - It really angers me that our new hospital is short of beds and unable to cope with all the patients who need a hospital bed urgently. It beggars belief that there's Ronkwood, Powick, Worcester Royal Infirmary and Kidderminster lying idle when they

  • Death of homeless man really hit me

    SIR - I read rough sleeper Jesus's mother came over from America to collect her son's ashes. This is a very tragic story, which has affected me very much. I am a housebound 84-year-old who cannot go out alone. I have a wonderful son and family who live

  • Pianist's latest tunes

    COUNTY pianist Marcel Zidani is set to perform work from his new CD in Pershore. He will perform tracks from Piano in the Small Hours at Number 8, Pershore High Street from 7.30pm on Friday, January 20.

  • Banish the blues with Kays panto

    ALTHOUGH the Christmas and new year festivities are almost a distant memory, the panto season is still definitely in full swing. And one of Worcester's most loved amateur dramatics groups kicks of its 52nd production - Mother Goose - on Tuesday. The group's

  • Ready to rumble at the Courtyard

    THE Courtyard Theatre in Hereford has announced details of its exciting new season. Household names, hard-hitting drama and fringe art productions feature in a line up with something for every taste. The Red Shift Theatre Company provides a highlight

  • What's on

    Theatre January Until 8 - Peter Pan at the Festival Theatre, Malvern Theatres. Various times. £10-£18. Box Office (01684) 892277. Until 8 - Rumpelstiltskin at Cradley Village Hall. £5 adults, £3 U14s from Cradley PO. Presented by Cradley Village Players

  • CITY UPDATE

    Overtime: UK workers remained blighted by long hours and unpaid overtime during 2005 - but employers are starting to tackle the culture, the TUC says. Money: Equity release schemes can be expensive, inflexible and leave people with little or no money

  • Jackpot for Footfallers

    THE founders and managers of FootFall - the company that gauges the temperature of trading on the high street - are set to share more than £14m after the company was sold to credit-checking business Experian.

  • Fuelling hope for a positive new year

    New building regulations set to come into force in April fuelled hopes for another positive year at construction supplies group Kingspan yesterday. With the UK government raising the benchmark on heat retention in new houses, Kingspan said the impact

  • Top quality mark for county solicitors

    WORCESTERSHIRE law firm Thursfields, which has offices in Worcester, Kidderminster and Stourport, has received the Law Society quality mark, the Lexcel Award. It was presented at a special event held in the Whitehouse Hotel, Worcester attended by several

  • CARD CLONERS SWIPE £4,000

    THIEVES have helped themselves to a woman's £4,000 savings by 'skimming' information from her bank card when she used a cash machine. Coleen Woods was left with just £21 in her account after fraudsters plundered it, withdrawing up to £400 a time over

  • Warning: your council tax is about to go up five per cent

    Householders are facing a huge council tax increase this year. The leader of Worcestershire County Council says a five per cent rise is "pretty much certain" and necessary to make ends meet. It would mean the average tax bill from the county council would

  • ROUND-UP: TRIBUTE TO REGGAE STARS

    THE Red Red Wine will be flowing in Worcester this month as UB40 tribute act Johnny 2 Bad drop in on the city for a concert. The eight-piece tribute band is made up of professional musicians with a top class pedigree. They play a generous selection of

  • BOY BAND SET FOR THREE-DAY DAZZLE AT NEC

    Fans of Take That can get their fill of the boy's music in April with three dates set aside at the NEC Arena just for the band's new line-up. Mark Owen, Jason Orange, Howard Donald and Gary Barlow are booked to melt audience's hearts with their boy band

  • Music student Megan makes concert debut

    A MUSIC student from Welland is giving her first public concert tomorrow (Saturday). Megan Howells, of Giffard Drive, is a second-year student at Queen's College, Oxford. She sings in the college's chapel choir, which plans to tour in the USA this Easter

  • 'Make a joyful noise while wearing very silly clothing'

    MALVERN Samba Band is looking for new members for this year's May Day parade. The band is a familiar presence in the town, with its distinctive orange costumes and Brazilian carnival sound. It is holding an open session on Sunday, January 15, for anyone

  • Quintet stars of the jazz season

    THE autumn and winter season of jazz at Stourbridge's Bonded Warehouse continues this week with The Roy Forbes Quintet. The respected Midlands outfit will be taking to the stage at the Canal Street venue on Friday January 6. Theirs is the latest gig in

  • 'Nun' better than a sing-a-long

    HAVE you ever watched a musical film and had an uncontrollable urge to burst into song? Well, now the Artrix in Bromsgrove is about to provide your chance to unleash your vocal talent with several hundred assorted Von Trapp family members, guitar-wielding

  • GIG GUIDE

    If you have any gigs going on at your pub/venue call Joby Mullens on 01905 742252 or email: jobymullens@midlands.newsquest.co.uk TONIGHT Rush Hour Blues: Mike Hatton Quartet - Symphony Hall, Birmingham. TOMORROW Crush Trio - Sketchley's Bar, Weir Lane

  • THEATRE

    Until January 8 Peter Pan Malvern Theatres. Until JANUARY 28 The Blood Brothers The multi-award winning musical at Malvern Theatres. Until JANUARY 29 Peter Pan Birmingham Hippodrome. JAN 30 - FEBRUARY 4 The Creeper Starring Ian Richardson at Malvern Theatres

  • Cinemas

    Malvern Cinema: Mrs Henderson Presents (12A) 8pm, Sat, Sun & Thurs mats 4pm. Odeon Worcester: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe (PG) 2.30, 5.15, 7.00, 8.00, Fri/Sat/Sun 11.40; Just Friends (12A) 2.20, 4.35, 6.40, 8.50

  • Pianist's latest tunes

    COUNTY pianist Marcel Zidani is set to perform work from his new CD in Pershore. He will perform tracks from Piano in the Small Hours at Number 8, Pershore High Street from 7.30pm on Friday, January 20.

  • Banish the blues with Kays panto

    ALTHOUGH the Christmas and new year festivities are almost a distant memory, the panto season is still definitely in full swing. And one of Worcester's most loved amateur dramatics groups kicks of its 52nd production - Mother Goose - on Tuesday. The group's

  • Ready to rumble at the Courtyard

    THE Courtyard Theatre in Hereford has announced details of its exciting new season. Household names, hard-hitting drama and fringe art productions feature in a line up with something for every taste. The Red Shift Theatre Company provides a highlight

  • What's on

    Theatre January Until 8 - Peter Pan at the Festival Theatre, Malvern Theatres. Various times. £10-£18. Box Office (01684) 892277. Until 8 - Rumpelstiltskin at Cradley Village Hall. £5 adults, £3 U14s from Cradley PO. Presented by Cradley Village Players